Chicken soup, a delicious dish famous not only for its exquisite taste, but also for its healing features. Prepare the best chicken soup with Hanna’s recipes.com today and cheer up all family generations by making such a classic known worldwide. Basic ingredients and minimal cooking skills are all you need to bring to the table!
Recipe for the best chicken soup ever cooked
A dish like the chicken soup has had its loyal fans in all corners of the world for as long as we can remember. It dominates with its comforting and familiar flavour that many people search for. The soup is often associated with feelings of home, being taken care of and warmth, making it a go-to choice particularly during cold weather or when people themselves feel under the weather.
What the chicken soup has mainly won people over with is the enormous amount of nutrients it carries, especially when made of chicken, vegetables and herbs. Such a combination provides people with a great pack of protein, vitamins and minerals. This makes the soup an ideal nourishing option for times of various illnesses. It is also believed that the steam of the chicken soup can help clear nasal passages, as the warmth and hydration it releases may offer some relief from cold symptoms.
Another advantage of the chicken soup is its incredible versatility. You can customise the dish to suit individual tastes and meet special dietary preferences. The best chicken soup could be enriched with noodles, rice, vegetables or various herbs and spices. It may also depend on the typical culinary traditions a country can hold onto. What Hanna’s recipes.com particularly prepared for you is the best chicken soup version from many Eastern European countries, made of quality chicken thighs, vegetables and herbs. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 2 chicken thighs,
- 300 grams of root vegetables,
- 1 large onion,
- 1.5 liters of water,
- Salt,
- Black pepper,
- 1 handful of parsley,
- 2 cloves of garlic,
Preparation of the best chicken soup from Eastern Europe region
1
First rinse the prepared chicken thoroughly and put it in the pot. Add cleaned root vegetables and parsley. Onions, carrots and parsley need to be cut in half, celery and kohlrabi into smaller pieces. Peel the garlic and add as a whole.
2Cover it all with water. As soon as the water boils, we collect the protein foam that forms on the surface. The foam itself doesn’t reduce the quality of the soup but removing it will leave the broth beautifully clear.
3Reduce the heat and cook the broth under the lid on a low setting for approximately 1.5 hours. If the water evaporates, we can top it up.
4After 1.5 hours, remove the meat and vegetables from the broth. Tear and cut both the meat and vegetables into smaller pieces.
5
Place slices of meat with vegetables on a plate and cover with broth. The main part of the best chicken soup is done! Now the broth can either stay on its own or be enriched with noodles or rice. It depends on specific preferences.
Bon appetite! Your best chicken soup is ready to be served, exactly as in most Eastern European countries.
Similar videorecipe to handle the best chicken soup easier
Read more: A bit from the history of the chicken soup
- Ancient roots: The concept of using chicken in soups goes back thousands of years. In ancient times, the soup was consumed by various cultures for its nourishing and healing features. In Jewish culture, for example, the chicken soup was known as “Jewish penicillin” and had become a traditional remedy for colds and illnesses for generations.
- European influence: The chicken soup gained popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages. It was often prepared with vegetables, herbs and sometimes noodles or rice, depending on the region. In France, it became known as “potage de poulet” while in Italy it was called “minestrone”.
- Colonial America: After all, the chicken soup made its way to America with European settlers. In colonial America, it was a recognised dish in many households, cherished for its simplicity, versatility and ability to feed large families.
- Cultural variations: As the chicken soup spread to different parts of the world, it evolved to reflect the culinary preferences and ingredients of each region. In Asia, for example, it is often made with ginger, garlic and other spices, while in Mexico it may feature chilies.
- Popularity today: The best chicken soup remains to be a worshipped dish worldwide, known for its comforting flavour and perceived health benefits. It is commonly enjoyed both as a starter but also as a main course.
Other world-famous versions of the chicken soup
- Classic chicken noodle soup: This is probably the most iconic type of the best chicken soup, featuring tender chicken, vegetables like carrots and celery and egg noodles in a broth. This dish is typically enjoyed in many Western countries.
- Matzo ball soup (Jewish): This traditional Jewish soup consists of the chicken broth with matzo balls, which are dense, dumpling-shaped balls made of the Matzo meal (unleavened bread). The soup also includes carrots, celery and other vegetables.
- Tom yum gai (Thai): Spicy and sour soup from Thailand. Tom yum gai is made of chicken, mushrooms, lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal (like ginger) and chilli peppers. It’s known for its vibrant flavours and aromatic herbs.
- Caldo de Pollo (Mexican): Mexican soup featuring chicken, potatoes, carrots, zucchini, corn and other vegetables, all cooked in a flavourful broth and seasoned with herbs and spices like cilantro and cumin. It’s often served with lime wedges, avocado and tortillas on the side.
- Pho Ga (Vietnamese chicken noodle soup): Such a soup is prepared from chicken, rice noodles and aromatic herbs like cilantro, Thai basil and green onions. They are served in a broth flavoured with ginger, star anise and other spices. The soup is typically garnished with bean sprouts, lime wedges and chilli peppers.
- Avgolemono (Greek): Made of chicken, rice or orzo pasta and a creamy, lemon-infused broth that is thickened with eggs.
- Sopa de Ajo (Spanish): Garlic soup using further ingredients such as chicken, bread, eggs, paprika and sometimes the Spanish ham or chorizo.
FAQ: Should you serve a side dish with the chicken soup and if yes, which one?
The choice of the side dish to serve with the best chicken soup depends on personal preferences, the type of the chicken soup being served or the occasion itself. Here are some tips on what usually goes well on the side:
– Bread: A simple and classic choice for the chicken soup itself and for soaking up its flavourful broth. You can offer the crusty French bread, dinner rolls, garlic bread or even homemade biscuits.
– Salad: A fresh salad can provide a contrasting texture to the warm chicken soup. Consider serving a green salad with mixed greens, tomatoes and cucumbers, fully poured in the vinaigrette dressing.
– Rice or Grains: Adding rice, barley, quinoa or another grain to the side can make the meal more satisfying. These grains can be served plain or seasoned with herbs and spices.
– Vegetable sides: Steamed or roasted vegetables make a nutritious side dish for the chicken soup. Consider choosing steamed broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed green beans or a medley of roasted root vegetables.
– Potatoes: Whether mashed, roasted or baked, potatoes can generally be a perfect side dish, as they complement the flavours of the soup.
– Cheese and Crackers: A cheese platter with assorted cheese pieces and crackers can add a touch of elegance to the chicken soup. It is beneficial to offer a variety of cheese types, such as cheddar, brie and gouda, along with crackers and preferably nuts or fruit (grapes, berries, watermelon).
