Chicken soup is a wonderful and versatile dish that can be made with a few key ingredients and a touch of creativity. It’s a comforting and nourishing option that’s perfect for any time of the year. Here’s how you can make delicious chicken soup without following a strict recipe.
Step 1: Choose Your Chicken
Start with chicken as the base. You can use a whole chicken, chicken parts like thighs or drumsticks, or even boneless chicken breasts. If using a whole chicken, remove any excess fat and giblets before proceeding.
Step 2: Prepare the Broth
Place the chicken in a large pot and cover it with water. You can also use chicken broth for extra flavor. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat. As it simmers, skim off any foam that rises to the surface to achieve a clear and clean broth.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
While the chicken is simmering, prepare your vegetables. Classic choices include carrots, celery, and onions. Peel and chop them into bite-sized pieces. You can also add garlic for flavor. Feel free to get creative and include other veggies you have on hand, such as potatoes, leeks, or peas.
Step 4: Enhance with Herbs and Spices
Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley can add wonderful aroma and depth to your soup. Tie them together with kitchen twine or toss them directly into the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be a nice addition.
Step 5: Simmer and Infuse
Let the soup simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld together. As the vegetables soften and the chicken cooks, the broth will become infused with delicious flavors.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, carefully remove it from the pot. Allow it to cool slightly before shredding the meat from the bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Step 7: Add Additional Ingredients (Optional)
If you’d like to add more substance, consider including cooked noodles, rice, or even beans. These ingredients will make your soup heartier and more satisfying.
Step 8: Taste and Adjust
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, cooking is all about personal preference, so trust your taste buds.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the warm and comforting chicken soup into bowls. It’s a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with crusty bread or a simple salad for a well-rounded dinner.
Ingredients
- 250g Bone-in chicken or Chicken drumstick
- 1 Carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Potato or any vegetable of your choice
- 1 teaspoon Finely chopped ginger
- 1 tablespoon Finely chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 3 to 4 Peppercorns
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Ghee or oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper powder
- Spring onion or coriander leaves, for garnish
Method of Preparation
- Heat a pressure cooker or pan with oil.
- Add peppercorns, chopped ginger, and garlic and sauté for a minute.
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté well.
- Mix in carrot, potato, vegetables of your choice, and cleaned chicken bone pieces.
- Add 3 cups of water to the chicken and vegetable mix and season with salt to taste.
- Pressure cook for 3 whistles or boil until the chicken pieces become soft and tender.
- Add lemon juice and pepper powder.
- Garnish the chicken soup with spring onion or coriander leaves and serve hot.
The beauty of homemade chicken soup lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create a soup that suits your family’s preferences. Enjoy the process of crafting a delicious and comforting meal from scratch!
