Nothing warms the soul quite like a comforting bowl of homemade chicken soup with vermicelli, especially when it's made with hearty, free-range chicken. This recipe offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for a cozy family dinner or a comforting meal on a chilly day. Let's dive into the ingredients, preparation, serving suggestions, tips, variations, and even the calorie count, followed by a conclusion.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole free-range chicken, cut into pieces
- 200g vermicelli (soun), soaked in hot water until soft
- 2 liters water
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
- Heat the cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they start to brown slightly.
- Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
- Once the chicken is tender, add diced carrots and chopped celery to the pot.
- Season with ground black pepper and salt to taste. Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are cooked through.
- Add the soaked vermicelli (soun) to the pot and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until tender.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat.
Serving Suggestions:
- Ladle the chicken soup with vermicelli into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side.
Tips:
- For richer flavor, you can use homemade chicken broth instead of water.
- Feel free to add other vegetables of your choice such as peas, corn, or mushrooms.
- To save time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and store-bought chicken broth.
- Make sure not to overcook the vermicelli as they can become mushy.
Variations:
- Substitute chicken with turkey or shredded cooked chicken.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a hint of acidity.
- Spice it up with a dash of chili flakes or a few slices of fresh chili peppers.
- Stir in a spoonful of coconut milk for a creamy twist.