Ret Soup
Introduction
A warm and comforting Tuscan chicken soup that’s rich in flavor and easy to make in just 30 minutes. This creamy, hearty soup is perfect for a cozy meal, packed with tender chicken, savory herbs, and fresh vegetables.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
500g boneless chicken breast, diced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium carrot, diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 liter chicken broth
200ml heavy cream
100g baby spinach
50g sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
50g grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken breast and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add onion, garlic, carrot, and red bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in dried oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and add the cooked chicken back to the pot. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, baby spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
7. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken breast and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Step 2:
In the same pot, add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and chopped red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 3 minutes.
Step 3:
Stir in the dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until the herbs are fragrant.
Step 4:
Pour the chicken broth into the pot and return the cooked chicken. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes.
Step 5:
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, baby spinach, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
Step 6:
Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Just before serving, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 7:
Serve the soup hot with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
Notes
Serving Size:
The recipe yields 4 servings.
Storage:
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Variations:
Feel free to add additional vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms, or substitute chicken with cooked sausage for a different flavor.
Spice Level:
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference for spice.
Garnish:
Consider garnishing with fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container. It will maintain its best quality for about 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tuscan chicken soup hot, paired with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a heartier meal. You can also top it with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper for added flavor. A side salad or a light green vegetable can complement the dish nicely.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximately):
– Calories: 450
– Protein: 35g
– Fat: 28g
– Carbohydrates: 14g
– Fiber: 3g
– Sodium: 750mg
Please note that nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
Ingredient Substitutions
– Chicken Breast: Substitute with thighs for more flavor or use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
– Heavy Cream: Use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.
– Baby Spinach: Kale or Swiss chard can be used in place of spinach for added texture.
– Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes or bell pepper can be a substitute if sun-dried tomatoes are unavailable.
– Parmesan Cheese: Nutritional yeast makes a great dairy-free alternative while providing a cheesy flavor.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or butter over relatively high heat. This technique is used for the vegetables in the soup to enhance their flavor and texture.
Simmering
Simmering is a gentle cooking method that involves maintaining a temperature just below boiling. After adding the chicken broth, the soup is simmered to meld the flavors while keeping the ingredients tender.
Adding Cream
When incorporating heavy cream into the soup, it is essential to reduce the heat to avoid curdling. This gives the soup a rich and creamy texture.
Seasoning
Proper seasoning at various stages of cooking enhances the overall flavor. Adjusting with salt and pepper at the end allows for final tweaks based on personal taste.
Serving
Serving the soup hot along with crusty bread or over rice elevates the meal, making it hearty and satisfying.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor, but they may require a little longer cooking time.
Is there a dairy-free option for this soup?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to maintain the creaminess without dairy.
What type of chicken broth is best?
Homemade or low-sodium chicken broth is preferable as it allows for better control over the saltiness of the soup.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, the soup can be frozen. However, it is best to refrain from adding the cream until you reheat it, as it can change texture when frozen.
What vegetables can I add or substitute?
Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini, kale, or potatoes based on your preference. Just ensure they are cooked until tender before serving.
Conclusion
This Delicious Tuscan Chicken Soup is a perfect blend of flavors that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. With its creamy texture and wholesome ingredients, it’s not only quick and easy to make but also a satisfying dish for family and friends. Enjoy this delightful soup paired with your favorite bread or over a bed of rice for a complete dining experience.
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