Healthy Chicken Soup

This delicious and wholesome chicken soup is a perfect remedy for cold days or when you are feeling under the weather. Made with simple, fresh ingredients, it delivers the ultimate comfort in a bowl. With tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a rich broth, this soup is nutritious and packed with flavor. Whether for a family dinner or a quick meal, even kids will love its mild yet satisfying taste.

Total Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

 Chicken thighs: 2 pieces

 Chicken stock: 3 cups

 Onion: 2 tablespoons

 Spring onion: 1 tablespoon

 Ginger: 1 teaspoon

 Garlic: ½ teaspoon

 Crushed pepper: 1 teaspoon

 Cumin: 1 teaspoon

 Coriander seeds: 1 tablespoon

 Bay leaves: 2

 Cloves: 2

 Coriander leaves: 1 tablespoon

 Pepper powder: ½ teaspoon

 Salt: to taste

 Butter: ½ tablespoon

Instructions:

1. Cooking the Chicken:

Place the washed chicken thighs in a pressure cooker or a large saucepan. Pour in 3 cups of water, add one teaspoon of salt, and bring it to a simmer. If using a pressure cooker, close the lid and cook on low heat for five whistles, allowing the chicken to become tender. Bring the water to a boil for the saucepan method, cover it, and let it simmer gently for 25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.

2. Prepare the Spice Mix:

While the chicken cooks, use a mortar and pestle or spice grinder to crush the cumin, coriander seeds, and pepper into a fine powder. This fresh spice mix will infuse the soup with layers of flavor. Next, add the ginger and garlic and crush them into a fine paste. This blend will add warmth, spice, and depth to your soup.

3. Shred the Chicken:

Once the chicken is cooked through, please remove it from the broth and allow it to cool slightly. Using a fork, gently shred the meat into semi-thread-like pieces. The shredded chicken will give the soup a satisfying texture and allow the flavors to soak into every bite.

4. Sauté the Aromatics:

In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it starts to foam, add the bay leaves and cloves, letting them release their fragrant oils. As the kitchen fills with the aroma of the spices, add the finely chopped onion and spring onion. Sauté them until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally. This will build the base of your soup with sweetness and flavor.

5. Add the Spice Paste:

Once the onions are tender, add the freshly crushed spice paste (ginger, garlic, cumin, and pepper). Stir well and cook until the raw aroma fades, filling your kitchen with an irresistible fragrance.

6. Combine Chicken and Spices:

Now, add the shredded chicken to the pan. Stir it into the sautéed onion and spice mixture, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Let the chicken absorb the flavors for about 2 minutes, blending the savory and aromatic ingredients.

7. Add the Chicken Stock:

Pour the reserved chicken broth into the pan with the chicken and spices. This will create the heart of the soup, with all the flavors melding together in the rich, golden broth. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.

8. Season and Simmer:

Taste the soup and add salt as needed, adjusting to your preference. Stir in the freshly chopped coriander leaves, adding a fresh, herbaceous note to the soup. Let it simmer for just another minute to combine all the flavors.

9. Final Touches:

Before serving, sprinkle some pepper powder over the soup for a final layer of warmth. Turn off the heat, and your healthy, flavorful chicken soup is ready to serve.

Serving Suggestion:

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra coriander leaves, and serve hot with crusty bread or rice. The tender chicken and fragrant broth will warm you up from the inside out, making it a go-to comfort meal for the whole family.

Method: