Traditional Polish Comfort Chicken Soup
Step into a warm embrace of tradition with this cherished Polish chicken soup, lovingly crafted from my family's recipe passed down through generations. This comforting dish is not just a meal; it’s a weekly ritual that crafts memories, filling the air with the nostalgic aromas of carrots, celery, and a hint of curry that enhances the flavor without overpowering it. Each Sunday morning, the enticing scent of simmering chicken greets our family, igniting that wonderful anticipation as the kids excitedly exclaim, 'It smells like Sunday!' This soup is the perfect vessel for showcasing homemade egg noodles, bringing an added special touch that makes this dish truly unforgettable. Enjoy it steaming hot, ladled over noodles, as laughter and stories share the table in a scene of warmth and joy.
8
Servings
450
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
roasting chicken
3 lbs (whole)
chicken bouillon
6 teaspoons (granulated)
curry powder
2 teaspoons (ground)
whole allspice
6 pieces (whole)
bay leaf
1 leaf (whole)
onion
1 (chopped)
carrots
16 ounces (peeled and sliced)
celery
3-4 stalks (sliced)
fresh parsley
1 bunch (chopped)
salt
to taste (as needed)
pepper
to taste (as needed)
egg noodles
1 lb (cooked)
Instructions
1
In a large stock pot, cover the whole chicken with water and bring to a rapid boil over high heat.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, leaving it uncovered for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, skim off any foam or impurities from the surface.
3
After skimming, add the chicken bouillon, curry powder, allspice, and bay leaf to the pot. Continue to simmer uncovered for a total of 2 hours.
4
Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the pot and allow it to cool slightly on a cutting board.
5
Using a slotted spoon, remove the allspice and bay leaf from the broth and discard.
6
Into the remaining broth, add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Let the soup simmer for an additional hour, or until the vegetables are tender.
7
As the vegetables cook, debone the chicken. Remove the skin and bones, shredding the meat into bite-sized pieces and setting it aside.
8
Once the vegetables are tender, return the shredded chicken to the pot. Season the soup generously with salt and pepper to your taste.
9
Lastly, stir in the freshly chopped parsley just before serving.
10
Serve the soup hot, ladling it over cooked egg noodles. It’s best to serve the noodles separately, allowing everyone to pour their preferred amount of soup over their noodles, preserving the broth’s integrity.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
31.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of this Traditional Polish Comfort Chicken Soup recipe?
This is a cherished family recipe passed down through generations, often prepared as a weekly Sunday ritual.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What type of chicken should I use?
A 3 lb roasting chicken, used whole, is recommended for this soup.
How long should the chicken simmer initially?
The chicken should simmer uncovered for approximately 30 minutes while you skim off any impurities.
Why do I need to skim the foam from the boiling water?
Skimming the foam or impurities from the surface helps ensure a clear and clean-tasting broth.
What unique spices are used in this Polish chicken soup?
The soup uses chicken bouillon, ground curry powder, whole allspice, and a bay leaf.
Does the curry powder make the soup spicy?
No, the curry powder is used to enhance the flavor without overpowering the dish.
How much curry powder is required?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of ground curry powder.
How long does the chicken simmer with the spices?
The chicken should simmer with the bouillon, curry, allspice, and bay leaf for a total of 2 hours.
What should I do with the allspice and bay leaf?
After the chicken is cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove and discard the allspice and bay leaf.
When are the vegetables added to the soup?
The vegetables are added to the broth after the chicken has been removed and the whole spices discarded.
How many carrots are needed?
You will need 16 ounces of carrots, peeled and sliced.
How much celery is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 3 to 4 stalks of sliced celery.
How long do the vegetables need to cook?
The vegetables should simmer in the broth for about one hour or until they are tender.
How should the chicken be prepared before returning it to the pot?
The chicken should be deboned, the skin removed, and the meat shredded into bite-sized pieces.
Is the chicken skin included in the soup?
No, the skin should be removed and discarded when shredding the meat.
When should the fresh parsley be added?
Stir in the freshly chopped parsley just before serving the soup.
What kind of noodles are best for this soup?
Homemade egg noodles are highly recommended to make the dish truly unforgettable.
How should the noodles be served?
Serve the soup hot by ladling it over cooked egg noodles that have been prepared separately.
Why are the noodles served separately from the broth?
Serving them separately allows guests to choose their preferred amount and preserves the integrity of the broth.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 31.25 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in a serving of this soup?
Each serving contains 15 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 37.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of chicken bouillon should I use?
The recipe calls for 6 teaspoons of granulated chicken bouillon.
How many pieces of allspice are used?
The recipe uses 6 pieces of whole allspice.
Is an onion included in the broth?
Yes, one chopped onion is added along with the carrots and celery.
Should the pot be covered while the chicken simmers?
No, the instructions specify to leave the pot uncovered while simmering the chicken.
How much salt and pepper should be added?
Salt and pepper should be added to your personal taste after the shredded chicken is returned to the pot.
Is this recipe suitable for a family meal?
Yes, it is described as a comforting dish that creates warmth and joy, perfect for sharing stories at the table.