De De'S Chicken Soup
De De'S Chicken Soup is a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory tomato broth, perfect for warming up any mealtime.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse chicken thoroughly with cold water and place in a pot with 6 quarts of water and salt.
- Bring to a boil, uncovered.
- Peel onions and carrots.
- Wash and cut celery.
- After 1 hour, skim the top foam off the chicken stock and discard.
- Add onions and celery to the pot.
- Cover and continue to simmer for 3 hours.
- Stir gently about once every hour while keeping it covered.
- Add tomato sauce to the soup.
- One hour later, add carrots.
- Simmer carrots for one more hour or until tender, uncovered.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves during the simmering process. If you don't have egg pastina, any small pasta shape will work as a substitute. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker version. Remember to adjust the salt and seasoning to your taste as the flavors develop over time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. It pairs beautifully with Dottie'S Bread Stuffing for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider adding a fresh garden salad or crusty bread on the side. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a taste of home.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens, add a bit of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of De De'S Chicken Soup contains roughly 4 calories, with 0g protein, 0g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's best to thaw them first for even cooking. If you add them directly to the pot, you may need to extend the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
What can I do if the soup is too bland?
If you find the soup lacks flavor, try adding more salt, pepper, or even a splash of vinegar to brighten it up. Additionally, incorporating fresh herbs like dill or basil near the end of cooking can enhance the overall taste significantly.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this soup in a slow cooker, add all the ingredients except for the carrots and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the carrots during the last hour of cooking to ensure they remain tender but not mushy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).