Favorite "Spicy" Chicken Soup
A flavorful spicy chicken soup infused with vegetables, herbs, and a vibrant tomato-cucumber purée, perfect for warming and satisfying those craving bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced ⓘ
- 3 stalks celery with leaves, chopped ⓘ
- 1 handful parsley
- 3 large carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 3 parsnips, sliced ⓘ
- 1 sweet potato, sliced ⓘ
- 1 tomato (whole)
- 1/2 c. red lentils, rinsed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. tomato paste
- 1 handful frozen chopped spinach ⓘ
- 1 to 2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 to 2 c. water ⓘ
- 1/4 c. rinsed barley ⓘ
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. cumin
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. turmeric
- 1/2 tsp. curry powder ⓘ
- chicken necks or giblets ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. fresh peeled tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 c. crumbled soft white bread ⓘ
- 1 peeled and chopped cucumber ⓘ
- 1 chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 chopped green pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Puree peeled and peeled tomatoes, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and crumbled bread in a food processor until smooth.
- Add 1/3 cup each of chopped cucumber, onion, and green pepper to the tomato mixture and continue processing until well blended.
- Reserve remaining chopped cucumber, onion, and green pepper for serving as garnish, along with croutons.
- Prepare the soup by sautéing garlic, onion, celery, and carrots in olive oil until fragrant and vegetables are tender.
- Add chopped parsnips, sweet potato, tomato, rinsed red lentils, tomato paste, herbs, spices, chicken broth, water, barley, and chicken giblets or necks to the pot.
- Simmer until all vegetables and lentils are cooked through, flavors meld, and the broth is rich, about 45-60 minutes.
- Season with cumin, turmeric, curry powder (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
- Chill the soup for at least 3 hours before serving.
- Serve in chilled bowls topped with reserved chopped vegetables and garnished with croutons.
Tips & Substitutions
For added spice, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken giblets. For a thicker soup, blend a portion of the vegetables after cooking. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to modify the vegetable selection based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup chilled for a refreshing twist, topped with the reserved chopped vegetables and croutons for added texture. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside Chicken Toscana or a Mediterranean-inspired side dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to achieve desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite "Spicy" Chicken Soup contains roughly 955 calories, with 29g protein, 192g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (181% of the Daily Value), and iron (128% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1747mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
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 dried lentils instead of red lentils?
Yes, you can use dried lentils in place of red lentils, but be sure to adjust the cooking time. Dried lentils typically require longer cooking and may alter the texture of the soup. If using, add them earlier in the cooking process to ensure they're fully cooked by the time the soup is ready.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To increase the heat, add more cumin or include spices like smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also add fresh chilies or a dash of hot sauce when serving. Adjust the spice levels gradually to suit your taste preferences.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and flavors improve after a day in the fridge. Just be sure to store the garnishes separately until serving to keep them fresh and crunchy. This makes it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
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).