Introduction
Hearty Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and nourishing dish, perfect for any day of the week. This recipe, found in an old book, combines homemade broth, fried vegetables, tender chicken, and fluffy gnocchi, creating a rich and flavorful soup. Paired with crispy Parmesan toasts, this meal is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Broth:
- 1 onion (halved)
- 1 carrot (roughly chopped)
- 2 stalks of celery
- 3 chicken thighs
- Water (as needed)
For the Fried Vegetables + Potatoes:
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 carrot (grated)
- 2 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
- 3 potatoes (diced)
Other Ingredients:
- Frying oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
- Italian herbs (to taste)
- Fresh dill (to taste, chopped)
For the Gnocchi:
- 2 eggs
- Pinch of salt
- 80g plain flour (2/3 cup)
For the Attachment (Parmesan Toast):
- 3 slices of bread (cut into triangles)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- Salt (to taste)
- Dried garlic (to taste)
- Parmesan (to taste, grated)
Method of Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
- Assemble Ingredients: Place the halved onion, roughly chopped carrot, celery stalks, and chicken thighs in a large pot. Cover with water.
- Cook Broth: Cover the pot with a lid and cook on low heat until the chicken and vegetables are tender and fully cooked, about 40-50 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Fried Vegetables
- Sauté Onions: Heat frying oil in a pan over low heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
- Add Carrots: Add the grated carrot to the pan and continue frying on low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add Garlic: Finally, add the finely chopped garlic and fry for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Broth and Fried Vegetables
- Strain Broth: Remove the cooked vegetables from the pot and set aside. Strain the broth if needed to ensure it is clear.
- Add Fried Vegetables: Add the sautéed vegetables to the broth.
- Add Potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes. Cover with a lid and cook for 15-20 minutes on low heat until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the broth, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Mix thoroughly.
Step 4: Prepare the Gnocchi
- Make Gnocchi Dough: In a bowl, crack 2 eggs, add a pinch of salt, and sprinkle with 80g of plain flour. Mix well to form a dough.
- Shape Gnocchi: Using a spoon, shape small portions of the dough into gnocchi and drop them into the soup.
- Season Soup: Season the soup with salt, ground black pepper, and Italian herbs. Stir well.
- Cook Gnocchi: Cover and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes on low heat until the gnocchi are cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Add Dill: Sprinkle fresh chopped dill over the soup before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
Step 6: Prepare Parmesan Toast
- Prepare Bread: Place the bread triangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, dried garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the bread for 10 minutes until golden and crispy.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve Soup: Ladle the homemade chicken and gnocchi soup into bowls.
- Add Toast: Serve with crispy Parmesan toast on the side.
- Enjoy: Enjoy this fragrant and hearty soup with family and friends, made with love and care.
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 bowls
- Calories per serving: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 550mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 18g
Conclusion
This Hearty Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is a comforting, nutritious dish that is perfect for any day. The combination of homemade broth, tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy gnocchi creates a satisfying and delicious meal. Paired with crispy Parmesan toast, this soup is sure to become a staple in your home. Enjoy making and sharing this treasured recipe with your loved ones!
