Hearty Israeli Chicken Soup
Hearty Israeli Chicken Soup is a beloved dish inspired by flavors from the bustling markets of Jerusalem. This recipe was developed on a sunny afternoon by my brother and his roommate, who were eager to create a comforting meal reminiscent of the traditional Israeli chicken soup enjoyed throughout the country. The delightful aroma of simmering vegetables and savory chicken wafts through the air, enticing neighbors to come over and share in the experience. Ideal for a cozy weekend meal, this rich, flavorful soup requires patience and love, making it a dish to savor together with family and friends. With tender chunks of chicken, a medley of fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, each bowl of this soup is a warm hug on a chilly day.
10
Servings
320
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken, medium
1 (whole, skin removed)
Carrots
3 (peeled and chopped)
Celery stalk
1 (chopped)
Dill weed
1/4 cup (whole, without chopping)
Onion, medium
1 (chopped)
Zucchini, small
2 (chopped)
Sweet potatoes
2-3 (peeled and cubed)
Salt
1/4 cup (divided, adjust to taste)
Pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Remove any inedible parts of the chicken, including the skin, but keep the bones intact.
2
Place the whole chicken in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3
Once the chicken begins to turn white and is boiling, reduce the heat slightly, add 1/4 cup of salt, dill weed, and season with pepper.
4
While the chicken is simmering, wash and chop all vegetables (carrots, celery, zucchini, sweet potatoes, and onion).
5
Avoid chopping the dill weed as this will make it difficult to remove later.
6
After about 15-20 minutes of boiling, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and reduce the heat to a low simmer.
7
Once cooled, carefully remove the chicken meat from the bones, keeping the larger bones to add back to the pot for flavor.
8
Return the chicken meat and bones back to the pot, then add the cubed sweet potatoes, chopped veggies, and place the dill on top.
9
Bring the soup to a gentle boil and let it cook for about an hour. Avoid a hard boil as this may cause bitterness in the vegetables.
10
After an hour, carefully remove the chicken bones and skim out the dill weed using a slotted spoon.
11
Continue to simmer the soup until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is soft.
12
Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
13
Let the soup rest for about 15 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
22g
Carbs
25g
Protein
150mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Israeli Chicken Soup?
Hearty Israeli Chicken Soup is a comforting, rich meal inspired by the flavors of Jerusalem's markets, featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs.
What was the inspiration behind this recipe?
The recipe was developed by the creator's brother and his roommate on a sunny afternoon to replicate traditional Israeli chicken soup.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving of the soup contains approximately 320 calories.
How much protein is in a serving of this chicken soup?
One serving provides about 25g of protein.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
A medium whole chicken is used for this recipe to provide the best flavor from both the meat and bones.
Should I keep the skin on the chicken?
No, you should remove any inedible parts, including the skin, but keep the bones intact for the cooking process.
What vegetables are included in this soup?
The soup includes carrots, celery, zucchini, sweet potatoes, and onions.
Why shouldn't I chop the dill weed?
The dill weed should be kept whole to make it easier to skim out and remove from the soup later.
How much salt is required for the initial boiling step?
You should add 1/4 cup of salt once the chicken begins to boil, though you can adjust to taste later.
How long should I boil the chicken before de-boning it?
The chicken should boil for about 15-20 minutes before you remove it from the pot to cool and de-bone.
Do I throw away the chicken bones after de-boning?
No, keep the larger bones and return them to the pot along with the meat to add extra flavor to the broth.
How should the sweet potatoes be prepared?
The sweet potatoes should be peeled and cubed before being added to the soup.
What is the total simmering time after adding vegetables?
After adding the vegetables, the soup should cook at a gentle boil for about an hour.
Why is a hard boil discouraged during the vegetable cooking phase?
Avoiding a hard boil prevents the vegetables from becoming bitter.
When do I remove the chicken bones and dill from the pot?
After the soup has cooked for an hour, carefully remove the bones and use a slotted spoon to skim out the dill weed.
Is there a resting period recommended before serving?
Yes, let the soup rest for about 15 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
What are the primary tags associated with this recipe?
The tags include chicken soup, Israeli cuisine, comfort food, weekend recipe, and hearty soup.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this soup?
Each serving contains 22g of carbohydrates.
What is the sodium content of the Hearty Israeli Chicken Soup?
The soup contains 150mg of sodium per serving.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe requires 9 main ingredients, including seasonings.
Can I adjust the amount of pepper?
Yes, pepper should be added to taste, preferably freshly ground.
What kind of pot is needed?
A large pot is necessary to accommodate the whole chicken and all the chopped vegetables.
Does this recipe use zucchini?
Yes, the recipe calls for two small chopped zucchinis.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under 'Whole Chicken' dishes.
How many carrots are used?
The recipe uses three peeled and chopped carrots.
Is this soup suitable for a chilly day?
Yes, it is described as a 'warm hug on a chilly day' and ideal for a cozy weekend meal.
When do I add the onion?
The chopped onion is added back into the pot with the other vegetables after the chicken has been de-boned.
How much dill weed is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of whole dill weed.