There is no dish simpler and at the same time richer in flavor and comfort than a chicken soup with homemade noodles. Its taste always takes us back to Sunday family meals, when grandmother’s kitchen was filled with warm aromas and promises of peace. This authentic Romanian recipe teaches us that the simplicity of ingredients and the time devoted to preparation are the key to an unforgettable taste.
The soup begins with fresh chicken and healthy vegetables, slowly simmered, transforming the water into an elixir full of natural flavors. To achieve an even more perfect taste, nothing compares to homemade noodles – rolled out thin, carefully cut, and left to dry slightly before being added to the soup. The noodles absorb the delicate flavor of the broth, and each spoonful becomes a perfect balance between texture and taste.
This soup is not just food, but also a carefully preserved tradition that brings the whole family together around the table. Every bowl of chicken soup with homemade noodles is an invitation to warm memories and to the discovery of an authentic Romanian taste, cooked with soul.
Ingredients
For the soup:
1 whole chicken or 4–5 pieces (wings, back, breast with bone)
2 large carrots
1 parsley root
1 small celery root
1 onion
1 bell pepper (optional)
Salt, to taste
Whole peppercorns
1 bunch fresh parsley
For the homemade noodles:
2 eggs
Approximately 150 g flour (or as much as needed to obtain a firm dough)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Soup
Wash the chicken and cut it into large pieces. Place the meat in a large pot and cover it with about 3–4 liters of cold water.
Set the pot over medium heat and add salt. Let it simmer gently and remove the foam that forms on the surface to obtain a clear broth.
Once the soup no longer produces foam, add the whole vegetables: carrots, parsley root, celery, onion, and bell pepper (if using). Also, add a few whole peppercorns.
Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken soup simmer slowly for about 1–1.5 hours, until the meat is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked.
Step 2: Preparing the Homemade Noodles
In a bowl, beat the eggs and gradually add the flour, mixing well until you obtain a firm dough that does not stick to your hands.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface, forming a thin sheet. Let it dry for 10–15 minutes, then cut it into thin strips of noodles.
Allow the homemade noodles to dry slightly before adding them to the soup.
Step 3: Finishing the Soup
Remove the meat and vegetables from the pot. You may leave a few pieces of carrot and chicken in the soup for decoration, while the rest can be used for other dishes.
Strain the broth to make it clear, then return it to the heat.
When it begins to simmer gently, add the noodles and let them cook for a few minutes, until tender.
Taste and adjust with salt, if needed.
Step 4: Serving
Serve the hot chicken soup with homemade noodles, sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley for extra freshness and aroma. You can also add pieces of meat and carrot for a beautiful and traditional presentation.
Why Is Chicken Soup with Homemade Noodles Considered a Traditional Romanian Dish?
Chicken soup with noodles is emblematic of Romanian cuisine because of its simplicity and comforting taste. It is a dish prepared with local ingredients and cooked in a traditional way, often served at Sunday meals or during family gatherings. The homemade noodles, carefully prepared, give it a unique flavor and special texture, characteristic of rustic, countryside cooking.
What Are the Advantages of Using a Whole Chicken for Soup?
Using a whole chicken provides the soup with a rich and complex flavor, as the skin, bones, and meat all contribute to a more aromatic and nutritious broth. Additionally, cooking the whole chicken ensures a clear soup, full of collagen, which is beneficial for health.
How Is a Clear Soup Obtained?
A clear broth is obtained by slow simmering over low heat and by regularly removing the foam that forms on the surface. Straining the soup at the end through a fine sieve or cheesecloth removes any impurities or residue, ensuring the clarity of the liquid.
What Is the Secret to Perfect Homemade Noodles?
Perfect homemade noodles depend on the consistency of the dough – it should be firm but easy to roll out. A thin, evenly rolled sheet and a short drying time before cutting are essential. Using a sharp knife or a pasta cutter guarantees uniform strips.
What Vegetables Are Essential for This Recipe?
Carrots, celery root, parsley root, and onion are indispensable for achieving an authentic soup flavor. Bell pepper can be added for extra sweetness, while parsnip root is another option for a subtle sweet and aromatic note.
How Can Homemade Noodles Be Adapted for Other Types of Soups?
Homemade noodles are extremely versatile and can be used in beef soups, vegetable soups, or even cream soups. For richer soups, noodles can be cut wider, while for lighter broths, they can be sliced into very thin, hair-like strands.
Why Should Fresh Parsley Be Added Before Serving?
Fresh parsley adds a note of freshness and a pleasant contrast to the rich taste of the soup. Moreover, it is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, enhancing the nutritional value of the dish.
How Can the Recipe Be Adapted for a Festive Meal?
For a special occasion, chicken soup can be served with boiled quail eggs or with delicate pieces of chicken breast, lightly fried before being added. The noodles can also be naturally colored by adding spinach or beet juice to the dough.
How Can Leftover Homemade Noodles Be Stored for Future Use?
Homemade noodles can be completely dried on a clean towel at room temperature, then stored in an airtight container. This way, they can be used for several weeks after preparation, while keeping their texture and flavor.
Why Is This Soup Considered a Remedy for Colds?
Chicken soup is renowned for its beneficial properties in treating colds due to its rich content of nutrients and collagen. The vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, while the slow cooking extracts amino acids from the chicken that may help reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system.
