Hungarian Chicken Soup with Noodles is a delightful dish that offers a burst of flavors and comfort. Here are some great pairing suggestions to elevate your meal: Fresh Bread, Side Salad, Light White Wine, Cheese Platter or Roasted Vegetables.
Let’s take a culinary journey to Hungary, where flavors are warm, inviting, and rich in tradition. I’m talking about Hungarian Chicken Soup with Noodles. Oh, the memories this dish conjures — the steam rising from a pot, filling the kitchen with aromas that signal a meal well on its way. My grandmother often made it. She called it “a hug in a bowl.”
What is Hungarian Chicken Soup with Noodles?
At its core, Hungarian Chicken Soup with Noodles, or “Húsleves,” is a comfort food staple. This isn’t your average chicken soup. It features a clear, flavorful broth loaded with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a generous helping of fine thin noodles. What makes it Hungarian? You ask. The special touch comes from the parsley, Hungarian paprika, and sometimes a piece of hot Hungarian chili.
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Why You’ll Love This Hungarian Chicken Soup with Noodles
First off, let’s talk about the lap of luxury for your taste buds. It’s comforting, wholesome, and warms you up from the inside out. Plus, it’s not just delish but also nutritious. Think of it as a gut-friendly delight loaded with lean protein, vitamins, minerals, and all the good stuff.
Here’s what makes it unforgettable:
- Flavorful Broth: Slow-cooked to give you a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
- Tender Chicken: Falling apart with every bite yet maintaining its juiciness.
- Fresh Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and parsley bring in a medley of textures and tastes.
- Fine Thin Noodles: These little strands do more than just fill you up; they weave everything together into a perfect dish.
The Ingredients You Will Need To Make Hungarian Chicken Soup with Noodles
Essential Ingredients:
- 3-4 quarts of water
- 1 whole organic hen chicken (4–5 lbs) (or bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts/thighs)
- 1 onion, halved
- 4 organic carrots, cut into rounds
- 2-3 organic celery stalks, chopped
- 3 parsley roots, sliced (or substitute with parsnips)
- 1 handful of fresh parsley leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, smashed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 small piece of hot Hungarian chili (optional)
- 2 tbsp Himalayan salt
- 1 tsp whole peppercorns
- 450 g fine thin noodles (homemade noodles are also an option)
Directions
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Place the organic hen chicken in a large pot. Fill it with 3-4 quarts of water. Set it on medium-high heat. Wait for it to come to a boil. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface. This helps in making a clear broth, free from impurities. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
Step 2: Adding the Vegetables and Spices
Add the halved onion, carrot rounds, chopped celery stalks, sliced parsley roots, and smashed garlic to the pot. Toss in the bay leaf, piece of hot Hungarian chili if you prefer a bit of heat, Himalayan salt, and whole peppercorns.
Step 3: Simmering for the Depth of Flavor
Bring the mixture to a boil again. Then, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking method allows the chicken to release its flavors into the broth. Your patience will be rewarded.
Step 4: Straining the Broth
After simmering, remove the chicken and vegetables from the pot. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into another pot. This step is crucial for a clear and smooth broth.
Step 5: Shredding the Chicken
Let the chicken cool a bit before handling it. Remove the meat from the bones. Shred it into bite-sized pieces. Add the shredded chicken back into the strained broth.
Step 6: Preparing the Noodles
Cook the fine thin noodles separately according to the package instructions. Once done, rinse them in cold water to prevent sticking. Add them into the broth toward the end of the cooking process. This ensures they remain perfectly al dente.
Step 7: Final Touch
Once everything is combined, let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Add in the fresh parsley leaves for a burst of greenery and additional flavor.
Notes
- Mind the Salt: Taste your broth before adding extra salt. The chicken and vegetables already impart a significant amount of flavor.
- Chili Caution: If you’re using the hot Hungarian chili, start with a small piece. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like zucchini, turnips, or bell peppers.
- Noodle Watch: Always cook your noodles separately, and add them to the soup only just before serving to keep them from getting soggy.
- Clear Broth: For an extra-clear broth, strain it through cheesecloth after initial preparation.
Storage Tips
Hungarian Chicken Soup with Noodles stores well. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It lasts up to 5 days. If you plan to store it longer, consider freezing the broth separately from the noodles and chicken. That way, the noodles won’t become mushy upon reheating.
Nutrition Information
Serving Suggestions
1. With Fresh Bread: A slice of sourdough or a warm piece of crusty bread pairs perfectly.
2. Side Salad: Combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette.
3. Light White Wine: A dry Riesling or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish without overpowering the flavors.
4. Cheese Platter: Serve a mild cheese platter featuring mozzarella and cheddar for a delightful side snack.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted Brussels sprouts or bell peppers add more crunch and nutrition to your meal.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Hungarian Chicken Soup with Noodles?
1. Substituting Chicken: Instead of organic hen, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts. They impart a rich flavor and are easier to find.
2. Replacing Parsley Roots: If you can’t find parsley roots, parsnips are a fantastic alternative. They have a similar sweetness and texture.
3. Alternate Noodles: You can replace fine thin noodles with other noodle types like egg noodles, or even zoodles if you’re into low-carb options.
4. Spicing It Up: Not a fan of Hungarian chili? Use a small piece of jalapeno or hot sauce to control the heat to your preference.
5. Different Herbs: If fresh parsley is not readily available, cilantro or dill can be your go-to herbs. They bring a different aroma and freshness to the soup.
Hungarian chicken soup with noodles
Equipment
- Large pot
- Fine mesh sieve
Ingredients
- 3-4 quarts water
- 1 whole organic hen chicken 4-5 lbs (bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs are optional)
- 1 onion halved
- 4 organic carrots cut into rounds
- 2-3 organic celery stalks chopped
- 3 parsley roots sliced (or substitute with parsnips)
- 1 handful of fresh parsley leaves roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic smashed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 small piece of hot Hungarian chili optional
- 2 tbsp Himalayan salt
- 1 tsp whole peppercorns
- 450 g fine thin noodles homemade noodles are also an option
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
- Place the organic hen chicken in a large pot. Fill it with 3-4 quarts of water. Set it on medium-high heat. Wait for it to come to a boil. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface. This helps in making a clear broth, free from impurities. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
Step 2: Adding the Vegetables and Spices
- Add the halved onion, carrot rounds, chopped celery stalks, sliced parsley roots, and smashed garlic to the pot. Toss in the bay leaf, piece of hot Hungarian chili if you prefer a bit of heat, Himalayan salt, and whole peppercorns.
Step 3: Simmering for the Depth of Flavor
- Bring the mixture to a boil again. Then, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking method allows the chicken to release its flavors into the broth. Your patience will be rewarded.
Step 4: Straining the Broth
- After simmering, remove the chicken and vegetables from the pot. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into another pot. This step is crucial for a clear and smooth broth.
Step 5: Shredding the Chicken
- Let the chicken cool a bit before handling it. Remove the meat from the bones. Shred it into bite-sized pieces. Add the shredded chicken back into the strained broth.
Step 6: Preparing the Noodles
- Cook the fine thin noodles separately according to the package instructions. Once done, rinse them in cold water to prevent sticking. Add them into the broth toward the end of the cooking process. This ensures they remain perfectly al dente.
Step 7: Final Touch
- Once everything is combined, let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Add in the fresh parsley leaves for a burst of greenery and additional flavor.
Notes
- Mind the Salt: Taste your broth before adding extra salt. The chicken and vegetables already impart a significant amount of flavor.
- Chili Caution: If you’re using the hot Hungarian chili, start with a small piece. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like zucchini, turnips, or bell peppers.
- Noodle Watch: Always cook your noodles separately, and add them to the soup only just before serving to keep them from getting soggy.
- Clear Broth: For an extra-clear broth, strain it through cheesecloth after initial preparation.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Just make sure to add the noodles in the last 30 minutes to prevent them from getting too mushy.
2. Can I use store-bought broth instead of making my own?
Yes, but making your own broth is more flavorful and healthier. If you’re short on time, quality store-bought broth works too.
3. Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, Hungarian Chicken Soup with Noodles can be frozen. Store the broth, chicken, and noodles separately for best results.
4. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Opt for gluten-free noodles. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
5. What garnishes work best with this soup?
Top it off with fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon, or even a dollop of sour cream for an extra burst of flavor.
6. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes. Replace the chicken with additional vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Conclusion
Hungarian Chicken Soup with Noodles offers a comforting, flavorful experience. It’s perfect for any occasion. The rich broth, tender chicken, and delicate noodles combine to create a bowl of warmth and nostalgia. Share it with your loved ones. You’ll see smiles around the table, and maybe even a few stories shared about their favorite comfort foods. Enjoy this hearty soup and let it bring a piece of Hungarian culinary tradition to your home.
Happy cooking!