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Macedonian Chicken Noodle Soup
A comforting and nourishing chicken noodle soup, a staple in Macedonian households, often considered a remedy for colds and a general comfort food. It features tender chicken, vegetables, and delicate noodles in a flavorful broth.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Whole chicken or chicken pieces with bones(e.g., thighs, back, wings)
- 3 L Water
- 3 medium Carrots(peeled, 2 diced, 1 left whole)
- 2 medium Celery stalks(cut in half)
- 1 large Onion(quartered)
- 1 small bunch Parsley stems
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 tsp Black peppercorns
- to taste Salt
- 150 g Egg noodles or other small pasta
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- 1 tsp Vegeta seasoning (optional)(or to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Place chicken pieces in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface. Reduce heat to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Ensure the water is enough to cover the chicken generously. - 2
Add the whole carrot, quartered onion, celery stalks, parsley stems, bay leaves, and black peppercorns to the pot. Season with salt.
💡 Tip: Simmer gently until the chicken is very tender and cooked through. - 3
Remove the chicken, whole carrot, onion, and celery from the pot. Strain the broth into a clean pot, discarding the solids (bay leaves, peppercorns, parsley stems).
💡 Tip: You can reserve the cooked chicken and vegetables for shredding later. - 4
Shred the cooked chicken meat, discarding bones and skin. Dice the cooked whole carrot. Discard the cooked onion and celery or finely chop them to add back to the soup if desired.
- 5
Return the strained broth to a simmer. Add the shredded chicken, diced carrot, and optional Vegeta seasoning.
💡 Tip: Taste the broth and adjust salt if needed. - 6
Add the egg noodles (or other small pasta) to the simmering soup. Cook according to package directions, usually 5-10 minutes, until al dente.
- 7
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley just before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
💡 Tip: Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer broth, you can roast the chicken pieces and vegetables before boiling.
- ✓If you don't have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be used, but add it earlier in the cooking process.
- ✓Adjust the amount of salt and Vegeta to your preference. It's a good idea to add salt gradually.
- ✓Other root vegetables like parsnip or a small piece of celeriac can be added for extra flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a diced potato along with the carrots and noodles.
- Use orzo or other small soup pasta shapes instead of egg noodles.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth, adding more vegetables like leeks or peas.