Chicken Vegetable Soup - easy and healthy! | The Recipe Rebel

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through making a healthy and delicious Chicken Vegetable Soup in one pot. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this recipe is easy to follow and makes use of fresh ingredients. Additionally, you'll learn tips for making your own chicken stock and using leftover chicken and vegetables.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, gather and prepare all the necessary ingredients:

• Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 3/4 lb Little Potatoes (about 12 potatoes), cut into 1 cm cubes
  • 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 14 oz canned diced tomatoes (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cups cooked, chopped chicken
  • 1 cup chopped fresh spinach

• Tip: Ensure that all vegetables are chopped evenly for consistent cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by cooking the base of your soup:

1. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot (about 4-5 quarts) over medium-high heat.
2. Add the cubed potatoes, diced onion, chopped celery, and chopped carrots.
3. Sauté the mixture for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened.

• Practical Advice: Keep an eye on the vegetables to prevent burning. Stir regularly.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Enhance the flavor of your soup:

1. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. Cook for an additional 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom.

• Tip: Fresh garlic adds a robust flavor, but pre-minced garlic can be used if you're short on time.

Step 4: Combine the Liquid Ingredients

Bring the soup to life with broth and tomatoes:

1. Pour in the chicken broth and add the canned diced tomatoes.
2. Add the chopped cooked chicken and stir well to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over high heat.

• Common Pitfall: Avoid boiling the soup vigorously; a gentle simmer is ideal.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Allow the flavors to meld:

1. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low.
2. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.

• Tip: If you prefer your vegetables softer, you can simmer for a few extra minutes.

Step 6: Add Fresh Spinach

Finish off your soup with fresh greens:

1. Stir in the chopped fresh spinach just before serving.
2. Allow it to wilt for a minute or two.

• Real-World Application: You can substitute spinach with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard if desired.

Conclusion

You’ve successfully made a hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup! This one-pot meal is not only healthy but also versatile to accommodate leftover ingredients. Enjoy it as a comforting dinner or store leftovers for a quick lunch. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or spices to suit your taste. Happy cooking!