My grandmother gave me a wonderful soup recipe! We eat and want more
My grandmother gave me a wonderful soup recipe! We eat and want more! is a easy International recipe that serves 4. 180 calories per serving. Recipe by HotFood on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 60 min | Total: 1 hr 35 min
Cost: $6.82 total, $1.70 per serving
Ingredients
- 350 g Chicken (bone-in pieces or boneless thighs, cut into chunks)
- 1.5 L Water (for broth)
- 2 medium Onion (peeled and diced)
- 1 large Carrot (peeled and diced)
- 3 medium Potato (peeled and cubed)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for sautéing vegetables)
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste (adds depth of flavor)
- 5 whole Black Peppercorns (crushed lightly)
- 3 whole Bay Leaves (adds aromatic flavor)
- 1 cup Frozen Peas (no need to thaw)
- 1 large Egg (beaten, creates silky ribbons)
- to taste Salt (season at the end)
Instructions
Make the Chicken Broth
Place the chicken pieces in a large pot with 1.5 L of water. Bring to a boil over medium‑high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
Time: PT35M
Temperature: medium‑high heat
Prepare the Vegetables
While the broth simmers, dice the onions, carrot, and potatoes. Set aside in separate bowls.
Time: PT10M
Sauté Onions
Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Sauté Carrot
Add the diced carrot to the pan and continue sautéing for another 5 minutes until slightly softened.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Add a Ladle of Broth
Pour one ladle (about ½ cup) of the hot chicken broth into the pan to deglaze, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom.
Time: PT1M
Shred the Cooked Chicken
Remove the chicken pieces from the broth with tongs, place on a cutting board, and let cool for a few minutes. Then shred or dice the meat into bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT5M
Cook Potatoes and Flavor the Broth
Add the cubed potatoes to the simmering broth. After 3 minutes, stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, a few crushed black peppercorns, and 3 bay leaves. Continue simmering until potatoes are fork‑tender, about 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: medium heat
Add Peas
Stir in 1 cup frozen peas and cook for 2 minutes until heated through.
Time: PT2M
Create Egg Ribbons
Beat the egg in a mixing bowl. Slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the soup while gently stirring, creating thin ribbons.
Time: PT1M
Finish and Serve
Season the soup with salt to taste, return the shredded chicken to the pot, and give a final gentle stir. Serve hot.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium heat
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 180
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 6 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑free, Dairy‑free
Allergens: Egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken: Turkey
- Instead of Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Carrot: Parsnip
- Instead of Potato: Sweet potato
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Sunflower oil
- Instead of Tomato Paste: Pureed canned tomatoes
- Instead of Black Peppercorns: Ground black pepper
- Instead of Frozen Peas: Fresh peas
- Instead of Egg: Egg white only
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Frying Pan
- Ladle
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Fine Mesh Sieve (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Skim foam from the broth to keep it clear.
- Shred the cooked chicken while it is still warm.
- Add the beaten egg slowly while stirring to form silky ribbons.
- Season the soup at the end to control salt level.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving for brightness.
- For extra flavor, sauté a garlic clove with the onions.
- Remove bay leaves before serving to avoid accidental bites.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too watery.
Simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce, or add a bit more tomato paste for thickness.
Potatoes become mushy.
Cut potatoes into uniform, bite‑size cubes and add them later in the cooking process.
Egg forms clumps instead of ribbons.
Slowly drizzle the beaten egg while stirring constantly; ensure the soup is at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the broth a day ahead and refrigerate; add fresh vegetables and egg just before serving.
- Soup freezes well; portion and freeze for quick meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of simple chicken soup in international comfort food cuisine?
Chicken soup is known worldwide as a soothing comfort food, often called "soul food" in many cultures. Historically it has been used as a home remedy for colds and a way to stretch a small amount of meat into a nourishing meal for families.
What are the traditional regional variations of chicken soup in different cuisines?
In Eastern Europe, chicken soup often includes dill and noodles; in Chinese cuisine, egg ribbons and ginger are common; in Latin America, rice and cilantro are added. Each region adapts the basic broth with local herbs, spices, and starches.
What occasions or celebrations is simple chicken soup traditionally associated with in various cultures?
Chicken soup is traditionally served during sick days, after surgery, or as a starter for holiday meals in many cultures. In Jewish tradition, chicken soup ("Jewish penicillin") is a staple for Shabbat and Passover meals.
How does simple chicken soup fit into the broader international cuisine tradition?
It exemplifies the universal technique of extracting flavor from meat and bones into a clear broth, then enriching it with vegetables and seasonings—a foundation for countless soups across the globe.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for simple chicken soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include chicken, water, onions, carrots, celery, and herbs like bay leaf and peppercorns. Acceptable substitutes are turkey for chicken, frozen peas for fresh, and tomato paste for a richer color, as used in this recipe.
What other dishes pair well with simple chicken soup in an international meal?
Simple chicken soup pairs nicely with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or a side of rice pilaf. In Asian meals, it can be followed by stir‑fried vegetables, while in Western meals it complements a sandwich or grilled cheese.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making simple chicken soup?
Common mistakes include not skimming foam, overcooking the chicken (making it dry), adding the egg to a boiling broth (causing clumps), and under‑seasoning the broth. Follow the critical steps to ensure a clear, flavorful soup.
Why does this simple chicken soup recipe use a ladle of broth to deglaze the sauté pan instead of water?
Deglazing with hot broth captures the caramelized bits from the onions and carrot, enriching the soup’s flavor. Using plain water would dilute those flavors and result in a flatter broth.
Can I make simple chicken soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the soup can be prepared a day ahead. Cool it quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and add fresh peas or egg just before serving.
What does the YouTube channel HotFood specialize in?
The YouTube channel HotFood specializes in quick, budget‑friendly home cooking tutorials that focus on classic comfort dishes and everyday meals for busy families.
How does the YouTube channel HotFood's approach to comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
HotFood emphasizes minimal ingredient lists, step‑by‑step visual cues, and practical tips for scaling recipes, whereas many other channels focus on gourmet techniques or elaborate presentations.
Last updated: August 24, 2026






