Sopa de pollo y fideos (Croatian Style)

Ingredients

While the Mexican version of this soup typically includes ingredients like tomatoes, chili peppers, and cilantro, the Croatian adaptation focuses on a simpler flavor profile. The Croatian version omits the spicy elements and instead highlights the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables. Additionally, the use of Croatian noodles adds a unique touch to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Sopa de pollo y fideos, so you can check it out.

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs) 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 200g (7 oz) Croatian egg noodles 200g (7 oz) Croatian egg noodles
• 2 liters (8 cups) chicken broth 2 liters (8 cups) chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 8g / 2g saturated
• Carbohydrates: 30g / 3g sugars
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
2. 2.
   Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
3. 3.
   Add the chicken pieces to the pot and season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. 5.
   Remove the chicken pieces from the pot and shred the meat using two forks. Discard the bones and return the shredded chicken to the pot.
6. 6.
   Add the Croatian egg noodles to the soup and cook according to the package instructions, usually for about 8-10 minutes.
7. 7.
   Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf.
8. 8.
   Serve the Croatian Chicken Noodle Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Make sure to remove the skin from the chicken pieces before cooking to reduce the fat content of the soup.
• Croatian egg noodles — Cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup just before serving to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a parsnip or a leek to the soup while cooking the vegetables.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon of flour to the sautéed vegetables before adding the chicken broth.
• Feel free to customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables such as peas or corn.

Serving advice

Serve the Croatian Chicken Noodle Soup as a main course with some crusty bread on the side. It is a complete and satisfying meal on its own.

Presentation advice

Garnish each bowl of soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness.