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Chicken Soup with Basmati Rice

17/11/2023

Chicken soup with Basmati rice is a comforting and nourishing dish, perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling a bit down. Here is the recipe with an Italian twist:

Ingredients

  • 1 large chicken breast
  • 1 cup of Basmati rice
  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 carrots
  • 2 stalks of celery
  • 2 liters of chicken (or vegetable) broth
  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 1 sprig of rosemary or thyme (according to availability)
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation

  1. Start by rinsing the Basmati rice under running water until the water runs clear. Then, let the rice soak in cold water for about 20-30 minutes, drain it and set aside.

  2. In the meantime, clean and dice the onion, carrots, and celery into approximately one-centimeter cubes.

  3. In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic, onion, celery, and carrots, and sauté until the vegetables are soft but not colored, about 5 minutes.

  4. Add the Basmati rice to the pot and lightly toast the grains for a couple of minutes, stirring carefully.

  5. In the meantime, cut the chicken breast into regular-sized pieces.

  6. Add the chicken to the pot and let it brown slightly on all sides.

  7. Pour the chicken broth into the pot and slowly bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer. Add the sprig of rosemary or thyme and cook for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked and the rice is soft.

  8. Remove the sprig of rosemary or thyme and the garlic clove. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.

  9. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Curiosity

Chicken soup is considered by many to be a sort of natural remedy against colds and flu. In Italy, “chicken broth” is a classic in home cooking, often served with small pasta or as a base for other dishes. In this version, I’ve incorporated Basmati rice for an exotic touch, but still with the warmth and comfort of traditional Italian soups.

Chicken Soup with Basmati Rice