When comfort food calls your name, nothing beats the warm embrace of a steaming bowl of Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup. Infused with the savory essence of tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and perfectly toasted pearls of couscous, this soup is a cozy sanctuary for anyone seeking solace from the chill outside. Its vibrant ingredients not only nourish the body but also soothe the soul, making it an ideal meal for those quiet, reflective evenings. Your kitchen will come alive with welcoming scents that transport you to a place of peace and warmth. This dish does more than just fill your belly—it creates a sense of home through every spoonful.
The Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup is all about creating layers of flavors and textures that delight the senses. The heartiness of chicken thighs adds substance, while the pearl couscous brings a delightful bite, all mingled in a broth brightened by a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Crafted with simplicity in mind, the soup uses staple ingredients to deliver a gourmet experience, proving that you can indeed find luxury in simplicity. Whether you’re cooking for your family, yourself, or a gathering of friends, this soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, offering delightful tastes and comforting warmth with every serving.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup
- Comforting and Nourishing: Offers a warm hug in a bowl—perfect for chilly nights.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples to create a gourmet taste.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with various garnishments to suit different palates.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
- Easy Preparation: Minimal effort required for maximum reward.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the creation of your heartwarming soup, there are a few preparatory steps that set the foundation for success. Start by selecting a large pot capable of accommodating the chicken and allowing enough room for the broth to develop its rich flavors. Ensure your kitchen counter is clear to make space for the process of shredding the chicken and chopping the vibrant vegetables. A good quality chef’s knife will be your best ally in achieving the precise dice you need for the onion and celery, ensuring they cook evenly and infuse the soup with their subtle sweetness. Have a fine mesh strainer ready for an effortless broth transfer—a cleaner broth contributes significantly to the clarity and taste of your final dish. Finally, ensure all your ingredients, such as the fresh herbs, seasoning salt, and lemon, are measured and ready at arm’s reach. Taking these preparatory steps will keep your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Water (enough to cover the chicken)
- 1 small bunch fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 celery stalks with leaves, diced
- 1 cup pearl couscous
- ⅓ cup fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Seasoning salt (like garlic pepper or herbes de Provence)
- Optional: dukkah, oyster crackers, or saltines
- Optional: extra virgin olive oil, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Crafting the Rich Broth
Initiate your culinary journey by placing the chicken thighs along with a small bunch of fresh parsley in a sizable pot. Add just enough water to adequately submerge the chicken, enhancing the potential for deep flavor extraction. Season the water with a sprinkle of salt to begin building the soup’s foundational taste.
Step 2: Strain and Shred
After the broth has simmered for a couple of hours, remove the chicken and discard the wilted parsley. Strain the broth carefully, ensuring you have a clean liquid base. Once cooled, proceed to remove the skin and bones from the chicken and shred it gently. Return this tender meat to the broth, ready to continue the flavor development.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Introduce olive oil into the emptied pot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onions and celery for about five minutes, until they’re soft and fragrant. As you stir, add seasoning salt to enhance the vegetables, allowing them to release their essential flavors fully.
Step 4: Simmer and Combine
Add one cup of pearl couscous to the pot, allowing it to toast gently for two minutes, before incorporating the homemade chicken broth and shredded meat. Bring this concoction to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Patience here is key—let it simmer for an additional 15 minutes to ensure the couscous achieves tender perfection and absorbs the savory flavors.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Complete the soup by stirring in chopped fresh dill and a generous squeeze of lemon juice, followed by a final simmer. This blend of herbs and citrus provides a bright, fresh twist to the earthy broth. Serve your creation by ladling it into bowls, garnishing with dill, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a sprinkle of dukkah or a handful of oyster crackers.
Variations
- Protein: Substitute chicken thighs with turkey or lean beef cuts for a new twist on this classic soup.
- Vegetables: Enhance the vegetable medley by adding carrots or zucchini for increased depth and color.
- Spices: For a spicier note, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of smoked paprika.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure toasting the couscous is done swiftly yet thoroughly for best results in achieving its nuttiness.
- Adjust seasoning salt according to the saltiness of your broth to maintain a balanced taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp side salad for a contrasting texture and freshness.
- Serve with a warm loaf of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
Tips
- Prepare all ingredients before starting the soup to maintain a smooth cooking workflow.
- Letting the cooked soup rest for a few hours intensifies its flavors further, making leftovers even more delicious.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 25 grams
- Sodium: 600 milligrams
FAQs
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup freezes well. Cool the soup completely, transfer to airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini can be great substitutes for the pearl couscous if you’re looking for variety.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and replace the chicken with chickpeas for protein.
What if I don’t have fresh dill?
If fresh dill is unavailable, substitute with dried dill or fresh thyme for an equally delightful herbaceous note.
Conclusion
This Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup is more than just a dish; it’s a heartfelt experience encased in every warm, comforting bowl. With its embrace of flavors and nourishing components, it brings families and friends together around the table, transcending the ordinary meal time into a cherished ritual of culinary comfort. Share this recipe with loved ones or put your own twist on it using the suggested variations and serving ideas. Your kitchen will become a haven of delicious possibilities. We invite you to join the community of soup lovers by sharing your cooking stories and variations in the comments. Enjoy the warmth and nourishment this soup has to offer, and may it bring joy and contentment to your dining table.
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Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Infused with the savory essence of tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and perfectly toasted pearls of couscous, this soup is a cozy sanctuary for anyone seeking solace from the chill outside.
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Water (enough to cover the chicken)
- 1 small bunch fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 celery stalks with leaves, diced
- 1 cup pearl couscous
- ⅓ cup fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Seasoning salt (like garlic pepper or herbes de Provence)
- Optional: dukkah, oyster crackers, or saltines
- Optional: extra virgin olive oil, for garnish
Instructions
- Initiate your culinary journey by placing the chicken thighs along with a small bunch of fresh parsley in a sizable pot. Add just enough water to adequately submerge the chicken, enhancing the potential for deep flavor extraction. Season the water with a sprinkle of salt to begin building the soup’s foundational taste.
- After the broth has simmered for a couple of hours, remove the chicken and discard the wilted parsley. Strain the broth carefully, ensuring you have a clean liquid base. Once cooled, proceed to remove the skin and bones from the chicken and shred it gently. Return this tender meat to the broth, ready to continue the flavor development.
- Introduce olive oil into the emptied pot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onions and celery for about five minutes, until they’re soft and fragrant. As you stir, add seasoning salt to enhance the vegetables, allowing them to release their essential flavors fully.
- Add one cup of pearl couscous to the pot, allowing it to toast gently for two minutes, before incorporating the homemade chicken broth and shredded meat. Bring this concoction to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Patience here is key—let it simmer for an additional 15 minutes to ensure the couscous achieves tender perfection and absorbs the savory flavors.
- Complete the soup by stirring in chopped fresh dill and a generous squeeze of lemon juice, followed by a final simmer. This blend of herbs and citrus provides a bright, fresh twist to the earthy broth. Serve your creation by ladling it into bowls, garnishing with dill, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a sprinkle of dukkah or a handful of oyster crackers.
Notes
Letting the cooked soup rest for a few hours intensifies its flavors further, making leftovers even more delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 25 g