Chicken noodle soup with couscous elevates the classic chicken noodle soup to new heights. This comforting recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and the unique texture of couscous, creating a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. With fresh ingredients like onions, leeks, carrots, celery, ginger, lemongrass, garlic, turmeric, chicken stock, cooked chicken, raw chicken breasts, pearl couscous, noodles, lemon, and parsley, it brings both nutrition and deliciousness to the table.
What Is Couscous?
Couscous is a type of pasta made from semolina flour, a product of durum wheat. It originates from North Africa and is a staple in many cuisines.
Couscous comes in various sizes:
- Moroccan Couscous: The smallest type, which cooks very quickly.
- Israeli Couscous: Also known as pearl couscous, it is larger and has a chewy texture.
- Lebanese Couscous: Known as moghrabieh, this type is even larger and takes longer to cook.
Couscous is versatile. It can serve as a base for salads, soups, or main dishes. Many enjoy pairing it with vegetables, meat, or fish.
Nutritionally, couscous offers several benefits. It provides carbohydrates for energy and contains some protein. Whole grain varieties offer additional fiber and nutrients.
In culinary applications, couscous absorbs flavors well. It takes on the taste of spices and sauces, making it a great addition to various meals.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 chopped medium onion
- 1 sliced medium leeks
- 1 sliced medium carrots
- 2 chopped celery ribs
- 1 tbsp of minced ginger
- 1 tbsp of minced lemongrass (or paste)
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp of ground turmeric
- 4 cups of chicken stock
- 1/2 tsp of chicken seasoning (optional)
- 8 oz of cooked and shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup of pearl couscous
- 1/2 cup of thin noodles (any variety)
- 1/2 of a lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
How to make chicken noodle soup with couscous?
- Begin by heating a tablespoon of stock in a large pot over medium heat. Once the stock sizzles, add a medley of aromatic vegetables: onions, leeks, carrots, and celery. Sauté these until they soften, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Infuse the mixture with a burst of flavor by adding ginger, lemongrass, and garlic. Heat these fragrant ingredients until they release their aromatic essence.
- Introduce a touch of warmth and complexity with turmeric, stirring it evenly throughout the mixture. Then, pour in the stock, chicken, noodles, and couscous, and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow the flavors to meld and the ingredients to cook through for about 15 minutes.
- Add a zesty note by squeezing half a lemon into the soup. This brightens the taste and cuts through any richness.
- For a truly personalized experience, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference.
- To complete the dish, garnish with fresh parsley, adding a pop of color and a touch of herbaceousness.
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh Herbs: Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or thyme adds flavor. Just sprinkle them on top before serving.
- Bread Pairing: Serve the soup with crusty bread or dinner rolls. They complement the soup well, perfect for dipping.
- Salad Side: A light salad can balance the meal. Try a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing to counter the richness of the soup.
- Cheese Topping: Grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of feta cheese will elevate the soup’s taste. Add it just before serving for a delightful finish.
- Spice it Up: For a touch of heat, offer chili flakes or hot sauce on the side. Guests can customize their soup to their liking.
- Alternative Proteins: Consider adding shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chickpeas to boost protein. This makes the soup heartier and more filling.
- Serving Temperature: Serve the soup hot in deep bowls. This keeps it warm and inviting for everyone at the table.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration:
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Label the container with the date for easy reference.
Freezing:
- For longer storage, freeze soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
When reheating, ensure the soup reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Reheating Methods:
| Method | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Stovetop | Heat on medium heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently. |
| Microwave | Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in intervals. Stir in between. |
Adding a splash of broth or water during reheating can help maintain the soup’s texture.
After reheating, stir it to distribute the temperature and flavors evenly. Enjoy your delicious soup!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the couscous: Couscous cooks quickly. Leaving it in boiling broth for too long can result in a mushy texture. Add it just before serving to retain its shape.
- Skipping seasoning: Chicken noodle soup needs flavor. Relying solely on the chicken for taste may not be sufficient. Season the broth with herbs, salt, and pepper throughout the cooking process.
- Using low-quality chicken: The quality of chicken impacts the soup’s flavor. Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken or homemade stock to enhance the overall taste.
- Ignoring vegetable prep: Cutting vegetables too large can lead to uneven cooking. Chop carrots, celery, and onions into uniform pieces for consistent texture.
- Not adding enough liquid: Couscous absorbs liquid, which may make the soup too thick. Ensure you use enough broth to balance the ingredients.
- Disregarding cooking times: Each ingredient has its cooking time. Adding everything at once can result in overcooked or undercooked items. Follow a proper order for adding ingredients.
Conclusion
Chicken noodle soup with couscous offers a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. The incorporation of couscous adds texture and a nutty flavor, making the dish more satisfying.
Nutritionally, this soup can be a well-rounded meal. It combines protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, providing sustenance and flavor.
Preparing this dish is simple. It requires minimal ingredients and time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Just a bit of prep and cooking time results in a warm and hearty meal.
Whether enjoyed alone or with a side of crusty bread, chicken noodle soup with couscous warms the soul. It brings comfort and nourishment, perfect for any occasion.
Before you go, did you know that the perfect pairing for this comforting soup is crusty Lebanese kaak bread?
Get its recipe now (by clicking the image below):
