Mediterranean Chicken Soup with Tortellini

Servings:
12

This stock, and the one for the fish soup that follows, can be made several weeks in advance and frozen. To use, thaw, and bring just to a boil; proceed to step three.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

  • Salt for boiling, plus more to taste

  • pound fresh meat-filled tortellini

  • 1 bunch chives

For the Stock:

  • 3 pounds chicken back, necks, and wings

  • 5 sprigs fresh tarragon

  • 10 sprigs flat-leaf parsley

  • 2 carrots, scrubbed and cut into 3-inch lengths

  • 2 celery stalks, cut into 3-inch lengths

  • 1 small onion, quartered

  • 2 cloves garlic

  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika

  • 6 canned plum tomatoes

  • ¼ teaspoon saffron

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • ½ teaspoon coriander seeds

  • ½ teaspoon fennel seeds

  • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds

  • 1 orange peel

Directions

  1. Remove excess fat from chicken parts, and rinse; transfer to a large stockpot. Add all remaining ingredients, except salt, tortellini, and chives. Add 4 quarts water, and bring to a boil. Skim scum from stock as it rises.

  2. Reduce heat to medium. Simmer 2 hours; skim scum as it rises. Pass through fine strainer; discard solids. Skim fat; season with salt.

  3. Bring large pot of salted water to a boil. Add tortellini; cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Pour soup into 12 very small serving vessels, such as sake cups. Place a tortellini in each; garnish with 2 chive sprigs. Serve immediately, and refill as needed.

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