Step 3: Pour in the Broth
Add the broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. This allows the potatoes and carrots to soften while all the flavors start mingling.
Step 4: Season with Care
Drop in the bay leaf and thyme, then sprinkle in a little salt and pepper. Grandma never measured precisely — she believed in tasting as you go. Adjust the seasoning lightly now, and refine it later before serving.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Green Beans
After about 20 minutes of simmering, stir in the tomatoes and green beans. These brighten up the soup with color and freshness. If you’re using chicken, this is the time to add the shredded meat too. Let everything simmer for another 10–15 minutes.
Step 6: The Taste Test
Grandma’s rule: never serve without tasting. At this stage, take a spoonful, blow on it gently, and adjust the seasoning. Sometimes she’d add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, or a drizzle more olive oil for richness.
Step 7: Serve with Love
Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with warm bread on the side. My grandma always paired it with crusty bread for dipping — no fancy sides, just simple and perfect.
Why This Soup Is Special
What makes this recipe unforgettable isn’t just the ingredients. It’s the simplicity, the patience in letting it simmer, and the love poured into every step. Unlike store-bought soups or rushed recipes, this one feels alive — each spoonful carries a memory, a story, and a taste of tradition.
So the next time you’re craving comfort, skip the packaged stuff. Instead, take out a big pot, gather these humble ingredients, and let your kitchen fill with the same aroma that made my grandma’s version the best.
✨ Would you like me to also create a ready-to-print recipe card version of this (formatted simply so you could keep it in your kitchen), or do you prefer it kept as a storytelling article?
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