Soup-e Makarooneh (سوپ ماکارونی) — Persian Chicken & Macaroni Soup

• 350 gChicken breast, boneless skinless (cut into 1.5 cm cubes)
• 7 gSea salt (plus more to taste)
• 1 tspBlack pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 tbspOlive oil (or neutral oil)
• 150 gYellow onion (finely diced)
• 120 gCelery (diced (about 2 large stalks))
• 140 gCarrot (diced (about 2 medium carrots))
• 10 gGarlic (minced (about 2 cloves))
• 20 gTomato paste (for gentle color and depth (optional but common))
• 1500 mlChicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 500 mlWater (adjust for desired brothiness)
• 120 gShort macaroni (small elbows or broken spaghetti; uncooked)
• 1 tbspLemon juice (to brighten at the end)
• 10 gFresh parsley (finely chopped)

Instructions

1. 1

   Season the cubed chicken breast with 4 g of the sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a 4–6 liter pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 6–8 minutes until translucent and lightly golden, stirring often to prevent browning.

2. 2

   Add celery and carrot, then cook 5 minutes over medium heat until slightly softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add tomato paste (if using) and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly, to remove any raw taste and deepen the soup’s color.

3. 3

   Add the seasoned chicken and stir to coat. Cook 3–4 minutes, just until the outside turns opaque; do not fully brown. Pour in the chicken broth and water. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer (small bubbles) for 15 minutes, partially covered.

4. 4

   Skim any foam from the surface, then add the remaining 3 g sea salt and the remaining 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir in the macaroni and keep the pot at a steady simmer. Cook 8–10 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes so pasta does not stick, until al dente.

5. 5

   Lower heat and simmer 3–5 minutes more, until the chicken is tender and the broth tastes integrated. Turn off the heat and stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley. Rest 5 minutes before serving so the pasta finishes hydrating; adjust with hot water if it thickens.