Chicken Noodle Soup
- Preparing Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Served Person: 0
- 2 chicken breasts(i used 3) $3.14
- 1/2 package carrots(chopped) $0.53
- 1/2 package celery(chopped) $0.68
- 1 medium yellow onion $0.86
- 12 oz egg yolk noodles $1.79
- 1 tsp ground thyme $0.03
- 1 tsp ground basil $0.03
- 2 bay leaves $0.14
- 2 tsp black pepper $0.01
- 2 tsp salt(to taste) $0.04
- 2 cloves garlic(minced) $0.04
- 8 cups water $0.00
- 1 tbsp olive oil $0.07
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (350g)
- Sodium 0 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
My Week of Chicken Noodle Soup: A Comfort Food Journey
This week has been all about comfort food, and nothing screams comfort quite like a big pot of homemade chicken noodle soup. I'm not a chef, just a busy mom who loves to cook, and this recipe is a testament to simple, satisfying meals. I've been making variations of chicken noodle soup for years, adapting it to whatever ingredients I have on hand, and this version became a family favorite— maybe a *little* too much of a favorite.
It all started with a simple craving for something warm and hearty. The aroma alone filled my kitchen with a cozy atmosphere, a stark contrast to the chilly weather outside. The process itself is incredibly therapeutic. The rhythmic chopping of vegetables, the gentle simmering of the broth, it's a meditation in itself. And the best part? The abundance of leftovers. I ended up with enough soup to last the entire week, with plenty to share with friends and family and still more to freeze for future meals. The initial cost was about $6.00, but the time saved from buying takeout or eating out certainly made it well worth it.
The Unexpected Abundance
Let me tell you, this recipe produces a LOT of soup. I used three chicken breasts instead of two, which I probably shouldn't have done. Even with all that chicken, I had enough soup to eat for dinner every day of the week. This became a true test of my willpower. My family loved it, of course, but even after sharing several large portions with neighbors and friends, there was still plenty left. I had to think creatively about how to use the rest. I ended up freezing numerous containers of soup, ready for quick meals in the coming weeks. The unexpected abundance was both a blessing and a challenge, but it was a testament to the recipe's deliciousness that no one seemed to grow tired of it throughout the week! The simple pleasure of knowing I had a delicious and healthy meal waiting for me in the freezer was so satisfying. It really takes the pressure off meal planning.
Beyond the Recipe: A Reflection on Comfort
More than just a delicious meal, this chicken noodle soup became a symbol of comfort and care this week. The act of making it, the sharing of it, and even the unexpected abundance of leftovers, all contributed to a sense of contentment and warmth. It reminded me of simpler times, of cozy evenings spent around the table with loved ones, enjoying a simple yet satisfying meal. In today's busy world, it’s easy to overlook the importance of simple pleasures, but this experience has renewed my appreciation for the comforting power of homemade food, the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch, and the joy of sharing it with others. And let’s not forget the undeniable satisfaction of having enough delicious soup to enjoy it throughout the week, with plenty left over to enjoy later or share with friends!
My Tip: Don't be afraid to experiment! I added a little extra thyme and basil this time, and it was delightful! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or seasonings to personalize your own version of this comforting classic. Perhaps next time I'll use slightly less chicken or add other vegetables or noodles to balance things out. I would also like to try a different kind of noodles. The possibilities are endless.
So, there you have it. My week-long chicken noodle soup adventure. It's proof that even the simplest recipes can bring unexpected joy and contentment. It’s more than just food; it’s a comforting experience, a reminder to slow down, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Step-by-step
- Cut up your carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
- Add some oil to a large pot on your stove top and heat on medium-high heat, then add your chopped veggies to the pot.
- Sauté the veggies until they turn translucent and a little brown.
- Add about 6 cups of water to your pot and then place your chicken breasts, seasonings, and bay leaves into the mix.
- Bring the heat down to a simmer, cover, and let simmer for 50 minutes.
- After 50 minutes, check that the chicken is fully cooked and then remove.
- Add your egg yolk noodles to the pot and also add up to 2 cups more of water and bring to a boil for about 8-10 minutes until noodles are tender.
- While the noodles are cooking, grab two forks and in a bowl shred your chicken.
- Add your shredded chicken back into the pot and now you're finished with a whole lot of leftovers for the rest of the week.
