Chicken Soup From Scratch

My Go-To Comfort Food: Homemade Chicken Soup

As a busy working mom, time is always of the essence. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping the house running smoothly, finding time for elaborate cooking projects often feels impossible. However, there's one dish I always make time for: my homemade chicken soup. It's more than just a meal; it's a source of comfort, a taste of home, and a simple way to nourish my family with healthy, wholesome ingredients. This isn't your average, store-bought broth; this is a soup built from scratch, a testament to the power of simple ingredients and a little bit of patience. The reward? A rich, flavorful broth that's both satisfying and deeply comforting.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It's a recipe I've perfected over the years, tweaking and adjusting until it became a staple in our household. The process starts with a carefully chosen chicken – usually a whole one to maximize flavor – along with basic vegetables: carrots, celery, and onions. These humble ingredients, simmered for hours in water, herbs, and spices, create the foundation of the soup’s depth of flavor. The aroma alone is enough to fill the kitchen with warmth and invite everyone to the table. The key is patience; allowing the flavors to meld together slowly, creating a rich and satisfying broth.

Once the chicken is cooked through, I carefully shred the meat, discarding the bones and skin. The broth is then strained, removing any remaining solids, and I often chill it for a bit to easily skim off excess fat. This step is optional, but it makes for a lighter, less greasy soup – perfect for those watching their cholesterol. The next stage is assembling the actual soup. I usually reuse the cooked carrots and celery if they’re still in good condition, adding fresh carrots and celery along with fresh parsley for an extra burst of color and flavor. Finally, I add the shredded chicken and tiny alphabet pasta, letting them simmer until perfectly cooked. The final touch? A generous seasoning of salt and pepper, adjusted to taste. And just like that, a bowl of pure comfort is ready.

This chicken soup isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about the process. It’s about taking the time to create something nourishing and delicious from scratch, a process that’s both therapeutic and rewarding. The warmth of the soup, the comforting flavors, and the satisfaction of knowing exactly what went into its creation, it transcends the simple act of eating; it’s an experience, a connection to tradition, and a way to share love and care with those I cherish. Beyond the simple recipe, it’s the story behind it, the memories created around the table, that makes it so special. It's a recipe that’s passed down not just through generations, but through moments shared, and that's what makes this simple chicken soup so much more than just a meal.

Beyond the Bowl: The Story of a Simple Soup

This recipe isn't just a collection of ingredients and instructions; it's a journey. It's a journey from the bustling farmer's market, where I carefully select the freshest carrots, celery, and onions, to the quiet moments in my kitchen, where the scent of simmering herbs fills the air. It's about connecting with the seasons, using ingredients at their peak ripeness, and understanding the subtle nuances of flavor that each element brings to the table.

The act of creating this soup isn't merely about sustenance; it's an act of self-care. In our fast-paced world, it’s a rare opportunity to slow down, focus on the process, and connect with the simple pleasures of cooking. The rhythmic chopping of vegetables, the gentle simmering of the broth, and the satisfying clink of the spoon against the bowl are all meditative acts, soothing the soul and offering a moment of peace in the midst of a busy day. This simple act of cooking, of creating something nourishing and wholesome from scratch, is a powerful act of self-care in a world that constantly demands our attention.

And finally, this soup is a symbol of connection. It's a dish that brings people together, a shared meal that fosters conversation, laughter, and a sense of belonging. The aroma alone has the power to draw people in, inviting them to share in the warmth and comfort of a simple, homemade meal. It's a dish that transcends cultural boundaries, a universal language of love, care, and nourishment that unites us all around the table.

So, the next time you find yourself craving comfort, I invite you to try this recipe. Don't just follow the steps; feel the process. Embrace the simplicity, the warmth, and the joy of creating something truly special from scratch. It's more than just chicken soup; it's a taste of home, a moment of peace, and a connection to something deeper than ourselves.

Step-by-step

• In a large soup stock pot combine the first 9 ingredients.
• Bring to boil about Medium-High Heat, then once boiling turn to low and let it simmer for about 2 hours covered.
• (If you wish to have a more intense flavor, boil uncovered for an additional 30 minutes)
• Once good to go, take out the chicken. Remove the bones and cartilage, and shred the rest. Set this aside for later.
• Strain out the remainder of the food, so you're left with just the liquid. I usually place into a bowl, and into the freezer for about an hour, so I can skim off the fat, but this is only a matter of personal preference.
• Bring your stock up to boil on medium-high.
• Add your chicken and noodles. Let cook for 5 minutes.
• Taste stock, adding salt and pepper to your liking, add veggies.
• Bring back up to boil, then turn down to medium low. Cover and let sit for 30 minutes.
• Pour, slurp and enjoy!