There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade chicken soup to soothe the soul and cure the common cold. This classic dish has been passed down through generations, and for good reason - it's comforting, delicious, and easy to make. In this blog post, we'll share with you a step-by-step guide on how to make homemade chicken soup.
Ingredients:
- 1 Farm2Fork whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Start by rinsing the chicken under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. Cut off any excess fat or skin.
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In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are soft.
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Add the chicken to the pot and pour in enough water to cover the chicken. Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
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Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Use a slotted spoon to remove any remaining vegetables or herbs from the broth.
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Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
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Return the shredded chicken to the pot and bring the soup back to a simmer. Let it cook for another 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
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Serve the chicken soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs or croutons if desired.
Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Soup:
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Use quality ingredients: To make the best chicken soup, it's important to use high-quality ingredients. Choose a fresh, organic chicken if possible, and use fresh vegetables and herbs.
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Let the soup simmer: Simmering the soup for a longer period of time allows the flavours to develop and the chicken to become tender and juicy.
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Remove the chicken skin and bones: Removing the skin and bones from the chicken before shredding it ensures that the soup is not greasy or fatty.
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Add more vegetables: Adding additional vegetables, such as diced potatoes, corn, or green beans, can make the soup even more nutritious and flavourful.
Remember to use high-quality ingredients, let the soup simmer, and remove the chicken skin and bones for a healthier soup. Enjoy!