Who’s that motorcycle mama racing into my blog post? Show off. Just because she’s got a bigger bike than most guys. And a BMW at that.
Why, it’s my favorite sister-in-law. And let me tell you, not only can Mary Ellen ride with the best of ’em, she can cook with them too. Her chicken soup recipe is the best I’ve ever tasted. And I’m going to share it with you. Shhh…. Don’t tell MEB.
You’re going to need:
- 4-5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5-6 large cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 lb. carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4-5 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 quarts chicken broth
- 1 quart vegetable broth (or use 3 chicken)
- 2-3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1-2 dashes red pepper flakes (more if you’re battling a cold)
- l large bay leaf (optional)
- 3-4 cubes (or equivalent) chicken bouillon
- 1 package Kluski or Bohemian noodles
Brown the diced chicken in a large pot with olive oil, garlic, and onion. (Looks kind of anemic, doesn’t it? Don’t worry, by the time we’re done, this chicken will be the belle of the ball.)
Add the broths, seasonings, bouillon, and…. Uh-oh, I think I need a bigger pot.
Much better. Now I have room for the veggies.
Stir to mix. Simmer 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
This is a good time to check your seasonings. Mary Ellen’s recipe doesn’t call for any salt, but some people might need a dash or two. Sample and adjust to taste. And don’t be afraid of those red pepper flakes. You won’t even notice a dash or two. However, if your nose is stopped up, a few more dashes is just what the doctor ordered.
WE INTERRUPT THIS BLOG POST FOR A NOODLE MOMENT – According to Mary Ellen, egg noodles aren’t the best option for this recipe. Seems they get a little mushy. She recommends Kluski noodles. Says they have a better consistency and won’t go to mush.
In case you’re wondering, like I was, Kluski is a style of noodle, not a brand.
Here’s one brand, but there are many others.
Add noodles to the simmering soup about 20-30 minutes before serving, and continue to simmer.
This chicken soup is so flavorful and low in fat. And aren’t we all looking to cut out the fat? Yes, it makes a lot, plenty to feed a large family. Or delve out to your friends. Talk about spreading the love.
Goodness in a bowl, made by YOU.
What do you turn to when the weather outside is frightful and the flu is dreadfully spiteful?