Combat Flu With Flavour: Hearty Chicken Soup

Recipe

1. Put the chicken, carrots, onion, and bay leaf (if using) in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 20 minutes or until the chicken meat falls off the bone. Skim off the foam that forms on the top.

2. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool. Chop up the chicken and discard

the skin and bones.

3. Strain out the vegetables and keep the stock aside. Clean the pot and return the

stock to it. Cut up the vegetables into smaller pieces. Return the vegetables and

chopped chicken to the pot.

4. If using parsley, chop it finely and add it to the soup just before serving for an extra burst of freshness.

5. Bring to a boil and add salt, pepper, and chicken bouillon to taste.

6. Ladle the chicken soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy the nourishing goodness of this hearty chicken soup!

Tips For Making the Perfect Chicken Soup

While making chicken soup may look straightforward, the reality is far from it. So, here are some tips that can elevate your chicken soup from good to great.

Use High-Quality Ingredients

Get high-quality fresh chicken and vegetables for the best flavour. And, if possible, opt for organic ingredients. This can get you maximum nutrients and taste.

Don't Skip the Seasoning

Seasoning is the secret sauce to a flavorful chicken soup. Be generous with herbs and spices. Lastly, don't forget to adjust the salt and pepper to taste.

Cook Low and Slow

Allow the soup to simmer gently over low heat for an extended period. This cooking process helps extract maximum flavour from the ingredients and results in a richer broth.

Skim the Surface

As the soup simmers, foam and impurities may rise to its surface. Use a spoon or ladle to skim off these impurities at regular intervals to ensure a clear and clean broth.

Customise to Taste

Feel free to customise the soup to your preferences. Add extra vegetables like celery, potatoes, or leeks for added flavour and nutrition. You can also adjust the thickness of the soup. This can be done by adding more or less water according to your preference.

Add Fresh Herbs at the End

While dried herbs are great for flavouring the soup while it is cooking, adding fresh herbs at the end adds a pop of freshness and brightness to the dish. Consider adding chopped parsley, dill, or cilantro just before serving.

Let it Rest

Like many soups and stews, chicken soup often tastes even better the next day (we bet you won't disagree). Allow the flavours to fuse together by letting the soup rest in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.

Wrapping Up

There you have it — a delicious and nutritional hearty chicken soup recipe coupled with some invaluable tips to ensure your soup-making endeavours are always a success. Whether you're battling the flu or simply seeking some warm, nourishing comfort on a cold day, this age-old remedy has got you covered.

So, why not whip up a batch today and let its comforting embrace warm your soul and uplift your spirits? Let each spoonful remind you of the timeless goodness and healing power found in a simple bowl of homemade chicken soup. Cheers to good health and happy cooking!