Chicken Soup Recipe

Soup season is officially upon us! And what better way to warm up on a chilly day than with a comforting bowl of homemade chicken soup? This recipe is a classic for a reason, delivering rich flavor and nourishing goodness in every spoonful.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs), cut up, bone-in, skin-on

• 1 package chicken bones (optional, for extra flavor)

• 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks

• 1 large parsnip, peeled and cut into chunks

• 1 large onion, halved with papery skin on

• 1 large turnip, peeled and cut into chunks

• 4 stalks celery, cut into chunks

• Fresh parsley (about 15 sprigs)

• Fresh dill (about 15 sprigs)

• 1 tablespoon whole peppercorns

• Cheesecloth

• Salt (to taste, less if using kosher chicken)

Instructions:

1. Layer the Pot: Place the cut-up chicken at the bottom of a large stockpot. Add the carrots, parsnip, onion, turnip, and celery on top.

2. Create an Herb Bundle: Wrap the parsley, dill, and peppercorns in a piece of cheesecloth and tie it securely. Add this herb bundle to the pot.

3. Simmer to Perfection: Cover the ingredients with water. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 2-2.5 hours.

4. Enjoy Immediately (Optional): If you'd like to enjoy some soup right away, remove some chicken from the pot, take the meat off the bone, and place it in a bowl with broth and some vegetables.

5. Cool and Separate: Allow the remaining soup to cool completely. Once cooled, remove the vegetables, chicken, and broth into separate containers. Refrigerate overnight.

6. Skim and Shred: Skim the solidified fat from the top of the chilled broth. Remove the chicken from the bones and shred or chop it.

7. Store and Serve: Transfer the broth, chicken, and vegetables into containers for storage. These can be frozen for later use or enjoyed throughout the week. When reheating, add your favorite additions like rice, noodles, or matzo balls. (Note: These additions don't freeze well, so it's best to add them fresh when serving.)

Tips and Notes:

• Optional Chicken Bones: Adding a package of chicken bones will enhance the flavor of your broth.

• Onion Skin Trick: Leaving the papery skin on the onion halves adds a beautiful golden color to the broth.

• Cheesecloth for Herbs: Bundling the herbs in cheesecloth makes them easy to remove and prevents them from dispersing throughout the soup.

• Salt to Taste: Since chicken can vary in saltiness, especially if it's kosher, it's best to add salt to taste at the end.

• Freezing for Later: This soup freezes beautifully! Just be sure to store the broth, chicken, and vegetables separately.

• Serving Suggestions: Get creative with your toppings! Fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a dollop of sour cream can add extra brightness and flavor.

This classic chicken soup recipe is a true kitchen staple. It's simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for those cozy nights in. So, grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a bowl of homemade goodness that will warm you from the inside out. Happy soup season!