Nothing warms the soul and heals the body better than a bowl of steaming, homemade chicken soup. This simple, heart-warming classic is not only a favourite comfort food, but also a pro cure for illness. Let’s dive into the recipe for the perfect chicken soup, along with some tasty variations that put a new spin on this timeless classic.
The basic recipe for chicken soup
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks of celery, sliced
- 1 onion, coarsely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 2 litres of water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme and rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- Place the chicken pieces, carrots, celery, onion, garlic and water in a large soup pan. Bring to the boil.
- Once it boils, turn down the heat to low and simmer the soup gently until the chicken is cooked and the meat detaches easily from the bones (about 1.5 to 2 hours).
- Remove the chicken from the pan and let it cool slightly. Pick the meat off the bones and cut into bite-sized pieces. Discard the bones.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper. Add fresh herbs if desired.
- Add the chicken back to the soup and let it heat up for a few more minutes before serving.
Variations on classic chicken soup
- Lemon chicken soup: add the juice of a lemon to the soup just before serving for a refreshing twist that awakens the taste buds.
- Curry chicken soup: add a tablespoon of curry powder to the soup base for an exotic twist. Garnish with fresh coriander for extra flavour.
- Ginger chicken soup: add a few slices of fresh ginger to the soup as it simmers for a warming and invigorating flavour. Perfect for when you have a cold!
- Tomato chicken soup: add a can of diced tomatoes to the soup base for a rich, savoury twist. Add fresh basil for a touch of Italian flair.
Whether you opt for the traditional recipe or one of its variations, making your own chicken soup is always the best idea. Especially when you have a loved one who is not feeling well. With its soothing heat and nourishing ingredients, it is a true balm for the body and mind. So the next time you are in need of comfort or someone close to you needs some extra care, consider making your own bowl of steaming chicken soup. You can even add delicious meatballs!