Homemade Chicken Soup: A Classic Comfort Food Recipe

Chicken soup is one of those dishes that can bring comfort to the soul and provide nutrients during illness or just for a cozy day at home. This recipe is perfect for those who love simplicity but want a rich, nourishing dish. It's also great for children, as it's easy to digest and full of vitamins.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 medium onions, peeled and sliced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 quarts of water or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
• Parsley for garnish
• Lemon slices for garnish

Cooking Time: 5 hoursServings: 6 people

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Sautéing the Vegetables:

Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add olive oil and allow it to warm up. Once the oil is hot, add the carrots, celery, and onions. Sauté these ingredients until they are soft but not browned. This process usually takes around 5 minutes.

Adding Chicken:

Add the whole chicken to the pot after sautéing the vegetables. Brown it on all sides by stirring occasionally. Continue cooking for about another 10 minutes. During this time, you can also add garlic for added flavor.

Simmering and Flavor Enhancement:

Once your vegetables are soft and the chicken is well-browned, pour in water or chicken broth until it just covers the ingredients. Let everything simmer gently on low heat for about 4 hours. This ensures all flavors meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Finishing Touches:

Add salt and pepper if desired towards the end of your cooking time. Turn off the heat once done. Allow it to rest covered for at least half an hour before serving. During this resting period, the flavors will deepen and the chicken becomes easier to shred into strips.

Enjoy Your Chicken Soup:

Serve hot with a garnish of parsley and lemon slices if you wish. This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the pot; however, it can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days in your refrigerator.

Additional Tips:

• You may opt to remove the chicken from its bone before adding it back into the soup. Remove any meaty parts like drumsticks or thighs and add them later as these take longer to cook.
• For an extra boost of nutrients, consider adding other vegetables such as potatoes, green beans, or spinach during the last hour of cooking time.

In conclusion, homemade chicken soup is more than just a meal; it's a tradition that has been cherished for generations. Its simplicity makes it accessible to everyone while its rich taste and health benefits make it a must-have in every household’s recipe collection. Whether you're recovering from illness or looking for something comforting on a cold day, this dish will not disappoint.