Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe

Chicken soup is a timeless remedy that has been cherished for its nourishing properties and comforting effects. Often referred to as "the soup that heals," chicken soup can be enjoyed on cold winter days or any time you just need something warm and soothing. This recipe offers a straightforward yet flavorful option, perfect for those looking to prepare a hearty meal without too much fuss.

To make this delicious chicken soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 whole organic chicken (about 3 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 4 celery stalks, sliced into pieces
• 2 yellow onions, chopped finely
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon of dried thyme or 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves
• 6 cups of chicken broth
• 1 head of green cabbage, shredded (about 4 cups)
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper (optional for preference)
• Salt to taste
• Optional garnishes: fresh parsley or cilantro, sour cream or yogurt, and crusty bread slices

Cooking time: Approximately 2 hours

Servings: Serves 6-8 people

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Chicken: Begin by rinsing your chicken thoroughly under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help in browning the skin later.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add olive oil. Once heated, carefully place the chicken pieces into the pot and let them brown on all sides until golden. This step adds rich color and flavor to your soup.
3. Once the chicken is nicely browned, use tongs to remove it from the pot gently. Set aside. It's important not to overcrowd the pan; doing so might cause the chicken to steam rather than brown properly.
4. Now, add carrots, celery, onions, and garlic into the same pot where you cooked your chicken. Stir frequently for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly. Be mindful of keeping an even heat to avoid burning or scorching them.
5. Add thyme (or another preferred herb), chicken broth, salt, and pepper to taste in the pot containing the vegetables and chicken pieces. Bring everything up to a boil before reducing heat significantly to allow it simmer gently for about 1 hour until the chicken is tender and easily falls off the bone.
6. After an hour of slow cooking, use tongs or a slotted spoon to take out the chicken from the pot carefully, allowing its flavor to continue infusing into the broth while resting on a plate. Once done, shred the meat from bones using two forks and return it back to your soup.
7. Now add shredded cabbage into the pot along with any remaining juices from the chicken, ensuring all pieces are submerged in liquid for even cooking. Let this mixture simmer gently for another 20 minutes or until the cabbage has softened significantly.

Tips and Variations:

• For added nutrition, consider including other vegetables like leeks, potatoes, or parsnips.
• If you prefer a lighter version of this soup, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lower sodium alternative.
• Cooking the chicken beforehand in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes before adding it to your pot can also help speed up the preparation time since you don't need to wait for the meat to become fully tender on the stove top.

Serving Suggestions:

• Top each bowl of hot chicken soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, dollop some sour cream or yogurt if desired, and serve alongside slices of crusty bread for an extra treat.
• This homemade chicken soup pairs wonderfully well with grilled cheese sandwiches – another comforting classic dish.

Chicken soup not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides essential nutrients like protein, vitamins (such as A & C), minerals, and healthy fats. Its warm broth can help soothe a sore throat or simply lift your spirits on a gloomy day. Enjoy this wholesome dish whenever you want to treat yourself or someone else to something comforting.

Remember, while chicken soup is widely praised for its health benefits, it's important always to ensure that the ingredients used are fresh and safe to consume. Cooking techniques like boiling and simmering help in breaking down proteins making them more digestible too!