How to Perfect Your Classic Chicken Soup

Chicken soup, also known as "gook-soo" in Korean or "rijstervaring" in Dutch, is a popular remedy for colds and flu. It’s comforting, nutritious, and has been a traditional dish in many cultures around the world.

Cooking time: Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients You Will Need:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 onions, peeled and chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 leek, washed and thinly sliced (green parts only)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• Water or chicken broth (enough to cover the ingredients by a few inches)
• Lemon juice for garnish (optional)

Steps to Follow:

1. Cooking the Chicken: Start by boiling your chicken breasts. Place them in a large pot and add enough water or broth to cover. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce the temperature to low and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes until the chicken is tender.
2. Sautéing Vegetables: While your chicken is cooking, take a separate pan and sauté onions, carrots, celery, and leeks in olive oil or butter. Stir frequently over medium heat until they are translucent but not browned, which should take about 10 minutes.
3. Mashing Garlic and Bay Leaves: After the vegetables have been sautéed, add minced garlic and bay leaves to the pot. These flavors will infuse into the broth as it cooks, adding depth and aroma without overpowering the soup’s natural taste.
4. Combining Ingredients: Once your chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot. Shred or chop the meat and return it along with the vegetables to the pot. Add enough water or chicken broth to cover all ingredients by a few inches.
5. Simmering: Bring everything back up to a simmer and let it cook for another 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together perfectly. Taste your soup every now and then and season with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Garnishing: Serve hot and garnished with lemon juice if desired. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor profile, giving you a refreshing finish that complements the rich broth beautifully.

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Soup:

• Select Quality Ingredients: Always opt for fresh ingredients when preparing this dish. The quality of your chicken, vegetables, and broth will directly impact how delicious your final product turns out to be.
• Don't Overcook the Vegetables: While it's important to ensure that all components are well-cooked, overcooking can lead to loss of nutrients and texture changes that aren’t desirable. Keep an eye on your vegetables while they’re cooking; once they're tender but still retain their vibrant color, they're ready.
• Bone Broth for Extra Flavor: If you want to elevate the taste even more, use homemade chicken bone broth instead of store-bought or plain water. It can be made by boiling chicken bones with vegetables and herbs over a long period of time, resulting in a concentrated flavor that will make your soup truly special.
• Fresh vs Dried Herbs: For the best results, use fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or cilantro. They add freshness and complexity to any dish without overpowering it.

Cooking a hearty chicken soup can be both satisfying and therapeutic. By following these steps carefully, you'll ensure that your bowl of goodness is packed full of flavor and nutrients. Enjoy the warmth and comfort this classic dish brings, especially during colder months or when you're feeling under the weather.