Chicken Noodle Soup
For many, chicken noodle soup evokes memories of childhood. The wafting aroma of simmering chicken and vegetables with egg noodles swimming in a golden broth is comforting and soothing. This classic dish has been prepared for generations, passed down through families as a cure-all for the common cold.
To make chicken noodle soup, start with a whole chicken. Place it in a large pot and cover with water. Add a halved onion, a few carrots, celery stalks, and a bay leaf. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Remove the chicken and set aside to cool. Strain and reserve the broth.
Once cooled, remove the meat from the bones and shred or dice it. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot with the broth. You can also add back in diced carrots, celery, and onion if desired. Bring to a gentle simmer.
In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and add to the simmering broth along with the cooked chicken and vegetables.
You can customize the soup by adding corn, peas, barley or your favorite veggies. For extra heartiness, drop dumplings into the simmering broth. The dumplings will puff up and float to the top, adding a layer of comfort to this soothing dish.
Season the soup generously with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley, scallions or croutons. This homemade chicken noodle soup is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of tender chicken, broth and noodles is nourishing for the body and soul.
With its warmth and simplicity, chicken noodle soup is a traditional recipe that spans generations. share with loved ones for an easy, comforting meal.