Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Beth's Special Vegetable Chicken Noodle Soup

Years ago, before the internet was the everyday "go to", I searched and searched for a good chicken noodle soup recipe. You know...the kind of chicken noodle soup that's going to make you feel better when you're sick.

I just couldn't find a good one that I loved,
SO
I made up my own by combining what I felt were the "best bits" of a couple different ones.
SO
this is my own, original recipe!!!
We make huge pots of this every time there's a string of sickness,
and we deliver it to all the sickies. :-)
Chatelaine and I hope you and your family enjoy it as much as our family does!1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast
olive oil
4 large carrots, sliced
1 large onion, diced
4 celery stalks, sliced
2-3 small zucchini, sliced
1 large shallot, finely chopped
salt, pepper & basil to taste
chicken broth *
3/4 cup dry, white wine
2-3 oz. (dry) orzo pasta **
1 - 1 1/2 cups (packed) fresh, baby spinach (optional)

* we prefer to use the 32 oz. packages of chicken broth,
(you'll need 3 for this recipe).
Of course, if you are fortunate enough to be handy at making your own,
and have some on hand, by all means, use THAT!
** you can use ANY miniature pasta, really.
Our pictures show some of the different ones we've used in this soup Start by poaching the chicken.

In a medium sauce pan, pour 1-32oz. pkg of the chicken broth (or use 4 cups of your own). Bring to a boil. Add the chicken breasts. Simmer for 6-8 minutes, then TURN OFF the heat and let chicken poach in broth for about 15 minutes.

Remove the chicken from the poaching broth (reserve broth). Let the chicken rest/cool on a plate for shredding later.

While the chicken is poaching, start slicing your vegetables! Then, in a large soup pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, and saute until they start to soften. Add carrots, celery, zucchini, shallot & seasonings (to taste). Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are nice and soft. Add the broth used to poach the chicken, remaining 2 packages of chicken broth (or 8 cups more of your own), wine and pasta.

Increase the heat to high. Bring to a boil, boiling according to directions on package for the pasta, stirring occassionally. (the boiling not only cooks the pasta, but cooks out the alcohol and concentrates the flavor of the wine....yummy!)
While the pot is boiling, shred your cooled chicken breasts.
Reduce heat and simmer for at least 20 minutes.
Add the shredded chicken, and if you've chose to use the baby spinach, add it now also.
Serve immediately or keep on low heat. I've also transferred it to a crock pot and kept it on the warm setting until ready to serve.
We served ours with garlic toast.
Yummy! Yummy!

10 comments:

  1. Honestly, this is the BEST chicken soup EVER!!! I just wish she had made more. I get jealous looks whenever I bring it into work. IT IS SOOOO GOOD!!!!

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  2. This is the best blog I have seen in a very long time. It made me hungry!

    What's great is the quality time spent together doing something you both love.

    The results look so yummy.

    Thanks for sharing.

    Sandi

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  3. i love that you cook the veggies seperate, then add the broth! yum yum!
    Tanya

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  4. Awww...thank you Honey! I'm glad you like it! I'll make another pot soon!

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  5. I'm glad you enjoyed it Sandi! You'll have to get the girls to start cooking for their grandma!!

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  6. Wowza, this loooooooks delish. Wish you lived closer so you could make me a big ol' pot. Bravo and I love how you got your daughter into the kitchen, BRAVO!

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  7. Bryans so lucky!! Austin is always complaining I don't baby him when he is sick. Haha.. Looks good!

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  8. The soup is going to be a favorite at the Garrett home and your blog page is really nice. Good job on both!!

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  9. Your soup was delicious girls! We enjoyed it so much! Thanks for the recipe!
    Next time it's your turn to be treated... :)

    Thanks again!
    Love, The Jopling's

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  10. Beth, this soup looks so delicous...I want to make all of the things in your last several posts. But this one for sure. I am a HUGE soup fan and chicken soup is my favorite.

    P.S. Your music cracks me up! I just love you!!!

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