Homemade Chicken Soup
Those smells of childhood ❤️ The Christmas tree smells wonderful, reminiscent of the hidden gifts we discovered in the closet. I can still smell my mother's perfume lingering in my hair, as if she is there behind me, watching over me. The scent of coal from the boiler room drifts through the corridors. The cleaner carries a full tray of freshly brewed coffee to the teachers' lounge. Red musk wafts in from the window. The bell rings, marking the end of classes. My grandma's clothes. Bus 24 passes through the street, leaving behind a cloud of smoke that races toward the sky. It starts snowing. Wet dust from the street mixes with the scent of cats from the basement. Jasmine in my garden, early morning raindrops outside. Fresh bread from the bakery on my street. Warm, peaceful moments in the house. Gibanica and tomato soup. Black and white TV, watching "Survival". We are all at home, and everything seems peaceful. My father goes to the market to pick up a Christmas tree... And Sunday homemade chicken soup.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium chicken thighs (2 skinless & boneless, 1 with skin preferred)
- 4 cups water
- 1 medium onion, cut into quarters
- 2 large carrots, peeled (1 whole, 1 diced)
- 1 medium potato, diced
- 1/2 cup (100 g) egg noodles (or any pasta)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp (17 g) Vegeta Seasoning (to taste)
- Fresh or dried parsley for garnish
- 2 celery stalks, cut in half horizontally
Instructions:
1. Fill a large pot with 4 cups of water. Add the onion, 1 whole carrot, and both celery stalks.
2. Cook on high heat until the liquid starts to boil, then reduce to low and cook for around 40 minutes, covered, until the meat is very tender and can be pulled apart with a fork.
3. Remove from heat. Using a sieve, strain the chicken stock into a heatproof bowl with a spout. Remove meat from the sieve and place it in a small bowl, set aside.
4. Return strained liquid into pot and turn the heat to medium. Add diced carrot and potato.
5. Using 2 forks, shred the chicken pieces and discard any chicken skin/bone if using bone-in thighs. Add the chicken to the pot.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add in the Vegeta seasoning. Once the soup comes to a boil, add in pasta.
7. Cook on medium heat until the pasta is cooked through. Taste and adjust for seasoning.
8. Garnish with parsley. Serve hot.
Sundays at home were always filled with warmth, love, and the comforting aroma of homemade chicken soup. It was a simple yet profound tradition that brought us all together, grounding us in the essence of family and home. Let this recipe fill your home with the same comforting scents and warm memories. Enjoy!