For the broth: 1 whole chicken 1 bay leaf 1 tsp. dried thyme 1 T salt 1 small onion, cut in quarters 3 cloves garlic, smashed 2 stalks celery, cut in large pieces 2 carrots, peeled and cut into large pieces 3 quarts water (or a combination of broth and water) For the soup: 1 medium onion, chopped 3 carrots, peeled and sliced 1 rib of celery, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp. dried thyme 1/4 tsp. curry powder (optional) or to taste pinch of cayenne pepper fresh ground pepper to taste salt, if needed 12 oz. pkg. egg noodles 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley In a large pot, a dutch oven, place the chicken, bay leaf, salt and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil. Skim off any scum that forms, then add the remaining ingredients for the broth. Turn down to a simmer, cover and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until chicken is falling apart, adding more water if needed. Strain and reserve the broth. Discard the bay leaf and vegetables and put the chicken aside to cool. At this point, if you like you can refrigerate the broth and remove the fat that hardens on the top and then continue with the recipe. |
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Return the broth to the pan, add the ingredients for the soup, except for the noodles and parsley and continue cooking uncovered until the vegetables are tender. Meanwhile, remove the skin and bones from the chicken and cut into bite size pieces. Set aside. When the vegetables are tender, taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary (chicken soup needs quite a bit of salt), add additional water or broth if needed, then add the noodles and the chicken. Cook until the noodles are done, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the parsley. |
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They say the thing that makes Chicken Soup so good for you when you’re sick is not just the comforting feeling you get when eating it, but the garlic, cayenne and the curry are actually medicinal. They are ancient treatments for respiratory diseases. They work the same way as expectorant drugs and cough medicines, thinning mucus and making breathing easier. The more garlic and hot spices added to chicken soup the better the soup will be at clearing your lungs. |
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