18 May 2025
Cook time 80 min
Prep time 30 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion
2 garlic cloves
1 tbsp ginger root
1 tbsp rosemary
3 lb whole chicken
1 stalk
2 red hot chili peppers
4 cups water
2 sweet potatos
1 cup peas
2 tsp soy sauce
Rosemary Stanton's Cold-Busting Chicken Soup is a flavorful and nutritious dish that's perfect for chilly days or when you're feeling under the weather. Packed with ingredients known for their immune-boosting properties like garlic, ginger, and rosemary, this soup provides warmth and comfort in every spoonful.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Finely chop the onion.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Grate the ginger root.
- Finely chop the fresh rosemary.
- Chop the celery stalk.
- Slice the red hot chili peppers.
- Peel and cube the sweet potatoes.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it starts to soften and become translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped rosemary. Cook for another 2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add Chicken:
- Place the whole chicken into the pot with the sautéed aromatics. Ensure the chicken fits comfortably in the pot.
4. Add Vegetables and Water:
- Add the chopped celery stalk, sliced red hot chili peppers, and 4 cups of water to the pot.
- Increase the heat to high to bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Simmer the Soup:
- Once the soup comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. Prepare Sweet Potatoes and Peas:
- After the chicken has cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the pot. Allow them to simmer for about 15 minutes, or until they are tender.
7. Shred the Chicken:
- While the sweet potatoes are cooking, shred the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard the skin and bones.
8. Combine Ingredients:
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Add the peas and 2 teaspoons of soy sauce.
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
9. Final Simmer:
- Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
10. Serve:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce or salt, if needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it hot.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, you can sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger in the olive oil until they're soft before adding the chicken and other ingredients.
- If you prefer, you can use chicken broth instead of water to add more depth to the soup.
- Consider removing the chicken from the soup once it's cooked, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. This makes for a more delicate texture.
- Adjust the level of spice by adding more or fewer chili peppers according to your taste preference.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for an extra burst of flavor and vitamin C.
- Feel free to add other veggies you like or have on hand, such as carrots, celery, or spinach, to make the soup even more nutritious.
Enjoy your homemade cold-busting chicken soup! This hearty dish not only warms the soul but also offers a range of health benefits. It's a perfect go-to recipe during the cold season or whenever you need a nutritious boost.