Mom’s Chicken Soup

Food

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Mom’s Chicken Noodle Soup

Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken (6-7lbs)

1 onion, peeled and quartered

3 large carrots

1 bunch of celery

2 leeks, white parts only, halved lengthwise

1 bunch Italian parsley

2 lemons

1 Tbsp whole peppercorns

1 parmesan rind

1 12oz package of egg noodles, or any noodle/pasta shape you prefer

Kosher salt

A few notes on making this:

• Leeks, celery, and parsley can all be extremely sandy—make sure to halve leeks lengthwise and wash/check thoroughly for dirt/sand
• If you don’t have a parm rind, its ok, but I save mine especially to add to broth because  it imparts a wonderful salty-savory flavor.
• Don’t skip boiling your noodles separately—if they cook in the soup, they will become too soft, and make your soup too starchy. 

Directions:

• In a large stock pot (7.25qt or larger—I love my le Creuset dutch oven for this) place chicken and giblets if included—make sure to remove all plastic! 
• Wash and cut the vegetables into chunks and tuck in around the chicken. Peel the lemons and place the peels only into the pot with the chicken and veg—you can save the actual lemons for something else. Add the peppercorns and parmesan rind in and fill the pot with enough cold water to cover everything by about 1/2 to 1 inch. 
• Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Skim off any scum that bubbles up to the top, and add 1 tablespoon of salt after the soup has been simmering for 30 minutes.
• Continue to simmer on low heat for 2-4 hours. 
• After at least 2 hours, remove the chicken to a bowl and let cool. While the chicken cools, remove all the vegetables, lemon peel, etc with a strainer and discard. 
• Taste for seasoning and add salt if needed, and continue to simmer broth on low heat.
• When cool enough to handle, place chicken on a cutting board and remove the meat from the bones. Shred or cut into bite size pieces and add back to broth along with any accumulated juices. 
• Discard bones, skin, and giblets. 
• In the meantime, bring a separate pot of water to boil and add noodles. Cook according to just a minute before the time noted on package. Strain and add to the soup. 
• Check for seasoning and serve immediately with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!