This seems to be my winter for getting sick. I have been fighting colds on and off since the beginning of winter. This last one really got me, forcing me to cancel classes, postpone previously made plans, and confine myself to the indoors (not something I enjoy).

All of this sickness had me craving hot homemade soup.

Chicken and Vegetable Soup

I’ve become addicted to making my own chicken broth. Anytime I buy a rotisserie chicken, I put all the scraps in a plastic bag in the freezer to use to make broth at a later date. When I do make broth, I can freeze half of it to use for the next time I decide to make soup (probably in a few days!). Homemade broth tastes so much better than store bought. There really is a world of difference. It is a great habit to get into if you’re moved to do so.

I luckily had some frozen broth so when I decided I needed to make chicken and vegetable soup, I only had to buy some chicken and a few vegetables. This soup comes together surprisingly quickly.  It fills your house with the wonderful aroma of herbs and warms your soul with down-home goodness. It was exactly what I needed to bring some comfort to my worn-down body. I’ll definitely be making another batch soon as this one disappeared a little too quickly.

Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup
Recipe Type: Main
Author: Kori Gouge
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4-6
A hearty chicken and vegetable soup to warm your body and soul.
Ingredients
  • 4 small-medium carrots, chopped into rounds
  • 3 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 small red potatoes, chopped into small chunks
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped into small chunks
  • 1 large handful of spinach, coarsely chopped
  • ½ yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, diced or minced
  • 1 ½ teaspoons rosemary
  • 1 ½ teaspoons thyme
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh oregano (or ½ Tablespoon dried)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ full chicken, chopped into small pieces
  • 4 cups chicken stock (homemade)
Instructions
  1. Heat oil over medium heat in large soup pot.
  2. Add garlic and onions.
  3. Cook for 3-5 minutes until translucent.
  4. Add potatoes, herbs, salt and pepper. Mix well.
  5. Add carrots, celery, and tomatoes.
  6. Mix everything together.
  7. Add chicken broth.
  8. If using uncooked chicken, add chicken.
  9. Bring mixture to a boil. If using cooked chicken, add chicken now.
  10. Reduce heat to low and allow soup to simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  11. Add the spinach and allow to cook an additional 5 minutes.
  12. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  13. Serve in individual bowls.


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