“I need some chicken noodle soup”

My wife got a cold/flu (Does anyone know what those names really mean?) right after the holidays.  I knew it was time for a true Bravado chef to spring into action.  When someone doesn’t feel well, they really want some extra attention – cuddling, TLC, and something soothing to eat.  Spring into action I did because, as any guy knows, actions in such times will lead to rewards later.

When your friends, family or loved ones get sick, it’s your chance to step up and show them the Bravado way to get better and make a lasting impression with a classic dish.  Of course, you have already guessed what it is – chicken noodle soup.  This is the age-old remedy that everyone talks about, but very few make from scratch.  As a true Bravado chef, that’s the only way we do it – no canned stuff for us.

Here is a great recipe from my daughter Sarah, a Ph.D American literature specialist who claims this version comes from the Civil War era.  I have visions of soldiers making this soup over the battlefield campfires.

The key to this soup is that it has enough red pepper, black pepper and garlic to make the ailing person sweat.  It also is surprisingly soothing on the throat.  If you are willing to get your lazy self in motion, you can have this wonderful potion on the table in a little over one hour.

Another key to this dish is to use homemade chicken broth.  Homemade broth is not just Bravado, it is much better than anything you can get in the packages and cans.  Remember – always be wary of anything in a container that has printing on it.  If you don’t have any homemade broth, buy a low sodium product at the store.

Chicken Soup:  The answer lies in the stock: “Stock contains minerals in a form the body can absorb easily—not just calcium but also magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, sulphur and trace minerals.”** These minerals along with the gelatin found in stock help to boost the immune system, aid in digestion, and enhance the way our bodies use protein.

However, most store-bought, canned soups lack these infection-fighting properties and contain very little nutrition in comparison to soup made with homemade stock. The difference lies in the use of animal bones, which are the source of the vitamins and minerals. Most canned soups are not made with bones, but rather, are artificially flavored (often using MSG) and then nutritionally enhanced with vitamins. Not only has MSG been proven to be harmful to humans, the artificial nutrients are harder for our bodies to absorb. (http://corcoran-kitchenconversation.blogspot.com/2011/12/health-benefits-of-homemade-stock.html)

Bravado Degree of Difficulty:  4.5

Time Required:  About 1 hour

Servings:  12-15  (freeze what you don’t use)

Gear:  Large stockpot

Ingredients:

• Two skinless chicken breasts – cut into ½” cubes
• 2 tbsp. of olive oil
• 2 cups of onions – diced
• 5 cloves of garlic – minced or chopped fine
• 1 Jalapeño pepper – seeded and chopped fine (for a strong cold, try 2 Jalapeños)
• 3 cups carrots – coarsely diced or chunked
• 3 cups celery – coarsely diced or chunked
• 8 cups of homemade chicken broth (or store bought if you must)
• 1 bag of spinach – 8 oz.
• 8 oz. box of frozen sweet corn
• ½ lb. of egg noodles – and no more – too many noodles ruin it

Spices:

• ½ tsp. of black pepper
• ½ tsp. of salt
• 2 tsp. of crushed red peppers (feel free to add more)
• 2 tbsp. of fresh rosemary – chopped
• 2 tbsp. of oregano, parsley, dill or anything else that turns you on

Sarah’s Magic Chicken Soup – The Ingredients

Procedure:

1. Turn the heat to medium high and use an 8 qt. stockpot.  Add the olive oil and sauté the onions for about three minutes.
2. Add the garlic, salt, black pepper, crushed red peppers and the Jalapeño; mix well and cook for one minute.
3. Pat the chicken with paper towel until dry and add to the pot.  Brown the chicken for about four minutes, stirring continually.
   

   Browning and Sautéeing

4. Add the carrots and celery and cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften a little.
5. Add the chicken broth and herbs, stir well and bring to a boil; turn the heat down and simmer for 20 minutes, covered.
   

   Adding the frozen cubes of homemade broth

6. Add the egg noodles, spinach and corn and cook on a simmer for another 10 minutes, covered.
   

   The Noodles

7. Add water as needed if the noodles absorb too much liquid.
   

   The Final Product

You can serve the soup with some crusty bread or, my favorite, homemade corn bread.  This soup definitely increases body temperature and sweats out the toxins attacking the body – and you can prepare this great soup in only one hour.

Categories: Classic American Dishes, Classic Recipes by Type, Classic Soups

Tags: Classic Soups, Comfort Food