What’s the Deal with Chicken Soup?
And why does it always make me (and probably most people) feel better when I’m sick?
Maybe it’s a psychological thing – memories as a child of being sick and being given some form of chicken soup. I remember my Lola (grandma) would throw down some of that Mrs. Grass stuff w/the Golden Egg.
Mrs. Grass with the Golden Egg
Maybe it’s the celery. That’s what I vaguely remember overhearing on some kind of “Dr. Phil” show years ago.
Whatever the reason, chicken soup is comforting/soothing/etc.
So, I made Matzo Ball Soup. I had considered going to Argyle and grabbing a bowl of Special Mami (something my Mom always got when I was sick). It’s got some kind of chicken-beef broth, wontons, noodles, beef and cabbage. It’s so good. If you live in Chicago – I get it at Hon Kee (1064 W Argyle St).
I knew I had a bunch of Green Acres Farm CSA stuffs at home that I needed to use. I bought a whole chicken and some Matzo Ball mix (that was on SALE! BAZINGA!). So, here you go: Easy, Breezy Chicken Soup
Easy, Breezy Chicken Soup
1 whole chicken, rinsed
celery, sliced
carrots, obliqued
onions, sliced
garlic, smushed with the side of a knife
Matzo Ball Soup & Mix
1. Take the chicken and put it whole into a stock pot. Cover with cold water until 4in over the bird. Medium heat and skim when necessary.
2. When you are done skimming, take the “soup” packet from the box and pop it into your stock pot. I think it’s just chicken bouillon. You don’t need to do this. You can add whatever seasonings you want. I just do this because it reminds me of my Lola.
3. Add your veggies. There are no amounts to the veggies bc it really depends on how you want your soup. Today, I had some really awesome celery…so, I added more celery than I would normally. ALWAYS add a good amount of onions. At least 1.5 medium sized.
Green Acres Farm Celery and Carrots
4. Let this cook until the veggies are done. While you are waiting, follow the directions on the box to make the Matzo dough. When they are formed, pop them into the soup and wait until they are cooked. Then, BOOM. You’ve got Chicken Soup. Note: The chicken is still whole underneath all that goodness. You can pick it off the bone and put the meat back, or leave it alone and just go at it with tongs.
I accidentally mushed up one of the Matzo Balls. Oops.
