Homemade Chicken Soup

Ingredients and Weight:

• Chicken: 1 whole (about 2-3 pounds)
• Water: 8 cups
• Carrots: 2 medium, sliced (about 1 cup)
• Celery: 2 ribs, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• Onion: 1 large, chopped (about 1 cup)
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper: to taste
• Optional flavorings: bay leaves, thyme, basil

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 2 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot, add water and bring to a boil.
2. Add the whole chicken and let it boil for about 30 minutes on medium-high heat.
3. Remove the chicken and let it cool. Then shred the chicken meat into pieces and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Return to a boil and reduce heat to medium-low.
5. Simmer for about an hour, adding the shredded chicken meat and optional flavorings such as bay leaves, thyme, or basil.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to preference.
7. Serve hot with crusty bread or noodles.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)

• Calories: Approximately 250 calories per serving (depending on the amount of chicken and seasoning used)
• Protein: 25-30 grams
• Fat: 8-10 grams (mostly from chicken)
• Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams (from vegetables and chicken)
• Fiber: 2-3 grams (from vegetables)

Dish Characteristics:

• Comfort food: Homemade Chicken Soup is a comforting dish that provides warmth and flavor during colder weather or when feeling ill.
• Versatile: Can be customized with various vegetables, herbs, and flavorings to suit different tastes.
• Easy to make: The dish is easy to prepare in advance and can be served hot or reheated later.

User Comments:

• "This homemade chicken soup is so delicious! The flavors are rich and the texture is perfect."
• "I love how easy it is to make this dish in advance. It tastes even better when reheated."
• "Great dish for a cold winter day. The soup is comforting and the added vegetables provide a nice crunch."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh ingredients for best results. If possible, use organic chicken and vegetables for a healthier option.
• Adjust seasoning according to personal preference. Some people may prefer more salt or pepper.
• This dish can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat before serving.