Author Notes
Especially on sick days, I know it’s easy to reach for the canned soup— I get it, it’s quick and flavorful. But this homemade soup is so tasty and fresh; you won’t believe the difference and your family will love you for this version. Honestly, I think it’s the cure for any ailment. —eat-drink-garden
Ingredients
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1
half chicken cut up and skin removed (or two chicken breast halves, bone-in, no skin)
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12 cups
water
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3
cloves garlic, whole
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1
onion, quartered
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2
stalks of celery (chopped in 3 pieces each)
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2
carrots (chopped in 3 pieces each)
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3
bay leaves
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1
bouquet of parsley or cilantro
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6
shiitake mushrooms
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4
green onions
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a handful of cilantro leaves
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Sambal Oelek chili paste
Directions
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Put the first 8 ingredients to a large stockpot, bring to a boil (high heat) and then reduce to simmer (medium-high heat).
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Simmer for 25-30 minutes, skimming from time to time and seasoning as needed.
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Chop chicken into large pieces and reserve.
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Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve and discard the cooked veggies and herbs.
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After straining the broth, return it to a boil on the stove.
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Add two packages of unflavored Raman noodles—you can get the flavored kind and just throw away the little seasoning packet.
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Hakubaku makes the best organic dried noodles, including ramen, I found them at Cost Plus World Market.
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Stir periodically while that cooks, it’ll take about three minutes.
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For your garnish, thinly slice six shitake mushrooms and four green onions, sliced thin on the bias and a few fresh cilantro leaves.
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When the Ramen is cooked, stir in the chicken, and then pour into bowls.
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Sprinkle the raw mushroom, onion and cilantro and stir in about 1/2 tsp. of Sambal Oelek chili paste to each bowl (the chili paste is spicy so use it at your own discretion).
I produce the Santa Barbara based blog Eat Drink Garden. The inspiration for every meal, for every cocktail, and for every blog entry is from my garden. I learned a few years ago that if you choose seasonal fruits and vegetables, you don't need to do too much to them in order to make them beautiful and delicious every time.
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