Are you craving a warm, comforting bowl of goodness that will soothe your soul and nourish your body? Look no further than this classic Jewish Penicillin Chicken Soup recipe! Known for its healing properties and incredibly delicious flavor, this soup is a staple in many households and for good reason. It's the perfect easy recipe for a cozy night in, a quick dinner idea when you're short on time, or a healthy meal the whole family will love. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this simple yet incredibly rewarding recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), or 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 12 cups water
- 2 large carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (or other small pasta)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Broth
- Place the chicken and water in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through. Skimming off any foam that rises to the surface during the simmering process will result in a clearer broth.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken meat, discarding the skin and bones.
Step 2: Adding Vegetables and Seasonings
- Add the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and infuse their flavors into the broth.
- Stir in the salt, pepper, dill, parsley, and bay leaf.
Step 3: Incorporating Pasta and Chicken
- Add the ditalini pasta to the soup and cook according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until tender.
- Stir in the shredded chicken.
Step 4: Serving and Enjoying
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best Jewish Penicillin Chicken Soup:
- For a richer flavor, roast the chicken before adding it to the pot.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or leeks.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked carrots and celery before adding the pasta.
- This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Variations:
- Matzah Ball Magic: Add homemade or store-bought matzah balls during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
- Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright citrusy note.
- Spicy Kick: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Hearty Vegetables: Increase the vegetable quantity for a more substantial meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your chicken and the specific ingredients used, but a typical serving provides a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients.
This delicious and healthy Jewish Penicillin Chicken Soup is a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients. It's a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor and comfort. Enjoy this best recipe and experience the magic for yourself!