A sample from the Recipe Cookbook, A Chicken In Every Pot by Hardy, D
Introduction
There are few more comforting foods in the world than chicken soup. This superhero of home cooking has been passed down through generations in cultures all around the world, and it’s not surprising why. It’s full of flavour, versatile, simple and easy to make, nourishing, and good for your wallet too. Most of us know what it’s really famous for—it is considered worldwide as the best thing for you when you’re sick. Regarded as both a food and a medicine, it is used as a therapeutic food with the ability to warm you—not only to your bones—but to your very soul. It conjures up images of sitting wrapped up in a blanket with a big bowl of steaming aromas, every spoonful making you feel better and boosting your immune system. Most cultures tout its restorative healing benefits and use it as a natural cold and flu remedy. It’s known as “Jewish Penicillin” in the Jewish community, for example, and is said to be powerful enough to “resurrect the dead” in South America.
Many families have their own version of chicken soup. Dig a little deeper and you’ll discover the secret to Grandma’s chicken soup is not just love—it’s broth! Back in the day, the chicken bones were left to simmer for hours to pull the vitamins and minerals out from them. This nutrient-rich bone broth (also known as stock) was a diet staple and was used as the base for many recipes. With its amazing health benefits—packed full of protein, minerals, vitamins, collagen, and keratin—bone broth is nature’s “multi-vitamin” and its current popular nickname, “Liquid Gold” is well-earned. You will find more details on the benefits of bone broth and how to make it in Part I of this book.
“A soup like this is not the work of one man. It is the result of a constantly refined tradition. There are nearly a thousand years of history in this soup.”
Willa Cather, Pioneer Writer
The sheer variety of chicken soup recipes today has developed over centuries and has its roots in very basic ancient recipes. Archaeological evidence shows that people started using poultry to make soups soon after they discovered how to boil water. One of the oldest, most respected and affordable homemade foods (leftovers can be used—nothing has to go to waste with chicken soup), its health benefits were known from early on. In a second century BC Chinese medical text, for example, chicken soup is recommended with various therapeutic herbs added to cure specific diseases.
There is no doubt that it has played a vital role throughout the ages. Now, let’s get to the mouth-watering recipes in this book and discover how chicken soup can play a vital role in your life. This book explores the infinite possibilities and adaptability of chicken soup and includes recipes from all around the world; from Thailand to Paraguay, and Scotland to Japan. Walk the streets of any town in the world and you’ll find simple, but heavenly soups made with its own regional ingredients. Every country and culture has their own version of chicken soup. For the chicken soup-loving cook, or anyone who wants to nourish their soul and their loved ones’ souls, there is a delicious and warming recipe for everyone, and for all occasions. From Flu-Fighter Chicken Noodle Soup, to the rich and luxurious Buttermilk Chicken Dumpling Soup, to the easy Chicken Udon Soup. Other tempting and surprising recipes include the exotic and hearty Bori Bori Chicken Soup and the spicy Louisiana-Style Chicken Soup. This endless array of new and exciting recipes will expand your horizons.
What you can pull out of your bag in terms of chicken soup is about to leap from 1 to 101. These are not just recipes for cold wintery nights, we’ve also included creative, fresh and vibrant recipes; and recipes that provide a good spectrum of different levels of time and effort. When it comes to cooking during the week, most of us like to keep it simple, which is why chicken soup can be a good answer, providing a one-pot dish cooked in half an hour. Loved the world over for this reason, you can get everything you need in a chicken soup. It’s a satisfying meal in itself, a standalone ‘hero’ dish, or it can be a lighter starter. Many of the recipes in this book use simple, easy-to-find ingredients, but the result is still endless flavours and textures.
The book is split into six easy-to-use sections, with recipes divided between Quick and Simple Soups; Noodle Soups; Vibrant and Exotic Soups; Traditional and Restorative Soups; and Substantial and Satisfying Soups, making it easy to find the perfect chicken soup recipe. Whether you’re looking to impress someone or keep it simple and nutritious, the variety of chicken soup recipes in this book will be sure to deliver the ideal answer time and time again.
This book is a celebration of the ultimate comfort food, the bowl (or mug) of goodness that not only warms you to your bones but soothes your soul and makes you feel at home wherever you are. Here you’ll see chicken soup displayed in all its glory. Are you ready to push the boundaries of what you thought was possible with chicken soup and discover its many benefits? To be able to put together something so nourishing, healing, delicious, satisfying, easy, affordable—and most of all—soul-warming (a hefty hit of feel-good), is no small thing. In fact, it might just change your life!
“Good soup is one of the prime ingredients of good living. For soup can do more to lift the spirits and stimulate the appetite than any other one dish.”
Louis P. De Gouy, Master Chef
