Frequently Asked Questions
What is Healing Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup?
It is a warm, hearty soup made with tender Amish chicken, fresh vegetables, and nourishing broth, designed to be comforting during cold months.
What type of chicken is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one organic, non-GMO, whole Amish chicken that has been gutted and rinsed.
How much water should I use to start the soup?
You should fill a large pot 3/4 full with water to boil the chicken and create the base for your broth.
How long does the chicken need to simmer initially?
The chicken should simmer in the boiling water for approximately 1.5 hours.
What should I do with the gizzard or gut bag?
You must remove the gizzard or gut bag from the chicken before you begin the cooking process.
Why do I need to skim the foam off the top of the water?
Skimming off the foamy white fat that floats to the top ensures a clearer and cleaner-tasting broth.
What vegetables are included in this soup?
The soup includes one large carrot, six sticks of celery, and one large sweet onion.
How should the carrot be prepared?
The carrot should be peeled and sliced before being added to the pot.
What type of onion is best for this recipe?
A large sweet onion, chopped, is recommended for the best flavor profile.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of minced garlic, specifically mentioning garlic from a jar.
What is the purpose of the chicken base?
The chicken base is used to enhance the flavor and richness of the broth.
What kind of noodles are used in this soup?
The recipe requires 12 ounces of extra wide egg noodles.
How much parsley do I need and how is it prepared?
You need two large handfuls of fresh organic parsley, chopped with the stems discarded.
Is straining the broth necessary?
Yes, after cooking the chicken for 1.5 hours, you should strain the broth to eliminate excess fat and remaining bits.
When do I add the vegetables to the soup?
Add the prepared vegetables and parsley after you have returned the clear broth to the pot and stirred in the garlic and chicken base.
What do I do with the chicken after it finishes boiling?
Remove the chicken from the pot, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, and discard the bones and skin.
When are the egg noodles added?
The egg noodles are added to the pot along with the shredded chicken once the vegetables have softened and the broth is bubbling.
How long should the soup simmer after adding the noodles?
The soup should simmer for 15 to 30 minutes, or until the noodles are fully cooked and the flavors have melded.
How should the soup be seasoned for serving?
Each bowl should be seasoned with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
Is this soup effective for a cold?
Yes, it is specifically described as a healing soup that is perfect for colds and sniffles.
Can I use regular chicken instead of Amish chicken?
While Amish chicken is recommended for its quality and tenderness, you can use any organic whole chicken.
What size should I slice the celery?
The celery sticks should be sliced into your preferred bite-sized pieces.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients listed, including the seasonings.
Is the chicken base added all at once?
The recipe notes that the 2 tablespoons of chicken base should be divided when added to the broth.
What heat setting is used for the final simmer?
After the noodles and chicken are added and brought to a boil, the heat should be reduced to low for the final simmer.
Do I need to peel the onion?
Yes, the onion should be chopped, which implies removing the outer skin first.
Can I use dried parsley instead of organic fresh parsley?
The recipe emphasizes the wholesome goodness of fresh organic components, so fresh parsley is highly recommended.
How do I handle the chicken bones?
Bones should be discarded during the shredding process and should not be returned to the final soup.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to fill a large pot 3/4 full with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
Does this soup contain any sugar or fiber?
According to the nutrition data provided, the sugar and fiber counts are not specified (null).