I think 2024 finally caught up with me. This is the first day in over a week that I have felt like something resembling myself. A mystery plague had me down since last Wednesday night, and I have a lot of theories as to what it was all about. One thing is for sure, though: I am taking it as confirmation that my New Year’s resolution to take a more caring approach to my body was spot on. As always, it struck me at the exact wrong time. I had gotten some exciting news about an opportunity and a writing assignment I hoped to knock out this past weekend, but it was all overshadowed by my strange illness. I won’t go into the details at this time, but trust me—it was weird.
Because I’m still on that deadline and I am still recuperating somewhat, I thought it would be the perfect time to share a recipe with you—for chicken soup, of course. One thing about me is I like my soups hearty, so I’ll share my methods. Spoiler: I use a lot of meat. The veggies I use vary and you can substitute pretty much any kind you like. I’ll share what I made this particular week, though, because I have a hunch that it’s extra healing. If you find yourself knocked out by some bizarre virus/infection/demonic force, you might give it a try.
Chicken Soup
Yields 8-10 servings
2-3 lbs boneless chicken thighs
3 cups bone broth
1 cabbage, roughly chopped
1 onion, diced
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
5 good-sized carrots, sliced
1 cup of rice
Smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste
Optional chopped green onions to top
You can brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic before you start slow cooking the soup, but if you’re feeling especially weakened, just throw it all in your slow cooker (except for the rice) and let it do the work for you. When there’s an hour left on your slow cooker, then add the rice so it can fully cook without disintegrating. My secret to extra flavorful chicken soup is to use beef bone broth instead of chicken bone broth.
If you give this recipe a try, let me know what you think! Also, share your secret soup tips with me in the comments. No more gatekeeping!