Winter Chicken Soup

Home is the one word that warms my heart during the winter months in Perth.

The Southern Hemisphere is wrapped in shadows of grey skies, strong winds and constant rain. After months of being away from home I am back in my home, sleeping in my comfortable bed and cooking in my warm and colourful kitchen.

I will start my blog again with a heartwarming winter soup that will definitely comfort your soul.

This chicken soup is rich, rustic and tasty!

Ingredients

• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 4 celery stalks, diced
• 6 yellow potatoes. 3 cut in half and 3 diced into smaller chunks
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp French herbs (Herbs de Provence)
• salt and pepper to taste
• 4 chicken thighs, sliced medium size
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons of cream

Method

• Add the olive oil to a large pot over medium heat. Once warm add garlic and onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
• Toss in the carrots, celery, smaller diced potatoes, and spices. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until all the vegetables have softened slightly.

• Next, add raw chicken, potato halves and the stock (make sure the chicken is fully submerged in the stock). Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 25 minutes or until the potatoes are soft and the chicken is fully cooked.

• Remove the chicken and slice.
• Remove the potato halves and add to a blender along with the yogurt, the cream and about 2/3 of a cup of the stock from the pot. Blend unil smooth and creamy.

• Add the potato cream and the sliced chicken to the pot and stir. Cook for 2 minutes.

• Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.

• Top with parsley.

Tips

• I like to use chicken thighs for this recipe. They are juicier and tender but if you don’t have them use chicken breasts.
• I like to add 2 tablespoons of cream to the potato cream. The soup changes into a silky and delicious chicken broth.
• I like to serve this soup with bread slices topped with emmental cheese and herbs grilled in the oven.