Milton's Chicken Soup | 12 cups cold water 1 pound chicken parts 2 stalks celery, including leafy tops, cut into 3 inch pieces 1 whole chicken, rinsed thoroughly Salt to rub inside the chicken 1 large yellow onion, peeled 1 large carrot, peeled 1 parsnip, peeled 2 teaspoons salt, plus more as needed ¼ teaspoon pepper, plus more as needed 1 bunch parsley, rinsed and tied with a string Cooked noodles and matzo balls (optional) |
Pour the water into a large pot and add the chicken parts and celery. Bring to a boil. While water is heating, rub the inside of the chicken with salt. Add the chicken to the pot, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes. Test whole chicken with a fork to see if it’s tender and fully cooked. Remove it from the pot and set aside on a large platter. Leave chicken parts in the pot. Add onion, carrot parsnip, salt, pepper. Simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes. When the chicken cools, remove skin and bones and cut into bite-sized pieces. You can add it to the soup, just before serving, or save it for other uses. Strain the soup, and discard everything solid except the carrot. Add parsley just before serving. Add salt and pepper to taste. Slice cooked carrot and toss into soup. Add chicken pieces, noodles and matzo balls, if desired. |