Chicken (or Turkey!) Soup

This is about as simple and comforting as food can get.  When I was a kid, if I ever got sick enough to warrant staying in bed all day, Mama almost always fixed me chicken soup and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  That combination warms my little soul, even still today.

Besides being filling and nutritious, chicken (or turkey) soup is nice and light.  So it's easy on wary tummies, which is wonderful whether you're recovering from an illness or holiday binge-eating.  (Not that I speak from experience on that last one or anything...)

This recipe was photographed with chicken, but if you can tell the difference between that and turkey just by peeking at it floating in the broth, you should probably be writing, and not reading, this recipe!  That said, this is perfect for leftover poultry of any variety, but if you want to cook up some chicken for the purpose go ahead.  You know it will be worth it.  

Start by sauteeing some vegetables in a little oil.

When they're good and tender, (especially the onions) add cooked chicken and plenty of chicken broth.  If your chicken and broth aren't seasoned, now is the time to throw in a few spices, and some salt and pepper.

Let it simmer for awhile, at least 20-30 minutes, until the vegetables are good and soft.

Lastly, add in pasta (or rice), and cook according to package directions.  I used orzo pasta, so I just let the pot simmer for about 6-8 more minutes until the pasta was cooked.

Serve it hot, along side a couple slices of bread slathered in PB&J.

Chicken (or Turkey) Soup

2 T oil

1 onion, diced

1 cup chopped carrots (or 1 cup baby carrots)

1 cup diced celery

1 cup cooked, shredded chicken

1 tsp parsley

1/2 tsp garlic

1/4 tsp sage

1/2 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup uncooked pasta or rice

Prepare vegetables.  Saute vegetables in hot oil until onions are tender and transparent.  Stir in cooked chicken and spices.  Pour in chicken broth and simmer until carrots and celery are tender, about 20-30 minutes.  Add pasta or rice and cook according to package directions, or until desired softness.  Serve hot.