Chicken Soup, with Scissor Noodles
Cosy up with a bowl of chicken soup—your delicious defence against winter colds. Packed with goodness, this recipe is a sip of warmth and wellness.
If you’re on the lookout for a tasty, immune-boosting dish that’s as adaptable as it is yummy, you’ve hit the jackpot. Our Chicken Soup with Scissor Noodles Jars are like a warm hug for your immune system, brimming with cold-fighting champions like colagen-rich chicken broth, miso, loads of veggies, ginger, and garlic.
But these ingredients aren’t just about keeping sniffles at bay; they’ve got some serious superpowers when it comes to your health. This recipe is your go-to for flu season, whether you’re kicking back at home or taking it to the office. Plus, it’s as easy to customise as your favourite playlist. So, let’s dive into this simple yet nutrient-packed delight that’s bound to become your meal prep superstar.
The Ultimate Cold Fighter: Chicken Soup
Chicken soup is more than just a tasty broth – it’s a symphony of ingredients that work together to boost your immune system and help you recover from a cold. The star of the show, of course, is the chicken. High in protein, it strengthens your immune system and aids in recovery. Leftover roast chicken is perfect for this recipe. Simply pick the meat from the bones and use it for the soup later.
The supporting cast includes vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions – they’re packed with vitamins and minerals that boost your health too. And let’s not forget about the bones – boil them to make a nutritious stock that forms the base of your soup.
Here’s a chef’s tip: fighting a head cold? Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of turmeric and loads of black pepper to your chicken soup. Turmeric is a golden spice known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It contains a compound called curcumin, which is largely responsible for these health benefits.
However, curcumin is not easily absorbed by our bodies. This is where black pepper comes into play. So, when you add a lot of black pepper to your soup, you’re not just adding flavour, you’re also activating the curcumin in the turmeric, ensuring you receive the maximum health benefits.
This combination of turmeric and black pepper can provide a natural boost to your immune system, helping to alleviate symptoms of a head cold.
Next, we introduce the charm of scissor noodles, a delightful homemade pasta known as “jian dao mian” in Mandarin. These noodles are a marvel of culinary simplicity and versatility, taking just 15 minutes to prepare with basic ingredients: flour, water, and a sprinkle of herbs.
These fresh, hand-cut noodles not only offer a unique texture but also absorb the flavourful broth, enhancing each bite of your chicken soup.
Cold Combating Combo
The magic of our Chicken Soup lies in its superstar combo of ingredients – chilli, ginger, and garlic. Each of these ingredients is not just a flavour enhancer but a powerful immune booster.
Hydration:
A common symptom of a cold is dehydration, as you may not feel like drinking fluids. The hot broth in chicken noodle soup helps keep you hydrated. In this recipe, the 1.5 liters of chicken stock serve as a hydrating base.
Warmth and Comfort:
The warm temperature of the soup can help soothe a sore throat and relieve congestion. The hot soup warms you from the inside, making you feel more comfortable.
Nutrient-Rich Ingredients:
Chicken soup is packed with vegetables like onions, carrots, and leeks. In this recipe, these ingredients provide essential vitamins and minerals. For instance, onions and garlic contain antioxidants and have potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Immune-Boosting Components:
Garlic and ginger are known for their immune-boosting properties. The ginger in this recipe is an optional addition, but it can help reduce inflammation and support the immune system.>Chicken: Chicken provides a good source of protein, which your body needs to repair and build tissues. In this recipe, the shredded chicken is a good source of lean protein. It’s also easy on the stomach, making it an ideal choice for those with a cold.
Turmeric:
The optional addition of turmeric in this recipe adds another layer of health benefits. Turmeric contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When combined with a generous amount of black pepper, it can enhance its absorption
Salt:
The salt is not only for seasoning but also to help replenish electrolytes lost due to fever, sweating, and runny nose.
Easy-to-Digest Noodles:
Scissor noodles are gentle on the stomach and provide some carbohydrates for energy. The noodles in this recipe are a comforting addition that’s easy to digest.
Save it for a Rainy Day
This Chicken Soup is perfect for storing and reheating on those days when you’re feeling under the weather or just need some comfort. Simply allow it to cool down, store it in an airtight container and freeze it. When you are ready to eat, defrost it in the fridge, then heat it up on the hob or in the microwave.
Love it and Rate it
Love our Restorative Chicken Soup? Try our other soups like Butternut Soup with Pickled Chilli and Coconut, Sweetcorn Soup with Quick Pickled Chillies, or Miso French Onion Soup. Each unique in flavour, they’re perfect for storing and reheating. Enjoy these comforting meals anytime!
As always, if you try this recipe let us know how it goes! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag your photo #theculinarycartel on Instagram so we can see what you come up with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this gluten-free?
We haven’t tested this, but if you try making gluten-free scissor noodles, let us know how it goes!
Why is good quality chicken stock important?
High-quality chicken stock is rich in nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which can help support your immune system when you’re feeling under the weather. These nutrients can aid in your body’s recovery.
Make a batch of chicken stock at home with leftover chicken bones, or opt for a quality shop-bought alternative.
Can I leave out the chilli?
Absolutely! Adjust the recipe to suit your taste.
Can I use dried pasta?
Yes, this works fine in place of the scissor noodles. We like orzo, but broken spaghetti is also a good choice.
Can it be vegan?
Yes, just leave out the chicken and use your favourite vegetable stock. The noodles are naturally vegan-friendly.
Can I substitute other vegetables in my chicken soup?
Absolutely! While peas are used in the original recipe, you are free to customise it according to your taste or dietary needs. You can use any greens or vegetables you prefer in the soup base. This includes, but is not limited to, carrots, broccoli, spinach, kale, or bell peppers. The recipe is designed to be flexible, allowing you to experiment and find your perfect blend.
Restorative Chicken Soup, with Scissor Noodles
- Total Time: 30 - 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 2 onions (brown or red) or 3 large shallots
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3 carrots
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1 large leek
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5cm piece of ginger/1 tbsp grated
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5 cloves garlic
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Bundle of thyme
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1 tsp chilli flakes
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1.5 litres of Good Quality Chicken Stock* See FAQ
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125-250g (1-2 cups) Cooked Shredded Chicken
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150g (1 cup) petit pois (frozen peas)
- 1 lemon
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oil, salt and pepper as needed
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2 tsp turmeric (optional) Fighting a cold? Add in the turmeric and a generous amount of black pepper
Scissor Noodles:
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150g plain or all-purpose flour
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75-90g water
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1/2 tsp salt
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15g fresh parsley (large handful), chopped
Instructions
- Begin by making the scissor noodles. Chop the parsley and gather the ingredients.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, 75g of water, and 1/2 tsp of salt, and half of the chopped parsley (reserve the rest for finishing the soup). Mix until the ingredients come together to form a firm but pliable dough, similar to stiff playdough. Add more water if needed.
- Cover the dough and set it aside for later.
- Prepare the Soup. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions (or shallots) and cook until they become translucent.
- Add the carrots and cook, covered, for 4-5 minutes until they and the onions get a little color.
- Stir in the leeks, thyme, ginger, and garlic. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until they become soft and aromatic.
- Pour in the chicken stock and add the chili flakes. Cook until the vegetables become soft, which should take about 5-10 minutes.
- Cook the Scissor Noodles: Press the noodle dough into a flat disk and rub it with a bit of oil to prevent it sticking to the scissors.
- Using scissors, cut thin strips of the dough into the simmering chicken soup. Continue cutting until all the dough is used up.
- Allow the noodles to cook for 3-5 minutes or until they are cooked through.
- Finish the Soup. Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and frozen peas. Zest in the lemon, and squeeze in the lemon juice to taste.
- Sprinkle the remaining chopped parsley over the soup.
- Serve the chicken noodle soup immediately or allow to cool and store in the fridge or freezer
Note: Feel free to add turmeric for an extra health boost. If you’re feeling under the weather, the turmeric, along with black pepper, can help provide some comforting relief.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Cuisine: European
2 Responses
This is a delicious recipe! The extra aromatics and spices (turmeric, ginger, leek, red pepper flakes) make the broth stand out. It’s got soooo much yummy flavor that’s just missing in a normal chicken soup. Plus, the scissor noodles are super fun! This is now officially my go-to chicken soup recipe!
Thank you for your feedback! So glad you loved it.