Ahh soup… the best body-fixer-upper ever. My boyfriend was feeling a little under the weather and malnourished from a celebration yesterday and instantly I thought, “Aww, he needs some recuperation stew!!” This is technically more of a soup than a stew, but I like the word stew… and it’s recuperating none-the-less! It’s light, stocked with veggies, has protein (which is one of the first things to go when drinking… well that and wisdom haha), some fresh herbs, and some spice! All good things to revive the body and soul!! This is super simple, super easy, and super comforting for anyone needing a little re-boot… and as with most soups, you can put in whatever you have and leave out whatever you don’t. They’re a great way to use up veggies… which I was happy to do since my fridge was packed to the rim!
INGREDIENTS
1/2 onion, chopped
3-4 cloves of garlic, chopped however you like (I halved them since we like chunks of cooked garlic)
6 small potatoes, any color, cut into bite-size pieces
1 carrot, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
1/2 leek, chopped
1/2 pasilla pepper, finely chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 corn cobs, pre-boiled
fresh thyme, about 4-5 sprigs, chopped
fresh parsley, a small handful, chopped
1 tsp herbs de Provence
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
1/8 tsp tarragon
2 bay leaves
1 large chicken breast, boneless and skinless
salt and pepper, to taste
In a large pot or dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat
Cook leeks and onions with a sprinkle of salt and pepper
for a few minutes, stirring occasionally
Add in pasilla and red peppers and cook a few more minutes, until fragrant
Stir in carrots, celery, and potatoes
Then add parsley, thyme, herbs de Provence, red pepper flakes, and tarragon
Fill with water and add bay leaves
Place chicken breast over the veggies
(the water should come just over the breast- adjust as needed)
Cover, turn heat to low, and cook for about 20 minutes, until chicken is cooked
Remove chicken breast and let cool on a plate or cutting board
Shred with fingers or fork
Meanwhile, add pre-cooked corn cobs
Add the shredded chicken
Adjust seasonings as needed
Cover and let simmer about fifteen more minutes, until ready to serve
Remove bay leaves and enjoy! Goes great with garlicky bread!!
