Chicken & Veggie Soup aka Recuperation Stew

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!

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!!