TURMERIC-GINGER CHICKEN SOUP
SERVES: 4
TIME: 60 min
Chicken noodle soup never gets old. If you don’t have udon for this recipe, use rice noodles or just spaghetti. A small knob of fresh turmeric can replace the dried type - use what you have on hand.
Ingredients:
- 1,5 kg - 2 kg free range chicken
- 2 medium onions, unpeeled, quartered
- 2 heads of garlic, halved crosswise
- 10cm piece of ginger, unpeeled, thinly sliced
- 3 dried bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 2 teaspoons black peppercorns
- 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
- pinch of salt
- 4 medium carrots, peeled, cut into 1cm thick circles on a diagonal
- ca 250grams dried udon noodles
- Scallions, very thinly sliced
- Chili oil (for serving)
Method:
1. Place chicken, onions, garlic, ginger, bay leaves, turmeric, peppercorns, coriander seeds, and several pinches of salt in a large pot. Pour in cold water to cover and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and gently simmer until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of breast registers 155°, 30–35 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and let cool slightly; keep stock simmering. Remove skin from chicken; discard. Pull meat from bones and shred into bite-size pieces; set aside. Return bones and carcass to stock. Increase heat and bring stock to a boil; cook until reduced by about one-third, 15–20 minutes. Season with more salt if needed.
2. Strain stock into a large saucepan; discard solids. Add carrots, bring to a simmer, and cook until carrots are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, cook noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
4. Divide noodles among bowls. Add shredded chicken meat to stock and cook just until heated through; season stock with more salt if needed. Ladle over noodles. Top soup with scallions and drizzle with chili oil.
