Dad's Chicken Soup

Dad's clear broth chicken soup is a family go to perfect for March storms and April drizzle. Warm, light, and satisfying,  #paleo, #glutenfree, and even #ketofriendly (just ration the carrots!) 

Now that it is spring we want to open up the senses and our energy with fresh, bright notes like cilantro, green onions and lime to support Liver.

• Spring onions aka green onions have an upwards and opening effect to supporting the qi or energy of the body.
• Ginger supports the digestion.
• Garlic is great for it's antibiotic effects.
• Carrots support the spleen/stomach and are great for your eyes as well.
• Celery (especially the tops) and sesame oil are great for the heart and blood pressure. 
• Chicken is a great source of protein. Adding some vinegar creates a lighter, quicker version of mineral rich bone broth. Bone broth not only nourishes the tendons and ligaments but also supports the kidneys which are the root of your whole body according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. This whole-chicken soup is a great way to recover from illness or heavy periods.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken 
• 4-5 large carrots
• 4-5 long stalks celery (leafy is great!)
• 1 zucchini
• 1 yellow squash
• Fresh ginger, sliced (~1/8th cup)
• 1-2 bunches fresh green onions
• 1-3 cloves of garlic
• 1 bunch cilantro (if you don't like cilantro swap for parsley)
• Salt (2-3 Tbs, to taste)
• Sesame oil and rice wine vinegar to taste
• Water

Directions:

1) Rinse chicken, including organs. Place whole in large pot. 

2) Add water so that chicken is fully submerged. Bring water to boil, then turn down to a simmer.

3) Once chicken is cooking peek in the pot and skim off the foam which we want to exclude from eating, here we are pulling toxins out of the marrow. (It's a trick I learned from a wonderful Orthodox Jewish chef) It makes the chicken taste sooo much better. Worth the added effort for sure. Using a slotted spoon and discard into a small bowl, check the chicken every 10 to 15 minutes and once you see very little on the top it's time to add the veg!

4) While water is heating, thinly slice ginger and garlic, then chop carrots, celery, zucchini and squash, minced cilantro stems, and finally green onion. Add them to the soup as you go. Add in the rice wine vinegar ** optional but delicious

5) Allow to simmer 1.5-2.5 hours. 

6) Salt/Pepper to taste. 

7) Chop fresh cilantro leaves and stir in. If you want a little crunch, garnish with additional fresh green onion.

8) Mangia! (Eat!)

L-ikla t-tajba  (Enjoy your meal in Maltese) !