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Remedy: Lemony Chicken Soup!
May 13, 2005
INT. MR. R.'S KITCHEN--DAY
The contents of the kitchen seem to be emptied onto the counters. Caryn is sorting through cookware and utensils, trying to decide what to bring with her on the upcoming trip.
Mr. R. enters, wearing sweats and a t-shirt. His hair is rumpled and there are dark circles under his eyes.
CARYN
What happened to you?
MR. R.
I don't feel well. I think I'm getting the flu.
CARYN
The flu? In May?
MR. R.
My head feels like a balloon filled with cement.
He rubs his eyes with the palms of his hands.
CARYN
But you're shooting next week. You can't be sick!
He stumbles back towards the door.
MR. R.
Yeah, well, I am. Call Lauren and tell her.
INT. MR. R.'S BEDROOM--LATER
Mr. R. is curled up in a ball on his bed, sleeping peacefully. Caryn enters with a tray, steam rising from a bowl in the center. He rolls over at the sound of her.
CARYN
I made some soup.
MR. R.
(face in pillow)
I'm not hungry.
CARYN
Yeah, well, eat it anyway.
He groans and sits up. Caryn places the tray on his lap. He picks up the spoon and stirs the rice and tender chicken into the broth. Reluctantly, he takes a sip. The tart lemon cuts through the deadened taste buds. Caryn waits. He takes another sip.
MR. R.
Okay, okay. I'll eat. Go away now.
She leaves the room, a bit of smugness in her gait.
The tang of lemon juice adds a new dimension to classic chicken soup. Adjust the amount of juice according to taste. The soup will thicken slightly the next day and the rice will soften, but it still tastes great. Really, I love this soup.
1 onion, whole and peeled
3 celery stalks, whole
3 carrots, sliced
1 3-4 lb. chicken
10-12 cups of water
2 tsp. salt, divided
1 cup rice, raw
1 cup fresh lemon juice
1. Place chicken in large stock pot. Add onion, celery, carrots, water and 1 tsp. of salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until chicken falls off bone, 45 minutes to an hour.
2. Remove chicken and cool in a colander. When cool enough to handle, shred meat and set aside. Discard celery and onion. Strain carrots and set aside.
3. To defat broth: pour broth into a large ziploc bag. Hold upright for a couple minutes to let fat rise to the top. Snip off one end of bag and pour broth into a bowl, stopping just before fat level is poured out. Repeat with fresh bag and remaining broth.
4. Return broth to stock pot. Bring to simmer. Add rice and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Return chicken and carrots to pot. Add lemon juice and remaining salt. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors. Garnish with fresh lemon and serve.
Serves: I don't know...a lot.
Posted by Caryn at May 13, 2005 01:30 PM | Printable Version | Recipe Only
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Comments
Poor Mr. R! I can definitely empathize with his "flu in May" - I can't believe this weather lately! Cold, then hot, then midway between chilly and warm... I wish Mr. Sun would just make up its mind! Keep up the great writing and fabulous recipes! Checking back often:)
Posted by: Modern Gal at May 15, 2005 09:26 PM
mm this looks like a great bellywarmer for a cold autumn day (it's autumn here in australia)! looks like an interesting recipe to try! :)
Posted by: gwenda at May 16, 2005 09:16 AM
Thanks, Modern Gal! I kinda like midway between chilly and warm. :)
Gwenda, this would definitely be a great soup for an autumn day. The lemon juice seems to somehow lighten up the soup, so I find it enjoyable in any weather. But a simmering broth warms up the kitchen too, doesn't it?
Posted by: caryn at May 17, 2005 01:36 PM
Hi Caryn,
I was sick with a bad cold and the only thing I wanted to eat was soup. Your recipe came immediately to mind. ^^ I was too out of it to make the chicken stock from scratch so I cheated and used canned soup and added the veggies and chicken meat after, but it really hits the spot! This is my all time favourite "under the weather pick me up" recipe. Thanks!
Posted by: Tea at May 27, 2005 10:24 AM
Tea, nothing makes me happier than when someone likes one of my recipes!! Thanks so much for sharing the feedback!! And feel better...
Posted by: caryn at May 28, 2005 07:07 AM
Just discovered your blog today. Many have already commented, but let me add mine: FABULOUS!
I'm sorry that I already know that the blogging comes to an abrupt end but I'm enjoying my time with you now. (I have started back from your first post since stumbling on your blog looking for a Cha Gio recipe.)
Question: do you throw the chicken in the pot with skin on or off?
- already dreading reaching the end of your archive!
Posted by: zhenzhu at June 2, 2007 03:47 PM