My comforting chicken soup hug
Sometimes, when grief bubbles up, you just need a hug.
Outside of actual hugs themselves, a comforting, nurturing, and loving feeling can come from many different things like a warm and cozy blanket, soft pajamas, cuddles with a pet, an Epsom salt bath, and…food. Food, particularly soup, is something I lean into when I long for refuge from pain and suffering.
This is my go-to food hug that is simple and easy, yet provides nourishment and comfort when I need it most. I like to make it early in the day so by evening it the flavors have melded or make it on a lazy day and freeze it for when I’m too tired to cook or need food that is soothing to my gut and to my soul.
The amount of ingredients and how I make it fluctuates each time, so this is an adaptable recipe that can be made to your liking.
My simple and comforting homemade chicken soup
Ingredients:
(1) pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
(1) diced yellow onion
(2-3) diced carrots
(2-3) diced celery stalks
(2-3) minced garlic cloves
(1) 32 oz. box of chicken broth
(1) package of frozen egg noodles
salt and pepper
Italian parsley (optional)
Steps:
place chicken in boiling water, simmer for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through, then chop or shred, but do not discard chicken broth
sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes (use water or olive oil to sauté) in a large pot
add garlic to the sautéed vegetables
add chopped/shredded chicken to the pot
add boxed chicken broth
add (1-2) cups of water/broth that the chicken was cooked in
season with salt and pepper and simmer for 10-15 minutes
add frozen egg noodles and simmer for another 20-30 minutes until egg noodles are tender
dish up with a sprinkle of chopped parsley if desired
This soup can also be a nice gesture for someone who could use some comfort.
Want more ideas on how to cope with grief? Join me at a free, upcoming Grief Guidance 101 session or Group Session and begin to relate to your grief in new ways.