🍲 Sue’s Chicken Soup — The Ultimate Winter Warmer

Some recipes stay with you because of how good they taste, and others because of the beautiful people who shared them with you. This chicken soup is both.

Over 20 years ago, my dear friend Sue — a fellow teacher and one of the kindest people you’ll meet — made this for our staff on a chilly evening during parent-teacher interviews. It was simple, hearty, and absolutely delicious. Since then, every time the cold weather rolls in, I make a pot of Sue’s Chicken Soup, served with warm sourdough. It’s pure, soul-soothing comfort in a bowl.

Sue’s Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken fillets (approx. 500g)

• ½ packet McKenzie’s soup mix (rinsed well)

• 1 onion, grated

• 2 carrots, grated

• 3 potatoes, grated

• Chicken stock, around 8 cups, enough to cover ingredients. (You could make your own chicken stock. Megan has a great recipe in her blog 'Bits and Bobs.')

Method:

1. Place all ingredients into a large pot, ensuring the soup mix has been rinsed thoroughly beforehand.

2. Pour in chicken stock to cover everything.

3. Bring to a boil, then simmer gently until the soup mix is soft and cooked through.

4. After about 30-45 minutes, remove the chicken, chop it into bite-sized pieces, and return it to the pot. (I keep it at a low simmer now until I'm happy that the soup mix has softened. The soup is nice and thick at this stage, so I usually add an extra cup of chicken stock. Stir occasionally so the bottom doesn't catch.)

5. Serve piping hot with crusty, buttered sourdough.

   Note - Sometimes I add grated sweet potato or grated pumpkin for a few extra veggies in the soup too.

Simple, wholesome, and made with love — this soup has warmed many hearts (and cold hands) over the years. Every bowl is a little reminder of beautiful people, good food, and the simple joys of sharing a meal.