Winter’s here so let Clarissa warm you up with a bowl of the classic cold-weather food, chicken noodle soup. A good soup starts with a good stock and while store-bought stock is a time-saver, if you do have some time, Clarissa will show you how to make the best stock for this dish. For extra flavour, Clarissa’s adding fish balls, but you can go with any protein you prefer. In this cold weather, this soup is like a warm hug on the inside.
Ingredients
Method
To make Stock, in a heavy-based stock pot, bring all ingredients to boil on high. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, skimming the surface regularly. Strain stock into a large, clean saucepan, discarding solids.
To make Soup, put chicken in a medium, heavy-based saucepan (chicken should fit snugly in a single layer). Add 1 litre of prepared stock and season with salt. Bring to boil on high. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat. Stand covered for 10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and reserve cooking liquid (stock). Once cool enough to handle, coarsely shred the chicken.
Meanwhile, put vermicelli in a heatproof bowl. Cover with cold water. Soak for 30 minutes. Drain. Cover with boiling water and stand for 30 seconds. Drain immediately. Set aside.
Return reserved cooking liquid (stock) to boil. Add fish balls and cook for 2 minutes, or until fish balls float to surface. With a slotted spoon, remove fish balls to a plate. Add 2 more cups of prepared chicken stock (you will need 11/2 litres of stock in the pot). Return to boil on high. Add sugar. Season.
Divide shredded chicken, noodles, fish balls and lettuce among serving bowls. Pour over hot stock to cover noodles. Garnish with shallots, onion and chilli. Drizzle with sesame oil and soy sauce. Serve.
Cook’s tips
- Store bought stock can be used, you will need approximately 2 litres.
- Crispy fried shallots can be found in the Asian food aisle of supermarkets.
- Fish balls can be purchased from an Asian grocer. Substitute with firm tofu or pieces of white fish.
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Chicken lemongrass and noodle soup
Chicken miso and soba noodle soup
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