Nana's Chicken Soup: A Recipe for Comfort

As the anniversary of my nana's passing approaches, I find myself reminiscing about the warmth and love she brought into my life. One of the most cherished memories I have is of her comforting chicken soup, especially during times when I was sick. This soup was more than just a meal; it was a manifestation of her love and care.

Whenever I was feeling under the weather, Nana would immediately head to the kitchen to make her special chicken soup. The aroma of simmering chicken and vegetables would fill the house, making me feel better even before I had a single spoonful. Her chicken soup was simple, made with love and the most basic ingredients, but it had the magical ability to heal and comfort.

Ingredients

Nana's chicken soup didn't require any fancy ingredients. Everything she used was straightforward and wholesome:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 4 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 cups of water

These ingredients were always on hand in her kitchen. She believed in using fresh, simple ingredients to create meals that were both nutritious and delicious.

Method

Nana's method for making chicken soup was just as simple as the ingredients she used. Here’s how she did it:

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

She would start by thoroughly washing the chicken pieces and placing them in a large pot. Then she’d cover the chicken with water, about eight cups, and bring it to a boil. As the water heated, she would skim off any foam that rose to the surface, ensuring the broth remained clear.

Step 2: Adding Vegetables

Once the water reached a boil, she reduced the heat to a simmer and added the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. These vegetables not only added flavor but also made the soup more nutritious.

Step 3: Seasoning

Nana would then add a bay leaf, a generous handful of fresh parsley, and season with salt and pepper. The bay leaf and parsley gave the soup a distinctive, comforting aroma that always made me feel at home.

Step 4: Simmering

The most important part of the process was the simmering. She let the soup simmer gently for about an hour, sometimes longer if she had the time. This slow cooking allowed the flavors to meld together perfectly, creating a rich, hearty broth.

Step 5: Final Touches

After the soup had simmered, she would taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Then she removed the chicken pieces, shredded the meat, and discarded the bones. The shredded chicken went back into the pot, making the soup even more filling.

A Bowl of Comfort

When Nana ladled the soup into a bowl, it was always piping hot. The steam carried the soothing scent of chicken and vegetables, and the first sip was always the best. The broth was clear but rich, the vegetables tender, and the chicken perfectly cooked. Each spoonful was a blend of warmth and comfort that eased my aches and lifted my spirits.

As a child, I didn’t understand the full extent of Nana’s wisdom and care that went into making that soup. Now, as an adult, I realize that it was more than just a recipe. It was a way for her to show her love, to nurture me when I needed it the most. Her chicken soup was a symbol of her dedication to her family, a simple yet profound expression of her affection.

Missing Nana

On this anniversary of her passing, I find myself longing for her presence and her soup. I miss the sound of her humming in the kitchen, the sight of her bustling around with a gentle smile, and the comfort of knowing that no matter how I felt, she was there to take care of me.

Making her chicken soup now is my way of keeping her memory alive. Every time I chop the vegetables or simmer the broth, I feel her guiding me, her love enveloping me. It's as if she’s right there beside me, teaching me once again how to make the perfect bowl of soup.

A Recipe Passed Down

Nana’s chicken soup recipe is one that I will pass down to my children. I want them to know that food is not just about sustenance; it’s about love and care. I want them to understand that the simplest meals, made with the freshest ingredients and a lot of love, can bring the greatest comfort.

As I cook this soup for my own family, I hope to create the same sense of warmth and security that Nana gave me. Her legacy lives on in our kitchen, in the aromas and flavors that fill our home, and in the love that binds us together.

In remembering Nana and her chicken soup, I find solace. Her simple, loving way of cooking taught me invaluable lessons about life and love. On this anniversary, I honor her memory with every spoonful, grateful for the time, love, and care she infused into every dish she made.