Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Chicken Soup with Rice
A few weeks ago, the world lost a brilliant personality in Maurice Sendak. Two of my favorite interviewers - Terry Gross and Stephen Colbert - gave moving tributes to him. Along with millions of people, I love Where the Wild Things Are. I also love the sets he designed for Pacific Northwest Ballet's production of The Nutcracker.
Recently, I looked up his list of works, and discovered that he wrote another favorite childhood book, Chicken Soup with Rice. Little seven-year-old me loved reading this book countless times in the library. They had a carpeted, claw-foot tub that I would climb into to hide away and read. This book is simple in concept - a child recounts all the ways he enjoys chicken soup with rice throughout each month. The rhymes and illustrations are simple. And perfect.
Chicken Soup with Rice
original recipe
2 Tbs olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, diced
3 ribs celery, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
8 c chicken stock
2 bone-in, skinless chicken breasts
3 c cooked rice
2 Tbs chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper
Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
In a large stock pot, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, stirring occasionally (about 1 minute.) Add carrots, celery, and onion and cook until vegetables begin to soften, about 8 minutes. Add chicken stock, turn heat to high, and bring to a gentle boil. Gently add the chicken breasts, meat side down. Turn heat down to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes. Remove chicken to a cutting board. Separate meat from the bone and cut into bite-sized pieces. Add meat back into the soup, along with the rice and parsley. Let simmer another 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with chopped cilantro.
What a sweet post
ReplyDeleteWhat a touching tribute! Your soup looks delish--I can't wait to give it a try!
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