Recipe: Chicken Soup from 2nd Ave. Deli

As hot dogs and apple pie symbolize American food, chicken soup is the glorious sine qua non of Jewish cuisine … not only in itself but as the underpinning for many other traditional recipes. A worthy chicken soup with matzo balls can cure the most virulent cold, revive flagging spirits, and set a warm gemütlich tone for holiday meals.

This recipe comes from the kitchens of a New York City landmark, 2nd Ave. Deli.

Note: This recipe calls for both a whole chicken plus 1 pound of chicken parts. You can, however, use just 1 chicken and cut off both wings, the neck, and a leg to use as parts.

Chicken Soup
Serves: 8

Ingredients:

12 cups cold water
1  pound chicken parts
2  stalks celery, including leafy tops, cut into 3-inch pieces
1 whole chicken, thoroughly rinsed Salt to rub inside of chicken
1 large onion, unpeeled and whole (find one with a firm, golden-brown peel)
1 large peeled carrot, whole
1  medium-sized peeled parsnip, whole
2  teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 bunch dill, cleaned and tied with a string

Instructions:

1.  Pour 12 cups cold water into a large stockpot, and throw in the chicken parts and celery. Bring to a boil. While water is heating, rub the inside of the chicken with salt.

2.  Add the chicken to the pot, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes. Test chicken with a fork to see if it's tender and fully cooked; then remove it from the pot, and set aside on a large platter. Leave chicken parts in the pot.

3.  Add onion, carrot, parsnip, salt, and pepper. Let soup simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

4.  When chicken cools, remove skin and bones and cut into bite-sized pieces. You can add it to the soup, just before serving, or save it for chicken salad.

5.  Strain the soup, and discard everything solid except the carrot.

6.  Drop in the dill for a minute before serving and remove. Add salt and pepper to taste. Slice carrot and toss into soup. Also add the chicken pieces if desired. Other options: add cooked noodles, rice, kasha, or matzo balls.

     
See also: 

• Recipe: Matzo Balls from 2nd Ave. Deli
• 2nd Ave. Deli, New York City