Best Amish Chicken Noodle Soup Recipes

Amish chicken noodle soup is an iconic dish that has been cherished by the Amish community for generations. This hearty soup is made with simple ingredients and cooked for hours to achieve its depth of flavor. Although the recipe may vary slightly from one family to another, the essence remains the same – a comforting, nourishing soup that warms the soul on a chilly day.

History of Amish Chicken Noodle Soup

The Amish people are a Christian community known for their simple lifestyle and strong family values. They originated from Switzerland in the 16th century and migrated to North America in the 18th century. The Amish settled in various states in the US, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. They brought their cooking traditions with them and developed a cuisine that is based on locally available ingredients and homegrown produce. Chicken noodle soup is a dish that has been around for centuries, but it was the Amish who perfected the recipe. They would make chicken soup with whatever vegetables they had on hand, and it was often served as a complete meal. The soup would be cooked slowly for several hours to extract the maximum flavor from the ingredients. The noodles were added towards the end of the cooking process to ensure they remained firm and chewy.

Ingredients Used in Amish Chicken Noodle Soup

The ingredients used in Amish chicken noodle soup are sourced locally and include:

Chicken

The chicken used in Amish chicken noodle soup is usually a whole chicken. The chicken is first boiled and then simmered for several hours to make the broth. The chicken meat is then shredded and added back to the soup.

Vegetables

The vegetables used in Amish chicken noodle soup typically include carrots, celery, onions, and garlic. These vegetables are finely diced and sauteed before being added to the soup.

Noodles

The noodles used in Amish chicken noodle soup are typically egg noodles. These thin and chewy noodles are added towards the end of the cooking process.

Herbs and Spices

The herbs and spices used in Amish chicken noodle soup may include bay leaves, thyme, parsley, and black pepper. These seasonings add depth and complexity to the broth.

Cooking Process of Amish Chicken Noodle Soup

The cooking process of Amish chicken noodle soup is straightforward and simple. The chicken is first boiled in a large pot of water until cooked through. The chicken is then removed from the pot and the water is strained to remove any impurities. The chicken stock is then returned to the pot, and the sauteed vegetables are added along with the seasonings. The soup is then simmered for several hours until the flavors have melded together. About an hour before serving, the egg noodles are added to the pot and cooked until tender. The chicken meat is shredded and added back to the soup, and it is allowed to simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Conclusion

Amish chicken noodle soup is a comforting and nourishing dish that has stood the test of time. Its simplicity and heartiness make it a favorite among all age groups. The recipe has been passed down for generations and is still enjoyed by the Amish community and beyond. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy meal or something to warm you up on a chilly day, Amish chicken noodle soup is a perfect choice.

Chicken noodle soup is an all-time favorite amongst many and a staple during cold and flu season. It can be made in many different ways, but nothing quite beats the simplicity and homely touch of a classic Amish chicken noodle soup recipe. Here are a few valuable tips to keep in mind when making this delicious soup. Tip 1: Choose the right chicken The foundation of any good chicken noodle soup is the chicken. Ensure you choose a good quality, organic chicken for your soup; this will give your soup a richer flavor and also ensure that it does not contain any antibiotics or hormones. Tip 2: Use homemade chicken broth The base of your chicken noodle soup is the broth, and it is essential to use a good quality, homemade chicken broth. If you don't have the time to make your own broth, you can always opt for organic, low-sodium chicken broth from the store. However, homemade chicken broth will give your soup an extra layer of richness and depth that will be missing from store-bought broth. Tip 3: Use the right noodles The type of noodles you use in your Amish chicken noodle soup is crucial. The traditional Amish recipe calls for egg noodles, which are thicker and heartier than traditional pasta noodles. They are perfect for soup as they hold up well and do not get too soft or mushy when cooked. You can also use other types of noodles such as fusilli, macaroni, or even spaghetti, but egg noodles will give your soup that authentic Amish flavor. Tip 4: Add vegetables To add flavor and nutritional value to your chicken noodle soup, it is essential to add vegetables. The traditional Amish chicken noodle soup recipe usually calls for carrots, celery, onion, and sometimes potatoes. You can also add other vegetables like kale, spinach, or green beans to make the soup more nutritious and flavorful. Tip 5: Seasonings The key to great Amish chicken noodle soup is in the seasoning. The traditional recipe calls for bay leaves, thyme, and parsley. However, you can add other herbs and spices such as rosemary, sage, and garlic to give your soup a unique flavor. Tip 6: Cook Slowly The secret to a great Amish chicken noodle soup is to cook it slowly on low heat. The longer you cook it, the richer and more tender the chicken will be. You will also get a deeper, more flavorful broth that has had time to meld with the vegetables and seasonings. Tip 7: Add Cream Adding cream to your Amish chicken noodle soup recipe is optional, but it can give the soup a delicious richness and creaminess that is hard to resist. You can use heavy cream, half and half or sour cream to give your soup that extra layer of creaminess. Tip 8: Add a Kick If you like your soup to have a bit of a kick, you can add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the soup. This will give it a bit of a spicy kick that will warm you up and perk up your taste buds. Tip 9: Garnish with herbs To finish off your Amish chicken noodle soup, you can garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. It adds color and freshness to the soup as well as an extra layer of flavor. Conclusion: Making Amish chicken noodle soup is easy and can be done in many different ways. But a few valuable tips can help take your soup to the next level by making it tastier, healthier, and more authentic. So try incorporating these tips into your recipe the next time you make Amish chicken noodle soup, and see the difference it makes.