CHICKEN SOUP WITH ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLES AND SPINACH

CHICKEN SOUP WITH ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLES AND SPINACH image

Yield 6 bowls

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs chicken thighs, trimmed and cubed
1 lb parsnips, peeled, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/2 inch slices on the diagonal
½ lb carrots, peeled, cut into 1/2 inch slices
½ lb sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 3/4 inch cubes
1 cup red onion, diced (about 1 medium)
1 tbsp butter, unsalted
3 ½ tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
½ lb celery stalk, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
2 tbsp all purpose flour
¼ cup white wine, such as sauvignon blanc
4 cups chicken broth
1 tsp nutmeg, preferably fresh-grated
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp sage, dried
1 tsp oregano, dried
5 oz baby spinach
3-4 tsp salt
3-4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 400° F. In a large bowl, mix together parsnips, carrots, and sweet potato with 2 1/2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil and 1 tsp each salt and pepper. Toss the root vegetable mixture to ensure proper coating. Transfer the root vegetables to a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender, and the parsnips are golden brown. Stir every 7 - 10 minutes. Remove the root vegetables from the oven and set aside when finished. Melt 1 tbsp unsalted butter with 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. In 2 or 3 small batches, add the chicken thighs to the pot, being sure not to overcrowd. Lightly salt and pepper each batch. Once each batch of chicken has browned on all sides, remove from the pot and set on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Turn the heat down to medium-low. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté just until the onions begin to turn translucent (about 2 minutes). Add the celery and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes longer, until the onions begin to caramelize, and the celery softens slightly. Add the 2 tbsp flour and stir constantly for 30 seconds, or until all the liquid in the pot has been absorbed and a roux begins to form. Add the 1/4 cup white wine and continue stirring until a thick paste is formed (about 1 minute). Add the roasted root vegetables, then the chicken to the pot. Stir to coat the meat and vegetables with the roux. Stirring after each addition, add the 4 cups chicken broth, one cup at a time. Bring the soup to a boil, and reduce the heat to low--just enough to maintain a soft simmer. Add 1 tsp each of: nutmeg, red pepper flakes, sage, and oregano. Test the broth for salt content and adjust salt/pepper as needed. Simmer for 10 minutes, uncovered. Add the 5 oz baby spinach and stir constantly for about 1 minute or until spinach wilts. Turn off the heat. Let the soup cool for 5 minutes, and serve.