NO-CHICKEN SOUP

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No-Chicken Soup image

This is my "trademark" recipe--I make it every single week! It is so rich and flavorful I like it more than "traditional" chicken soup. Although the secret ingredient--sassafras--isn't essential, it deepens the flavor. Powdered sassafras leaves can be found in supermarkets in the spice section. It's also called "fil'e" or "gumbo fil'e." If your market has a "Cajun" or "Creole" section, you might be able to find it there too. It's a classic Cajun seasoning, but it's also good in just about everything.

Provided by Theodwyn

Categories     Clear Soup

Time 2h20m

Yield 8 cups, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 tablespoons virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium garlic clove, minced
2 medium carrots, sliced into 2-inch lengths
3 celery ribs, sliced into 2-inch lengths
1 large potato, halved and sliced 1/2-inch thick
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill
1 1/2 teaspoons fine salt
1/2 teaspoon ground sassafras leaves
3 grinds fresh black pepper
8 cups water

Steps:

  • Warm oil in a soup pot large enough to hold 10 cups over medium heat.
  • Saute onion until golden brown.
  • Add all other ingredients.
  • Simmer over low heat until reduced by about 1/4. (For me that usually takes about 2 hours). If the soup reduces too quickly before the vegetables are cooked, add a little water and continue cooking.
  • You may also put all the ingredients in a crock pot and cook the soup on low for about 6 hours and high for about 3 (very approximate times!).
  • Correct the seasoning--add sassafras and/or fresh black pepper if you like.
  • This soup is excellent served with cooked egg noodles or garlic-flavored bagel chips.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 107.3, Fat 4.7, SaturatedFat 0.7, Sodium 622.9, Carbohydrate 15.4, Fiber 2.6, Sugar 2.6, Protein 1.8

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