TURMERIC-GINGER CHICKEN SOUP

Turmeric-Ginger Chicken Soup image

Provided by Claire Saffitz

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 (3 1/2-4-pound) chicken
2 medium onions, unpeeled, quartered
2 heads of garlic, halved crosswise
1 (4-inch) piece ginger, unpeeled, thinly sliced
3 dried bay leaves
1 tablespoon ground turmeric
2 teaspoons black peppercorns
2 teaspoons coriander seeds
Kosher salt
12 ounces carrots (about 4 medium), peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces on a diagonal
8 ounces dried udon noodles
Scallions, very thinly sliced
Chili oil (for serving)

Steps:

Place chicken, onions, garlic, ginger, bay leaves, turmeric, peppercorns, coriander seeds, and several pinches of salt in a large pot. Pour in cold water to cover and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and gently simmer until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of breast registers 155°F, 30-35 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and let cool slightly; keep stock simmering. Remove skin from chicken; discard. Pull meat from bones and shred into bite-size pieces; set aside. Return bones and carcass to stock. Increase heat and bring stock to a boil; cook until reduced by about one-third, 15-20 minutes. Season with more salt if needed.
Strain stock into a large saucepan; discard solids. Add carrots, bring to a simmer, and cook until carrots are tender, about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Divide noodles among bowls. Add shredded chicken meat to stock and cook just until heated through; season stock with more salt if needed. Ladle over noodles. Top soup with scallions and drizzle with chili oil.