Golden Hearth Organic Chicken Soup

The Table | A Collection of Organic Nourishment by Raychel Fox

A slow-simmered organic chicken soup made with whole ingredients, warming herbs, fresh ginger, garlic, and lemon. Deeply nourishing, comforting, and grounded in the kind of simple homemade cooking that fills the kitchen with warmth.

Ingredients

• 1 whole organic chicken

• 5–6 organic carrots, medium to large in size, chopped

• 5–6 organic celery stalks, chopped
  (Use 6 for a heartier soup)

• 1 organic white onion, chopped

• 4–6 organic garlic cloves, minced

• 1 thumb fresh organic ginger, sliced into coins

• 2 organic bay leaves

• 1–1 1/2 tsp dried organic thyme

• 10–12 cups filtered water
  (I use 12 cups)

• 1 1/2–2 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste

• 1/2 organic lemon, squeezed fresh into bowls before serving (optional)

Method

1. Place the whole chicken into a large pot.

2. Add carrots, celery, chopped white onion, minced garlic, ginger, bay leaves, and dried thyme.

3. Pour in filtered water until the chicken and vegetables are fully covered.

4. Add sea salt.

5. Cover the pot and bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium heat.

6. Once gently boiling, keep covered and continue cooking over medium heat for about 1 hour.
   If needed, slightly crack the lid to prevent excessive steam buildup while still keeping the warmth contained.

7. Continue simmering for 1 1/2–2 1/2 hours, until the chicken is tender and the broth is rich and flavorful.

8. During the first 20–30 minutes, skim any foam from the top if desired.

9. Carefully remove the chicken and allow it to cool slightly.

10. Shred the chicken meat and discard bones, skin, and bay leaves if desired.

11. Return shredded chicken to the soup.

12. Taste and adjust salt as needed.

13. Finish each bowl with fresh lemon juice before serving if desired.

Notes

The garlic, ginger, thyme, bay, and lemon create a deeply comforting broth that feels especially nourishing when feeling run down or under the weather.

The broth may naturally develop a layer of golden chicken fat on top. This is part of what gives homemade chicken soup its richness and warmth.

Serve simply in a warm bowl with extra lemon if desired.