A Favorite Recipe from Soup Nights

chicken-noodle-soupA few days ago Ann and Peter Haigh, long-time hosts of Pittsburgh’s popular “On The Menu” radio show, talked with me about my new book, Soup Nights. Enthusiastic about the soups in the collection, they mentioned that they had tagged several to try. One that really grabbed their attention was Chicken Noodle Soup with Sautéed Mushrooms and Parmigiano, a new version of the comfort food classic. I wasn’t completely surprised by their singling out this soup because the testers for Soup Nights all marked it as one of their favorites. And, now that I am in full publicity mode for the book, I’ve noticed how often this recipe surfaces in conversations.

Since the chill of autumn makes all of us crave rich, warming soups, I’m happy to share the recipe. So, for all of you readers who are longing for a bowl of piping hot, soothing chicken noodle soup, here’s that familiar dish with some delicious creative touches.

Unfortunately, due to a production error, the final two steps of the recipe did not print properly. Below you will find the complete text.

 

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Chicken Noodle Soup with Sautéed Mushrooms & Parmigiano

Prep Time  20 minutes    Start to Finish  2 hours   Make Ahead Partially

Serves 6

This chicken soup is a far cry from those of my childhood. Several things give this version its delicious flavor. First, chicken breasts are poached in a rich, aromatic stock to form the foundation. A mix of earthy sautéed mushrooms provides an umami touch. And, finally some dry vermouth balances the soup’s richness.

Extra Rich Homemade Stock
1 1/2 lb chicken breasts, with skin and bones
2 ribs celery, sliced into 1-inch pieces
2 medium carrots, sliced into 1-inch pieces
1 medium onion, quartered
2 bay leaves, broken in half
2 parsley sprigs
2 thyme sprigs or 1/2 Tsp dried thyme
2 qt reduced-sodium chicken broth

Soup
1/4 cup dry vermouth
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 Tbsp canola oil
8–Oz fresh mushrooms, such as shiitakes, oyster, and baby bellas, sliced see Market Note
1Tbsp minced garlic
3/4 Tsp dried crushed rosemary
2 Tbsp flour
4-Oz short, wide egg noodles
1/3 cup half-and-half
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
6 fresh rosemary sprigs or 2 Tbsp chopped parsley for garnish, optional
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, preferably Parmigiano Reggiano

ADD ALL THE INGREDIENTS for the Extra-Rich Homemade Stock to a large saucepan over medium-high heat, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook at a simmer until the chicken is very tender when pierced with a sharp knife, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

REMOVE THE CHICKEN from the broth and set aside to cool. Strain the broth, pressing down on the vegetables to release as much juice as possible; discard the vegetables. You should get 8 cups; if not, add enough water to make that amount. When the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones and cut into 1/2- inch cubes. (Chicken and broth can be prepared one day ahead; cool, cover, and refrigerate.)

FOR THE SOUP, remove 1 cup of the broth and place it along with the vermouth in a small saucepan set over high heat. Cook until the mixture has reduced by half. Set aside.

HEAT THE BUTTER and oil in a large pot set over medium heat. When hot, add the mushrooms and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and rosemary and stir 1 minute more.

SPRINKLE THE FLOUR over the mushrooms and stir constantly to cook the flour, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Add the remaining 7 cups broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the noodles and cook until tender according to package directions, (see Cooking Tip).

STIR IN THE DICED CHICKEN, the reduced vermouth mixture, and the half-and-half. Cook until hot, 4 to 5 minutes. Taste and season the soup with more salt and pepper if needed.

LADLE SOUP INTO BOWLS. If desired, garnish each serving with a rosemary sprig or chopped parsley. Pass the Parmesan cheese in a bowl for sprinkling.

MARKET NOTE Some grocery stores sell packages of mixed, sliced mushrooms including shiitakes, baby bellas, and oysters. This is a convenient way to buy them. If unavailable, use 4 to 6 ounces shiitakes (stems removed and mushrooms sliced) and 4 to 6 ounces baby bellas (trimmed and sliced through the stems).

COOKING TIP When this soup is made several hours or a day ahead, the noodles sometimes absorb more of the liquid and make the soup thicker. Thin it with some purchased chicken broth if you like.

8 thoughts on “A Favorite Recipe from Soup Nights

  1. Hi Betty
    Just wanted to know if your publicity tour will bring you to the west coast?
    Love your books and would love to see you again…
    Jane Packer

    • Thanks so much, Jane. Right now my travels for the book are concentrated on the East Coast and in Ohio, but if I’m lucky enough to get a chance to get to the West Coast, I’ll definitely post it on Facebook. Hope you’ll get a chance to try some of the soups in Soup Nights!

  2. Recently purchased your Soup Nights book in Santa Fe, NM at Garcia Street Books. I was so disappointed that the set of instructions for the Chicken Noodle Soup with Sauteed Mushrooms and Parmigiano was incorrect. Now I have the correction and will be making this soup very soon.

    Have you made the soup with homemade fresh noodles?

    • Thank you so much, Joyce, for your note. The misprint on the second page of that recipe was a printing error and many books were shipped before it was discovered. I’m so glad you got the corrected copy. Did you see it on my website? I also have some very nice page inserts printed by Rizzoli with the correction. If you’d like one, I’d be very happy to send one to you. Just email me your address through this site. Hope you enjoy that chicken noodle soup with the mushrooms. It’s one of my favorites!

  3. I own a copy of Soup Nights. There is a typo. The recipe stops after: HEAT THE BUTTER and oil in a large pot set over medium heat. When hot, add the mushrooms and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and rosemary and stir 1 minute more.

    Then it repeats two earlier instructions. So glad I found the recipe on line.

    • I’m so glad you found the correct copy on my blog. The error you refer to was in the first printing and was made by the printer. In the 2nd and 3rd printings it’s been corrected. It’s one of my favorite recipes–hope you’ll enjoy it!

  4. Hello! So glad I found your blog with the missing instructions for Chicken Noodle Soup! My husband and I can now make it for dinner tonight. Unfortunately, we apparently have a 1st printing with missing instructions. 🙂
    This looks like it will be absolutely delicious!
    Do you know, is it possible to get a corrected page from the publisher?

    • Hello Shara,
      I’m so pleased you found the corrected copy on my blog. It was a publishing mistake and I do have an attractive, corrected page insert that I’d be happy to mail to you if you could send me your address at brosbottom@gmail.com

      I love that soup and hope you and your husband will enjoy it! Betty

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