Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Homemade Noodles

Comfort food.  It's a must, especially this time of year, and so I give you one of my favorites.  It is quick, easy and oh so good.  I have made this soup with Grandma's brand noodles (in a bag, by shelf pasta) but they take forever to cook.  I've also used frozen noodles-- I think they're intended for Asian food but they work well.  I have to admit that the homemade noodles trump all.  Make them prior to starting the soup because they are easier to handle when they've dried out a bit.

Noodles (from KSL Studio 5)
1 c. flour
1/2 t. salt
2 eggs
2 T. milk

Stir together flour and salt. Make a well in center of flour; add eggs and milk; using a fork, stir together eggs and flour until well mixed. Add additional flour (or milk, one teaspoon at a time) to produce a dough stiff enough to handle. Dough should still be soft, but not sticky to the touch. Form dough into a ball, flatten on a floured surface, and knead until smooth. Divide dough in half; roll each half out on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle or to desired thinness. Allow dough to rest 10 minutes before cutting. Cut noodles 1/4-inch wide and 2 to 5-inches long.


Soup
3 chicken breasts, poached and cut into bite sized pieces
1-1/2 c. chopped carrots
Celery (Optional, what's the point of celery?  Perhaps to add some color?)
1/2 onion, diced
16-24 oz chicken broth
3 cans cream of chicken soup
1 can evaporated skim milk
Pepper to taste

Mix cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and skim milk (note,  I always end up adding more liquid because I don't like the broth to be overly thick.  I've also used regular milk and it works fine but the evaporated variety is just a little thicker).  Heat in large soup pan and stir until bubbling.  Add onions, carrots and chicken and cook until carrots are somewhat tender.  Add noodles a few at a time (they cook quickly) but don't overcook.  Serve in the traditional soup fashion.