Chicken soup is one of those foods that seems to have a special power to make us feel better, no matter what’s going on in our lives. It’s not just the warmth and comfort of the soup that does the trick, though; there’s something about the combination of chicken, vegetables, and seasonings that creates a unique and soothing flavour that we can’t resist.

Perhaps it’s the fact that many of us grew up eating chicken soup when we were sick or feeling down, and so it has become associated with feelings of comfort and security. Or maybe it’s the nutritional benefits of the soup, with its protein-packed chicken and nutrient-dense vegetables, that give our bodies the nourishment they need to heal and feel better. Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that chicken soup has a special place in our hearts (and stomachs!) as a beloved comfort food that can make even the toughest days a little bit brighter.

As winter approaches and the days get colder, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chicken soup to comfort and nourish you. And with the ongoing challenges of load shedding in South Africa, having a few batches of this delicious and hearty South African style chicken soup in your freezer can be a real lifesaver.

This recipe for South African style chicken soup is not only a tasty and comforting meal, but it’s also a healthy and nourishing option that’s packed with protein and vegetables. It’s easy to make and can be customised to your liking by adding your favourite herbs and spices or swapping in different veggies.

So, whether you’re facing a power outage or simply looking for a quick and easy meal option, this chicken soup is sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 onions, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 tsp. ground coriander
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
3. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
4. Add the onions and garlic to the pot and sauté until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the carrots, celery, coriander, cumin, paprika, and bay leaf to the pot and sauté for another 5 minutes.
6. Add the chicken broth and water to the pot and bring to a boil.
7. Add the browned chicken pieces back to the pot.
8. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
9. Remove the chicken pieces from the pot and let them cool slightly.
10. Remove the meat from the bones and shred into bite-sized pieces.
11. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
12. Add the frozen peas to the pot and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the peas are heated through.
13. Add salt and pepper to taste.
14. Serve hot with cooked white rice and chopped parsley, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy South African style chicken soup!