Now that it's flu season...

...and I am unemployed, I figured it's the perfect time to start up this blog. I've been thinking about if for awhile, but never found the time. So, although my camera is out of commission, I finally resolved to just do it. It's starting to get colder, and people are starting to get sick. This chicken noodle soup recipe is a variation on the recipe my mother made, and probably my Nana too. I always make it as soon as someone in the house starts to come down with a cold. Something about the celery and onions together really helps the immune system, and the clear broth is good for hydration. Even a vegetarian version without chicken or chicken broth will help.

Chicken Noodle Soup
2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 shallot, chopped
4 cloves of garlic, chopped
2 ribs of celery, chopped (including leaves!)
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
Salt and pepper
2 bay leaves
1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped and seasoned
1/4 cup of white wine
4 cups of low sodium chicken broth (add water if there is not enough liquid)
1 cup of whole wheat farfalle or rotini (I like Barrilla Plus with protein, Omega-3's, and fiber)
3/4 cup of frozen shelled peas
1 cup fresh spinach
2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped

In a large stock pot, sauté the onion and shallot on medium-high in olive oil about until they start to turn translucent. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute. Add celery, carrots, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Cook until browned.

Add the chicken and sauté, turning to make sure all sides brown. Once the chicken is browned (but still pink inside), add the wine. Let simmer for a few minutes.

Add the chicken broth and bring the pot to a boil. Simmer uncovered 10 minutes. Add the pasta and allow to boil for a few minutes short of the time recommended on the package (about 7-8 minutes). Add the peas, boil 2 minutes. Finally, add the spinach and parsley. Turn off the heat and allow the spinach to wilt. Discard the bay leaves.

Serve with a loaf of fresh whole wheat bread.

Notes: Add even more garlic at the beginning if you want a bigger immunity boost. Also, try adding red pepper flakes or half of a diced, seeded jalapeño with the other vegetables to clear up congestion (but not with a sore throat or upset stomach!).