Cradling a warm bowl of homemade Get Well Soup has always been my go-to for soothing a sore throat or kicking a nasty cold. It reminds me of the countless times my mom would whip up a big batch when I was feeling under the weather as a kid. There’s just something so comforting and nourishing about this classic dish that can instantly lift your spirits and get you on the mend.
I’ll never forget the time I had the flu a few years ago and my best friend surprised me by showing up at my door with a giant Thermos full of her famous Get Well Soup. I was so touched by her thoughtfulness, and that soup ended up being the only thing I could stomach for days. The rich, flavorful broth and hearty veggies were exactly what my body needed to start recovering. From that moment on, Get Well Soup has been my ultimate comfort food and the first thing I crave when I’m feeling under the weather.
Why This Get Well Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Get Well Soup
What makes this Get Well Soup recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors and the incredible depth of the broth. While many soups can taste one-note or watery, this one is incredibly nourishing and satisfying. The secret lies in slowly simmering the broth for hours to extract maximum flavor from the bones, herbs, and vegetables. This long cooking process also helps to naturally thicken the soup, giving it a luxurious mouthfeel.
I also use a few unique techniques, like roasting the garlic and onions before adding them to the pot. This adds an irresistible sweetness and caramelized flavor that you just can’t get any other way. You’ll be amazed at how comforting and restorative a bowl of this Get Well Soup can be.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Whole chicken or chicken bones – This is the foundation for the rich, nourishing broth.
- Onions – Roasted for amazing flavor.
- Garlic – Also roasted to bring out its natural sweetness.
- Carrots – Provide vitamins, minerals, and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Celery – Adds wonderful aromatic flavor to the broth.
- Fresh herbs – A combination of thyme, parsley, and bay leaves.
- Salt and pepper – To season the soup to perfection.
Step-by-Step Get Well Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Get Well Soup
This Get Well Soup is surprisingly easy to make, with just a bit of hands-on time and a lot of simmering. In total, you’re looking at about 2-3 hours from start to finish, but the majority of that is mostly hands-off as the soup simmers away on the stovetop. You’ll need a large stock pot or dutch oven, a blender or immersion blender, and a bit of patience!
1- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Slice the onions and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
2- While the onions are roasting, add the chicken bones or whole chicken to a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 1-2 hours to create a flavorful broth.
3- In the last 30 minutes of simmering the broth, add the roasted onions, whole garlic cloves, carrots, celery, thyme, parsley, and bay leaves. Let the flavors meld together.
4- Once the broth is nicely seasoned, use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken, onions, garlic, and vegetables. Discard the bay leaves.
5- Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree about half of the solids until smooth. This will help thicken the soup and make it extra velvety.
6- Add the pureed vegetables back to the broth and season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle the warm Get Well Soup into bowls and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
For the best results, I recommend using a whole chicken or a combination of chicken bones and meat. This will give you the most flavorful, nourishing broth. Be sure to let the broth simmer for at least 1-2 hours to extract all of that amazing flavor.
It’s also important not to overcook the vegetables – you want them to still have a bit of bite. And don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning at the end. A little extra salt and pepper can make all the difference in elevating the overall flavor.
Serving and Storing Your Get Well Soup
Perfect Pairings for Get Well Soup
This Get Well Soup is so comforting and satisfying on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. I love serving it with fresh, crusty bread for dipping in the broth. A simple green salad or some roasted vegetables also make great accompaniments. And of course, a nice cup of herbal tea or warm ginger ale is the perfect soothing beverage to enjoy alongside.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Get Well Soup will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months. To reheat, simply transfer to a pot and gently warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also easily make a big batch ahead of time and freeze individual portions for a quick and nourishing meal whenever you need it.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Get Well Soup
Creative Get Well Soup Variations
While this classic version is hard to beat, you can easily switch things up with different veggie and protein combinations. Try adding some wild rice, quinoa, or small pasta shapes for extra heartiness. Swap the chicken for turkey, beef, or even shrimp. And don’t be afraid to get creative with the herbs and spices – a dash of turmeric, ginger, or lemon zest can take the flavors in a whole new direction.
Making Get Well Soup Diet-Friendly
To make this Get Well Soup suitable for various dietary needs, there are a few easy swaps. For a gluten-free version, simply omit any pasta or use gluten-free noodles. To make it vegan or vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken and leave out the meat. And for a low-carb adaptation, skip the potatoes and focus on leafy greens, zucchini, and other low-starch veggies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead of a whole chicken?
A: Absolutely! Chicken breasts or thighs will work just fine. Just be sure to simmer them in the broth for at least 30 minutes to an hour to fully infuse the flavors.
Q: How can I make the broth even richer and more flavorful?
A: For an extra-nourishing broth, try roasting the chicken bones before simmering them. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the pot, which helps to extract more nutrients from the bones.
Q: Can I freeze this Get Well Soup?
A: Yes, this soup freezes beautifully! Simply let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield about 6-8 generous servings of Get Well Soup, depending on portion size. It’s a very hearty and satisfying soup, so a 1-1.5 cup serving is usually plenty.
Q: My soup came out a little thin – how can I thicken it up?
A: If your soup seems a bit too thin, you can try pureeing more of the cooked vegetables to naturally thicken the broth. You can also let it simmer for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. As a last resort, you can make a cornstarch slurry and stir it in to thicken things up.
Comforting Get Well Soup
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This comforting Get Well Soup is the perfect remedy for cold and flu season. Made with a flavorful broth, hearty vegetables, and protein-rich ingredients, it’s a nourishing and delicious way to help you feel better fast.
Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 1 cup diced mushrooms
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
– 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (or chickpeas for a vegetarian option)
– 2 cups kale, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. 1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. 2. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. 3. Add the carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. 4. Pour in the broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the soup to a simmer.
5. 5. Stir in the shredded chicken (or chickpeas), kale, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded.
7. 7. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
– For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with cooked chickpeas or white beans.
– Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
– This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Courses
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Get Well Soup is truly the ultimate comfort food – it’s nourishing, soothing, and so easy to make. I hope this recipe becomes your new go-to for beating colds, flus, and any other winter ailments. The rich, flavorful broth and hearty veggies will have you feeling better in no time.
So the next time you or a loved one is under the weather, whip up a big batch of this Get Well Soup. I guarantee it will lift your spirits and get you back on the road to recovery. Be sure to let me know how it turns out by leaving a comment below! Wishing you all good health.