Amy’s No Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a steaming bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. But what if you’re looking for something a little more plant-based, or simply want to try something new? Well, this recipe for Amy’s No Chicken Noodle Soup is the answer. This soup isn’t just any ordinary vegetarian alternative; it’s a delightful twist on the traditional recipe, packed with flavor, and just as heartwarming.

In this version, ’no chicken’ doesn’t mean compromising on taste or texture. Instead of chicken, we’re using plant-based ingredients that mimic the hearty, satisfying nature of chicken noodle soup but in a way that even meat lovers will enjoy. So grab your apron, because we’re about to dive into a comforting, rich, and wholesome soup that will soothe both your body and soul.

Amy’s No Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Before you get started, make sure you have these ingredients on hand. These will give you all the flavors and textures you need to recreate a delicious bowl of no-chicken noodle soup:

• Vegetable broth – For a rich, savory base. You can use low-sodium vegetable broth if you prefer a less salty soup.
• Carrots – Fresh, peeled, and sliced thinly. These add both color and a subtle sweetness.
• Celery – Sliced. Celery brings a crunchy texture and slight earthiness that balances the flavors.
• Yellow onion – Diced. Onions give the soup a savory depth and a comforting fragrance.
• Garlic – Minced. Essential for flavor; garlic brings a pungent, aromatic note.
• Plant-based chicken substitute – This is the star of the show! Choose a good-quality, plant-based ’chicken’ that’s often made from soy or pea protein. It mimics the texture and flavor of chicken.
• Noodles – Egg-free or gluten-free noodles depending on your dietary preference. You can go for traditional egg noodles or any noodle type you prefer, but make sure to cook them al dente so they don’t get soggy.
• Bay leaves – For added aromatic flavor during the simmering process.
• Thyme – Fresh or dried. It pairs beautifully with the broth and enhances the overall savory profile.
• Salt and pepper – To taste. These bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients and round out the soup’s flavor.
• Lemon juice – A squeeze at the end to add a fresh, tangy note that brightens up the entire dish.

Cooking Instructions

Let’s break down the cooking process. It’s simple but will result in a deeply satisfying soup.

1. Prepare Your Vegetables

   • Start by peeling and slicing the carrots. Dice the celery and onion, and mince the garlic. The more uniform the pieces, the more evenly they’ll cook, creating a balanced texture in your soup.

2. Sauté The Aromatics

   • Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil (or your choice of oil). Once it’s heated, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery. Stir frequently, cooking until the onions are soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).
   • Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

3. Simmer The Broth

   • Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaves and thyme. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
   • Let this simmer for 20-30 minutes so the flavors can meld together, and the vegetables are tender.

4. Add The Plant-based Chicken And Noodles

   • Once your broth has simmered and is full of flavor, it’s time to add the plant-based chicken substitute. Stir in your choice of ’chicken’ and let it heat through for 5-7 minutes.
   • Then, add the noodles. Allow them to cook in the broth until they’re tender (usually around 7-10 minutes depending on the noodle type).

5. Final Touches

   • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in a squeeze of lemon juice for that extra zing of freshness.
   • Once everything is well-mixed and the noodles are cooked, remove from heat.

6. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this recipe serves a purpose, and understanding their role will give you a deeper appreciation for the dish.

• Vegetable broth: This is the base of your soup, so make sure to use a flavorful broth. A good vegetable broth adds richness and depth, ensuring that your no-chicken noodle soup has a satisfying savory quality without needing meat.
• Carrots and celery: These two ingredients are key to creating that traditional ’soup’ flavor. Carrots provide sweetness and color, while celery adds that aromatic earthy flavor that really makes the soup feel like a hearty, comforting dish.
• Plant-based chicken: The plant-based protein is essential for mimicking the texture of chicken in the soup. Many brands use soy or pea protein, and these work beautifully when sliced or shredded to resemble chicken’s texture.
• Noodles: Noodles are vital for the soup’s heartiness. Whether you choose egg-free noodles or gluten-free pasta, they should be cooked al dente to ensure they hold their shape and don’t dissolve into mush.

Expert Tips

• Use homemade vegetable broth: If you have the time, making your own vegetable broth with fresh herbs, garlic, and onions can elevate the flavor of the soup. Store-bought broth works fine, but homemade broth adds a layer of richness and complexity.
• Watch the noodles: Noodles can soak up the broth quickly, so it’s best to add them near the end of the cooking time. If you’re planning to store leftovers, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them to individual servings to avoid them becoming too soft.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme and bay leaves infuse the broth with a more vibrant flavor than dried herbs, so use them when possible. However, if you’re out of fresh herbs, dried can still do the job.
• Taste as you go: Like with any soup, tasting throughout the cooking process is key to achieving the right balance of flavor. Adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice to suit your taste.

Recipe Variations

• Add greens: You can toss in some spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking. This will add some color and nutrients to the soup while maintaining its comfort-food appeal.
• Add beans: For more protein, add white beans or chickpeas. This will not only increase the nutritional value but also add a creamy texture.
• Spicy version: For those who like a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a few slices of jalapeño for an extra kick.
• No-noodle soup: If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can skip the noodles entirely and add extra vegetables like zucchini ribbons or cauliflower florets.

Final Words

Amy’s No Chicken Noodle Soup offers all the warmth and comfort of the traditional version but with a twist. It’s a wonderful option for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone wanting to explore plant-based dishes without sacrificing the familiar flavors they love. Whether you’re making it for a sick day or just to enjoy a cozy evening, this soup is bound to hit the spot.