While the weather outside is still frightful, cozying up with a bowl of chicken noodle soup can help you bare through the cabin fever blues. But don’t let grounded planes and cancelled plans keep your taste buds from traveling to exotic destinations. Transform that favored American-style comfort broth into an international inspired soup dish.
1. Off to Thailand
One of my favorite lunchtime spots is the franchise Noodles and Company. The theme of the restaurant focuses on noodle dishes from parts of Asia, America and the Mediterranean. New to the menu is the Thai Hot Pot. This twist on chicken noodle soup comprises rice noodles and shredded chicken swimming in a coconut curry broth. Give your homemade chicken noodle soup a Thai flair by adding red curry paste, a light pour of coconut milk, and a shot of fish sauce.
2. Caribbean Bound
Jerk chicken one night…means jerk chicken soup for tomorrow’s lunch! Take that leftover chicken and use a fork to pull the chicken into fine shreds. Make it hearty with chopped carrots, celery and dumplings. Top it of with a sprig of thyme and chopped scallions.
3. China to Down Under
Chicken and corn soup is a Chinese style soup that Australians have made their own. Make your chicken soup Aussie style by adding creamed corn, light soy sauce, ginger and egg whites. Try this recipe from Taste.com.au.
These renditions of the classic chicken noodle soup are sure to keep your tummy warm until the long awaited springtime defrost. In the meantime, sip, slurp and savor.
Cover Photo Credit: Kern Justin (CC)
Potatoes on the Side 