Making Amish Snow Day Soup is incredibly easy and straightforward. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a warm pot of soup that’s sure to please your family. Here’s how to make this creamy, hearty dish:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken (or Ham)
If you’re using boneless chicken breasts, begin by cooking them. You can either cook them in a large pot on the stovetop with a little oil until golden on the outside and cooked through, or you can boil them in water to keep them tender. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool. Once it’s cool enough to handle, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
If you’re using ham instead of chicken, simply dice the cooked ham into small cubes and set aside. The ham adds a lovely salty richness to the soup, which pairs beautifully with the creamy broth.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they start to soften and become fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until the garlic is fragrant and golden.
This step helps bring out the natural sweetness in the vegetables, which will add depth to the flavor of the soup.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Once the vegetables are softened, add the chicken (or ham), chicken broth, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have had time to meld.
At this point, you can adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you prefer a bit more salt or pepper, feel free to add it now!
Step 4: Make the Soup Creamy
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. The flour helps thicken the soup and gives it that rich, velvety texture.
Continue to cook the soup for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened to your desired consistency. The cream will turn the soup into a rich, creamy delight.
Step 5: Final Touches and Serve
Once the soup has thickened and is nice and creamy, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like, sprinkle in some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread or rolls for dipping. You can also top it with shredded cheese (cheddar or Parmesan work well) for an extra creamy, cheesy touch.
Now you have a bowl of Amish Snow Day Soup that’s hearty, creamy, and absolutely delicious. Perfect for a cozy day indoors, this soup will warm you up from the inside out!
Serving and Storage
This Amish Snow Day Soup is the perfect meal for a cold, snowy day, but it also makes excellent leftovers. Here are a few tips for serving and storing your soup:
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side Salad: Pair the soup with a simple green salad for a light and refreshing contrast to the creamy, rich soup.
- With Fresh Bread: Crusty bread, dinner rolls, or even garlic bread are perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Top with Cheese: If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle a bit of shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère on top of the soup just before serving.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well! If you want to freeze it, transfer it to a freezer-safe container once it’s cooled and store it for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra broth or cream if needed.
Tips
For the best results and to make this recipe your own, here are a few tips to consider:
- Make it Vegetarian: Skip the chicken or ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version. Add extra vegetables like potatoes, peas, or corn for a heartier meal.
- Use Leftover Meat: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked ham, you
