| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 275 | 8g | 2g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 2g | 25g | 0.76g |
The heart and soul of my beloved Nebraska is still bubbling and simmering in each and every dish I create, and that sentiment holds particularly true in this Miner’s Lettuce and Chicken Soup recipe. There is something incredibly comforting about preparing a hearty soup filled to the brim with vegetables straight from the garden and chicken that has been raised locally. This dish takes my favorite elements of Midwestern cooking – farm-to-table freshness and hearty, comforting flavors – and combines them into one wholesome and nourishing meal.
The Health Benefits
What I truly love about this soup, beyond its hearty flavors, is its robust health benefits. Chicken soup has long been a staple for those under the weather, and for good reason. Loaded with lean protein from the chicken and fiber from the vegetables, every spoonful offers sustenance that is as nourishing as it is comforting. Medline Plus, a website run by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, outlines the many benefits of a high-fiber diet, including the ability to control blood sugar levels and prevent heart disease. I can’t think of a better way to demonstrate one’s love for family and food than by preparing meals that are as healthy as they are delicious.
A Delightfully Versatile Dish
The Miner’s Lettuce and Chicken Soup, with its beautifully balanced flavors and wholesome ingredients, can easily stand as a meal on its own. However, it also wonderfully accompanies other dishes like a crusty baguette for dipping, a simple toss salad laden with your favorite greens, or even a hearty corn casserole, a staple of Midwestern cuisine. It bears similarities to a classic chicken noodle soup or even a chicken gumbo minus the spice. This dish is all about customization and creativity, nurturing the ability to adjust flavors and ingredients to suit your palate perfectly.
Whether you’re cozied up with a good book on a cold winter day or sharing a comforting meal with your loved ones around the dinner table, the Miner’s Lettuce and Chicken Soup is a delightful reminder of the comforts of home and the pleasures of farm-to-table freshness. It is truly a hearty and heartwarming Midwestern soup for the soul.
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrot, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup Miner’s lettuce, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Method
Step One
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts and sear until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set them aside.
Step Two
In the same pot, add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
Step Three
Add the diced carrot and celery to the pot. Cook the vegetables until they are slightly softened, stirring occasionally.
Step Four
Pour the chicken broth into the pot. Bring the broth to a boil over high heat.
Step Five
Once the broth is boiling, add the cooked chicken, chopped miner’s lettuce, and fresh thyme leaves. Season the soup with salt and ground black pepper.
Step Six
Lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the soup cook for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Step Seven
Stir in the cooked rice, chopped fresh parsley, and fresh lemon juice. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes so the rice can absorb some of the broth.
Step Eight
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired. Enjoy your Miner’s Lettuce and Chicken Soup!
