Help Please! Going To Make Soup For Boyfriend

[Waitingindreams]

My boyfriend isn't feeling well, so I decided I was going to make him some soup. I picked up Pacific Chicken broth, a package of soup greens (includes parsnips, turnips, dill, parsley, leeks, carrots, celery, and onion), chicken breasts, and noodles. A good girlfriend I try to be, a good cook I am not (yet). Can anyone help me think up a really quick and easy way to cook with these ingredients? Can I just chop everything up and throw it in the broth to cook for 30 minutes or so? Should I bake the chicken first? I know to cook the noodles first before adding it to the broth, that is not an issue...but everything else?  I already tried looking up recipes and I wasn't finding anything useful.

 

Please and thank you! 

[MJ-S]

You don't need the broth since you also bought the ingredients to make broth. Just combine the greens and chicken, add water, salt, and some olive oil (since the breasts aren't too fatty) and bring to full boil. Simmer, covered, for 1.5 hours (or 40 minutes with a pressure cooker since you said quick). 

 

Once it's done, add the noodles and cook them for however long they take according to package. Don't cook them separately.

[nvsmom]

If the noodles are gluten-free, I would skip them completely.  gluten-free rice noodles tend to get slimy when overcooked... Or maybe that's just my cooking skill shining through.  LOL

[Waitingindreams]

We don't have a pressure cooker or crock pot. He just moved into his house a couple of months ago and we have the basic essentials. It's his house, I haven't moved in yet - and he doesn't do any cooking. He has a few pots, that's it. We're going to have to add a pressure cooker to the list. 

 

nvsmom - the noodles aren't gluten free, it's pastina. I had him pick out the pasta he wanted. (He has no known issues with gluten - though I do wonder sometimes...) I am not having any of this soup, of course! lol. 

[mamaw]

I  do  have  to comment  on  slimy gluten-free  noodles......I 've  been  gluten-free  for over  eleven  years making  gluten-free  soup  also  for  that  time  &  I  have  never  had or  served  a  slimy gluten-free  noodle.....Some  brands  do  break apart easily..... If  you  want  to make  a  soup using  egg  noodles  buy Seitenbacher  egg  ribbons... They  taste  just like  a  wheat  noodle.... &  don't  overcook  them...

[Waitingindreams]

Oh no. This sounds too complicated! Lol. I am sure that if I tried to make gluten free noodles in soup that my first few batches would definitely come out slimy, or too hard due to my trying to avoid them being slimy.

 

What I plan on doing for myself is making zucchini noodles and using them, since I am on a very strict diet right now (SCD diet - no grains) the boy, however, isn't too keen on zucchini and he doesn't have the need to go gluten free...and he wanted his pastina!

 

Now I found a way to screw that up too. Sigh. The pans he has aren't very big. I used all of the soup greens, and the entire box of broth, that was fine. Adding in the chicken was fine. And then when it came to the pastina, I accidentally added the entire box. Oi. He ate a bowl and a half of it though, and I will pick up more broth tomorrow to mix with the soup that was left over. It smelled and looked great before I added the pastina or even the chicken, but it was what he wanted! My diet is so strict I wouldn't have been able to try it anyway (parsnips aren't allowed - and the broth had yeast extract in it) 

 

Oh well, practice makes perfect.

[nvsmom]

LOL  I knew it!  It's just my cooking abilities causing the occasional slime!  Darn it!  LOL

[Waitingindreams]

Well, here is an example of the two batches I made. First, it came out really clumpy because I put too much pastina. In desperation, I kept adding water to water it down, but to no avail:

 

 

 

So then I went to a nearby corner store and picked up more broth, then added that into the leftover soup. Much better!

 

 

But we definitely need to either pick up a pressure cooker or a huge pan. What I had to use looked more like a sauce pan...it wasn't very big, but deep. I need a much bigger pot. And next time I won't add so much pasta, yikes! Lesson learned!

[kareng]

  On 10/12/2014 at 3:34 PM, Waitingindreams said:

Well, here is an example of the two batches I made. First, it came out really clumpy because I put too much pastina. In desperation, I kept adding water to water it down, but to no avail:

 

 

 

So then I went to a nearby corner store and picked up more broth, then added that into the leftover soup. Much better!

 

 

But we definitely need to either pick up a pressure cooker or a huge pan. What I had to use looked more like a sauce pan...it wasn't very big, but deep. I need a much bigger pot. And next time I won't add so much pasta, yikes! Lesson learned!

 

 

Gluten or gluten-free pasta - they all swell  up a bit.  My family would prefer the first "soup" - they don't like a lot of broth.  Crockpots are great for soups and you can get a nice big one for less than $40 or a smaller - 4 qt for $20.  Lots cheaper than pressure cookers or large pans.  Or ask for a large one for Christmas?

[Waitingindreams]

Haha, I love how you put "soup" in quotes. I was mortified once I realized how the pasta overtook the broth/vegetables. Oi. I was the same way! I loved Lipton noodle soup and ate it all the time when I was sick. I loved the broth, but I preferred having a lot of noodles.

 

The issue with all of this isn't so much money, it's the space. He has a pretty small kitchen with limited counter/cabinet space, so it's been difficult to try to organize everything. Not to mention his mother already had tons of stuff to give him and she already filled all of his cabinets and drawers. (No, I'm not kidding...his kitchen is fully stocked...lol.) We need to go through everything and get rid of the stuff we can't/won't use and restock with items that are more important, such as the crock pot. This pan was not the best to cook the soup in at all. We definitely need to go through everything, and once he is feeling well I'm going to suggest we do just that. 

 

He keeps suggesting we should put all of this on the wedding registry when we get married. We are not even engaged yet! LOL. And I don't want to wait that long for a crockpot, or a spiralizer...

[kareng]

We forgot to tell you - the noodles will continue to soak up the broth and get big and yummy.

With space an issue - maybe you should think about a Dutch oven style pot or a big pot with no plastic on the lid or handles - can do double duty by using on the stove top or in the oven.

Some examples. I got a very nice dutch oven like the one pictured for cheaper at Costco.

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[mamaw]

I want to make  myself  clear  about   a  comment  I made  ...  I WAS  NOT commenting  on  anyone's  ability   or  cooking  skills...I  thought  this  site  was  here  for  sharing & helping  to guide  others  in  their  gluten-free  journey... we all know  how  difficult/ challenging  it  can be  in  the  beginning... Instead  of  discouraging  a  new  person  who  honestly  is  trying  &  asking  how  to  prepare  something  , I  think it  is  better  to  give  tips  on better  products that  work.....SO it  turns  out  the  soup  wasn't  to be    gluten-free  but  if  it  was  then  the  gal  could  be  enjoying  her  creation as well....

As we  all know  not  all gluten-free  products  are wonderful,  some  are  down  right  horrible.... For  me  I  enjoy  sharing  my finds  with  others  so  they  don't  waste  their  hard  earned  cash  on  inferior  gluten-free  products, I've  been there  & done  that  .... my  first  year  with  no support  or  help  was  terrible.I  would  have  been  so thankful  to  find  knowledgeable  help  but  I learned  & studied  on my  own for  hours on  end.. I  was  determined  to  know  gluten-free  inside  out.

So  instead  of  discouraging  someone from  ever  using  noodles  again  , I  suggested  a  tried  & true  noodle  that  is  good..... I order  cases  of  these  for  our  support  group  so  it is not  me  only  giving  a thumbs  up  for these  noodles....

So  new  members  do not  give  up/ cheat &  crave  something for the  rest  of  their  days  I find  it  better to offer suggestions  for gluten-free  products  so that  they may enjoy  their   new  lifestyle   &  remain  strict to the  gluten-free  diet...I  find  a  celiac  who  can  find  subs for  their  wheat  favorites  remain healthy , &  happy....

[kareng]

  On 10/12/2014 at 7:28 PM, mamaw said:

I want to make  myself  clear  about   a  comment  I made  ...  I WAS  NOT commenting  on  anyone's  ability   or  cooking  skills...I  thought  this  site  was  here  for  sharing & helping  to guide  others  in  their  gluten-free  journey... we all know  how  difficult/ challenging  it  can be  in  the  beginning... Instead  of  discouraging  a  new  person  who  honestly  is  trying  &  asking  how  to  prepare  something  , I  think it  is  better  to  give  tips  on better  products that  work.....SO it  turns  out  the  soup  wasn't  to be    gluten-free  but  if  it  was  then  the  gal  could  be  enjoying  her  creation as well....

 

 

 

We are  commenting & laughing at our own cooking experiences  and offering suggestions.  I don't seeing anyone being unsupportive, rude or discouraging of this young lady learning to cook.  The noodles you suggested looked good but it looks like you have to plan ahead and order them.  I was thinking of doing that based on your recommendation.

 

Waiting - I hope you didn't feel that way.  You seemed to be laughing along with us.  And like I said - my boys would be thrilled if their girlfriends cooked soup that was more noodle than soup.  The girls just can't tell them the soup has  "parsnips, turnips, dill, parsley, leeks,"  lol      I am sure your boyfriend was thrilled.

[Waitingindreams]

Kareng - Thanks for the tips/photos! We don't have a Costco membership, but luckily his parents do! Apparently we can't get one if we don't own a business? He tried applying for his own card and that's what he was told (his father has his own business) Either way, he has mentioned getting a Dutch oven before and I didn't know what that was. I have a lot to learn when it comes to cooking.

 

Mamaw - Thank you for your tips. I did feel a bit funny posting this on the forum when the soup didn't necessarily have to be gluten free, but I figured you all could give me tips for either one. (I see a lot of the recipes/etc people post on here and it blows my mind.) Unfortunately, I was used to going to school all day, then working in retail until 10 or 11 at night. So my dinner would be whatever I could cook quickly...microwavable pizzas, lunchables, nachos, frozen dinners, etc. Terrible, I know, but quick! 

 

This soup would have been gluten free if he didn't insist on the pastina - I contemplated using gluten free pasta, but I wanted to give him what he wanted. I will definitely look into that brand of noodles for when I can eat a more regular gluten free diet again. Right now I am on a very strict grain free diet (boo!) very strict, but easy on an ailing gut. 

 

And Kareng, thank you! No, I wasn't insulted by anything/anyone in this thread. I do openly admit that I am a novice when it comes to cooking. My boyfriend was very appreciative, yes...but he was kind of overwhelmed by the pastina, lol...I've cooked for him before, but it was more 'simple' meals...like scrambled egg/cheese with hashbrowns on a bagel, english muffin pizzas, nachos, baked apples, and quesadillas. I figured him being sick was a perfect opportunity for me to practice making soup. It smelled great, at least! 

 

Once my diet becomes less strict (and we figure out the whole kitchen space issue) I want to make eggplant lasagna. Between eggplant lasagna and zucchini noddles, I think I will be content without grain pasta! 

 

He's sleeping right now. Going to try to make baked chicken and roasted pumpkin seeds (we carved them yesterday afternoon) I'm going to put butter and cinnamon on them. Hopefully both dishes come out okay! Eek.

[kareng]

  On 10/12/2014 at 11:05 PM, Waitingindreams said:

Kareng - Thanks for the tips/photos! We don't have a Costco membership, but luckily his parents do! Apparently we can't get one if we don't own a business? He tried applying for his own card and that's what he was told (his father has his own business) Either way, he has mentioned getting a Dutch oven before and I didn't know what that was. I have a lot to learn when it comes to cooking.

 

Mamaw - Thank you for your tips. I did feel a bit funny posting this on the forum when the soup didn't necessarily have to be gluten free, but I figured you all could give me tips for either one. (I see a lot of the recipes/etc people post on here and it blows my mind.) Unfortunately, I was used to going to school all day, then working in retail until 10 or 11 at night. So my dinner would be whatever I could cook quickly...microwavable pizzas, lunchables, nachos, frozen dinners, etc. Terrible, I know, but quick! 

 

This soup would have been gluten free if he didn't insist on the pastina - I contemplated using gluten free pasta, but I wanted to give him what he wanted. I will definitely look into that brand of noodles for when I can eat a more regular gluten free diet again. Right now I am on a very strict grain free diet (boo!) very strict, but easy on an ailing gut. 

 

And Kareng, thank you! No, I wasn't insulted by anything/anyone in this thread. I do openly admit that I am a novice when it comes to cooking. My boyfriend was very appreciative, yes...but he was kind of overwhelmed by the pastina, lol...I've cooked for him before, but it was more 'simple' meals...like scrambled egg/cheese with hashbrowns on a bagel, english muffin pizzas, nachos, baked apples, and quesadillas. I figured him being sick was a perfect opportunity for me to practice making soup. It smelled great, at least! 

 

Once my diet becomes less strict (and we figure out the whole kitchen space issue) I want to make eggplant lasagna. Between eggplant lasagna and zucchini noddles, I think I will be content without grain pasta! 

 

He's sleeping right now. Going to try to make baked chicken and roasted pumpkin seeds (we carved them yesterday afternoon) I'm going to put butter and cinnamon on them. Hopefully both dishes come out okay! Eek.

 

 

When you are sick, you just want your comfort foods.  My hub's just likes chicken broth with noodles (gluten-free or not).  I like chicken and rice or homemade applesauce or Rice Chex.  Kids like gatorade, Sunny D, jello, jarred applesauce and Saltines.  My Dad likes beef and egg noodles and has found a grocery store that makes them just how he likes.

 

You know, we all have had our cooking disasters!  I have been cooking longer than you have been alive & I still have them!  The philosophy at our house (and it sounds like your BF may be like this,too) is that it doesn't have to be pretty to taste good.  And.... if it really sucks - there is always PB&J or cheese and crackers.  

 

If you & BF really have no cooking skills - watch some cooking shows.   

[LauraTX]

I just want to throw in that I know it is weird, but I like it when the noodles dissolve into a homemade soup.  My grandma used to make chicken soup with a stuffed chicken (way back in my childhood), and the whole family would get grossed out when I took the stuffing and mashed it up in the broth.  MMmmmmmmmm

[mamaw]

Just didn't  want  to offend or  discourage  anyone  from  ever  cooking  a gluten-free  comfort  food...pasta/noodles  can be a  pain to  cook correctly, the  problem  I  see  with gluten-free  noodles  is  the  falling  apart when reheating....but  again  some  like  them  that  way... I  found these gluten-free   noodles  to  stay  together  when  reheating.  I cook  meals  on  a  daily  basis  for  at  least  twelve, four are gluten-free  , the others  are  wheat  eaters.... I cook  all gluten-free  in  my  home so  I never  hear  that  the gluten-free  noodles  aren't  good....  and  believe  me  they  complain  when  some food  is not  up  to par....

These  noodles are  a  hard  find  in  stores  but  can be  ordered....I'm  a  food snob so  I  want  the  best  of the  best......

I also  love  BiAglut  pasta,,,, but  at  present  it  is  not  being  sold in the US  any longer.. So if  you  like  Bi Aglut  & see  it  in a  store  snatch it  up...A NY  Distributor  is  hoping to have  it  back in the US  by  December or  2015......

I  also  love  RP'S fresh  pasta for  making  linguine  salad  (a cold salad)  the  noodles  do not  get  hard  after  sitting  a  day....as  with many  gluten-free  pastas...

 

Kudos  to  the  young  gal  taking  on the   cooking  challenge......sometimes  the  younger  generation  doesn't  want  to learn  to cook,  fast  boxed  food  is  their  only menu so  be proud of  yourself for learning... I'm  sure  your  honey  appreciated  your  creation...... 

[nvsmom]

Those soup pictures looked yummy - especially that second one!  I've never been really good at making soup, but it looks like you did very well for just learning.  Congrats!

 

And I didn't mean to scare anyone away form noodles either. I was trying to joke about my failures with noodles - and failures they were.  The first time I cooked gluten-free noodles I walked away for 5 minutes and when I came back the noodles were in a giant clump floating in opaque water... it freaked me out a bit - I thought my boys had added my cream sauce to the water.  LOL  I quickly learned that gluten-free noodles must be stirred and are best cooked less than regular noodles.  

 

To be honest, I haven't made noodle soup in about 5 years.  I tend more to vegetable or hamburger soups. Oh, and borscht!  Mmmmmmmm.

[lpellegr]

I once had a very tiny kitchen with a rack hanging from the ceiling that was the only space we had for pots - hang them from hooks to save cupboard space.

 

He ate your soup, no matter that it didn't look like you expected - he's a keeper!