Double-Dark Chicken Noodle Soup
Our best-ever chicken stock begins with wings, which have a high
skin-to-meat ratio. Browning the wings results in lots of caramelized
nooks and crannies that imbue the stock with a deep, savory flavor.
From: bonappetit.com
Serves 8
Dark
chicken stock
1 leek
Stems from ½ bunch parsley
6 sprigs thyme
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 pounds chicken wings
1 onion, unpeeled, quartered
3 carrots, peeled
2 celery stalks
2 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon tomato paste
½ teaspoon black peppercorns
Assembly
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2½ pounds bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed
8 ounces carrots, peeled, sliced ½” thick
8 ounces pearl onions, peeled, halved through root
8 ounces egg noodles
Fresh chervil (for serving)
Dark
chicken stock
Trim dark green leaves from leek; discard all but 2. Slice leek in half
lengthwise; set aside. Tuck parsley, thyme, and bay leaves inside leek
leaves; tie closed with kitchen twine.
Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium. Working in batches, cook
wings, turning often, until browned all over, 15–20 minutes. Transfer
to a plate.
Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and reserved leek to pot. Cook,
turning occasionally, until browned, 10–12 minutes. Add tomato paste;
cook, stirring, until slightly darkened, about 3 minutes. Add ½ cup
water, scraping up browned bits. Add wings, leek bundle, peppercorns,
and 12 cups water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, skimming
occasionally, until stock is deep amber and chicken is falling off the
bone, 1½–2 hours. Remove chicken and vegetables. Strain stock into a
clean large heavy pot.
Assembly
Bring stock to a simmer over medium-high heat; season with salt and
pepper. Add thighs, cover, and simmer until cooked through, 8–10
minutes. Transfer thighs to a plate; let cool slightly. Shred meat;
discard bones.
Add carrots and onions to pot; simmer until tender, about 5 minutes.
Add meat.
Meanwhile, cook noodles in a pot of boiling salted water until just al
dente, 7–8 minutes. Drain; rinse under cold water. Add to soup. Serve
topped with chervil.
Do Ahead: Soup (without noodles) can be made 2 days ahead (or 2 months
if frozen). Let cool; transfer to airtight containers and chill.