1/3/2010 - Chicken Tortellini Soup

I think I have admitted before I spend way to many hours online checking out others blogs so when I saw this recipe for pull brisket on Smitten Kitchen on her first use of the crockpot I had to comment. As I was doing this I happened to read some others comments and saw this wonderful tip from one of her readers (#30) left about making stock in the crock pot. Now I love the idea of making homemade stock but I have to admit except for the matzoh ball soup that I created for Passover last year (and the trial run) I've never really done it! Coincidentally, I happened to be roasting a chicken just when I read it...what luck! So you can guess what happened to the Pineapple Orange Rosemary chicken that was pictured from the other day....into the crock pot with some aromatics and 12 hrs later I was staring down about 3 -4 c of freshly made broth! (for the record the chicken was a multi-tasker and also supplied a breast for some amazing chicken salad that he ate for lunch another day)

The recipe for the broth couldn't have been easier - place the chicken carcass in the crockpot with some carrots, onions, celery, bay leaves, peppercorns, garlic, and parsley then add water 3/4 of the way filling the crockpot and leave on low for about 12 hrs (overnight-ish) then strain (and seperate fat out if you wish). Even though it might seem a little wasteful you should toss all the veggies that you use to make the stock as they will be mushed by the time the stock is ready.

Chicken Tortellini Soup
4 c chicken broth
1 bag frozen cheese tortellini
1 c shredded chicken meat
10 baby carrots - in coins
2 stalks of celery - diced
1/2 onion- diced
3 scallions - diced
1/2 red bell pepper - diced
10 mushrooms - sliced
2 cloves or garlic - smashed and diced
1" ginger
2 tbsp parsley
2 tbsp cilantro
1 tbsp oil


1) Add oil to large pot and saute on medium the carrots, onions, celery until softened
2) Add the garlic, ginger, peppers and scallions
3) Turn up the gas slightly and add the broth - let it come to a boil
4) Add the tortellini and cook (until they float)
5) Reduce to med and add the chicken , mushrooms and the herbs
6) Allow to simmer for 10- 20 min and serve