Three Sisters Soup
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS FOR THE CHICKEN BROTH
- 2 pounds raw chicken bones
- 3 quarts cold water
- 1 small carrot, finely sliced
- 1 stalk celery, finely sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely sliced
- 1 sprig thyme
- 2 small bay leaves
FOR THE SOUP
- 2 cups corn kernel fresh or canned
- 1 cup green beans washed, ends trimmed off and sliced
- 1.5 cups butternut or banana squash or pumpkin
- 2 small bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 0.5 cup parsley leaves, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon each dried basil and oregano
GARNISH
- Few dry berries or raisins or cranberries or other dried fruit
Instructions
Make the Chicken Stock:
- Rinse the chicken bones and place them in a stock pot with cold water. Bring to a boil, then skim off foam and scum. Add carrot, celery, onion, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil again, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Discard any excess fat and strain the broth. Set aside.
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Heat the reserved chicken skin and fat with 1 cup water in a separate pot for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove and discard the cooked chicken skin. Add corn, beans, squash, bay leaves, salt, pepper, parsley, basil, and oregano to the vegetables.
- Strain the chicken stock over the vegetables and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 40 minutes.
Finish and Serve:
- Remove the bay leaves. Puree the soup coarsely using a hand blender, leaving some texture.
- Garnish with dried fruit like cranberries or raisins and serve hot with Bannock bread.
Cooking Tips for Three Sisters Soup
Use Fresh Ingredients
For the best flavor, use fresh corn, beans, and squash. These key ingredients give the soup its traditional earthy flavor and texture. Fresh vegetables contribute to the soup’s natural sweetness, making it a more flavorful and nutritious dish.
Homemade Chicken Broth
Making your own chicken broth from scratch gives the soup a deeper, richer flavor than store-bought options. Allow the broth to simmer for at least 30 minutes, ensuring that it’s full of savory depth. If you’re short on time, you can substitute with store-bought broth, but homemade stock will always offer better taste.
Proper Seasoning
Season the soup with salt, pepper, and herbs like dried basil and oregano. The balance of seasoning is key to highlighting the sweetness of the corn and squash while complementing the richness of the chicken broth. Adjust the seasoning as needed during cooking to ensure a well-balanced flavor profile.
Simmer to Develop Flavors
After adding the vegetables and broth, let the soup simmer for at least 40 minutes. Slow simmering allows the flavors to meld together, creating a richer and more cohesive taste. The longer it simmers, the better the soup will taste.
Serve with Bannock Bread
Traditionally, Three Sisters Soup is served with Bannock bread. The slightly crispy exterior and soft interior of the bread are a perfect match for the soup. Fresh, warm Bannock bread adds a satisfying texture and enhances the meal’s overall experience.
Garnish with Sweetness
Top the soup with dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness. The contrast between the sweet dried fruits and the savory soup adds an extra layer of flavor.
By following these tips, you can elevate your Three Sisters Soup into a comforting and flavorful dish.
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