18
Food
Food for Good Health at the
farmers’ market
Week of January 7 – January 13, 2022
Chicken Noodle Soup
SATURDAYS 9:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M.
YIELDS: 6 servings | PREP & COOK TIME: 40 mins
WILTON MALL | FOOD COURT
INGREDIENTS:
by Julia Howard
*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market
for Saratoga TODAY Photos by Pattie Garrett. Gomez Veggie Ville
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Freshly harvested leafy greens like spinach and kale can also help boost your immune system as they contain vitamins E and C. A green smoothie or a raw salad can offer a daily dose of essential, healthbuilding vitamins.
• 1 large onion*, chopped
• 8 cups chicken stock, low sodium, or broth or use homemade stock
• 2 large carrots*, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic*, minced • 2 bay leaves • 3 sprigs fresh thyme* or use 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme • 1 pound skinless, boneless
• 5 ounces egg noodles (or pasta of choice) • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1/4 cup fresh parsley*, finely chopped • Water or more stock, as needed
INSTRUCTIONS : Ballston Lake Apiaries
Vitamin C is largely associated with a strengthened immune system and may help to reduce cold and flu symptoms. Brussels sprouts, potatoes, tomatoes, and fresh herbs like parsley and thyme are high in vitamin C and currently available from local farms.
chicken thighs or breast*
• 2 stalks celery, chopped (optional)
he best way to stay healthy during cold and flu season is to take preventative steps before you feel that first sniffle. If you become sick, resting, staying hydrated, and getting proper nutrition are some of the most important things you can do to feel better and recover faster. Many locally grown and sourced foods can alleviate and support you during the healing process. Pasture-raised chicken and grass-fed beef bones are available at the farmers’ market and can be boiled down to make nutrient-dense stock. Bone broth is rich in minerals, amino acids, and essential fatty acids and has many health benefits. To get started, place 1 gallon of water, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2-4 pounds of animal bones, and salt and pepper, to taste, in a large pot or slow cooker. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 12-24 hours. The longer it cooks, the better it will taste and the more nutritious it will be.
• 2 tablespoons butter* or olive oil
Whether your looking to alleviate a cough or boost your immune system, honey is the perfect food to consume on its own or in a cup of tea. Honey is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Bee products such as propolis and bee pollen, available at Ballston Lake Apiaries, are high in zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins. Garlic has been used in alternative medicine for centuries. Scientists have found that plant compounds in garlic are immune-supportive and anti-inflammatory even when consumed raw in small doses.
1. Melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring every few minutes until the vegetables begin to soften; 5 to 6 minutes. 2. Stir in the garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. Cook, while stirring the garlic around the pan, for about 1 minute. 3. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a low simmer. Taste the soup then adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Depending on the stock used, you might need to add 1 or more teaspoons of salt. 4. Submerge the chicken thighs into the soup so that the broth covers them. Bring the soup back to a low simmer then partially cover the pot with a lid and cook, stirring a few times until the chicken thighs are cooked through; about 20 minutes. 5. If, during this time, the broth seems low, add a splash more stock or a bit of water. Turn the heat to medium-low.
While no food alone can cure sickness, eating the right foods may help support your immune system and offer relief from certain symptoms.
6. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate. Stir the noodles into the soup and cook until done, 6 to 10 minutes depending on the type of noodles used.
The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Wilton Mall Food Court. Find us online at www. saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.
7. While the noodles cook, shred the chicken into strips or dice into cubes. Slide the chicken back into the pot and then taste the soup once more for seasoning. Adjust with more salt and pepper, as needed. Stir in the parsley and serve. Recipe by Adam and Joanne Gallagher.
