Chicken on a Bun

The Best Chicken Soup in America
Winning recipe from Across Americas Chicken Soup Challenge

(Serves about 6)

INGREDIENTS

2 quarts of chicken broth (the recipe follows)
1 chicken (about 3-4 pounds), quartered (I prefer a regular chicken to a fowl); rinsed
1 large carrot, peeled and cup up
1 large onion, peeled and cup up
1 stalk celery
1 leek, white and light green parts only; washed well
1 parsnip, peeled and cut up
1 parsley root, with greens attached
1 sweet potato, peeled
a handful of dill (about 3-4 stems)
1 small rutabaga, peeled and cut up
a few sprigs of cilantro (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Put chicken broth in pot; bring to boil.
Add chicken. Return to boil; lower heat.
Gently simmer uncovered for 1 hour.
Add the rest of the ingredients. Simmer for one-half hour more; stir occasionally.
Skim fat from top.
Pour into bowls; into each add a slice of carrot and a sprig of cilantro.
If storing, let soup cool before refrigerating. When cold, remove the fat that
rises to the surface. Use soup within 2-3 days, or store in freezer.

CHICKEN BROTH (makes about 2 quarts)

2 pounds of chicken (I use wings & back, usually)
1 onion, studded with 4 whole cloves
3 garlic cloves
1 carrot, peeled
1 bay leaf
1 celery stalk
1 leek

Combine all ingredients with 10 cups of water. Bring to boil.
Simmer over medium heat for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Cool, then strain.
If not using immediately, refrigerate (for up to 3 days) or freeze.