There’s something deeply healing about a simmering pot of chicken soup — especially when it’s made the old way, slow and golden. I think every person can appreciate a kitchen filling with steam and the scent of bay leaves, garlic, and peppercorns dancing together — a quiet reminder that warmth heals more than hunger.
Now, I make it as a modern Mediterranean soup bar, where friends and family build their own bowls — colorful, nourishing, and joyful.

The Golden Broth
Ingredients:
• 1 whole chicken (or bone-in pieces for deeper flavor)
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 carrot, cut in chunks
• 1 celery stalk
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• Sea salt to taste

Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine everything and cover with water.
2. Simmer gently for about 1½ to 2 hours, until the broth turns golden and the chicken falls apart tender.
3. Strain the broth. Shred the chicken and keep warm.

🌸 Soup Bar Toppings
Arrange everything in small bowls so guests can create their own bowl of comfort.
Vegetables (fresh or blanched):
Baby spinach, kale, zucchini ribbons, julienned carrots, green beans, peas, corn, mushrooms
Fresh herbs & greens:
Parsley, dill, cilantro, mint, scallions, basil, or tarragon
Flavor boosters:
Lemon wedges 🍋, chili flakes or Aleppo pepper 🌶️