chicken saffron broth

in slovenia, a gostilna is a restaurant that feels like a meal at home. on a recent visit, lunch and dinner always started with a bowl of this delicious broth and warm bread. your kitchen will smell wonderful if you make this at home. On a cold day, or warding off a headcold, there's nothing like it.

chicken saffron broth  (kurja juha)

1 whole chicken, 2-3 lb.

1 lg onion, whole

cold water

1 lg carrot

2 stalks of celery

1 bay leaf, 2 sprigs thyme

pinch of saffron

1 c. fine egg noodles

fresh parsley bundle

salt & pepper

Place chicken in large pot, add water, & bring to boil. Add salt, pepper, bay leaf, thyme, onion, celery, & carrot. Simmer low 1 hour, skim surface, then strain & return broth to pot. Set aside chicken & vegetables to cool. Raise broth to high heat; add pinch of saffron. Drop noodles into broth and boil gently 5 minutes. Dice the cooked onion and large handful of parsley, & toss into soup.  Color should be golden from the saffron. Give it a stir, season with salt & pepper, and serve warm. Dober tek!

*With the chicken, I used the meat to make the rustic pie with herbs & vegetables above*