Homestyle Chicken Soup

People all over the world swear by its healing powers, and while that’s debatable among scientists, there’s no doubt that chicken soup is a comfort food. During cold and flu season, it might be exactly what you need.

Ingredients:
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, peeled and cubed
1 cup butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1 small sweet potato, peeled and cubed
½ yellow onion, quartered
2 Tb. extra virgin olive oil
4 cups chicken stock
2-3 cups leftover shredded chicken
¾ tsp. dried parsley
1 tsp. sea salt
½ tsp. dried thyme
½ tsp. dried rosemary
¼ tsp. dried oregano
¼ tsp. cracked pepper
1 cup water
2 cups baby spinach

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Toss the vegetables in the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Meanwhile, bring the chicken stock to a simmer in a large stockpot. Add the chicken, herbs, and salt and pepper. Cover and cook while the vegetables are roasting, about 15 minutes. For raw chicken breasts, cook for about 45 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and tender enough to shred with a fork.

Add half the vegetables to the soup, and place the other half in a blender. Make sure to put all of the onions quarters into the blender. Puree the vegetables with the 1 cup of water. Add the vegetable puree and baby spinach to the soup. Simmer 5-10 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and the soup is hot. Adjust seasonings to your taste.