As we dive headfirst into 2025, we are greeted with a three-week polar vortex that has swept across much of the United States. With temperatures plummeting and the wind chill making it feel even colder, there is only one thing on our minds: warm, comforting food to help us thaw out from the inside.
Luckily, just when we needed it most, the queen of cozy recipes herself, Ina Garten, has come to the rescue. In a recent video that she shared online, Ina offers some much-needed meal-planning inspiration to help us navigate through this chilly weather.
In the video, Ina tantalizingly teases, “The key to really good homemade soup…” as she takes us on a blissful journey through the process of making one of her favorite winter recipes: homemade chicken stock. Set to the soothing sounds of French jazz, Ina demonstrates how to simmer, strain, and store the stock for a rainy (or snowy) day.
Homemade chicken stock is like a warm hug in a bowl, and having it on hand in the fridge or freezer is a gift to your future self. It serves as the perfect base for a variety of dishes, from Thai Yellow Chicken Curry to Butternut Squash Risotto, Chef John’s Shrimp Étouffée, Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings, Homemade Chicken Gravy, and Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup. Ina mentions that the stock can be frozen for up to four months, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
While store-bought stock is a quick fix when you’re in a pinch, Ina emphasizes that nothing beats the flavor and aroma of homemade stock. “Nothing in a can tastes as good!” she declares. Not only does it make your house smell amazing, but it also adds an extra layer of richness to your dishes.
Ina suggests using the homemade stock in recipes like Chicken Pot Pie Soup or Winter Minestrone, showcasing its versatility and depth of flavor. She believes that store-bought ingredients are perfectly acceptable for certain recipes, but when it comes to stock, homemade is always the way to go.
If you’re curious about how to make Ina Garten’s famous homemade chicken stock, look no further. Her go-to recipe involves simmering a mix of ingredients with a whole chicken for four hours before straining and storing the flavorful liquid. Fans of Ina rave about the simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe, with many declaring it as the best they’ve ever tasted.
So, if you’re looking to warm up from the inside out this winter, take a page out of Ina Garten’s book and whip up a batch of her homemade chicken stock. Your future self will thank you as you cozy up with a steaming bowl of soup on a cold winter night. And if you’re not in the mood for DIY, Ina’s got you covered with tips on how to make store-bought chicken stock taste just as delicious. Stay warm and enjoy the comfort of good food during this chilly season!
