The holidays are almost here, but that also means winter is coming. And when it feels like your fingers might turn into ice pops after just a few minutes outside, mealtime calls for just one thing: warm, cozy comfort food.
One of the ultimate queens of cozy—in terms of recipes and the warm aura that emanates from her welcoming smile—recently shared a clutch solution for the frigid days ahead. Yes, we’re talking about Queen Ina Garten, who posted a video on Instagram that offers some comforting meal-planning inspiration to get us through the upcoming cold and flu season. Consider it a gift to your future self.
Ina Garten’s Homemade Chicken Stock
On Instagram, Garten teased, “The key to really good homemade soup…” before proceeding to blissfully walk us through the easy process for one of her favorite low-effort winter recipes: homemade chicken stock. Set to the soundtrack of relaxing French jazz, the video demonstrates how to simmer, strain, and save stock for a rainy (or snowy) day.
Keeping homemade stock in the fridge or freezer is a gift for your future self, as it can act as the most luscious foundation for everything, from Thai Yellow Chicken Curry and Butternut Squash Risotto to Chef John’s Shrimp Étouffée, Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings, and Homemade Chicken Gravy. And, of course, Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup. In the post caption, Garten shares that stock can be frozen for up to four months. Simply defrost in the refrigerator overnight, and you’re all set to use it just like the store-bought or freshly-made kind.
Of course, store-bought stock is great when you don’t have homemade, but you’ll be seriously missing out on the free air freshener and so much flavor. “Nothing in a can tastes as good!” Garten declared.
“It not only makes the house smell great, but I also have good homemade stock for Chicken Pot Pie Soup or Winter Minestrone,” she added in the caption. (To be fair, Garten is a firm believer that store-bought is fine on many occasions—and is even better for certain staples such as pumpkin purée.)
How To Make Ina Garten’s Homemade Chicken Stock
Garten’s go-to chicken stock recipe is such a fundamental part of her culinary repertoire that she includes it in four of her cookbooks. It involves simmering a handful of ingredients with whole chicken—including onions, carrots, celery, peppercorns, and more—in water for four hours before skimming off the foam. Then, simply cool, strain, and store.
It’s actually very similar to Chef John’s Homemade Chicken Stock, just with a shorter cook time, and with parsnips, garlic, dill, and parsley added to the party.
Garten’s fans on Instagram confirm that this simple recipe is a winner. One fan raved that they’ve shared Garten’s recipe for chicken stock many times: “It’s the best!”
Another fan chimed in that it’s “great for a rainy NYC night” and is using it as a base for Creamy Potato Fennel Soup.
So, do your future self a favor and throw together a big batch of Garten’s chicken stock. You’ll be reaping the benefits all winter long. Not feeling up for a DIY version today? Discover how to make store-bought chicken stock taste homemade. You can thank us later!
