Here's my family’s recipe for our favorite comforting chicken soup, guaranteed to make you feel warm and happy. The special ingredients are the addition of a few cloves and fresh ginger which adds richness and complexity.

• One very large, deep soup pot, heavy enough so it can simmer without burning
• 2-3 large onions, coarsely chopped
• 3 large garlic cloves, peeled and mashed or chopped
• 5-6 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch rounds
• optional: two parsnips, peeled and cut 1/2 inch rounds
• 1/2 small bunch of celery, strings removed, cut into 1 inch slices or use 1 large celeriac root, peeled and cut in 1 inch slices
• 3-5 lb. fresh whole chicken, rinsed thoroughly, including giblets (except liver) or use 2 large whole chicken breasts
• 4-6 15oz. cans (depends on the size of your pot) good-quality chicken broth. You can use bouillon cubes and water, but that is definitely a 2nd choice
• 2 large bay leaves
• 2 whole cloves or 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped finely or use 1 1/2 tsp. dried ground ginger
• 2 tsp. dried thyme or 2 T fresh chopped thyme
• Salt to taste - it will definitely need salt, as broth salt levels vary widely 
• Lots of freshly ground pepper to taste but do not omit - I use at least 2 tsp. 

To add after chicken soup is made:

• 3 cups of cooked rice or Orzo (rice-shaped pasta)
• 1 cup freshly chopped Flat Leaf Italian parsley