Chinese (Homemade) Chicken Soup for Your Soul

Cafe Drake crafted the version below of the ultimate comfort food while stocking a culinary schwag bag for a friend recovering from recent surgery. We imagine we'll be stirring a pot throughout the wintery days remaining to us . . . or anytime our souls need a little tender care. Now if we could just create a dish to cleanse them!

Here's how:

Simmer 1 large chicken breast (skin removed) in a large pot of salted water. Once chicken is cooked (about 20 minutes on a slow simmer), remove from pot and allow to cool for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile skim any surface debris that has risen to the top of the pot.

Quickly - over high heat - stir-fry some shredded cabbage, onions, carrots, snowpeas, mushrooms, whatever you like really, and then add to your pot of water. Season with salt and soy sauce and a few drops of sesame oil (toasted).

Shred meat from chicken breast and return to pot. Bring back to a low simmer and cook for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together. If you have any cooked rice or noodles, add now.

Remove from heat and stir in some chopped scallions and cilantro leaves. You will probably need to readjust the salt and pepper levels. Serve very hot.