Chicken Soup for Colds

This soup is perfect for when you are sick or any time.  You will need chicken, onion, carrots, and potatoes, but if you don't have the rest, just use salt and pepper.  It only takes about half an hour to make.  The garlic and parsley help you get well but if you are sick at home, and don't have them, just go ahead without.  

Ingredients:

Chicken thighs (or other pieces) with skin and bone (2 per person)
1 onion
2-4 carrots
1-4 yellow potatoes (Yukon gold, Island Amber, German)
Sea salt
Whole peppercorns, allspice, star anise, bay leaf.  
Fresh garlic, 2-4 cloves, peeled
Fresh flat leaf parsley 

Instructions:

Fill a pot half full with fresh cold water.

Add the chicken, salt, garlic cloves, and the whole spices in a spice or tea ball (or small piece of cloth or gauze).  Simmer until the chicken is partially cooked.

Meanwhile, chop the onion, carrots, and potatoes into bite-size pieces.   Add the onion, carrot, and potato, and simmer until vegetables are cooked.  

Remove the chicken, cut into small pieces and add back to the pot.  Remove the spice ball. 

Taste and add salt and pepper if necessary.

Serve and get well.