Home Food

Chicken and vegetable soup with pesto croutons

Get cosy with this yummy winter soup.
6
25M
16M
41M

Croutons: The fun thing about making your own croutons is choosing which bread to use. Day-old baguettes, English muffins, sandwich bread, even pita all make tasty options. Croutons can be made up to two days ahead if stored in an airtight container.

Ingredients

PESTO CROUTONS

Method

1.

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat an oiled stockpot over a high heat. Add chicken, skin-side down. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until golden. Remove.

2.

Add soup vegetables to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until tender. Return chicken to the pot with simmer soup mix and 7 cups water.

3.

Bring to the boil and simmer, covered, for about 25 minutes, or until chicken is falling off the bone. Remove chicken and cool slightly. Discard skin and bones. Shred meat. Return to pot. Stir over a low heat until hot. Season with salt and pepper.

4.

Meanwhile to make croutons, toss bread with pesto in a bowl. Arrange in a single layer on an oiled oven tray. Cook in a moderate oven (180°C) for about 10 minutes, tossing halfway through, or until golden and crisp. 

5.

Serve soup with pesto croutons and ground black pepper, if desired.

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