Well what can I say, hospital food is far from perfect. One would think that the Maternity wards in hospitals would have a better seclection of foods on offer, after all most of the women there have just had a baby, they are experiencing all new found emotions, trying to bond with their precious newborns and the challenge of starting to breastfeed. 

It's not easy but it slowly does get easier. Don't rely on hospital food to give you that extra bit of energy.  NO NO you need someone to make you the best chicken and vegetable soup ever.  This is a soup that has been passed down three generations and is great for everyone.  Just get mum or someone close to you, to make a good heap of this soup and bring it into hospital for you, in a thermos.  You will thank me.

RECIPE - about 4 serves

2 Skinless Marylamb Chicken Pieces

2 Carrots cleaned and chopped into small cubes

1 potato peeled and chopped into small cubes

1 large Zucchini washed and chopped into small cubes

1 Medium Brown Onion chopped

2 Sticks of Celery with small folage chopped

3 good Stems of Fresh Contential Parsely

1 Tablespoon of Leggo's Tomato Paste

1 Ripe Tomato or 2 pieces of whole canned tomatoes

1 full teaspoon of Salt & some pepper

Method.......

You will need a large 4-6 LT Soup Pot , clean ckicken thoroughly.

Wash and Chop all vegies add to pot , cover with water until double the amount of ingredients (leave 1/4 lower from height of pan) this depends on the size of pot.

Add tomato Paste , herbs and Salt and pepper. Put flame on med-high and wait till it comes to boil them turn down to med- low and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours .  The slower you cook the better it tastes.  Taste as you cook add more salt or tomato paste if needed.  Soup must get a loose redish colour.

When ready you will notice the chicken should fall away at the bone. All vegies should be well cooked .

Ways to Serve....

Eat as is with some nice bread

OR

Cook up some Risoni Pasta and add to the soup with the shredded up chicken mixed in well, add some fresh grated parmesan for extra taste.

OR

You can put the whole soup through the food Processor this is also great for baby soups.

I hope you enjoy this hearty soup - just what your recovering body needs...so you can get back to what is really important, enjoying your new bub and being a mum...the best job in the world!

All the best

Enza

Mamma Bella