Kittencal'S Hearty Chicken Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely diced
2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic (or to taste)
2 teaspoons dried thyme
8 1/4 cups chicken stock (use homemade or good-quality canned, set 1/4 cup cold broth aside)
2 small russet potatoes, peeled and diced
2 -3 large carrots (peeled and sliced about 1/4-inch thick)
1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed (use all or half amount of spinach) (optional)
3 cups cooked chicken or 3 cups cooked turkey
2 tablespoons flour
salt and black pepper (use lots black pepper)
cayenne pepper (or to taste) (optional)
grated parmesan cheese, cheesse (optional)

Preparation

Heat oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat; add in onion, celery, garlic and thyme; cook stirring for about 4 minutes.
Add in 8 cups chicken stock with diced potatoes; bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until the potates are tender (about 15-20 minutes).
Using a potato masher mash the potatoes in the the stock.
Add in sliced carrots, spinach (if using) and cooked chicken; bring to a boil, reduce heat cover and simmer for about 30 minutes over low heat.
Season with salt, pepper and cayenne (if using) to taste.
In a small bowl combine 1/4 cup room temperature or cold stock with flour until smooth; add into the simmering broth and cook until thickened (about 5 minutes).
Ladle into serving bowls and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese if desired.