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Introduction:
Coming home early from work is supposed to be a pleasant surprise. But on that quiet Tuesday afternoon, my house was silent — too silent. My son was nowhere to be found. Panic bloomed in my chest. I searched every room, called his name, dialed his phone, and got nothing. Just as I was about to call the police, my best friend, Lena, walked in. What she said next didn’t just explain his absence — it rewrote everything I thought I knew about my family.
This emotional story taught me how quickly life can change — and how sometimes the recipes we cling to are more than just meals. They're memories, legacies, and sometimes… the only way to heal.
In the spirit of comfort and healing, here are a few recipes I turned to during the hardest time of my life — meals that brought me back to center.
Ingredients: Comfort Chicken Stew
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless chicken thighs, diced
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup baby potatoes, halved
1 teaspoon thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup frozen peas
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until soft, about 5–7 minutes.
Return the chicken to the pot. Add broth, potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
Stir in frozen peas and cook for 5 more minutes.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serve with: Warm sourdough bread or over rice for a heartier meal.
Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing Tip: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat slowly on the stove for best texture.
Variations:
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