How do the Amish make chicken and corn soup?

Описание: How Do the Amish Make Chicken and Corn Soup?
An Authentic Glimpse into a Beloved Pennsylvania Dutch Comfort Food

Amish chicken and corn soup is much more than just a meal — it’s a heartwarming tradition deeply rooted in the culinary heritage of the Pennsylvania Dutch community. For generations, the Amish have been preparing this humble, nourishing soup using simple, homegrown ingredients and time-honored cooking methods that reflect their values of self-sufficiency, simplicity, and hospitality. It’s a dish that brings families together, often shared at community gatherings, church meals, and Sunday dinners.

The foundation of this soup is a rich, homemade chicken broth, typically made from a whole chicken — often raised on the family’s own farm. The chicken is simmered slowly, sometimes for hours, with aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery to build a deep, flavorful base. Once the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender, it's shredded or chopped and returned to the pot, infusing the broth with even more savory goodness.

What truly sets Amish chicken and corn soup apart is the addition of sweet corn, either fresh off the cob in summer or preserved from the harvest and stored in jars or frozen for winter use. The corn adds a naturally sweet contrast to the savory broth, creating a well-balanced flavor that is both comforting and satisfying.

Another hallmark of this traditional recipe is the inclusion of rivels — small, rustic dumplings made from a simple mixture of flour, eggs, and a pinch of salt. These tiny, irregular dough bits are dropped directly into the simmering soup, thickening the broth slightly and adding a unique texture that makes the dish hearty and filling. Rivels are a classic Pennsylvania Dutch addition and reflect the Amish way of stretching ingredients to feed a large family.

Seasoning is typically kept modest — just salt, black pepper, and occasionally parsley — highlighting the natural flavors of the ingredients rather than overpowering them with spices. The result is a wholesome, soothing bowl of soup that tastes like home, no matter where you’re from.

Amish chicken and corn soup embodies the spirit of Amish cooking: practical, unpretentious, and deeply comforting. It’s the kind of food that nourishes the body and soul, often made in large batches to be shared with loved ones. Whether enjoyed during the colder months or as a light yet satisfying meal in the summer, this soup is a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional, from-scratch cooking.