In a pressure cooker, place:
Several pieces of celery
1/2 a bunch of fresh dill (or the stems of the dill, if you have already used the leaves)
1/2 a bunch of parsley
1 onion, cut into chunks- you don’t need to peel it
Several carrots, cleaned and cut in half
a couple of peeled and chunked parsnips (optional)
Any lonely vegetables in the vegetable drawer that look likely for chicken soup (ends of garlic heads, lettuce, scallions etc.)
1 Tablespoon of sea salt or kosher salt, or 1 1/2 teaspoons of regular salt
10 peppercorns
1 teaspoon of sugar (this is critical)
1 chicken, or 3-4 pound of chicken wings or legs
6 cups of water
Put the vegetables at the bottom of the pot, then top with the chicken, salt, sugar and peppercorns and pour the water over all. Close the pressure cooker, and then follow the instructions that came with the pressure cooker. Once the pressure is up, pressure cook for 15 minutes, then remove from the heat. The pressure will drop after about 15 minutes more. After the pressure has completely dropped (check you directions for how to ensure things are safe) remove the top, remove the chicken and strain the soup into a bowl. Discard the vegetables. (We had to remark on saving the soup, because one time we poured out the chicken stock when we were trying to strain it. You really want to strain the soup into a bowl and throw out the debris, not the other way around.)
You now have more than a quart of really fine chicken stock, and a beautifully cooked chicken that you can remove from the bones and make in to chicken salad, casseroles or whatever you prefer.
If you prefer the flavor of thyme, you can use a few sprigs of thyme in place of the dill. If you like garlic, cut a few cloves of garlic in half (no need to peel) and add them. If you are making an Asian recipe with the stock, add a little sliced ginger and omit the dill.
To serve food to gluten-free friends, check carefully with the manufacturers, or on the reputable internet-based gluten free food lists, making sure that all ingredients are gluten free. Or, ask your friends which brands are safe for them to eat. They will appreciate your concern!
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