Amish-Style Snow Day Soup
When snow falls thick and quiet across open fields, when the wind pushes softly against farmhouse windows, and when boots are left by the door to dry beside a cast-iron stove, there is one kind of meal that feels especially right: a warm, hearty, slow-simmered soup. Amish-Style Snow Day Soup is comfort in a bowl — simple ingredients, humble preparation, and deeply nourishing flavor.
Rooted in the cooking traditions of Amish communities in places like Pennsylvania and Ohio, this style of soup reflects practicality, thrift, and warmth. Amish cooking is known for being filling, made from pantry staples, and designed to feed large families after long days of farm work — especially in winter.
This Snow Day Soup is creamy yet rustic, rich yet balanced, and deeply satisfying. It combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, egg noodles, cream, and herbs into a soul-warming meal perfect for cold weather.
Below you’ll find a detailed, 2000-word guide including ingredients, preparation steps, variations, storage tips, and serving ideas.
What Makes It “Amish-Style”?
Amish cooking typically emphasizes:
Simple, whole ingredients
Minimal waste
Hearty portions
Slow cooking methods
Cream-based broths
Homemade noodles or dumplings
This soup follows those principles. There are no complicated spices or fancy techniques — just honest, comforting food made with care.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth (homemade preferred)
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or home-cooked)
2 medium russet potatoes, diced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
For the Creamy Finish:
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup frozen peas
For the Noodles:
2 cups wide egg noodles
OR
1½ cups homemade Amish-style egg noodles
Optional Add-Ins
Corn kernels
Green beans
Fresh chopped parsley
Crumbled cooked bacon
A pinch of nutmeg (traditional in some Amish cream soups)
Equipment Needed
Large heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Ladle
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, mince the garlic, and cube the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Keep the potato pieces uniform so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter with the oil. The oil prevents the butter from browning too quickly.
Add the onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until translucent.
Add carrots and celery and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This builds a deep, aromatic base.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Broth and Potatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
Add diced potatoes, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Noodles
Stir in the shredded chicken.
Add egg noodles and simmer for another 8–10 minutes until noodles are tender.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together:
Heavy cream
Whole milk
Flour
Whisk until smooth — no lumps.
Slowly pour this mixture into the simmering soup while stirring continuously.
Simmer for another 5–7 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.
Step 6: Final Additions
Stir in frozen peas and allow them to heat through (about 2–3 minutes).
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
If soup becomes too thick, add a splash of warm broth or milk.
Texture and Flavor Profile
This soup is:
Creamy but not overly thick
Savory and mildly herbaceous
Hearty with tender vegetables
Comforting and filling
Slightly sweet from carrots and peas
It’s the kind of soup that tastes even better the next day.
Homemade Amish Egg Noodles (Optional)
For authentic texture:
Ingredients:
2 cups flour
3 eggs
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon milk
Instructions:
Mix flour and salt.
Make a well and add eggs and milk.
Knead into dough.
Roll thin and cut into strips.
Let dry 1 hour before adding to soup.
These noodles are thicker and heartier than store-bought.
Why This Soup Is Perfect for Snow Days
Snow days often mean:
Family gathered at home
Limited travel
Slow mornings
Comfort food cravings
This soup simmers gently on the stove, filling the home with warmth and inviting aromas. It pairs beautifully with homemade bread and butter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
Fresh baked bread
Buttermilk biscuits
Simple green salad
Apple butter on the side
Cornbread
For extra richness, top each bowl with:
Fresh parsley
Cracked black pepper
A drizzle of cream
Variations
1. Turkey Snow Day Soup
Use leftover roasted turkey instead of chicken.
2. Ham and Potato Version
Replace chicken with diced ham for a smokier flavor.
3. Vegetarian Version
Use vegetable broth and omit meat. Add mushrooms for depth.
4. Extra Hearty Version
Add white beans or barley.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze without noodles for best texture.
Store up to 3 months.
Reheat gently on stovetop, adding milk or broth if needed.
Tips for Success
Don’t boil after adding cream — it can separate.
Dice vegetables evenly.
Use homemade broth if possible.
Add salt gradually.
Let soup rest 10 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Nutritional Snapshot (Approximate)
Per serving:
Calories: 350–450
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 20g
Values vary depending on cream quantity and portion size.
The Heart of Amish Cooking
Amish recipes reflect a philosophy: food is meant to nourish body and community. Meals are shared around long tables. Recipes are passed down through generations. Snow Day Soup fits perfectly into that tradition — practical, hearty, and made with love.
In Amish households, winter soups are often made in large batches, reheated throughout the week, and served after chores are finished.
Making It for a Crowd
To double the recipe:
Use 12 cups broth
Double vegetables and chicken
Use large stockpot
Keep warm on low heat for gatherings.
Adjusting Thickness
Too thick?
Add broth or warm milk.
Too thin?
Simmer uncovered longer.
Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with water and stir in.
Flavor Enhancements
For deeper flavor:
Add a Parmesan rind while simmering.
Use browned butter instead of regular butter.
Add a splash of apple cider for subtle brightness.
Cozy Pairing Ideas
Perfect with:
Hot apple cider
Black tea
Fresh churned butter on bread
Cinnamon rolls for dessert
A Bowl of Winter Comfort
There’s something timeless about this soup. It doesn’t rely on trends or exotic ingredients. It simply brings warmth.
On a snowy afternoon, when the world outside is quiet and white, a pot of Amish-Style Snow Day Soup on the stove feels grounding.
Steam rises.
Windows fog slightly.
Family gathers.
And for a little while, everything feels peaceful.
Final Thoughts
Amish-Style Snow Day Soup is more than a recipe — it’s a tradition-inspired comfort meal that captures the essence of winter hospitality.
With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, creamy broth, and wholesome noodles, it satisfies hunger and soothes the spirit.
Make it once, and it may become your go-to cold-weather classic.
If you’d like, I can also provide:
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