Adapted from recipe by Yvonne Ruperti on www.seriouseats.com, and shared by MySaratogaKitchenTable.com
Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients
*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market
1 whole small chicken* (about 3 pounds)
3 medium onions*, divided (1 halved, 2 finely chopped)
2 medium celeriac* (celery roots) or stalks of celery, divided (2 halved, 2 finely chopped)
2 bay leaves
10 black peppercorns
8 sprigs thyme* (4 left whole, leaves removed from remaining 4 and chopped)
2 teaspoons olive oil
8 ounces bacon* finely chopped
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 pounds potatoes*, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes (about 1 quart)
2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
1/2 cup heavy cream*
Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
Handful chopped parsley*
Directions
1. Place chicken in large Dutch oven. Add halved onion, celery root, bay leaves, peppercorns, and 4 sprigs thyme. Add just enough water to cover (about 3 quarts). Bring to boil over high heat, reduce to a bare simmer, cover, and cook until chicken is falling off the bone, about 1 hour.
2. Carefully remove chicken from stock and set aside until cool enough to handle. Remove meat, then return bones to pot. Continue to simmer stock for 1 more hour. Meanwhile, shred chicken, place in a medium bowl, add 1 ladle of stock, and refrigerate until ready to use.
3. After 1 hour, strain stock and let sit 15 minutes. Skim fat from the top, then measure. You should have about 6 to 7 cups. If more, gently simmer to reduce. If less, add water to reach at least 6 cups.
4. In empty stockpot, heat oil and bacon over low heat. Cook, stirring until bacon is crispy and fat is rendered, about 10 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Add chopped onions, chopped celery root, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the pot. Cook over medium heat until vegetables are softened, 6 to 8 minutes. Add flour and cook until pale golden blond, about 1 minute. Whisk in stock in a thin steady stream until fully incorporated. Add potatoes and season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until potatoes are barely tender, about 10 minutes.
6. Add corn and chopped thyme. Cook until corn is just tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in shredded chicken, bacon, and cream to heat through. Season to taste, sprinkle with parsley, and serve.
