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Chicken Noodle Soup - Why the Noodles Are Essential

Which do you prefer?

  • Chicken soup

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Total voters
    2

Majora's Cat

How about that
Joined
Sep 3, 2010
Location
NJ
[Today 04:55 PM]arkvoodle: NO NOODLES
[Today 04:55 PM]arkvoodle: Just chicken soup.
[Today 05:02 PM]Djinn:[Chicken noodle soup is] an empty shell of its former glory without the noodle.

On February 19, 2011, the glory of chicken noodle soup was questioned by an evil user named Arkvoodle. A poor Ms. Hellsy bound to a world of sickness and coughs asked for some simple advice - what food could she eat that doesn’t make her want to retch? To Mr. Arkvoodle, the answer was obvious. Why chicken soup, of course! But I had to jump in the way - chicken soup wasn’t sufficient. Where are the noodles? I thought in my head as Arkvoodle suggested a meal fit for no one: that dreaded chicken broth. I told him that you need the noodles and that chicken noodle soup is the only way to go. I even said I could make an entire thread about how chicken noodle soup is superior to chicken soup.

Chicken soup*is a*soup*made by bringing to a boil and then simmering*chicken*parts and/or bones in water, with various vegetables and flavorings. The classic chicken soup consists of a clear*broth, often served with small pieces of chicken or vegetables, or with*noodles*or*dumplings, or grains such as*rice*and*barley. Chicken soup has also acquired the reputation of a*folk remedy*for*colds*and*flus, and in many countries is considered a classic*comfort food.

Traditionally, chicken soup is prepared using old hens too tough and stringy to be*roasted*or cooked for a short time. In modern cities these fowl are difficult to come by, and broiler chickens (young chickens suitable for broiling or roasting) are often used to make soup; soup hens or fowl are to be preferred when available.

Above is the definition of chicken soup according to Wikipedia. Chicken soup is usually used as a remedy for the sick and a broth made to ease the stomach. Chicken soup is obviously very delicious and can really warm up the body, so what difference does it make if noodles are added to it? Ho, boy. It makes all the difference, you hear? It makes all the difference. But why are noodles such a necessary component of the greatest thing to exist since the oh-so-great microwavable pizza? You’re all about to see for yourselves.

As stated in the above quote, a variant of chicken soup is a kind with noodles in the mix. We usually believe that noodles are rather tasteless and are really just there for the texture. WRONG. Noodles are one of man’s greatest inventions, dating back thousands and thousands of years ago to the ancient Chinese. [1]

So what kind of impact have noodles had on the world since 4,000 years ago? Well, noodles are now a popular dish worldwide, used with a variety of broths, spices and soups. Without noodles in ramen, what would it be? Just soup. And do you prefer ramen over a bowl of heated water with the flavoring of many spices, chicken, beef, etc.? I would think so. And what about those stir-fried noodles and dishes of the like? Well, without the noodles, there’s nothing. There’s something to think about. And think about how it’s become not only a part of cultures in Asia but worldwide! The United States and the UK both enjoy simmering bowls of noodles. And remember - what would those dishes be without noodles? They would be (as Djinn put it), empty shells of their former glory.

How about we put it this way. We all like pasta, don’t we? And pasta comes from Italy. And Italy houses some of the most scrumptious foods in the world, does it not? But without noodles, there is no pasta. And without pasta, the majority of Italy’s cuisine goes down the drain. How in the world could we ever forsake noodles as our friend Arkvoodle has? Not only are noodles a major food in many countries all over the world, but they have a rather pleasing texture about them that can enhance any meal.

Everyone likes actually eating something when they’re hungry, right? Otherwise we’d be chowing down on food flavored liquid. But Majora’s Cat, isn’t that almost exactly what chicken soup is (plus a few pieces of chicken)? Why, yes it is. You may be thinking to yourself, “I really like chicken soup. The chicken provides all the texture and tangible food I need”. Well, it all depends on how much chicken is in your chicken soup. If you live in some parts of Asia, you get a humongous chicken leg smack-dab in the middle of your soup. But what about us Americans that are completely fine with minuscule chunks of chicken being placed here and there in the broth, but most of us will say “we need something more!”. That “something more” is the sweet embrace of noodles.

I’d like to provide an astonishing visual aid for our beloved chicken noodle soup.

chicken-noodle-soup_pot.JPG

Does it look totally yum? I know it looks totally yum. Now imagine those very bowls of chicken noodle soup without the noodles. Why, they look less delicious now, don’t they? That’s because the noodles are the core of the experience. Without noodles, chicken soup lacks substance. Now our dear friend Arkvoodle claims this:

[Today 05:41 PM]arkvoodle: I like noodles, just not in chicken soup.

How can one believe in noodles and not chicken noodle soup? Chicken is one of the most widely used meats in soups and other dishes in the world, so how can one enjoy it without noodles? The answer is simple: other ingredients in the noodle soup make up for the absence of noodles. But as many will realize, carrots and other vegetables alike cannot fill the shoes of noodles. Crunchy vegetables and soft herbs can’t replace something that is much larger and more chewable. We can’t exactly “om nom nom” on those, can we? But then another question arises: the point of soup is so that we shouldn’t om nom nom on it, correct? So why does chicken noodles soup aim for the opposite and try to be a more solid dish? Well, a soup doesn’t always have to be just a broth. The solid foods placed in soups are supposed to enhance it but not make it so that a soup is no longer a soup. Then we take a look at dishes that include both noodles and soup, such as ramen. Ramen isn’t meant to be just a soup. It aims to be something much greater, making it very popular among all cultures, though it originated from Asia. Chicken noodle soup is sort of similar, but definitely has a lack of noodles compared to ramen. I’d say that the noodle content is somewhere between that of a regular soup and ramen.

Who can resist the soft, tender embrace of well-crafted noodles? One will feel a bit less full if only digesting chicken soup - since the noodles will add more calories and mass to the bowl of soup, the person enjoying it will become more full than if the noodles weren’t there. Without those noodles in the chicken soup, you’ll likely be hankering for more food. By any chance, you’ll be hankering for junk food and once you take one bite of that potato chip, you’ll be gobbling up all the junk food in your house, Then you’ll be fat. So that’s why if you don’t put noodles in your chicken soup, regardless of how skinny you are, you’ll turn fat.

In conclusion, noodles are simply a necessity for many good reasons. After all, it’s better to add more without detracting from the taste, isn’t it? Noodles do just that and enhance almost all soups (including chicken soup). While a simple chicken broth is perfect for one who is ill, chicken noodle soup is a meal to be enjoyed by all at any time (especially if you’re cold). There are, ultimately, enough reasons in this thread to convince you that chicken noodle soup is far superior to plain old chicken soup. Don’t forget - regular chicken soup makes you fat.

[1] http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/10/1012_051012_chinese_noodles.html

Do you think noodles are essential to chicken soup? Do you prefer chicken noodle soup or chicken soup? Discuss.
 

Djinn

and Tonic
Joined
Nov 29, 2010
Location
The Flying Mobile Opression fortress
Okay, thread is awesome.
officialseal.jpg

I endorse this.

The noodle is indeed an important aspect of the soup, without which it is nothing but common everyday chicken juice. Not fit for consumption but to only one day hope to be made into a proper soup with fundamental ingredients and peripherals. And no, rice cannot take the noodle's place in the soup. Chicken and rice is not a soup therefore it has no place in debate.

Without noodles in ramen, what would it be? Just soup. And do you prefer ramen over a bowl of heated water with the flavoring of many spices, chicken, beef, etc.?
Ramen without noodles? Not even soup, all you would have is flavored water. Some kind of terrible drink people would only try to stomach when they are making an attempt at appearing healthy by avoiding soft drinks on occasion. And then immediately run home to enjoy something they do like. And where would that leave all the masses that enjoy ramen on a daily basis? The starving students, lazy people who really do not feel like coking, people who's power have gone out, people who kind of like that weird shrimp flavor for some reason, people who seriously cannot afford food, and of course anime fans. What would they be left with? Or better yet, what would they be left that can be purchased six for a dollar?!

I shudder to think just where Italian food would be without noodles. Lasagna would be what? Tomato soup with a lot of cheese floating in it? And spaghetti? What of Chef Boyardee? A cornerstone of our very society is at stake when it comes to the existence of noodles, without which many would starve. Or at least have to wait 40 or so more minutes for their food to cook since there would be no more quick pre packaged meals outside of pop tarts. And that is not a world I want to live in.

Noodless chicken soup is empty, watery, ultimately without substance to it whatsoever. Just lightly seasoned liquid with little bits and pieces of chicken here and there. Simply having the chicken is not enough. I can go to KFC any time I wish for my chickeny requirements. Even then I still get my starch in the oh so extra crispy breading with it's eleven herbs and spices. However when soup is in order, it need something more. Noodles provide that more, not just vegetables or spice alone but noodles provide that texture and substance to a soup that completes it and truly make s a meal out of it. Then you are no longer simply drinking something and convincing yourself that you are eating food.

Let us never forget the medicinal qualities of chicken noodle soup.
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Irwin Ziment, M.D., pulmonary specialist and professor at the UCLA School for Medicine, says chicken soup contains drug-like agents similar to those in modern cold medicines. For example, an amino acid released from chicken during cooking chemically resembles the drug acetylcysteine, prescribed for bronchitis and other respiratory problems.[/FONT]
As well as just being the perfect compliment to any chicken, soup, or any combination thereof, noodles provide necessary carbohydrates, or protein if you prefer egg noodles, while maintaining a low level of acid making it easy on a sick stomach. Also maintaining hydration which is important to any ill individual.

So the noodle is delicious, perfect for a cold, completely necessary for Italian food, and a fundamental aspect of the modern diet. Except maybe the Atkins no carb people, but I have always thought they were crazy. But people do crazy things in the name of fad diets anyway.

I equate noodless chicken soup to decaff coffee. A lifeless husk of deep seeded regrets and loss ever constantly reminding me of what could have been had I only continued to finish reading the @#!&% label!
05100013737_220x220_a.jpg

Arraughhh!!!! Why do you look so similar to chicken noodle?!?!! Chicken needs no cream!

Nor could I ever understand those who actually buy them on purpose. But I am convinced all sales of these products are based on people not reading the complete label. Just enough do it to keep these companies in business.
 

purplelink

Who started saying Big Mood
Joined
Jul 27, 2010
Location
Chicago, IL
If you mean campbells they only put a few peices of chicken in the soup and just plane old chicken soup is fine not the best but fine.
 
Joined
Mar 17, 2010
Location
New York
Mmmmm.....chicken broth. I'll go with the unpopular opinion and support chicken soup on this one. Noodles are okay but I love me some chicken broth....
 

knowlee

Like a river's flow, it never ends...
Joined
Jun 2, 2009
Location
USA
I agree with the poster of this thread. Chicken Soup for me MUST have noodles, otherwise I won't like it. :( It gives extra filling to the food and makes it taste better in my opinion.
 

LolGames4U

Viceroy of Area 11
Joined
Dec 24, 2010
Location
USA
I personally like chicken soup because I'm wheat intolerant and well noodles are wheat. There. Djiin, I LOVE YOUR SEAL OF APPROVAL!!!!
 

Hylian Knight

Green Armored Menace
Joined
Sep 28, 2010
Location
Florida
Ya just gotta have the noodles I don't care what kind just noodles. I've never ramen and I mean authentic not those microwave packs you buy at the store which those are terrible.
 
Joined
Sep 16, 2009
Location
Cali For Nuh
Chicken Noodle Soup is win, But so is Chicken Soup with rice. Soup needs some kind of filler in it to make it filling. Otherwise its just water, sodium and chicken flavoring.
 
Joined
Aug 29, 2019
Gender
Female
Hi everyone! As for me, I prefer neither of the two, but I would suggest you trying this Chicken Alfredo Lasagna recipe. It is a tasty spin on a classic Italian lasagna. The combination of chicken and Alfredo sauce is unbeatable, so why not put it in a perfect Alfredo chicken lasagna recipe ;-)

Chicken-Alfredo-Lasagna-01-big.jpg
 

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