2 large leeks, cleaned, roots and green parts removed
2 medium carrots
2 celery stalks
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 star anise
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
6 cups chicken stock (or cooking juice from sous vide chicken plus water)
3-5 sprigs of thyme
1 bay leaf
4 servings of soba noodles
2 cups shredded chicken
Fresh parsley to garnish
Instructions
Prepare leeks and other vegetables: Thickly slice 1 1/2 of leek whites into ½-inch coins; thinly slice the remaining leek white; set thinly and thickly sliced leeks aside separately; peel carrots and cut into ½-inch coins; thinly slice celery stalks.
Infuse chicken broth (optional, see notes): Wipe the pot clean. Toast star anise and whole black peppercorns over medium-high heat in the dry pot until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chicken broth (Be careful, it’s hot!), followed by fresh thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the spices to fully infuse the broth.Â
Cook soba noodles: As the broth simmer, cook soba noodles on another burner according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.Â
Finish up the soup: Discard the star anise, whole black peppercorn, thyme, and bay leaf. Add the vegetables back into the pot to simmer until the vegetables are fully tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in shredded chicken, and simmer for another 2 minutes to warm up the chicken. Taste and add salt, if needed.
Serve: Divide the soba noodles into four serving bowls, ladle the chicken soup over the noodles, and garnish with thinly sliced leek whites and parsley leaves