Rosół — Polish Healing Broth

In Poland, you don’t wait to feel sick — Mom makes rosół the moment she suspects it.
It’s the antidote of love for colds, weakness, and the quiet days that need care.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken (or chicken + beef marrow bone combo)

  • 3 quarts cold water

  • 2 carrots

  • 1 parsley root (or parsnip)

  • ½ celery root or celery stalks

  • 1 onion (cut in half, lightly charred)

  • 2 cloves garlic

  • 5–6 allspice berries

  • 2 bay leaves

  • Salt to taste

  • Fresh parsley

  • Optional: lovage (if you have it 💚)

Instructions

  1. Place the meat in cold water. Bring very slowly to a simmer.

  2. Skim foam carefully — clarity is everything.

  3. Add vegetables and spices.

  4. Simmer uncovered, very gently, 2½–3 hours.

  5. Do not boil. Ever.

  6. Strain. Season only at the end.

Serve with:

  • Thin egg noodles

  • Carrots from the broth

  • Fresh parsley

Rosół is care in liquid form.
It heals, welcomes, and remembers.