chicken noodle soup

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3-pound chicken, in parts or 3 pounds chicken pieces of your choice
• 8 cups water
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons table salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large carrot, diced (1/3-inch)
• 1 medium parsnip, diced (1/3-inch) (optional)
• 1 large celery stalk, diced (1/3-inch)
• 3 ounces dried egg noodles, I prefer wide ones
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or flat-leaf parsley