Immune Boosting Chicken Soup

GF | DF | RSF | EF | NF

SERVES: 6 adults

AGE APPROPRIATE: 1 meal a day + (pureed)

I’m sure you’ve heard it before, probably from your grandmother – when you’re ill, drink some chicken soup. But have you ever wondered why?

Unfortunately the context of ‘chicken soup’ for healing has been taken way out of context. A packet mix of chicken soup is NOT healing. A can of chicken soup is NOT healing. A chicken soup made with stock cubes is NOT healing.

So, what makes a chicken soup healing?

‘Science validates what our grandmothers knew. Rich homemade chicken broths help cure colds. Stock contains minerals in a form the body can absorb easily—not just calcium but also magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, sulphur and trace minerals. It contains the broken down material from cartilage and tendons–stuff like chondroitin sulphates and glucosamine, now sold as expensive supplements for arthritis and joint pain.’-Weston A. Price

Thats right – its predominantly the bone broth base that a chicken soup is made from that has the healing properties. Bone broth is incredibly nourishing and supportive to our digestive tracts and immune system. It is high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and gelatin – which acts to heal and seal the gut. 

The other benefits of this particular chicken soup is that it contains garlic, turmeric and ginger – these are potent antiviral herbs that reduce inflammation, remove toxins, boost immunity and aid digestion. The chicken adds protein and glutamine which is a supportive amino acid aiding in digestion and immunity. 

You can add other vegetables to this recipe such as corn kernels, broccoli or any other vegetables like kale, silverbeet, spinach and/or mushrooms. 

You can also add noodles if you wish such as a rice noodle or zucchini spirals for more texture. I like to cut these small before I add them to the soup so they are small noodles but do as you please!

Immune Boosting Chicken Soup

GF | DF | RSF | EF | NF

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Servings: 6 Adults

Course: 1 meal a day, 2 meals a day, 3 meals a day, Family Meals, Main Course, Soup

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 6 cloves garlic minced
• 1 TBSP fresh turmeric finely grated
• 2 TBSP fresh ginger finely grated
• 2 litres chicken Bone Broth
• 500 grams chicken thigh diced
• 1 bunch coriander or parsley finely chopped
• 1/4 cup coconut aminos optional but yum
• 2 lemons zest and juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

OPTIONAL:

• 1 head of broccoli florets cut
• 1 cob of corn kernels removed, or 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 2 chilli finely chopped
• 2 packets rice noodles or 2 zucchini's spiralled

Equipment

• Large Soup Pot
• cutting board
• knife
• Wooden Spoon or Ladle
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Grater

Method

 

1. Combine the garlic, turmeric, ginger, lemon zest, bone broth, chicken and broccoli/corn/chilli (if using) into a large pot.
2. Simmer for 10 minutes over a low heat until chicken is cooked through.
3. Cook noodles in a seperate pot as per cooking instructions on packet, when cooked drain and add to the broth mixture.
4. Add coconut aminos (if using), lemon juice and coriander/parsley just before serving.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste (can also add chilli to your own bowl now if you wish).
6. Sip slowly and enjoy the healing benefits.

Notes

Will last 6 months in the freezer or for 3 days in refrigerator.

For younger babies I would recommend pureeing to avoid any ‘chunks’ of vegetables of chicken that they could slurp back and be a choking risk - or cut all foods added into safe finger shape and texture.