2 of 22

Write now Article Tools

Sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching, stuffy head, runny nose, fever... we've all suffered from the not-so-common cold. When your mood is a match for the blustery weather outside and you feel rotten, reach for a bowl of steaming Chicken Vegetable Soup that will not only bust the germs that help make you miserable, it tastes great and is good for you, too!

The health benefits are nothing to be sneezed at: allicin-filled garlic, a powerful antioxidant, also has antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties; tomatoes contain the antioxidant glutathione, which boosts the immune system; carrots, lemons and fresh parsley are rich in Vitamin C, the traditional cure for the cold; a member of the Allium family, leek also contains Vitamin C plus iron, and has anti-inflammatory properties; celery helps to reduce stress; chili peppers may be hot, but the heat' stimulates secretions that aid in clearing mucus from a stuffed-up nose or congested lungs, and they also contain Vitamin A, essential for keeping the mucous membranes (the body's first line of defense against infection) healthy; and sage, used for centuries as a sore throat remedy and to soothe a fever.

These and other ingredients combine to make a soup that is delicious, nutritious and will help alleviate your symptoms, making you feel better. Cook a pot of soup to share with your friends, or freeze it in portions to be re-heated as needed. Either way, you won't just want to eat this soup when you've got a cold!

HEALING CHICKEN VEGETABLE SOUP

2 quarts chicken stock (may use canned; choose a low-salt/low-fat variety)
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 leek, thinly sliced
2 medium-sized carrots, diced
1 rib celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, crushed
6 leaves fresh sage, finely chopped, or 1 tsp. dried rubbed sage
1 bay leaf (fresh or dried)
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. turmeric
1/4 tsp. dried red pepper flakes
Pinch of cumin
1/2 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
2 ounces dried egg noodles (or the pasta of your choice)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lemon
1 tablespoon dried calendula petals* (optional) or 1 tablespoon fresh petals
Handful fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Sliced green onions or snipped fresh chives for garnish (optional)
TIP: Vegetarians may substitute vegetable stock and omit chicken

Toss the chicken with a little salt, pepper, cumin, turmeric and paprika. Heat oil in non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and stir frequently until browned on all sides. Place browned chicken in

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Recipes: Chicken soup?
We want to hear your view. Write now!