Do you know these people who never seem to get sick? Well, I’m one of them, and really, no matter if I’m really careful and trying to protect myself or I’m acting quite reckless; when it comes to my immunity system, this is something that I can be proud of. I tell you what I’m doing if I get to feel the slightest symptom of a flu or cold. I’m cooking soup!
Say goodbye to the cold and flu and even fight the feared COVID with this ultimate immunity boost soup. This is a delicious vegetarian and upgraded version of the old-fashioned chicken soup that is loaded with vitamins and minerals from ingredients such as kale, turmeric, or bok choy, all simmered in mushroom vegetable broth.
After I explain how to cook this one, you will find other options down below, so don’t forget to check the other ones out as well!
These are the ingredients to use for this immune-boosting soup
The main vegetables are yellow onion, celery stalks, shiitake, mushrooms, baby bok choy, kale, fresh ginger, and garlic cloves. Additional ingredients will bring an even better boost to immunity: turmeric, coconut oil, sea salt, and pepper.
The soup is made in a mushroom broth, which means simmering mushrooms for over an hour. Mushrooms are a powerful food containing ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant that helps to eliminate free radicals, and a powerful source of vitamin D.
Coconut oil is amazing because it contains two important antiviral compounds: caprylic acid and lauric acid, which are both helpful with bacterial and viral infections.
Garlic is a great boost for numerous virus-fighting T cells in the bloodstream. It contains alliin, which converts to allicin, believed to be the main antibacterial compound in garlic.
Turmeric is probably best known for its ability to fight inflammation, but it also contains a powerful antioxidant—curcumin—responsible for decreasing inflammation and often found to be related to various illnesses.
Bok choc is high in vitamin A, essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. It also contains vitamin C and antioxidants that shield the body from free radicals.
Kale is packed with iron, which is essential for your body to work at its highest level, along with being a great source of antioxidants and vitamins. Don’t forget to eat your kale.
How do You make this soup?
The first step is to start by trimming off the bottom of the mushroom stems and discarding them. Separate the stems from the caps and slice the caps into large pieces. Remember to toss the ends of the stems.
2. In a large pot, heat the coconut oil over medium heat and add the chopped onions to sauté them until they are translucent. Toss the garlic and let it cook for another minute. Add the celery and mushrooms and sauté everything for about 10 minutes until the mushrooms wilt down.
3. Stir your spice and bring the mixture to a boil; reduce the heat and cover it. Let it simmer for an hour. The longer you let it simmer, the better the flavors melt.
Let’s see, is it better than chicken soup?
When it comes to boosting your immune system, soups are amazing. You can try a slow cooker bone broth recipe as well.
Are you feeling rundown or are you just trying to stay away from sickness? Especially with something so stubborn as COVID, nothing beats the nourishment and comfort that a good bowl of soup can bring.
These soups will keep you warm in the cold seasons but also help you fight off germs and congestion, so, from hearty lentil blends to spicy broths, here are the must-try soups to keep you on rotation when you want to stay protected and healthy. Whether you’re trying to keep shyness at bay or you’re battling it head-on, soups are amazing allies. They are loaded with ingredients that can support your immune system, and they not only provide comfort but also help with easing the symptoms while your body fights back.
These soups will give you the nourishment and relief you need while fighting the virus
The cure-all lentil soup
This recipe comes from Sweet Potato Soul by Jenne Claiborne. Jenne refers to it as the “cure-all,” as it’s nutrient-packed and it’s inspired by her Nana’s chicken soup. The difference is that she swaps out the chicken for lentils. What we’re going to do with our recipe is add extra Yukon Gold Potatoes because we have them handy. For an interesting texture, you can use Puy green lentils.
The Elephant’s Cure Chicken Soup
This one is a beloved Oregon staple. It’s packed with enough spice and ginger to kick those germs right out of your system. Chicken soup has been a go-to remedy for flu and colds for centuries, and even if science didn’t talk enough about the healing magic, we know intuitively how well they work.
We know it’s a great way to fight off chills and clear up congestion with its steamy goodness while giving your body some nutrients when the appetite is on the floor.
One of the most soothing Elephant’s cures is a spicey rich broth, adding ginger, lemongrass, garlic, and serrano chilies that we all know for their famous properties. According to the Executive Chef at Elephant Delicatessen, while it may not be a literal cure for colds, the ingredients will for sure boost your immune system. Serranos contain vitamin C; garlic is antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral, so it’s a powerhouse bowl.
More than just being chicken soup, it’s also seen as a comfort food that is going to make you feel emotionally better when you’re sick. It can bring back memories from home, so it’s the ultimate cozy dish when you’re feeling down. With a hint of ginger and lemongrass, you’ll dive into the side of Thai flavors, turning it into an international comfort classic.
Pastina soup
This is a great choice, especially when you’re craving a simple and comforting bowl of pasta bliss. This recipe comes from Giana de Laurentii, and she describes it as a cross between thick stew and risotto as the pasta soaks up all the flavor and liquid while cooking. This is a dish that will definitely make you feel better, and feeling good is half the battle when you’re feeling down.
How to store the soups?
One of the best things to do about your soup when you cook too much is to enjoy it all week long. Let it cool completely and transfer it into an airtight container so you can keep it for up to a week.
You can even freeze it for later, as they can last up to three months in the freezer. To eat it properly from the freezer, you will need to let it thaw in the freezer overnight or on the counter for a few hours before reheating it.
Do you know what else enhances the soup experience? The way you serve it! Check out these pretty bowls to get the best of your soup-time when you’re feeling a bit down, or just when you want to treat yourself on a colder day. These are the S&Q’S CERAMICS Soup Bowls and you can find them on Amazon.
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