What’s the Best Soup Recipe for You?
There is soup and there is soup, which seems to have the ability to heal body and soul. What’s your surefire recipe for a cup of magic healing?
I have two: Chinese Chicken Soup and Basque Cabbage Soup. The former is good for colds and flu, while the latter is a good all-round comfort soup that invigorates the soul. Here is the recipe for Chinese chicken soup:
- 1 whole chicken (fresh or roasted) OR 4-6 chicken thighs
- 8 ounces ginger (ground or grated)
- 6 cloves of garlic
- a handful of goji berries
- 12-16 dried shiitake mushrooms
In a large saucepan, pour the water over the chicken. Boil. After boiling, add ginger, garlic, goji berries, mushrooms. Reduce the amount to a simmer with the lid slightly open, then let it simmer for as long as you like. Season with salt and pepper to taste. OPTIONAL: Addsome Shaoxing Rice Wine .
Here is my Basque style cabbage soup recipe (warning: garlic) which is a version of this wonderful healing cabbage soup recipe :
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (chopped)
- 4 teaspoons chicken stock
- 1/2 head of cabbage (skinned and coarsely chopped)
- 1 can of Italian-style tomato stew (dried and diced)
- 1 can of beans (no liquid)
- 1 can of cannellini beans (no liquid)
In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add 3 liters of water and broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then add the cabbage. Simmer until the cabbage wilts, about 10 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and beans. Bring to a boil again, then simmer for 15-30 minutes, stirring frequently.
It doesn’t matter if I’m sick in bed or just feeling overwhelmed in a junkyard, these soups seem to lift me up and give me strength. So what do you want? Let us know in the comments below.