Kristine’s Healing Chicken Soup
This is healing in a bowl. So much nourishment can come from the foods we eat, which give our body a healing hand through healing. Ths recipe is a combination of the healing properties of chicken broth, paired with lemongrass and shiitake mushrooms. Perfect for surgery recovery.
Kristine, one of my regular cooking clients, contacted me the night before our cook day asking for something “healing.” She had just gone in for emergency surgery and was still recovering. She was also recuperating from the effects of anesthesia and stress.I decided to prepare an impromptu soup, using the idea of "Grandma’s homemade chicken soup" as my starting point. We all know that chicken soup is the best medicine when you have a cold. But its benefits are so vast, it can even help you heal from an infection, especially after surgery.I remembered that she had homemade chicken broth in the house, which is an amazing catalyst for recovery. To that, I incorporated ingredients with strong medicinal properties to create "Kristine's Healing Soup."
The Benefits of Soup
Soup can be a comforting meal, especially if you were given it when you were sick as a child. Grandma’s healing chicken soup even inspired an entire book series “Chicken Soup for the Soul”.
Soup is a nutrient-dense, easily digestible meal, which makes it perfect for when we don’t feel well. Its high water content boosts hydration, while vegetable- and legume-rich bases deliver essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Additionally, warm broths soothe the respiratory and digestive tracts.
Hydration - we need extra water when we are healing, and the broth delivers both water and minerals
Easy to digest - all the ingredients are soft and well cooked, easier on our overall digestive system, when most of our energy is going to fight off infection or recovery from surgery and anesthesia.
Healing Soup Ingredients
Lemongrass: Lemongrass offers an array of medicinal benefits and is in high demand due to its antibacterial, anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties. Lemongrass contains antioxidants, flavonoids and phenolic compounds, such as luteolin, glycosides, quercetin, kaempferol, elemicin, catechol, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid, all of which provide an impressive range of medicinal aids. The main component of lemongrass is lemonal (aka, citral), which contains anti-fungal and antimicrobial qualities, and provides a distinct lemony aroma.
Shiitake Mushrooms: Shiitakes consist of high levels of protein (18%), potassium, niacin and B vitamins, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Shiitake mushrooms are said to enhance immune function, giving it a boost when needed. They have natural antiviral properties and are used nutritionally to fight viruses.
Homemade Chicken Bone Broth: Homemade bone broth is excellent for speeding recovery time. You've undoubtedly heard the old adage that chicken soup will help cure a cold. There's even scientific evidence that supports this statement. Broth or stock plays an important role in healing as it is easily digestible, helps repair the lining of the gut and contains valuable nutrients. It also fights inflammation and inhibits infection, which is crucial after surgery.
Here is what Kristine said about the healing soup after she tried it:
“I can't tell you how wonderful it was to have that soup you made last week. It was the perfect food post surgery, especially after not eating since 9pm the night before. I've been eating it all weekend and not sharing it with anyone. It's very healing.”
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Kristine's Healing Chicken Soup
The healing properties of chicken broth, paired with lemongrass and shiitake mushrooms, make for a healing, comforting soup. Perfect for recovery.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil + a little extra
- 6-8 medium shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- ½ medium onion, chopped, about 1 cup
- 2 medium carrots, sliced, about 1 cup
- 1 lemongrass stalk, trimmed and peeled down to about a 4-inch piece
- 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
- 6 cups chicken bone broth
- ½ small head green cabbage, chopped (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup cooked chicken (about 1 large chicken breast), shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Heat a pot over medium-high heat. Pour in 2 tablespoon oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add the mushrooms, stirring frequently, and sauté until they look cooked (no longer white and dry), about 2 minutes.
- Pour a little more oil into the pan and add the onion and carrots. Sauté until the onion is translucent, stirring frequently, about 2-3 minutes.
- Slightly smash the lemongrass with the handle of your knife to help release the oils. Add the lemongrass and garlic, and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the broth and cabbage, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Check that the cabbage and carrots are tender.
- Add the shredded chicken and remove lemongrass. Ladle into bowls and serve.
