Are you feeling under the weather? A scratchy throat, a stuffy nose? Before you reach for the over-the-counter meds, consider a powerful, natural remedy: Barbara O'Neill's Flu Bomb! This isn't your grandma's chicken soup (though it's just as comforting), it's a vibrant, flavourful concoction packed with vitamins and antioxidants to help your body fight off those pesky winter bugs. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking, a delicious dish that's both healthy and surprisingly quick to make. Get ready to discover one of the best recipes for boosting your immunity!
Ingredients:
This Flu Bomb recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, peeled and grated
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup chopped fresh kale or spinach
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
This quick dinner idea is surprisingly easy to prepare:
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Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger in a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the flavour foundation of your Flu Bomb.
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Add the vegetables: Add the carrots, celery, and bell pepper to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender. Don't be afraid to experiment with other vegetables you enjoy!
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Simmer the soup: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
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Boost the immunity: Stir in the kale or spinach, lemon juice, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the greens are wilted.
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Season and serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired. Enjoy this healthy meal while it's warm!
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup after the vegetables are cooked.
- Add a protein boost: Cooked chicken, lentils, or beans make wonderful additions to this recipe.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. A dash of hot sauce also adds a nice kick.
- Make it vegetarian: Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Freeze for later: This soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely before storing it in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: 5-10g
- Fat: 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30g
- Fiber: 4-6g
This Flu Bomb recipe is more than just a delicious and easy meal; it’s a proactive approach to wellness. The vibrant colors and flavorful ingredients make it a satisfying and healthy addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking endeavors. Enjoy!