Get Better FAST Soup
While cutting out sugar significantly lessens the amount of sicknesses going around in our house, having young kids in school still means that something will eventually get us. This is my go-to soup recipe that I make as soon as I feel any sort of fever, or low-grade cold coming on and it gets me filling better almost immediately! Garlic, ginger, and turmeric all have anti-inflammatory properties that boost the immune system. Chicken broth is amazing for hydration, and making sure that you are replacing electrolytes. Lemon juice is filled with Vitamin C and fresh herbs are anti-inflammatory and immune boosting as well.
This soup can be stronger tasting, especially for those picky Toddlers with sensitive taste buds. See here for my Get Better FAST Soup Recipe - Toddler Style.
What are all of the ingredients in my Get Better FAST Soup?
Chicken Breast - because protein is the building block to a healthy body! Protein helps rebuild and strengthen our bodies. If you are vegetarian you can switch this for tofu - but I really don’t recommend it if you are not.
Garlic - Did you know that if you cut garlic and leave it out for just a few minutes, before cooking it you actually increase the Allicin. Allicin is garlic anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting super enzyme!
Ginger - Anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, fights infections, boosts heart health. This is something that I am really trying to hard to increase in our families meals. It is not something I grew up eating so I am learning more and more ways to put this amazing root in our meals!
Turmeric - Another anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting super spice (get the gist of this soup…) Adding this with a crack of black pepper is key in maximizing all of the amazing health benefits. Another thing I love when I am sick is my Golden Milk Latte variations with Turmeric
Broth - A great way to hydrate when your sick. It also really doesn’t matter what type of brother you use, just use whatever you have on hand. If I am out, I will boil the chicken in water to create my own broth for this recipe. It will not be quite as flavorful, but works just as well.
Lemon Juice - Optional but adds Vitamin C to support your immune system.
Parsley or Cilantro - Fresh herbs are an easy way to supercharge your meals. Parsley and Cilantro are both natural detoxifiers that will help get your body on track
Get Better FAST Soup
Ingredients:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
1 tbsp turmeric powder (or 1-inch fresh turmeric root, grated)
2 medium carrots, sliced (can also replace with 1 cup of sweet potatoes)
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 cup spinach or kale (optional)
6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred, see notes)*
1 tbsp olive oil (or coconut oil)
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (more or less, depending on taste)
Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté Spices: In the same pot, add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic, ginger, and turmeric, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Vegetables: Add carrots, celery, and zucchini to the pot. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
Add Chicken & Greens: Add the shredded chicken back into the pot. If using spinach or kale, stir it in now and let it wilt for 3-4 minutes.
Season: Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.*
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, and enjoy!
*In order for the turmeric to be absorbed into the body, piperine (the key ingredient found in black pepper) has to be present. Black pepper increases the body’s ability to use curcumin (turmeric) by 2,000%.
*If using store bough broth try to use Low Sodium, if you don’t you will probably find you don’t need to use any salt at the end.
