Is Chicken Soup Really The Cure?

Maybe they were right, after all. You know, our grandmothers who believed that chicken soup was the “best medicine” for the common cold and flu. I have recently read that there is now scientific proof (well, maybe), that ingesting the warm concoction actually can help you recover from a cold or the flu. Apparently, there is an anti-inflammatory effect from eating chicken soup that makes people feel better. However, the study I read also said that soup in general is not a cure-all for everyone, stressing that people on low-salt diets, for example, should keep away from many canned soups that are high in salt, unless otherwise labeled.

Not to burst anyone’s bubble, but there was also mention of the soup’s effect being therapeutic simply because of the added attention someone is getting when served. The idea that chicken soup, in particular, is good for you has been around for centuries. Whether emotionally or physically helpful, no one can argue that a good bowl of hot chicken soup sure tastes good on a cold winter’s day!

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

1 box (6 oz.) long grain and wild rice mix, prepared according to
package directions
1 Tbs. vegetable oil
2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, chopped
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1 medium chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 cans chicken broth
½ tsp. dried tarragon, crushed
¼ tsp. dried thyme, crushed
¼ tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
1 can (12 fl. oz.) evaporated milk (can use low-fat version)
2 Tbs. cornstarch
2 Tbs. dry white wine
Green onions and toasted slivered almonds (optional)

Heat vegetable oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add chicken, mushrooms, onion and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally until vegetables are tender and chicken is no longer pink. Add rice, broth and seasonings; bring to boil over medium-high heat. Combine small amount of evaporated milk and cornstarch in small bowl; stir until smooth. Add to saucepan with remaining evaporated milk and wine. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until soup is thick. Garnish with green onions and almonds.

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

2 cups cubed cooked chicken
3 cans low-sodium chicken broth
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 ribs celery, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups uncooked wide egg noodles
2 Tbs. parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients except egg noodles, parsley, salt and pepper in large pot. Cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a boil, about 5 to 7 minutes. Reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring occasionally, until carrots are tender. Meanwhile, in another pot, cook noodles according to package directions. Rinse with hot water; drain. Stir hot cooked noodles into hot soup mixture. Sprinkle with parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Simple Cream of Chicken Soup

6 Tbsp. butter
1/3 cup flour
½ cup milk
½ cup light cream
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup finely chopped chicken

Melt butter in pan, blend in flour. Add milk, cream and broth. Cook and stir until it thickens and comes to a boil. Reduce heat. Stir in chicken and a dash of pepper. Serves 2-3. (Double as needed to feed more.)

 

 

Don’t forget your copy of “Lovin’ Spoonful . . . Cooking With Family and Friends,” a compilation of nearly 400 mouth-watering recipes by Sherrie Norris. It is available at all locations of High Country Media – Boone, Banner Elk, West Jefferson, and at The Avery Journal in Newland, all Boone Drugs, Black Bear Books, Trailway Laundry, Wilcox Emporium,( top level, booth 312-W,) and beginning June 15 at Mast Store locations.