We’ve all been there: Your throat starts to get scratchy, your nose won’t stop dripping, and you’ve got a throbbing pain in your sinuses. And all you want is a steaming-hot bowl of chicken soup. After all, it’s good for the soul, as they say.
Turns out, there’s actually science behind why chicken soup makes you feel so much better when you’re under the weather. Research suggests that it can help reduce upper-respiratory inflammation (which can lead to incessant sneezing), loosen congestion and support hydration. Not to mention, a compound found in chicken soup – carnosine – helps boost your immune system.
But instead of feasting on the tinned variety, try Rachael Finch’s recipe from her Body of Dance guide. It’s not only delicious but super healthy and easy to make too.
How To Make Rachael Finch’s Nutritious & Comforting Chicken Soup
SERVES: 4
PREP: 10 min COOK:120 min
Ingredients
1 tsp olive oil
1 brown onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 medium carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 small whole chicken
1 dried bay leaf
Salt & pepper, to taste
4 cups water
4 slices wholegrain (or gluten-free) bread
Method
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and saute for a few minutes.
- Add vegetables to pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, until vegetables have started to soften.
- Add chicken, bay leaf, salt, pepper and water to the pan. Bring to the boil then turn heat down to a simmer and cook for 1.5-2 hours (or longer if you have time). Once cooked, strip chicken and remove bones from the pot.
- Serves soup with slice of whole grain (or gluten-free if using) bread.
If you liked this recipe, then check out Finch’s online lifestyle program, Body Of Dance by Rachael Finch (B.O.D), where you’ll have access to wholesome recipes, shopping lists, meal and fitness plans, guided meditations, dance-inspired cardio workouts and more.
