Did you hear that chicken soup is great when you’re unwell?
If you thought it was just an old wives’ tale, you’d be wrong. Studies have shown that chicken soup may be particularly helpful in reducing symptoms in upper respiratory system infections.
SERVES 4
5cm piece root ginger
3 garlic cloves
1 green chilli
1 lemongrass
350g chicken fillets
1 tbsp coconut oil
1⁄2 tsp turmeric
1 1⁄2 chicken stock cubes
600ml water or 600ml fresh chicken stock
400ml can coconut milk
150g green beans
2 medium carrots
120g brown rice noodles
3 spring onions
100g beansprouts
2 tbsp tamari
Coriander to garnish
METHOD
1. Peel and finely chop the ginger, crush and finely chop the garlic, and de-seed and chop the chilli. Lightly bash the lemongrass to release the flavour.
2. On a separate chopping board, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat
and add the chicken, ginger, garlic, chilli, turmeric and lemongrass. Cook for 2-3 mins stirring well.
4. Make up the stock, adding the stock cubes to boiling water. Pour into the saucepan along with the coconut milk. Bring to the boil stirring it well before reducing it to a simmer. Simmer for 10 mins.
5. Trim the green beans and cut in half. Cut the carrots into matchsticks. Add to the pan and cook for a further 5 mins. 6. Add the noodles to a pan of boiling water and cook for a few mins (according to packet instructions) then drain.
7. Trim and finely slice the spring onions. Wash the beansprouts thoroughly. Add both to the pan and heat for a further 1-2 mins or until tender.
8. Stir in the noodles and tamari.
9. Garnish with coriander leaves.