Holy Flu Season Batman!
With the amount of people that I know that have been down with the flu or any one of the various viruses that are circulating around right now, I thought it would be helpful to re-post the “Healing Soup” recipe as we call it in my house.
I was originally given this recipe by my sister-in-law who is a former hospice nurse. It’s great for the immune system and can be used if you are already feeling ill and want to speed up your recovery or as a preventative. We are on our second batch since the end of December, just to be on the safe side. Don’t be alarmed by the amount of garlic and onions. The flavors mellow out quite a bit with sautéing and slow cooking.
Old Fashioned Garlic and Onion Soup
For colds, flu, respiratory infections or for prevention especially in winter season.
4 large white or yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 whole heads of garlic, separated and peeled
2 tsp. thyme
4 tbs. olive oil
6 cups vegetable stock
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 bay leaf
2 tbs. honey
4 tbs. each fresh basil and parsley
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)
sea salt, fresh ground pepper to taste
In a large stockpot sauté the onions, garlic, and thyme in olive oil until golden brown. This step sweetens and mellows the intensity of the garlic and onions. (To peel garlic cloves, smash the individual cloves with the flat side of a chef’s knife and slip out of the skins.) Add the vegetable stock, white wine, and bay leaf. Slowly cook for 2 to 3 hours. Strain liquid, and then add honey, fresh basil and parsley, sea salt, fresh ground black pepper and cayenne.
Onions and garlic are both antibacterial in action, as is the herb thyme. Cayenne pepper is recommended if there is a fever present, while basil and parsley are detoxifying herbs.
This is an excellent soup to drink during any type of infection or cold, or to simply enjoy as a first course to a meal.
I tend to sauté everything till the onions are wilted and then finish it in the slow cooker for about 8 hours. We don’t even bother to strain it. It’s like eating onion soup without the toast and melted cheese.
You’ll also keep the vampires away! Enjoy!
