Let’s talk about March in Colorado.
Statistically we have warm days going up to the 60’s, but cold nights way below 30. Sometimes there is sunshine and dryness and the next moment we are sitting in the middle of a snowstorm. Those rapid changes in humidity and temperature can be extremely challenging for the body.
March is the month of colds (scratchy throat, runny nose, dry cough) and flaring bronchitis. Get your immune system strong after a long winter and enjoy the beginning of springtime in good health.
Chicken Soup with a Chinese Medicine twist
This soup is very warming and strengthens the immune system. It can make you sweat. Make sure you drink enough water after eating it. Ideally you should eat it as soon as you feel like you are getting sick OR when everybody else around you is sick.
Ingredients:
½ chicken
2 big carrots
1 celery root (small)
1 big onion
5 cups of water
salt
pepper
Spices/medicinal ingredients:
1 piece of ginger (sliced in small pieces)
1 small bundle of parsley
1 small bundle of cilantro
1 bundle of green onions
How to make it:
Cut up the chicken in 4 pieces (leg/wing/breast/ back) and place them in a big pot. Add the water and bring to a boil. While the water is heating up you peel and cut down the carrots into middle size pieces. Cut down the onion in half and add to the water. Peel the celery root well and cut down in smaller pieces, add to the soup. Peel the ginger and cut it into small pieces, add to soup. Add Salt and Pepper to taste.
Cook for 30 – 45 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
Add the parsley and green onions, 5 minutes before eating.
I like to make a big pot of this soup and then freeze it in small portions. That way you have it available, exactly when you need it. It is important though to add some fresh parsley, cilantro and green onions when you reheat the soup.