Alexandra Worsley
Dale Pinnocks Flu Fighting Winter Soup
This recipe is wonderful. It provides masses of nutrients, improves circulation,
and includes herbs that give the immune system a kick! Not to mention the fact that it is delicious!!!
Ingredients
1 butternut squash (unpeeled but deseeded)
1 medium sized red onion
1 inch of fresh ginger
1 small chilli pepper
3 cloves of garlic
1.5 cups of dried shiitake mushrooms
vegetable bouillon powder to taste
pinch of sea salt or herb salt
2 handfuls of goji berries (who needs technical measurements)
500 ml or more of water
Method
- Saute the finely chopped onion, garlic, chilli and ginger in a little cold pressed olive oil, adding a pinch of salt until they are all soft.
- Add the diced butternut squash and enough water to suitably cover these ingredients (you can always add more if it is too thick, but you cannot take it away!).
- Throw in the goji berries. Boil together until the squash is soft.
- At this point blend the soup thoroughly and a beautiful smooth rich soup is the end result.
This soup contains:
Anti-oxidants – such as vitamin C, beta carotene and many flavanoids (red, yellow, and orange pigments in plants) which may reduce inflammation that is partly responsible for aches and pains.
Polysaccharides – These are large sugar molecules that aren’t actually absorbed by the body, but will influence the immune system. These molecules come from the shiitake mushroom. They stimulate the production and activity of white blood cells, and make them more aggressive – thus increasing the rate of recovery.
Garlic – is a potent antibacterial and antiviral agent. It contains volatile oils that are capable of killing bacteria and viruses in the upper respiratory tract (lungs, nose throat).
Ginger – increases circulation thus aids in nutrient and oxygen transport to all areas of the body. This ensures optimal function of all tissues and provision of nourishment to them!
Chilli – among other potential benefits, the heat from the ingredient capsaicin helps fight congestion and to clear the nasal passages.
