One of the joys of being snowed in [or iced in] is cooking up some heart warming, soul soothing soup… soup that you prep and stir and cook and stir and add and stir and cook allll day long!! The smells are aromatic and they promise deliciousness to come!! This soup is extraordinary in its simplicity, complex in it’s flavor, and nutritive in the ingredients’ properties. Wow!! A trinity of perfection!!
So the 7 ingredients needed are:
2 1/2 pounds of yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced… one of the most powerfully alkaline foods, potatoes helps to neutralize body acid, and dissolving uric acid. Most people have a very acidic body because of the large quantities of processed, fast foods that they consume. Disease processes occur in an acidic environment. By decreasing acidity, by introducing alkaline substances, you are creating a healthy environment for life.
2 Tablespoons of olive oil… an excellent anti-oxidant, a healthy fat that promotes heart health by lowering the “bad” LDL cholesterol without affecting the “good” HDL, pure organic olive oil helps keep blood cells from sticking together, increases blood flow and reduces inflammation. It may even prevent cancer and a host of other ailments… those Italians know what’s up!!
3″ of gingerroot, divided into 4 pieces… a deliciously spicy digestive aid with anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve pain and reduce inflammation associated with arthritis, rheumatism, and muscle spasm. Ginger root effectively stimulates circulation of blood, removing toxins, cleansing the bowel and the kidneys, and nourishing the skin. Other uses include treatment of asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory challenges by loosening and expelling phlegm from the lungs.
10-12 whole garlic cloves, peeled… used to effectively treat battle wounds in WW1 and in WW2 it was known as Russian penicillin because it was so effective in treating wound infection… we now know that garlic contains a substance called allicin, which has anti-bacterial properties that are equivalent to a weak penicillin. Garlic was also used to cure small pox and was described as an inexpensive “cure-all”. Today, studies have shown that garlic can lower cholesterol and trigylceride levels, improve the outcome of coronary heart disease, reduce high blood pressure, reduce or cure fungal infections and some potential reductions in certain cancers, specifically those of the colon and stomach, as well as, reverse some middle ear inflammation.
1 scotch bonnet pepper (or 3 jalapeno peppers)… an excellent source of capsaicin which is a safe and effective analgesic agent in the management of arthritis pain, herpes pain, diabetic neuropathy and headaches, also promotes effective relief from symptoms of colds, sore throats and fevers, circulation issues, such as cold hands and feet. Renowned as a heart stimulant, capsaicin regulates blood flow and strengthens the arteries, possibly reducing heart attacks. An excellent source of calcium and vitamin C, this ingredient also promotes healthy weight loss.
1/4 cup of sherry or white wine… contains antioxidants that help control cholesterol levels
16-24 ounces of no-chicken chicken broth… rich in the following nutrients, Vitamins A, B and C; potassium; sodium; enzymes; and alkalizing minerals. Chicken broth is an excellent cold and asthma remedy and has anti-inflammatory properties by keeping a check on those inflammatory white blood cells, also known as neutraphils. Cold symptoms, such as coughs and congestion, are often caused by inflammation produced when neutrophils migrate to the bronchial tubes and accumulate there.
Worth the little effort it will take to create this soup? Let’s get started.
Pour the olive oil into a large pot. Heat it slowly with the whole garlic cloves, whole pepper, and pieces of the gingerroot for approximately 15 minutes. As the oil warms it will become infused with the flavors of these fresh therapeutic ingredients. [Refer to the photo on the left] Be careful not to puncture the pepper, or it will become extremely spicy, which if you enjoy and can tolerate excessively spicy foods then puncture away, the perspiration that will be produced from ingesting the heat is also cleansing. You can always add a small amount of the pepper to individual servings once the soup is complete. Once the pepper has softened, and the garlic and ginger are slightly browned, add the diced potatoes. Stir to coat with the flavored oil and begin browning the potatoes. [See middle photo] Hint: Now might be a good time to remove the pepper.
Continue to cook and brown the potatoes over the next 30 minutes. Scraping the bottom to get all the flavorful bits re-incorporated into the potatoes. After 30 minutes, add 2 tablespoons of the sherry. Cover and let steam for a minute or so, deglazing the pot. Stir and continue to cook until the potatoes are soft. Add the remaining sherry and deglaze the pot again. Stir and then add 16 ounces of the no-chicken broth. Heat together. Remove whole pieces of ginger root. Add any or all of the pepper back in at this point. [Refer to photo on the right.] Serve very thick or add additional broth to suit your taste.
Enjoy in good health and live well,
Lisa
Note from Oliver: He would like you to know that this tremendously rich and delicious soup smells very tempting. I told him that it is best to be satisfied with what he has… millet seeds, milo and oat groats. He listened.
Loves Doves 