Raise your hand if you don’t always eat like you should (6 out of 6 hands are raised in this house). You know those days (like many days for us during the holidays) where you just feel kind of sick of eating because you have eaten a totally glutenous diet for too long? It’s like your body is saying, “Stop treating me so badly! I am feeling really gross and if you put one more gram of sugar or processed food in me over the next couple days, you’ll be sorry.” THIS is your soup. It is both simple and simply gorgeous. There is something about a clear broth with fresh greens in it that is really eye-catching, but the kids also loved this soup for it’s flavor: the lemongrass lends a light citrus-like flavor.
It just makes you feel good and reminds you that you can always start TODAY to begin giving your body the nutrients it needs to look and feel healthy again. This would also be a great choice when you have a virus making it’s way around your house during cold and flu season, as it feels very medicinal.
Tips (unsponsored): Don’t cut corners on the chicken here – be sure to use skin-on and bone-in breasts, as you need those components for flavor. We find ours at Walmart. They aren’t usually labeled as such, but if you look at the different cuts of chicken, you will find them. We buy our dried red chilis from our local Asian market. They aren’t labeled “Thai chili,” but they are red and imported from Thailand, ha! You could use any small dried red chili, such as arbol. We also find our lemongrass at our Asian Market. They are much longer than the miniature stocks you get in little containers with the other herbs at your normal grocery store (which will work if you don’t have Asian market around).
Have your kids help you pound the lemongrass stalks (or you can smash them with the flat side of your knife) and break the carrots and celery into large pieces to make the stock. Have them notice the aroma of the lemongrass. As you prepare and eat this dish together with your family, teach them about some of the health benefits they are providing their bodies:
- Lemongrass can be helpful for those suffering from digestive tract problems.
- Ginger can help to ease your stomach when you feel nauseous.
- Cultures who eat lots of red chilis tend to have less problems with their hearts and blood.
Since we talked about Thai chilis, let’s learn a few things about Thailand and it’s people:
- Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that hasn’t been colonized by Europeans.
- Thailand has many islands and picturesque, tropical beaches.
- Thailand is 95% Buddhist.
From: Detox Soup
- 2 skin-on bone-in chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds)
- 3 lemongrass stalks, trimmed and pounded
- 1 4 -inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
- 1 carrot, cut into large pieces
- 1 stalk celery, cut into large pieces
- 1 shallot, peeled and halved
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 dried Thai chile
- Kosher salt
- 1 5 -ounce package baby spinach, coarsely chopped
- Add the chicken, lemongrass, ginger, carrot, celery, shallot, bay leaf, black peppercorns, Thai chile and 1 teaspoon salt to a large Dutch oven or soup pot.
- Add 6 cups cold water and place over medium heat.
- Bring the soup to a simmer, skimming off any residue that may come to the top.
- Reduce the heat to low; cover and cook for 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Turn off the heat and allow the soup to cool for about 30 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the soup and shred the meat, discarding the bones and skin.
- Strain the stock, discarding the solids, and return the liquid to the pot.
- Add the shredded chicken back into the stock, along with the spinach, and bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Serve immediately.
