Blogger ramblings: Fighting the winter flu with garlic soup

This is a truly awful winter. Cold weather and everyone is sick with the flu.

I thought I would share my Garlic Soup recipe. I make this whenever I have a sore throat, a sinus infection or if I’m hoping to protect myself from a cold.

It’s not pretty. It tastes okay but it’s definitely not OMG it’s so delicious. And you will have horrible breath. You were warned. But….it works. I drink one or two cups a day, when needed, from a mug and inhale the steam like you would with a cup of tea.

Garlic Soup

2 cans low sodium chicken broth

1 head of garlic - peeled

1 medium onion – peeled and quartered

1 1/2 Tablespoons parsley – minced

1 1/2 Tablespoons cilantro – minced

1 teaspoon mint leaves – minced

1 teaspoon basil – minced

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

salt to taste

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

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Put everything except lemon juice in pot. bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes (covered or uncovered).

Puree cooked solids with a small amount of broth and put back in pan. Add lemon juice.

*Can use dried herbs. (I have found it’s not as effective though) 1 1/2 teaspoon dried equals 2 

teaspoons fresh

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That’s the basic recipe but I’ve made a few changes if you’re interested.

I use up to 3 heads of garlic and I roast them first. It makes the soup a little easier to take – mellower.

To roast garlic, cut off the top 1/3 – exposing the cloves. Place on a sheet of aluminum foil, drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper – wrap loosely in the foil and roast on 400 for about 30 minutes. Here’s a link to a recipe I found if you need more detailed instructions.

I use roasted garlic in my regular chicken soup and mashed potatoes too. It’s delicious!

Stay warm!

Do you have any winter blues comfort foods or is there anything you make when you’re sick?