The Cough & Cold Soup

Just recently my best friend Hema told me that her father was not well. He had been having the dreadful cough, fever and flu combo for the past 1 week.

So me and mum went over to pay a visit to see how he was doing as she said he had lost quite a substancial amount of weight as well. The weight loss wasn't considered a good thing as Uncle Samy was also a diabetic like dad.

When we popped in last Sunday, Uncle was really coughing very badly and he did look really pale, lethargic and weak with no appetite. He explained that his condition has improved slightly compared to earlier as Hema had purchased some medicine from the pharmacy to ease his condition. Mum decided to give Uncle Samy a rub-down with Vicks to keep him warm and ease the congestion of phlegm and help him breathe a bit easier.

Me on the other hand decided to look for a simple soup that could help ease the situation as well as give Uncle some energy to get through the sickness spell. Of course what better dish than a serving of chicken soup!

So after looking into the internet for a soup to ease the cough and break up accumulated phlegm, I found this one called - Garlic Onion Chicken Soup

Dr. Ziment's Garlic Chicken Soup

2 cans low-sodium chicken broth (or 3 1/2 cups homemade broth)
1 head garlic (about 15 cloves), peeled
1 medium onion, quartered
11/2 T each, minced parsley and cilantro
1 tsp each, minced mint and basil leaves
1 tsp curry powder
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Salt to taste
1 tsp fresh lemon juice

Put all ingredients except the lemon juice in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer, covered or uncovered*, for 30 minutes.
In a blender or food processor, pure the cooked garlic, onions and herbs with a little liquid and stir back into the soup.
Add lemon juice. If you want a clear broth, filter out the solid constituents.
Makes about 3 1/2 cups.
*Omit the cover if you wish to inhale therapeutic cooking fumes. An effective dose: as little as 1/2 cup, but for a better response, take 1-2 cups, Ziment says. He advises sipping slowly to get the most benefits.*

I made Uncle 2 days worth of soup I did! Even added shredded chicken in for the crunch! Uncle Samy had a full bowl on Monday night before he left for work; mum gave him another rub-down as well with nutmeg balm and wrapped him up good to keep the warmth.

Mum called Uncle yesterday to see how he was doing, and he sounded so much better! No raspy voice and loads of energy on the road to recovery.

So guys give the soup a try should you have the cough and flu combo, you'll definately enjoy it!

P/S - Sorry no rub-down included