IMMUNE BOOSTING SOUP

As we haved moved into cold and flu season Dr. Moss thought it appropriate to add an Immune-Boosting Soup recipe to nurture the body’s vital force with nutrition to be strong through the winter weather.

IMMUNE BOOSTING SOUP

For ages: 2 years and up
Yields: 6-8 servings

1 large Onion, chopped (antibacterial, antiviral)
3 cloves Garlic, minced (antibacterial, antiviral)
2 Tbsp Olive oil
4 or 5 Astragalus sticks (immune stimulant, antiviral)
1 cup Celery, chopped (fiber and vitamin source)
1 cup Green beans, chopped (fiber and vitamin source)
2 cups Carrots or other root vegetables, chopped
(rehydrating, potassium source)
2 large Potatoes, chopped (potassium source)
4 dried or 2 fresh Shitake mushrooms (immune stimulant)
Basil, parsley, tarragon,
or other culinary herbs to taste (antibacterial)
1 pound Tofu, cut into small cubes (protein source)
1-2 Tbsp White miso (alkaline, rehydrating)
1 cup Pasta:whole grain or rice (fiber source)
8 cups Water

Sauté onion and garlic in oil in a large stockpot until softened. Add water and bring to a boil. Add vegetables and astragalus. Simmer, covered, 30 minutes. Add tofu and simmer an additional 20 minutes; add herbs and pasta and simmer 10 more minutes. Remove from heat. Remove astragalus sticks and stir in miso to taste. Depending on your child’s tolerance for spiciness, you may want to add hot pepper sauce, fresh ground pepper, or additional garlic.

Variation: To make the soup more appealing to your child add other foods that your child likes. As well children tend to like the soup more when pasta or nuts added to it.

Astragalus is one of the most popular immune tonic herbs in China, used for thousands of years. It has a sweet taste and is a warming tonic particularly suited for young active people improving resistance to cold. You may find it in Chinese grocers, Chinese herbal shops, or try you local health food store. The astragalus sticks look like doctor’s tongue depressors!