What Is Your Go-To Feel Better Soup Recipe?

There’s soup, then there’s soup that seems to have the ability to heal the body and soul. What’s your trusted recipe for a bowl of magical recovery?

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I have two: A Chinese chicken soup, and a Basque cabbage soup. The former is good for colds and flus, while the latter is a good all-around comfort soup that revitalises the soul. Here’s the Chinese chicken soup recipe:

• 1 whole chicken (fresh or roasted), OR 4-6 chicken thighs
• 225g ginger (ground or grated)
• 6 cloves of garlic
• A handful of goji berries
• 12-16 dried shiitake mushrooms

In a large pot, cover the chicken with water. Bring to a boil.

Once boiling, add ginger, garlic, goji berries and mushrooms.

Reduce to a simmer with a slightly ajar lid, then let it simmer for as long as you like. Add salt and pepper to taste.

OPTIONAL: Add a splash of Shaoxing rice wine.

Here’s my Basque-style cabbage soup recipe (warning: Garlic), which is a version of this great Healing Cabbage Soup recipe:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 4 teaspoons chicken bouillon
• 1/2 head cabbage (cored and coarsely chopped)
• 1 can Italian-style stewed tomatoes (drained and diced)
• 1 can kidney beans (drained)
• 1 can cannellini beans (drained)

In a large stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Stir in onion and garlic; cook until onion is transparent, about five minutes.

Stir in 2.8L of water, and bouillon. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Bring to a boil, then stir in cabbage. Simmer until cabbage wilts, about 10 minutes.

Stir in tomatoes and beans.

Return to a boil, then simmer 15 to 30 minutes, stirring often.

Whether I’m sick in bed or just feeling down in the dumps, these soups seem to lift me up and give me strength. So, what’s your go-to? Let us know in the comments below.