Chicken Soup & Other Persian Home Remedies

With the flu season upon us, I thought it is the best time to write about the home remedies for the common cold. There are many herbal solutions for many different kinds of ailments in our culture that date backs to many centuries ago. However, today, I'll mention a few things we use in case of sniffling, coughing, sore throat, etc. These cold solutions have been generally passed down from generations to generations. I am certain that every culture has its own home medicines and methods for treating the common cold. سوپ مرغ Chicken soup happens to be a universal recipe that soothes the chest and throat and is easy on the stomach as well as soothing your soul. Is it really effective or not? I am not 100 percent sure but the love that goes into preparing this dish and serving it makes you feel warm all over. Here is what we usually do in our home in addition to paying a visit to the doctor and taking the required prescribed medication.

 

 

1. Drink چای tea or hot water with fresh squeezed lime/lemon juice and some honey. 
2. Eat cooked شلغم shalgham (turnip). Cook 4-5 small turnips in a cup of water for 15- 20 minutes on medium-low heat. Don't over cook them. Serve warm, add a dash of salt before you eat if you happen to not like the taste of cooked turnips.
3. Eat your fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruits such as grapefruits, oranges, and tangerines are a good source of vitamin C. There is a citrus fruit in Iran known as لیموشیرین limoo shirin (sweet lemon) which is mostly used for treating the cold symptoms. You may find it in most Iranian/Persian grocery stores when in season.
4. Gargle salted water which alleviates sore throat.
5. Drink lots of fluids.
6. Make a simple chicken soup.
7. Rest and sleep.

Soup-e Morgh - Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

4-5 pieces of chicken, (drumsticks, thighs or wings), remove skin
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 medium-size tomatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup carrots, shredded
1 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons rice, rinsed
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
4 cups of water
Juice of 2 limes/lemons

Method:

1. In a large pot place the chicken and all the other ingredients, except the carrots, parsley and the lime juice. 
2. Place the pot on medium heat, bring to boil, reduce heat and cook for an hour on low heat. 
3. After an hour, add the vegetables to the pot, adjust the seasoning and add more water if needed. 
4. Cook for another 20 minutes, add the lime juice before serving, stir and serve warm.

I think there's a magic when mothers pour some steaming soup into bowl and tell you to eat it up, because it's going to make you feel better in no time! Don't you think so?

Stay warm and keep healthy!