After Thanksgiving Immune Supporting Soup

Not sure what to do with all of that leftover turkey? Try this delicious After Thanksgiving Immune Supporting Soup!

By Laura @ The Spinach Spot, Contributing Writer

You may not be thinking about what you’re planning to eat after Thanksgiving yet, but chances are you’re going to have some leftover turkey.  There’s also a good chance you might eat a little too much of the holiday feast.  If that feast includes processed foods or refined sugars your immune system could use some extra support.

Since it’s easy to over indulge on Thanksgiving and eat a few too many treats, we all can benefit from eating immune supporting foods.  Today I’m sharing a delicious way to use up some turkey and support your immunity while you’re at it with a nourishing soup.

So what makes this soup so special?  It’s chock full of nutrient-dense ingredients that all have beneficial effects on our immune system.   Check out how each of these ingredients can help support your immune system naturally!

Kabocha– Winter squash are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.  They also contain large amounts of vitamin C and are a great source of fiber which supports the digestive tract.

Garlic– Garlic contains over 100 sulfuric compounds which can kill off bad bacteria and aid in fighting infection.

Ginger– Besides being high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, ginger is also a gastrointestinal soother.

Cabbage– The polyphenols in cabbage have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Shiitake mushrooms– The polysaccharides in shiitake mushrooms can increases immune function.

Turmeric– Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory.  It also improves liver function, aiding in the bodies capabilities to remove toxins.

Kombu– Kombu’s polysaccharide content has anti-viral properties as well as having a high nutrient content.

Cilantro– Cilantro contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds.

Not only is this soup packed with lots of immune supporting goodies, it’s also easy to pull together.  It will make a large pot so you can either enjoy it for a couple meals or divide and freeze a portion.  Feel free to substitute chicken for the turkey if you’re running low on leftovers too!

After Thanksgiving Immune Supporting Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp expeller pressed coconut oil
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 cups carrots, chopped
• 2 cups celery, chopped
• 1 kabocha squash, peeled, seeded and cubed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 2 cups cabbage
• 8 shitake mushrooms, sliced
• 8 cups turkey or chicken stock
• 2 cups shredded turkey
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp dried turmeric or 1 tbsp fresh grated
• 1 piece of kombu
• 1 bunch cilantro, chopped

Directions:

Step 1: In a large pot, melt coconut oil over medium heat and sauté onions, carrots, celery and squash until the onions are tender.

Step 2: Add garlic and ginger and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Add remaining ingredients to the pot, except for cilantro, cover and bring to a boil.

Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Top each bowl with a handful of cilantro and enjoy.

What are your favorite immune-supporting foods?

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/garlic-immunity-boosting-superstar

http://www.whfoods.com/