Chicken Noodle Soup: Can It Really Cure a Cold?

on October 12, 2009 at 3:25 PM

I've been battling a cold for the last two days, so my husband said he would make me chicken noodle soup tonight for dinner. I don't know about you, but chicken soup always makes me feel better when I'm sick. And I can't decide if that's because it actually has restorative capabilities or simply because it's nice to have someone care for me when I'm feeling under the weather.

Some scientists believe that chicken soup is medicinal because it has anti-inflamatory properties that help to soothe sore throats and inflamed airways. But I'm wondering if eating chicken soup to feel better is pyschosomatic: The mental benefits of just thinking that you are doing something good for yourself can also have physical benefits as well.

Do you agree (and in the meantime, here is a homemade chicken soup recipe)?

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

1 onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices

2 celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices

1 can crushed tomatoes

Dried herbs (pasley, basil, thyme, etc.)

1 bay leaf

2 quarts chicken stock

8 ounces dried wide egg noodles

1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken

Salt and pepper

2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

In large stockpot, saute onion, carrots, and celery in a little olive oil until tender (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and saute for about 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes and stock and bring to a boil. Season with dried herbs, parsley, and salt and pepper. Turn down to simmer. Add chicken and egg noodles and cook until noodles are aldente (about 5-8 minutes). Serve topped with fresh chopped parsley.

Does chicken soup make you feel better when you're sick? Do you make it for your kids if they have a cold or the flu?

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About the author Kim Conte

has shoes that make people stop her on the street and ask "Where did you get those?" but it doesn't work for taxi cabs as she was hit by one ... and lived to tell the tale. She has more freckles than Lohan but way less attitude. And she's a fierce cook with tons of recipes to share -- and wishes she could share some with Bourdain.