Fit Fare

Many people claim that they have found THE diet that keeps them free from colds for years. Well, we haven’t found that diet as of yet, as my husband seems to have caught a cold. But, we have swapped much of the meat in our diets for those healthy fruits and vegetables and I must say … for the first time since I have known him, he is actually overcoming his cold (it usually turns into perpetual sinus problems for months on end), and in record time. No whining at all, he has been able to work each day, and his cold seems to already be in its tail end. This is almost unprecedented!

Perhaps the extra load of produce we have been consuming is actually working. Or perhaps it was the wonderful homemade soup that I made for him on his first day of illness, with love of course …

Healing Mushroom Soup
serves 2

1-2 Teaspoons Sesame Oil
2 Garlic Cloves, Crushed
3-4 Ounces Extra Firm Tofu (about 1/4 of a package), Diced
4-6 Mushrooms, Thinly Sliced
3 Cups Mushroom Broth (I used Pacific Foods)
1 Cup Packed Spinach Leaves
1 Cup Bean Sprouts
1 Green Onion, Sliced
Additional Soy Sauce or Wheat-Free Tamari (for gluten-free) to taste

In a medium saucepan, heat the sesame oil over medium-low heat. Add the garlic, tofu, and mushrooms and briefly saute, for just a minute. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer/light boil. After a few minutes (when the mushrooms are just starting to look cooked), add in the spinach and continue with the light boil for another minute or two, until the spinach has wilted.

Clean the bean sprouts well, and divide them between two soup bowls. Pour the hot/boiling soup over top of the bean sprouts. Allow the soup to cool for 5 minute, the bean sprouts will also lightly cook during this time. Top each bowl with a sprinkling of the green onions, and serve with tamari/soy sauce in case someone wants an extra hit of flavor/sodium in their soup.

Non-Vegetarian Option: If chicken soup is the only way to soothe your soul, go ahead and sub the mushroom broth for chicken broth, and the tofu for some leftover shredded chicken. The results will be just as yummy. But leave the garlic, green onions, and spinach in for some extra nutrient power, okay?

Photo & Recipe Credit: One Frugal Foodie