Top Summer Soups for Nourishing Your Spleen and Stomach
Summer is a season when our bodies tend to become more susceptible to heat and dampness, which can easily disrupt the balance of our spleen and stomach. To maintain a healthy and balanced digestive system, it's important to choose the right kind of foods and drinks. One of the best ways to nourish your spleen and stomach during the summer is by drinking soups. In this article, we will explore some of the best summer soups for spleen and stomach health, and provide you with recipes to help you enjoy these delicious and nutritious meals.
1. Lemon Balm Chicken Soup
Lemon balm is a natural herb known for its calming and soothing properties, making it an excellent choice for summer. The soup is also rich in protein and B vitamins, which help support your digestive system.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cleaned and cut into pieces
- 1 lemon balm sprig
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken pieces in a pot and cover them with cold water.
2. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, lemon balm, and chicken broth.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Return the chicken to the pot and continue to simmer for another 20 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.
2. Mint and Carrot Soup
This refreshing soup is perfect for summer and is packed with antioxidants, which can help support your spleen and stomach health.
Ingredients:
- 4 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 cups of water or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon of fresh mint leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a pot, bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil.
2. Add the carrots and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
3. Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Blend the carrots, mint, and olive oil in a blender until smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve chilled or at room temperature.
3. Sweet Potato Soup
Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which is beneficial for your spleen and stomach health. This soup is both comforting and nourishing, making it a perfect addition to your summer meal plan.
Ingredients:
- 3 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon of fresh turmeric, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of coconut milk or heavy cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a pot, bring the broth to a boil.
2. Add the sweet potatoes, ginger, and turmeric (if using) and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Blend the sweet potatoes, broth, and ginger in a blender until smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and return the soup to the pot.
6. Stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream (if using) and heat through.
7. Serve hot or chilled.
These summer soups are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that can help support your spleen and stomach health. Incorporating these soups into your diet can help you stay healthy and energized during the hot summer months. Enjoy!