Chicken Noodle Soup with Sauerkraut: The Ultimate Immune-Boosting Cold and Flu Remedy
The comforting warmth of homemade chicken noodle soup, a time-honored remedy from grandmas everywhere, is known to soothe the soul and combat the common cold. But what if we told you there’s a way to elevate this classic to an unparalleled level of nutritional power? By incorporating a true superfood like sauerkraut, you unlock an incredible array of health benefits and healing capabilities that will truly astonish you. Prepare to revolutionize your approach to wellness, especially during cold and flu season!
As autumn leaves turn and winter winds begin to blow, the cold and flu season inevitably descends upon us. While news reports may paint a bleak picture of the upcoming season, there’s no need to succumb to seasonal sniffles and aches. We’re here to share a robust, time-tested remedy, enhanced with a powerful ingredient, that you’ll want to keep at the ready. This isn’t just about surviving winter; it’s about thriving through it with a delicious, fortifying meal.
This post is proudly sponsored by Frank’s Kraut. Please be assured that all opinions expressed herein, and my deep appreciation for their sauerkraut, are entirely my own. Your support of the brands that make An Affair from the Heart possible is greatly valued.
The Enduring Power of Chicken Noodle Soup for Colds
For centuries, across diverse cultures, chicken noodle soup has been heralded as the ultimate comfort food and a go-to cold remedy. Since at least the 12th century, grandmothers and healers alike have attested to its ability to alleviate symptoms and hasten recovery. But is it just an old wives’ tale, or is there genuine science behind this culinary tradition?
The therapeutic effects of chicken noodle soup are multifaceted. Consider the simple act of inhaling the steam from a piping hot bowl. This alone can work wonders, helping to clear congested nasal passages and soothe an irritated throat. Beyond this immediate relief, the fluid-rich broth plays a crucial role in fighting infection by promoting hydration, which is essential when battling any illness. But the real magic often lies in the synergy of its ingredients working in concert. Together, they can actively reduce inflammation throughout the body, helping you to feel better and recover more quickly.
Scientific research supports what generations have instinctively known. A notable study by Dr. Stephen Rennard, MD, a researcher at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, indicated that chicken soup acts as an anti-inflammatory agent for nasal cells, providing much-needed relief to stuffy noses. Dr. Rennard and his research team also discovered that the more diverse vegetables added to the soup, the better its efficacy in easing the uncomfortable symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, such as congestion, runny nose, cough, and sore throat. Let’s take a closer look at the power players within your bowl.
The Healing Ingredients in Classic Chicken Soup
Every component of traditional chicken noodle soup contributes to its healing prowess:
- Chicken: More than just a savory base, chicken is a fantastic source of protein, crucial for repairing tissues and providing sustained energy when your body is weakened by illness. It also contains cysteine, an amino acid released during cooking, which has a remarkable ability to thin mucus in the lungs, thereby speeding up the clearing of congestion and promoting faster healing.
- Onions: These humble root vegetables pack a punch. Rich in protein, calcium, and particularly sulfur compounds, onions are known for their potent anti-inflammatory effects. The sulfur content helps to decrease swelling in inflamed areas, including nasal passages, offering significant relief from congestion.
- Carrots: Vibrant and sweet, carrots are a powerhouse of beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A. This essential vitamin plays a vital role in strengthening white blood cells, the front-line defenders of your immune system, enabling them to more effectively fight off infections.
- Celery: Often underestimated, celery is a superfood in its own right. Adding it to your soup infuses the broth with powerful anti-microbial properties that actively combat infections. Celery seeds, in particular, have been used for centuries in herbal medicine for their reported antibacterial effects, making celery a natural immune booster against bacterial invaders.
- Noodles: While not a medicinal ingredient in the same vein as the vegetables, noodles provide essential carbohydrates, offering a quick and easily digestible source of energy your body needs to fight off illness. They also contribute to the soup’s comforting and satisfying texture.
Elevating Your Soup with a Fermented Superfood: Sauerkraut!
If the robust health benefits of classic chicken noodle soup aren’t enough, prepare to unlock an even higher level of wellness by incorporating a secret ingredient: sauerkraut. And not just any sauerkraut, but the consistently delicious and high-quality Frank’s Kraut.
Frank’s Kraut: Crafting America’s Best-Tasting Sauerkraut Since 1905
The art of making sauerkraut is a cherished tradition, passed down through generations. Frank’s Kraut adheres to this time-honored process, ensuring exceptional flavor and quality. As detailed in their “Story of Sauerkraut eBook”: “The making of sauerkraut is a time honored tradition that has been passed down among families for generations. While there are many varieties and types of sauerkraut the basic preparation method is a follows: take cleaned and shredded white cabbage and place into a sealable container, add salt and apply a lid to induce pressure. The salt drains the water out of the cabbage and allows the cabbage to ferment in its own juice. A week or two later you will have fresh, delicious sauerkraut.” This meticulous fermentation is what gives Frank’s Kraut its distinctive taste and impressive health benefits.
While those of us in the Midwest have easy access to this culinary gem, Frank’s Kraut understands that good health shouldn’t be limited by geography. That’s why they make it convenient for everyone across the US to enjoy their delicious sauerkraut by shipping it right to your front door!
The Incredible Nutritional Value of Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is a nutritional powerhouse, making it an exceptional addition to any diet, especially when you’re seeking to boost your immune system. It boasts high levels of dietary fiber, essential for digestive health, which in turn supports overall immunity. Beyond fiber, sauerkraut is packed with a spectrum of vital vitamins and minerals. It offers significant levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and various B vitamins, all crucial for numerous bodily functions. Furthermore, it’s an excellent source of important minerals such as copper, sodium, magnesium, iron, manganese, and calcium. These micronutrients play roles in everything from energy production and red blood cell formation to bone health and nerve function, all contributing to your body’s ability to heal and maintain wellness. It also provides a moderate amount of protein, complementing the chicken in your soup.
But the benefits of this superfood extend even further. Sauerkraut is renowned for its amazing anti-inflammatory properties. The phytonutrient antioxidants found in sauerkraut can help alleviate pain and discomfort in joints, muscles, and other inflamed areas, including those pesky sinuses that plague us during a cold. Moreover, sauerkraut is a naturally fermented food, meaning it’s rich in beneficial probiotics. These live microorganisms are vital for a healthy gut microbiome, which is intricately linked to a strong immune system. A balanced gut flora can improve nutrient absorption and enhance the body’s defense mechanisms against pathogens.
Everyone recognizes Vitamin C as a cornerstone of immune health, particularly when combating a cold. But next time you instinctively reach for that glass of orange juice, consider adding a serving of sauerkraut to your diet instead. A single serving of sauerkraut provides a remarkable 35% of your daily recommended intake of Vitamin C. This potent vitamin not only stimulates the production of white blood cells, which are critical for fighting infection, but also aids in cellular regeneration and repair, making it one of the most important elements of your body’s immune system.
Whip Up Your Healing Soup in No Time!
Making this healing chicken noodle soup is both simple and adaptable. Sometimes, I prefer to use a whole chicken for a richer, more complex broth. Other times, for a quicker preparation, like today, boneless chicken breasts are my go-to. This flexibility means you can always enjoy a nourishing bowl, regardless of how much time you have.
Once your carrots, celery, onion, and chicken breasts are prepped, get them simmering on the stove. You’ll be enjoying a hot, comforting, and incredibly nutritious bowl of soup in less than an hour. It’s the perfect blend of speed, flavor, and immune-boosting power.
So, the next time you feel a sniffle coming on, or simply crave a deliciously comforting meal that’s brimming with nutrition, make a hearty pot of homemade chicken noodle soup. But don’t stop there. Take it to the next level by topping each serving with a generous heap of Frank’s Kraut! This simple addition transforms a classic comfort food into a potent weapon against illness, offering unparalleled flavor and health benefits.
Are you a sauerkraut enthusiast, or simply curious to learn more? Dive deeper into the world of this amazing fermented food! Discover its fascinating origins, the traditional methods of its creation, and explore a plethora of delicious sauerkraut recipes in our comprehensive Ultimate Guide to Sauerkraut. It’s your one-stop resource for all things kraut!
Ready to get cooking and experience the magic for yourself? Let’s begin! 
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Print Recipe
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup with Sauerkraut
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Boneless skinless chicken breasts or sub thighs, cut into small pieces
- 4 large Carrots sliced
- 1 medium sized Onion chopped
- 4 stalks celery chopped
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 quart Chicken Stock
- 3 cups water
- 12 ounces Kluski Noodles Egg Noodles, prepared according to package instructions
- 1 can Frank’s Kraut
- 1 Tablespoon Parsley Flakes
- Caraway seeds if desired
Instructions
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Place your chicken, celery, onion and butter in a large soup pot over Medium-High heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir until the chicken is no longer pink.
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Add in the sliced carrots, chicken stock, and water. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and continue cooking until the chicken and vegetables reach your desired tenderness.
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Stir in the prepared noodles and parsley flakes. Allow to heat through for approximately 5 minutes, ensuring the noodles are fully integrated and warm.
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Ladle the hot soup into individual bowls. Top each serving generously with Frank’s Kraut and sprinkle with caraway seeds if desired, for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition.
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Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, immune-boosting meal!
Nutrition
Beyond the Bowl: Discover More About Sauerkraut!
Are you eager to integrate more sauerkraut into your diet and explore its diverse uses? Stay connected with Frank’s Kraut on their social media channels for a continuous stream of delicious recipes, fascinating facts, and innovative ways to enjoy this incredible superfood all year long. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for everything sauerkraut!