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This cold-fighting couscous chicken soup transforms ordinary ingredients into a powerfully healing meal that has pulled my family through many winter seasons. With a perfect balance of tender chicken, pearl couscous, and a vibrant broth infused with immune-boosting ingredients, this soup delivers both comfort and wellness when you need it most.
I first created this recipe during a particularly brutal flu season when my entire household was struggling with congestion. The aromatic steam rising from the pot seemed to work magic even before the first spoonful, and now it's our go-to remedy at the first sign of sniffles.
Ingredients
- Onions and leeks create a sweet aromatic base that provides depth to the broth
- Carrots and celery add classic soup flavor and important vitamins
- Fresh ginger brings powerful anti-inflammatory properties and warming heat
- Lemongrass contributes a subtle citrus note that brightens the entire soup
- Garlic delivers immune-boosting compounds and essential flavor
- Ground turmeric provides color and potent anti-inflammatory benefits
- Chicken stock forms the flavorful foundation choose homemade if possible
- Better Than Bouillon adds richness and depth without artificial ingredients
- Shredded chicken delivers protein and substance use rotisserie for convenience
- Pearl couscous creates a pleasing texture that absorbs flavors beautifully
- Fresh lemon juice brightens the entire pot with essential vitamin C
- Fresh parsley finishes with color and a light herbal note
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Begin by heating a small amount of stock rather than oil for a healthier base. Add onions, leeks, carrots and celery, cooking until they soften completely about 6 minutes. This creates the flavor foundation for the entire soup, so take your time to develop sweet, aromatic notes.
- Add Healing Ingredients:
- Incorporate ginger, lemongrass, and garlic, cooking just until fragrant about 30 seconds. This step releases their essential oils without burning the delicate compounds. Sprinkle turmeric over everything, stirring to coat all vegetables for maximum color and benefit distribution.
- Simmer to Perfection:
- Pour in the remaining stock, add your chicken and couscous, then bring to a gentle boil before reducing to a simmer. Allow everything to cook together for 15 minutes, giving the couscous time to absorb the healing broth while remaining tender rather than mushy.
- Finish with Brightness:
- Complete your soup with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice, which not only adds vitamin C but also cuts through the richness with a bright acidic note. Season carefully with salt and pepper, then garnish with fresh parsley for color and a final herbal dimension.
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The lemongrass is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its power during a trip to Thailand where it featured in many healing soups. The subtle citrus notes it imparts have become so essential to my family that my children can identify when I try to skip it. Its aromatic compounds seem to open nasal passages almost immediately.
Storage and Reheating
This soup actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. The couscous will continue absorbing liquid, so when reheating you may need to add additional chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Reheat gently on the stovetop rather than microwaving to preserve the delicate flavors.
Ingredient Substitutions
This recipe offers wonderful flexibility. If pearl couscous is unavailable, substitute orzo pasta, small pasta shapes, or even rice with adjusted cooking times. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and replace chicken with chickpeas or white beans. The lemongrass can be substituted with a teaspoon of lemon zest if you cannot find it fresh or in paste form. For extra cold-fighting power, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this healing soup in warmed bowls with a side of crusty whole grain bread for dipping. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes this a complete meal. For extra protein and creaminess, top each bowl with a dollop of Greek yogurt. During severe colds, serve the soup in a mug for sipping, which allows the aromatic steam to help clear congestion while delivering nourishment.
Cultural Inspiration
This soup draws inspiration from multiple healing traditions. The turmeric and ginger represent cornerstone ingredients in Ayurvedic medicine, while the lemongrass recalls Southeast Asian healing broths. The classic mirepoix base of onions, carrots and celery connects to European soup traditions. Together, these elements create a global approach to wellness that honors centuries of wisdom about food as medicine.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use different vegetables in this soup?
Absolutely! While the onions, leeks, carrots and celery create a classic mirepoix base, you can customize with additional vegetables like spinach, kale, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just add leafy greens during the final minutes of cooking to maintain their nutrients and texture.
- → What can I substitute for pearl couscous?
If you don't have pearl couscous, several alternatives work well: orzo pasta, small pastina, quinoa, or rice. Adjust cooking times accordingly as smaller grains may cook faster than pearl couscous. For gluten-free options, quinoa or rice are excellent choices.
- → How long will this soup keep in the refrigerator?
The soup will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors often develop and improve after a day. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- → Is fresh lemongrass necessary or can I use a substitute?
While fresh lemongrass provides the most authentic flavor, lemongrass paste is an excellent alternative as mentioned in the ingredient list. If neither is available, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of lemon zest plus 1/4 teaspoon of ginger to approximate the citrusy, aromatic quality.
- → How can I make this soup more filling?
To make this soup more substantial, you can double the amount of chicken or couscous. Adding a can of drained chickpeas or white beans also increases protein and fiber. For a creamier version, stir in a bit of coconut milk during the final minutes of cooking.
- → Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken stock with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. For protein, add a can of chickpeas or white beans. You can also add extra vegetables or cubed firm tofu. Adjust seasonings as vegetable broth may be less rich than chicken stock.