This week I’ve been feeling completely overworked, co-opted, sickly, and cold (the temperature in Asheville has taken a swift nosedive on the way to “wintry”).  I decided to forgo what probably would have been a fantastic night of music on the town (both Bonobo and Bassnectar are playing next door to one-another) to stave off complete SAD burnout and recreate Jen’s “magic soup.”

And I did, and it was awesome.  I rarely have successes in cooking, so when I do, I have to let the world know.  Here you go:

Unflattering picture of the finished product. Photo credit : iPhone

Winter Soul Soup (The Healer)

• 4 tsp Better Than Bullion

• 1 tbsp fresh chopped garlic

• 1 tbsp fresh chopped ginger

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (± according to preference)

• 1 egg, beaten (optional)

Directions : chop garlic and ginger.  Bring 4 cups of water to a gentle boil.  Add Better Than Bullion (4 tsp = 4 cups) and stir.  After broth becomes consistent, add garlic and ginger.  Bring to a rolling boil and slowly add the beaten egg (you’re looking for the feathery egg-drop-soup effect), stirring while you pour.  Lower heat to low / medium, simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Finally, add cayenne pepper to taste and stir.

That’s it!  The ginger is good for digestion, the garlic is good for the immune system, the egg (my idea) adds a touch of protein, and the cayenne helps clear up your mucus membranes.  Makes 2-3 servings, and it’s probably unwise to down it all yourself (like I did).

Erykah Badu – The Healer