Southwestern Chicken-Vegetable Soup

It is a very warming, spicy soup that serves up immune-boosting nutrition and opens sinus and bronchial passages, allowing for freer breathing. Try to use organic ingredients. This soup freezes well, and the recipe approximately makes 15 cups.

Ingredients:

1 medium-size white onion, diced

20 cloves garlic (not elephant garlic), minced

2 celery stalks, sliced very thin

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

8 cups homemade chicken stock

3 carrots, sliced very thin or cubed

2 medium-size potatoes, cubed

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder or 1 habanero pepper, diced and seeded

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced

2 teaspoons fresh cilantro, minced

1 bay leaf

Salt, pepper, oregano, savory, rosemary, or thyme to taste

1. In a 4-quart stock pot, saute the onion, garlic and celery in olive oil until transparent.

2. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.

3. Reduce the heat, and then cover and simmer for an hour.