Making Homemade Soup Stock

One doctor from the University of Nebraska actually tested chicken soup and found that it, did indeed, inhibit white blood cells called neutrophils, which can cause inflammation, phlegm and congestion. Also many vegetables used in soups have vitamin A and beta- carotene, which can fight off infections.

A tasty soup begins with a good homemade soup stock. You can prepare stock from different sources. If you happen to be a vegetarian, you can still prepare a vegetable stock, just omit the meat. Cut up leeks, onions, celery and carrots to provide the staples for your base. Add garlic, herbs plus salt and pepper.

Left over bones with meat from ribs and steaks can provide a hearty beef broth. You can also make fish stock from fish. Chicken stock can come from a whole chicken or left over parts. Even a ham hock from a pig will make good stock. Just add the vegetables as in the vegetarian stock and simmer for several hours. Making your own broth is a good way to recycle leftover food and save money in the process. It also has great nutritional value as well.

A great way to store the stock is to freeze it as ice cubes. Then you can take the cubes out as needed. You can use the soup stocks for chowders, just add cream. Also add flour to thicken gumbos and goulashes.

The benefits to making your own homemade soup stocks are that if you suffer from allergies from preservatives and MSG, you will have control over what goes into your soups. Soups are great for weight loss, and if you are suffering from digestive problems, certain soup and homemade soup stocks will certainly ease digestive issues and help heal your stomach.