While spring is generally about light food and fruit is coming back into season, it can also produce some very cold and vicious weather, such as today. Gale force winds and a power cut, pelting rain and a coldness seeping in through all the cracks make for a very uncomfortable afternoon.
On days like this, there is nothing better than a warm bowl of good old fashioned broth like my mum still makes. Its not just that this food is hearty, warming and good for you, its also a very comforting dish.
The good news is that it is something that can be eaten by all, vegetarians, meat-eaters, vegans and celiacs.
While it was traditionally made with lamb stock, this is now no longer necessary and the meal can taste at least as delicious made from vegetable or even chicken stock (whatever you happen to have in your cupboards at the time).
The one ingredient that a broth cannot be without is barley. Barley really is a gift of nature. It has so many health benefits, it would take pages to reem them all of, so I’ll simply give a quick list of some of its greatest benefits:
Very high in dietary fibre
High in Selenium
And Tryptophan
As well as Copper, Manganese and Phosphorous
It is excellent for regulating cholesterol, blood sugar levels and blood pressure. It protects against heart disease and protects the intestinal tract, as well as having anti-cancer properties (esp breast and colon). It is also found to aid arthritis sufferers. This truly is a Superfood in all its glory.
This is an article and recipe on Barley and Broth:
http://www.wikinut.com/good-for-you-broth-soup-recipe/z0d__mol/kxm529-3/
Enjoy :D
