Across centuries and cultures, chicken soup has been a go-to remedy for the common cold. The perceived health benefits of chicken soup are many, and are likely part placebo, part science. Think back on your favorite childhood chicken soup remedy memories. Remember watching the steam billow out of the soup pot? In my chicken soup memories, I am usually wrapped in a cozy blanket, preparing for a meal that wrapped me even more in love and comfort. I imagine these experiences played a big role in the healing properties of that soup.
This recipe is a variation of the classic Mexican sopa de lima. The addition of fennel and cabbage adds a little aromatic heartiness. The lime really just brightens everything, adding both amazing flavor and vitamin C, another healthful vitamin during the common cold.