Serenity Soup

Serenity soup is more of a concept than a recipe. It is based on research in nutrition and alcoholism that shows that certain foods promote stability while others destabilize. It uses almost exclusively single, whole, fresh ingredients and excludes processed and drug-like foods that can cause craving. Serenity Soup is a complete meal in a pot; it is inexpensive, flavorful and easy to make. Any recipe that follows the basic formula is a Serenity Soup.

Print Recipe

Course Soups, Chilis & Stews

Ingredients

olive oil
high fiber vegetables onion, garlic, carrots, celery, greens of any kind, cabbage; any other non-starchy vegetable - limit potatoes or corn
any animal protein - turkey, chicken, beef, pork, a firm fish, like tilapia optional
chickpeas, beans, or lentils drained and rinsed, optional
broth or bouillon diluted half and half with water
whole grain brown rice or barley optional - omit the grain for low carb version
permitted flavorful things like stewed tomatoes, unsweetened salsa, curry paste, salt and spice

Instructions

In a large soup pot over medium heat, add enough olive oil to coat the bottom. Add chopped high fiber vegetables - onions, garlic, carrots, celery, greens of any kind, cabbage; any other non-starchy vegetable (limit potatoes or corn). (Recipe #759) Add any animal protien - turkey, chicken, beef, pork, or a sturdy fish like tilapia. If using fish, add it when the rest is cooked halfway. Or, for a vegetarian soup, add cooked chickpeas, beans, or lentils. Cooked whole grains - brown rice or barley - can be added. Add a little beneficial fat after the cooking is done (extra virgin olive oil). Add broth or bouillon diluted about half and half with water. Add permitted flavorful things like stewed tomatoes, unsweetened salsa, curry paste, salt and spices. Simmer until cooked through, about 20 – 30 minutes.

Notes

The wiggle room on “single, fresh, and whole” is in the broth. Purchased stock, bouillon, salsa or curry paste, etc. may be used to make a flavorful broth. If you don't have the time to prepare dried beans from scratch, canned beans may be used. Other than that, the most sobriety-supporting meals will be achieved by sticking with single ingredients that are very close to how they appear in nature.