In Iceland the traditional meat soup (called kjötsúpa) is made with lamb. It’s a simple and hearty soup with lamb and few vegetables floating around. This recipe is a twist on the traditional lamb soup but it’s full of herbs and vegetables with few pieces of lamb floating in it.

It’s Immune Boosting

This soup, beside being delicious is also full of immune boosting herbs and spices. It contains good amount of garlic, ginger and chili, which are all well known for strengthening the immune system. They’re traditionally used for colds and flu and have strong anti-bacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.  Additionally angelica, oregano, basil and thyme also boost the immune system.

Icelandic Immune Boosting Soup

  • 1/2-1 leek
  • 6-7 large garlic cloves
  • 2 cm ginger root
  • 1/2 fresh red chilli
  • 1/2 sweet potato
  • 2.3 l water
  • 1 tbsp vegetable bouillon powder
  • 2-3 slices of leg of lamb (with the bone)
  • 2 tbsp of angelica leaves or basil/oregano
  • 1 tbsp of thyme
  • 1 broccoli (or handful of kale)
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

    • Finely chop the leek, garlic, ginger, sweet potato and chilli. Heat the oil in a wide saucepan and fry over a medium low heat until lightly golden. Add water and bouillon powder and bring to a boil. Chop the slices of leg of lamb into small cubes and fry in a little bit of oil and season with salt and pepper. Add the lamb and bones to the soup. Add the herbs and simmer on low heat for at least a 40-60 minutes. Add the broccoli when there is about 10 minutes left of the time and season with salt and pepper.

    About the Author

    Anna Rósa is a medical herbalist and author of the bestselling book Icelandic Herbs and Their Medicinal Uses. She’s the CEO and founder of Anna Rósa Skincare and a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists in UK. It’s the oldest herbalist institute in the world, founded in 1894.

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    Anna Rósa CEO and Founder of Anna Rósa Skincare