Winter Warmer Soup - with Creamed Coconut

Seves 4

Have a mug of this warming soup at first signs of a flu or cold, or when you're feeling the winter weather.  If you get sick, sip throughout the day.

1 litre of chicken, duck or turkey*
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated or finely chopped
4-8 tablespoons creamed coconut
juice of 1 lemon
sea salt to taste

* Homemade is best, so keep a supply in your freezer.  But if you're in a hurry and don't have any, two NZ brands are acceptable - Essential Cuisine or European Gourmet.

Bring the stock to a boil, skim off any foam.  Add the ginger (and optional extras) and simmer for 10 minutes.  Stir in the creamed coconut and simmer for another 5 minutes.  Add the lemon juice and sea salt to taste, and serve.

Variations:

• For an even more heating soup, also add 1/4 teaspoon dried chilli flakes - OR - 1-3 dried chillies (depending on their size).
• Use as a base for a more filling soup by adding pumpkin, butternut or kumera.  After adding the lemon and sea salt, take out the chillies (if you used whole ones) and puree with a handheld wand blender.
• Garnish with a spring onion, very finely chopped.