Camilla's go-to lunch dish is 'powerhouse' of health benefits
A classic lunchtime meal enjoyed by Queen Camilla has been shared by her son, Tom Parker Bowles
Tom Parker Bowles has shared a treasured Royal Family recipe that his mother often tucks into at lunch. Dubbed 'Queen Camilla's Chicken Broth,' this adaptable dish has two seasonal twists: a hearty winter version and a lighter summer one brimming with superfoods.
In his book, Cooking & The Crown, Tom lauded the recipe's versatility and urged readers to make it their own. "This is Queen Camilla's lunchtime staple," he wrote.
"In winter, carrots, thinly sliced cabbage and potatoes provide the ballast, while in spring and summer, broad beans, peas, spinach and runner beans take their place. But feel free to throw in whatever you like, from chopped artichoke hearts, to asparagus, swede, watercress and green beans."
For those keen to sample some regal cuisine, Tom listed the ingredients needed for four servings:
Chicken thighs
Lemon (for the juice)
Dash of salt, Tabasco and pepper
Parmesan
Chicken stock
If you are making the summer meal, add:
Runner beans
Broad beans
Spinach
Peas
Or, for the winter meal, add:
Potato
Carrot
Savoy cabbage
Celery stick
The method is simple. Start by bringing 1.5 litres of stock to the boil, then reduce the heat by a third. Next, add the chicken, which should be roasted and shredded beforehand, followed by an assortment of greens.
When the dish is almost ready, a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, pepper, and Tabasco can be added to taste. Helen Bell, a nutrition expert at Help & Advice, points out that Queen Camilla's recipe is not only flexible, but also high in fibre, which is excellent for gut health.
Moreover, she emphasised that spinach, used in the summer variation, is a 'powerhouse' of nutrients, often praised for its potential role in blood pressure control. Speaking with the Express, she said: "The ingredient list for [the] chicken broth is quite robust and varied, which can contribute to a well-rounded flavour profile and nutritional content.
"Spinach is indeed known for its potential benefits in managing high blood pressure. It is rich in nitrates, which can help dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure. I have often recommended incorporating spinach into diets for individuals looking to manage their blood pressure naturally.
"Aside from this, spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. Its antioxidant properties make it beneficial for overall health and well-being."
Several studies also highlight a potential link between spinach intake and reduced cancer risk. This includes a 2007 project, which 'found some evidence that risk of aggressive prostate cancer decreased with increasing spinach consumption'.
However, Helen underscored the need for more research, stating: "There is ongoing research into the anti-cancer properties of spinach.
"In my view, incorporating spinach as part of a balanced diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables can contribute to overall health and may play a role in reducing the risk of certain cancers. However, it's important to recognise that more research is necessary to understand the extent of these benefits fully."
She then continued: "I would consider this chicken broth a healthy dish due to its diverse range of ingredients that provide various nutrients. The combination of protein from chicken, vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, and healthy fats from the parmesan creates a nutritionally balanced meal.
"However, I always recommend moderating the amount of salt and being mindful of portion sizes to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In my experience, dishes like this can be both nourishing and satisfying if consumed as part of a varied and balanced diet."
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