This originates from early fall of 2008 when I had the flu, and had looked up what to eat when you had it. The answers my research came up with were protein, and aromatic vegetables such as garlic and onions. I have made several versions of this stew using whatever meat I have at hand, and it always turns out well. NOTE: ONLY DRINK FLUIDS WITH A FEVER. After your fever breaks, then have the stew. A day after I had the stew my flu symptoms were 50 - 75% gone. This is not a cure-all, but it does give your body what it needs to get back on its feet. It's also GREAT for preventing the flu. To save time, in the directions, I prepare the next ingredient while the one I just added is cooking; for example, if I just added the wine, I will then start cutting the carrots and mushrooms, and add them when I'm done, and continue. You can try it with or without meat or cabbage, or you can substitute or add different veggies, tofu, or beans, and it should still turn out just fine. Hope it benefits you as much as it has me.