Feeling Sick? Guilt Your Family Into Making These Recipes for You
It’s that time of year when it seems like everyone has a cold, the flu, or at least the sniffles. When you’re under the weather, whipping up dinner—or any meal—can feel less like a chore and more like climbing a mountain. But, it has to be said that there’s no cure for being under-the-weather quite like a steaming bowl of comfort food. So, to nourish your body (and your soul), I compiled a list of 12 recipes that are not only extremely comforting, but surprisingly easy to make. There’s something for everyone here: healthy weeknight dinners with flu-flighting ingredients, make-ahead breakfasts that you can stumble out of bed and grab, the coziest soups, and classic comfort food that will warm your bones and put a smile on your face. Whether you’re making these recipes or forcing a loved one to show how much they care during your time of need, these ideas will have you feeling cozy, full, and nourished in no time.
Italian Penicillin Soup
During the cold winter months, soul-healing comfort food is what the doctor ordered, and that's exactly what this cozy noodle soup is. Italian Penicillin soup (also known as Nonna's Penicillin soup) gets its name from how nourishing and comforting every spoonful is. It heals you when your body hurts, eases those winter blues, or comforts you when you’re a little homesick for nonna.
Get the Italian Penicillin Soup recipe.
Hot Toddy
You might not think to reach for a warm cocktail when you're sick, but a hot toddy is a classic way to nourish your throat (and soul) with every sip. Simply combine all the ingredients in your cup, stir until the honey is dissolved, and enjoy!
Get the Hot Toddy recipe.
Chicken Curry Noodle Soup
If you're looking for a bowl of comfort with a kick of heat (that's sure to help clear out your sinuses), then turn to this chicken curry noodle soup. It has the basic components of the chicken noodle soup you know and love, but with a few more interesting twists.
Get the Chicken Curry Noodle Soup recipe.
Chicken & Dumplings
This classic Southern recipe is perfect on a cold night, and simple enough to whip up when you don't feel like making anything. It's nostalgic comfort in every single bite.
Get the Chicken & Dumplings recipe.
Carrot Ginger Soup
Ginger has many health benefits (including anti-inflammitory properties), and carrots are full of beta-carotene, which is what our bodies convert into vitamin A. Plus, this soup just tastes so comforting, with an invigorating kick.
Get the Carrot Ginger Soup recipe.
Overnight Breakfast Porridge
When you don't feel well, thinking about waking up early to make a nourishing breakfast can feel impossible. The solution? Overnight porridge. This is what an easy, comforting breakfast is all about to me—simply set it and forget it the night before, then wake up to a warming breakfast ready to serve.
Get the Overnight Breakfast Porridge recipe.
Chicken Stew
Chicken noodle soup or plain chicken soup are of course classic soups when you're sick, but if you need something a little more hearty, then this potato and carrot-packed stew is just the thing.
Get the Chicken Stew recipe.
Southern Baked Mac & Cheese
There may be no comfort food quite like mac & cheese. It might not be the healthiest, but it will warm your bones and cheer up your soul. This baked macaroni and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and has an irresistible top after baking.
Get the Southern Baked Mac & Cheese recipe.
Cauliflower Soup
Soup in general is a go-to for sick days, but this soup might help that cold pass even quicker. Cauliflower has glutathione, an antioxidant that helps boost your immune system, fighting those cold symptoms.
Get the Cauliflower Soup recipe.
Butter Chicken
In the wide world of cozy dinners, nothing beats butter chicken. Rich spiced tomato gravy envelopes tender, lightly charred chicken for a meal that’s deeply flavored and incredibly satisfying. If you consider butter chicken a meal reserved for a night out at an Indian restaurant, think again. This delicious dinner is sure to be your newest homemade favorite.
Get the Butter Chicken recipe.
French Onion Gnocchi Soup
Forget bread and croutons, we found an even more delicious way to enjoy French onion soup—by adding gnocchi! Marrying the French classic with the convenience of store-bought gnocchi means you can have the most comforting dinner on the table in just under an hour. It's cozy, it's hearty, and will nourish you with every spoonful.
Get the French Onion Gnocchi Soup recipe.
Stuffed Peppers
This is one of our most-loved budget dinners, but you may not think about whipping up this classic recipe when you're sick. Let me convince you: they are so easy to make, you can prep them ahead of time, and red bell peppers are packed with vitamin C, which makes them a great food to eat when you're sick.
Get the Stuffed Peppers recipe.
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