There’s nothing that can lift your spirits more than the warmth and comfort of a homemade meal when you’re feeling sick. Whether you’re battling a nasty cold or just need a quick pick-me-up, a delicious dish made with love and care can help soothe your body and brighten your day. Below you’ll find a compilation of five heartwarming recipes that are perfect for those sick and difficult days. These dishes are not only tasty, but they’re also packed with nourishing ingredients that will help speed up your recovery. Go on and grab your apron because it’s time to start cooking!

1. Chicken Noodle Soup

It’s no mystery why chicken noodle soup is the ultimate go-to comfort food when you’re sick; it’s packed full of nutrients, easy on the stomach, and incredibly soothing. This recipe is perfect for anyone who’s looking for a bit of extra warmth.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 6 cups of chicken broth
• 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups of egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

To make, sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in olive oil until completely tender and soft. Add in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Stir in shredded chicken and egg noodles, then simmer until the noodles are nice and tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, and garnish with some fresh parsley.

Image by Ray Shrewsberry • from Pixabay

2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

When you’re feeling glum and under the weather, all you’re really looking for is some comfort. And when it comes to comfort, mashed potatoes are the perfect dish to bring your spirits right back up. This recipe is full of velvety and buttery goodness that will instantly make you feel better.

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• ½ cup of milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

To make this dish, boil the potatoes until tender, then drain and mash them. Be careful to get all the grainy bits out. Add in the butter, milk, salt, and pepper, and continue mashing until smooth and creamy. You can adjust the consistency to your preference by adding in more milk if desired. Serve steaming hot!

Image by Hebi B. from Pixabay

3. Ginger and Honey Tea

Got an annoying itchy throat and congested nose? Say goodbye to those symptoms with a warm cup of ginger honey tea which is sure to do wonders. Just sip on this soothing drink throughout the day to ease your stress. 

Ingredients:

• 1 inch of fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced
• 2 cups of water
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• Lemon wedges (optional)

In a small pot, bring water and ginger slices to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, strain, and stir in the honey. Squeeze in a little added lemon juice if desired. 

Image by Silvia from Pixabay

4. Turmeric Lentil Soup

Nothing is more warming and satisfying than a hearty bowl of soup when you’re feeling sick. This wholesome soup is not only delicious, but it’s also packed full of immune-boosting ingredients that will help nourish your body back to health. 

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
• 1 cup of red lentils
• 4 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 cup of diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 cup of chopped spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

In a pot, heat olive oil and saute diced onions until soft and translucent. Add in minced garlic and ground turmeric, stirring for about a minute to release their flavours. Rinse the red lentils and add them into the pot, along with the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until the lentils are tender. Stir in chopped spinach and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes before serving hot. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Image by Mich Wich from Pixabay

5. Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Even when you’re sick, your sweet tooth may never sleep. If you’re craving a little sweet treat, these banana oatmeal cookies are a healthier alternative to traditional cookies, but still all the satisfying. Perfect for bringing a smile to your face, it’s an extra touch of sweetness to help brighten your day.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 ½ cup of rolled oats
• ¼ cup of honey or maple syrup
• ¼ cup of peanut butter (optional)
• ¼ cup of raisins or chocolate chips (optional)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a bowl, combine mashed bananas, rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, and peanut butter. If desired, add in your raisins and chocolate chips here too. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet and flatten them slightly. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Image by StarFlames from Pixabay

Don’t make cooking a hassle, just enjoy these perfectly heartwarming recipes for those days when you’re in need of a bit of comfort and nourishment. From the classic chicken noodle soup to delightful banana oatmeal cookies, each dish on this list has its own unique way of soothing both your body and soul. Just let the healing power of food do its magic - you’ll be feeling better in no time!