I'm under the weather

Let's talk soup.

Hi there,

How’s it going over there? I, like many folks (according to trending data), tested positive for COVID-19 toward the end of last week. We’re all totally fine over here— I cannot overstate how thankful I am to have vaccines and boosters—but I’m definitely still on the mend and plan to take it extra easy for the next few days.

So today, in lieu of a kitchen tip that might require a bit more brain power than I’m capable of at the moment, I’ve rounded up a few of my very favorite soothing soup recipes for you. I know we’re barreling toward summer and soup may seem a bit out of season, but again, I also know that quite a few of us are under the weather at the moment, so let’s sooth ourselves with some broth-y goodness, shall we?

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Not Your Mama’s J-Pen (Chicken Soup) My grandmother called me up last week to give me her chicken noodle soup recipe, referring to it as Jewish Penicillin (J-Pen) in the same breath she mentioned that her secret ingredient is a good ol’ bouillon cube. This soup is a cheeky, spicy take on a classic chicken soup that I’ve made in my home and clients homes to great success.

Butternut Squash Soup We had this simple butternut squash soup for dinner last night. I adapted the recipe slightly, adding about a quarter cup of red lentils to the broth at the same time as the squash to up the protein content a little. A can of white beans would also work great. I served it with some heavily buttered sourdough toast and it was perfect. It comes together especially easily if you grab yourself some pre-cut squash—a shortcut you can certainly allow yourself when not feeling super well.

Nikujaga (Japanese Meat and Potato Stew) I made a batch of this early last week when Q first started feeling under the weather. Served with some simple white rice, it’s extremely comforting, but feels a little less run-of-the-mill than a standard chicken soup.

Tomato Parmesan Soup Given the notable absence of cream, you will not believe how creamy this soup tastes. Note: this is a New York Times recipe and may fall behind a paywall if you don’t have a subscription. Try opening the recipe in a private browser, or googling “Ali Slagle Tomato-Parmesan Soup” and you’ll probably find a good dupe!

Mango Lassi Bonus! Mango Lassi is definitely not a soup, but for whatever reason, it’s a food I always crave when I’m sick. Maybe because it’s delicious, comes together extremely easily at home, and feels very soothing on a sore throat? Who knows, but I’m actually sipping on one for breakfast as I write this to ya!

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Okay, if you’re also not feeling your best, hopefully this little roundup is helpful. And if you’re currently in tip-top shape, maybe tuck this e-missive in your back pocket for next time you or a family member is under the weather. Regardless, I hope you’re staying safe!

With love and a tip of my chef’s hat,

Erica

Want more? I’m so flattered! You can also follow me on Instagram, pop over to my YouTube channel, or check out my blog where you can find my tips-laden e-book collection.