souper douper

This soup worked wonders for me when I was ill a few weeks ago. All I wanted to eat was soup!

Some of you may remember me spouting the gloriousness of this soup many moons ago. I've since adapted it and made a vegetarian version of it, with Quorn chicken fillets or pieces, and vegetable stock. It's still incredibly delicious and comforting.

While I was sick, I had a flash of inspiration (don't know how, I was drugged up!) and decided to switch the earthier flavours of cumin and dill for the sharp, refreshing ones of coriander, chilli, lime and green curry paste. I also didn't have any risoni, only rice, but it worked very well.

Thai "chicken" and rice soup

Cooking spray
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 small knob of ginger, grated
1 leek, chopped finely
1 stick celery, chopped finely
Green curry paste, to taste (I put about 3 tablespoons, but add more if you like it hotter, or want to clear your sinuses!)
2 teaspoons minced lemongrass
1 can light coconut milk (or the old trick of evaporated milk + coconut essence)
1.5 litres vegetable stock
1 cup basmati rice
1 400g packet of vegetarian chicken flavoured pieces (or tofu, or real chicken)
1 small head brocolli, chopped finely
150g English spinach or baby spinach
Chopped fresh coriander (as much as you like)
Soy sauce, to taste
Sweet chilli sauce, to taste
Fresh lime juice, to serve

Coat a stockpot with cooking spray and add garlic, ginger, leek and celery over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture has started to soften.

Add the green curry paste, coconut milk, lemongrass, rice, chicken pieces and stock. Bring to the boil. Reduce to a simmer, and cook, covered, until the rice is tender and chicken pieces are cooked through (about 25 minutes). Add more stock if it gets too thick. Add soy and sweet chilli sauce to taste.

Add the spinach and brocolli and cook for another five minutes until tender.

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with fresh coriander and lots of fresh lime juice over the top.

If this doesn't clear your nose out, I don't know what will!


Another remedy that worked wonders was the Green Smoothie:


It's not a "sweet" smoothie, really - it does have a vegetable-y taste which might not be for everyone, but I just kept thinking of how much goodness was in it and that got me drinking to the last drop!

Green "Monster"

2 handfuls spinach
3 inch piece of cucumber
Small piece fresh ginger
4 large strawberries
1 banana
Lots of ice, and a bit of water if it's too thick

Blend the whole lot together. Pour into a pint glass. Drink. Go back to bed.

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My deepest sympathies if you're currently suffering from flu - it really knocked me out, and I have never felt more grateful to feel well and healthy since recovering. It was the fatigue that I found the most debilitating - the sun was out, and I desperately wanted a run or to do something active, but instead I could barely get out of bed! Hopefully that's the last of it for me for a while- the plague has lifted!