The title of this post is a bit misleading — I’m pretty sure that I am not yet in the recovering phase of this illness (it appears that I might have the actual flu, not just a cold). But, I did go outside today because it was wonderfully and unseasonably warm and I couldn’t resist, and I felt a little bit better afterwards. I also made myself some lentil soup and I figured I’d share the recipe with you, because ’tis the season. It was comforting and wholesome, and my three-year-old gobbled it right up, too. I also think it tasted pretty good, though my tasting abilities are quite diminished due to a stuffy nose, so don’t take my word for it!
Adapted from Easy Lentil Soup (using the ingredients I had on hand)
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 medium carrots, peeled and small dice
1 medium yellow onion, small dice
2 heaping tablespoons minced garlic
1 quart vegetable broth
(or 1 vegetable bouillion cube dissolved in 4 cups of water)
1 1/4 cups lentils (any color except red), rinsed
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Directions
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until shimmering, about 3 minutes. Add the carrot and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the broth, lentils, and Italian seasoning and stir to combine. Cover and bring to a simmer, about 15 minutes. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and continue simmering, covered, until the lentils and vegetables are soft, about 15 minutes more.
Taste and season with salt or pepper as needed. If you prefer a creamier texture, purée half of the soup in a blender and add it back to the pot (I did this, and it was yummy).
Feel better Kelli!
Sorry you are ill. it’s going around. Get well soon!
Thank you, Tarah. I don’t know if this is what you had, Susan, but it’s pretty awful, whatever it is. Both kids have it, but seem less sick than I am. Damian is in the clear so far (knock on wood).
I felt awful for about 5 days but once I turned the corner I felt better rapidly, though i still cough once in a while. Drink lots of fluids and rest (must be hard with kids). If i can help, have Damien call me. I’ll do leaflet for Jan 4 if that helps.
Susan, that gives me hope! I’m on day 3 of feeling crummy, so I might make it! The worst part is the severe headache…nothing touches it. Lil is pretty self-sufficient when she needs to be, and Damian helps when he can, and he’ll be home all day tomorrow. Enjoy your vacation!!!
I had a headache, too, but Aleve and sleeping seemed to help. It’s rotten to be sick during the holidays. I’m not really on vacation, just a Sunday off.
Oh, well, enjoy your Sunday off 🙂 I have some craft/festival/cookbooks we can all look at when I’m feeling better. I just ordered one called “A Continual Feast” that looks promising.
Sorry you had the flu! I got it a week ago, really put a damper on Christmas. I’m still very weak and have a cough, but I’m on the mend. I hope you improve quickly!
Vickie, I don’t even remember the last time I had the flu…it’s awful. I’ve always been a flu vaccine naysayer, but I will definitely be getting one next year.
I had a flu shot inSeptember. I think I had a less powerful bout of flu because of the shot.
Susan, Damian is the only one of us who got a flu shot this year, and he’s the only one who is not sick…purely anecdotal evidence, but I’ll take a little poke over this any day! Feeling about 20% better today (day 5).
Glad you are feeling a little better. Days 4 and 5 were my worst days, then I began to feel better, despite chest congestion. Praying you are at the end of the flu cycle!
I did get my flu shot. I think if I hadn’t I’d have been in really rough shape! As it is, one week later and I’m feeling almost human.