It’s the ultimate comfort food! My soothing chicken broth

Just when we thought covid was in the nightmares of our past, lo and behold we have a new strain to contend with!

And this one is particularly mean, as it fools you into thinking you have a common cold before the serious symptoms of sinus pain, coughing, high temperatures, extremely runny nose and continuous sneezing begin.

I speak from experience - having had a dose of it!

It’s hard to feel like eating much when you’re under the weather, whatever the ailment. So this week’s recipe is based on a comfort food pick-me-up broth which really helped restore my appetite as the worst of the symptoms subsided. A soothing mix of potatoes, carrots and spinach flavoured with garlic, ginger, bay leaves and a tiny bit of chilli, which all help boost the immune system.

I also added some chicken for protein and noodles to bulk it out, so this is a meal in one bowl.

Easy to eat from a tray on your lap on the sofa or in bed - this is a proper warming bowlful that will revive the soul and make you feel you’re on the road to recovery.

I’m following it with another soothing dish of my childhood. My mum always made rice pudding when I was poorly as a child. It was rich, creamy, easy to eat and always made you feel better!

My version this weekend has semi-dried apricots for a fruity slant, but you could use fresh fruit like berries or peaches if you wish.

Here’s to great comfort eating in our hour of need!

RECEIPT

Main dish

Onions 750g net 99c

Garlic net x 3pce 99c

Ginger piece €1

Potatoes 2kg €3.79

Carrots, 1kg pack .€1.29

Medium Egg Noodles 250g pack €1.09

Bay leaves 3g jar €2.50

Cooked Chicken pieces 150g pack €3.10

Total: €14.75

Dessert

Pudding Rice 500g €2.90

Semi dried Apricots 250g €2.99

Milk ltr €1.25

Cream 250mls €1.59

Total: €8.73

GRAND TOTAL: €23.48

Soothing Chicken Broth

Ingredients (serves 4) 2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped 1 piece of fresh rootginger, grated 4 large potatoes, peeled and in chunks 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped Knob of butter 1.5ltrs chicken stock 1 large bay leaf Pinch of dried red chilli flakes (optional) 2 nests medium egg noodles 100g cooked chicken pieces Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Method Heat oil in a pan and fry the onion, garlic and ginger over low heat to soften slightly.

Add the potatoes and carrots with a knob of butter, and cook for a further few minutes, stirring.

Pour over the chicken stock, add bay leaf and chilli flakes if using, and bring to bubbling.

Cover and simmer gently until the vegetables are almost tender.

Add noodles and chicken pieces and continue simmering gently till vegetables and noodles are tender.

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and serve in warmed bowls.

Apricot Rice Pudding

Ingredients (serves 4-6) 100g short grain pudding rice 40 sugar 75g semi-dried apricots, snipped 750mls milk 100mls cream Good grating fresh whole nutmeg ½ tsp ground cinnamon Method Mix rice, sugar, and apricots and and spread in an even layer over the base of a well buttered ovenproof dish.

Heat the milk and cream gently but don’t boil.

Pour over the rice mix. Scatter over nutmeg and cinnamon.

Place in a pre-heated oven and bake at Gas 4 350F 180C for one to one and a half hours, or until the top is golden and rice is tender.

Cover with foil if the top becomes too brown before the rice is ready.

Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Drink accompaniment

When you’re not feeling great, it’s important to keep the body hydrated.

Drinking loads of water is essential, but sometimes you also fancy something that feels warming and comforting, in a mug which you can clasp your hands around.

There are so many different herbal teas that are light and refreshing and help with immune boosting.

Barry’s Tea is the favourite of Cork, and over the years, the range has developed from traditional leaf teas to a wide range of herbal teas to suit all tastes.

Try the Invigorating Lemon & Ginger Tea, infused with lemon balm, lemongrass and ginger to give a lively and warming cupful that cheers and clears the head! It’s caffeine free as well, so you can drink at any time of day.

Find it on special offer now at Supervalu, just €3 for 20 bags till October 15.

Alternatively, make your own invigorating tea with fresh lemon juice, grated fresh ginger and honey. A lovely one to drink when you need a boost at any time.