This recipe is timely as I currently have another little one under the weather. What a season! Sick Day Soup is incredibly easy, nourishing and gentle on recovering bellies.

Add more vegetables if you’re up for it; celery and potatoes go nicely. Omit the basil to keep it more plain, which is usually best if recovering from a stomach virus. Or add more seasonings if your pallet allows; a small dash of poultry seasoning adds more depth. A sprinkling of cayenne pepper brings a new flavor while opening the sinuses.

This is a great time to grab a quart of your homemade chicken broth. Chicken broth has proven health benefits, including restoring electrolyte balances, which are easily thrown off during an illness. Not to mention the advantages that garlic, onions, carrots and some herbs give your immune system. Sick Day Soup is practically medicine in a bowl! (Is this where I include my, do-not-sue-me-I’m-not-a-doctor, spiel?)

This recipe freezes and cans well. If freezing, leave extra room in the bag for expansion and I highly recommend double bagging. For canning, process for 90 minutes at 15lbs.

Sick Day Soup

Sick Day Soup is a simple, quick and nourishing meal. Homemade broth and veggies are sure to help nurse you back to health fast!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 6 people

Ingredients

  

• 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin for a lighter flavor
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 cups chopped carrots
• 8 cups chicken broth or stock
• 1 large bay leaf
• 8 oz acini di pepe pasta or any other small pasta such as rotelle, ditalini or orzo
• 1/2 tbsp dried basil
• 1 cup frozen peas
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Add oil, onion, garlic and carrots to a large stockpot. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp of salt and 1/8 tsp ground black pepper. Cook over medium-low heat until onions soften, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the stock or broth and bay leaf. Increase heat to high. Cover and allow it to come to a full boil.
• Keeping lid on, reduce the heat to a gentle boil and cook for 15 minutes, or until carrots are soft.
• Increase heat to medium-high and add the pasta and basil. Cook according to package's directions.
• Once the pasta has reached desired doneness, remove from heat. Stir peas into soup and recover. Let sit for about 5 minutes or until peas are tender.
• Add salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy! (And feel better!)

Keyword chicken broth, comfort food, soup, vegetables