Healing RECIPES for Flu season

Chicken & Ginger Congee  

Written By: Miao-Keng Shen 

    I usually have chicken congee when I catch a cold. Chicken congee is a nourishing dish that is especially good when you have a cold. Made with chicken, soft-cooked rice, and warming ingredients like ginger, it is gentle on the stomach and easy to digest, even when you don’t have much of an appetite. My favorite version includes shredded chicken, ginger, and a bit of white pepper. The warmth of the congee helps to ease sore throats and clear nasal congestion, while the chicken provides protein to support recovery. Ginger, often added to congee, has natural anti-inflammatory and immune- boosting properties.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup rice

• 6 cups water

• Shredded chicken 

• 2-3 slices of fresh ginger

• Salt

• White pepper

Directions:

1. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.

2. In a large pot, combine rice, water, chicken, and ginger

3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for 1-1.5 hours until the rice breaks down and becomes porridge-like.

4. Add salt to taste and white pepper

Red Lentil Dhal 

Written By: Nichole Santoro

    I like to make this simple Dhal recipe as a comfort food a couple of times a month. I find it helps balance my digestion and feels cleansing especially if I have over-indulged in rich foods. Whether it is a common cold or my digestion feels off, this ginger and turmeric heavy recipe always helps me get back to feeling healthy faster. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed 

• 5 cups water 

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 

•  2 teaspoons ground coriander 

• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated 

• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 

• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)or coconut oil 

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 

• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped  

Directions

1. Combine the lentils, water, turmeric, coriander, and ginger in a stockpot.

2. Bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for 30 minutes or until the lentils are fully cooked and soft.

3. Turn off the heat and add the salt.

4. In a large saucepan, warm up the ghee over moderate heat and add the cumin seeds to sauté for a minute or so, or until they turn brown and release their aroma.

5. Pour the lentils into the saucepan and cover to allow the seasoning to blend, about 2 minutes. Garnish with cilantro.

Lemon Ginger & Turmeric Shots

Written By: Miao-Keng Shen

    When the weather is cold people are faced with more upper respiratory infections. It is easy to catch a cold in chilly conditions. Having a daily habit of drinking a lemon ginger and tumeric tonic during the cold months greatly helps the immune system to ward off infectious diseases. If you already have an upper respiratory infection like the common cold or flu this tonic helps to ease symptoms and recover faster.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice 

• ½ cup chopped fresh ginger 

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh turmeric or 2 teaspoons ground turmeric

• 1 fresh orange

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ⅛ teaspoon cracked black pepper

Directions:

1. In a high powered blender, add lemon juice, water, and olive oil. Add peeled oranges, chopped ginger, turmeric and black pepper. Blend until smooth.

2. Through a mesh strainer  placed over a large bowl pour ginger mixture to remove any lumps.

3. Pour the thin liquid into individual 2 oz glass jars or in one mason jar and store in the fridge. 

4. Drink 2 oz. each morning.