Cheap Cures for the Common Cold

Yesterday, I was supposed to go snowboarding. But instead, I stayed home and nursed a lingering cold/flu-thing. I can't afford to be sick for the week ahead, so a day at home in my pajamas was exactly what I needed.

The only promise I made to myself yesterday was to not leave the house...which only had to do with pure and utter laziness. With that being said, I had to be creative with the meals I ate as we were low on groceries - particularly nutritious groceries.

With my breakfast (a chocolate chip bagel + peanut butter), I whipped up a quick and healthy smoothie in my food processor. In the mix was 1/2 cup of frozen blueberries; 1 banana; 1/2 cup orange juice; and two spoonfuls of plain, non-fat yogurt.

The end result was a Vitamin C-packed smoothie that was bursting with blueberry flavor. It was a great way to start my day and help curb my cold right from the get-go. 

As dinner approached, my appetite was still only half there, but I was in the mood for something warm and comforting. Using what we had in the house, I threw together an improvisational soup that ended up being quite flavorful and satisfying.

Easy Chickpea, Corn, and Pearl Onion Soup
Yields: 3-4 servings
-2 tbsp. olive oil
-1 (heaping) tbsp. minced garlic
-2 cups frozen pearl onions
-1 cup frozen corn kernels
-Cayenne pepper
-Cumin
-Turmeric
-Dried parsley
-Salt and black pepper
-1 16oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
-Splash of white cooking wine
-1 cup vegetable stock
-1 cup water
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Directions:
1.) Heat olive oil in a large soup pan over medium heat; add garlic and stir. Let cook for about 20 minutes before adding pearl onions and corn. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
2.) Season vegetables and garlic with desired amounts of cayenne, cumin, turmeric, parsley, salt and pepper; stir. Add chickpeas and white wine; cook for 3-4 minutes.
3.) Add vegetable stock and water; stir, and reduce heat to medium-low. Allow soup to cook for at least 5 minutes more, before serving. Serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Sorry for the sideways photo. Blame Blogger.

The spicy seasonings mixed with the garlic and hearty vegetables was the perfect combination to help ease my cold symptoms. I'm looking forward to leftovers for lunch today!

How was your weekend?

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