Like many of us, I am that person who will push and push until my body cant anymore. Then it hits me and boom, I get sick. Today was that day. I woke up feeling just fine and then for some reason my body said “nope, not today” and shut down. Admittedly I’ve been doing a horrible job of taking care of myself and this was my body’s protest. I got the shakes and felt drained and exhausted.

When I feel sick I try to eat foods that will keep me nourished and hydrated and include ingredients that are healing and easy on the tummy, but still enjoyable. So, on days like today I bring back some of my favorite recipes. One of my all time favorites is Vegan French Onion Soup.

The onion and garlic in the soup are great for fighting infection and sickness. While it is best to eat them raw, cooking with them still reaps some of the benefits. Raw garlic helps fight the flu virus and boosts your immune system while raw onion helps with decongestion while also boosting your immune system. Your breath will be fire for the rest of the day, but while you cook eat a small raw garlic glove and a teaspoon of raw onion. I promise two things, it will taste horrible but you will feel so much better for doing so.

Ingredients:

4 Yellow Onions

3 Cloves garlic

2-3 Tablespoons of fresh thyme

2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1/2 Cup Tamari or soy sauce

1 Vegetable bullion cube

Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Julienne the onion into long thin slices and add them to a pot with 3 tablespoons of EVOO and diced garlic on medium heat.
2. Add thyme, salt and pepper to onions and let cook until onions reduce and become translucent. It should take about 20 minutes, stir occasionally to make sure the onions don’t stick to the pot.
3. Once onions are cooked down stir in balsamic and continue to cook for 5 more minutes.
4. Add tamari or soy sauce and let simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Finishing this soup is all about feeling it out and taking your time. Once you think the onions have absorbed as much flavor as they can absorb, add the bullion cube and 4 cups of water. Stir the mixture together and bring pot to a boil before serving.

I always like to enjoy this soup with buttered toast rubbed with fresh garlic. It’s not only delicious but like I said before the garlic helps to boost immunity and fight viruses. What are your favorite sick day recipes?