What would you feed an ill vegetarian and how is it made?

Posted by: @Adam470
November 18, 2010

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latoscanaJune 20, 2011

As others have asked, What is the illness? Makes a difference if the person has the flu, or is being treated for cancer. But I think it's also important to start with what this person most enjoys eating. The food we eat when we're ill needs to nutritious, but it also needs to be a comfort.

Also note that some patients have restricted diets. Before and after some procedures, patients may be restricted to a clear-liquid diet. It's really amazing what you can do on a clear liquid diet! For example: tea, clear broth, chilled water, popsicle, apple juice, Jell-o, strained lemonade. More at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/clear-liquid-diet/my00742.

AnitalectricJune 20, 2011

That recipe SKK posted looks so good. That is the kind of stuff I crave when I'm sick, too. My go to is noodles in veggie broth simmered with carrots, celery, whole garlic cloves and onion. Then when it is done, I remove from the heat and add a whole bunch of chopped fresh watercress, half a bunch of chopped cilantro, and the juice of 2 lemons. Finished with a dash of soy sauce, sesame oil and sesame seeds. Always makes me feel better!

SKKJune 20, 2011

The name of this soup is Don't Die on me Man - and it is great!
http://www.food52.com/recipes...

sexyLAMBCHOPxJune 20, 2011

Garlic soup. I'm a big advocate for garlic (and chicken-stock) based soups when someone is sick, including myself of course. I do have some tried & true recipes if you're interested. Here's my go to sick soups:

http://www.chow.com/recipes... (so good, add a little heat, sirachi, red pepper flakes, chili powder or hot sauce, to taste - great for clearing nasal passages)

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/healing-garlic-soup-recipe.html

http://www.epicurious.com...

http://www.chow.com/recipes...

http://www.foodnetwork...

innoabrdNovember 19, 2010

bacon. pork makes everything better.

ChristineBNovember 18, 2010

I guess it depends what kind of illness it is (since it's hard to keep pretty much anything down sometimes), but I'd stick to broth-based, mild soups if I were you. The miso soup idea is a great one, and you can throw in some soba noodles and spinach/mushrooms/kale/etc, if your friend can handle them. If it's more of a sinus-y congestion kind of illness, I usually like foods that are a little bit spicy, since that can help clear things up (at least temporarily). I had a sinus infection at the beginning of the year, and I made a spiced red lentil soup with lemon (similar to this: http://www.nytimes.com...) which made me feel a lot better.

SweetTeaNovember 18, 2010

Barley soup. Barley is rich in fibre, calcium, phosphorous, iron... Some sources report that barley can increase potency and boost physical strength.

thirschfeldNovember 18, 2010

Miso soup made with a mushroom dashi.

Mr_VittlesNovember 18, 2010

Split pea soup. Take a bag of split peas, one onion, one stalk celery, 1 carrot, 2 garlic cloves, veggie stock, dried thyme, salt and pepper. Chop all veggies into small dice. Mince garlic. In a large pot, add one tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter, neat on medium low, once the butter stops singing, add veggies, except garlic, sweat for 10 minutes, add garlic, sweat additional 1 minute. Add 1 tsp dried thyme, sweat 2 minutes, add split peas, and 5 cups veggie stock. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer, simmer for 45 minutes to one hour. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve chunky or blend for a smooth consistency. Done.

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