2 Vegan Recipes to Help You Survive Cold and Flu Season

The dreaded cold and flu season will be upon us before we know it. And while we all like to think that we’re invincible, Americans get about one billion colds every year — so there’s a pretty good chance you’ll end up sick this season. But fortunately, getting plenty of rest and eating the right foods can help you feel better quicker if you do get sick. So consider making one, or both, of these vegan recipes next time you’re sick.

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

When you’re sick, there’s no better food to eat than soup. Hot and soothing, soup can make you feel better instantly. And this soup has plenty of ingredients that will help bring your immune system back up to its needed strength.

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash, cut in half and seeded
• 2 stalks chopped celery
• 1 carrot, cut into chunks
• 1 chopped onion
• 1 sweet potato, cut into chunks
• 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 head garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

After preheating the oven to 400 degrees F, put the butternut squash, carrot, sweet potato, and whole garlic head onto a baking sheet and cover in olive oil — season the vegetables with rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook in the oven for about 20 minutes and after turning the carrot and sweet potato chunks, cook for another 20 to 30 minutes. Once the vegetables are cool, cut the carrot and sweet potato chunks into smaller chunks, remove the flesh of the squash, and remove the garlic from the skin. On the stove, cook the celery and onion in olive oil, seasoned with nutmeg and cayenne pepper, for about eight minutes. Add the apple slices and cook for about two more minutes. In a large pot, pour in the vegetable broth and apple cider and add in the celery and onion — cook at a simmer for about 30 minutes. And finally, add in the squash, sweet potato, and garlic. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and enjoy!

Green Smoothie

When you’re sick, it’s important to give your immune system a boost to help fight off the virus. And this smoothie is packed full of ingredients that will help do just that.

Ingredients:

• 1 handful of spinach
• 2 Medjool dates
• 1 small piece of ginger
• 2 oranges, juiced
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

One of the best things about smoothies, besides how good they taste, is how easy they are to make. So simply juice the fruits into a blender, add in the rest of the ingredients, and blend until smooth. Both your immune system and sore throat will enjoy this smoothie!

While you may not be in the mood to eat a lot of flavorful foods when your sick, these two recipes are a must-have. So next time you or someone you know gets sick, keep these recipes in mind to aid in a speedy recovery.