What do you eat when sick?

[bocce]

I’ve had a nice fever and nasty cold for the past few days and have been eating chicken soup with rice and steamed pork dumplings on the side.

I’m just curious to see what other people crave when they are sick.

[newbatgirl]

I've been sick with 2 different things this winter: stomach flu, sinus infection. Both times, all I wanted was oatmeal follwed by long naps.

[jpschust]

Bitters + Soda for an upset stomach.

[Tartinet]

When I was in bed recovering from food poisoning, I discovered that grissini (those plain, super-thin breadsticks) are way better than saltines--all the chomping, crunching action can take place inside your mouth, so you don't end up with bed crumbs.

Also, tonic water. It was the only thing I could bear to swallow for a day or two, and I swear I've never enjoyed a beverage more.

[eddieandcleo]

When I am sick (which is very rare), I want either Chicken with Stars soup (love feeling those little stars sliding down my sore throat) or Beefaroni with butter and cheese. Normally, I don't eat these things, but when I'm sick, I like to revert to my childhood. Good thing it only happens once every couple of years.

[ccbweb]

My wife goes for Tang and Angel Hair pasta with butter and salt.

I go for wonton soup, congee and/or pho. I'm pretty convinced that pho can cure anything that's wrong with you.

I second the craving above for super cold Coke Classic (alternating with genmai cha).

[bitsubeats]

hobak juk - pumpkin porridge

or If I have a hangover or a cold (and want something spicy) I like soondae guk (blood sausage soup) or koong na mul guk (bean sprout soup) with lots of gochugaru thrown in.

oh and my favorite juk in the whole world is when my grandmother made me some in korea when I was feeling a little under the weather. You take burnt rice (nu run gee) well its not really burnt, more like toasted, and then you boil it in some water. Basically toasted rice juk with no flavourings not even salt

[Ali B]

Definitely soup for a cold.... matzo ball or something with clear broth......... when I have a stomach flu or something of that nature, usually the only thing I will eat is bread, a bagel, or plain pasta

[Panini Guy]

Hot n sour soup is good, but pho works as well.

And a lot of yerba mate.

[Kajikit]

Chicken soup - any flavour as long as it's got lots of soothing stock in it.
For a sore throat, honey-and-lemon drinks (half a fresh lemon and a tablespoon of honey dissolved in hot water)
And for some reason when I'm coldish I crave rice pudding and custard (I know they say you're not 'supposed' to have dairy but it doesn't seem to hurt and it's terribly soothing to the throat.) Maybe I should find a recipe for congee - that's a savoury rice porridge!
PS. I forgot toast and honey for when my tummy's a bit squicky and I can't stomach the thought of 'real food'.

[FelafelBoy]

For an upset stomach - reduced fat Pringles or pretzels.
For a cold, sore throat - chicken soup with many sinus clearing spices, onions, spinach. (To cool down in the next meal from the heat of the spicy soup, Lightlife brand (soy) balogna on toasted pumpernickel bagel with mayo and iceberg lettuce - don't ask me why, but this sandwich is very easy going down and is cooling, complimenting the previously imbibed soup.)
For anxiety, depression - chocolate, other sweets, pizza, nuts, peanut butter on bread.
For rebalancing and centering and all around feeling of ecstasy, or at least, peacefulness - particular Indian dishes, tunafish salad on toasted bagel (pumpernickel or poppy seed).

[rcgj]

Won Ton soup, matza ball soup and tom yum soup...do we see a theme

[beevod]

Bourbon, pizza and ice cream does it for me

[thegolferbitch]

Chicken soup doused liberally with Cholula and ginger slices.

I also crave ice cold regular Coca Cola when ill...and only then. Weird.

[Pegmeister]

Anything spicy and warm chocolate pudding!

[revsharkie]

A couple of nights ago I was feeling a little achy and about-to-get-a-cold-ish. I had already planned to make "chicken and salsa soup" for supper, and so I proceeded to make that, with some hot salsa I had left over from something.

Next morning I woke up feeling pretty much fine. I guess you can argue whether or not the soup gets the credit, but you never know!

[jillp]

I've been living on rice for the last couple of days while I am having a bout of stomach flu.

[Mr. Cookie]

Sopa de lima, Mexican chicken soup with lime. It's a surefire way to get better.

[thegolferbitch]

Recipe please, Mr. Cookie, if you have time?

[Mr. Cookie]

this is a fairly quick version. hope it's not too hard to follow:

poach three boneless chicken 1/2 breasts in water spiced with peppercorns, salt and bay leaf. cool, shred the meat and set aside.

skin and seed three medium tomatoes, and mash them to pulp.

saute 3/4 cup finely chopped onion until translucent. (you can add finely chopped chile pepper to this if desired -- serranos work well. you'll probably want to seed them first!)
add the mashed tomato and saute on medium-low heat until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.

meanwhile, heat 6 cups chicken broth. Add the juice of three limes, 1-1/2 tsp. dried oregano and 1-1/2 tsp. dried basil. simmer for 5-10 minutes; add salt and pepper to taste.

while the broth is heating, dice an avocado and grate some jack cheese. you serve these separately, alongside the soup, with tortilla chips or strips (or fried fresh tortillas cut into strips).

when the broth is ready, add the onion-tomato mixture and the shredded chicken, and bring to a simmer again.

ladle the soup into warm bowls. at the table, each individual can spoon avocado chunks into the soup, crumble some tortilla chips on top and sprinkle the grated cheese on top of that.

makes about 4-5 large bowls.

[thegolferbitch]

I have never thought of putting avocado in soup...this sounds incredible. I'll try it. Thanks!

[meg944]

I love congee when I am sick (stomach or heart.)

When I start to feel better after a cold or the like, I find myself craving popcorn (made fresh with plenty of salt and a little butter.)

[IndyGirl]

I find that when I have a headcold or sinus infection coming on, red wine sounds wonderful (along wth soup, tortellini pasta in broth, etc)...I don't know why. I guess it helps me sleep and is warming.

[revsharkie]

Raisin Bran. It's the only time I can really eat it. Ginger Ale (when I was a kid it was 7-Up, but I prefer Ginger Ale now).

Last year I came down with stomach flu on New Year's Day. The next day was also a holiday, and I wanted to make eggs benedict for breakfast. I'd even gone and bought an egg poacher for the occasion. But when I put it all together, the smell of it made me sick. So Mike got a double order of eggs benedict, and I got a piece of toast and a glass of ginger ale.

[was_bk]

I've been suffering from a head cold and hacking cough for the past few days and am in a quandry 'cause my customary sick bed "goto food delivery" (2nd Ave Deli) has shut its doors.

Typically, I ordered a few pints of matzoh ball noodle soup and an order of chopped liver w/ rye bread.

I've tried to find a replacement soup but so far none have come close.

Oh and a few days ago I ordered in sushi and miso soup. That was first for a sick food craving/order

[BellaDonna]

I knew I was the only one that craves this...something greasy. I don't know why...but when I get sick, I want greasy fast food like some Jack in the Box tacos. I also crave pho for theurapeutic reasons.

[Sugar Jones]

Lemony tea with a shot of Whisky. My parents gave me this as a child when I had a cold. There must be something to it...my dad was a doctor!

[pralinepatty]

Chicken soup. Rice with just a little butter and salt. Spring water with lemon juice, no sugar. Gingerale. Saltines. Oranges. Apples. Bananas. Malto-Meal with salt and butter, though cannot find it in Florida. My mother used make, when I was sick when a child - good white bread sliced, buttered (real butter), sprinkled with sugar and then lots of good cinnamon and then toasted in the oven, then put in a bowl or saucer, then milk (warm, I think) poured over it (I guess that is milk toast). I loved it, and used to fix it for my children sometimes, but had forgotten about it.

[RShea78]

Although, it has been years (being sick), touching wood. Chicken Soup is a must, with plenty of garlic.

Actually, I have it regularly more or less as a preventive, 2 or 3 times a month.

[JenMarie66]

soft boiled eggs with buttered toast sliced into strips to dip in the eggs (my friend calls them 'little soldiers')
tons of tea
tons of club soda with juice (2:1 ratio)
sometimes ginger steeped in boiling water.

when i'm on the mend, i crave rare steak and sauteed spinach.

[Sam Fujisaka]

O cha zuke

[nc213]

Ramen (yes the cheap kind), with a ton of firm silken tofu, some green onions, and hot sauce--the hot sauce proportional to how congested I am.

[luswei]

ma po tofu and rice!

[potterstreet]

pastina with butter, black pepper and grated reggiano. cures what ails ya! ginger ale is good too.

i just had a small dish of sticky toffee pudding with fresh cream on it and that seemed to perk me up a bit.

[ElsieDee]

When I'm getting a head cold I find myself craving tuna - in fact, that's usually a key sign that I'm getting sick. Tuna hotdish works, as does a tuna-salad sandwich or tuna macaroni salad, but most often I want a hot tuna like Mom made: toast a piece of bread on one side - once nice and brown, flip it over and cover the untoasted side with tuna salad, sprinkle with parmesean cheese and run under the broiler until the cheese is brown and bubbly.

When I'm in the throes of a URI I want water and nothing else - if I can't taste what I'm eating then I don't want to bother consuming anything.

[mellycooks]

My boss swears by her cold remedy "The 4 S's". They consist of:
Soup (Chicken of course)
Salt (saltwater, either gargled or swished in mouth)
Steam (bring pot of water to steam, inhale deeply for several minutes. A towel will help you do this without burning your face off)
Sleep (lots of)
Scotch (straight or on the rocks. Be sure to do this last, lest you forget to do the first four! Except the sleep of course.)

[mudster]

Your boss must be better at home remedies than she is at math.

[mellycooks]

Nope, just me, I meant 5 Ss. Must've had too much of that last one before I posted. :)

[librarian]

The first few days I'll drink tea and eat homemade biscuits (if I'm feeling fancy I'll make scones, if I'm down for the count my husband will bring home croissants). I should mention that I make the biscuits or scones the moment I feel that scratchy sensation in my throat so I don't have to cook while I'm ill. After that, I like spicy food (if I'm congested), hot soups, oatmeal - foods that are soft and warm. For me, its all about comfort.

[dustchick]

I typically crave spicy food - a red chile, bean, and cheese burrito is the perfect comfort food. I also drink a lot of hot chocolate.

[nosey]

Thai chicken soup (Tom Kai Ki (sp)) Wonderful for clearing the sinuses. And I am convinced it it is better than sudafed! Just downed 2 bowls this week. Lemongrass, chicken, shrooms, hot stuff and coconut milk.

[Jacey]

Warm Vernor's Ginger Ale (only that kind)...my grandma claims it's a miracle medicine

[Jacey]

hot and sour soup
jello
toast with butter
chicken broth

[Notorious EMDB]

My mom would dissolve jello powder in hot water, and we would live on "jello tea."

Also anything sour-- pickles, sauerkraut, kimchee, plain lemon juice diluted with water.

[luswei]

hot and sour soup
won ton noodle soup
duck and bok choy egg noodle soup
chow fun
pad see ew
ten ingredients lo mein
matzoh ball soup
chicken noodle soup
korean spicy beef soup

[Tkn]

Lots and lots of chopped garlic in chicken broth and a big squeeze of lemon right before eating. It's a home remedy that I've grown to actually crave now.

Otherwise, Mexican soups like albondigas, pozoles, caldo de res.

[personalcheffie]

Kosher chicken soup and vegetables and matzo balls with schmaltz.

[meb903]

bologna sandwich with mayonaise on white bread - no lettuce.

[Sam Fujisaka]

Love you.

[chef chicklet]

Ginger Ale - the small little bottles, but with a straw that bends please, don't' forget the straw. Or I cry.
Water-in a bottle extra cold.
Chicken boullion in VERY hot mug -burn my mouth hot
Cream of wheat - made with water -soupy, not clumpy,never ever

Then when I feel a little better I want Tacos, or refried beans and the beans must be really soupy with lots and lots of hot sauce.
I will eat this and this only, and I did this past week and not much else, trust me.
Feeling much better now....

And just to add a footnote. this is the first time that i have been sick where everything that came next to my nose and mouth smelled like AMMONIA and then if I ate it I would taste ammonia and like someone dumped a bucket of salt in my food..... anyone else go through tastebud/smell problems?

[Andiereid]

Last bad cold I had, everything except ginger ale tasted like salted cardboard. Ugh.

[amyzan]

I crave ginger ale, and a disgusting concotion my mother made for me as a kid when I was ill. It's a poached egg on buttered toast with warm milk poured over all. I still don't know that it's appropriate when you're sick. Butter? Warm milk? Not easy to digest, but I still want it.

I also want vegetable soup and plain rice. I used to get it at a Vietnamese restaurant called Kim Son on the way home from work when I lived in Durham, NC. It wasn't pho broth, but more a chicken broth with star anise and other flavors, plus very fresh veggies added at the last. I miss her soup!

[Sugar Jones]

Tom Kah soup - as spicy as I can get it. Knocks the cold right out of me.

[Teep]

If I get the flu, the first thing that happens is a raging sore throat, so the last thing on my mind is something spicy!

[g rote]

Pho or Ckn w/ matzoh balls.

[Chowpatty]

If it's a cold/upper respiratory thing, then:
Hot and sour soup
Chicken pho
Thai coconut chicken soup
fresh squeezed orange juice or orange/carrot
Trader Joe's lemon ginger juice, heated up

If it's more of a stomach problem, then:
Campbell's chicken noodle soup
canned pears or mandarin oranges

[Hanachan]

Ginger Ale
Chicken broth
And then eventually eating
Bland toast
Udon with nothing in it

..I long for the day I can eat sausage and broccoli rabe (that awaits me in the frig). In the meantime, today, I am moving up to Chicken Soup (Kosher).

[AnneM]

Well after being sick for a couple days and not being able to eat anything, I still like what my mother would make when I was young. She would make me some toast, very dark toast, butter it with lots of butter, then drizzle boiling water over to soften and melt the butter. I know this sounds awful but it always made our stomach feel good.

[Andiereid]

Ibuprofen
Robitussen
Chicken and Rice soup
Premium Saltines
Ginger Ale
Hot tea with bourbon and honey

Also, anyone who comes too close. Being sick makes me cranky.

[Teep]

Saltines - that reminds me of what my grandma used to make for me as a child when I was sick - she'd soak crackers in hot water and add sugar, have to try that again next time!

[jeanki]

if it's a cold, kimchi jigae hands down. or thai food

if i'm nauseous or have stomach flu, then something milder like pho, or sullongtang.

[soypower]

any noodle soup.

champong
wonton noodle soup
pho
ramen
udon
homemade chicken noodle soup

[gini]

Pastina cooked in broth with parmesan

Hot water, rose water, lemon, honey (shot of arak)

Maeuntang

[bengoshi]

Perfecto. Pastina and broth. Scramble an egg with parmesan and chopped parsley and add to hot broth (stratciatella - torn rags). Elixer.

[LaLa]

Hot and sour soup is what I crave or chicken and rice soup.OH AND MY FAVORITE mEXICAN PLACE makes a soup with a clear broth and meatballs that I also like only when I am sick.

http://www.shoplateda.com

[Mushroom]

The slightest sniffle causes me to overdose on Tortellini in Chicken Broth with tons of Parm & Cracked Black Pepper. A snowstorm, rainstorm or cloudy day often causes the same reaction.

[foiegras]

Once when I was sick I made the kind of lemonade where you start by making a cooked lemon syrup. It really hit the spot.

I'm a picky eater anyway, much more so when I'm sick.

When I was little we lived in the Midwest, where you were guaranteed to get a viral bug every winter. We ate only clear or white things till we were feeling better (drs orders) and I still do this today. Like rice, boiled potato ...

[rcallner]

Pho - sometimes with chicken instead of beef.

[personalcheffie]

There is a new chicken pho recipe in the brand new Cuisine At Home.

[rcallner]

Nice! Thanks for the site referral.

[QueenB]

Wonton soup. It's the combination of the thick wontons and the hot broth that always make me feel better.

[RiJaAr]

i always crave spicy or salty foods. who am i kidding when i have a cold i'm constantly hungry and i will eat everything.
if i am deathly ill and i can't keep anything down i drink powerade and eat bananas, which is weird because i hate bananas. and powerade. but its the only thing that stays down, and i crave bananas.

[foodie_girl]

I am like you, when I'm sick I find that I'm super hungry. I would have to be dying to not want to eat at all.

[atlantanative]

Tis the season - everyone I know is sick, including me! For me, I crave basically really spicy broths - hot and sour soup, spicy pho, chicken with plenty of hot sauce...

[Teep]

My comfort food is congee - plain or with fish.

[kobetobiko]

Same here! Always want the simplest congee, sometimes with the salty eggs on the side.

If I want sweet I will have hot creamy oatmeal.

Because things that are soupy and hot and simple in taste will be what I want when I am sick.

[notmartha]

Usually just plain juk. Sometimes I'll add the pork sung in if I feel like some flavor.

[Das Ubergeek]

I have a cold now and I can't get enough juk. Tom yum soup is another big one.

[ncs821]

What is juk? Also, congee?

[Das Ubergeek]

Juk and congee are words for rice porridge: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congee

[atheorist]

Yes Tom Yum for a cold!
And ginger ale for stomach problems is the only time I drink any soda at all.

[mellycooks]

Not sure if it's the same, but Tom Ka Gai is spectacular when you're sick

[Das Ubergeek]

Tom kha gai and and tom yum gai are related, but tom kha gai has coconut milk in it and tom yum gai doesn't.

[foodie_girl]

I like juk too when I'm sick--chicken soup base and just juk with a little bit of salt if I am super sick.

[viperlush]

Whenever I have a cold or a stuffy nose I crave spicy (It's all I can taste)and crunchy (for the texture) food. The last time I had a cold I ate a whole jar of mini dill pickles because of the texture.

When I have a stomach ache I eat alot of oatmeal and potatoes (baked, mashed, french fries).

[bkath]

Used to be hot & sour soup, too bad it seems all I can get anymore is tasteless brown dreck. Also like non-herbal tea with milk & honey, mmmm comfort.

My husband got deathly ill in New Orleans few years ago (bad oyster?) & all he could keep down was won-ton soup, luckily there was a great carryout a couple blocks from our (awful) hotel!

[personalcheffie]

Usually from oysters, it's a parasite. I got one, and thought I was going to die. I was bedridden for four days.