Take time to cook with your family

With many schools and creches closed parents may find this a great opportunity to cook with their children, With time on their hands people working from home with  or without children may also avail of the opportunity to cook from scratch and make the most of their food including leftovers! No one wants to eat pasta every day but why not learn how to make your own pasta and then put your own ingredients into it!



There is another reason why people should take notice of what they are eating and cooking.The covid 19 virus is a particular risk to everyone who has a weak immune system. Whatever your position you can strengthen your immune system by adhering to the following guidelines:

Don't smoke
Eat a diet high in fruit and vegetables.
Exercise regularly
Maintain a healthy weight
Drink alcohol in moderation
Sleep well
Wash your hands properly and frequently
Refrain from processed or junk foods.
Get out for a walk every day
Open your windows and let in fresh air as often as is possible if confined indoors.

Doctors of course are right to say there is no single cure to stop someone getting an infection. Our immune systems are complicated and can be affected by age, stress, weather. genes etc. But everyone knows that to eat well is to improve your chances of fighting infection.  That is why this current pandemic is a great opportunity to focus on eating good food and learning new and healthy recipes if you have time on your hands at home. It is a win win situation.

There are lots of healthy recipes on the internet and on this blog. A sure and foolproof recipe which will boost your immune system is a simple vegetable soup. You can make a big pot of it and it will last for a week in the fridge. Use whatever vegetables you have and don't be afraid to complement your food basket by sourcing wild herbs and plants such as nettles and dandelion leaves from safe areas away from traffic pollution.



Simple Vegetable Soup

1 large onion P&S (peeled and sliced!)
1 carrot P&S
1 butternut squash* P&S(or use any other vegetable available like a bag of frozen peas!)
1 red pepper P&S
1 fresh chilli P&S
1 leek P&S
1 litre stock
Glass of white wine
Bunch of  parsley & thyne
Salt and black pepper to taste

Method

In a large skillet add a splash of vegetable oil and heat. Saute the onions for five minutes then add the chile and vegetables. Add the wine, herbs and the stock and bring slowly and gently to the boil (about 20 minutes). Simmer gently on a low heat mixing regularly. Then remove from pan and blend in a blender.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve hot perhaps with sourdough bread or a sandwich. If you want to use a basil or other herbal oil  as a dressing on the soup this will heighten the experience.


*(or use any other vegetable available like a bag of frozen peas!)