With winter officially upon us, cold and flu season is in full swing. When it’s chilly outside and we’re under the weather, there are few things more comforting than a hot bowl of soup. Chicken noodle is considered the gold standard for a reason, but what about those who don’t eat animal products? Whether you’re a vegan with the sniffles or an omnivore looking to try something new, read on for some plant-based chicken soup alternatives.
Chickpea Noodle Soup
The real reason why chicken noodle soup helps when you’re sick is that chicken contains high levels of tryptophan, which the body uses to make feel-good chemicals like serotonin and melatonin. Luckily, chickpeas also contain plenty of tryptophan of their own. This plant-based take on chicken noodle soup by nutritionist Tasting to Thrive is every bit as comforting as the real thing.
Four Heads of Garlic Soup
Garlic has natural antimicrobial properties that have been shown to support the body’s immune system and protect against infection, but if we’re being honest, we really just like this soup for the taste. Creamy, comforting, and easy to prepare, the creator It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken describes it as “a cozy blanket for your tastebuds.”
Homemade Vegetable Soup
If an apple a day hasn’t successfully kept the doctor away, perhaps a hot bowl of vegetable soup will. This recipe by Two Peas & Their Pod packs a nutrient-dense punch with 11 different kinds of veggies in a rich tomato broth. Enjoy it as is with a side of toasted bread, or add lentils to amp up the protein.
