12 Soothing Recipes To Make You Feel Better

Homemade chicken soup is known as “Jewish Penicillin” because it always makes you feel better. Making it is a bit of a “potschke,” as my mother would say, but it’s not hard.

Infused with cardamom, cinnamon, ginger and allspice, this chai-spiced banana bread is a lovely twist on basic banana bread. It’s the epitome of comfort food.

Made with a rotisserie chicken and pantry staples, this Thai-style chicken soup with rice noodles is almost instant gratification; it will leave you feeling cozy, happy, and all warmed up.

Oatmeal makes a soothing good-for-you breakfast. This recipe from Megan Gilmore’s cookbook is good for your tastebuds, too.

This 3-ingredient fruit salad with pomegranate, oranges, and grapefruit not only tastes delicious, it’s also rich in vitamin C and antioxidants to help boost your immune system.

There is something dreamy and comforting about a bowl of warm, creamy polenta. This version is made with vitamin-rich butternut squash.

Gooey grilled cheese sandwiches are just what the doctor ordered when you’re feeling under the weather. This version, with sun-dried tomato pesto, tastes like hot, crispy pizza paninis.

There aren’t many meals more comforting than this one. This classic beef stew recipe results in a rich deeply flavored broth and beef that’s incredibly tender.

Chockfull of French green lentils, vegetables and bacon, this soup is a hearty, healthy meal unto itself.

If the cold weather has you down, this classic French onion soup will cheer you up.

This is my all-time favorite homemade mac and cheese — ultra-creamy and topped with crispy panko and herbs.

This warm baked homemade applesauce is rich, tart and sweet — almost like apple pie filling (but without the guilt).