Nobody can deny the power and efficacy of Western, allopathic medicine. However, when one is bombarded with harsh cures for common ailments regularly, the soul starts seeking some comfort in addition to tough medicines. At that time, the only thing that feels comforting is nutritious food, packaged in a homely, cosy manner. So, we compiled various “Grandma’s recipes” from across the world, which claim to be great cures for different ailments, but in reality, may just be the food and drink needed to soothe your soul.
Panta Bhat – Bangladesh
A basic and simple dish enjoyed both, in the villages of Bangladesh and in many Bengali households within India, “Panta Bhat” is basically leftover rice soaked in water overnight. It involves overcooking the rice so that it is slightly melted the next day. Ghee and sea salt are added and mixed into the rice. While we wouldn’t recommend eating this as a leftover, it is a good idea to cook it fresh because a cooling food for an upset tummy is recommended by many a Bengali grandma!
Chicken and vegetable soup – China
Dry sherry, chicken broth and loads of greens are the USP of this Chinese soup that is great for stubborn viral fevers. Chop up chicken breast halves weighing approximately half a kilo and stir fry them in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and sherry, and one tablespoon of sesame oil. Remove this and let it marinate. Mash 3 garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons ginger together into a paste. Add three tablespoons sesame seed paste, one tablespoon sugar and rice vinegar each, to this, and mix them all together. Heat one tablespoon sesame oil and add 4 cups of any greens of your choice – broccoli, bok choi, cabbage, or spinach. Add 8 cups of chicken broth to this. Now, add the chicken and ginger-garlic mixture. Top this with cilantro leaves and add a small squeeze of lime juice for a kick!
Turmeric milk – India
“Golden milk” is all the rage in the West now, with every hipster looking Eastward for “natural” health solutions. In India, however, turmeric milk is an old, traditional recipe for increased immunity that tastes delicious, and is super easy to make. It involves warming milk in a pan with a spoon of turmeric powder, and then adding fragrant saffron to the mix. After this, sliced almonds are added on top, and the milk is seasoned with sugar.
Bean sprout soup – South Korea
A hangover cure that is legendary in Korea, this simple soup is also easy on the senses of those who have had a little too much fun the preceding night. Made by cooking soybean sprouts seasoned with soy sauce and garlic in a meat broth, it only involves adding red pepper flakes for seasoning! It doesn’t get easier, does it?
Caspiroleta – Peru
Cinnamon sticks in a warm milk bath, is the first step to this alcohol-rich cure for flu, that Peruvian mothers and grandmothers swear by. Traditionally made using Pisco, a grape-based brandy common in Peru and Chile, this can also be made using a different fruity brandy. So, after adding a splash of your rum or brandy of choice to the milk bath, all you need to do it add a teaspoon of honey and a pinch of cinnamon powder. Pass it through a sieve, pour your drink into a cup, stir and sip away.
Asian Pear with honey – South Korea
Have a sore throat and an aversion to that bitter taste in your mouth left behind by antibiotics? Cope with this deliciously nutritious dessert. Slice Asian Pears (or even regular pears) and remove the seeds. Coat these slices in honey, and steam the pears till they soften. Take them off the heat and add more honey if needed (provided you aren’t diabetic), and indulge in these yummy fruit slices. Honey is great for soothing an itchy throat, while pears are full of vitamins.
