Lemon + Ginger Tea & Broth
A broth to soothe the last sniffles of winter
When the calendar flips to April in 10 days, I plan on putting an immediate halt to soup recipes. If the kids want to make their own Top Ramen that’s fine, but I will no longer be hauling out the Instant Pot to make homemade broth.
I say this as my Instant Pot simmers in the kitchen, making spicy lemon-ginger broth to soothe the lingering covid congestion that I’m trying to kick.
Covid finally got me last week, which I suppose was inevitable after spending several days sitting across from my daughter playing Connect Four and Kings Corners and putting together puzzles.
Thankfully, it’s been mild this go-round and I have continued to parent and work and fold laundry through it all, as one does.
I also made several batches of soup and broth and tea, and I’m over it. I’m more than ready to trade cozy winter comfort food for crisp, fresh warm-weather cuisine.
But, we’re not quite there yet. So I’m bringing back a few recipes that I’ve shared before, as reminder that ginger + lemon is your best friend when you’re feeling out of sorts.
The easiest way to make spicy lemon-ginger tea is to slice up a knob of ginger (about 1 to 2 inches) and combine it with 4 cups of water. You can add a cinnamon stick or a 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon if you like.
Cook on high pressure in the Instant Pot for 5 minutes (or simmer on the stove for 10 minutes, then turn off the heat and let the tea steep for up to 30 minutes).
Strain out the ginger, then add lemon juice and honey to taste.
I usually make a double batch, then keep a jar of the brew in the refrigerator. You can drink it hot or cold for several days.
If you’re craving a savory broth, then try this recipe for Garlic, Ginger & Lemon broth.
Instant Pot Farro Soup with Lemon-Ginger Broth
If you’d like a meal, then this simple farro is soup is light and lemony with a nice gingery kick. You can change the soup by following the directions for the lemon-ginger broth, but skip the farro and kale and make whatever type of soup you want.
Such as . . .
Add 2 chicken breasts to the broth, cook on high pressure for 5 minutes and let the pressure release naturally for 5 to 10 minutes
Cook orzo separately and add it to the broth
Use baby spinach instead of kale
Add canned white beans instead of chickpeas
Dinner Last Week
I’m always curious about what other families are eating. Aren’t you? Here’s what my crew ate last week.
Monday: Instant Pot chicken soup. I made “dumplings” like my mom does, by whisking together a batter of flour, water, eggs and salt and drizzling it over the simmering soup.
Tuesday: I sautéed mushrooms and a can of chickpeas with olive & garlic and added sliced chicken sausage and a handful of baby spinach. I’m also recipe testing baked mac n’ cheese for my blog, so we ate macaroni on the side.
Wednesday: Lentil soup with a broth made from roasted red peppers and tomatoes
Thursday: Salmon, pappardelle pasta, roasted zucchini
Friday: Instant Pot pork, coleslaw and roasted sweet potatoes. The kids made cornbread! I knew this meal would provide leftovers for the weekend so I wouldn’t have to think about dinner on Saturday.
Cookbooks
I’ve been reading this cookbook like a novel, and I think you should too. This is partly because Molly Yeh is an engaging writer and reading her cookbook is like chatting with a funny, thoughtful friend. But also because her life reads like a fictional domestic wonderland where every morning starts by cupping your hands around a warm mug of chai tea and ends with cookies and milk.
Once you get over your immature envy about how effortless she makes everything seem, you can start enjoying her delicious recipes and charming stories. There’s a reason she has a successful blog and Food Network show and newly opened restaurant - the woman is really talented in the kitchen.
Home is Where the Eggs Are has recipes for quick meals and easy snacks, plus baking projects and more elaborate dinner recipes. Highly recommend!
My weekend depends on a negative covid test and the rainy weather finally lifting, but I’m hoping to get outdoors for some much needed exercise. If that happens I’ll be happy!
Hope you have a good weekend too!
Jenny
