Recipe/Remedy

I'm fighting off the tail end of a cold, that stage where you're all congested and just can't seem to clear your lungs. So I figured I'd whip up a home remedy that is also dinner. Simple, easy, and effective. Black beans and corn.

• 1 can black beans
• 1 can corn
• 1 medium onion
• 1 fresh serrano pepper
• 10 mL vegetable stock
• 5 mL ground ginger
• 5 mL cumin
• 10 mL olive oil

Empty corn onto plate. Microwave for 99 seconds, or some other easy-to-type number that makes it hot.

Chop onion and serrano pepper with food processor attachment for immersion blender. Sautee briefly in saucepan with olive oil. Drain and rinse beans. Add beans, ground ginger, cumin, and vegetable stock. Stir and heat; probably ready not long after corn is. Empty onto other half of plate. Serves one (generously). 

If your palate has been seared by years of this kind of treatment, you may want to add more fresh serrano peppers. In a pinch chipotle sauce, chipotle powder, or chili powder will do, but the fresh peppers are nicer.