14 Best South Indian Recipes For Cold And Cough {Easy & Healthy}

South Indian food is perfect for people with a cold. It’s spicy, hot, and has various ingredients that will help to heal your throat. There are many recipes that can be used to warm up and heal a cold and cough. South Indian dishes, like the warmer sambar, can help you feel better and create a feeling of calmness. There are different delicacies in south India which you can opt for to have some home-cooked comfort food when you are not feeling good.

Best of all?

Thanks to the amazing flavors, you’ll feel like you’re eating something good even while you’re feeling miserable!

Best South Indian Recipes For Cold And Cough

Here are some recipes from India that can be made in minutes and eaten between meals or as a tasty snack!

1. Chicken Masala/Pakora
2. Tomato Soup with Rice and Dal
3. Mutton Kulambu
4. Onion Rava Dhokla ( It’s a healthy recipe that you can eat every day)
5. Fruit Salad with Honey and Lemon Juice
6. Mango Pudding (Mangoes are great believed for a sore throat)
7. Andhra Fish Curry (The best way to get protein when you’re ill)
8. Chicken Rogan Josh (This will remind you of your favourite curry but with less spice and more care from your taste buds)
9. Chembu Kuzhambu (This is a great recipe to boost your immunity and get you back on your feet)
10. Lemon Rice (If you can’t handle the spice, or just want a calming taste of India)
11. Sesame Cookies (Made with sesame seeds, ginger and honey- these are like crackers for grown-ups!)
12. Banana Fry (This is a great recipe to get rid of the phlegm that’s been messing up your throat)
13. Potato Curry (It will remind you of home, and how good mom was at making chicken soup)
14. Chicken Korma/Vegetable Korma (One of my personal favourites! It’s creamy and delicious, like a less hot version of chicken tikka masala!)

Also Read: – How To Use An Electric Beater? A Complete Guide With Tips & Tricks

Tips On How To Deal With Cold And Cough At Home

It affects adults as well as children and it’s important to know that this illness is just a virus-not a sign of anything serious!

Here are some tips on how you can deal with the cold at home:

1. Drink hot herbal teas (That will help you sleep).
2. Get plenty of rest.
3. Don’t forget to drink fluids.
4. Use a humidifier in the room.
5. Eat well: chicken soup with no dairy and garlic- it contains vitamins and minerals you need, as well as being very tasty.
6. If your throat is sore, try gargling with warm water and salt.
7. You can also make a mask to help you breathe better by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of honey into 2 tablespoons of flour and adding lemon juice for flavor.
8. Lastly, rest is the best medicine when you have a cold!

Frequently Asked Questions – (FAQs) – South Indian Recipes for Cold and Cough

Que 1. Are South Indian Recipes Effective for Cold and Cough Relief?

Ans: Yes. Many South Indian home remedies for cold and cough — such as pepper rasam, dry ginger coffee (chukku kaapi), and turmeric milk — use ingredients like black pepper, ginger, garlic, and turmeric. These have anti‑inflammatory, antibacterial, and decongestant properties, helping soothe sore throats, clear nasal passages, and boost immunity.

Que 2. What is the Best South Indian Soup for Cold and Cough?

Ans: Pepper rasam is considered the best. This tangy, spicy soup made with tamarind, black pepper, cumin, and garlic is a traditional South Indian cold remedy. It helps relieve congestion, improves digestion, and provides warmth to the body.

Que 3. Can I Eat Idli or Dosa When I Have a Cold?

Ans: Yes, but choose wisely. Soft idlis are light, steamed, and easy to digest, making them suitable during illness. Avoid oily or fermented dosa varieties if you have throat irritation. Pair idlis with mild coconut chutney or light sambar for added nutrition.

Que 4. Should I Avoid Curd (Yogurt) in South Indian Meals During a Cold?

Ans: Usually, yes. Cold curd can aggravate throat irritation and mucus production. If you want probiotics, opt for warm buttermilk with ginger instead — a common South Indian immunity‑boosting drink.

Que 5. What Are Some Quick South Indian Recipes for Cold and Cough?

Ans:

• Pepper Rasam – Clears nasal congestion.
• Chukku Kaapi (Dry Ginger Coffee) – Soothes sore throat.
• Lemon Rasam – Rich in vitamin C.
• Milagu Jeera Rasam – Combines pepper and cumin for respiratory relief.
• Kanji (Rice Gruel) – Gentle on the stomach and hydrating.

Que 6. Are South Indian Spices Safe for Children with Cold and Cough?

Ans: Yes, in moderation. Spices like turmeric, cumin, and pepper are safe in small amounts. For kids, prepare mild rasam or light turmeric milk to avoid excessive heat or spice.

Que 7. Can South Indian Recipes Replace Medicine for Cold and Cough?

Ans: No. These dishes are supportive remedies that can ease symptoms and improve comfort. Always consult a doctor for persistent or severe symptoms.

Que 8. Which South Indian Drink is Best for Sore Throat?

Ans: Chukku Kaapi (Dry Ginger Coffee). Made with dry ginger, black pepper, cardamom, and palm jaggery, this traditional South Indian herbal drink provides warmth, reduces throat pain, and boosts immunity.

Que 9. How Does Turmeric in South Indian Cooking Help with Cold?

Ans: Turmeric contains curcumin, a natural anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant. In turmeric milk or rasam, it helps reduce throat inflammation, fight infection, and speed recovery.

Que 10. Can I Eat Spicy South Indian Food When I Have a Cold?

Ans: Mild spice is beneficial. Moderate spice from pepper, ginger, and cumin can help clear sinuses. Avoid overly spicy or oily dishes that may irritate the throat.

Also Read: – 10 Best South Indian Fireless Cooking Recipes

Final Words

If you’re looking for a way to get rid of that pesky cold or cough, consider these 14 South Indian recipes. These dishes are sure to make your sinuses feel better and provide relief from the discomfort of throat irritation. Whether it’s chicken curry with coconut milk, vegetable korma, lentils soup, or idli sambar – there is something here for everyone! They are sure to satisfy your taste buds as well as provide relief from symptoms.

Have you tried any of these? Let us know in the comments below what worked best for you.