Meal ideas for someone recovering from illness

[Anonymous]

I plan to make some meals for a friend who has been in the hospital and rehab recently. The food restrictions are:

No red meat
No salmon
Low salt
No tomatoes
No potatoes, unless they are boiled (cooked potatoes reportedly release phosphorus which he has to avoid)

He can have fruit but not dried fruit.

He says he loves rosemary.

He likes chicken and fish (but no to salmon; see above).

He lives alone so I'd like to make something that I can divvy up into portions for later use (so that he's not eating the same casserole night after night for days on end).

I would be very grateful for suggestions as to what I can make.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

A chicken pot pie sounds right up his alley. Easy to keep the sodium down with low sodium stock, you can add lots of rosemary, it can be frozen and then baked off. Yes, this is my vote.

[Anonymous]

Pork also goes nicely with rosemary. And it's apple season, so a nice healthy homemade applesauce to add flavor and moisture without salt.

[Anonymous]

And how nice of you Poor guy all alone. Can you make him some breakfast things as well? Help him make up some smoothies or something so he's getting all his nutrition?

[Anonymous]

Pork roast, applesauce, harvest bread has a great rosemary-something loaf. This'll make good sandwiches too.

Chicken pot pie with rosemary.

Brownies or cookies for dessert. Something he can freeze and take out a few hours in advance or nuke.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And how nice of you Poor guy all alone. Can you make him some breakfast things as well? Help him make up some smoothies or something so he's getting all his nutrition?

OP here. Good idea. I'm thinking I'll make some muffins as well. I could make some smoothies at his house (but they really have to be consumed in the moment, you know?).

So how about:

Chicken pot pie (I have a great recipe for this)

Roasted rosemary pork tenderloin with sauteed apples and steamed green beans - I can slice the pork and put it in individual Gladware containers with the sides for him to freeze for later, if he wants

Salad (washed) with dressing on the side for him to use a little at a time

Fruit salad

Muffins for breakfasts

Thanks so much, all - these are great ideas and you got me thinking more clearly!

[Anonymous]

OP again. I do worry about him all alone. He is a friend from church, single, about 60 years old, the nicest guy you've ever met. He has been very sick since mid-September (long story) and is expected to be released from rehab this week. I'm thinking I could do a cooking session on Friday or Saturday and take some things over there so that he is set for at least a few days.

[Anonymous]

Really kind of you OP. I'm sure he will appreciate it so much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A chicken pot pie sounds right up his alley. Easy to keep the sodium down with low sodium stock, you can add lots of rosemary, it can be frozen and then baked off. Yes, this is my vote.

Eh, still lots of sodium. If you go this route, make sure the soup or whatever stock you use doesn't have msg

[Anonymous]

I would go with chicken over pork. Pork is not on your original list and a lot of people don't like it.

[Anonymous]

Bring a bunch if bananas over too.
Easy to eat and good for you.

[Anonymous]

If you make a pork roast, this sauce is really good (and has rosemary)
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Pork-Tenderloin-with-Balsamic-Cranberry-Sauce-100314

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would go with chicken over pork. Pork is not on your original list and a lot of people don't like it.

OP here. Good point, thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bring a bunch if bananas over too.
Easy to eat and good for you.

Great idea, thanks.

[Anonymous]

So the consensus is chicken pot pie. Great idea. Best if you make chicken stock yourself, so you know that it's no- or low-sodium. If you don't, read those labels carefully.

Chicken soup is also the classic food for recovery. Heartier blended homemade soups are also wonderful.