3 Immunity-Boosting Recipes To Make At Home During The Coronavirus Quarantine

With COVID-19 greatly impacting our lives, the focus has shifted to the immune system of the body. One's immunity is a barrier that protects from foreign bodies that cause disease. When your immunity is functioning smoothly, it will protect you from infection, bacteria and illness. Lifestyle factors affect immunity to a great extent, most of all being diet. What you consume through food and drink are the building blocks of your immune system which is why it is so important to select the right ingredients and dishes this season. To make it easier for your diet during the Coronavirus quarantine, we got Chef Nilesh Pawar, the head chef of the The Byke group of hotels & resorts to share his expertise. Here are his 3 immunity-boosting recipes to make at home this season.

(Also Read: 5 Spices To Help You Boost Your Immunity This Flu Season)

1. Chickpea And Spinach Salad

While chickpeas are loaded with zinc, spinach has tons of vitamin C and beta-carotene. Together they make a great immunity-building combination and a healthy lunch which can be tossed quickly on a busy afternoon.

Ingredients

• 2 cups boiled chickpeas

• Half cup chopped onions

• 4 cups baby spinach leaves

• 2 tablespoons, freshly chopped mint

• Quarter cup olive oil

• 3 tablespoons of lemon juice

• Half tablespoon of lemon zest

• 1 and half tablespoon cumin powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

In a medium bowl, combine the chickpeas and onion. In a second bowl, whisk the dressing together of olive oil, lemon juice, zest, cumin, salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and toss to combine. Serve the salad on a bed of spinach leaves.

2. Detox Water

With vitamin C powerhouses like orange and lemon combining with immunity-boosting ginger, this refreshing drink is great for you and helps detoxify the system as well.

Ingredients

• 4 orange slices

• 2 lemon slices

• Quarter cup cubed pineapple

• Quarter cup cubed cucumber

• 1 teaspoon of fresh grated ginger

• 2 tablespoons mint leaves

• 2 cups ice

• 1 cup water

Method

Mix the fruits, vegetables, leaves and ginger in the water and let it infuse for half an hour. Strain the ingredients, add ice to the water and drink it when cool.

(Also Read: Make An Immunity-Boosting Turmeric Latte At Home With These 8 Picks)

3. Tomato Peppercorn Soup

Tomato contains multiple antioxidants and vitamins. In this hearty soup, it combines with garlic, peppercorn and ginger which are also wonderful for strengthening immunity.

Ingredients

• 2 to 3 medium size tomatoes

• 10 crushed peppercorns

• 3 to 4 chopped garlic cloves

• 1-inch chopped ginger

• 1-inch cinnamon stick

• 1 medium chopped onion

• 1 teaspoon oil

• Mint leaves to garnish

Method

Boil the tomatoes, ginger, cinnamon and crushed pepper in 1 cup of water. When the tomatoes are done, allow them to cool then mash, sieve and keep aside. Heat the oil, fry the garlic and chopped onions till golden brown on a slow fire. Then add the tomato mixture, add salt to taste, allow it to boil for few minutes. Serve hot with sprinkle of black pepper powder and garnish with mint leaves.

(Also Read: 3 Immunity Boosting Soups You Should Include In Your Diet)