Immune health plays a vital role in keeping the body perform at its best. One way to naturally support our immune system and protect ourselves against diseases is through nutrition. In my blog post titled, A Sip of Zen with a Bite of Calm, I have already talked about the importance of herbal teas, magnesium-rich foods, and fruits.
Today, I am going to introduce you to a couple of my personal favorites as they are nourishing, soothing, and comforting.
Turmeric Golden Milk
Turmeric golden milk is a delicious recipe I recently discovered. It facilitates relaxation and circulation to support your immune health.
Here is how you make it:
Blend the following ingredients except for black pepper until smooth.
2 cups of milk (your choice of almond, coconut, or dairy)
1 tsp turmeric
½ tsp cinnamon
pinch of ground black pepper
a tiny piece of freshly peeled ginger root or ¼ tsp ginger powder
1-2 tsp honey, according to taste
Pour the mixture into a small saucepan and heat for 3-5 minutes over medium heat until hot. Do not boil it! Add the pepper, stir to combine. Enjoy!
Kifli
My old-time favorite Hungarian breakfast pastry is called kifli. Kifli is a yeast bread that is rolled and formed into a crescent. It doesn’t have any fancy health benefits, but it is delicious and comforting breakfast food. Even though this is a high carb option, with moderation, it won’t hurt your waistline. We all know that sometimes, the best way to feed the soul is through our tastebuds.
You can eat kifli in a variety of ways. If you like sweet, spread some strawberry jam on it. Or, try it with some honey, for a more health-conscious option. If I am craving savory flavors, I like it with caraway seed mixed with coarse salt. Loading the top with sunflower, sesame, or pumpkin seeds will increase its nutritional value. Grated cheese works well too. My preferred way, however, is generously smearing it with butter and eating it like a fresh baguette.
Heavenly!
Ingredients (8 kifli)
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet of instant yeast
2 tbsp melted butter
1 cup milk (multiple uses)
1 tsp sugar
1-2 tsp salt (to taste, I like to add 2)
The Dough
Preheat your oven to 390F. Sift the flour and salt together. Dissolve the sugar and the yeast in 1/2 cup of the warm milk and wait until bubbles form (about 10 minutes). Add the melted butter, then the remaining milk, and the bubbly, yeast mixture to your dry ingredients. If you have a mixer, knead on low speed until the dough begins to come together. Increase speed slightly, and knead about 3 minutes more. If you work with your hands, which I do, it will take about 10-15 minutes of heavy-duty kneading to get a springy dough. After that, cover and let it rise for about 1 hour.
Divide your dough into two balls. Roll them thin, form them into two circles, then cut each to four individual triangles or wedges to make crescents. Brush them lightly with milk (to make it sticky) and add any of the savory toppings before baking if you like. Cover your cookie sheets with parchment paper and bake your pasties at 390F for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy!
You can read more about nutrition and foods that boost the immune system here.
Practicing self-care in the form of proper nutrition and making food that is satisfying and nurturing adds to your overall well-being. When you occasionally indulge in a delicious meal or drink that you labeled as a slip-up, look at it as a way to fill your well. Be in the present moment and savor every bit of it.
