By Pamela Nandi | Nov 27, 2020

There is a saying that ‘Good Food is Good Medicine‘ and amid COVID-19 pandemic outbreak causing panic and fear, along with proper hygiene, the immunity-boosting foods not just gives our body the ability to fight disease but also keeps us strong and energized. Since time immemorial, the true origins lies in the fact that old-fashioned recipes have always preserved the nutrients without compromising the taste of food.

This year the Hi-Tea spread at the cake mixing ceremony of @The Lalit Great Eastern Hotel Kolkata stocked up on the nutrients with immune boosters, diligently curated by executive chef @Madhumita Mohanta.

Staying hydrated is the best way to increase immunity to fight Coronavirus because it flushes out all the toxins from the body. So the Shooters (immunity booster drink) – filled with nutritious immune-boosting tonic, are designed with jam-packed immune-boosting ingredients coming from garlic, ginger, lemon, vinegar, honey, turmeric in order to provide the body with a natural remedy source.

A wide variety of immunity-boosting Laddoos filled with nuts, seeds, dry fruits, herbs and spices packed with antioxidants are not only flavour enhancers, but acts as energy boosters graced the spread.

The most expensive spice in the world with multiple culinary and medicinal benefits is saffron. A glass of Saffron Milk (Kesardoodh) tasted amazingly good loaded with nutrients to boost the memory retention, giving a glow in your skin.

A small serving of desi pickle like lemon or amla on the side of the main meal is considered as healthy, since centuries, due to its ingredients, hand-beaten ground spices, sunkissed before its consumed. The taste and strong immunity of the array of pickles/chutneys go hand in hand.

Colourful Bori or Bengali sun dried dumplings – made with urad dal i.e. fried crispy Dal Boris, one of the immunity-boosting diet of micronutrients was so tempting.

Another impressive potent immunity booster with high antioxidant content to protect from viral infections are moringa leaves good during changing seasons The nutrition-packed yummy savoury Indian pancakes or crepes Moringa Moong Dal Chilla served with a variety of fillings was so flavourful.

The Indian inspired recipe – one-pot meal, Khichri was extremely delicious, nutritionally dense-packed with vitamins and works as a perfect immune booster which helps improve blood sugars, reduces food-borne illness. This humble food was a perfect amalgamation of taste and health.

Now comes the showstopper of the hi-tea spread, another protein- rich energy booster – Soya Chaap. An excellent source of essential fatty acids, to balance the blood cholesterol levels, boosting heart health, fortifying bones. The semi-dry spices smothered with the Soya Chaap was finger-licking good.

Finally, some immunity-boosting ingredients in the dessert spread is really impressive. The dessert recipes incorporated dates to fight cancer, heart diseases; camphor to relieve pain and respiratory problem; bay leaf for proper digestion; panchamrit for betterment memory; red rice to restrict from ageing; palm jaggery to fight against cold.

Cheers !!!