5 Immune-Boosting Moroccan Tagines

These nutrient-dense Moroccan tagines are loaded with anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting herbs and spices. Tagine dishes are slow-cooked outrageously savory stew, typically made with meat, chicken or fish together with a variety of vegetables, spices, dried fruits and nuts. I love these dishes for their delightful harmony of flavors, color and textures.

You can make these dishes vegetarian, but make sure to get protein. Protein is critical for immune function.

[su_expanding_quote_web alignment=”right” source_site=”Dr. Hyman” source_url=”https://drhyman.com/blog/2020/04/01/a-functional-medicine-approach-to-covid-19/” full_quote=”Protein is critical for immune function and protein malnutrition is a big risk factor for death from infections. Eat approximately 1 gram/kg or about half your body weight in grams of protein a day, or about two four-ounce servings of organic, clean animal protein. Plant-based proteins (legumes, nuts/seeds) are adequate if consumed in enough quantity. Try tofu and tempeh from non-GMO soy for the highest protein concentrations. ” short_quote=”Protein is critical for immune function “]

Here are the spices most often used in Moroccan cuisine. Their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties together with other micronutrients can help improve immune function and prevent disease.

Ginger
Garlic
Turmeric
Cinnamon
Cardamon
Cumin
Paprika

Moroccan Meatball Tagine – Epicurious

Chicken, Apricot and Almond Tagine– Color My Food

Not only do the apricots give this dish fabulous flavor, they are rich in vitamin C and A also that play important role in the immune system. Vitamin C helps your body’s natural defense mechanisms fight off bacteria and viruses. Vitamin A has an anti-inflammatory effect.

(Chicken), Chickpeas and Mint – Color My Food

Orange and Fennel Tagine with Chicken – My Moroccan Food

Fennel has a mild licorice flavor and is rich in minerals including selenium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium.

[su_expanding_quote_web alignment=”full” source_site=”Medical News Today” full_quote=”The selenium found in fennel appears to stimulate the production of killer T-cells and modulates the immune system in other ways. Studies have shown dietary intake of selenium can improve immune response, especially to viral agents” short_quote=”dietary intake of selenium can improve immune response, especially to viral agents”]