Tomatoes are the perfect immunity booster in these pandemic times – Parvathy Menon

In ancient times, humans were afraid to eat tomato assuming it was poisonous because of its relation to belladonna or the deadly nightshade plant. Now, of course we know better and no meal is complete without the tangy sweet taste of tomato.

The edible red berry of the plant solanum lycopersicum, aka tomato, is rich in potassium, vitamins B and E and lycopene — a bright red carotenoid hydrocarbon — which protects body cells from damage and boosts immunity.

Tomatoes also contain carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin which protect eyes from the blue light emitted by digital devices such as smartphones and computers. Some research studies have shown that tomatoes may prevent emphysema, a condition that slowly damages the air sacs in the lungs.

Try out these simple tomato-rich recipes.

Tomato Bun Burger

(6 servings)

Ingredients

• ½ kilo minced chicken
• 1 beaten egg
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 packet cheese slices
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 6 small tomatoes, halved
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• Lettuce, for aesthetics
• Yellow mustard, for self serving

Preparation guide

• Mix chicken and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper.
• Form mixture into small patties (that will fit the size of the tomatoes), dip in egg wash and then roll in bread crumbs.
• Fry the patties in a pan.
• Now place half a cheese slice over each patty/cutlet when it is hot.
• Slather mayo on the bottom half of the bun. Place tomato slices and top with lettuce and chicken patty.
• Drizzle with mustard and serve.