In the run up to the New Year, life can get pretty hectic, so now is a good time to boost your immunity. Women especially can find themselves going through an energy slump. Increase your intake of iron to give your blood a real boost. Red meat is the best source, but others include apricots, beans, broccoli, eggs, figs, lentils, peas, nuts, prunes, raisins, and whole grain cereals and bread.

This is also a time of year when viruses that can knock you out for days seem to spread. So, get into garlic. It is a natural, potent mix of chemicals such as allicin and sulphur, and protects against harmful bacteria and viruses. This has been proven in many studies so add garlic to salad dressings, and use it to flavour sauces and stews — or how about some garlic bread?

Stock up on watercress — a favourite of mine. It helps to purify the blood as well as providing as much vitamin C as an orange. Put it in salads and sandwiches. Switch from caffeine-laden tea, coffee, and cola to freshly squeezed juices, and yoghurt drinks containing probiotics, as they contain friendly bacteria that combine with disease fighting bacteria in the gut.

If you feel run down, get some Echinacea from the pharmacy or health food shop, as it protects against colds and influenza, as well as helping to heal wounds. Try to get your five portions of fruit and vegetables, as citrus fruits in particular are great sources of antioxidants, which help combat toxins. People living in the Gulf where fruit and vegetables often travel a long way and may lose some nutrients should ensure that they are following a healthy diet — email to [email protected] for a free copy of my Healthy Eating Guide.

Recipe of the Week

Dum Ke Kabab

Serves 6

Ingredients

18 blanched almonds, roughly chopped

3 tbsp channa dhal

11/2 tbsp sunflower seeds

3 dried red chillies, chopped

3 tbsp white poppy seeds

900g lean minced lamb

11/2 tbsp ginger puree

11/2 tbsp garlic puree

3/4 tsp ground turmeric

11/2 tsp paprika

11/2 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped

3 tbsp chopped fresh coriander

11/2 tsp garam masala

Salt to taste

Method

Pre-heat small heavy pan over medium heat. When hot, turn the heat down to low and add almonds. Stir for 1 minute and add channa dhal, sunflower seeds, and chillies (in that order). Stir and roast for 1 minute, then add poppy seeds. Roast for a further minute, stirring, and remove from the heat. Do not allow poppy seeds to darken. Transfer ingredients to a plate to prevent roasting further. Allow to cool, then grind finely in a spice mill. Don’t worry if almonds are not absolutely fine. Put mince in a large mixing bowl and add the ground mixture along with all remaining ingredients. Mix thoroughly and knead it for 1-2 minutes. Cover and set aside for 30 minutes. Pre-heat the oven to 190ºC. Spread spiced mince in an ovenproof dish. Using the back of a metal spoon, tidy up the edges by pushing them inwards so you have a neat, oblong shape. Smoothen the top with the spoon. Bake in the centre of the oven for 30 minutes. Allow to rest for 3-4 minutes, then cut into squares. Transfer the kebabs to a serving dish and strain the cooking juices over them.

Ask Alva

Could you be so kind and answer a question for me please? Are there any benefits in cooking with olive oil? Can one describe its as fat-free cooking? Betsy

Olive oil is cultivated for its exquisite flavour and also for its health benefits. The vitamin E oil is extracted from the juices of ground and pressed olives. In the past, it was used to heal wounds, moisturise hair and skin and strengthen fingernails. Research has also shown that olive oil promotes digestion, stimulates metabolism, and lowers cholesterol levels. So it is much better than animal fat and is good for the body — but use it sparingly as it contains about 45 calories per teaspoon! Put only a teaspoon in salad and use as little as possible in cooking. Alva