Snacks

Pungent Tahini Miso Spread

Give your immune system a healthy boost and stay well all winter long with this garlic-infused tahini miso paste.

Jonny Bowden PhD CNS, Jeannette Bessinger CHHC

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Boosting your immunity naturally with foods such as this delicious Tahini Miso Spread is a key winter wellness strategy. After all, if your immune system is compromised, your health is basically toast. Your immune system is made up of an intricate network of cells, organs, and tissues that work together to accomplish one basic task: guarding your body from harmful influences. It does this by neutralizing foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, as well as by fighting against the body’s own cells that may have changed due to an illness (cancer cells, for example).

A big part of the immune system is the liver, which is basically ground zero for detoxification. The liver processes everything that comes into your body—food, environmental toxins, medicines (prescription or recreational), or anything else. It performs this detoxification dance with an intricate series of enzymes known as the cytochrome P450 enzymes, and it does it in two phases-aptly named Phase One and Phase Two—both of which are dependent on nutrients.

So support your liver with this Tahini Miso Spread, which is like a power pack for that vital organ. Fermented raw miso teems with probiotics for digestive and immune health, spirulina has long been used as a detoxifier and garlic is known for its ability to protect against infection. Nutritional yeast adds a creamy texture with a zippy flavor that has been described as somewhere between nutty and cheesy. -Dr. Jonny

Notes from the Clean Food Coach

This Pungent Tahini Miso Spread will last for weeks. I usually make a double batch and keep it all winter long. Because of its warming qualities and the antibacterial nature of raw garlic and cayenne pepper, it acts as a kind of winter tonic. I use it at the first sign of any cold-weather bug.

The flavor is very strong, so it should be used sparingly. Spread it thinly over whole grain crackers or toast; stir it into hot veggies or grains, or use as a dip with crudités. You can alter the ingredient amounts according to your personal taste preferences. Keep the miso/tahini base consistent and customize the rest for yourself.