Quesadillas: The Ultimate Kid-Friendly Immune Booster

shiitake_kale_quesadilla_header Earlier in the week I discussed some supplements you can add to your regimen to help with an immune boost. There are also tons of adult-oriented recipes, like maca smoothies and special teas, that boost the immune system.

But what about the kids?

My last article focused on the crash that happens like clockwork in November, after kids have gorged themselves on the sugary booty from their Halloween adventures. Colds and flus start popping up at a merciless rate, and the rest of us get sick as a result.

So how do you boost your child's immune system, especially if you have a picky eater?

Allow me to introduce the quesadilla, holder of magical, healthy food without your child realizing it.

Seriously, put ANYTHING in a tortilla and add some cheese, and you've got a winner.

The recipe below is jammed with immune-boosting shiitakes mushrooms, onions, and garlic, and also some kale for nutrient density. Kids that might not otherwise stomach these ingredients on their own will love them in these.

I've called for goat mozzarella here because I try to stay away from dairy, but some great alternatives to any kind of cheese are to use hummus, or smashed avocado.

 

Shiitake & Kale Kid-Friendly Quesadilla

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 2 cups sliced shiitake mushrooms
  • 2 cups shredded goat's milk mozzarella cheese (sub in: regular goat's milk cheese, regular mozzarella, hummus or smashed avocado)
  • 2 cups kale, torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 ten-inch sprouted flour or corn tortillas

Directions

Melt coconut oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high. Add mushrooms and kale. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are browned around the edges (8 to 10 min.) Transfer veggies to a plate. Wipe pan clean.

Spread 1/4 portion of mushrooms, kale and cheese (or hummus/avocado) over half of one tortilla. Fold tortilla in half to enclose filling.

Cook in pan over medium-high until underside is golden, about 2 min. Then flip and continue until other side is golden, about 2 more min.

Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling ingredients.

Cut quesadillas into wedges and serve immediately.

Blog, Immune System, Nutrition, Pediatrics, RecipesDoctor Marita