July 30, 2022

Tokyo Garlic-Miso Vegetables

Roasting vegetables is one of the easiest ways to add more nutrient-dense foods to your diet. This dish’s blend of summer and year-round produce is tossed in an immune-boosting garlic miso sauce for added nutrition and delicious flavor. Miso is a thick paste made from fermented soybeans. Sometimes called miso paste or miso soybean paste, it can be found in any Asian grocery, or in the international section of mainstream grocery stores. You can use either white (mild) or red (stronger) miso. In Tokyo, they prefer the stronger red or brown varieties. Benefits: Miso is high in protein and rich […]
July 30, 2022

North African Freekeh

Ancient grains are trending, so you have probably heard of the roasted young (green) wheat called freekeh (pronounced free-kuh). This grain and the dishes made with it are from North Africa. In this recipe, I’ve combined it with savory garlic, fresh lemon, mint, sweet dates and nourishing chopped kale for a well-rounded side-dish full of flavor. Freekeh can be found in Whole Foods and other health-food stores or online. Benefits: Freekeh is packed with fiber and protein, so it will keep you full and satiated for hours. It also has vitamin B for energy, heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and manganese […]
May 31, 2022

Brain-Boosting Berbere African Spice Blend

Berebere spice mix has been used in Africa in one form or another for many years. It originated in Ethiopia and/or Eritrea. It most commonly contains a mild to hot mix of chili peppers, coriander, garlic, ginger, fenugreek, cardamom, nutmeg and cloves. More authentic blends will include korarima, an Ethiopian cardamom instead of the Indian variety, along with nigella seeds and ajwain, another type of seed. I use this robust spice mix to flavor stir-fries, soups and stews. It packs some (but not too much) heat. Benefits: Fenugreek has choline which may support healthy brain function and memory. Chilies and […]
January 29, 2022

Savory Flavors of Southeast Asia

This area of the world covers a large geographical area and many unique cultures that have some commonality of herbs and spices in their cuisine style. Southeast Asia actually includes 11 countries: Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Though there are important differences between all of these countries, and cultures within each as well, common culinary threads can be found in the food. This is a hot and humid part of the world and so lightly prepared dishes made of vegetables, rice and broth are staples. Flavors like citrus, mint, and other herbs offer […]
January 28, 2022

Shrimp and Moringa Curry

Shrimp and coconut milk are a classic Asian combination; they are also anti-inflammatory. I’ve added moringa powder to this very mild dish in order to increase the antioxidant power of this dish. If you want to dial up the heat a notch or two, use serrano or other hot peppers in place of the mild red Anaheim chilies. If desired, serve over brown or jasmine rice. SERVES 2-4 Ingredients 1⁄4 cup peanut oil 1 tsp. minced garlic 1 inch peeled and thinly sliced gingerroot 1⁄2 cup sliced red onion 2 red Anaheim chilies, seeded and cut into strips 1 can […]
August 30, 2021

Munch a Bunch of Savory Spinach!

This quick and easy spinach recipe is the perfect way to prepare the best tasting side dish around. Buy spinach in bunches to cut down on plastic packaging then sauté it with some simple herbs and spices for the most flavorful preparation. When you need a break from green salads or want a warm dish in colder weather, cooking spinach is a perfect way to get nutrients and antioxidants. Garlic, lemon juice and fresh capers add an unexpected zest and richness to a simple veggie dish. Spinach has protein; folate, which promotes healthy skin, hair, and eyes; lutein, which may […]
July 14, 2020

Garlic Crab Royale Has Benefits

Crab provides detoxing selenium in this dish while garlic brings a host of impressive health benefits to the table through the compound allicin. Allicin has been shown to lower cholesterol, reduce plaque buildup in arteries, and keep blood platelets from sticking together too aggressively. I’ve served this garlic crab dish to presidents and to royalty. It consistently wins raves. SERVES 2-4 Ingredients 2 large Dungeness crabs, cut in half, or 4 small whole crabs 1/2 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup mirin (seasoned rice wine) 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes) Pinch of ground pepper 1/4 cup […]
April 26, 2020

Bitter Melon Salad

Bitter melon, which resembles a wrinkly, light-green cucumber, is something of an acquired taste. Soaking it in salted water to remove the bitterness is the first step in getting people to fall in love with it. It’s worth the trouble, because boiling bitter melon in water releases its antioxidant power. Bitter melon also has immune-boosting beta-carotene, potassium, and detoxifying fiber. Asian herbalists prescribe it to diabetes patients to help them stabilize their blood sugar. This salad makes an excellent side dish for grilled meat, fish, and vegetables. Serves 2-4 Ingredients 4 medium-size bitter melons ¼ cup kosher salt Pinch of […]
April 21, 2020

Citrusy Asparagus

Asparagus is a finicky vegetable. It must be very fresh and picked early in the season or it will have woody stalks. Don’t cut the dry ends of the stalks. Instead, bend the stalks until the dry ends break off. Otherwise you risk serving chewy, inedible asparagus parts that your guests won’t enjoy. This citrusy side dish can be served hot or cold and is good cut up and served in a salad. Serves 4-6 Ingredients 2 lbs. asparagus spears, ends snapped off 4 Tbs. orange juice 1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice ½ tsp. sea salt or salt substitute 4 […]