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Borscht With Beef

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This Borscht With Beef is a deliciously healing classic soup filled with beets, cabbage, and beef. It’s kind of a cross between a hearty beef stew and a cabbage soup. It is amazing and even non-beet-lovers will ask for a second helping.

borscht with beef

I was working with a client a few weeks ago who had really high blood pressure. Now, I’ve always known that beets are great to lower blood pressure but it wasn’t until we actually tested it out that I was truly awe inspired. This wonderful woman came to me willing to do anything she had to in order to feel better. She is my favorite type of client.

I always ask on my initial questionnaire if there is anything you won’t eat. She responded with only two things that she couldn’t                 get down, and one of them was beets.

So, we worked around the beets. And she did amazingly well… her progress was inspiring.

Over the course of a few weeks, I mentioned beets again. I had an intuition or an instinct that beets were the answer to some of her health issues. Well… intuition plus scientific knowledge…

She was game. So I sent her the beets recipe that helped me get my daughter to eat them. And she made it. She ate the beets and she actually loved them. Then she took her blood pressure. The numbers had dropped significantly after only one serving of beets!

She took the bull by the horns and started making more recipes with beets and her blood pressure is now under control. Anyway, this recipe for Borscht With Beef was inspired by this amazing woman who thought she didn’t like beets but loved cabbage soup. It’s delicious. It’s healing. It’s simple. And it tastes like home.

By the way, just as an aside… beet juice is now being given to athletes to increase athletic performance, so you’ve really got to try this Borscht With Beets!

If you like this recipe, you’ll also love my recipe for Beet Sweet Potato Soup.

borscht with beef

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borscht with beef

Here are some of the amazing healing ingredients in this Borscht With Beef recipe:

Beets are SO good for you. I try to find ways to fit them into my meals as much as possible. Really… many times a week. Beets nourish blood and tonify the heart. Athletes are starting to drink beet juice as a form of endurance therapy. They are anti-carcinogenic, good for anemia, and relieve constipation. I also think it’s a great idea to eat them raw sometimes because their amazing goodness is even more pumped up this way.

Beef is good for a lot of ailments. It’s good for edema/swelling in the body, it helps many people with their weak back and knees and, believe it or not, it’s good for that bloated, distended feeling we sometimes get in our stomachs. In the olden days, beef was stewed for hours so that the liquid could be sipped to combat chronic diarrhea. I recommend using grass-fed organic ground beef whenever possible.

Bone broth is filled with bone marrow and essential fatty acids — these things promote optimal brain health. It also contains glycine, which is an amino acid that helps with memory, concentration, stress, and focus.  You can make your own bone broth, but you don’t have to anymore. Bone broth is now available in tons of markets. It’s sold in boxes just like chicken or vegetable broth. The glucosamine in bone broth can reduce inflammation and strengthen the bones. It’s also great for your skin, hair, and nails. This is a great thing to use for a quick soup base, or to just sip on during the day. Sometimes I’ll have a hot cup of bone broth first thing in the morning for a quick healing pick me up.

Scallions are one of my favorite ingredients. In Chinese medicine, the root of the scallion is a healing herb (Cong Bai). I always keep scallions on hand in my refrigerator so that I can whip up a batch of cold and flu fighting tea (scallion roots and ginger) the second anyone feels that scratchy throat coming on. It helps the body sweat out toxins. Scallions are antiviral and antibacterial; they are good for the common cold and general nasal congestion — just don’t eat too many if you have a fever. I toss the roots into this soup and let them infuse the liquid.

Cabbage can help control a cough and lessen the symptoms of the common cold — in olden times, cabbage tea was given to people who had contracted the whooping cough. It’s also good to combat constipation and hot flashes.

Carrots help strengthen the organs in your body. They also are good for the eyes (this is their claim to fame) and they promote healthy digestion. Many moons ago, people used to make carrot tea to ward off measles and to prevent cancer. Carrots help detoxify the body and in today’s world of Chinese medicine, they are prescribed to ease constipation and tonsillitis.

Garlic is amazing in its antiviral and antibacterial capabilities. Garlic is actually a Chinese herb (Da Suan). It’s used to kill toxins and parasites and also to reduce swelling in the body. It’s what I call a great “A” herb: anesthetic, antibacterial, anti fungal, antioxidant, antiviral, etc….

borscht with beef

Borscht With Beef
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Recipe type: soup, stew, comfort food
Cuisine: paleo, whole30, gluten free, grain free, nut free, dairy free
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 8
This Borscht With Beef is like a delicious cross between cabbage soup and beef stew. It is so healing and so comforting.
Ingredients
  • 2 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 lb beef stew meat
  • sea salt and black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 6 cups beef bone broth, divided
  • 3 cups water, divided
  • 1 tsp fennel seeds
  • 3 medium/large red beets, peeled and diced
  • 3 scallions, sliced, roots retained and added to the soup
  • ⅓ cup fresh dill, snipped or chopped
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • ¼ cup raw apple cider vinegar
  • ½ medium head savoy cabbage, thinly sliced and broken into shreds
  • 6 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 med baking potato, peeled and diced
  • non-dairy yogurt, for topping
Instructions
  1. In a large soup pot set over medium heat, heat the oil.
  2. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
  3. Add the beef to the oil, in a single layer, turning to brown all sides. You will probably have to do this in batches, removing the first batch to a plate to do the second batch.
  4. When the beef is all browned, return all of it to the pot and pour in 3 cups of bone broth and 1 cup of water. Add the fennel seeds. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot and cook for 1 hour.
  5. Add the beets, scallions (with the roots), carrots, cabbage, garlic cloves, and potatoes.
  6. Add the remaining 3 cups bone broth and add about 2 more cups of water so that the ingredients are covered with liquid.
  7. Cover and let simmer 30 mins.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in vinegar and dill.
  9. Ladle into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of yogurt.
  10. Enjoy!

Mung Bean Coconut Curry

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This mung bean coconut curry is the best curry you will ever have… it makes a lover out of people who think they don’t like curries. You have to try it!.
mung-bean-coconut-curry

When I was writing my book — The Chinese Medicine Cookbook, I necessarily had to test out tons and tons of recipes. I tested everything from smoothies to stews to salads. But I wanted to make sure that I included a lot of recipes that used traditional Chinese ingredients as a way to pay homage to the culture that created my love for Chinese herbs and healing.

This recipe for Mung Bean Coconut Curry is one of those recipes.  I’m not sure I had ever really enjoyed mung beans before I created this recipe. The closest I had ever come to feeling love for this ingredient came in the form of pasta. The first grain-free pasta I ever had was mung bean fettuccine and it really was love at first sight for me.

Mung beans are such a healing ingredient. A lot of uncomfortable conditions are caused by us retaining too much heat inside our bodies; mung beans release excess heat. This is a really good thing!

But, here I was trying to create a recipe with actual mung beans. These beans are sold in bags like any other dried bean — they are pretty little green things but I truly didn’t know where to start… and then I saw an amazing recipe by Katie of Hey Nutrition Lady and I knew this awesome recipe was where I would start.

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Honestly, when I was putting this recipe together, I figured nobody in my house would be thrilled about mung beans when I served it. So, I decided on a curry, because… well… I love curry but when I serve it here at home everyone puts on “the face”.  This seemed like a great opportunity for me because if nobody was going to like it anyway, it might as well be something I like but don’t get to make too often.

Here’s the kicker: I ladled a bowlful for Steve and put it in front of him. He asked no questions so I told no lies. He slurped this bowl up like it was a bowl of his favorite Cheeseburger Soup. `When the bowl was licked clean, I said: “I’m surprised you liked that so much… you don’t usually like curry.” His response: “I don’t like curry but this isn’t curry.” So, there you have it. Make this Mung Bean Coconut Curry and serve it to everyone… just don’t tell the haters what it is!

mung-bean-coconut-curry

Here are just some of the amazing healing ingredients in this Mung Bean Coconut Curry:

Mung Beans clear heat from your body; they help reduce acne and can help clear up other skin conditions.  They are also great to help rid  your body of toxins. In China, mung beans are a staple in most kitchens and are eaten often because they provide so many health benefits.

Garlic is amazing in its antiviral and antibacterial capabilities. Garlic is actually a Chinese herb (Da Suan). It’s used to kill toxins and parasites and also to reduce swelling in the body. It’s what I call a great “A” herb: anesthetic, antibacterial, anti fungal, antioxidant, antiviral, etc…

Ginger is also a Chinese herb. In it’s raw form it’s called Sheng Jiang. This herb is especially good during cold weather months and also during seasonal changes. So, when winter is trying to turn into spring, and we (those of us on the east coast) get some of those cold, raw, damp days, ginger will make you feel better and will help boost your immune system. And, when summer is turning into fall, or fall is turning into winter,  those are great times to add ginger into your diet, to prevent those winter colds that seem to pop up often. Old folklore shows that ginger was rubbed on scalps to stop baldness. And, in some circles, a ginger paste is still rubbed on arthritic joints to stop pain (don’t try this at home unless you are diagnosed with a cold-condition by an acupuncturist or herbalist).

In Chinese medicine, we use coconut to strengthen the body, reduce swelling, and stop bleeding. Coconut kills viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It’s good for all types of infections and viruses in the body, including the flu, bronchitis, tapeworms, urinary tract infections, and herpes. And perhaps most importantly, it helps you keep your mind sharp and it makes it easier for you to focus. I like to use full-fat canned coconut milk for this curry.

In Chinese medicine, we use tomatoes to aid in digestion and to help detoxify the body. They are also good to combat excess cholesterol, lessen inflammation and curb asthma. Tomatoes can also quench thirst, and they can help fight some kidney infections.

Onions are great for your immune system; they are a natural antihistamine. Recently, I recommended that a patient with bronchitis put sliced raw onions in her socks when she went to sleep… she woke up so much better; they actually can rid the body of bacteria. (I know I’ve told you this before, but it really is awesome!) Onion is a superhero in the food world — especially when you eat it raw, so be sure to also add some raw onion into your diet whenever you can.

mung-bean-coconut-curry

Mung Bean Coconut Curry
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Recipe type: curry, comfort food, stew, soup
Cuisine: paleo, vegetarian, whole30, vegan, gluten-free, grain-free
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4-6
This mung bean coconut curry truly is an all-purpose curry; even self-proclaimed curry haters will love it!
Ingredients
  • 2 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
  • 10 garlic cloves, crushed
  • ¼ cup chopped red onion
  • 1 14-oz can chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 2 inches of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
  • sea salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ tsp (or to taste) cayenne pepper
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup dried mung beans
  • 1 13.5-oz can full fat coconut milk
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • 1 bunch cilantro, roughly chopped
Instructions
  1. In large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until hot.
  2. Add the garlic and onion, and saute, stirring, 3 mins.
  3. Add the tomatoes, cumin, ginger, salt and pepper, and cayenne.
  4. Cook, stirring often, 5 mins.
  5. Pour in the water and stir in the mung beans.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let simmer for 30 mins.
  7. Then, uncover the pot and let simmer an additional 15 mins, or until the mung beans are softened.
  8. Turn off the heat and stir in the coconut milk.
  9. Ladle into bowls and garnish each bowl with lime wedges and lots of cilantro.
  10. Enjoy!

mung-bean-coconut-curry

Paleo Pasta With Sardines, Anchovies, And Breadcrumbs

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This paleo pasta with sardines, anchovies, and breadcrumbs is my favorite pasta ever! Even if you think you don’t like sardines and anchovies, you will love this recipe.paleo pasta with sardines, anchovies, and bread crumbs

When I was in Lake Como, Italy, I had my favorite pasta dish ever. I took the recommendation of our waiter and ordered a dish that had sardines in it.

I don’t think had I ever had pasta with sardines before. And, honestly, I don’t think it sounded great at the time. But, the setting was beautiful, the night air fragrant, and the wine was flowing. I was all in.

To this day, I can say with certainty that I have never ever had food that good before and — until now — I haven’t had it since.

This paleo pasta with sardines, anchovies, and breadcrumbs is my take on that glorious pasta dish. I’ve made it paleo friendly, and I’ve used buckwheat ramen noodles. And it is delicious. This pasta dish is one I’ve been making on repeat when I’m home alone for dinner. It’s easy. It’s so healing, and it takes me back to Italia… oh my…

I’ve given this recipe to a few people and everyone who has made it loves it as much as I do. I make it when I’m solo for dinner, because I can’t pull out sardines and anchovies in front of my family, without them refusing to eat it. Their loss! The sardines and anchovies don’t taste fishy at all but they give this sauce a deliciously briny taste and when the breadcrumbs are added, the sauce becomes textured and thickened and mouth watering.

Sardines are great to build bone strength and to elevate your mood. Have I convinced you to try this recipe yet?

 

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paleo pasta with sardines, anchovies, and bread crumbs

Here are some of the great healing ingredients in this Paleo Pasta With Sardines, Anchovies, And Breadcrumbs recipe:

Sardines reduce inflammation, boost mood, help with weight loss, and build bone strength. They also can help keep you stay hydrated and cool and can help reduce a fever.

Anchovies can help lower cholesterol and are good for heart health. They are also good for brain health and can help keep your skin looking younger and healthier. They are rich in iron and help with circulation.

Buckwheat is great to eat if you have diarrhea. It also helps lower blood pressure, stops some types of sweating, and has a good amount of vitamin E. It also contains antioxidants that can help fight cancer and heart disease. Buckwheat is a seed, not a grain, so no inflammation here!

Parsley has been shown to reduce tumors in the lungs and to neutralize the effects of carcinogens, including cigarette smoke. It is high in vitamins A and C, and is good for your heart. This herb is also a natural breath freshener. So, if you have a chance to use more than a few sprigs as a garnish, go for it.

Chickpeas actually help calm the spirit. They relieve anxiety and soothe irritability… it kind of makes you realize why hummus is so popular. I used chickpea crumbs instead of traditional breadcrumbs in this recipe.

Garlic is amazing in its antiviral and antibacterial capabilities. Garlic is actually a Chinese herb (Da Suan). It’s used to kill toxins and parasites and also to reduce swelling in the body. It’s what I call a great “A” herb: anesthetic, antibacterial, anti fungal, antioxidant, antiviral, etc….

paleo pasta with sardines, anchovies, and bread crumbs

I love to customize recipes for specific health concerns. Let me customize a pasta recipe for you that will work for whatever’s going on in your body now… I’m such a geek that I really do get excited about doing this. So CLICK HERE to be taken directly into my calendar to sign up for your free phone consultation… I’d love to create a soup recipe that addresses your specific needs!


Paleo Pasta With Sardines, Anchovies, And Breadcrumbs
5.0 from 1 reviews
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Recipe type: paleo, grain-free, dairy-free, nut-free, quick
Cuisine: pasta, seafood, fish
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 2
This paleo pasta with sardines, anchovies, and breadcrumbs will transport you to Italy. It's a quick dish to make, it's so healing, and it is amazingly delicious.
Ingredients
  • 2 cakes buckwheat ramen (or pasta of your choice)
  • 3 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 can sardines
  • 1 small jar anchovies
  • ½ bunch parsley, chopped
  • dried hot red pepper flakes, to taste
  • ¾ cup chickpea crumbs (or breadcrumbs of your choice)
  • 1 28-oz can whole tomatoes
  • 10 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
  • ¼ cup pitted kalamata olives
  • sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta al dente and drain.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Chop up the sardines and anchovies and add them to the oil in the skillet.
  4. Add the parsley and red pepper flakes.
  5. Cook, stirring, 5 mins.
  6. Add the tomatoes, garlic, and olives.
  7. Break up the tomatoes with the back of a spoon, then lower the heat to low, and let simmer 15-20 mins. Season with salt and pepper.
  8. Pour the sauce over the pasta and enjoy!

 

Chicken Tikka Masala Soup

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Chicken Tikka Masala Soup is the most warming, most comforting, most delicious soup you will ever have. ‘Nuf said.

chicken tikka masala soup

I am a soup lover. As far as I’m concerned, soup is something that is good all year-round. This is one of those soups that is great in the winter (duh…), but it’s also great in the summer too. Give me a bowl of this on a summer night while sitting out on the deck (maybe with a cold beer), and there’s nothing better.

Now, about the flavors in this soup… there is just the right amount of spice and just the right amount of richness, so that everyone loves this soup. I can say this will confidence, because when I fed it to Steve he loved it. I then said: “hmmm, I wasn’t sure you would like it because you don’t like Indian food”. His response was “I don’t, but this isn’t Indian food”. So, there you have it. Even self-proclaimed Indian food haters will like this soup.

Here in New York City right now winter is trying to turn into spring. Some days are gorgeous, while others… not so much. This is the time of year when everyone seems to be getting sick. This soup is the perfect antidote to the germs floating around all over the place.  It’s filled with immune-boosting spices… so you can heat and heal yourself at the same time. Win-win.

The original genius recipe for this soup comes from The Modern Proper — these women are amazingly talented and creative.

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Serve this Chicken Tikka Masala Soup with a salad, and you have a really complete meal. I love it with Tomato And Herb Salad With Roasted Lemons… delicious!

This creamy soup is made with no cream. It can easily be made vegan by omitting the chicken. It has the perfect combination of warming spices and is so healing. Have I convinced you to try it yet? I hope so, because there is no down side here.

I love to top my creamy, flavorful soups with a swirl of vegan yogurt and a handful of fresh herbs and I urge you to do the same… yum!

chicken tikka masala soup

Here are some of the healing ingredients in this Chicken Tikka Masala Soup recipe:

Ginger is  a chinese herb (Gan Jiang) that warms the body. It’s especially good during cold weather and also during seasonal changes. So, when it’s winter or when winter is trying to turn into spring, and we (those of us on the east coast) get some of these cold, raw, damp days, ginger will make you feel better and will help boost your immune system. Old folklore shows that ginger was rubbed on scalps to stop baldness. And, in some circles, a ginger paste is still rubbed on arthritic joints to stop pain (don’t try this at home unless you are diagnosed with a cold-condition by an acupuncturist).

Onions are great for your immune system; they are a natural antihistamine. Recently, I recommended that a patient with bronchitis put sliced raw onions in her socks when she went to sleep… she woke up so much better. (I know I’ve told you this before, but it really is awesome!) Onion is a superhero in the food world!

Turmeric is actually a Chinese herb (Jiang Huang). It is great for reducing inflammation throughout the body. If you suffer from aches and pains in your joints, try turmeric. It can help relieve menstrual pain and some other abdominal pains but, if you are pregnant, ask your doctor before you eat too much turmeric.

Chicken is something I push people to buy organic if possible. Organic chicken is a great, healthy protein to give you energy, lessen the pain of some types of arthritis, and boost your system when you are particularly weak — like after surgery or childbirth. People who have some conditions that we consider “excess heat” conditions should limit the amount of chicken they eat. So, if you have an illness that gives you a bright red tongue or severe dryness in your body, check with your doctor first. For example, if you have a lot of burning stomach acid, you should avoid chicken for awhile…

In Asian medicine, we use coconut to strengthen the body, reduce swelling, and stop bleeding. Coconut kills viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It’s good for all types of infections and viruses in the body, including the flu, bronchitis, tapeworms, urinary tract infections, and herpes. The creaminess of this soup comes from full-fat coconut milk, making it taste rich while healing you!

Garlic is amazing in its antiviral and antibacterial capabilities. Garlic is actually a Chinese herb (Da Suan). It’s used to kill toxins and parasites and also to reduce swelling in the body. It’s what I call a great “A” herb: anesthetic, antibacterial, anti fungal, antioxidant, antiviral, etc….

chicken tikka masala soup

I love creating customized recipes for people. And soup’s an easy one! I want you to sign up for a free phone consultation with me… I’m such a geek that I really do get excited about doing this. So CLICK HERE to be taken directly into my calendar to sign up for your free phone consultation… I’d love to create a soup just for you and your needs.

chicken tikka masala soup

Chicken Tikka Masala Soup
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Recipe type: soup, paleo, whole30, gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, nut-free
Cuisine: recipe gratefully adapted from: The Modern Proper
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4-6
This Chicken Tikka Masala Soup is the most warming and comforting soup you'll ever try. Even people who don't think they like Indian food, slurp this soup up!
Ingredients
  • 2 Tbs coconut oil
  • 1 med onion, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 Tbs chopped fresh ginger
  • ¼ tsp chipotle chile powder
  • 1-1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp tandoori spice
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • sea salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 14 oz can full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 rotisserie chicken, skin removed, meat shredded
  • fresh cilantro leaves, for topping the soup
  • about ½ cup yogurt (I used a cashew yogurt) for topping the soup
Instructions
  1. In a large pot set over med heat, melt the coconut oil.
  2. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger and saute until softened, about 3 mins.
  3. Stir in the spices and salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring, 3 mins.
  4. Pour in the tomatoes and the broth.
  5. Stir in the coconut milk
  6. Partially cover the pot and let simmer 15 mins.
  7. Stir in the shredded chicken.
  8. Ladle into bowls and top with cilantro leaves and a dollop of yogurt.
  9. Enjoy!

chicken tikka masala soup

Raw Zucchini Noodles With Pesto And Tomatoes

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This recipe for raw zucchini noodles with pesto and tomatoes is one of the simplest ways to turn your food into medicine. The whole recipe takes only a few minutes and it’s so healing and fresh tasting — it’s a keeper!

raw zucchini noodles with pesto and tomatoes

I have always wanted to love zucchini noodles/zoodles/zucchini spaghetti — whatever you want to call it. I really really really want to like this ever-so-healthy veggie noodle as much as I like every type of pasta on the planet.

Well, I’ve finally figured out how I like zucchini noodles! And I even like them raw now!

Here’s my secret: lots of high-quality olive oil. I marinate my zoodles in a great tasting olive oil (my favorite right now is Kasandrinos Extra-Virgin olive oil), Himalayan salt, and freshly ground black pepper. The noodles, even though not cooked at all, end up having the best texture and taste. And, after they have marinated a bit, then I top it with whatever I’m feeling at the moment.

Olive oil is one of the world’s healthiest fats! Read my article on The Healing Power Of Olive Oil to learn more about this — believe me, you’ll be using this healing oil on everything!

The pesto in this recipe is vegan and it’s made with arugula, basil, and garlic, and of course olive oil!

This marinating step was an epiphany for me — I really do like zoodles! I know I’m a bit late to the party, but better late than never…

Here in New York City, where we are lucky enough to be able to walk a few blocks and find every type of pre-cut vegetable noodle, it was just sad that I wasn’t out there grabbing these beauties every time I saw them. And, as a wellness consultant in Manhattan, my clients were buying up the stock of these grain-free pastas and asking me how to prepare them. Everyone seemed to love them but me… well, it’s nice to be one of the crowd now!

I love to customize recipes for specific health concerns. So, when my clients ask me to put on my health coach and chef’s hat, I often customize faux pasta recipes for their specific needs.  Let me customize a grain-free pasta recipe for you that will work for whatever’s going on in your body now… I’m such a geek that I really do get excited about doing this. So CLICK HERE to be taken directly into my calendar to sign up for your free phone consultation… I’d love to create a vegetable noodle recipe that addresses your specific needs!

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Yes, you can stay healthy when everyone else is sick, so download my free Boost Your Immune System ebook.

I urge you to try the many types of vegetable noodles available. If you live in a city like I do, you can walk into Whole Foods or go to the local farmers market and grab a container of them. If not, you can purchase a spiralizer and make them pretty easily yourself.

Another trick I love, is to mix vegetable noodles with buckwheat noodles. This creates a dish that really has the bite of a traditional pasta. You can try this technique in my recipe for Szechuan Zoodles. And, for another great take on a simpler noodle, try these Zoodles With Raw Tomato Basil Sauce.

raw zucchini noodles with pesto and tomatoes

Here are some of the great healing ingredients in this Raw Zucchini Noodles With Pesto And Tomatoes recipe:

Zucchini cools your body off and makes you feel better during those hot days of summer. It helps your body release excess heat and it will make your mind feel more calm.

Garlic is amazing in its antiviral and antibacterial capabilities. Garlic is actually a Chinese herb (Da Suan). It’s used to kill toxins and parasites and also to reduce swelling in the body. It’s what I call a great “A” herb: anesthetic, antibacterial, anti fungal, antioxidant, antiviral, etc….

Arugula has a good amount of calcium and it also contains vitamins A, C and K. It is rich in potassium and it’s extra beneficial in the summer because it actually cools the body down. This delicious peppery green is also believed to be a libido booster. One of the first things I learned when I started really taking care of my health through proper nutrition, was to substitute dark greens for lighter greens whenever possible. One of the easiest, tastiest, and healthiest switches you can make is to swap out some of your lighter salad greens for peppery, dark arugula.

Basil has anti-viral and anti-bacterial capabilities. It also is good for settling your stomach, and it’s good at lessening the symptoms of the common cold and its accompanying cough. Basil is a spiritual herb — the scent actually calms you; you can boil some in a pot and let the aroma fill the air, you can just leave some around the house, you can toss a bunch in your bath water (I love to do this), or you can use an essential oil with basil to get some great calming effects.

In Chinese medicine, we use tomatoes to aid in digestion and to help detoxify the body. They are also good to combat excess cholesterol, lessen inflammation and curb asthma. Tomatoes can also quench thirst, and they can help fight some kidney infections.

raw zucchini noodles with pesto and tomatoes

If you make this Raw Zucchini Noodles With Pesto And Tomatoes recipe, please be sure to let me know in the comments below. I love hearing how you like a recipe, and I love to answer your questions! If you make it, be sure to take a photo and tag me and post it on Instagram.

Raw Zucchini Noodles With Pesto And Tomatoes
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Recipe type: paleo, whole30, grain-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, raw
Cuisine: vegetable noodles, faux pasta
Author:
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
This recipe for raw zucchini noodles with pesto and tomatoes is so simple and it's one of the nicest things you can do for your body! Got 10 minutes? You've got dinner!
Ingredients
  • 3 cups zucchini noodles (store bought, or made with a spiralizer)
  • ½ cup good quality extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • Himalayan salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups packed arugula
  • large handful fresh basil leaves (anywhere from about ¼ cup to 1 cup, depending on your taste)
  • ¼ cup vegan Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes
  • dried hot red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
Instructions
  1. Place the zoodles in a shallow pie plate or a dish with sides.
  2. Pour ¼ cup olive oil on top.
  3. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Toss gently and set aside.
  5. Make the pesto: In a food processor, combine the arugula, basil, ¼ cup olive oil,and optional Parmesan cheese.
  6. Process until combined well, but not totally smooth.
  7. Season with salt and pepper.
  8. Transfer the marinated zoodles to a platter.
  9. Scoop the pesto on top of the zoodles.
  10. Arrange tomatoes all around.
  11. Enjoy!

raw zucchini noodles with pesto and tomatoes

Dairy Free Creamy Cauliflower Bone Broth Soup

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This Dairy Free Creamy Cauliflower Bone Broth Soup is creamy, delicious, and healing! It’s topped with crispy spicy chickpeas and fried herbs… oh my!
cauliflower bone broth soup

I’m so happy that fall is in full swing here in New York City. The leaves are changing and they are just gorgeous. Every time I go outside, I’m engulfed by amazing vibrant reds and yellows and oranges. It makes me happy. And, it makes me crave soup.

The other day, I came inside and my head was still filled with all of these bright autumnal colors. I threw open the windows, let the crisp air inside, and I set about making a healing pot of soup.

I find it amusing that with all of these hues in my head, the soup I ended up creating is so deliciously devoid of bright colors. I just love the creamy whiteness of this dairy free creamy cauliflower bone broth soup. There’s something about it that’s just so calming. It’s as smooth as velvet, with such a pleasant mild flavor, that I just can’t seem to get enough of it.

One of the favorite combinations is a smooth creamy soup base that’s topped with some really flavorful and textured toppings. So, I topped this delicate soup with some bold spicy crispy chickpeas and some fried herbs. OMG… this is truly mouth watering.

One of the simplest ways you can make your soups as healing and as flavorful as possible, is to use a good quality bone broth in place of traditional broth or stock or water. Of course you can make your own homemade bone broth, but these days there are so many awesome pre-made bone broths on the market, your healing pot of comforting soup can be ready in no time at all. (See the recipe below for the bone broth I used in this soup recipe.)

As a wellness/health coach here in Manhattan, I teach many of my clients to use cauliflower for breads, crusts, rice… everything. It can be used in so many forms… and, it’s really good for you. In Chinese medicine we use it to aid in digestion and help with constipation. One of the things I find most amazing about this cruciferous vegetable is it’s ability to help with age-related memory loss (My menopausal friends will appreciate this benefit!). It contains a healthy amount of Vitamin B, Vitamin K and Omega-3 fatty acids and can help fight cancer and cardiovascular disease. Cauliflower also helps the body with detoxification and with reducing inflammation. So, as far as I’m concerned, the more the merrier. And, as in this soup, it makes an awesome substitute for cream!

I love to customize recipes for specific health concerns. Let me customize a skillet recipe for you that will work for whatever’s going on in your body now… I’m such a geek that I really do get excited about doing this. So CLICK HERE to be taken directly into my calendar to sign up for your free phone consultation… I’d love to create a soup recipe that addresses your specific needs!

This soup will help keep you youthful inside and out. Read this article to learn more foods you can add into your diet to help keep you young and healthy — there are lots of great recipes in this article too!

cauliflower bone broth soup

Here are some of the awesome healing ingredients in this recipe for Dairy Free Creamy Cauliflower Bone Broth Soup:

Bone broth is filled with bone marrow and essential fatty acids — these things promote optimal brain health. It also contains glycine, which is an amino acid that helps with memory, concentration, stress, and focus.  You can make your own bone broth, but you don’t have to anymore. Bone broth is now available in tons of markets. (See the recipe below for the awesome ready-made bone broth I used in this soup recipe.) It’s sold in boxes just like chicken or vegetable broth. The glucosamine in bone broth can reduce inflammation and strengthen the bones. It’s also great for your skin, hair, and nails. This is a great thing to use for a quick soup base, or to just sip on during the day. Sometimes I’ll have a hot cup of bone broth first thing in the morning for a quick healing pick me up.

Cauliflower helps digestion and is great to eat if you are experiencing constipation. It can help with age-related memory loss and it contains a healthy amount of Vitamin B, Vitamin K and Omega-3 fatty acids and can also help fight cancer and cardiovascular disease. Cauliflower also helps the body with detoxification and with reducing inflammation.

Garlic is amazing in its antiviral and antibacterial capabilities. Garlic is actually a Chinese herb (Da Suan). It’s used to kill toxins and parasites and also to reduce swelling in the body. It’s what I call a great “A” herb: anesthetic, antibacterial, anti fungal, antioxidant, antiviral, etc….

Onions are great for your immune system; they are a natural antihistamine. In the winter, I eat lots and lots of onions… I guess I should feel sorry for the people close to me! Recently, I recommended that a patient with bronchitis put sliced raw onions in her socks when she went to sleep… she woke up so much better; they actually can rid the body of bacteria. (I know I’ve told you this before, but it really is awesome!) Onion is a superhero in the food world!

Chickpeas actually help calm the spirit. They relieve anxiety and soothe irritability… it kind of makes you realize why hummus is so popular…

Parsley has been shown to reduce tumors in the lungs and to neutralize the effects of carcinogens, including cigarette smoke. It is high in vitamins A and C, and is good for your heart. This herb is also a natural breath freshener. So, if you have a chance to use more than a few sprigs as a garnish, go for it.

Sage is great for your digestion, especially if you have loose stools. It’s also good for memory loss and for Alzheimer’s.

cauliflower bone broth soup

If you make this Dairy Free Creamy Cauliflower Bone Broth Soup, please be sure to let me know in the comments below. I love hearing how you like a recipe, and I love to answer your questions! If you make it, be sure to take a photo and tag me and post it on Instagram.

Dairy Free Creamy Cauliflower Bone Broth Soup
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Recipe type: gluten free, dairy free
Cuisine: soup
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4-6
This Paleo Cauliflower Bone Broth Soup is so creamy and so healing! It's simple to make, and it's one of the most comforting soups you will ever have.
Ingredients
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp chipotle chili powder
  • ¼ tsp turmeric
  • Pink Himalayan salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 med onion, chopped
  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into chunks
  • 16 oz. bone broth of your choice (I used this awesome bone broth)
  • handful of fresh parsley leaves
  • handful of fresh thyme leaves
  • white truffle oil, for drizzling on top of each bowl of soup
Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  2. Line a rimmed baking tray with parchment paper and spread the chickpeas out on it.
  3. Drizzle about 2 tsp oil onto the chickpeas. Sprinkle on the smoked paprika, chili powder, chipotle chili powder, and turmeric. Toss until evenly coated.
  4. Place the tray in the oven and set your timer for 10 minutes. Check the chickpeas. If they are not crispy yet, stir them up and put them back in the oven, checking them every 5 minutes so that they do not burn. They are done as soon as they are a bit crispy.
  5. Remove them from the oven and set aside.
  6. In a large stockpot, heat 1 Tbs oil.
  7. Add the onion. Season with salt and pepper.
  8. Saute over medium heat until beginning to soften.
  9. Add the cauliflower.
  10. Season again with salt and pepper.
  11. Add the bone broth.
  12. Stir.
  13. Cover and cook over low heat, until the cauliflower is softened, and a fork can easily be stuck through the center of one of the larger pieces. Mine took about 25 minutes.
  14. Meanwhile, heat 2 Tbs oil in a small skillet. Add the sage leaves, and let fry about 30 seconds or until crisp. Remove to a paper towel with a slotted spoon.
  15. Next, add the parsley leaves and let fry until crisp. Transfer to the paper towel.
  16. Transfer half of the cauliflower onion mixture to your blender. Cover the blender with a clean dish towel and hold it tightly over the top. Blend until completely smooth. Transfer the blended mixture to a bowl and then blend the rest of the soup. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper if necessary.
  17. Ladle the creamy soup into individual bowls.
  18. Top with chickpeas, sage leaves, and parsley.
  19. Drizzle generously with truffle oil.
  20. Enjoy!

paleo cauliflower bone broth soup

Chicken And Corn Skillet

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You just have to love a meal that’s cooked and served in the same pan… This Chicken And Corn Skillet is comforting, healing, delicious and simple to make and to clean up!
chicken and corn skillet

I love a one-pan meal. I also love eating anything that is served in a skillet. There’s just something about it that is so comforting and delicious. When you cook and serve in the same skillet, you get to eat all of those deliciously crispy bits that stick to the bottom of the pan… yum!

I came home from vacation yesterday, and while I was doing the mountain of laundry that I came home with, I was perusing all of my favorite food blogs. I was kind of unplugged on vaca — which was awesome, by the way — but I’ve been looking forward to reading all of my foodie mail and seeing all of my favorite food blogger’s creations that I missed.

So, when I came across Tieghan’s recipe for garlic butter creamed corn chicken on Half Baked Harvest, I just knew I had to make a version of it. And, I was not disappointed.

It’s so important to eat what’s in season at the moment. And corn is in season!

Food that’s in season is more delicious, fresher, and healthier. And right now corn is everywhere. I even wrote an article about Late Summer Seasonal Eating, so take a look.

I went to the market to buy some corn. But… best laid plans…

Corn is one of the foods that I won’t buy unless it’s organic. The crops are just too heavily sprayed and generally, non-organic corn is a GMO crop… and I won’t do that.

I got to the market, and no organic corn! And now, of course, I can’t get this recipe out of my head, so I bought frozen organic corn. So much for seasonal produce…

But anyway, let’s get back to this awesome recipe. It’s just so good. And simple. And it’s made all in one pan. The chicken is moist and the corn is creamy, but it’s made without any cream or milk.

Oh, and did I mention the bacon? Bacon and corn are a match made in heaven.

If you like this recipe, you need to try my recipe for Chicken With Artichokes And Sun Dried Tomatoes — it’s a skillet meal too.

chicken and corn skillet

I love to customize recipes for specific health concerns. Let me customize a skillet recipe for you that will work for whatever’s going on in your body now… I’m such a geek that I really do get excited about doing this. So CLICK HERE to be taken directly into my calendar to sign up for your free phone consultation.

chicken and corn skillet

The ingredients in this chicken and corn skillet recipe are truly healing. Keep reading and you’ll learn the health benefits of each ingredient you’ll be eating…

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Here are some of the amazing healing ingredients in this chicken and corn skillet:

Corn is one of the foods that if I can’t find organic, I just won’t eat because the crops are so heavily sprayed and are full of GMOs. As more people are expressing concern about GMOs, it seems to be getting easier to find good corn at the market. Corn actually benefits the gallbladder, is good for hepatitis, heart disease, and hypertension. Cornsilk is a Chinese herb (Yu Mi Xu). It’s often used to reduce edema, help with hepatitis and reduce the symptoms of some painful urinary conditions. If you can’t find organic fresh corn, buy a bag of organic frozen corn!

Chicken is also something I always buy organic. Organic chicken is a great, healthy protein to give you energy, lessen the pain of some types of arthritis, and boost your system when you are particularly weak — like after surgery, childbirth, or illness. Chicken is good for nourishing the blood and it’s a healthy source of protein and vitamin B6.

Tapioca is a starch that comes from the cassava plant. It’s not really a flour in the traditional sense; it’s grain and gluten free. It’s good for your circulation and your digestion. Oftentimes I will make recipes with tapioca flour — it’s a great coating for this chicken because it helps brown the chicken and it also helps to thicken the sauce.

Onions are great for your immune system; they are a natural antihistamine. Recently, I recommended that a patient with bronchitis put sliced raw onions in her socks when she went to sleep… she woke up so much better; they actually can rid the body of bacteria. (I know I’ve told you this before, but it really is awesome!) Onion is a superhero in the food world!

Garlic is amazing in its antiviral and antibacterial capabilities. Garlic is actually a Chinese herb (Da Suan). It’s used to kill toxins and parasites and also to reduce swelling in the body. It’s what I call a great “A” herb: anesthetic, antibacterial, anti fungal, antioxidant, antiviral, etc….

chicken and corn skillet

If you make this Chicken And Corn Skillet, please be sure to let me know in the comments below. I love hearing how you like a recipe, and I love to answer your questions! If you make it, be sure to take a photo and tag me and post it on Instagram.

Chicken And Corn Skillet
Print
Recipe type: main dish, chicken, one pan meal
Cuisine: recipe adapted from: Half Baked Harvest
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
This Chicken And Corn Skillet is everything you need and want in one single pan -- you cook and serve in the same pan! And it is delicious!
Ingredients
  • 2-1/4 lb boneless chicken thighs (about 8 pieces)
  • sea salt and black pepper
  • ¼ cup tapioca flour
  • 8 oz bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 2 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 med onion, chopped
  • 8 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 lb corn kernels (fresh, or frozen thawed)
  • 1 Tbs ghee (or butter)
  • ½ tsp hot red pepper flakes, or to taste
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup dairy-free Parmesan cheese (or use traditional Parmesan, if you are not dairy-free)
  • about 10 fresh basil leaves, torn into pieces
Instructions
  1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and toss it with the tapioca flour, until fairly evenly coated.
  2. Cook bacon in a large skillet and place on paper towels to drain.
  3. Add the chicken to the hot bacon fat remaining in the skillet and cook over medium-high heat until browned on both sides, about 10 mins.
  4. Remove the browned chicken to a plate.
  5. If there's not much bacon fat left in the pan, add olive oil to the pan.
  6. Add the onion and saute until softened, about 3 minutes.
  7. Add the garlic cloves, butter, red pepper flakes, and corn to the onion.
  8. Cook, stirring for 2 minutes.
  9. Add the chicken broth and place the chicken in the mixture.
  10. Cover and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.
  11. Remove the cover and simmer an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  12. Stir in the Parmesan.
  13. Top with bacon and basil.
  14. Serve in the skillet and enjoy!

chicken and corn skillet

Slow Cooker Vegan Baked Ziti Soup

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This slow cooker vegan baked ziti soup is comfort food times two in one healthy bowl: it’s a combination of 2 old favorites: baked ziti and hearty soup!
vegan baked ziti soup

I love to take old fashioned comfort foods and turn them into something that tastes just as good as I remember them tasting when I was a kid, but that actually can heal my body. In my house, these comfort food recipes are usually everyone’s favorites. This slow cooker vegan baked ziti soup is a new creation, but I’m betting it quickly makes it to “favorite status”…

Right now, I think the top rated comfort food recipe is my Cheeseburger Soup. I make this all of the time… I mean, waaaayyyyyyyy too often. But OMG it is sooooo good!  So, I figured I should create a new soup with the same healing yet comforting vibe. Enter: Slow Cooker Vegan Baked Ziti Soup.

We are all creatures of habit.

I guide people out of their comfort zones every day. Because it’s so important. Soooooooo important…

I just love when someone steps outside of their box with me. Let’s face it — it’s so much easier to stay in our comfort zone than step out of it. But, we all know that nothing good comes from stagnation. You’ve got to leap in order to fly… you’ve got to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince… if it doesn’t challenge you it doesn’t change you… blah, blah, blah…

Sometimes, you just need to throw those cliches in the trash and find someone to guide you out of your comfy box.

I remember, in one of my old careers (and yes, I’ve had several…), I got to meet Walter Cronkite. And what this genius said has always stuck with me. He said he loved his job as a newsperson, but that every single night before he went on the air, he had to put his head between his knees because he felt like he was going to vomit. This was because every single night he stepped out of his comfort zone and into the unknown by interviewing people who were unpredictable and never gave expected answers… every single night was different.

What a way to live. And I mean that in a great way. What a way to live!

I’ve made a habit of stepping outside of my comfort zone as much as possible. Maybe not every single day, but yes, every single week.

If you want to step outside of your box, sign up for a free phone consultation with me and we will step together. Let’s chat and figure out how to create awesome changes in your body, your mind and your spirit… I just love this stuff! So, CLICK HERE and you’ll be taken directly to my calendar so you can sign up for a time that’s convenient for you… do it now!

Oh my, that’s quite a tangent I went off on. All because of the phrase “comfort food”.

So, back to this comfort food recipe for slow cooker vegan baked ziti soup. It really is comforting. It really does taste like baked ziti. I made it with lentil pasta, and a really creamy vegan mozzarella cheese and I drizzled some great basil pesto on top. And, of course, I hid some superfoods inside — hemp seeks and Chinese herbs… so healing!

I want to thank Alissa at Connoisseurus Veg because it was her genius recipe for Slow Cooker Vegan Lasagna Soup that was my inspiration for this recipe.

So, make this slow cooker vegan baked ziti soup. Or, try my recipe for Paleo Beefaroni — that’s a great comfort food too.

slow cooker vegan baked ziti soup

I’m on a big customized-recipe-creation kick right now… let me customize a recipe for you that will work for whatever’s going on in your body now… I’m such a geek that I really do get excited about doing this. So CLICK HERE to be taken directly into my calendar to sign up for your free phone consultation.

slow cooker vegan baked ziti soup

Here are some of the great healing ingredients in this slow cooker vegan baked ziti soup:

Onions are great for your immune system; they are a natural antihistamine. Recently, I recommended that a patient with bronchitis put sliced raw onions in her socks when she went to sleep… she woke up so much better. (I know I’ve told you this before, but it really is awesome!) Onion is a superhero in the food world!

In Chinese medicine, we use tomatoes to aid in digestion and to help detoxify the body. They are also good to combat excess cholesterol, lessen inflammation and curb asthma. Tomatoes can also quench thirst, and they can help fight some kidney infections.

Hemp seeds are a superfood. They are high in protein, easily digestible, and contain a full complement of amino acids. They contain disease-fighting phytonutrients that are good for your blood, immune system, tissues and skin. Hemp contains a specific fatty acid that acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory. It also helps balance hormones, making it a great choice to fight the symptoms of PMS. This super seed is also good for your liver and your brain.

Lentils help lower cholesterol, manage blood sugar levels, are high in vitamin B and protein, and have hardly any fat. They are a good source of long-term energy and are very high in fiber. These tiny legumes also help with digestion and they are the perfect protein to eat in the summer because they actually clear the body of excess heat; long ago, cold lentil soup was prescribed for patients with heatstroke or fever.

It is true that spinach contains iron, but it’s this vegetable’s lesser-known qualities that really hold my admiration. Spinach contains a substance that helps eliminate prostate cancer. It’s also great for your bones and also for memory loss. Diabetic patients may find that eating spinach helps combat excessive thirst and can even be good for night blindness. Spinach can inhibit the body’s ability to absorb calcium, so calcium-rich foods should be avoided when eating this leafy green.

Huang Qi is like magic; this Chinese herb builds qi/gives you energy… you can really feel it working while you are eating. My family makes fun of my excitement for herbs, but they also are happy to reap the rewards when they eat my herb-infused foods, so think about trying out some herbs the next time you boil a pot of something…

I added a few sticks of raw Shan Yao. This Chinese herb is actually Chinese Yam, and it’s great for energy.

slow cooker vegan baked ziti soup

If you make this slow cooker vegan baked ziti soup, please be sure to let me know in the comments below. I love hearing how you like a recipe, and I love to answer your questions! If you make it, be sure to take a photo and tag me and post it on Instagram.

Slow Cooker Vegan Baked Ziti Soup
Print
Recipe type: soup, vegan, comfort food, vegetarian, slow cooker
Cuisine: recipe inspired by: Connoisseurus Veg
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6
This comforting vegan soup is so healing, so delicious, and the slow cooker does all the work!
Ingredients
  • 1 qt vegetable broth
  • 1 med onion, chopped
  • 5 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ¾ cup dry green lentils
  • 2 Tbs hemp seeds
  • 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
  • Optional raw Chinese herbs: Huang Qi, Shan Yao
  • 3 oz baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • 6 oz green lentil penne (or pasta of your choice)
  • ½ cup basil pesto
  • 1 cup vegan ricotta cheese
Instructions
  1. Put the vegetable broth, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, dry lentils, hemp seeds, Chinese herbs, and crushed tomatoes into the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on high for 3-1/2 hours.
  3. Open the cooker and add the spinach and pasta.
  4. Cook on high for 8 minutes (or until the pasta is cooked al dente).
  5. Ladle into bowls.
  6. Top each bowl with a dollop of pesto and a dollop of vegan ricotta cheese.
  7. Enjoy!

slow cooker vegan baked ziti soup

Pan Seared Salmon With Bruschetta Sauce

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Pan seared salmon with bruschetta sauce will become your summer go-to recipe… it is so simple and you’ll want to eat the sauce by the bowlful!

pan seared salmon with bruschetta sauce

I love dishes that contain both hot and cold foods in the same dish. There’s just something about the temperature and textural opposition that  works especially well in the summer. When I used to live by the beach, we would order salads from our favorite Italian restaurant and eat them while we watched the sun setting over the ocean. It was really quite perfect. The salad that was worthy of this beachy sunset was literally called “hot and cold salad”.  It was made with hot grilled vegetables and cold crispy lettuce and there was something about the heat meeting the cold in that big bowl that was magical. This pan seared salmon with bruschetta sauce has that same magical quality.

For me, a light beach breeze and a comfy lounge chair is a pretty great place to be. I want my food — and cocktails — to be deserving of the surroundings.

This pan seared salmon with bruschetta sauce is beach sunset worthy.

Add a nice cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc… hmmm… can’t think of much that would be better.

The salmon is seared, skin-side down until it is crispy.

The key to this crispy skin is easy: Don’t touch the fish while it is cooking. Really. Don’t touch it. Don’t try to peak underneath. Don’t move it around. Not even a little. Just let it be.

Okay, so now you’ve got crispy salmon cooked to perfection.

This simple sauce is made by pulsing the ingredients in a blender very briefly. It’s a cold sauce.

Oh, and did I mention that the sauce only has 4 ingredients? Yup, it’s like when you eat a great meal in Italy, and everything tastes so simple and fresh. This is just like that. Fresh and simple. Fresh tomatoes. Fresh garlic. Oil. Vinegar. Done.

And it’s this combination of the hot crispy fish and the deliciously refreshing cold sauce that makes this pan seared salmon with bruschetta sauce taste so good.

If the hot and cold thing doesn’t resonate with you, you can heat the sauce. My inspiration for this recipe came from a genius recipe from The Kitchn.  Their recipe for Saucy Skillet Salmon won me over immediately. So, I owe a big thank-you to those awesome foodies.

The last time I made this, I made a huge batch of the bruschetta sauce and put it in a bowl in the fridge so I could use it all week. It’s great on chicken, on vegetables, and even as a gazpacho type soup (I topped mine with some roasted shrimp and avocado).

See my recipe for Salmon With Parsley Sauce for another great way to make salmon.

pan seared salmon with bruschetta sauce

I’m on a big customized-recipe-creation kick right now… let me customize a recipe for you that will work for whatever’s going on in your body now… I’m such a geek that I really do get excited about doing this. So CLICK HERE to be taken directly into my calendar to sign up for your free phone consultation.

pan seared salmon with bruschetta sauce

Here are some of the healing ingredients in this pan seared salmon with bruschetta sauce recipe:

Salmon is the perfect food to nourish the blood and the yin. It’s especially great for women because it raises fertility levels by promoting a healthy endometrial lining. Salmon is also great for anyone who is in need of additional iron. Be sure to buy wild salmon because the levels of mercury are lower than in farmed salmon. This beautiful fish also contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, making it a good food source to combat breast cancer, Alzheimer’s, asthma, depression and diabetes. Lately there’s also been a lot of evidence that salmon is great at reducing intestinal inflammation and that it’s also good for your joints and muscles.

Garlic is amazing in its antiviral and antibacterial capabilities. Garlic is actually a Chinese herb (Da Suan). It’s used to kill toxins and parasites and also to reduce swelling in the body. It’s what I call a great “A” herb: anesthetic, antibacterial, anti fungal, antioxidant, antiviral, etc…. The garlic in this recipe is raw, so it adds quite a kick so if your not a total garlic love use it sparingly, or, if you are like me… amp it up and add a few more cloves.

In Chinese medicine, we use tomatoes to aid in digestion and to help detoxify the body. They are also good to combat excess cholesterol, lessen inflammation and curb asthma. Tomatoes can also quench thirst, and they can help fight some kidney infections.

pan seared salmon with bruschetta sauce

If you make this pan seared salmon with bruschetta sauce, please be sure to let me know in the comments below. I love hearing how you like a recipe, and I love to answer your questions! If you make it, be sure to take a photo and tag me and post it on Instagram.

Print

Pan Seared Salmon With Bruschetta Sauce
Print
Recipe type: fish, seafood, salmon, chilled sauce, simple
Cuisine: recipe inspired by: The Kitchn
Author:
Serves: 3-6
The hot salmon has crispy skin. The cold sauce is sweet and tangy. It's a marriage made in heaven.
Ingredients
  • 1-1/2 lb salmon with skin on, cut into 6 pieces
  • sea salt and black pepper
  • ¼ cup plus 2-Tbs extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 2 pints grape tomatoes
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 Tbs balsamic vinegar
Instructions
  1. Season the skin-side of the salmon with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat ¼ cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the fish, skin-side down, to the hot oil.
  4. Press down on the fish gently with a spatula (do this several times while it's cooking)
  5. Cook until you see that the salmon is cooked about halfway up the sides of the fish -- look, don't touch the fish! Mine cooked for 5-mins.
  6. Let the fish cook without bothering it at all.
  7. Next, gently flip each piece of fish over, raise the heat to high, and cook for 30 seconds.
  8. Remove the fish to a platter, skin-side up.
  9. Make the sauce: put the tomatoes, garlic, 2-Tbs oil, and 1-Tbs vinegar into a blender. Pulse a few times until the tomatoes are in pieces, but it's not smooth.
  10. Pour some sauce into the bottom of individual shallow bowls.
  11. Lay fish on top of the sauce, skin-side up.
  12. Enjoy!

pan seared salmon with bruschetta sauce

Eating To Ward Off Cancer

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Eating to ward off cancer means removing the foods from your diet that cancer cells feed on, while simultaneously adding in the food, herbs, and supplements that cancer cells hate. Read more