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Kale With Tomatoes And White Beans

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kale with tomatoes and white beans

A few nights ago I was rummaging through my fridge trying to figure out what to make for dinner. Nothing caught my eye. I opened all of my cabinets, hoping that something would jump out at me there. That’s when I realized that I have so many cans of different kinds of beans, it’s a little embarrassing. My embarrassment was the start of this kale with tomatoes and white beans side dish.

Usually, when I cook with beans, I end up with something very warming and better suited to a cold winter night than one than a warm summer night. My daughter was flying in for a visit and I knew she’d be hot and starving and there was no way I would be able to sell a hot chili or Mexican-y dish… ugh… I was just drawing a blank.

So, I started looking through recipes on some of my favorite food blogs. A big thank you goes to Miryam at Eat Good 4 Life — she posted an awesome recipe and it was just perfect. My lack of inspiration fed on her great recipe…

If you want to learn more about the benefits of kale, and why you should make this hearty green one of your go-to greens in salads and other dishes, read this article from HealthyLine. This article lists 26 benefits you can get from kale… 26!

I served this kale with tomatoes and white beans as a side to a nice bowl of soup, and a new favorite meal was born. The next time I make salmon, this definitely will be my go-to side — it will look great next to the orange fish and… yum!

If you want another great side dish that’s perfect for summer, try my Zoodles With Raw Tomato Sauce recipe.

kale with tomatoes and white beans

kale with tomatoes and white beans

Here are some of the reasons this kale with tomatoes and white beans dish is so good for you:

Kale is everywhere these days. It is extremely nutritious, and because it to so popular you can find it already washed and prepared in lots of markets. Make sure you clean the kale leaves thoroughly and remove the center thick stems if they bother you (I don’t like to eat these think stems). This dark leafy green is a great source of fiber and calcium. It’s also rich in many minerals, including magnesium, iron and potassium. One serving contains 200% of the daily requirements of Vitamin C and 180% of Vitamin A.

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. This recipe uses both fresh and sun-dried tomatoes.

White beans are good at boosting energy and calming the mind. They can help improve your memory and can lower cholesterol. And, they are a great source of protein.

kale with tomatoes and white beans

Kale With Tomatoes And White Beans
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Recipe type: side dish, kale, simple
Cuisine: recipe adapted from Eat Good 4 Life
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
This is a great, simple side-dish for everyone. Even people who think they don't like kale will love this!
Ingredients
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes
  • 2 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • sea salt and black pepper
  • 2 bunches of Lacinto (black) kale, thick center ribs removed and discarded, and leaves cut into 2 inch slices.
  • 3 Tbs balsamic vinegar
  • 1 15-oz can white beans, rinsed and drained
  • ½ cup vegan Parmesan cheese shreds
Instructions
  1. Heat 1-Tbs of the oil over medium heat in a large skillet.
  2. Add the tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are blistered and start to blacken a bit, about 10 minutes.
  3. Add the vinegar and the kale.
  4. Stir just until the kale wilts.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in the beans.
  6. Taste, and add salt and pepper.
  7. Stir in the Parmesan.
  8. Enjoy!

kale with tomatoes and white beans

Salmon With Parsley Sauce

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Salmon is so healing: it can actually help reduce some of your joint pain!
salmon with parsley sauce

This is hands-down the best way to cook salmon! Yup, a bold statement I know, but it’s true. If you are making a great sauce to serve with your salmon, this is the way to cook it. It’s soooooo moist and flavorful! I mean, think about it, if you are covering your beautiful fish with sauce, who needs to sit there and crisp it up… I would go for the moist, easy preparation every time! This salmon with parsley sauce is easy, delicious, healthy, and impressive too!

Years ago I learned to cook salmon this way. Slow-roasting this fish at a really low temperature keeps it so tender, juicy, and fresh tasting. Sometimes I’ll rub it with turmeric before roasting it. Um…. yum! But for this deliciously fresh parsley sauce, all you need is a little olive oil and some salt and pepper. That’s it. And, really, it’s perfect.

Salmon used to be my least favorite fish. I know, for a lot of people it’s a favorite. But for me, I always thought it was too fishy. Then I learned how to cook it correctly. Salmon tastes so much better when it’s cooked medium-rare. And slow-roasting allows that to happen easily. I know some of you are doubters… but try it!

Interesting factoid and helpful tip: when that ugly white substance starts to form on your salmon, you’ve overcooked it… it’s not dangerous, just ugly… so no worries, but really, try not to cook it too long.

This sauce is pretty versatile. You can make it with different herbs. This time I used parsley because, well, it’s really awesome with the salmon. But, you could go with cilantro or basil and have a great fresh herb sauce too.

But, did you know that parsley is considered an anti-cancerous herb? And, it freshens your breath! So, if you get a chance to use it for something other than a garnish, I say go for it!

If you want to try another great salmon recipe, try my Simple Poached Salmon With Yogurt Sauce.

salmon with parsley sauce

salmon with parsley sauce

Here are some of the awesome healing ingredients in this salmon with parsley sauce:

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.

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.

Scallions, as I tell you often, are one of my favorites. 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.

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 use it sparingly…

Capers, although small in size, are a big source of anti-oxidants, and they actually can make you feel better emotionally because they activate the “happiness” center of your brain.

salmon with parsley sauce

Salmon With Parsley Sauce
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Recipe type: seafood, fish, sauce, simple
Cuisine: recipe adapted from: The New York Times
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
Slow roasting your salmon makes it taste amazing -- soft, moist, and flavorful. And this simple raw herb sauce is just perfect!
Ingredients
  • 1-1/3 lb wild salmon filet
  • 1 Tbs plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • sea salt and black pepper
  • 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
  • 1 medium garlic clove
  • 2 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tsp capers
Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 200°F.
  2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Rub about 1 tsp oil into the top of the salmon filet.
  4. Sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper.
  5. Place in the oven for 20 minutes, then check for doneness. If it's not done enough, put it back in the oven and continue to check every 5 minutes. (Mine took 22 minutes for medium rare.)
  6. Meanwhile, place the parsley, garlic, scallions and capers into a food processor and pulse it about 10 times or until the herbs are chopped up, but the sauce is not smooth.
  7. Add 2 tsp of oil to the processor and process until combined.
  8. Remove the herb sauce to a small bowl and drizzle in as much of the remaining oil as you like.
  9. Remove the salmon from the oven when done, put it on a platter, and top with the herb sauce. Feel free to drizzle the top with a touch more olive oil.
  10. Enjoy!

salmon with parsley sauce

Easy Tandoori Chicken

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Tandoori spice contains turmeric and ginger… both so healing!
easy tandoori chicken

Sometimes, I get a really strong craving for Indian food. But, it’s not often that I can get anyone I’m with to agree with me. For some unfortunate reason, I’m surrounded by people who think they dislike Indian food. I maintain that they have some wrong ideas about what good Indian food tastes like, but instead of arguing, I make this simple tandoori chicken along with whatever more strongly spiced food I feel like eating, and it’s a win-win.

This easy tandoori chicken recipe really is just that. It’s so easy. And, it’s perfect for anyone who thinks they don’t like Indian food. It has only the slightest hint of traditional spices and everyone likes it. Yes, even those who swear they hate this kind of food. A big thanks to Michelle at Nom Nom Paleo for creating the original recipe!

So, depending on who your audience is, you can call it whatever you like. I recommend something like: Really Good Roast Chicken, or Yogurt Marinated Chicken…

I suggest making a big batch of this chicken because the leftovers are awesome. Shred it up and top salads with it. Make sandwiches with it. Or, my personal favorite: Eat it straight out of the fridge with your hands…

When I was working at my first job ever in New York City, I used to take myself out to lunch to a dirty little place that I just thought was the greatest. I would sit at a stool at the counter and order curried chicken salad. This chicken, shredded up, with a little mayo, curry powder, and raisins or dried cranberries… OMG… it is soooooo good. Roll this in a collard leaf and now you’re talking….

And really, who doesn’t need an easy four-ingredient (five, if you count the salt) dinner recipe in their repertoire?

If you want to try another one of my chicken recipes, try my Sprouted Grain Chicken Cutlets.

easy tandoori chicken

easy tandoori chicken

There are only a few ingredients in this easy tandoori chicken, but they are good for you:

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 eastern 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.

Lemons are good for your stomach, they help detoxify your body, they balance your pH and they act as an antibacterial. If you have a sore throat or a cough, go for lemons to make things better. Lemons are great for quenching your thirst, and, in China, many years ago, hypertension was treated by drinking tea made from lemon peels. This recipe uses fresh lemon juice.

Tandoori spice mixes usually include turmeric and ginger. 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. Ginger is also 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).

Easy Tandoori Chicken
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Total time:
Serves: 4
This recipe is made with 5 ingredients. Everyone will like it -- even those who say they don't like Indian food!
Ingredients
  • 8 chicken thighs (with bone and skin) (about 2-1/2 lb.)
  • Sea salt
  • 1 cup coconut yogurt (use full-fat)
  • 1 Tbs Tandoori spice mix (here's one)
  • Juice of ½ a lemon
  • coconut or olive oil for greasing the rack
Instructions
  1. Generously season the chicken with sea salt.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, tandoori spice, and lemon juice.
  3. Stir until well combined.
  4. Add the chicken.
  5. Mush it all up with your hands so that the chicken is well coated.
  6. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
  7. Heat your oven to 375°F convection setting, or 400°F regular bake setting.
  8. Cover a large baking tray with foil. Place a rack on top of the tray. Brush the rack with oil.
  9. Arrange the chicken on the rack, skin-side-down, making sure the pieces are not touching each other.
  10. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, then flip the chicken over and roast for another 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy and browned.
  11. Enjoy!

easy tandoori chicken

Turmeric Chia Pudding

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Chia seeds are great for your heart, digestion, and skin!
turmeric chia pudding

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I absolutely love to go out for breakfast. I also love to cook breakfast. I love breakfast for dinner… and lunch. But, I’m human, and sometimes there’s just not enough time in the morning to have an elaborate breakfast. OK, most days there’s not enough time. Except Sundays. Sundays are made for HUGE breakfasts. Anyway, this turmeric chia pudding is the perfect solution to those I-have-no-time-for-a-good-breakfast days.

Chia seeds are like magic beans. You take the sand-like substance out of the bag, add liquid, and you get a velvety, rice-pudding-like creamy pudding. Magic.

I have made chia pudding in every flavor imaginable. And, I’ve also experimented with some flavors that most sane people wouldn’t want to imagine… This turmeric chia pudding was a great experiment! It has a slight Chai flavor. And the goji berries in it give it great extra flavor and texture.

Have you made chia pudding before?

It’s the easiest! Put the ingredients in a jar, shake it up, put the jar in the fridge overnight. Eat it in the morning. Done. Cue smile on face. And, it’s sooooooo good for you!

If you don’t like the texture of rice pudding, or tapioca, feel free to put it in the blender in the morning to get a smoother pudding. But, I like mine with all the chia texture.

If you want to try another flavor of chia pudding, try my recipe for Matcha Chia Pudding.

turmeric chia pudding

turmeric chia pudding

Here are some of the amazing healing ingredients in this turmeric chia pudding:

Chia seeds are ancient seeds that got their name from the Mayan word for “strength”. These tiny seeds have the unique ability to turn liquid into a gel-like substance when making puddings and they are great added to smoothies and shakes. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids,and fiber. And, because they are so high in antioxidants, they help keep your skin looking younger. They help optimize both your digestive system and your cardiovascular system.

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.

Cashews are really a multi-tasking nut. I use them all the time so I say it all the time: Cashews have a lower fat content than most other nuts. Most of the fat in cashews is unsaturated and is made up of oleic acid; this is the same acid that is found in olive oil, making these nuts a heart-healty choice. For this chia pudding, I used cashew milk.

Pure maple syrup contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the body (think inflammatory bowel syndrome or heart disease). It also contains zinc, calcium, and magnesium. It’s much lower on the glycemic scale than traditional sugar. Whenever possible, use a darker (grade B) syrup because the nutritional composition is better than that of lighter syrups.

Cinnamon is one of the best herbs to warm the body. It’s great if you have a cold. If you are nauseous or have diarrhea, go for the cinnamon. It also gives you energy and helps with menstrual pain. Cinnamon is a Chinese herb: “gui zhi” is the cinnamon twig and “rou gui” is the cinnamon bark. Both are warming and are used for a variety of ailments. In the winter I add cinnamon to all sorts of foods. It helps with the common cold, swelling, various menstrual issues and some aches and pains. Be careful with it if you have a fever because it is so warming. Here’s an article about the benefits of cinnamon from Well-Being Secrets.

Goji berries are also a Chinese herb (Gou Qi Zi). They are great for your blood. I prescribe them to some people with chronic pain in the legs and lower back. They are also good for men experiencing impotence and can be used to treat some eye problems. Women who are pregnant and people with intestinal issues should be careful not to eat too many gojis, but the amount in this bark should be fine for anyone.

turmeric chia pudding

Turmeric Chia Pudding
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Recipe type: paleo, vegan, vegetarian, simple, overnight
Cuisine: breakfast
Author:
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 4-6
Put all of the ingredients in a jar and shake it up. Let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. Done. Awesome.
Ingredients
  • 2 cups cashew milk (or another non-dairy milk of your choice)
  • ¼ cup plus 3-Tbs chia seeds (you can buy them here)
  • 3 Tbs pure maple syrup (you can try this one)
  • 1-1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • about 1 tsp turmeric powder (use a little more or less depending on your taste) (here's one)
  • 6 grinds of black pepper (don't leave this out -- it helps with the absorption of turmeric)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1-1/2 Tbs goji berries
Instructions
  1. Put all of the ingredients into a mason jar.
  2. Put the lid on.
  3. Shake it up.
  4. Let sit in the refrigerator overnight.
  5. Enjoy in the morning.

turmeric chia pudding

Strawberry Cauliflower Smoothie

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Are you having problems with memory loss? Try some cauliflower!

strawberry cauliflower smoothie

Cauliflower in a smoothie? Yes! You can stop rolling your eyes and scrunching up your nose. This is delicious. And creamy. And healthy. And easy. It’s true, and this strawberry cauliflower smoothie is now my new favorite. But, don’t just take my word for it — after I posted a video for this smoothie on Facebook, many people felt the same need I did (to make it NOW) and the result was unanimous — it’s awesome!

The idea for this recipe came from Laney at Life Is But A Dish. As soon as I saw her post, I knew I had to try cauliflower in a smoothie. I mean I had to… I went immediately to the store and bought a bag of frozen cauliflower. I don’t think I’ve ever bought frozen cauliflower. But I bought a big bag and it’s amazing in this strawberry cauliflower smoothie.

What does it taste like? I know you are wondering… it tastes like strawberry ice cream. Yup. It does. Okay — slight disclaimer — I haven’t had real ice cream in probably about 15 years… but to me it tastes like that.

I used some of my favorite superfoods and healing ingredients in this recipe, so feel free to customize yours however you like.

I know you are going to love this one!

And, if you are looking for another great smoothie recipe, try my Pineapple Turmeric Smoothie.

strawberry cauliflower smoothie

Here’s what makes this strawberry cauliflower smoothie so healing:

Strawberries help get rid of excess alcohol in your body and they are good for your heart. They even help reduce plaque in your mouth and can make you feel better if you have an annoying dry cough or if you feel bloated from eating too much. So, if you’ve overindulged, strawberries are great for you.

I 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.

Collagen strengthens bones and muscles, keeps your joints healthy, improves flexibility and concentration, and helps heal your digestive system. It also keeps you looking youthful.

In eastern 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. This smoothie contains coconut oil.

Cashews are really a multi-tasking nut. I use them all the time so I say it all the time: Cashews have a lower fat content than most other nuts. Most of the fat in cashews is unsaturated and is made up of oleic acid; this is the same acid that is found in olive oil, making these nuts a heart-healty choice. For this smoothie I used store-bought cashew milk, but sometimes I make it myself… but I lazed out a bit here.

Bee pollen is considered one of the most nutritious substances you can put in your body. It is higher in protein than anything animal-based and it contains an amazing amount of amino acids. It’s good for your energy, your skin, your breathing and your allergies. Add a spoonful to whatever you can. I know there are differing opinions as to whether bee pollen is vegan; so if you would prefer to leave it out, that’s just fine.

I love to add bananas to smoothies; they give it a great natural sweetness and a nice creamy texture. Bananas are good for your intestines (an old Asian remedy was to eat a banana every day to relieve hemorrhoids) and your lungs, and they even help relieve the effects of overindulging in alcohol.

strawberry cauliflower smoothie

Strawberry Cauliflower Smoothie
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Recipe type: paleo, whole30, vegetarian, smoothie, snack, breakfast, superfoods
Cuisine: recipe inspired by: Life Is But A Dish
Author:
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 2
Don't let the cauliflower fool you -- this smoothie tastes like strawberry ice cream!
Ingredients
  • 1 cup frozen cauliflower
  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1 Tbs collagen powder
  • 1 scoop Vital Reds powder (This is optional, but I used it and it's a little sweet, so if you are not using it I would add 2 pitted dates to the blender for sweetness.)
  • ½ a banana
  • 1 Tbs coconut oil
  • 1-1/2 cups cashew milk (or non-dairy milk of your choice)
  • 2 tsp bee pollen (I use this one)
Instructions
  1. Put all ingredients in a blender.
  2. Whiz it up til smooth.
  3. Enjoy!

strawberry cauliflower smoothie

Simple Poached Salmon With Yogurt Sauce

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This simple poached salmon with yogurt sauce will keep you healthy inside and out…

simple poached salmon with yogurt sauce

I don’t think I’ve poached salmon since I was in cooking school. I don’t really know why I don’t do it more often though, because this salmon is awesome. It’s perfect if you are serving a crowd and it’s an easy dish to make ahead and serve cold or at room temperature. This simple poached salmon with yogurt sauce really is just that: simple.

What’s better than a dish that is made for leftovers? The salmon that’s leftover here makes the best cold salmon salad. And it makes a terrific filling for omelets. Oh, and topping a salad with some big chunks of this moist salmon and then using the yogurt sauce as a dressing… well, just… yum!

I made this a few weeks ago when I was asked to bring a main course to a family gathering. Honestly, I usually use those kinds of opportunities to experiment with new recipes (which some people are happy about and some people are just plain scared about), but on this particular day, I just didn’t feel like cooking. And I’ve learned the hard way that if I don’t feel like cooking but I cook anyway, any first-time-experimental-recipe invariably comes out pretty bad. So, I figured I’d do something simple. Something mainstream. Something everyone would love, and nobody would be fearful of.

Oh, did I mention that I used my leftover simple poached salmon with yogurt sauce to make tacos the next day…?

And, the yogurt sauce is non-dairy!

I tell a lot of my clients to add wild salmon to their diet to increase their athletic performance — this fish can help reduce aches and pains in your muscles and joints, and it’s a good source of iron.

If you want to try another great salmon recipe, try my recipe for Blood Orange Salmon With Turnip Noodles.

simple poached salmon with yogurt sauce

simple poached salmon with yogurt sauce

Here are some of the awesome healing ingredients in this simple poached salmon with yogurt 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.

Scallions, as I tell you often, are one of my favorites. 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.

Lemons are good for your stomach, they help detoxify your body, they balance your pH and they act as an antibacterial agent. If you have a sore throat or a cough, go for lemons to make things better. Lemons are great for quenching your thirst, and, in China, many years ago, hypertension was treated by drinking tea made from lemon peels.

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. And perhaps most importantly, it helps you keep your mind sharp and it makes it easier for you to focus. I used a full-fat coconut yogurt for the sauce to accompany this salmon.

Dill is considered a chemoprotective in that it can help neutralize some carcinogens. It also helps fight bacteria in the body.

simple poached salmon with yogurt sauce

Simple Poached Salmon With Yogurt Sauce
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Recipe type: simple, paleo, whole30
Cuisine: seafood, fish, salmon
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 10
This is a classic recipe. Anyone you serve it to will love it and the leftovers make awesome tacos...
Ingredients
  • 4 lb salmon fillet, cut in half
  • ¼ cup white vinegar
  • 4 scallions, cut into 3 or 4 pieces (leave the roots on)
  • 1 lemon, cut in half
  • 2 carrots, cut into thick slices
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 10 grinds black pepper
  • For the sauce:
  • 1 cup full-fat plain coconut yogurt
  • ⅓ cup healthy mayonnaise (I used Fabannaise)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh dill
  • sea salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
  1. Place the salmon in a large pot and cover it will water.
  2. Add the vinegar and scallions to the pot.
  3. Squeeze the lemon halves into the pot and then toss in the lemons halves themselves.
  4. Add salt and pepper.
  5. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer.
  6. Simmer about 10 minutes, or just until the salmon is cooked (if you start to see the white fat congealing on the fish, it's a bit past done... so watch carefully)
  7. Using two large spatulas, carefully remove the fish to a platter. You can throw away the lemons and scallions, but if you like carrots, serve them strewn around the salmon.
  8. Make the sauce: Stir together all ingredients.
  9. Break up the salmon a bit on the platter and serve with the sauce.

simple poached salmon with yogurt sauce

Zoodles With Raw Tomato Basil Sauce

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These zoodles with raw tomato basil sauce can actually help calm your mind…

noodles with raw tomato basil sauce

Honesty time. I don’t love zucchini noodles. I really want to, but I just don’t. I know everyone, everywhere, is saying that noodles are a great substitute for spaghetti. Yeah, right. Not so much for me. BUT, they are so good for you — especially these zoodles with raw tomato basil sauce — that I made it my mission to figure out why I don’t love noodles as much as everyone else seems to.

This is what I figured out: I just don’t love them when I think of them as spaghetti. When I’m expecting a big heaping bowl of satisfying pasta, any kind of vegetable, no matter how good it is, just isn’t going to cut it. So, here’s my trick. I serve them with a cold sauce (and this one is delicious), so that it seems more like a salad-y dish than a pasta dish. This way I’m not disappointed. And, let me tell you, the flavor is so good, it’s the best salad ever!

I guess it’s a mental thing. A mind over matter thing.

But, I can honestly say, I love these zoodles with raw tomato basil sauce as a side dish for my grilled fish. Or with my collard wrap for lunch. And I used the sauce as a salsa for some grain-free chips too! Ah, a multitasking dish… you gotta love it!

If you are a zucchini lover, you should also try my recipe for Vegan Skillet Zucchini Parmesan!

noodles with raw tomato basil sauce

noodles with raw tomato basil sauce

Here are some of the awesome healing ingredients in this recipe for zoodles with raw tomato basil sauce:

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….

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. This recipe uses both fresh and sun-dried tomatoes.

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.

Avocados are one of my favorite foods, both for their health benefits and because they taste great. In Chinese medicine, some practitioners recommend avocados to raise the sperm count. I like them because they are good for anemia, dry skin, palpitations and hot flashes due to menopause.

Oregano is a powerful antioxidant and it is great at fighting bacteria. It’s also known as an herb that brings joy and happiness to people. I even just bought a bottle of oregano essential oil and I put a drop in our smoothies or water when anyone has a cold… it works great!

Celery actually helps stop bleeding — so if you or anyone you know has just had surgery, start adding celery to your dishes! Celery is also great to help lower blood pressure and it’s been known to help with insomnia.

noodles with raw tomato basil sauce

Zoodles With Raw Tomato Basil Sauce
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Recipe type: paleo, whole30, vegan, vegetarian, vegetables, sauce, zucchini noodles, vegetables, zoodles
Cuisine: recipe adapted from: The Fully Raw Diet cookbook
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
Zucchini that eats like pasta... the perfect easy side dish. And, everyone should add a few raw dishes to their diet...
Ingredients
  • 1-1/2 lb. zucchini noodles (pre-made or spiralized yourself)
  • 2 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
  • 6 garlic cloves, smashed
  • sea salt, to taste
  • 1-1/2 lb fresh tomatoes
  • 2 celery ribs, cut into pieces
  • juice of ½ a small lemon
  • ¾ cup packed fresh basil leaves
  • 1 Tbs fresh oregano leaves
  • ½ an avocado, cubed
  • 3 sun-dried tomato pieces, packed in oil
Instructions
  1. Heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the garlic and saute, stirring, until in starts to brown.
  3. Add the zucchini and some sea salt and toss with a tongs just until the zucchini begins to soften a little bit.
  4. In a food processor, combine the fresh tomatoes, celery, lemon juice, basil, oregano, sun-dried tomato, and avocado. Pulse until the consistency of salsa (not completely smooth).
  5. Serve the noodles with sauce on top and pass the extra sauce on the side.
  6. Enjoy!

noodles with raw tomato basil sauce

Roasted Turmeric Cod

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Cod is good for your heart and low in calories!

roasted turmeric cod

This recipe is idiot-proof. This is perfect for me because, even though I’m a chef, I love to make easy recipes. I learned many moons ago that I am incapable of having a glass of wine while I’m cooking because, well, everything just goes wrong — I forget ingredients, I burn things, you name in and it will go wrong if I have wine while I’m cooking. But, this roasted turmeric cod recipe is easy enough that I can have my wine and cook fish too!

I’m making myself sound like a lush, but in truth I’m quite a lightweight. But you know how it is, when you really have a taste for something…

So, last week when I wanted fish AND I wanted wine, this was the answer. And, not only is it simple, but it’s deliciously awesome. And it’s got turmeric. And, it goes great with a little Sauvignon Blanc…

I roasted some little baby potatoes to go along with this cod and I had some leftover vegan Caesar salad dressing in the fridge so this shaped up to be an awesome meal!

I’m not a big fan of leftover fish, but if I’m being honest I have to say that three days later whenI found a piece of this cod in the back of the fridge, I was a little excited.  I was more than a tad hungry. OK, so maybe I was a bit hangry. I ate it. Cold. With a little tartar sauce. OMG. So good!

The leftover fish was so good that when I make this again, I’m making extra because I want to make fish sandwiches or tacos with the remaining leftover roasted turmeric cod pieces.

I’m on a big customized-recipe-creation kick right now (okay… always…), so 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. I’ve got a fish recipe with your name on it…  So CLICK HEREto be taken directly into my calendar to sign up for your free phone consultation.

If you love fish, you should also try my Perfect Baked Fish Fillets recipe.

roasted turmeric cod

Let me tell you about the awesome healing ingredients in this easy roasted turmeric cod recipe:

Fish is great to eat if you feel like you need more energy. It’s also helps with diarrhea and hemorrhoids. I used cod for this recipe, but any firm fleshed sturdy white fish would work great. Cod, like many fish varieties, is good for the cardiovascular system; it helps protect against heart attacks and strokes and helps regulate blood pressure.

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.

Lemon peels contain calcium, potassium and vitamin C. Lemons are good for your stomach, they help detoxify your body, they balance your pH and they act as an antibacterial. If you have a sore throat or a cough, go for lemons to make things better. Lemons are great for quenching your thirst, and, in China, many years ago, hypertension was treated by drinking tea made from lemon peels. This recipe uses zested lemon peel and lemon juice.

roasted turmeric cod

If you make this Roasted Turmeric Cod 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.

Roasted Turmeric Cod
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Recipe type: paleo, whole30
Cuisine: fish, seafood
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4-6
So simple. So delicious. So pretty. And, it makes for awesomely good leftovers!
Ingredients
  • 2 Tbs grass-fed butter or ghee, melted
  • juice and zest of one large lemon
  • ¼ cup flour of your choice (I have used tapioca flour, rice flour, and oat flour -- all worked well, but the tapioca flour didn't crisp up as much)
  • sea salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1-1/2 lb cod fillets, cut into 4 to 6 pieces
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
  2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  3. Combine melted butter or ghee with lemon juice in a shallow pie plate or bowl.
  4. In a separate pie plate or bowl, combine the flour and spices.
  5. Coat the fish in the lemon juice mixture, then roll it gently in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
  6. Place the coated fish on the baking tray.
  7. Roast in the oven for about 15 minutes (if the fish is thick, it may take a bit longer), or until it's cooked how you like it.
  8. Remove from oven and sprinkle on lemon zest and parsley.
  9. Enjoy!

roasted turmeric cod

Cauliflower Chickpea Soup

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Chickpeas can soothe irritability and boost your mood!

cauliflower chickpea soup

This is one of my most-requested soup recipes (especially from my daughter — it’s her favorite). I first published this cauliflower chickpea soup recipe many years ago when I first started blogging. In fact, this soup is one of the reasons I started blogging — so many people wanted this recipe, that I figured I would post it on-line… and the rest is history.

Now, years later, my daughter came to visit this week and it still put a big smile on her face when she called me on her way here and said she was hungry and I was able to tell her that this soup was waiting for her. You just gotta love a kid who can be made happy by the little things in life…   It makes me especially happy that she loves food and I love to cook!

The creaminess of this soup is unparalleled. Yet, there’s no cream — it’s completely vegan. There’s not even any non-dairy milk in it. The base of this soup is entirely made from cauliflower, onion, and garlic. It gets whizzed up in the blender and the result is like a bowl of chowder that tastes like it’s made with heavy cream.

This cauliflower chick pea soup recipe can be whipped up on a busy week night. It’s also impressive enough to serve when you are entertaining.

I can’t say enough good things about this soup.

It’s really creamy and decadent tasting.

It’s really easy to make.

It works perfectly as leftovers — so, if you make a big pot and put it in the fridge, you will be able to eat healthy all week long.

It really is perfection in its simplicity.

If you want another great recipe with mood-lifting chickpeas, try my recipe for Vegetable Hummus Dip.

cauliflower chickpea soup

cauliflower chickpea soup

This soup is simple, but it has great healing ingredients:

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

I 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!

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!

cauliflower chickpea soup

Cauliflower Chickpea Soup
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Recipe type: soup, comfort food
Cuisine: vegan, vegetarian, simple
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6
This simple soup is vegan, decadent, and just perfect in it's simplicity!
Ingredients
  • 2 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 med yellow onion, roughly chopped
  • 1 head cauliflower, roughly chopped
  • sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
  • ½ tsp hot red pepper flakes, or to taste
  • 5 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 2 16-oz cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • white truffle oil, to drizzle on soup when serving
Instructions
  1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add cauliflower, red pepper flakes, about 2 tsp salt (or to taste), and about 20 grinds of black pepper.
  4. Pour in 6 cups of water.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover partially, and simmer for 40 minutes.
  6. Pour the soup, in 3 batches, into the blender and whiz it up until completely creamy and smooth. (I used my Vitamix and it worked great.) *NOTE: when pureeing hot liquid in blender, cover the top tightly with a clean dish towel so that the steam can release and you can stay safe!
  7. As the batches are pureed, pour them into a large bowl. When all are done, transfer the soup back into the pot and add the chickpeas to the soup in the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  8. Ladle into bowls and drizzle a little bit of white truffle oil on top of each bowl.
  9. Enjoy!

cauliflower chickpea soup

Broccoli Pizza Crust

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Did you know that  eating broccoli can make you feel less irritable…?

broccoli pizza crust
 Pizza can be a girl’s best friend. Yes, I said it. And I meant it. And no, you won’t be the first non-believer. If I had a nickel for every person who thinks I can’t make my favorite comfort foods both delicious and healthy, I’d be rich. It’s true that I try not to eat grains, and I don’t eat cheese. But, it is also awesome-ly true that I make the best healthy pizza around. So, for all of my friends out there who are working with me to get your-over-40-amazing-selves energized and healthy… this broccoli pizza crust recipe is for you.

There’s nothing sexier than a woman eating pizza. Except maybe if she’s slurping up a big bowl of spaghetti…

I mean, who doesn’t love a woman who can eat?

Eating a salad just doesn’t have the same appeal. But eating pizza with your hands… that’s a beautiful sight!

At least, that’s what I’ve been told. Then again, I have to remain open to the possibility that I’ve been told that because in my younger days I was able to eat an entire full-size pizza all by myself. I could probably still do it now, but I’ve got more sense. Or more control. Or more… something.

Anyway, this broccoli pizza crust is awesome.

I’ve made my share of grain-free pizza crusts. This one is great. It gets crisp enough so that you can hold a slice in your hands without it drooping all over the place. And it has a nice cheesy taste, but there’s no cheese. And I even like the green color. And once you top it with your awesome toppings, it’s drool-worthy.

If you love broccoli, you should also try my Chopped Broccoli Salad recipe.

broccoli pizza crust

Here are some of the healing powers of this broccoli crust pizza topped with my toppings:

Broccoli has a lot of potassium and is great for brain function; it also has magnesium and calcium to help regulate blood pressure. It’s also good to clear your body of excess heat and it actually can help your vision too. I love foods that make you feel better mentally as well as physically, and broccoli is one of those foods — it can lessen feelings of irritability.

Nutritional yeast gives things a cheese-y taste without using any dairy and it adds amino acids and Vitamin B, iron, zinc, and selenium to your diet. Nutritional yeast is a complete protein and also contains fiber, so it’s a really good thing!

I am a big proponent of eating the whole egg. So many of the nutrients and the taste are in the yolk; I’ll never understand separating nature’s perfect food. Eggs help with many types of dryness in the body. If you have a dry cough or a frog-in-your-throat, try eating some eggs. They have also been shown to help women with various conditions during and after pregnancy. Some people consider eggs to be a superfood. They contain a large amount of vitamins A and B and are a great source of protein. Eggs sometimes get a bad rap because of cholesterol, but it’s been shown that in 70% of people, eggs do not raise cholesterol, so don’t assume they are bad for you. Buy organic eggs and you are really doing the right thing.

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.

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…. Research also shows that garlic may be a great herb to ward off cancer, and also to lower cholesterol. I know several moms who put a few drops of garlic oil into their child’s ear to get rid of an ear infection — this is one multitasking herb!

broccoli pizza crust

broccoli pizza crust

Broccoli Pizza Crust
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Recipe type: paleo, whole30, vegetarian, comfort food
Cuisine: Italian, pizza
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 2
This pizza is grain-free and dairy-free. Follow this recipe for an awesome crust, and feel free to vary the toppings to your liking... after all, a good pizza should make you smile!
Ingredients
  • For crust:
  • 20 oz fresh broccoli florets
  • ½ cup nutritional yeast (I like this kind)
  • 1 cup shredded vegan Parmesan cheese (or you can substitute regular Parmesan)
  • 4 eggs
  • Here's what I topped my crust with:
  • Fresh Basil, sliced and whole leaves
  • vegan mozzarella cheese, cubed
  • pizza sauce (here's an organic one, but it's a bit pricey, so use whatever you like)
  • fresh minced garlic
  • grape tomatoes, halved
Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
  2. Spread the broccoli florets out onto a parchment-lined baking tray.
  3. Roast in the oven for 20-mins.
  4. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
  5. Transfer the roasted broccoli to a food processor and pulse it 10 times or until the broccoli is finely minced.
  6. Transfer the minced broccoli to a large bowl and stir in the nutritional yeast, Parmesan, and eggs. Mush it up good with your hands so it's well-combined.
  7. Split this broccoli dough in half, and form each one into a ball.
  8. Place each ball onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and press into an 11-inch roundish circle, about ¼-inch thick.
  9. Bake 20 minutes.
  10. Remove from oven and, using the parchment paper as an aid, lift the crust on the paper and then carefully flip it onto another piece of parchment paper, put it back on the sheet, and then back into the oven for 15 minutes, or until the edges are starting to crisp up a bit.
  11. Remove from oven and top with a little pizza sauce (you will only want to use about ¼ cup), minced garlic, tomatoes, and vegan cheese.
  12. Bake an additional 15 minutes.
  13. Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil.
  14. Slice and serve.
  15. Enjoy!

broccoli pizza crust