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Chicken Souvlaki Bowls

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These Chicken Souvlaki Bowls will help with your mental concentration and energy levels… chicken & coconut… a great combo for body & mind energy…

chicken souvlaki bowls

I don’t know how or when it started, but somewhere along the way my family just assumed they were eating healthy when they ordered in Greek food. I do love Greek food… but really, souvlaki in a pita smothered in sauce (no matter how delicious), is just not a healthy meal. But, thankfully, this recipe for chicken souvlaki bowls is easy to make, healthy, and even more delicious than if it came from your favorite Greek restaurant. This bowl is completely paleo (if you use grain-free pita bread), dairy-free (the yogurt is coconut yogurt), and Whole 30 friendly, so let the healthy eating begin!

And yes, I am one of those people that truly believes that almost everything tastes better in a bowl. Just look at this one. It has all the fixins of traditional souvlaki, but it’s deconstructed in a bowl. You can sauce it yourself, add whatever kind of pita or bread you like (I used some sprouted grain pita), and add whatever veggies you like.

Just as an aside, I used oregano in the marinade for a few reasons.  One: it tastes great. Two: oregano is an awesome germ fighter.  I’ve been experimenting lately with oregano essential oil, and I think the next time I make this, I’m going to put a drop or two into the mix…

I made these awesome chicken souvlaki bowls last week when my son was over for dinner. He’s a big fan of overstuffed Greek pita sandwiches, so I wasn’t sure he would give these bowls a fair shot. This chicken got a huge thumbs up… but, he did take the contents of the bowl and cram it all into the pita… And, much to my chagrin, this meal was consumed while Ryan and Steve watched golf on TV. Oh, how I sometimes long for the days of eating at the table like mannered humans… (OK, so maybe I’m a little happy to sometimes eat in front of a good Netflix marathon…)

For another delicious healing chicken recipe, try my Turmeric Chicken.

chicken souvlaki bowls

Here’s what’s so great about some of the ingredients in this healthy chicken souvlaki bowl:

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. And perhaps most importantly, it helps you keep your mind sharp and it makes it easier for you to focus. My absolute favorite coconut yogurt is Anita’s (see recipe below for link).

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 a few weeks ago when Steve had a cold… it’s powerful stuff!

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 souvlaki bowls

Chicken Souvlaki Bowls
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Recipe type: chicken, Greek, mental and physical energy booster
Cuisine: paleo, whole30
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
Greek food sometimes is not the healthiest choice. But this bowl... oh my... it's simple, delicious, and it will actually give you mind and body energy!
Ingredients
  • For chicken:
  • 8 boneless, skinless, organic chicken thighs
  • sea salt and black pepper
  • 1-1/2 cups coconut yogurt (plus extra for serving)
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • ¼ cup almond milk
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (or use as much as you like) Note: please use fresh minced garlic if you have it -- I didn't have any on hand, so I used the powder.
  • 2 Tbs dried minced onion flakes
  • 1 Tbs red wine vinegar
  • 1 med red onion, thinly sliced
  • For bowls:
  • greens of choice
  • tomatoes
  • coconut yogurt (I love Anita's)
  • optional veggies: bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, green beans, broccoli
Instructions
  1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Place it in a bowl or dish with the coconut yogurt, oil, oregano, almond milk, garlic, minced dried onion, and vinegar. Smoosh it around until the marinade is covering all of the chicken. Refrigerate as long as you can (I put mine in the fridge for about 4 hours).
  2. Preheat the oven to 400°F convection setting, or 425°F regular bake setting.
  3. Cover a rimmed baking tray with parchment paper.
  4. Spread the chicken onto the tray in a single layer. Keep the marinade on the chicken.
  5. Lay the red onion slices on top of the chicken.
  6. Bake until the chicken is cooked through, about 30 minutes.
  7. Arrange the chicken in bowls with greens, tomatoes, extra yogurt, and any veggies you like.
  8. Enjoy!

chicken souvlaki bowls

Healing Slow Cooker Chicken Soup

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healing slow cooker chicken soup

I make some form of a healing soup every time anyone says they feel they might be getting sick. So, last week when Steve was past the point of “almost” getting sick — I mean way into the multi-tissue phase of a cold, I brought out the big guns and made this healing slow cooker chicken soup.

Usually when I make chicken soup, I let it simmer on the stove and go about my business. This time, I just didn’t have the time to stay in, so I broke out the slow cooker. And let me tell you, not only is this soup delicious, but this healing slow cooker chicken soup really lives up to its name! Steve had a bowl that night for dinner, then another for breakfast (this surprised me because, although I would easily do this, I was shocked that he actually ate soup for breakfast), and then again for dinner. This stuff really is better than any cold medicine you can buy.

I like to use bone broth instead of traditional stock or broth whenever I make my soups. This really amps up the healing benefits. Read my article on the 5 Reasons You Need To Add Bone Broth To Your Diet. This info will turn you into a bone broth fanatic too!

This is not you mother’s chicken soup. The broth is filled with garlic and ginger and scallions — a whole arsenal of germ and bacteria fighting warriors! I used lots of veggies (I even substituted turnips for potatoes), kicked it up with some Chinese herbs, and made it paleo-friendly by using zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.

This healing slow cooker chicken soup is so easy to make, so potent, and so delicious, you’ll never so back to your mother’s soup… ssshhhhh, don’t tell mama….

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 healing soup recipe with your name on it…  So CLICK HEREto be taken directly into my calendar to sign up for your free phone consultation.

I’ve also got a new FREE ebook for you:

Increase Your Athletic Performance

Download your free copy of my Optimized Athletic Performance Food Plan ebook now!

And, now that fall is just about here, you should also make my Butternut Squash And Apple Soup!

healing slow cooker chicken soup

Here are some of the amazing things this soup does:

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…

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.

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….

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.

GingerChinese herb (Sheng Jiang). It’s especially good during cold weather 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. 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).

Turnips are great for indigestion. They help relieve that horrible bloated feeling we all get sometimes and they reduce excess gas and diarrhea. Research shows that turnips contain a substance that may reduce your risk of colon, prostate, and lung cancer. These bulbous vegetables contain a good amount of vitamins B and C and they provide calcium and potassium, and they can help your cough. In Chinese medicine turnips (wu jing) are known to help reduce inflammation and phlegm.

Dill is considered a chemoprotective herb that can help neutralize some carcinogens and it’s also an antibacterial herb.

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.

healing slow cooker chicken soup

If you make this Healing Slow Cooker Chicken Soup 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.

Healing Slow Cooker Chicken Soup
5.0 from 3 reviews
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Recipe type: paleo, whole30, gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free
Cuisine: soup, one-pot meal
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 8
This soup really lives up to its name. Make a pot of this when you are feeling sick and let the healing begin! It's filled with garlic, ginger, scallions and other healing ingredients.
Ingredients
  • 2-1/2 lb. bone-in, organic chicken thighs (about 6 thighs)
  • 1 qt chicken bone broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 medium onions, diced
  • 2 turnips, peeled and diced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced into thick slices
  • 3 large (or 6 smaller) garlic cloves, smashed
  • 5 slices of peeled ginger (about ¼-inch thick)
  • 3 scallions, sliced (add the roots of the scallions too)
  • 1 Tbs fresh dill, chopped (use more if you like)
  • sea salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups zucchini noodles (use a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler, or buy them pre- "zoodled")
Instructions
  1. Add all ingredients, except zucchini, to the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on high heat for 4 hours.
  3. Remove the chicken to a plate and remove the meat from the bones.
  4. Discard the bones and add the chicken back into the soup.
  5. Add zucchini and cook for another 30 minutes.
  6. Ladle into bowls and let the healing begin.
  7. Enjoy!

healing slow cooker chicken soup

Sesame Green Beans

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Sesame green beans are a staple in my house… they are so simple, so healing, and they can be served at room temperature!

sesame green beans

Every now and then I feel the need to post a really simple but delicious recipe. Sometimes I get a little too chef-y and I forget that simple is often better. Well, you can’t get more simple than this recipe for sesame green beans. And, you can’t get any better either!

What’s better than a fresh veggie, cooked perfectly so that it’s crisp-tender? These green beans are slightly steamed, then tossed with a tiny bit of toasted sesame oil, sesame seeds, and sea salt.  That’s it.  Nothing chef-y about the prep, only in the taste! Everyone will love this…

This side dish has been my go-to all summer long. It goes great with grilled meats, with my favorite paleo pasta dishes, and honestly, there’re nothing better than grabbing a leftover handful straight out of the fridge. I think these beans taste best cold or at room temperature, so that makes it even easier. You can make these awesome green beans way before you plan to serve them and, I can’t stress this enough: they are so easy to make!

For another simple vegetable dish, make my Simple Baby Bok Choy recipe.

sesame green beans

There are only a few ingredients in this recipe, but they are great healing ones:

Green beans have a lot of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B, and iron. Eating green beans can help rid the body of toxins and can help regulate metabolism. They also can help relieve that feeling of excessive fullness in your stomach and excessive belching. In Chinese medicine, green beans are eaten to clear up chronic diarrhea and even for some lower back pain.

Sesame seeds (the black ones) are a Chinese herb (Hei Zhi Ma). Black foods, in Chinese medicine, are knows as longevity foods. This herb is good for so many things, including headaches, constipation, dizziness, and even helping with lactation. White sesame seeds also have many great nutritional benefits. They are also an anti-aging food. If you have backaches, hair thats graying way too fast, ringing in the ears, weak knees, blurry vision or general weakness, go for the sesame seeds; just sprinkle them on everything. Long ago in China, sesame seeds were ground into honey to form a paste and was taken as a medicine to counter old-age and weakness. For this recipe, you can use black or white seeds, or a combination of both.

sesame green beans

Sesame Green Beans
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Recipe type: American, side dish, simple
Cuisine: vegetables, beans
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6
Fresh green beans are gently steamed and then tossed with toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds... this is the perfect side dish for everything... and it's so easy!
Ingredients
  • 1 lb green beans, trimmed
  • 3 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • ¼ cup sesame seeds
  • sea salt to taste
Instructions
  1. Steam the beans just until they are slightly tender. Don't overcook them!
  2. Drain and toss with remaining ingredients.
  3. Serve hot, cold, or at room temperature.
  4. Enjoy!

sesame green beans

Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Bowl

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Pasta rules! And this roasted red pepper pasta bowl is awesome!

roasted red pepper pasta bowl

Yay! Another great, fantastic, awesome, deliciously healing, yet paleo AND vegan pasta dish that tastes like real, classic, homemade Italian pasta. Wow, that was a mouthful! But I honestly don’t know how to accurately describe the awesomeness of this dish without using so many adjectives…

If you know me at all, you know that I will try any and every pasta that I see if it’s paleo. Some are truly awesome. Some… not so much. This lentil pasta is one of my favorites. (See the recipe below for where you can buy it.) It really has the texture and taste of traditional whole wheat pasta. For real — no one will know.

I made this dish a few days ago and I got to do one of my favorite things — feed an unsuspecting guest… My daughter’s boyfriend was here and I was in the kitchen experimenting and I made these pasta bowls. You know young men — they are always hungry… So, he gladly accepted a pasta bowl and ate it. Now, he knows my bent toward all things healthy, so after he ate half of it, he looked up and asked: “Is it real pasta?” I just smiled. He knew the answer, but continued to eat with gusto. Success! After that my daughter ate it and also loved it. The list continued from there. So, to Sam, my willing taste-tester, you are welcome in my kitchen any time!

This pasta is made so amazing by the delicious (and oh-so-easy) creamy roasted red pepper sauce. And then, a few drizzles of pesto and a dollop of cheese (I used a great vegan creamy cheese) and some crisp fresh arugula and fragrant basil. Really, this roasted red pepper pasta bowl is the complete package! I have to send an shoutout now to one of my favorite blogs: Half Baked Harvest, because she came up with the original recipe that inspired me to create this version — ingenious!

If you are looking to try another paleo pasta recipe, try my Vegan Fettuccine Bolognese.

roasted red pepper pasta bowl

Here are some of the amazing ingredients in this roasted red pepper pasta bowl:

Bell peppers help with indigestion. If you are feeling bloated and full from over-eating a lot lately, consuming bell peppers will help reduce this feeling. They are also good for blood circulation and research has shown that they are good for people with a low appetite or anorexia. It used to be common in China to use bell pepper tea to soothe indigestion.

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.

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. The cashews give this sauce a velvety, creamy texture.

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….

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.

roasted red pepper pasta bowl

Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Bowl
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Recipe type: pasta, paleo, vegan, Italialn
Cuisine: recipe adapted from: Half Baked Harvest
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
This pasta is paleo, vegan, creamy, and healing! Oh, and did I mention it is awesomely delicious and so easy to make...
Ingredients
  • 16-oz jarred roasted red peppers
  • 10 sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained
  • 2 large garlic cloves
  • ¼ cup raw cashews (you can buy them here)
  • ½ cup packed fresh basil leaves (plus more for serving)
  • 12 oz pasta -- I used a paleo, lentil pasta (you can buy the lentil pasta here)
  • a few handfuls of fresh arugula
  • small jar of vegan pesto (whatever kind of pesto you like will be great)
  • 4 dollops of a creamy cheese (I used Kite Hill's vegan cream cheese with chives and it was perfect)
Instructions
  1. Boil the pasta al dente.
  2. Put the red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cashews, and ½ cup basil into a blender (I used my Vitamix, so it was really quick). Whiz it up until smooth and creamy.
  3. Drain the pasta.
  4. Toss the pasta with as much sauce as you like.
  5. Divide the pasta between 4 bowls.
  6. Top with pesto, arugula, cheese, and extra basil leaves.
  7. Enjoy!

roasted red pepper pasta bowl

Paleo Pizza Margherita

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Pizza is almost always the answer… and this paleo pizza margherita is a healthy and delicious answer!

paleo pizza margherita

Yes, I eat pizza! In fact, I LOVE pizza! I always have loved pizza and I probably always will love pizza. I remember in college (many moons ago…) ordering pizza with EBA (everything but anchovies) and actually sitting there and eating an entire pie by myself. This used to surprise people because I was a skinny 5-foot tall girl who looked like I ate like a bird. But nothing could have been farther from the truth.

Fast forward to today. I’m well into my 50s and I try not to eat dairy or grains. But there is no way I’m giving up my pizza. So I have experimented with soooooooo many vegan cheeses, substitutes for cheeses, grain-free pizza crusts, vegetable pizza crusts… you name it and I’ve tried it. And, believe it or not, I have been having some truly awesome pizzas! Even with my dietary restrictions, pizza is still one of my favorite foods.

This pizza is dairy-free and grain-free. I know, if I told that to people before they took a bite, I would have to deal with that face. You know the one — that pinched look by the mouth and that roll of the eyes; that they-know-they-are-going-to-hate-it-but-will-try-to-be-a-good-sport-look.

So, I made this awesome pizza, put it on a plate and set it on the table in front of people who where watching TV in my living room. I came back in a few minutes and it was gone. Smiles all around. You’ve got to try this paleo pizza margherita — it’s delicious, healthy, crispy, gooey, and everything a pizza should be. And don’t be afraid to customize it anyway you like.

Try my recipe for Roasted Red Pepper Fettuccine for another great grain-free Italian treat!

paleo pizza margherita

paleo pizza margherita

Here are some of the healing ingredients in this pizza:

The crust I used is made from coconut flour. 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. This crust is pre-made from Cappello’s and it really does have the texture and taste of traditional pizza crust (see the recipe below for where to buy it).

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.

Hot peppers contain more vitamin C than any other vegetable and they are good at fighting off the common cold. So, if you like spice, as I do, use a generous amount of whatever hot peppers you like. I actually placed a bowl of fresh sliced hot peppers next to the pizza when I served it so my guests could top their pizza with them if they liked spice. I also sprinkled a generous amount of dried hot red pepper flakes on mine. The main component of hot peppers is capsicum. Capsicum actually works with your body and mind to make you feel happy. It’s also good for reducing swelling and can relieve arthritic joint pain. If you have high blood pressure, check with your doctor before eating too many hot peppers because they can actually raise the blood pressure in some people.

paleo pizza margherita

Paleo Vegan Pizza Margherita
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Recipe type: pizza, grain-free, dairy-free
Cuisine: Italian, comfort food
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
This grain-free, dairy-free pizza will make everyone happy! Yes, even people who won't think they will like it, will like it... it's that good!
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven as per the crust's instructions.
  2. Spread the sauce on top of your crust (don't use too much).
  3. Slice up some of the basil leaves and sprinkle the slices over the crust.
  4. Arrange the cheese and tomatoes over the crust.
  5. Bake until crispy and gooey.
  6. Remove from the oven and arrange some fresh basil leaves on top.
  7. Add fresh hot pepper slices and/or dried red pepper flakes if you like.
  8. Slice and enjoy!

paleo pizza margherita

Vietnamese Meatball Bowls

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These Vietnamese Meatball Bowls are deliciously Asian flavored… they will make you smile!

Vietnamese meatball bowls

Almost all meatballs are awesome. But these meatballs are extra awesome. They are made with pork and infused with some traditional Vietnamese flavors. They are bit-sized, juicy, mouth watering, amazingly flavorful meatballs. (I do realize how over the top that sounds, but I’m sticking with it…)

Almost all food tastes better when it’s turned into a “bowl”. If you haven’t yet jumped on the bowl bandwagon, don’t wait even another minute. A “bowl” is a complete meal served in… a bowl! It’s extra special because you get so many great flavors together in one place. And they are so easy to customize to reflect your own particular tastes.

One of my favorite food bloggers, Lindsay at Pinch Of Yum, posted her awesome recipe for Banh Mi Bowls With Lemongrass Meatballs. I found that recipe so inspiring that I created this recipe for Vietnamese Meatball Bowls.

This bowl has it all. It’s got deliciously moist pork meatballs. The meatballs are on top of spiced cauliflower rice. And crispy pea pods. And a few different kinds of peppers. And fresh aromatic herbs. It’s got so much flavor. And it’s grain-free and dairy-free. It’s paleo and Whole30 friendly. And, it’s easy to make. And it tastes great as leftovers the next day. Is that enough? I’m getting hungry again just writing this.

If you are looking for another great meatball recipe, try my Lamb Meatballs With Herbs And Kale recipe.

Vietnamese meatball bowls
Vietnamese meatball bowls

Here are some of the great ingredients in this Vietnamese Meatball Bowls:

Pork strengthens the digestive system, helps with constipation, and can moisten a dry cough and other dryness in the body. It’s also good to strengthen your qi and give you energy.

Lemongrass is great for lots of digestive issues; it can help with stomach pains and vomiting. It’s also good to include lemongrass in your diet when you have a cold and it’s been known to help people with arthritic joint pain.

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….

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. 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. So, as far as I’m concerned, the more the merrier.

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.

Cilantro is also known as Chinese Parsley. It is good for the common cold, indigestion, and energy flow in the body. An old Chinese remedy for the common cold and even for measles was to drink cilantro and mint tea. Cilantro is one of those herbs you either love or hate; I’m a lover…

Mint is a Chinese herb called Bo He. It’s one of the best things to fight a cold, sore throat, or fever and it’s good for some abdominal pains too.

Vietnamese meatball bowls

Vietnamese Meatball Bowls
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Recipe type: bowl, meatballs, cauliflower rice
Cuisine: Recipe adapted from: Pinch Of Yum
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
Moist and flavorful pork meatballs sit atop spiced cauliflower rice and are surrounded by crisp snow peas and peppers.
Ingredients
  • For meatballs:
  • 1 lb. ground pork
  • 1 Tbs lemongrass paste (or you can buy a jar of sliced lemongrass and mince it up really fine)
  • 6 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 Tbs sriracha
  • 1 Tbs liquid aminos (or substitute soy sauce or fish sauce)
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • For rice:
  • 2 cups cauliflower rice (buy it already riced or place one head of cauliflower florets in your food processor and pulse it just until it's like rice)
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • sea salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 3 scallions, sliced
  • ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • For the bowls:
  • fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped (I like about 2 Tbs for each bowl)
  • fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped (I like about 1 Tbs for each bowl)
  • pappadew peppers, sliced (as many as you like)
  • fresh pea pods or snap peas (as much as you like), briefly sauteed or steamed (they should still be crisp)
  • 1 hot red pepper, sliced (or more if you like things spicy)
  • 2 limes, zested and cut into wedges
  • 1 jar of pickled vegetables (I used pickled ginger carrots, but there are so many awesome varieties available).
Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  3. Combine all of the meatball ingredients in a large bowl. Mush it all together with your hands and form into small balls. Place the balls on the tray, so that they are not touching each other.
  4. Place the tray in the oven and bake 10 minutes. Turn the meatballs over and bake an additional 5 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
  5. Place the cauliflower rice in a pot with the turmeric, salt and pepper, and broth. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until the rice is just softened a bit.
  6. Using a slotted spoon, divide the cauliflower rice among the bowls. Top with meatballs and surround with the remaining ingredients.
  7. Enjoy!

Vietnamese meatball bowls

Sweet Potato Bacon Waffles

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Sweet potato bacon waffles. Enough said. Yum!

sweet potato bacon waffles

Waffles are awesome. Waffle irons are amazing. You can make waffles out of almost anything. Really. It seems to be all the rage now… everywhere I turn I see people putting such creative mixtures into their waffle irons and making these really delicious looking creations. So, I just had to jump on the bandwagon… it looked like so much fun!

So, when I first saw this recipe on one of my favorite blogs, I just had to try to do it justice. Jennifer at Predominantly Paleo, gets all the credit for this awesome recipe.  I absolutely love it… it’s easy, delicious, paleo, and so healthy! Go visit Jennifer at her site because I’m sure you will love it as much as I do!

My waffle iron did not disappoint… these sweet potato bacon waffles are incredible! First, let me say, however, that just because you cook something in a waffle iron, it does not mean you end up with something that tastes or feels like a waffle. This recipe is amazingly delicious and healthy, but these “waffles” are only called waffles because they are made in a waffle iron… wow, that’s a lot of waffles in one sentence…

I made these waffles and we ate them for several days in a variety of interesting ways. The first day, I served them with eggs on top: awesome. The second day, I melted vegan cheese on top: my favorite. The third day, I put one on a plate with a little shredded rotisserie chicken salad next to it: incredible.

I could easily see that cooking things in my waffle iron may become a bit of an obsession for me…

These waffles, in particular, will become a staple in my house for a few reasons: they are truly delicious and also because sweet potatoes are so good for digestion, that finding new ways to cook them sounds so smart to me.

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 breakfast recipe with your name on it…  So CLICK HEREto be taken directly into my calendar to sign up for your free phone consultation.

And, if you are looking for another great sweet potato recipe, try my recipe for Stuffed Sweet Potatoes.

sweet potato bacon waffles

sweet potato bacon waffles

Here are some great healthy reasons to make these waffles:

Sweet potatoes are good for your digestive system. They can be good for both constipation and diarrhea. These orange gems also help rid your body of excess water, are good for breast health, help people with diabetes and actually can help ease night blindness. In olden times, it was common in China to rub mashed sweet potatoes on poison insect bites to remove the toxins. I haven’t tried this, but if you see me looking a tad orange, this will be why…

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.

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.

sweet potato bacon waffles

If you make this Sweet Potato Bacon Waffles 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.

Sweet Potato Bacon Waffles
5.0 from 2 reviews
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Recipe type: waffles
Cuisine: recipe adapted from: Predominantly Paleo
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
This is like a great sweet potato hash in waffle form. These waffles are so versatile that you can do so many things with them... and they may evenl fix your digestive issues...
Ingredients
  • 12 oz nitrate-free bacon
  • 1 lb spiralized sweet potatoes (I bought mine pre-spiralized, but you can make your own)
  • 3 eggs
  • sea salt and black pepper
  • 2 scallions, sliced
Instructions
  1. Cook your bacon (I like to do this in the oven, but cook it however you like), bacon grease reserved.
  2. Heat your waffle iron, and brush it with the reserved bacon grease. I used my Belgian waffle iron, but use whatever kind you have.
  3. Combine the sweet potato spirals, cooked crumbled bacon, eggs, sea salt and black pepper to taste, and scallions in a large bowl.
  4. Pour this mixture into the hot waffle iron and cook until browned and slightly crispy.
  5. Note: these will not end up with the texture of ordinary waffles -- remove them gently from the iron with tongs and a spatula and lay them on the plates. Use these waffles as a vehicle for anything from eggs, to salad, to melted cheese (my personal favorite). I used a Belgian waffle maker and got 4 waffles from this recipe; if you use a waffle iron that makes thin waffles, you will get more.)

sweet potato bacon waffles

Vegan Fettuccine Bolognese

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This vegan fettuccine bolognese is a great alternative to a meaty pasta sauce!

vegan fettuccine bolognese

Whenever I make a pasta dish, it’s almost always a paleo-friendly pasta recipe because I feel better when I don’t eat grains. But, I do feel better when I eat pasta (for me, it’s the most comforting food around… and, I mean, really, who doesn’t love a good bowl of pasta…?). I’m never sure whether to call the recipe “Paleo Pasta” or just call it “Pasta”.  I know this sounds trivial, but really, I get stuck with this each and every time.

Now, this recipe (which by the way is sooooo delicious), is vegan and it’s paleo. When I first typed in the title, it was “Vegan Paleo Fettuccine Bolognese”, but that’s just too long and complicated for a recipe that’s easy to make. So, for this recipe I decided to use vegan, and omit paleo. I’m still not sure that’s the best title, but I guess this dilemma falls under the category of champagne problems…

Anyway, I used one of my favorite grain-free pastas (Cappello’s fettuccine), and I made an awesome vegan bolognese sauce by using my favorite recipe for simple marinara sauce and adding tons of finely chopped mushrooms, eggplant, and zucchini.

I’ve learned that often when I make a vegan recipe, my guests love it, but sometimes I see wary expressions on the faces of the meat eaters if I call it something with a traditional meaty name (like bolognese). But this time, the meat eaters enjoyed this vegan fettuccine bolognese so much, the meaty name was just perfect. Try this out the next time you want to cook something to both vegans and non-vegans… it’s just perfect!

If this recipe is your cup of tea, you must also try my Paleo Fettuccine Alfredo!

vegan fettuccine bolognese

Along with all of this deliciousness, you also get great healing benefits from this recipe:

In Eastern medicine, eggplant is added to the diet when there is pain in the body because it’s great for relieving pain and reducing swelling. It’s especially good to eat eggplant when you are experiencing some nasty digestive issues. It relieves stomach pain, helps with dysentery, diarrhea, and painful urinary conditions. Eggplant has also been used topically to treat frostbite and canker sores… talk about a multi-tasking vegetable…

I love mushrooms. In Chinese medicine, mushrooms ARE medicine. They are herbs. They are one of the most healing foods around. In China, mushrooms have been used for many years as part of a natural cancer treatment. They are one of the best immune-boosting foods around. I used both baby bellas and shiitakes in this recipe. Shiitakes are probably the variety of mushroom that I use most. I love the way they taste and they help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. These shrooms also promote healing and have been found to fight tumors. In Asia, shiitake mushrooms are often fed to a patient who has just had surgery to help the healing process.

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.

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.

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….

vegan fettuccine bolognese

Vegan Fettuccine Bolognese
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Recipe type: vegan, paleo, pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
Here's a great dish for all types of dietary habits: vegan, paleo, meat eaters, comfort-food lovers... this is really easy and satisfying!
Ingredients
  • 1-1/2 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 small eggplants, finely diced
  • 3.5 oz shittake mushrooms, caps finely diced
  • 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, caps finely diced
  • 1 medium zucchini, finely diced
  • sea salt and black pepper
  • 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 medium onion, peeled and quartered
  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1 lb pasta of choice (I used Cappellos, grain-free fettuccine -- see above in post for link)
Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F convection setting, or 425°F regular bake setting.
  2. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
  3. Spread the eggplant, zucchini, and shrooms out on the sheets in a single layer. Drizzle oil over and toss a bit. Season with salt and pepper. (Try to keep each veggie in a separate area, so if one is done before the others it's easier to remove it from the sheet.)
  4. Roast the veggies in the oven until they start to brown and caramelize a bit. (Every oven is different, but my eggplant took 35 mins, the shrooms took 25 mins, and my zucchini took 20 mins.)
  5. Meanwhile, start the sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, then cook an additional 15 minutes, uncovered. Remove from heat and let cool a few minutes, then using an immersion blender, blend the sauce until it's smooth. (Alternatively, you can transfer the sauce to a blender and whiz it up -- just make sure you hold a dish towel tightly over the top of the blender instead of using the canister top, so that steam can escape and you don't burn yourself.)
  7. Cook the pasta al dente, and drain it well.
  8. Toss the pasta with the tomato sauce and top with mounds of the veggies. Toss it all together if you like before serving.
  9. Enjoy!

vegan fettuccine bolognese

Berry Fig Yogurt Parfait

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Parfaits are fun. And this berry fig yogurt parfait is delicious and energizing!

berry fig yogurt parfait

It’s getting to be the dog-days of summer — but if you’re a dog lover like I am, it’s not a bad thing at all! Yes, I know, nobody likes those ridiculously hot and humid days — the ones where the air is heavy and everything seems to move in slow motion. But summer is awesome! Even when it’s hot! You can go outside with nothing but shorts and a tank. You can walk down the street drinking the hugest iced coffee or smoothie. You can smell that warm, sweet, summery scent of the flowers and trees…

And here, in NYC, where everyone aspires to leave the city in the summer, I am happy as a clam. I’m not crazy though. I don’t turn on my oven much, and I stick to the shady side of the street. And, I eat things like this awesome berry fig yogurt parfait.

I hesitate to even call this parfait a recipe — because really you can make it however you like — but I am including the recipe for how I made this one because it’s so delicious and cooling and refreshing.

By the way, I made my parfait dairy-free by using the most delicious coconut yogurt I’ve ever had. I used Anita’s coconut yogurt — it’s so good, I might even say it’s life-changing!

If you’re feeling really ambitious, here’s my recipe for Homemade Coconut Cinnamon Yogurt.

berry fig yogurt parfait

This parfait is as easy as it is healthy:

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.

Figs have the highest amount of calcium of any fruit and are a good source of fiber. They are good for anemia, constipation, indigestion and fever, and they are also good at fighting fatigue and boosting memory retention.

All berries are good for you and contain antioxidants. As a general rule, the darker the color, the more antioxidants, making blackberries even better than other berries at fighting cancer and other illnesses. Blackberries also can help relieve intestinal inflammation and diarrhea, and they are good for your skin. And, even more importantly, they taste great…

Research shows that pumpkin seeds may reduce blood sugar and increase bone density. And, because they are rich in iron, they are good if you are tired or have anemia. In Asian medicine, pumpkin seeds are sometimes used to get rid of intestinal parasites and to decrease inflammation in the body.

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.

berry fig yogurt parfait

Berry Fig Yogurt Parfait
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Recipe type: breakfast, lunch, snack, dessert
Cuisine: vegan, vegetarian, grain-free
Author:
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 1
This is the perfect summer breakfast, snack, lunch... anytime treat. It takes only a few minutes to prepare and it's healthy and refreshing!
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Place a little bit of each topping in the bottom of a glass or bowl.
  2. Spoon half of the yogurt on top of those toppings.
  3. Add more toppings, then more yogurt, then more toppings.
  4. You are done!
  5. Enjoy!

berry fig yogurt parfait

Turmeric Chicken

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Turmeric is so healing, so why not use it whenever you can? This turmeric chicken is a crowd-pleaser… it’s so good!

turmeric chicken

Every year there are a few foods that just seem to show up everywhere. Last year it was kale. There were kale salads, kale pestos, kale smoothies… And while I was starting to feel a little “kale-ed out”, I do still make some of these recipes, because, well, they are just plain good!

This recipe has no kale in it… It’s an organic, grain-free, dairy-free, gluten-free meal that will reduce inflammation in your body. And, the colors are bright and vibrant. So, if you eat with your eyes first like I do, you will be smiling even before you take the first bite.

This year, turmeric seems to be the “it ingredient”. And it’s an awesome ingredient at that! For years, I’ve been using turmeric to heal inflammation in the body. I bet you didn’t know that turmeric is actually a Chinese herb! (See below and I’ll explain it to you.) I’ve always loved adding turmeric to my smoothies and to pots of chili and to my curries, but now I’m expanding my use of this awesome herb into more everyday-type recipes. This chicken is one of them. Really, it’s simple pan-roasted chicken with a great turmeric sauce. It tastes a little Chinese, a little Indian, and a lot delicious!

You can make this turmeric chicken recipe mild or spicy. I made mine fairly spicy, mainly because my son was coming for dinner and he likes everything ridiculously spicy… I served it with a grain-free garlicky fettuccine and it was just perfect. I made enough so that there are plenty of leftovers in the fridge, which worked out really well because leftover chicken is just awesome for lunch during the week!

If you are looking for more recipes using turmeric, here’s one of my favorite smoothie recipes: Pineapple Turmeric Smoothie.

turmeric chicken
turmeric chicken

Here are some of the reasons this recipe is so awesome:

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 creamy sauce in this turmeric chicken recipe is made with 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….

Hot peppers contain more vitamin C than any other vegetable and they are good at fighting off the common cold. So, if you like spice, as I do, use a generous amount of whatever hot peppers you like. The main component of hot peppers is capsaicin. Capsaicin actually works with your body and mind to make you feel happy. It’s also good for reducing swelling and can relieve arthritic joint pain. If you have high blood pressure, check with your doctor before eating too many hot peppers because they can actually raise the blood pressure in some people.

Vinegar has anti-bacterial capabilities, can help speed up circulation, reduce blood clots, and can help with post-partum dizziness.

turmeric chicken

Turmeric Chicken
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Recipe type: chicken, one-pan meal
Cuisine: Indian, Asian
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
This chicken is warming, healing, simple, and delicious... and it's made in one-pan!
Ingredients
  • 8 bone-in organic chicken thighs
  • sea salt and black pepper
  • 2 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 13.5 oz can full-fat coconut milk
  • ¼ cup liquid aminos
  • 1 Tbs turmeric
  • ⅓ cup white vinegar
  • 6 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 lge hot red pepper, sliced (or to taste)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 15 grinds of black pepper
Instructions
  1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown on both sides. (Mine took about 10 minutes on each side.)
  3. In a small bowl, whisk the coconut milk, liquid aminos, turmeric, and vinegar.
  4. When the chicken is browned, pour the coconut milk mixture into the spaces between the chicken. (I prefer not to pour it directly on top of the chicken so that it stays crispier.)
  5. Add the garlic, pepper slices, and bay leaf to the sauce in between the chicken.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let simmer for about 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Then, remove the cover and let the sauce boil a bit to thicken, about 5 minutes.
  7. Enjoy!

turmeric chicken