| | | |

Amazing Food Pairings

ByAshley Baal

According to an article from Body Book, Elaine Magee, R.D., says that “food synergy is when components within or between foods work together in the body for maximum health benefits.” Below are a list of various amazing food pairings that make up food synergy:

1. Garlic and Fish: good for inflammation, blood pressure, and cholesterol

2. Oatmeal and Blueberries: good for heart disease and cancer

3. Tomatoes and Broccoli: good for prostate cancer

4. Apples and Apple skin: good for asthma, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease

5. Salad Greens and Almonds: good for cataracts, cancer, and heart disease

6. Red Beans and Brown Rice: good for cancer, diabetes, and heart disease

7. Green Tea and Lemon: good for free radicals

garlic

Here are some recipes for pairing these foods:

1. Garlic Smelts with Parsley

Ingredients:

  • 8 large sardines or smelts, cleaned, rinsed, and dried
  • Good extra virgin first cold pressed olive oil
  • salt and pepper
  • 1/2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup fresh, chopped parsley, for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat broiler. Lightly brush fish inside and out with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Lay fish on a baking sheet without overcrowding- keep them at least an inch or two apart. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, then turn over and repeat on other side.

3. Drizzle with more oil if desired and sprinkle with garlic.

4. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

tomato

2. Broccoli, Tomato, & Basil Salute

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 tbsp avocado oil or an oil with a high smoke point
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 head broccoli, cut into bite-size florets
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 tbsp basil, chopped
  • 1 tbsp Italian parsley, chopped
  • pinch of sea salt

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, sautee for one minute, then add broccoli florets. Cook for two minutes, stirring frequently.

2. Add 2 tbsp water. Cover and steam for two minutes. Add the tomatoes, herbs, and salt, and stir for one minute. Remove from heat and serve.

 

almond arugula

 

3. Arugula and Quinoa Salad with Almonds

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup quinoa
  • 2 peaches quartered
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup arugula
  • 1/2 cup almonds
  • black pepper

Directions:

1. Add 1/2 cup quinoa and 1 cup water to a saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat. Allow to simmer for 15 minutes.

2. Coat peaches in 1 tbsp of olive oil and cook in grill pan over medium-high heat until fruit begins to caramelize.

3. Toss quinoa, peaches, arugula, and almonds in a bowl. Drizzle remaining olive oil, sprinkle pepper, and serve.