Big Bowl of Love brings comfort in the healthiest of forms in this mind, body and soul episode. Dr. Drew Pinsky is a great guest for this show. He comments on how not enough attention is given to nutrition and really delves into this tour of foods with CF. Food has the power to heal and just as balance is important in life…it also is important with food!
What’s on today’s menu?
- Quinoa with Roasted Vegetables
- Creamy Asparagus Soup
- Miso Salmon with Cucumber Salad
This show was lots of fun. I learned so much! As a sister of a vegetarian I was pleased to learn about Quinoa. I am always struggling to find diversity in my cooking when my sister comes over. This helps! I just hope it tastes as good as it looks. As for the soup, I will definitely be attempting this recipe. It looks fast, simple…and looks like I cooked all day!
Now for a few BBOL tips:
- Quinoa, which is a grain, is a great source of protein for vegetarians.
- Roasting vegetables brings out the natural sugars and caramelizes creating wonderful flavors.
- Snap asparagus to see where to cut it. Use the cut piece as a guide to slice the others.
- Kosher salt has a bigger grain allowing for a larger table.
- Cook vegetables separately on sheets if they have different cooking times.
- Tofu is a great substitute for cream in this soup. It gives it the creaminess, but healthier.
- Soup can be served hot or cold.
- When cutting or slicing and the veggie is short, use a fork to hold onto the veggie and your fingers!
- Mirin is a Japanese rice wine that can add sweetness to a dish.
- Use agave to sweeten as opposed to sugar. It is healthier.
- Salmon cooking times- 12 mins (well done); 10 mins (medium rare) and 8 mins (rare/pink)
Now for a few of my OWN suggestions:
- Save the tough ends of the asparagus and freeze them. When you have enough, use them as a base for a larger pot of soup.
- If you don’t have a strainer, try using cheesecloth!
- Set up a little experiment for yourself…pull out a few different salts (Kosher Salt, Sea Salt, Grey Salt, Table Salt, ect) and taste them to see what each has to offer. You may find a new favorite.
Play and explore and be sure to have fun!
Links to recipes:
http://www.oprah.com/own-cristinas-big-bowl-of-love/Miso-Salmon-with-Cucumber-Salad-Recipe
http://www.oprah.com/own-cristinas-big-bowl-of-love/Roasted-Vegetable-Quinoa-Recipe
http://www.oprah.com/own-cristinas-big-bowl-of-love/Creamy-Asparagus-Soup-Recipe