Food Friday: Mouth watering peanut sauce

I have never been a huge fan of stir-fry, however my recent retreat hosted by chef Lauren Marshall of Coastal Healing, helped to turn a new leaf. A vegan version of stir-fry, cold or hot, topped with garlic tofu and a variety of healthy sauces, makes for an easy weeknight meal. This is one of those sauces. Oh She Glows has a version as well in her cookbook.

Why not throw a variety of veggies you have in your fridge in a pan (I like cauliflower, purple cabbage, zucchini, carrots, kale), or get out your spirilizer (great for carrots, zucchini, and beets), and top with this delicious asian peanut sauce. Ta-da, it's a buddha bowl!

Ingredients:

• 1-2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter
• 2-3 tbsp lime juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce/tamari
• 1/4 cup water (add more if needed)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup 
• 1-2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp minced ginger
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Recipe:

1. Blend all ingredients together in a blender, adding oil in last to emulsify.
2. It will solidify somewhat when stored in the fridge, therefore you can add more water or oil if necessary to thin out next meal. 
3. Make a double batch for leftovers and store in the freezer. 

Smother buddha bowl, stir-fry, or veggie burger with sauce and enjoy!

In health & happiness,

Dr. Karen

p.s Lauren hosts retreats throughout the year. The upcoming one in November is Indian themed! The next one in January is focused on Detox with ND Dr. Adrienne Wood. All information is in link above.

Food Friday: Homemade dressings

Photo: MindBodyGreen.com

Happy Spring everyone...or not! As I sit here writing this, the huge East Coast blizzard is going on outside my window. It seems like mother nature has yet to get the memo.

I typically recommend warm, hearty food during the winter months, instead of tropical-like foods, as they contain the nutrients we need to thrive in the winter. A wise ND once reminded me that the cells on the inside of our bodies cannot see the sun, so choosing food according to the seasons is important. Their nutrient balance signals our bodies to stimulate production of necessary nutrients, vitamin D for example when we don't get as much sun in the winter.  However, I'm starting to incorporate more fresh raw foods in my diet, including green smoothies and salads, because let's face it...I'm sick of winter! So, instead of dwelling on the snow, let's start tricking ourselves that spring is here. 

We may all have our favourite ingredients but I believe that a good dressing completes the salad. There are lots of great store-bought salad dressings out there, but also a lot of bad ones. Make sure to read the labels, looking for added sugars or preservatives. But why waste your money when you can create mouth watering dressings in your own kitchen. Sure it's convenient, but making your own is pretty simple and can be stored for a few weeks in your fridge. 

The basic ratio of sour, sweet and oil can easily be modified but here are a few easy recipes to get you started:

My go-to vinaigrette: (2-3 servings)

• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar (a winner to stimulate digestion!)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (stable at low heat therefore great for dressings)
• 1/2-1 tbsp maple syrup or honey (local honey can even help you desensitize to spring allergies)
• 2 tsp dijon mustard 
• salt and pepper

All ingredients mixed well in a mason jar and stored in the fridge. (I like a little bit more tang with my salad so the sour is in a higher ratio.)

Balsamic vinaigrette: (Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook)

• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup 
• 2 tsp dijon mustard
• 1 tsp tamari

Try changing up the vinegar or adding lemon, garlic, shallots, fresh herbs, or even chia seeds for an extra boost. 

Dairy-free caesar dressing: (Chef Michael Smith)

• 1 head garlic, peeled
• 1 50g can of anchovies, not drained
• 4 tbsp dijon mustard
• 1 ½ cups olive oil
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• Juice and zest of 3 lemons

In your blender or food processor pulse the garlic, anchovies and salt to a paste. Add the remaining dressing ingredients and process to a smooth dressing.

Try it! I promise you won't be disappointed. Any favourite homemade dressing recipes up your sleeve?

In health & happiness,

Dr. Karen