A simple use for zest is a citrus and pepper blend. Use equal parts zest and kosher salt (or half if using granulated table salt), add a pinch or two of garlic or onion powder, 1 teaspoon ground pepper, and ½ teaspoon cayenne (optional). Use on roasted vegetables or in salad dressings and soups.
Tips
Zesting
Remember to zest your citrus before juicing. You can save the zest for future recipes by freezing it in small bags or ice cube trays. Frozen and fresh zest are better than dried zest.
Ras al Hanout Spice Blend
You can buy pre-mixed spices pretty much anywhere BUT blending your own allows you to make sure there is no added salt.
Ras al Hanout:
1 ½ tsp. coriander seeds
¾ tsp. cumin seeds
½ tsp. crushed chili flakes
1 ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. paprika
½ tsp. ground cardamom
½ tsp. ground ginger
½ tsp. ground turmeric
Besides the incredible ability to flavor things up, chili flakes are a great source of antioxidants (Vitamin C and carotenoids) that can help improve insulin regulation.
Hungarian Spice Blend
Mix up a large batch of the Hungarian spice blend to recreate this recipe at home! It also works well on chicken, tossed with vegetables for roasting, or added to soups and stews.
1/4 tsp dried rosemary
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp crushed fennel seeds
1/4 tsp marjoram
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp Hungarian sweet paprika
Mix well and store in airtight container.
Thai Laab spice blend
You can buy pre-mixed spices pretty much anywhere BUT blending your own allows you to make sure there is no added salt.
Laab Mix:
2 tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. corriander
½ tsp. fennel
This laab mix will also work great on pork, chicken roasted carrots, sweet potatoes and a lot of other vegetables! Feel free to rub it all over the meat or vegetables with 1 Tbsp. oil and roast in the oven until cooked!
Red Curry Paste!
Red curry paste is a popular spice blend that has tons of uses. You can usually find curry paste on your grocery shelves near the rice or soy sauce in 10-14 ounce containers. If you’re using 2 tablespoons for your Khao Poon, that leaves a lot of curry paste leftover!
Red curry paste keeps well in the fridge for a long time, or can be frozen. Simply transfer leftover paste into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid. Pop out of the tray and store in an air-tight Ziploc bag until you need a couple tablespoons for your next dish or soup.
So, what else can you use red curry paste for?
- Add 2 tablespoons to your favorite stir-fry sauce for a Thai twist on your usual.
- Make a delicious curry dish to serve over rice: Combine cooked chicken with 2 tablespoons curry paste and a can of coconut milk until thickened and heated through. Stir in any vegetable your have and serve over cooked brown rice.
- Stir into your favorite canned soup to add additional spice.
Taco Seasoning
You can buy pre-mixed taco seasoning pretty much anywhere BUT blending your own allows you to make sure there is no added salt.
- 1 Tbsp. Chili Powder
- 1⁄4 tsp. Garlic Powder
- 1⁄4 tsp. Onion Powder
- 1⁄4 tsp. Dried Oregano
- 1⁄2 tsp. Paprika
- 1 1⁄2 tsp. Ground Cumin
Besides the incredible ability to flavor things up, chili powder is a great source of antioxidants (Vitamin C and carotenoids) that can help improve insulin regulation.
White potatoes versus sweet potatoes?
Make your own Thai Sauce!
When remaking the Thai Beef with Basil you can combine whichever vegetables you have or you family likes and make the Thai Sauce from scratch.
You can buy premixed sauce at most grocery stores BUT blending your own allows you to control the amount of salt and other ingredients.
Thai Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons tamari
- 2 Tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 Tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
Brussels Sprouts!
Health Benefits
• Contain detoxifying nutrients
• Good source of fiber, which helps your digestive system
• Contain vitamin K, which helps reduce inflammation
Easy Ideas
• Enjoy Brussels sprouts roasted, grilled, boiled, or sautéed.
• Mix Brussels sprouts in a stir fry.
• Add to your favorite pasta dish.