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I've been on a path recently to discover new and interesting recipes that are healthy and low in calories. This process has taken many twists and turns, and I'd like to share a few of them with you.
It all started with a trip to our local farmers market a few weeks ago. On a side note, at this time of year in Florida our local growing season is in full swing. We are so fortunate to have the amazing Sarasota Farmers Market in the heart of Downtown, less than a block from Lotus. Every Saturday morning, whether of not I'm working, I head to the market to get a weeks worth of vegetables. I was paying for my basket of goodies when the girl at the stand asked me what I was going to do with the big savoy cabbage. Oh I don't know, maybe some slaw, or I'll steam it, I'm not sure yet, I said. We then launched into a conversation (although very quickly - not to anoy the line behind me) about making your own sauerkraut. One of the other cashiers chimed in with his advice, and I agreed that I would definately try it! Leaving happy and inspired, I couldn't wait to try my hand at something that I loved to eat, and that brought back wonderful childhood memories. My Mom made pickles and sauerkraut, and did so in traditional stoneware crocks. I happen to have one of those crocks (much smaller than the one my Mom had, but I thought that would be perfect for my first try.
Excited to get started, I googled "how to make your own sauerkraut" as soon as I got home that day. There were many different recipes and methods, but I decided that the simpler the better, and settled on the advice of The Nourished Kitchen website. The next day I made my sauerkraut, and in another 3-4 weeks I'll will hopefully have a large maison jar of my home made health food!
Now, being curious to know more about fermented foods and why they are so good for you, (or maybe I'm somewhat easily distracted and a bit obsessive), I launched into researching everything from making your own sourdough bread to home made yogurt. Fermemted foods introduce benefical bacteria into the digestive system. These good guys, or probiotics, have been shown to slow and even reverse some diseases, aid digestion, increase nutrient adsorbtion and improve the immune system. Not only that, they taste great!
On the Nourished Kitchen website is a recipe for no-knead sourdough bread that I am going to try soon. I've already order the correct flour and sourdough starter online from Cultures for Health and Jovial Foods. The recipe looks simple and delicious, and very healthy. Read through and follow the links in her blog and you will see for yourself. Along with the sourdough starter, I also bought a home yogurt maker and the starter for that. Since I believe in eating fresh yogurt everyday to keep your immune system healthy, I'm sure I will really enjoy making my own.
In a few days I will have all the supplies I need and will soon give you an update as to my success on all of the above - but until then, enjoy the path and let me know what you discover on your journey.
photos courtesy of theKitchn.com and thenourishedkitchen.com