Showing posts with label Artichoke. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Artichoke. Show all posts

Friday, November 7, 2025

Leek and Parmesan Stuffed Artichoke

A lot of people don't know how wonderful it can be to cook with artichokes. Once you trim the parts that you can't eat, the earthy taste of the artichoke perfectly complements the sharp taste of the leek, along with breadcrumbs making it lightly crispy. You can add herbs or pine nuts to this dish, anything you'd like, really. 

Ingredients: 
 
Artichoke - 4 
 
Lemon - 1/2 a lemon 
 
Salt and Pepper - to taste 
 
Olive oil - 2 tbsp.
 
Chicken/ veg.  stock - 1 cup 
 
Leeks - 3 (washed, ends trimmed, chopped.) 
 
Garlic - 2 cloves (crushed) 
 
Parsley - 1/2 cup (thinly chopped) 
 
Breadcrumbs - 2 cups 
 
Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup (grated) 


Preparation: 
 
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). 
Cut off the artichoke leaves. Cut the ends of the artichoke stalks and remove the outer skin until only the soft part is exposed. 
 
Remove the top third of the artichokes, cut the rest in half and coat with oil. 
 
Remove the inner part (the thorny, “hairy” part) while making sure not to remove the heart. 
 
Place each half on a baking sheet and sprinkle with some salt & pepper. 
 
Pour the stock into the baking pan, in between the artichokes, cover them with aluminum foil and roast in the oven for 40 minutes. 
 
In a medium frying pan, heat up 2 tbsp. olive oil, then add the chopped leeks. 
 
Fry until soft. Add the garlic, fry for 2 more minutes and season with salt & pepper.
 
Remove the pan from the stove, add the bread crumbs and Parmesan to the pan, mix well and transfer to a bowl. 
 
When the 40 minutes are up, take the artichokes out of the oven, remove the foil and add the stuffing to each half. 
 
Cover it again with foil and return to the oven for 20 more minutes. 
 
To get a lovely, golden color, remove the foil and bake as is for another 15 minutes. 
 
If at any point you see that the stock has evaporated – add some water - and enjoy! 



https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  

https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for info on cancer and health related topics

https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs

 

Monday, July 7, 2025

Curb A Salt Craving With One of These 12 Healthy Snacks!

There are many health problems caused by excess sodium in the blood, such as high blood pressure, jaundice disease and other illnesses with far-reaching effects on the body. People who suffer from high levels of sodium should reduce the intake of foods containing large amounts of salt, which often causes them to have to fight off "salty cravings”. Fortunately, these cravings can be beat with the following 12 healthy snacks and foods that will help calm the desire for something salty without being harmful to our bodies.

1. Peanut butter with apples
 healthy snacks
 
There are wonderful peanut butters on the market made from unsalted nuts, and when you combine them with apple you get a very tasty and crunchy snack that helps curb the craving for salty foods. Peanut butter has only 3 mg of sodium and a medium apple contains 2 mg of the mineral making it a healthy snack with only 5 mg of sodium. The apple contains dietary fiber that helps digestion and water that helps quench thirst, and peanut butter contains proteins that contribute to a sense of satiety, so that both together bring a sense of fullness in addition to a decrease in desire for salt. 
 
2. Natural nuts
healthy snacks
Nuts have a natural salinity that helps curb the craving for over-salted foods, so the next time you want a salty snack, try going for all natural nuts without the artificial addition of sodium. In a cup of natural roasted almonds, there is only 1 mg of sodium and aside from their favorite flavor, these nuts and other types contain healthy fats that help strengthen the heart and contribute to the overall health of the body. 
 
3. Edamame

healthy snacks

Edamame, or Soybeans, have become a favorite snack, especially in recent years after we discovered their unique flavor and the fact that they are especially healthy for the body. One cup of Edamame contains only 9 mg of sodium and if you want to add some salt to these beans, opt for Celtic or Himalayan salt, which surprisingly helps reduce the levels of sodium in the blood, so you will get a delicious snack containing essential proteins for the body, iron which is essential in creating red blood cells and for oxygen transfer in the body, as well as vitamin C which strengthens the immune system and helps fight various infections.


4. Popcorn

 healthy snacks

In addition to the fact that corn grains are used as raw materials in the preparation of many healthy foods, they can also be used as a snack to curb your salt cravings. Home-popped popcorn is a particularly tasty snack that contributes to a sense of satiety and helps overcome the craving for more salty snacks, such as chips. In addition, it is an excellent diet snack with a cup of popped-popcorn containing only 31 calories and 1 mg of sodium. Popcorn is also an excellent source of protein which is needed to build and maintain muscle mass and maintain a healthy immune system. You can add nutritional yeast, which can be bought in health food stores, to your popcorn giving it a salty taste with a small amount of sodium, or alternatively coating your popcorn in dried herbs will give it a special taste.  
 
 
5. Fresh fruits
healthy snacks

There are few things that can compete with the rich taste of fresh fruit, such as banana or strawberries containing only 1 mg of sodium. Eating these fruits and many others will contribute to the feeling of satiety and also curb the desire for salty foods that can harm you. Furthermore, they help to fight high blood pressure, which is a symptom of those whose diets are rich in sodium. 
 
 
6. Fruit and Veggie Shakes
 healthy snacks
 
Fruit alone is wonderful for curbing cravings for salty foods, but when you add vegetables, you have a double weapon in your hands. Drinking fruit and vegetable shakes is a great way to fill the stomach, to feel full, to curb the urge for salts because of their natural salt content, and to fill the body with the vitamins and minerals it needs. To prepare the perfect shake, mix vegetables with green leaves, natural peanut butter, strawberries, bananas and avocados and get a super healthy drink with less than 20 mg of sodium per glass.


7. Hummus spread
 healthy snacks
 
 The chickpeas used to make hummus are filled with essential proteins for the body, and thanks to their delicate natural salinity they help create a food that fights salt cravings. Make a hummus spread sandwich or eat it as a dip and enjoy a tasty snack that isn’t costing you health wise. If you buy readymade hummus, check the labels to make sure the sodium levels aren’t too high. 
 
 
8. Roasted chickpeas


Apart from eating them as a spread, chickpeas can serve as a delicious snack in their own right. Instead of buying roasted and seasoned chickpeas filled with salt, prepare them easily at home as follows: roast canned chickpeas with no added salt in the oven, and add avocado or coconut oil with spices such as paprika, curry, and cumin that add a particularly rich flavor. Half a cup of chickpeas contains only 24 mg of sodium and will provide you with dietary fiber that helps digestion. Additionally, you’ll get a dose of antioxidants that repair cellular damage and maintain a strong immune system.  
 
 
9. Sunflower seeds
healthy snacks

Sunflower seeds definitely don’t need to be advertised! In order for you to enjoy particularly healthy sunflower seeds, buy those that are peeled and not roasted with salt, add them to salads or roast them in the oven with spices, like chickpeas. These seeds are rich in amino acids that build up cells in the body and also contain a high vitamin E content that helps maintain liver health. A handful of sunflower seeds will calm your craving for salty foods, but it is recommended that you don’t overdo them because they contain fat which should also only be consumed in moderation.  
 
 
10. Kale Chips
healthy snacks
Kale has captured the vegetable market in recent years, and many people have put it into their daily diet because of its many benefits. Kale contains large amounts of vitamin K that improves the absorption of calcium in the bones and strengthens them, preventing diseases such as osteoporosis and physical injuries. A cup of Kale contains 25 mg of sodium, and in order to enjoy the vegetable in a unique way, you can turn them into chips like so: line a baking sheet, place kale leaves on top in one layer, drizzle with oil and season with the spices you like. Bake at 250 degrees for 10-12 minutes, take out, let them cool and start snacking. Dying the leaves out in the oven helps to emphasize their naturally salty taste and with the addition of spices, you get a crispy and delicious snack that’s perfect for curbing cravings.


11. Celery sticks and carrots with a Greek yogurt dip
 
healthy snacks
When you are in the midst of a sodium-free diet, eating vegetables alone can be a little boring and make us reach for saltier snacks. To deal with the cravings successfully, try a natural Greek yogurt with a little paprika and crushed garlic as a dip for carrots and celery sticks, or any vegetable you’d like. You‘ll get a tingling of saltiness that will reduce your desire for salt considerably and will also allow you to benefit from all the ingredients in the snack you made. Carrots are filled with beta-carotene which contributes to your vision and celery quenches thirst and will provide you with dietary fiber for normal bowel movements. The protein-rich yogurt will contribute to your overall health and the garlic that acts as a natural antibiotic will greatly complement this small health punch. 
 
 
12. Artichoke hearts with lemon juice
 
healthy snacks
Artichoke is a popular ingredient in many dishes, but it can also be eaten without prior preparation by just adding lemon juice. You can purchase canned artichoke hearts with no added salt in the various supermarkets. Cut them and add a little lemon juice to upgrade this unusual snack. Artichoke helps lower blood pressure, what is important for people who consume too much sodium, helps with constipation and also balances the body's sugar levels. In addition to these benefits, you will also get a delicious snack which is naturally salty.



https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  

https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for info on cancer and health related topics

https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs
 
 


Saturday, April 14, 2018

Curb A Salt Craving With These 12 Healthy Snacks!

There are many health problems caused by excess sodium in the blood, such as high blood pressure, jaundice disease and other illnesses with far-reaching effects on the body. People who suffer from high levels of sodium should reduce the intake of foods containing large amounts of salt, which often causes them to have to fight off "salty cravings”. Fortunately, these cravings can be beat with the following 12 healthy snacks and foods that will help calm the desire for something salty without being harmful to our bodies.

1. Peanut butter with apple

There are wonderful peanut butters on the market made from unsalted nuts, and when you combine them with apple you get a very tasty and crunchy snack that helps curb the craving for salty foods. Peanut butter has only 3 mg of sodium and a medium apple contains 2 mg of the mineral making it a healthy snack with only 5 mg of sodium. The apple contains dietary fiber that helps digestion and water that helps quench thirst, and peanut butter contains proteins that contribute to a sense of satiety, so that both together bring a sense of fullness in addition to a decrease in desire for salt.

2. Natural nuts

Nuts have a natural salinity that helps curb the craving for over-salted foods, so the next time you want a salty snack, try going for all natural nuts without the artificial addition of sodium. In a cup of natural roasted almonds, there is only 1 mg of sodium and aside from their favorite flavor, these nuts and other types contain healthy fats that help strengthen the heart and contribute to the overall health of the body.

3. Edamame

Edamame, or Soybeans, have become a favorite snack, especially in recent years after we discovered their unique flavor and the fact that they are especially healthy for the body. One cup of Edamame contains only 9 mg of sodium and if you want to add some salt to these beans, opt for Celtic or Himalayan salt, which surprisingly helps reduce the levels of sodium in the blood, so you will get a delicious snack containing essential proteins for the body, iron which is essential in creating red blood cells and for oxygen transfer in the body, as well as vitamin C which strengthens the immune system and helps fight various infections.

4. Popcorn

In addition to the fact that corn grains are used as raw materials in the preparation of many healthy foods, they can also be used as a snack to curb your salt cravings. Home-popped popcorn is a particularly tasty snack that contributes to a sense of satiety and helps overcome the craving for more salty snacks, such as chips. In addition, it is an excellent diet snack with a cup of popped-popcorn containing only 31 calories and 1 mg of sodium. Popcorn is also an excellent source of protein which is needed to build and maintain muscle mass and maintain a healthy immune system. You can add nutritional yeast, which can be bought in health food stores, to your popcorn giving it a salty taste with a small amount of sodium, or alternatively coating your popcorn in dried herbs will give it a special taste.

5. Fresh fruits

There are few things that can compete with the rich taste of fresh fruit, such as banana or strawberries containing only 1 mg of sodium. Eating these fruits and many others will contribute to the feeling of satiety and also curb the desire for salty foods that can harm you. Furthermore, they help to fight high blood pressure, which is a symptom of those whose diets are rich in sodium.

6. Fruit and Veggie Shakes

Fruit alone is wonderful for curbing cravings for salty foods, but when you add vegetables, you have a double weapon in your hands. Drinking fruit and vegetable shakes is a great way to fill the stomach, to feel full, to curb the urge for salts because of their natural salt content, and to fill the body with the vitamins and minerals it needs. To prepare the perfect shake, mix vegetables with green leaves, natural peanut butter, strawberries, bananas and avocados and get a super healthy drink with less than 20 mg of sodium per glass.

7. Hummus Spread

The chickpeas used to make hummus are filled with essential proteins for the body, and thanks to their delicate natural salinity they help create a food that fights salt cravings. Make a hummus spread sandwich or eat it as a dip and enjoy a tasty snack that isn’t costing you health wise. If you buy readymade hummus, check the labels to make sure the sodium levels aren’t too high.

8. Roasted chickpeas

Apart from eating them as a spread, chickpeas can serve as a delicious snack in their own right. Instead of buying roasted and seasoned chickpeas filled with salt, prepare them easily at home as follows: roast canned chickpeas with no added salt in the oven, and add avocado or coconut oil with spices such as paprika, curry, and cumin that add a particularly rich flavor. Half a cup of chickpeas contains only 24 mg of sodium and will provide you with dietary fiber that helps digestion. Additionally, you’ll get a dose of antioxidants that repair cellular damage and maintain a strong immune system.

9. Sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds definitely don’t need to be advertised! In order for you to enjoy particularly healthy sunflower seeds, buy those that are peeled and not roasted with salt, add them to salads or roast them in the oven with spices, like chickpeas. These seeds are rich in amino acids that build up cells in the body and also contain a high vitamin E content that helps maintain liver health. A handful of sunflower seeds will calm your craving for salty foods, but it is recommended that you don’t overdo them because they contain fat which should also only be consumed in moderation.

10. Kale Chips

Kale has captured the vegetable market in recent years, and many people have put it into their daily diet because of its many benefits. Kale contains large amounts of vitamin K that improves the absorption of calcium in the bones and strengthens them, preventing diseases such as osteoporosis and physical injuries. A cup of Kale contains 25 mg of sodium, and in order to enjoy the vegetable in a unique way, you can turn them into chips like so: line a baking sheet, place kale leaves on top in one layer, drizzle with oil and season with the spices you like.  Bake at 250 degrees for 10-12 minutes, take out, let them cool and start snacking. Dying the leaves out in the oven helps to emphasize their naturally salty taste and with the addition of spices, you get a crispy and delicious snack that’s perfect for curbing cravings.

11. Celery sticks and carrots with a Greek yogurt dip

When you are in the midst of a sodium-free diet, eating vegetables alone can be a little boring and make us reach for saltier snacks. To deal with the cravings successfully, try a natural Greek yogurt with a little paprika and crushed garlic as a dip for carrots and celery sticks, or any vegetable you’d like. You‘ll get a tingling of saltiness that will reduce your desire for salt considerably and will also allow you to benefit from all the ingredients in the snack you made. Carrots are filled with beta-carotene which contributes to your vision and celery quenches thirst and will provide you with dietary fiber for normal bowel movements. The protein-rich yogurt will contribute to your overall health and the garlic that acts as a natural antibiotic will greatly complement this small health punch.

12. Artichoke hearts with lemon juice

Artichoke is a popular ingredient in many dishes, but it can also be eaten without prior preparation by just adding lemon juice. You can purchase canned artichoke hearts with no added salt in the various supermarkets. Cut them and add a little lemon juice to upgrade this unusual snack. Artichoke helps lower blood pressure, what is important for people who consume too much sodium, helps with constipation and also balances the body's sugar levels. In addition to these benefits, you will also get a delicious snack which is naturally salty.

For my other blogs, I'm giving the links below, feel free to view and comment too.
https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com. for all cancer and health related topics
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacemen
t   
    

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

ROASTED ARTICHOKE AND FETA DIP

INGREDIENTS
fresh artichoke hearts cleaned & boiled   20 or you can use canned ones also
olive oil   75 ml
garlic cloves  2
onion cut into dices  1
small cucumber peeled, deseeded & diced  1
fresh coriander leaves   20 gm/  4 tbsp
green chillies  trimmed  2
feta cheese   50 gm
lemon juice   30 ml
salt to taste

METHOD

pre-heat the oven to 175 deg. C
in a bowl, toss the artichokes, onion, garlic, little oil
then arrange them on a baking sheet & roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes
set aside to cool
in a food processor, combine these with rest of the ingredients & pulse several times, scraping the sides each time
pulse either smooth or chunky as per your preference
serve it with crisp vegetables


note- for health benefits of artichokes, see my cancer blog


those interested in cancer & health related topics are free to see my blog-

http://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com/


for crochet designs, my blog, those who like a particular design are free to mail me

http://My Crochet  Creations.blogspot.com

For info. about knee replacement, be free to view my blog-

http://knee replacement-stick club.blogspot.com

Thursday, June 27, 2013

VEGETABLES WHICH BOOSTS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM



1) Cruciferous vegetables are the gold standard in immune-boosting vegetables.


Although all vegetables have nutrients and some protective powers, for these vegetables, it’s off the charts. Cruciferous vegetables have a special chemical composition: They have sulfur-containing compounds that are responsible for their pungent flavours. When they’re broken down by biting, blending, or chopping, a chemical reaction occurs that converts these sulphur-containing compounds into isothiocyanates (ITCs). ITCs prevent and knock out cancer and have infinite proven immune-boosting capabilities.
They contain antiviral and antibacterial agents that keep you disease free. Adding the following cruciferous vegetables to your daily plate is like taking an anticancer pill: arugula, beet greens, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, horseradish, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, radishes, red cabbage, turnip greens, or watercress.

 

2) Garlic is surely one of the world’s most potent medicines, and its potent smell is what makes it so powerful.

The active ingredient allicin turns into organosulfurs, which are the compounds that keep your cells safe from all the destructive cellular processes that can cause major chronic diseases. Garlic is a natural antiseptic; it prevents cancer, fights infection, and prevents colds. Research also states that garlic may prevent or decrease chronic diseases associated with age, such as atherosclerosis, stroke, cancer, immune disorders, brain ageing, cataracts, and arthritis.
3 ) Onions are rich in quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that may reduce the risk of cancer.
Like garlic, onions also contain the amazing compound allicin. Red and purple onions contain anthocyanins, the same antioxidants that make berries so robust in healing powers. In addition to being extraordinary at pre venting and healing cancer, the quercetin contained in onion makes them a safe therapy for allergies; it also helps prevent heart disease and reduce high blood pressure.

4) The power of mushrooms comes from their ability to enhance the activity of natural killer T cells (NKT).

These NKTs attack and remove cells that are damaged or infected by a virus. Mushrooms are associated with decreasing most cancers and significantly reducing the risk of breast cancer in women. They prevent DNA damage, slow cancer or tumour growth, and prevent tumours from acquiring a blood supply.

5) Tomatoes are also the richest source of the exceptionally potent antioxidantlycopene, a substance that prevents cancer, particularly cancer of the prostate.

Tomatoes also have high levels of beta carotene, an antioxidant that supports the immune system. They have high dietary fibre and taste delicious raw or cooked.

6) Beets are an amazing blood purifier.

Beets are rich in iron and produce the disease-fighting white blood cells. They also stimulate red blood cells and improve the supply of oxygen to the cells. Beets prevent cancer and heart disease, and the detoxifying properties make them good for your organs. Beets are also high in fibre and nourishing for digestive health.

7) Spinach is rich in beta carotene, which the body transforms into vitamin A, triggering your immune response to keep you well.

Spinach prevents cancer and heart disease and is rich in the disease-fighting mineral zinc. The vitamin C helps you resist colds and infection and keeps your skin healthy; the B vitamins keep you calm and more energetic.

8) Asparagus’s biggest talent is its ability to encourage the body to flush out toxins, due to its natural diuretic abilities.

Asparagus is both cleansing and anti-inflammatory to the body. It has the antioxidant glutathione,which can lower your risk factor for heart disease and cancer. It’s useful for all inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome.

9) Artichoke supports the liver.

The substance cynarin gives artichoke its detoxifying qualities. Artichokes’ B vitamins increase mental alertness and strengthen your immunity.

10) Red bell pepper is bursting with vitamin C, making it a powerful immune builder.

Red bell pepper’s high level of beta carotene turns into vitamin A, making it a strong defence against disease. Although green and yellow peppers are certainly healthy, they’re more super foodish. Although they both have similar amounts of vitamin C, red bell peppers have quite a bit more of the superstar beta carotene.

11) Sweet potatoes are far superior than the run-of-the-mill white potato.

The orange variety contains beta carotene, which makes them filled with robust antioxidant, antiviral, and anticancer abilities. They’re also full of fibre and the vitamin E they contain is healthy for the skin.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Artichoke soup, its health benefits

Artichoke soup          serves 8

Ingredients

Artichoke hearts 5     butter 7 tbsp            leeks sliced 1        garlic 6 cloves
Shallots ½ cup`            potatoes peeled & diced 250gm     vegetable stock ½ cup
Bay leaf 1      thyme 2 sprigs       parsley 4 sprigs       black peppercorns ¼ tsp        
Cream ½ cup               salt

Method
Prepare the artichoke heart, by cutting lengthwise into quarters. With a small knife, remove the thistly choke & discard.
Cut the leaves from the heart. Cut/peel the tough skin of the stems & discard. Slice the hearts/ chop to a ¼” thickness.
In a large pot, melt ½ the butter & cook the artichoke hearts, leeks, garlic, shallots on medium heat till tender but not brown. Add potatoes & stock. Tie up the bay leaf, thyme, parsley & peppercorns in a cheesecloth & add to the pot. Increase heat to bring to a boil, then lower heat & continue to simmer uncovered for an hour.
Remove the herbs. Puree the soup & pass through a strainer. When ready to serve, heat the soup & whisk in the remaining butter & cream, season with salt & serve.

Benefits of artichoke- it is considered as a medicinal herb now, following the discovery of cynari, a bitter tasting compound found in the leaves that improves liver & gall bladder function, stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, especially bile & lowers blood cholesterol. The leaves are diuretic & help in digestion. They’re used in the treatment of chronic liver & gall bladder diseases, jaundice, hepatitis, arteriosclerosis & the early stages on late-onset diabetes. The leaves can be used fresh/ dried.