Asian Detox Soup

In the new year, like most, I am more conscious of my health and what I am putting into my body. I like to start fresh in January and this soup just feels like a fresh start!

This soup is full of nourishing, healthy vegetables as well as other healthy spices and the noodles help keep you satisfied so you're not running back into the kitchen for a snack. The shitake mushrooms are very meaty, and even though I do eat meat, the addition of the shitake mushrooms doesn't make me crave meat at all. If the thought of a vegetarian meal doesn't interest you, thinly sliced beef or chicken or even shrimp will work beautify in this soup.

This soup contains both ginger and turmeric which is loaded with antioxidants. Turmeric has also been known to reduce the risk of cancer - who doesn't want that!?! But best of all, it tastes amazing!

   Asian Detox Noodle Soup

 

 

Makes:6 servings

Preptime: 20 minutes

Cook time:15 minutes

 

Ingredients:

900 ml mushroom broth

6-8 shitake mushrooms (chopped)

4 bunches baby bok choy (chopped)2 stalks green onion (sliced)

1/4 onion 

1 inch sized ginger (grated)

1 tbsp salt

1 clove garlic (minced) 

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

pinch turmeric

1/2 tsp chinese five spice

1/2 tsp chili flakes

1/4 cup coconut aminos

1/4 vegetarian oyster sauce 

1 tbsp olive oil 

1 cup rice noodle

handful cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat oil on medium heat.
2. add onions, garlic. Heat until softened.
3. Add mushrooms and cook until softened.
4. Add coconut aminos, vegetarian oyster sauce, ginger, turmeric, onion powder, garlic powder, chinese five spice, salt. mix well 
5. Add the broth and noodles and simmer for 5-10 minutes or until noodles are softened.
6. Add bok choy and green onions and simmer for 1-2 minutes. 
7. Dish into bowls and add cilantro on top. Serve.

Harissa Spiced Chickpeas

The Lifestyle RSS

When I come home late from work after a hard day, I try to make something quick and satisfying. This usually translates into something simple like pasta. But I am also trying to limit my pasta intake and making leaner choices.

This one has quickly become one of my go to recipes as of late. It is so easy to make and the flavours are so different from what I typically make - which just makes me crave more!

Before trying the Knorr Harissa spice mix, I really wasn't sure what to expect. But it is a delicious blend of earthy spices, with a bit of a kick to it! I'll be honest, my pepper tolerance isn't very high, (I usually don't order anything over medium spice level!) so if you do want more of a kick to it, feel free to add chili flakes or more hot sauce!

I love this recipe even more because you can easily omit the meatballs if you are vegetarian or making this as a "meatless Monday" meal. Because of the chickpeas, the protein levels are already really high in this recipe. It's also perfect for those post-workout meals when you are looking for an extra dose of protein!

To make this healthier, I personally like to serve this recipe over brown rice for dinners, but you can easily swap the brown rice for white rice, couscous or even quinoa .

I personally love this recipe because it’s full of protein and has tons of flavour! You can also take leftovers into work as part of a bowl - just add some vegetables and you're ready to go!

      Harissa Spiced Chickpeas and Meatballs  

Makes: 4 servings

Preptime: 10 minutes

Cook time:20 minutes

 

Ingredients:

2 lbs lean ground beef

1 can chickpeas, drained and washed

2 tbsp Knorr  Harissa seasoning (divided)

2 tablespoons oil

250 ml (2 cups)  beef broth or vegetable stock

1 teaspoon tomato paste

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 onion, finely diced

1 tsp italian seasoning

1 egg

1 tbsp worcester sauce

salt to taste

black pepper to taste

  

 

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the ground beef, egg, worcester sauce, 1 tsp Knorr Harissa seasoning, onions, garlic, salt, pepper  and Italian seasoning together. Mix well and form 1 inch diameter balls
2. In a skillet with 1 tbsp of oil, and place onmedium-high heat
3. Once hot, place meatballs in the skillet, browning on all sides for 8-10 minutes. Set aside. 
4. In the same skillet add chicken or vegetable stock, tomato paste. Simmer for approximately 8 minutes or until it reduces to about half. 
5. add 1 tsp Knorr Harissa seasoning and stir well. 
6. add 1 can of drained and washed chickpeas to the sauce and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.