I often see repetition when reviewing my clients' food journals. Routine breakfasts, typical lunch and dinners, a lack of ideas for snacks. People are often limited because of their experiences with food based on their childhood, culture and willingness to try new things.
Over the past few weeks I have had the opportunity to taste and learn about homemade, South Indian cuisine. Curried chickpeas, dahl, idly, and rice & yogurt are a few dishes I have tried. Being raised Italian, Indian flavours were not a part of my taste palette. As an adult, I began to experience the taste other cultures have to offer. As a dietitian, I have come to learn how these various tastes can benefit my health.
Spices are well known to possess antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Coriander, turmeric, and cumin are some common spices used in Indian dishes and curries. Italian spices such as rosemary, parsley, basil, thyme and oregano are rich in antioxidants. And let us not forget the ever-popular ginger spice commonly found in Asian dishes.
If you are bored with your meals, consider buying a new spice this week. McCormick Gourmet Spices (www.spicesforhealth.ca) has discovered numerous ways to introduce spices into your daily routine (without being an internationally trained chef). Here are a few ideas to try during this summer's fresh produce and grilling season.
1. Try a light sprinkling of ground ginger on peaches, pears, cantaloupe, pineapple or honeydew melon.
2. Mix turmeric into plain yogurt, and use as a spicy marinade for salmon or mackerel.
3. Mix rosemary with olive oil and garlic as a marinade for lamb steaks.
4. Stir basil into chopped, garden-fresh tomatoes and use as a pasta sauce.
5. Skip the butter and sour cream and sprinkle oregano leaves on a baked potato.
I invite you to share your 'taste experience' with me, letting me know what spice you tried, how you used it and what you thought of it.
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