Good food: Muhammara

This is the first in the healthy recipe posts. If anyone else has a recipe they have tested out that's good for us and tasty, please share with me and I will get it posted online for you. (If you want to bring a sample to share, even better!)

(Free samples available at Emily's desk all day 10/18/07)



Muhammara

This is a Middle-Eastern dip that is extremely addictive. The main flavors are roasted red peppers, walnuts and cumin, an unlikely combo that proves really delicious. Serve with veggies and homemade pita chips mentioned below, as a sandwich spread, or even thinned out with a little water as a pasta sauce. If you're strapped for time, you can substitute roasted red peppers in a jar, drained well. If you use the pomegranate molasses* rather than honey, this is vegan as well.

*Pomegranate molasses can be found at a Middle Eastern grocer, if you're lucky enough to have access to one. Alternatively, recipezaar.com tells you how to make your own. Or try ordering it online at ethnicgrocer.com.

ingredients:

6 large red peppers, roasted and peeled
2/3 c. breadcrumbs
1/3 c. chopped walnuts
3 large garlic cloves, minced
1 T. lemon juice
2 t. pomegranate molasses (or honey)
1 t. ground cumin
½ t. red pepper flakes
¾ c. extra virgin olive oil

Toss all ingredients except for olive oil in a food processor. Blend until combined. With food processor running, drizzle in olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Makes approximately 2½ cups.

Pita Chips

These are so much better than store bought! Cheaper, too. I like to use whole-wheat pita bread for a little extra health kick.

ingredients
1 package pocket pita bread
non-stick cooking spray
variety of spices ( I like the combo of garlic powder, dill and paprika, but you can use whatever you like)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Split each pita, inserting a knife into the pocket to get the two sides apart. Cut each half circle into three triangles. Spread the pieces rough side up on cookie sheets and spray lightly with cooking spray. Sprinkle on spices and bake for 15 minutes or until crisp.

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Superfoods!



Hmmm, sounds weird. Why should I try some Muhammara?

Red bell peppers are a Superfood for your immunity because just one serving (1 medium pepper) is a top source of vitamin C (providing over 450% of the Daily Value), an excellent source of vitamin A (providing over 90% of the Daily Value), and one of the few vegetable sources of vitamin E -- nutrients that help support the immune system. Red bell peppers are one of only a few foods that naturally have this powerful combination of nutrients. Vitamin C has been shown to enhance white blood cell function. Some studies have also linked high intake of vitamin C to shorter duration and milder severity of cold symptoms by bolstering immune cells and lowering levels of histamine – a chemical responsible for congestion and stuffiness. While vitamin C receives most of the attention for its role in fighting colds, vitamin A is the unsung hero of immune function. Some researchers even call vitamin A the “anti-infective” vitamin because it helps support the body’s first line of immune defense: the maintenance of skin and mucosal cells lining the airways, urinary and digestive tracts. Vitamin A also plays an important role in the development of white blood cells, such as lymphocytes, which research shows are important in defending the body against viruses and bacteria. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that studies show may shield immune cells from free radicals and may boost the production of immune boosting white blood cells.

Check out more superfoods here.