Super Foods

If you’re on a health kick following the start of the new year, or simply want to eat better this year, you’ve probably heard of the term ‘superfood’.  These are types of foods that are rich in nutrients and can have a positive impact on your health.

Dark leafy greens

Leafy Greens

Leafy green vegetables are essential to a balanced diet and one of the easiest ways to improve your health and wellbeing. They are plentiful in vitamins, minerals and fibre, which means green leafy vegetables have many health benefits. They can help reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, like heart disease and diabetes. Some of the healthiest greens include kale, spinach and cabbage.

Berries

Berries

Berries are high in fibre, vitamin C and antioxidants. That’s why they’re known as heart healthy fruits. Berries can help to prevent and reduce the risks of heart disease, such as blood pressure and cholesterol. Some of the healthiest berries include blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and cranberries.

Eggs

Eggs

Eggs are one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. They are high in protein and provide all the essential minerals and vitamins you need, including vitamin B12 and folate. Eggs can also boost your brain and memory. They’re loaded with choline, an essential nutrient for our health. And not forgetting, eggs are cheap and easy to make, however you like them.

Salmon

Salmon

The health benefits of salmon appear to be endless. The nutrients found in salmon are important for your immune system, skin, brain and bones. Salmon can reduce the risk of many chronic illnesses. Because salmon is high in potassium, it helps to balance your blood pressure, leading to a happy, healthy heart! Salmon is also a fantastic source of protein, with far less saturated fats than alternative sources like chicken.

Sweet Potato

Sweet Potato

It’s easy to see why sweet potatoes are one of the most popular veggies. This root vegetable is both versatile, flavoursome and healthy. Sweet potatoes are packed full of nutrients including fibre, vitamins and minerals. This means sweet potatoes have many benefits for your body, from improving your skin to your vision. They’re a disease-preventing vegetable too and can even help those suffering with suffering from arthritis or asthma.

Other superfoods that deserve an honorary mention:

· Pulses

· Nuts and seeds

· Garlic

· Mushrooms

· Avocado

2 superfood recipes that you can cook in your FlavorStone

If you want to introduce superfoods like these into your diet, what better way than with FlavorStone? ‘The Pan That Can’ workson gas, induction, electric and ceramic hobs, as well as in your oven and on your grill. It’s more than just your traditional pan – it can fry, grill, steam and bake a variety of superfoods.

The FlavorStone has a square shape with deep walls, which means you get more space and less spillage compared to conventional circular pans. Plus, it’s superior heat conductivity rapidly heats up the entire surface to ensure your food is cooked well throughout. The FlavorStone also has a ‘quick release, cool touch’ handle that allows you to move the pan from hob to oven quickly and safely. Then there’s the non-stick coating, which makes washing up a breeze.

Sweet potato hash with eggs

Ingredients

· 2 cups cubed of sweet potatoes

· 1 medium chopped onion

· 1/2 green bell chopped pepper

· 1/2 red bell chopped pepper

· 1/2 yellow bell chopped pepper

· 1 cup of chopped spicy smoked sausage

· 4 eggs

· 1/2 tablespoon of cumin

· 2 tablespoon of olive oil

· Salt and pepper

· Pinch of parsley

Method

1. Heat a 2 tbsp of olive oil in the FlavorStone. Add the onions and the cubed sweet potatoes.

2. Cook the mixture in the FlavorStone for about 7 minutes. Add the bell pepper, sausage, salt, pepper and cumin.

3. Cook for an additional 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Crack the 4 eggs on top of the hash and place the FlavorStone in the oven to grill for a couple minutes until the eggs are cooked.

5. Garnish with parsley to serve.

Salmon with almonds and asparagus

Ingredients

· 200 g salmon with skin

· 1 tablespoon of parsley, finely chopped

· Salt and Pepper

· 2 tablespoon of olive oil

· 12 pieces of asparagus

· 2 tablespoons of flaked almonds

· 1/2 teaspoon of garlic, minced

· 1/4 teaspoon of chilli flakes

· Slice of lemon

Method

1. Put the FlavorStone on medium to high heat. Pour 1/2 tablespoon of oil over the fish, add the parsley and a grind of salt and pepper. Massage the oil and parsley over the fish and place skin side down on the FlavorStone.

2. Cook for 5 minutes. Flip over and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from the FlavorStone and cover with foil.

3. Wipe the FlavorStone and add a tablespoon of oil to heat up again.

4. Add the asparagus, let them sizzle for 30-40 seconds. Toss in the garlic and chilli flakes.

5. Cook for 1 minute until the asparagus is slightly tender.

6. Sprinkle the flaked almonds over the asparagus and cook for 30 seconds.

7. Remove everything from the pan and divide between two plates.

8. Separate the salmon into small chunks and place on top of the asparagus.

9. Lightly pour the remaining olive oil, squeeze the lemon juice and sprinkle the salt and pepper over the salmon.

Click here to learn more about the FlavorStone and for more recipe ideas.