A healthy start to the new year with Prashant Patil

 

Want to get healthy this year but do not know where to start? We catch up with head chef Prashant Patil  who guides us on a range of exotic  and local foods to eat  which are jam-packed with essential nutrients for optimal health.

 

Every Day Ingredients  - the Perfect Salad

 

We all know how good vegetables are for you. Check out Prashant's winter green salad for a fresh start to the New Year. 

 

Key Ingredients and their Benefits

Cucumber, Kale, Avocado, Ginger, Spinach, Broccoli 

 

  • Cucumber -proven to aid lower blood sugar, hydrate and packed with antioxidants.
  • Kale -  is widely known for its health benefits. It contains fiber, antioxidants, calcium, and vitamin K, among others. 
  • Avocado - full of potassium, fatty acids, and fiber
  • Ginger- known for reducing inflammation through medical properties 
  • Baby Spinach - Includes Vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C ,manganese, magnesium, iron and vitamin B2.  
  • Broccoli - Included Vitamin A K and C,  folate (folic acid) and also provides potassium, fiber.

 

Directions: 

Blanch broccoli in salted boiling water and refresh in ice cold water to keep it nice and crunchy. (you can cook in advance and keep it refrigerated)
Crush some ginger and mix with honey salt, crushed black pepper and cider vinegar and extra virgin oil. We can always add pinch of five spice powder to give some heat. Dice cucumber and avocado to the size you prefer
Mix all the salad ingredients with the dressing.

You can always top it up with the below ingredients for an added kick:


Toasted pumpkin seeds
Toasted sunflower seeds
Dried cranberries
Smoked almonds
Toasted hazelnuts

 

Exotic ingredients to try

 

Bitter Gourd

 

Bitter Gourd or Momordica charanti is a exotic vegetable which is related to courgettes, cucumber and squash. It is packed with many essential ingredients such as Vitamin C and A, Potassium, Calcium, Zinc, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Iron. It is very low in calories and  high in fibre. 

It is also known for reducing blood sugar, with cancer fighting properties, lower cholesterol and aid in weight loss. What’s more, it can be eaten both raw or cooked!

 

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a traditional leaf used in many Indian dishes. It is well recognised for its medicinal properties in ancient Chinese medicine as well. It is well known for reducing blood sugar levels, inflammation and heartburn. Its also known to reduce appetite. Fenugreek is in many supplements or can be implemented in cooking using its seeds.

 

Here at One Moorgate Place, we have a range of healthy salads, fresh from our salad deli in our Cafe. Our Club (for members only) has a range of freshly prepared dishes made by our exemplary chefs.  If you plan to run an event or meeting at our establishment, we can provide you with a range of healthy bowl/lunch or set-menu options to satisfy any food requirements. 

 

Contact us and kick start your healthy New Year today.