Five foods to warm you up this Winter

Five foods to warm you this Winter

Have you ever asked yourself why certain foods or culinary traditions are so important to your particular culture? There is way more of a connection between food and culture than you may first think. One of the unique things about the Asian culture is that their approach to food and eating is to create wellness. Inspired by EAT at Hout Bay Manor’s delicious Asian menu here are five foods that will do you good and keep you warm this winter

Hot chilli peppers contain the compound capsaicin, which gives them their spicy kick.
They are very high in antioxidant carotenoids, which are linked with numerous health benefits. As circulation boosters, chillies can have a dramatic impact on your health by helping to boost circulation. Due to the anti-inflammatory benefits of capsaicin, hot peppers can help prevent allergies and alleviate the symptoms caused by allergies.
Ginger contains Gingerol, a substance which contains powerful medicinal properties. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and is a great choice to keep the body healthy during winter. It can be added to a wide range of savoury and sweet dishes to enhance their flavour. If you’re thinking of warming up with a cup of herbal tea, try adding slices of fresh ginger. Ginger is thought to have thermogenic properties that can keep you warm, and it is believed that it boosts the metabolism and promotes blood flow.
Garlic contains compounds with potent medicinal properties. Not only does garlic act as a cholesterol-lowering agent, it is also a brilliant heat producing food. Whether you’re ultimately using it raw or cooked, you can increase the benefits of garlic by chopping or crushing it and letting it stand before eating it or adding it to your cooking.
Lemon has been known for its therapeutic properties through the ages. Lemon helps to strengthen your immune system as it contains a good amount of vitamin C, and a small amount of a number of vitamins and minerals, including B-vitamins as well as potassium, zinc, and magnesium. A squeeze of lemon is as good as a dash of salt in bringing out the flavour of just about any food.
Good-quality honey contains many important antioxidants. These include organic acids and several compounds such as flavonoids. Scientists believe that the combination of these compounds gives honey its antioxidant power. Honey is also an antimicrobial agent that has been used to treat several ailments since ancient times.

Here is one of EAT’s own delicious Asian recipes for you to prepare and enjoy at home – or why not make a lunch or dinner booking at EAT and let our Head Chef and her team prepare you a delicious healthy meal – always lovingly prepared?

Thai Green Curry (serves 4)

400gm meat of your choice
50g Red Pepper
30g Onion
80gm curry paste
100g baby marrow
100g carrots
100g Mushroom
1000ml coconut milk
25ml fish sauce
100g palm sugar
50g basil
5g lime leaves
30ml sunflower oil

Method:

Saute your curry paste in oil on a moderate to low heat until fragrant and your oil has absorbed all of your curry paste. NB!! Be careful not to burn your paste

Then add fish sauce and palm sugar and mix in with your curry paste.

Deglaze your pan with coconut milk and bring to a simmer or until your paste has dissolved into your coconut milk.

Add the meat of choice and only cook it till just cooked, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer for at least 5 min.

How to serve:

The best addition for this curry would be jasmine rice but if you are up for an adventure why not try it with a roti. I will have our famous roti recipe in the coming month

Fresh coriander is the best as a lovely garnish

Five foods to warm you up this Winter

Five foods to warm you this Winter

Thai Green Curry (serves 4)

Method:

How to serve:

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