Today I’m happy to introduce you to Nan Gibbons, better known as @HealthNut2011! As everyone now, we also met on Twitter and since then have developed a lovely twittership! She’s the administrator over at Eat Breathe Blog, which focuses on healthy eating and fitness, something we ALL need more of! Check out her delicious #goaterie recipe, follow her on Twitter and “like” them on Facebook! Take it away Nan!
When our mothers and grandmothers were learning to cook, there were tried-and-true recipes that were passed down from generation to generation. Fried chicken, pork roasts, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and green beans were common, and the most exotic meal would have been chili or tacos.
A lot has changed since then, though. With the increasingly global society we live in, consumers are faced with a growing number of meals that they can prepare. While exotic ingredients were once difficult—if not impossible—to find, and were very costly, stores and online companies now frequently offer coupons to make these ingredients more affordable, and stores have expanded their products; these actions make exotic cooking fun and easy!
So how can you make this a reality in your home? Below are some must-have items for your kitchen that will ensure variety in your menu.
Spices and Sauces
One of the first things you can do is make sure your spice cupboard is fully stocked. Turmeric, one of the main ingredients in curry, has recently been in the news for its anti-cancer properties, making it a healthy choice. Other spices that can add diversity to your palate include wasabi, all spice, saffron, ginger, and soy sauce, all of which are easy to find at your local grocery store.
Fruits and Vegetables
Dietary Guidelines for 2010 recommend that consumers increase their fruit and vegetable intakes, filling half of their plates with fruity and vegetable goodness. Rather than the typical cherry tomato and tossed salad, why not experiment a little? Tomatillos, sea beans, and dandelion greens are full of essential nutrients, and will make a unique addition to your meal. Kumquats, pummelos, and star fruits are all delicious fruits that will liven up your meal.
Exotic Meats
For many, beef, chicken, pork, and seafood are a staple of their diet. However, there are only so many ways you can prepare these dishes. So why not experiment with this aspect of your diet, as well? Alligator meat is healthier than chicken, with lower cholesterol and fat content. Another healthy meat alternative is goat, which is low-fat and low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
While I was in college, I took a Caribbean Women Writers course, and several of the books mentioned Curried Goat. On a lark, I bought some goat meat and made the following delicious recipe:
Ingredients:
2lb (including bones) of goat meat – cut into cubes (lamb may be used as a substitute)
2 tbsp. curry powder
2 diced onions
2 scallions (or spring onions)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 hot chilies (ideally scotch bonnet)
1 tbsp. fresh grated ginger
6 cloves of minced garlic
2 sprigs of fresh thyme
1 tbsp. butter
1/2 lb. diced carrots
1/2 lb. diced potato
Instructions:
- Combine the curry powder, onions, scallions, salt, pepper, chilies, ginger, thyme and half a cup of water in a blender. Add more water if the ingredients do not mix well.
- Rub the mixture into the cubes of meat, let marinade in the fridge overnight.
- Scrape the marinade off the meat and save for later.
- Add the meat and butter to a frying pan and brown gently.
- Place the meat in a saucepan and add the potatoes, carrots and marinade, then add enough water to cover the meat.
- Bring to a boil then let simmer until the meat is tender (this should take 1 – 1.5 hrs.).
- Serve with white rice.
As you can see, it’s easier than you think to bring a touch of the exotic into your kitchen. With a few staple ingredients, a little creativity, and some good recipes, you can liven up your plate and create unforgettable meals.
Great #goaterie post, and if you’re still craving goat, check out my recipe for Curried Goat Phyllo Triangles. Thanks again to Nan for guest posting and sharing great ideas with us!
first of all, i love the word “twittership”
heehee. and i like the ideas of expanding our pantry staples such as tumeric and veggies such as tomatillos 😀
I need to find some goat meat. You have me intrigued! (Though still a little afraid… 😉 )