Izelle Hoffman is back! And this week Danny threw her a purple curve ball!
Every week our 'Food Fairy Godmother' takes one ingredient and turns it into something really special, and nutritious!
With a dedication to eating mindfully, Izelle Hoffman, has carved a career out as one of our favourite South African lifestyle chefs, and she shares her knowledge - and recipes - every week!
This week she's helping Danny and her aubergine. The real kind, not the emoji kind!
From the beginning of lockdown, Danny has been spending loads of time gardening and her veggies have never been happier, which means an oversupply of shiny purple goodness, but why are they good?
Also check out: What's in your fridge? And Another night of spaghetti bolognese?
Check out her Cookbook: Izelle Hoffman is changing the way we live, one recipe at a time!
Izelle chatted to Danny about the humble aubergine (or eggplant), and you can listen here and find the recipe below!
Sesame-crusted aubergine steaks with pomegranate and wild rocket
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
1 large or 2 medium aubergines
¼ cup olive oil
1 heaped tsp paprika
¼ cup raw honey
1 tsp Oryx desert salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
2 heaped Tbsp sesame seeds
100 g baby spinach
1 Tbsp almond flour
15 g wild rocket
80 g pomegranate arils
1. Cut the aubergines into steaks about 1.5 cm thick.
2. Combine the olive oil, paprika, honey, salt and black pepper in a large bowl.
3. Add the Aubergine steaks and allow them to absorb the marinade. Coat the marinated aubergine steaks with sesame seeds before cooking.
4. Heat a large frying pan until very hot and fry the aubergine steaks on both sides until golden brown.
5. Place the baby spinach on the bottom of a serving dish. Place the fried aubergine steaks on top, sprinkle with the almond flour and garnish with the wild rocket and pomegranate arils.
6. Serve immediately.
Can be served as a salad, or ideal for Meat-free Mondays served with Quinoa
Why we make use of these Ingredients:
Aubergine
Immune system support low in calories, a fantastic source of Fiber which is essential for gut health. Rich in anti-oxidants and minerals as well and help manage cholesterol levels.
Olive Oil
We all have our reasons why we prefer certain oils, but without a doubt my oil base of choice is olive oil, specifically for its amazing health benefits. Olive oil helps reduce inflammation and prevent osteoporosis, and is essential for bone health because it assists in the absorption of calcium and the mineralisation of bones, all of which are qualities I look for in a product, given my hip dysplasia and related joint pain.
Paprika
Smoked or sweet, paprika is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and high in vitamin C. It helps ease arthritis and joint pain, and aids in iron and antioxidant absorption.
Raw Honey
Salt needs sweet and vice versa to enhance taste and flavour. So when you add sweetness, choose a sweetness that has a healing effect on your body and health. Raw honey is antiviral and antifungal, and contains powerful antioxidants. Its helps ward off allergies, stabilise blood pressure and balance blood sugar levels. It also boosts the immune system and promotes digestive health.
Oryx Salt
What is the purpose of adding salt during cooking? It’s to enhance flavour, right? So why not start by using a good-quality salt to do the job? Sundried and unrefined with no additives will bring out the best in your food in the healthiest way possible.
Ground Black Pepper
Why do we add pepper to our food? When I ask this during cooking demonstrations, I always get the most interesting answers, but mostly people cannot tell me why they add pepper to their meals. My reason? It increases nutrient absorption and improves digestion, so you can get the most out of every meal, every time.
Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are anti-inflammatory and high in protein. They improve bone health, prevent osteoporosis and aid digestion.
Baby Spinach
An anti-inflammatory high in fibre and antioxidants, spinach strengthens bones and helps the brain and nervous system function.
Almond Flour
Almonds, in which ever form- Milk, flour, butter or flakes, boost immune system, anti-inflammatory, prevent cancer, reduce risk of osteoporosis and is a potent alkalizer
Wild Rocket
Supports the immune system, high in Vitamin C and supports and promotes bone health. It is also anti viral and antibacterial and facilitates blood circulation.
Pomegranate
Supports the immune system, anti inflammatory and high in Vitamin C
- Izelle Hoffman
If you would like Izelle to use your ingredient idea to create a recipe that the whole family will love, send us a message on our Facebook page or leave a comment here and you could win a copy of her Ebook - Mindful eating!
You can also buy your copy here!