A Vegetarian Holiday (with Benefits)

Benefits of Fennel: 

A digestive ninja, fennel can:

  • Calm the belly
  • Reduce bloating
  • Improve digestion

Fennel can also help with:

  • Bone health
  • Blood pressure
  • Heart health
  • Inflammation
  • Metabolism
  • Weight management and satiety
  • Immunity
  • Increased iron absorption
  • Clearer skin
  • Premenstrual syndrome

Stop Throwing Away the Stalks and Fronds

Make Fennel Frond Tisane (fresh herbs and hot water) by adding the leftover fennel fronds and a little bit of fresh ginger to hot water.

Use the fennel stalks for your next bone broth.
Just place the stalks in a freezer bag and freeze until you need them for your broth.

Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients

  • 1 garlic head
  • 2 cups raw broccoli
  • 8 small red skin potatoes
  • 3 fennel bulbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh ground pepper
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Garlic salt

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425° degrees.
  • Clean broccoli, potatoes, fennel bulbs, rosemary and thyme.
  • Thinly slice the fennel, cut the potatoes into small wedges and break off small pieces of the broccoli florets. Add all three into a large reusable bag, then add olive oil, pepper and garlic salt. Close bag and shake until everything is coated with the seasoning. 
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread vegetables so they are not overlapping.
  • Cut the top of the garlic head off and place on baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. 
  • Add thyme and rosemary on top of the vegetables and place in oven. Let roast for 40 minutes, stirring half-way through.

Garlic has been used throughout history for its health and medicinal properties.

Broccoli decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and overall mortality.

Red potatoes are loaded with fiber, B vitamins, iron and potassium.

Rosemary is a good source of iron, calcium and vitamin B-6.

Thyme is a Mediterranean herb with dietary, medicinal and ornamental uses.

Blue Cheese Dressing

Ingredients

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Fresh ground pepper

Instructions

  • In a small bowl mix first 3 ingredients. Add pepper to taste.
  • Store in glass container with lid.

Blue cheese is low in calories and is full of various nutrients that are essential for our body.

Elderberry Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup dried elderberries
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 package cranberries (10 oz. to 3 cups)
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1 sprig of rosemary
  • 1/4 cup honey, plus more to taste

Instructions

  • In a small pot add elderberries, water and cinnamon. Allow to simmer until mixture reduces by half.\
  • Once reduced, pour liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
  • In another pot add the cranberries, elderberry liquid, orange juice and orange zest.
  • Heat on medium low until the cranberries begin to burst and sauce starts to thicken.
  • Once thickened, take off the heat and add honey. Taste and add more honey or orange juice if needed

 

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