Anti-inflammatory recipes are packed with antioxidant-rich plants, fiber, healthy fats, lean proteins, and beneficial plant compounds, which help prevent and manage chronic inflammation, promoting overall health. Here are a few delicious anti-inflammatory recipes.
Cherry Smoothie Bowl with Dark Chocolate, Almonds, and Blueberries
Ingredients (For 2 Servings):
● 1½ cups unsweetened soy milk
● 1 tablespoon almond butter
● 2 cups frozen sweet cherries
● ⅓ cup red bell pepper (chopped)
● 1 medjool date (pitted and chopped)
● 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Toppings:
● 1 teaspoon dark chocolate chips or chocolate shavings
● ¼ cup blueberries
● 1 tablespoon sliced almonds
Preparation:
In a blender, combine all the ingredients and blend on high speed until it gets smooth. Garnish each serving with fresh blueberries, a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips or chocolate shavings, and a scattering of sliced almonds.
Bulgur Salad With Roasted Peppers, Pine Nuts, Chickpeas, and Honey Cumin Dressing
Ingredients (For 6 Servings):
● 1 ½ cups bulgur wheat
● 1 can chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
● 1 cup jarred roasted red peppers (diced)
● ¼ cup pine nuts (toasted)
● ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves (minced)
Dressing:
● 2 teaspoons honey
● 1 teaspoon ground cumin
● ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
● ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
● 1 teaspoon kosher salt
● ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Preparation:
Parboil the bulgur wheat according to the package directions and drain thoroughly. Transfer the cooked bulgur to a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the dressing until well combined. Gradually whisk in the olive oil until the dressing achieves a smooth consistency. Add the pine nuts, red peppers, chickpeas, and parsley to the bowl of bulgur. Drizzle the tangy dressing over the bulgur mixture and toss gently to ensure an even coating. Serve the salad at room temperature or chilled, according to your preference. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Chicken and Crispy Cauliflower Sheet Pan Meal With Tahini Herb Sauce
Ingredients (For 4 Servings):
● 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
● 1 large head cauliflower (stem and leaves trimmed, cut into slices from top to bottom)
● 1 small purple onion (sliced into quarters)
● 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
● 1 tablespoon ground cumin
● 1 teaspoon garlic powder
● ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
● 1 teaspoon paprika
● ¼ to ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
● Fresh lemon for garnish
● Fresh parsley for garnish
Herbed Tahini Sauce:
● ⅓ cup tahini
● 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
● 3–4 tablespoons water
● ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
● ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
● 1 tablespoon fresh mint
● ¼ cup fresh cilantro
● ¼ cup fresh parsley
● 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine the dry spices in a small bowl. In a medium bowl, toss the purple onion and the cauliflower with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and half of the spice mixture. Arrange the cauliflower and onions evenly spaced on a sheet pan and bake for 20 minutes, turning once at the 10-minute mark. Place the chicken thighs in the same bowl and toss them with the remaining spice mixture and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Set aside. Remove the cauliflower from the oven and add the chicken thighs to the sheet pan, distributing them evenly among the vegetables. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes. In a food processor, combine all the sauce ingredients except water. Process until smooth, adding water gradually. Serve the roasted cauliflower and chicken thighs drizzled with the herbed tahini sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for added freshness.