Category: Guest Post

  • Tea benefits to support rejuvenation

    Tea benefits to support rejuvenation

    Tea benefits to support rejuvenation

    Harness the power of this simple pleasure

    As a new season approaches, it’s common to turn our minds toward rejuvenation—detoxifying ourselves from what’s not serving us and refocusing on what nurtures us.

    Tea, both true tea—made from the tea plant Camellia sinensis, including green, white, and black teas—and certain herbal infusions, can help in the physical process of detoxification by supporting the body’s metabolic and natural detoxification processes. These teas can also work to detoxify our mental state by helping to clear away stress, anxiety, and emotional blocks that may be weighing us down.

    The value of doing less

    Guided by Jude Wang of Cultivate Tea, we take a deeper look at how tea helps to detoxify and refocus the mind and body to enhance overall well-being. Wang explains that, while certain teas may be particularly helpful to physically detox, sometimes it is more about giving your body the space and time to carry out the self-care that it has been designed to perform.

    “Sometimes detox is about doing less,” says Wang. “These days, detoxing our mind and soul can be so much more important to think about than physical detoxing.” That’s where the ritual of tea comes in.

    Wang points out that our fast-paced, modern culture can often treat tea with a transactional attitude. “We have a tendency to think of it in terms of what it can give to us: tasting notes, health benefits.”

    Wang believes that tea provides the opportunity for a more nuanced experience: a chance to slow down, declutter the mind, acknowledge emotions, and nurture meaningful bonds with others. Time out to tune in.

    The tea experience for mental detoxification

    Sitting down with Wang to share the ritual of tea is a fluid experience that is tailored to the tea being served and the person, or people, he is sharing it with. Wang notes that it doesn’t so much matter how your tea ritual is conducted but rather the spirit in which it’s carried out.

    From experiencing the look and smell of the leaves, watching them unfurl as they steep in the water, exploring the taste and mouthfeel—and how it evolves through multiple steepings—Wang values the meditation that tea provides.

    The power of tea ceremony

    Research shows that tea ceremonies enable participants to share common emotions, capture a sense of personal progression, improve concentration, and increase feelings of mindfulness. Further, the act of preparing and drinking tea has been found to help curb stress and boost psychological well-being.

    Finding meaningful rejuvenation

    Wang suggests that, if you come to tea with an open mind, its power can be transformative and its contribution to daily life invaluable. “It’s something so simple. It’s just tea leaves. But at the same time, it has so much behind it.”

    Article courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Detox myths, debunked

    Detox myths, debunked

    Detox myths, debunked

    Unburden your body in a toxic world

    Without getting all doom and gloom, the unavoidable truth is that our environment is way more toxic than it was when our great-grandparents grew up. And that’s changing what we need to do to keep our bodies unburdened.

    Toxic burden

    Our food is sprayed with pesticides, our municipal water is chlorinated, and our air and soil are marred by persistent organic pollutants. Many of these compounds are fat soluble, meaning they accumulate in fat cells over time in a process called bioaccumulation. Since we’re all exposed to environmental toxicants, supporting natural detoxification is key for reducing our toxic burden and improving overall well-being.

    What is detoxification?

    Detoxification is the body’s built-in system for minimizing the harmful effect of toxicants, toxins, hormones, pharmaceuticals, and supplements, by transforming them into stable, water-soluble compounds that can be excreted from the body. While intestinal bacteria and body tissues including the skin and kidneys perform local detoxification, most detoxification reactions take place in the liver.

    While it’s true that our food and lifestyle choices can enhance detoxification, we don’t need to do a juice cleanse or embark upon a rigorous fast to do so.

    On the other hand, it’s a misconception that we don’t need to do anything to support the body; many detoxification pathways require essential nutrients we can only get from the diet.

    Support the important routes of elimination

    When the bowels aren’t emptying regularly, we reabsorb our toxins and estrogen through a process called enterohepatic recirculation. Once you’ve ensured your routes of elimination are working well (starting with plenty of fiber, water, and exercise), then you can incorporate targeted food, vitamins, and herbs to enhance natural liver detoxification.

    Food physiology

    What we eat consistently has a more profound impact on detoxification than an annual week-long “detox.” Here are some foods and nutrients to incorporate in your diet.

    • Glutathione: Foods rich in vitamin B6, magnesium, selenium (Brazil nuts), and folate have been shown to restore depleted glutathione levels.
    • Resveratrol: Foods high in resveratrol (grapes, cacao) enhance liver enzyme activity.
    • B vitamins and magnesium: Methylation reactions are important components of detoxification, and they depend upon adequate vitamin B12, vitamin B6 (animal protein), betaine (beets), folate (leafy greens), and magnesium (seeds).
    • Protein: Detoxification also involves the conjugation of toxins with amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Supplement diet gaps with protein powder or specific amino acids including taurine, glycine, arginine, and glutamine.
    • Water: Support bile excretion by ensuring you’re getting enough water.

    Supplements to consider

    Supplements that may help support your body’s natural detoxification include:

    • Spirulina
    • Chlorella
    • Probiotics
    • Dandelion
    • Milk thistle
    • Curcumin

    Always check with your health care practitioner before starting a new supplement.

    Article courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • 8 amazing health benefits of mushrooms

    8 amazing health benefits of mushrooms

    8 amazing health benefits of mushrooms

    A delicious food that is functional too

    Whether added to a salad, soup, or stir-fry, or taken in supplement form, there are a myriad of ways to add mushrooms to your diet—and why not? In addition to mushrooms’ delicious taste, their polyphenol, polysaccharide (a specialized type of carbohydrate), vitamin, and mineral contents can provide you with a bounty of health benefits.

    1. Boost immune system

    Research has shown that mushrooms help to stimulate the activity of microphages—white blood cells within the immune system—to help fight off foreign bodies more effectively. At the same time, anti-inflammatory effects of mushrooms can work to enhance the immune system’s overall efficiency.

    2. Fight inflammation

    Rich in antioxidants, mushrooms offer significant anti-inflammatory effects. Research indicates that eating mushrooms regularly can help reduce inflammation associated with the development of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and arthritis.

    3. Offer anti-cancer properties

    Polysaccharides, contained in mushrooms, have been found to induce apoptosis—cancer cell death. Further, anti-inflammatory effects of mushrooms can help reduce chronic inflammation that can lead to the development of cancer.

    4. May help fight diabetes

    Mushrooms have been found to help lower blood sugar levels. Their bioactive metabolites, such as their polysaccharides and proteins, have been found to work as successful anti-hyperglycemic agents in diabetes treatment studies. Still, more research is needed to discern how mushrooms may be effectively used in the fight against diabetes.

    5. Support gut health

    Mushrooms can help support your gut health in two ways. First, they provide your body with prebiotics—nutrients that act as food for the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Second, mushrooms, such as cremini mushrooms, provide your system with helpful bacteria that can help populate your gut to improve your digestion and immune responses.

    6. Offer antifungal and antibacterial effects

    Mushrooms possess both antibacterial and antifungal compounds that help them survive, making them a natural source of antibiotics and antifungals that can be utilized by humans. Some mushrooms have been found to offer compounds with considerable activity against bacteria such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis.

    7. Protect the liver

    Some mushroom extracts have been found to provide liver-protecting properties. Study findings suggest that eating mushrooms on a regular basis can alleviate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). These findings are believed to be linked to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of mushrooms.

    8. Reduce allergies

    While mushrooms have been found to stimulate the immune system in certain circumstances, they have also been found to help suppress immune response in other instances—making them potentially beneficial in the battle against allergies. Beta-glucans, which are contained in mushrooms, have been found to help reduce the severity of symptoms in those with ragweed allergies by 52 percent when taken as a supplement.

    Article courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Julia Child’s French Onion Soup with Christine Waltermyer!

    Julia Child’s French Onion Soup with Christine Waltermyer!

    Julia Child’s French Onion Soup

    Thanks to Christine Waltermyer & The Natural Kitchen Cooking School!

    Christine Waltermyer is a local and renowned Wellness Chef, private chef to celebrities, published cookbook author and founder of the Natural Kitchen Cooking School, which offers an online Plant-Based Cooking Program. She also loves shopping at Basil Bandwagon! Visit naturalkitchenschool.com to subscribe to her email newsletter for new recipes, tips, and FREE access to the Power of Veggies mini-course!

    We’re celebrating Women’s History Month with a tribute to a classic chef and her take on a time-honored dish. Bon Appétit!

    French Onion Soup (Adapted Julia Child recipe)

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 6
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 1½-2 pounds onions thinly sliced (5-6 cups)
    • 3 tablespoons butter
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil plus extra for drizzling
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon sugar
    • 3 tablespoons flour
    • 6 cups beef stock or bone broth
    • ½-1 cup white wine (I used mirin rice wine)
    • 1 Bay leaf optional
    • 8 slices French baguette 1-inch thick
    • White pepper
    • ½ Small onion grated (raw)
    • 12 ounces Swiss cheese grated
    • 4 ounces Parmesan cheese
    • ½ teaspoon ground sage optional
    • 2-3 tablespoons cognac optional

    Method
     

    1. Heat a dutch oven or heavy bottom stock pot over medium-low heat. Once the dutch oven is hot, add the butter and olive oil. Add the onions. Cook and stir for a few minutes. Cover the pot and cook on medium low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The onions will become very soft.
    2. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the sea salt and sugar. Cook and stir until the onions have caramelized. They should turn brown and be very soft. The volume will also cook down.
    3. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the flour and stir. Cook for a few minutes, until it thickens. If it gets too thick you can add a little butter.
    4. Stir in 1 cup of the beef stock. Cook and stir for a few seconds. Add the remaining beef stock, white wine, and optional sage and bay left, if using. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce the heat to simmer on low for 30 minutes.
    5. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and lightly drizzle or brush each side of the bread with some olive oi. Bake for 15 minutes. Turn the bread over and bake for another 15 minutes.
    6. Season the soup with sea salt andn pepper. Remove the optional bay leaf if you used one. Add optional cognac, grated raw oniobn, and a small amount of the Swiss cheese.
    7. Place the toasted bread on top of the souip. Sprinkle with the remaining Swiss cheese and the Parmesan cheese. Drizzle the cheese with a little olive oil, or you can use some melted butter. Place the Dutch oven in a preheated oven, uncovered. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese melts. You can turn on the broiler if you with to brown the cheese.
    8. Remove the soup from the oven and let it cool a bit.
    9. Enjoy!

    Thank you to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School for working with us to help promote healthy, nutritious meals and products that are affordable, full of nutrients, and simple to make at home!

  • Beauty fruits

    Beauty fruits

    Beauty fruits

    Fruit recipes to get the glow

    Bountiful, beautiful, and bursting with flavor, these fruit-filled recipes deliver your body what it wants without sacrificing great taste. Incorporating fruit into meals with a variety of colors, textures, and flavors keeps you feeling satisfied so you can focus on enjoying every bite. How sweet is that?

    Berry and Rhubarb Granola Crisp

    A one-dish solution to busy mornings, it’s fruit and granola in a single delicious bake.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 8
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    Topping
    • 1½ cups quick-cooking rolled oats
    • 1 cup blanched whole almonds
    • ⅓ cup lightly packed brown sugar or coconut sugar
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 7 tablespoons coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted
    Fruit filling
    • 3 cups fresh or frozen sliced strawberries
    • 2 cups fresh rhubarb, sliced into 1/2 in pieces
    • ⅓ cup maple syrup
    • 3 tablespoons orange juice
    • 3 tablespoons arrowroot starch

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
    2. For Topping: To blender or food processor, add all topping ingredients except coconut oil and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Pulse in coconut oil until combined; the mixture will stick together when pressed between two fingers.
    3. For Filling: In large bowl, mix to fully combine all filling ingredients. Tip into 8 x 8 in baking dish or 9 to 10 in round baking dish, spreading fruit evenly. Distribute topping loosely over fruit.
    4. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until rhubarb is tender when pierced with knife, and filling is bubbling around edges. Cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
    5. Enjoy!

    Grapefruit and Fennel Salad with Chicken and Avocado

    A riot of textures and flavors, this salad offers something new in every bite.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    Dressing
    • ⅓ cup olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
    • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
    Salad
    • 4 cups baby arugula
    • 1 Small bulb fennel, cored and shaved or thinly sliced
    • ½ Head radicchio, cored and torn into medium pieces
    • 2 cups cooked chicken breasts or thighs, shredded
    • 1 Ripe avocado, flesh cut into cubes and scooped out
    • 1 Large grapefruit or navel orange, peeled and segmented or sliced
    • ¼ Red onion, thinly sliced
    • 2 tablespoons toasted sunflower seeds
    • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

    Method
     

    1. In medium glass jar, shake to emulsify all dressing ingredients.
    2. In large bowl, toss together arugula, fennel, and radicchio with two-thirds of dressing. Transfer to platter or divide among 4 shallow bowls. Top arugula mixture evenly with chicken, avocado, grapefruit, and red onion, and then drizzle over remaining dressing. Sprinkle each serving with sunflower seeds and dill, and serve immediately.
    3. Enjoy!

    Whipped Yogurt with Lime and Fruit

    Lime, vanilla, and soothing honey turn Greek yogurt into a special occasion-worthy dessert.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (at least 2% milk fat, without thickeners or gums), cold
    • ¾ cup heavy whipping cream (at last 35% milk fat) or chilled coconut cream, cold
    • 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, plus more for serving
    • ½ teaspoon lime zest, plus more for serving
    • 2 teaspoons lime juice
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
    • Pinch of salt
    • 2 cups fresh fruit such as diced kiwi and mango, blueberries, and cherries, cold

    Method
     

    1. To stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, add yogurt, cream, honey or syrup, lime zest, lime juice, vanilla, and salt. Begin whisking on low to incorporate ingredients, then slowly turn the speed up to high and whip until thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Cover and chill completely for 2 hours or up to 1 day, or serve right away (it will not be as thick if you skip the chilling).
    2. To serve, spoon and swoop whipped yogurt into small bowls and top with fruit. Drizzle with additional honey and top with an extra sprinkle of lime zest. Serve immediately.
    3. Enjoy!

    Article Provided by Alive Magazine

  • Potato Leek Soup

    Potato Leek Soup

    Potato Leek Soup

    With just a few ingredients, you can make this luxurious, creamy soup. Perfect for days that don’t quite feel like spring, take storage potatoes, spring leeks, and the best vegetable stock you can find, whether it’s homemade or boxed. Adding a hefty pour of cream brings decadence that will satisfy you even if you’d rather soup season were behind you. An immersion blender makes quick work of creating the smooth texture, but don’t be afraid to leave the soup chunky or use a countertop blender if that’s what you’ve got. Crusty bread makes this soup a meal! 

    Potato Leek Soup

    With just a few ingredients, you can make this luxurious, creamy soup. Perfect for days that don’t quite feel like spring.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 6 people
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 6 cups russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
    • 6 cups leeks, chopped, white and light green parts only
    • 3 quarts vegetable stock
    • 2 cups cream
    • 4 teaspoons sea salt

    Method
     

    1. Place potatoes, leeks, and stock in a large stockpot and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
    2. Using an immersion blender, blend soup until smooth.
    3. Turn off heat and add cream and salt.
    4. Serve with crusty bread.
    5. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Creamy Tom Yum Noodle Soup

    Creamy Tom Yum Noodle Soup

    Creamy Tom Yum Noodle Soup

    If you think of imperfectly rehydrated vegetables and a foam cup when you hear noodle cup, you’re not alone. This creamy Tom Yum noodle soup is way beyond that mediocre convenience food! With a few minutes and a bit of slicing, you’ve got a mix of fresh and sautéed veggies, crispy tofu, and a hearty meal ready to stave off any lingering chill of winter. No air fryer? You can always start the tofu in the pan and sauté the veggies once you’ve got some crispy edges. For a more hands off approach, you can also cook the tofu in a 400°F oven on a lined baking sheet. Either way, you’re just a few minutes away from creamy, rich, hot and sour soup!

    Creamy Tom Yum Noodle Soup

    Take a super easy ramen soup cup, add crispy tofu, sautéed veggies, and coconut cream. In no time, you’ve got a satisfying meal that will taste like it took much longer to make. Your secret is safe with us!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 1
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 Lotus Foods Tom Yum Rice Ramen Noodle Soup
    • 4 ounces extra firm tofu cubed
    • Avocado oil spray
    • ½ baby bok choy sliced
    • ½ cup button mushrooms quartered
    • ¼ cup coconut cream
    • ¼ cup baby corn rinsed and drained
    • 1 green onion sliced
    • 2-3 pieces cilantro

    Method
     

    1. Prepare noodle soup according to directions on package.
    2. Spray tofu with avocado oil, add to the air fryer at 400° F until brown and crispy.
    3. Heat pan with avocado oil, add bok choy and mushrooms, and fry for two to three minutes.
    4. Pour cooked noodle soup into a bowl; stir in coconut cream.
    5. Top with cooked veggies, baby corn, green onions, and cilantro.
    6. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Emerald Lentil Salad

    Emerald Lentil Salad

    Emerald Lentil Salad

    This is what we call a spoon salad! Use a spoon to make sure you don’t miss a drop. We’ve got all the shades of green in this salad, with no soggy lettuce in sight. Perfect for meal planning, potlucks, or feeding a crowd. Roasted pumpkin seeds add a salty crunch. Creamy avocado keeps you satisfied. Thinly sliced broccoli is perfect raw, but if you have leftover roasted broccoli, you can use that instead. The bulk of this salad comes from the French green lentils. Unlike red lentils, these will keep their shape and ensure this hearty salad satisfies. 

    Emerald Lentil Salad

    This is what we call a spoon salad! We’ve got all the shades of green in this salad, with no soggy lettuce in sight. Perfect for meal planning, potlucks, or feeding a crowd.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • ¾ cup green or French lentils
    • 1 pound broccoli florets, thinly sliced
    • 1 Avocado, chopped
    • ⅓ cup roasted and salted pumpkin seeds
    • 4 tablespoons olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • ½ cup micro greens

    Method
     

    1. Place lentils and five cups water in a medium saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook until lentils are just tender, approximately 35 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool. 
    2. In a medium mixing bowl, place cooled lentils, broccoli, avocado, and pumpkin seeds.
    3. Whisk together dressing ingredients and toss with salad. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve garnished with micro greens.
    4. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Double Chocolate Stout Brownies

    Double Chocolate Stout Brownies

    Double Chocolate Stout Brownies

    This brownie recipe is pulling double duty. Equally at home at a St. Patrick’s Day celebration as it is a girl’s night in, these brownies deserve a spot in your dessert rotation. Use your favorite chocolate stout in the batter and the glaze. The deep malty beer will enhance the chocolate of the brownies without overpowering them. A can of black beans helps fill out the batter with extra protein and fiber. Who says you can’t have your brownie and eat it too? 

    Double Chocolate Stout Brownies

    Try a brownie recipe with TWO secret ingredients! Chocolate stout beer adds depth and complexity, while black beans add protein and fiber. 
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 9 brownies
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
    • ⅔ cup chocolate stout beer
    • ½ cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup cane sugar
    • ¾ cup cocoa powder
    • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
    • 1 stick unsalted butter, melted and cooled
    • 3 Large eggs
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
    Glaze
    • 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
    • 1 tablespoon milk
    • 1 tablespoon chocolate stout beer

    Method
     

    1. Preheat over to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
    2. Using a blender or food processor, blend beans and stout until smooth. In a mixing bowl, combine bean mixture, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Stir until mixed.
    3. In another mixing bowl whisk together flour, cane sugar, cocoa powder, and brown sugar.
    4. Add dry into wet ingredients and mix together until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
    5. Pour batter in prepared baking pan and bake for 48 minutes. Cool completely before glazing.
    6. For glaze, stir together confectioner’s sugar, milk, and stout. Drizzle over cooled brownies and serve.
    7. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Seafood Gumbo with Christine Waltermyer

    Seafood Gumbo with Christine Waltermyer

    Seafood Gumbo

    Thanks to Christine Waltermyer & The Natural Kitchen Cooking School!

    Christine Waltermyer is a local and renowned Wellness Chef, private chef to celebrities, published cookbook author and founder of the Natural Kitchen Cooking School, which offers an online Plant-Based Cooking Program. She also loves shopping at Basil Bandwagon! Visit naturalkitchenschool.com to subscribe to her email newsletter for new recipes, tips, and FREE access to the Power of Veggies mini-course!

    New Orleans Gumbo is an amazing fusion of cultures and flavors. While the roots of gumbo
    are African, the modern dish is a culmination of contributions from Native American,
    French, Spanish, and Caribbean cuisines. Enjoy!

    Seafood Gumbo

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    Servings: 6
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    Seafood Gumbo Stock
    • 1-2 cups shrimp shells
    • 3 cups chopped vegetables (onion, celery, leeks, scallions, carrots, parsley, squash, etc.)
    • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 2 dried bay leaves
    • 10 cups water
    Mild Creole Seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon white pepper
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    Gumbo
    • ½ cup ghee (clarified butter) divided (or tallow or bacon fat)
    • 2 cups frozen okra sliced and thawed
    • ½ cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
    • 1 medium bell pepper seeded and chopped
    • 2 stalks celery chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 2 bay leaves
    • 1 pound sausage sliced
    • 5 sprigs fresh thyme
    • 1 tablespoon coconut aminos
    • Sea salt to taste
    • White or black pepper to taste
    • 2 pounds shrimp peeled, deveined, and rinsed
    • 4 cups cooked rice
    • 1-2 teaspoons filé powder
    • Fresh parsley to garnish

    Method
     

    Make the seafood gumbo stock
    1. In a large soup pot, place all of the seafood gumbo stock ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain the stock through a large fine-mesh strainer. Set aside. If not using right away, the stock can be cooled and stored in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    Make the mild Creole seasoning
    1. In a small bowl, stir together all of the Mild Creole Seasoning ingredients until well combined.
    Fry the okra
    1. Heat 2 tablespoons of the ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the okra and fry for a few minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the okra to a paper towel-lined plate.
    Make the roux
    1. Whisk together the remaining ghee and the flour in a large soup pot over medium-low heat until for 25 minutes. Whisk constantly, until it turns a rich brown color. Watch closely, being careful not to burn the roux. Remove from the heat and continue whisking until it cools down.
    Cook the gumbo
    1. Place the soup pot containing the roux back on the stove. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and the mild creole seasoning. If you like more seasoning, feel free to increase the amount of spices used. Cook and stir for 5 minutes over medium heat, or until the onions have softened. Add the garlic and bay leaves.
    2. Increase the heat to medium-high heat. While whisking or stirring constantly, add the seafood gumbo stock, a few cups at a time. Add the okra, sausage, thyme, and coconut aminos. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 hour. Add more salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the shrimp. Cook for 10 more minutes. Stir in the filé powder.
    3. Ladle 2 cups of the hot gumbo into each bowl. Add one cup of rice in the center of each bowl. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Note: Cool any remaining gumbo by placing the soup pot in an ice bath, then transfer to a covered container and refrigerate immediately to prevent spoilage.

    Thank you to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School for working with us to help promote healthy, nutritious meals and products that are affordable, full of nutrients, and simple to make at home!