the type of salt used in cooking matters. A lot. The flavor, intensity and texture varies significantly based on the type used and its origin. And now you can find smoked and infused salts…the options and creative genius seem to be endless (I just picked up a bacon infused salt, no kidding!). Maldon salt is one that I use frequently as its bright flavor, crunchiness…
Being a Mexican food enthusiast, I like my food to be on the spicier side. When I first embraced a lectin free lifestyle, I was devastated at the thought of never consuming my beloved chili peppers again as they are in the nightshade family and crucial to the cuisine of Latin American. But thank goodness for our ancestors that ingeniously prepared and preserved foods that…
I had never cooked with turmeric until searching for a natural cure to help solve for the painful effects of an autoimmune disease, and now this is one that I truly cannot live without. Its brilliant golden color is stunning, and its flavor is earthy, peppery and pungent. But its real superpower is its ability to provide an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial impact to those who…
Cinnamon is one of my favorite spices to work with as its uses vary greatly. From savory dishes and baked goods to mulled ciders and drinks, the possibilities seem endless. There are more than 50 varieties to choose from, all with their own unique flavor. From Vietnam to Saigon and Sri Lanka, they all have one quality in common…and that is they are all fragrant…
When I first started my lectin free journey, I was devastated at the thought of not using chile peppers in my cooking…especially since I was most enthusiastic about Mexican food. I tried to remove the skins and seeds from chiles, but I quickly learned that doing so was not easy. And unless the peppers were perfectly cleaned, I knew my personal digestion would severely punish…
One of my absolute favorite ingredients to work with, ginger adds a unique flavor to such a variety of dishes. It can be spicy and fiery but sweet all at the same time. From baking to teas to stir-frys and marinades, its possibilities know no end. Native to Asia, ginger is in the same family as turmeric and also contains those anti-inflammatory super powers. It…
If there is one spice that can totally finish a Mexican dish and have a major impact, it’s Mexican oregano. Mexican dishes just don’t taste the same without this incredibly bold flavor. Native to Mexico, it is earthy, pungent and much stronger than the Mediterranean version. It is typically found in its whole leaf form which I love to hand crush directly over the dish…
Flax is a versatile, lectin free seed that can be found in breads, pancakes, crackers, veggie burgers…you name it, and is one ingredient I use nearly every week in my kitchen. There are brown and golden flaxseed varieties available on the market and both deliver several nutritious benefits as they contain fiber, protein and omega-3s. I use both ground and whole flaxseed in my recipes,…
Although beets were not common in my home growing up, they have found their place in my lectin free kitchen. Their deep pink color is spectacular but can actually be found in a variety of colors from pale yellow and even white. And beets are more versatile than one would think. It can be used as a substitute for zucchini and offers additional moisture to…
