FARRO BUTTERNUT SQUASH VEGGIE MIX
Butternut squash and farro are high in fiber which helps alleviate constipation. The high fiber content in this meal is also due to all the veggies contained in this dish. Fiber helps slow down the absorption of sugar. This slows the rate of blood sugar rising allowing your liver to not be overworked. Your liver will be able to do it's job by generating insulin to transport blood sugar to your cells to perform it's necessary bodily functions therefore avoiding inflammation. Butternut squash and beets contain potassium which is essential for bone health. Potassium also increases the secretion of sodium via the urine. This is beneficial for people with blood pressure issues. Potassium acts as a vasodilator, which means arteries are dilated allowing blood to flow unobstructed delivering nutrients and oxygen to vital organs in your body.
Lemongrass removes uric acid, which inhibits nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is important because it regulates blood pressure by dilating your arteries. Dilation allows blood to flow freely throughout your body avoiding blockages in arteries that can lead to heart attacks or strokes.
Garlic and onion help break down fibrous deposits in the arteries and thin the blood helping to lower high blood pressure. Olive Oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which helps lower risk of heart disease. Olive oil and kale both help improve calcium absorption leading to stronger bones. The naturally occurring nitrates in beets are converted to nitric oxide in your body. As previously stated nitric oxide relaxes and dilates blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure. Beets also contain folate, which reduces the risk of birth defects. They also provide detox support by helping toxins get excreted from your body.
INGREDIENTS:
-water, 5 cups, or veggie broth can be used
-farro, 2 cups
-coconut oil, 1 Tbs
-salt, 2 1/2 tsp + to taste, divided
-pepper, to taste
-garlic powder, 3/4 tsp, divided
-lemongrass, One 3 inch slice
-butternut squash, 1, diced (about 4 cups)
-olive oil, 1 Tbs + 2 tsp, divided
-paprika, 3/4 tsp
|-red beets, 1, diced (about 1 1/4 cup)
-red onion, 1/2, diced
-garlic clove, 1, minced
-crimini mushrooms, 5, sliced (about 1 1/4 cups)
-kale, 1 bunch, chiffonade (about 3 1/2 cups)
-lemon juice, juice from 1 lemon
ABOUT DISH:
DF – Dairy Free
VEG – Vegetarian
VGN – Vegan
Add water, farro, coconut oil, 1/2 tsp salt, pepper, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and lemongrass in pot. Bring to a boil,cover, then immediately turn down to simmer for 30 minutes or until soft. Remove lemongrass, strain farro, place in bowl and set aside.
Toss butternut squash with 2 Tbs olive oil, 1 1/2 tsp salt, paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, then bake in oven for 30 minutes or until tender. When done place in separate bowl and set aside.
Toss beets with 1 Tbs olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and bake in oven for 20 minutes or until tender. When done place in separate bowl and set aside.
Heat wok or skillet over high heat until bead of water vaporizes within 1 to 2 seconds of contact. Reduce heat to medium, add 2 Tbs oil, onion and saute' for 3 minutes or until translucent.
Add garlic and saute' for 15 seconds constantly tossing to ensure it doesn't burn.
Add mushrooms and saute' for 3 minutes or until soft.
Add kale and lemon juice stirring occasionally. When kale becomes soft or starts wilting, add farro, butternut squash, beets, and mix until well incorporated. Add salt and pepper to taste.
NOTES:
Before cutting the lemongrass into one 3 inch piece, bruise the outside of the lemongrass by smashing it with the side of a knife or cleaver. Bruising it will free the aromatic oils for cooking.