Serving Suggestions for the Roasted Veggies in the Fridge

serve with brown rice. shown: curry roasted cauliflower and ginger carrots

And the perfect use of all those yummy farmers market veggies broiled and roasted a few days ago..brushed with a little Balsamic vinegar and olive oil, placed under the broiler with a slice of provolone and served on a grilled La Boulangerie baguette

La Boulangerie's  excellent breads are available at the Friday farmers market at the Bank of America Plaza in downtown Los Angeles

Curried Yellow Split Pea Soup

Split pea soup is a natural for curry spice blend.  Peas and all legumes are low in fat, cholesterol free,  high in folate, potassium, iron and magnesium and an excellent source of protein and fiber.
The turmeric in the curry has medicinal qualities, most recently shown to fight Alzheimer's disease.

Start with 2 TB curry powder gently cooked in a little clarified butter (ghee) or olive oil, add the onions and cook on low until onions are translucent, about 10minutes, garlic may be added at this point, but don't let it brown or the soup will be bitter. You may wish to spice up your curry spice powder with a little extra ground fennel seed, cumin, ginger, nutmeg or cinnamon.  Curry powder is a blend of spices and can be, and is really best made  fresh by the cook....but the store bought is wonderfully convenient, and is easily embellished. Add 6 cups vegetable broth or water, and peas to the sauteed onions and simmer for approximately 45 minutes. Half way through the cooking add chopped celery and half of the shredded carrots. More curry powder may be added to taste while the peas are simmering. The remaining shredded carrots are added during the last 2 or 3 minutes of cooking. Chopped flat leaf parsely is added after the soup has been removed from the heat, this will help keep its bright green color. Finely chopped kale can be used in place of the parley, but should be added 7-10 minutes before end of cooking.

Pictured here is a yellow spit pea, their color works better with the color of the yellow (turmeric) curry. Split peas love carrots, 6 have been shredded and will be added throughout the cooking process for a variety of textures. The finished soup is topped with fresh yogurt and a generous squeeze of lemon.

Curry powder is available in the spice section of the supermarket, avoid the Spice Islands Brand, try a few, and for the real curry powder lovers shop online, locals head over to Artesia's little India and stock up on an amazing variety of incredible garam masalas. 

Curried Potato Stuffed Baby Bellas on Bed of Pink Lentils

Curried Potato Stuffed Baby Bella's on Bed of Gingered Pink Lentils

Natures Superfoods II

Nature's Superfoods
Om Chef Stars

Chilies
Reduces blood cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and platelet aggregation
Cultures where hot pepper is used liberally have a much lower rate of heart attack, stroke and pulmonary embolism.
Lowers risk of type 2 Diabetes, boosts immunity, helps stop the spread of prostate cancer and prevents stomach ulcers
triggers release of 'happy' endorphins and promotes libido health

Nuts and Seeds
omega- 3's, heart and brain health


Avocado
ultra high in healthy monounsaturated fat, aka cholesterol lowering oleic acid, high in protein and potassium
contributes to healthy blood flow, healthy blood flow = a healthy brain
also lowers blood pressure. Dramatically enhances absorption of other vitamins and nutrients.

Beans
ultra high in heart healthy fiber,
Soybeans and Tofu:complete vegetarian source of protein

Sweet Potato
potassium, calcium, helps stabilize blood sugar levels and lowers insulin resistance.

Mushrooms
ultra high in antioxidant L-Ergothioneine, protects the body's DNA from damage
potential cancer preventive and high in beta glucan. Long known in Asia as a longevity tonic, heart medicine and cancer remedy

Carrot
excellent for detox, liver health, digestive tract and kidney function.
ultra high in carotene, folic acid, silicon, potassium, magnesium and calcium pectate ( cholesterol-lowering properties)
Silicon strengthens connective tissues and aids calcium metabolism and is great for your skin
The beta-carotene in one medium carrot cuts lung cancer risk in half

Spinach
prevents cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, high in vitamin C, carotenoids, calcium and fiber.