Tuesday, February 17, 2015

HOW TO: Stock your pantry! (Part one: Spices & Grains)




Starting this month RBN- RachelBies Nutrition will be starting a "How-To" series.  This series will cover exercise, food, recipes, lifestyle & more.  

 In the  "HOW- TO" queue:
  1. Make showstopping dishes - think glossy roast chicken, what to cook for in-laws for the first time, increase nutrition in your favourite dishes & more!
  2. Shop your grocery store with confidence (avoid the packaged items).
  3. Make natural cleaning products and skincare - also check last weeks blog.
  4. Easy moves to get your fitness levels to where you want and need them to be.
PLUS I will be taking questions via Twitter - so if there's something you want to learn how-to do or know about then tweet away! 

One of my most popular add-ons is my #pantryraid that I provide for my clients.  Clearing out the junk and restocking with great items that make daily cooking/prep oh so easy!

I'm 100% gluten free but will add some high quality grain products for those of you who are not...

Spices:
Organic is the best way to go, if your budget permits it.

My top 10 spices to build your collection:

Turmeric - Add to smoothies, juices, soups, stews, curries, eggs and more.  Natural anti-inflammatory & studies have shown Cancer preventative. 
Cayenne - If you can handle some heat - use this in everything.  Add some fire to smoothies, chocolate truffles, chilis and stir-fry's.  Great to boost heart and metabolism.
Cumin - A must in Mexican & Spanish cooking - use in tacos (ha ha pretty much 50% of my meals throughout the week), chili, vegetable dishes and great on chicken/pork with cacao as a dry rub.  





Curry (collective of spices incl. Turmeric) - Also great in curries (obvi) and soups.  Use in rice and quinoa dishes too.  Throw together a great curry potato salad with coconut yogurt, curry, green onions and apples!  So many health properties including anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory.
Ground Ginger - Keep on hand for all your baking & cooking needs.  
Cinnamon - A spice powerhouse: great for smoothies, baking, baked fruit and crisps.  Great for heart health, blood sugar regulation & better brain function.
Parsley - One of my favourite herbs (especially fresh) but always keep on hand incase - add to eggs, soups, stews for a gentle seasoning and flavour.  Super high in Vitamin K & C - grab fresh and dry yourself or freeze in olive oil for all season long availability.
Mustard seeds - Use whole or ground them out in a mortal and pestle.  Add to dry rubs, dressings, soups & stews.  
Basil - Another great herb - always best fresh if able.  Add to scratch tomato sauces, soups, eggs (mmm) and dressings/marinades.
Smoked paprika - My most favourite spice.  I honestly use in everything; tacos, eggs, soups, stews, chilis, rubs, dressings & marinades!  If you like the spicy side of things - I suggest the hot!
**BONUS: Black peppercorns & Sea Salt - A must for all home cooks & chefs.  Pepper and a proper sea salt will enhance the beautiful and natural flavours of all the beautiful dishes you create.  Sautéed vegetables don't need much more than a touch of olive oil and sea salt.  Some organic & sustainable proteins taste best with a dash of S & P and a side of fresh herbs. 



 Grains:
 These will be GF because they're easier to digest & higher in nutrients.

 

Organic brown rice - BAN white rice from your home and swap for wild & brown.  Feeling crazy search for black & purple rice from your favourite gourmet shop.  Soups, stews, protein bowls and a great side.  
Quinoa - Great source of protein & carbohydrates.  Eat with poached eggs for a high energy breakfast.  Use as you would rice.  
Puffed Quinoa - Great for crusting proteins.  With almond milk and hemp hearts for breakfast/snack. 
Cornmeal - Use to make creamy polenta or as a crusting agent for proteins or baked vegetables. 
Millet - Use as you would rice in dishes!
Gluten free Oats - Use as a binder in cooking, oatmeal, baking, soaked oats, pancakes and crust.

Did I miss anything?  Send me tweets of your well stocked pantry! *LMK what you would like to see in this serie!

PS.  Check out some of my new articles on one of our favourite new websites ->> Wellness Girl 


rbn 
xox




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