Paleo Cookbook For Dummies (75 page)

Turmeric:
The active ingredient in turmeric is
curcumin,
which has been shown to protect and heal virtually every organ in the human body. Turmeric protects against cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, eye diseases, depression, and skin problems. Research at Tufts University showed that turmeric may prevent weight gain.

Curry:
If you've ever tasted Indian food, you've probably tried curry. It controls diabetes and can prevent or treat heart disease, infection, age-related memory loss, and inflammation. Curry has powerful antioxidants called
carbazole
alkaloids
that are abundant only in the curry leaf and are responsible for preventing cell damage, which causes disease and premature aging.

Oregano:
Oregano is your natural protection against infection. The active compounds in oregano have strong antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Oregano helps get rid of intestinal parasites and kills the bacteria that causes food poisoning; it heals ulcers, calms intestinal irritation, and aids in digestion. Plus, oregano contains a lot of minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Parsley:
Parsley contains an antioxidant called
apigenin
that helps other antioxidants work better. Parsley is used as a diuretic; can reduce high blood pressure; and is a natural agent to fight cancer, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes.

Thyme:
The healing oil in thyme is a natural antiseptic. When applied to skin or the mucous membranes of the mouth, it kills germs. Thyme is great for calming coughs and helping prevent tooth decay and general infection.

Ginger:
Ginger rules all natural digestive aids: It relieves nausea and vomiting, settles the stomach, and eases the discomfort from gas and bloating. Research shows that ginger is one of the most effective remedies available for motion sickness, even more so than over-the-counter medications. It's also an antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory and helps treat migraine headaches, arthritis, and asthma.

Succulent Steak Seasoning

Prep time:
5 min •
Yield:
¹
⁄
₂
cup

Ingredients

2 tablespoons pepper

2 tablespoons salt

1 tablespoon powered garlic

¹
⁄
₂
teaspoon curry powder

¹
⁄
₂
teaspoon apple cider vinegar

4 tablespoons dry mustard

1 teaspoon Celtic sea salt

Directions

1
Combine all ingredients in a container or jar (preferably glass) with a tight-fitting lid. Store in a cool, dark place, shaking the jar well to distribute the spices between uses.

2
Rub the seasoning well into meat before baking, grilling, or slow cooking.

Per serving:
Calories 23 (From Fat 11); Fat 1g (Saturated 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 1,904mg; Carbohydrate 2.5g (Dietary Fiber 1g); Protein 1g.

Note:
This spice blend really pops with grass-fed meats because they're incredibly lean.

This recipe has been vetted by the team at Whole9 (
http://whole9life.com
) and is considered acceptable for a cleansing 30-day Paleo launch.

Everything Seafood Seasoning

Prep time:
5 min •
Yield:
1
¹
⁄
₂
tablespoons

Ingredients

2 teaspoons celery salt

¹
⁄
₂
teaspoon paprika

¹
⁄
₄
teaspoon pepper

¹
⁄
₄
teaspoon cayenne pepper

¹
⁄
₄
teaspoon dry mustard

¹
⁄
₄
teaspoon ground nutmeg

¹
⁄
₄
teaspoon ground cinnamon

¹
⁄
₄
teaspoon ground cardamom

¹
⁄
₄
teaspoon ground allspice

¹
⁄
₄
teaspoon ground ginger

Directions

1
Combine all ingredients in a container or jar (preferably glass) with a tight-fitting lid. Store in a cool, dark place, shaking the jar well to distribute the spices between uses.

2
Rub the seasoning well into fish or seafood before baking, grilling, or slow cooking.

Per serving:
Calories 3 (From Fat 0); Fat 0g (Saturated 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 0.5mg; Carbohydrate 0.5g (Dietary Fiber 0.5g); Protein 0g.

Note:
This spice blend is a home run on seafood, but it works on many other dishes as well, so feel free to experiment.

This recipe has been vetted by the team at Whole9 (
http://whole9life.com
) and is considered acceptable for a cleansing 30-day Paleo launch.

Dukkah

Prep time:
5 min •
Cook time:
10 min •
Yield:
1 cup

Ingredients

¹
⁄
₃
cup raw hazelnuts

¹
⁄
₄
cup roasted shelled pistachios

¹
⁄
₃
cup raw sesame seeds

¹
⁄
₄
cup coriander seeds

2 tablespoons cumin seeds

Directions

1
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

2
Spread the hazelnuts on a foil-lined baking sheet and roast them for 5 to 7 minutes or until they turn golden brown and fragrant.

3
Transfer the roasted hazelnuts to a clean towel and allow them to cool. Use the towel to rub off the papery hazelnut skins and discard them. Transfer the skinned hazelnuts to a medium bowl and add the pistachios.

4
Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 1 minute or until they turn light brown, shaking constantly to prevent scorching. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the toasted seeds; place the rest in the bowl with the nuts.

5
Toast the coriander seeds in the skillet until they're fragrant and place them in the bowl. Repeat with the cumin seeds.

6
When the mixture of nuts and seeds has cooled, coarsely grind it in small batches in a spice grinder until lightly crushed. Mix in the reserved toasted sesame seeds. Store the spice blend in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 months.

Per serving:
Calories 72 (From Fat 57); Fat 6g (Saturated 0.5g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 3mg; Carbohydrate 3.5g (Dietary Fiber 2g); Protein 2g.

Note:
Dukkah
is an Egyptian spice blend that adds a smoky, nutty flavor to roasts in particular.

Recipe courtesy Michelle Tam, author of Nom Nom Paleo (
http://nomnompaleo.com
)

This recipe has been vetted by the team at Whole9 (
http://whole9life.com
) and is considered acceptable for a cleansing 30-day Paleo launch.

Flame Out Blend

Prep time:
5 min •
Yield:
¹
⁄
₃
cup

Ingredients

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons ground ginger

1 tablespoon orange zest

1 tablespoon lemon zest

Directions

1
Combine all ingredients in a container or jar (preferably glass) with a tight-fitting lid.

2
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

Per serving:
Calories 10 (From Fat 0); Fat 0g (Saturated 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 0.5mg; Carbohydrate 2.5g (Dietary Fiber 1.5g); Protein 0g.