Summary: There is more and more research giving us evidence of how crucial a healthy microbiome is, not just to digestive health, but how it also strenghtens our immune system, improves nutrient absorption, benefits our mental health and even determines our food cravings !
Probiotics capsules are helpful, provided they contain a wide range of bacteria strands, and enough colony forming units. But even then, some research suggests that they only really make a difference while we take them, and good quality probiotics can be very costly. On the other hand, fermented whole foods contain exceptionally high numbers of bacteria : an ounce of homemade, raw, unpasteurised sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) contains more bacteria than a whole bottle of good quality probiotic capsules. And they are very cheap to make at home : the only cost is the price of the produce, and a little salt.
Include these naturally lactofermented cucumbers for a cheap and easy way to boost your family's friendly gut flora.
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Summary: Pickled onions are so easy to make ! I pickle them whole if I am planning to eat them in a week or two, at least, but for pickled onions ready to eat overnight, I pickle them sliced.
Many people boil the vinegar and add sugar. I have found over the years that if I soak my onions in salty water overnight, it works just fine with raw room temperature vinegar. Also, I don't add any sugar, as it is healthier. If you usually buy pickled onions with sugar in them, please try this recipe, I promise you will not miss the sugar at all !
As easy as 1-2-3. 1- Soak the onions in brine overnight. 2- Rinse, drain, put in a jar with spices, if using, and wait overnight. 3- Eat in salads, sandwiches, barbecues, etc.
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Summary: Who knew that a mixture of onion, mushrooms, green lentils, nuts, beetroot, fresh herbs and lemon juice could produce such an incredibly delicious and realistic alternative to one of the most controversial yet popular French delicacies, Foie Gras ?
Enter Faux Gras. This Mushroom and Lentil pâté tastes very much like real Foie Gras, but is brimming with plant-based nutrition, and more importantly, comes without the unkind treatment to ducks and geese.
But this Faux Gras is not just a vegan alternative to Foie Gras, it is also an exceptionally tasty vegan spread in its own right : it is hands down the best pâté, vegan or otherwise, that I have ever tasted.
Don't be put off by the fairly long list of ingredients, the recipe is actually really easy and straightforward.
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