With St. Patrick's Day just around the corner, it's time to embrace the spirit of the Emerald Isle with a delicious lineup of green-themed recipes. But here's the twist – not only are these dishes perfect for celebrating the luck of the Irish, but they're also packed with nutrients to support your nerve health.
So let's dive into this pot of gold and discover how these vibrant green recipes can nourish your body and soothe your nerves!
1. Shamrock Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup spinach leaves
- 1/2 avocado
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Toppings: sliced kiwi, shredded coconut, pumpkin seeds
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine the frozen banana, spinach, avocado, almond milk, and chia seeds. Blend until smooth.
- If desired, add honey for sweetness and blend again.
- Pour the smoothie into a cup and top with sliced kiwi, shredded coconut, and pumpkin seeds to resemble a shamrock.
Why it's good for neuropathy:
This vibrant smoothie is packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like spinach, avocado, and chia seeds, which are loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Spinach is particularly rich in vitamins C and E, which help reduce oxidative stress and support nerve health.
2. Irish Lentil Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup green lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Add the lentils, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Why it's good for neuropathy:
Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, which help stabilize blood sugar levels and promote nerve health. Additionally, the vegetables in this soup provide essential vitamins and minerals that support overall nerve function.
3. Creamy Avocado Spinach Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a food processor, combine the avocado, spinach, garlic, olive oil, basil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the avocado spinach sauce until well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Why it's good for neuropathy:
This creamy avocado spinach pasta is a powerhouse of nutrients, with avocado providing healthy fats and spinach offering a wealth of vitamins and minerals, including folate and magnesium, which are essential for nerve function.
4. Parmesan Garlic Green Beans
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the green beans with olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the green beans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the green beans are tender and slightly crispy.
- Serve hot, with lemon wedges on the side if desired.
Why it's good for neuropathy:
Green beans are rich in vitamin K, which is essential for nerve health and may help improve nerve function. The addition of garlic and Parmesan cheese not only enhances the flavor but also provides anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit neuropathic symptoms.
5. Spinach Walnut Pesto
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a food processor, combine the spinach, walnuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
- With the food processor running, gradually add the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and pulse to combine.
- Serve the spinach walnut pesto tossed with cooked pasta, spread on sandwiches, or as a dip for veggies.
Why it's good for neuropathy:
Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and support nerve health. Spinach adds an extra boost of vitamins and minerals, making this pesto not only delicious but also beneficial for neuropathic symptoms.
What do you want to hear more about?
Let me know what topics you're interested in, and I'll do my best to include them in future blogs! Email me at mark@outbackoil.com
