Category: tomato

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are often incorrectly referred to as a vegetable when in fact they are part of the berry family. Originating from Central and South America, this fruit started spreading around the globe in the 16th century. In addition to being delicious, tomatoes offer a variety of health benefits. They are rich in the antioxidant lycopene which is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers. A study from Cornell University even found that cooking tomatoes increases the amount of lycopene content that the body can absorb. The fruit is also rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, as well as potassium and folate. In the kitchen, tomatoes are extremely versatile as they can be eaten raw, roasted, used in salads, sandwiches, sauces and many other dishes. The final weeks of summer are the best time to enjoy this delicious fruit!

Photo: Unsplash

Summer Caprese Salad

Summer is the best season for juicy and flavorful tomatoes. One of easiest yet delicious dishes using tomatoes is a simple caprese salad, perfect for a summer lunch or dinner!

Ingredients:
2 large tomatoes
Fresh mozzarella
Fresh basil leaves
Balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper

Preparation:
Cut the tomatoes and mozzarella into 1/4 inch thick slices. Then on a plate layer in alternating fashion the mozzarella and tomato slices. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle lightly with balsamic vinegar. Then decorate the top with the fresh basil leaves and enjoy!

Tips: To make it more of a salad you can layer the mozzarella and tomatoes on a bed of fresh arugula or spinach. You can also drizzle olive oil over the salad or add olives for additional flavor.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are often incorrectly referred to as a vegetable when in fact they are part of the berry family! Originating from Central and South America, this fruit started spreading around the globe in the 16th century. In addition to being delicious, tomatoes offer a variety of health benefits. They are rich in the antioxidant lycopene which is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers. A study from Cornell University even found that cooking tomatoes increases the amount of lycopene content that the body can absorb. The fruit is also rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, as well as potassium and folate. In the kitchen, tomatoes are extremely versatile as they can be eaten raw, roasted, used in salads, sandwiches, sauces and many other dishes. The current summer months are the best time to enjoy this delicious fruit!

Photo: Unsplash

Tomato, Egg, and Avocado Carpaccio

This easy and fast carpaccio recipe is simple, delicious, and great as a lunch or dinner recipe.

Ingredients:
¼ tsp black sesame seeds
1 tomato 
1 serving of avocado
1 serving of hard boiled eggs
1 serving of lettuce 
Fresh herbs
Apple cider vinegar
Oil 
Salt and pepper

Preparation:
Toast the sesame in a dry pan and set aside. Wash the tomato and peel the eggs. Wash the lettuce and cut into bite-sized pieces. Mix dressing of 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs, salt and pepper. Halve the avocado, remove the pit and and peel. Cut the eggs, tomato and avocado into slices and place them in a circle, alternating between slices. Season with salt and sesame seeds. Arrange the lettuce in the middle of it, serve immediately with dressing. Enjoy!

Caprese Salad

One of the best things about the start of summer is all of the beautiful fresh produce that comes to markets and stores. One of our favorite dishes to make with fresh produce is a Caprese salad. Slice a few ripe and juicy tomatoes and layer with fresh herbs such as basil or even an herb based pesto. Season with salt, pepper, olive oil, and some balsamic vinegar!

This recipe can also be modified and adapted with different vegetables and ingredients to fit almost any plan.

Orange Chickpea Salad

Packed with vitamins, fiber, and most importantly delicious flavor, this colorful and refreshing salad is definitely worth a try!

Ingredients (1 serving):
150 g chickpeas (drained from a can) or 75 g dried chickpeas
150 g vegetables (cucumber, tomato, white onion)
1 orange
2 TBsp. olive oil
1 TBsp. balsamic vinegar
1 garlic clove
Salt and pepper

Preparation:
If using dried chickpeas, soak the chickpeas in cold water overnight. Drain, add new water and cook for 20 minutes. Grate the cucumber, sprinkle with salt and place in a sieve to drain the excess water. Slice the orange in half and then juice one half. Peel the second half and cut into cubes. Make a marinade by adding the orange juice with vinegar, salt and pepper. Cut the onion into thin slices and chop the tomato. Peel and chop the garlic and then sauté in a pan on low heat with the sliced onions. Deglaze the pan using the prepared marinade to create a sauce and set aside. Drain the chickpeas and the cucumber pulp and then mix with the tomatoes. Finally add the sauce, mix well, and enjoy!

Tomatoes – what makes them special at Metabolic Balance

MB 08-11-2019

Many Metabolic Balance clients have little or no tomato listed on their personal nutrition plans.  There are a few different reasons why this might be the case. First, tomatoes naturally contain glutamate and other fruit acids which have an appetizing effect. Secondly, tomatoes contain oxalic acid (similar to rhubarb, beetroot and spinach). This is known to bind to calcium, and thus, it reduces the availability of calcium for absorption and hence for the body to use. People suffering from gout, rheumatism and with histamine intolerance are advised to avoid tomatoes, or at least eat them only occasionally. 

BBQ-Season: Clean and Healthy “Ketchup”

This is a must have during the barbecue season: Our basic recipe for clean ketchup ensures healthy enjoyment!

MB 7.7.2019
Ingredients for 1 serving:
1 ripe tomato
4 dried tomato preserved in oil
5 black olives
30 ml olive oil
1 TBsp dark balsamic vinegar
Spices and Herbs to taste, e.g., sea salt, ground black or white pepper, mustard powder, onion powder, garlic powder, rosemary.

Preparation:
Wash and dry the tomato, remove the stalk and cut into small pieces. Cut the dried tomatoes and olives into small pieces. Put all ingredients into a mixing bowl and puree. Season to taste with herbs and spices.

Our perfect condiment and dip for meat and vegetable sticks.

metabolic balance Monday Recipe – Tomato Frittata

red tomatos

Ingredients:

  • 1 serving tomatoes, onion, arugula
  • 1 serving eggs
  • olive oil
  • salt, pepper and other seasonings

Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 200c
  • Cut off the top of the tomato and clean out the entire inside of the tomato (All the mushy part with seeds. leave the meaty parts in place.)
  • Scramble the eggs in a bowl and add seasoning as desired. (I like adding Cilantro and Basil.)
  • Dice and Saute onions. Mix the onions into the eggs.
  • Pour the egg mixture into the tomato.
  • Brush olive oil onto the inside and outside of the tomato.
  • Back the tomatoes until the eggs are fully cooked.
  • When the tomato is cooked, place the arugula on a plate and put the tomato on top.
  • Serve with rye bread.

Note: If you are on a strict phase of metabolic balance, skip the olive oil.  If you want, you can add more vegetables but you cannot add any other proteins.  Also, instead of having the bread on the side, you can crumble the bread in a food processor and sprinkle the crumbs on top of the tomato before baking.

Tomato Fritatta