I’ve developed a minor obsession with two new types of food; Kelp noodles and coconut. To be honest, I was never a big fan of coconut or kelp growing up, but lately I can’t seem to get enough of either of them! I think this dish is really what changed it all for me. The flavors go well together and the kelp noodles are so thin you barely notice the ocean-y aroma that kelp products sometimes emit. Not to mention, they are fat-free, gluten-free, and very low in calories and carbohydrates. This dish also fits under the “quick and easy” category as it only takes about 20 minutes from prepping the ingredients to taking the first warm and delicious bite! Another great quality that I love to find with food is the room for flexibility. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables and spices to adjust it to your liking!
WHAT YOU NEED:
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 12oz package kelp noodles
• 1 14oz can coconut milk
• 3 tbsp fish sauce
• Juice from ½ lemon
• Juice from ½ lime
• 1 large shallot, finely minced
• 2 tsp raw honey ( I recently decided to make the switch from agave to raw honey because of new information about agave that I discovered, particularly this article. This photo was taken before the switch. )
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 2 green onions, sliced
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 cup cooked or raw shrimp, cleaned and peeled (optional)
• 1 small bunch cilantro, stems removed
PREPARATION
• In a large bowl, combine vegetable broth, fish sauce, lemon juice, lime juice, ginger, shallot, honey, coriander, green onion, coconut milk, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a low simmer.
• Rinse and cut noodles into a few smaller sections (they tend to get tangled and are difficult to separate without cutting first). Add to mixture.
• Let simmer for about 10 minutes on medium-low heat.
• At the last minute, add cilantro and shrimp.
• Remove from heat, pour into bowls and top with an extra sprig or two of cilantro.
• Serve and enjoy!
WHY IT’S GOOD FOR YOU
Coconut milk is rich in antioxidants, as well as C, E, and B vitamins. It is a great substitute for cow’s milk as it does not clog arteries and is easier to digest. It also contains magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron. Kelp is rich in sodium algenate, an element that is known to protect the body from radiation as well as remove it. It is also a good source of iodine which helps maintain healthy thyroid function. Chlorophyl is abundant in kelp and helps stimulate red blood cell production, increasing oxygen flow around the body.
Do you have any good recipes with kelp noodles or coconut? Please share in the comments section below!
