These carrots are a delicious and healthy way to introduce (or reintroduce) vegetables into a reluctant eater's diet. Because my husband didn't really get home cooked meals growing up, it took him a while to make the transition to eating real food. If you can get someone to try a vegetable, that can open the door to trying other healthy foods, which will inspire positive progress, growth, and overall mindfulness. These carrots have been one recipe that we've played around with and enjoyed numerous times.
Ingredients:
5-7 carrots, cut into slices
olive oil
1 t honey
2 t - 1 T maple syrup
a pinch of Mallorcian sea salt or flavored salt mix
pepper to taste
1/4 c dried portobello mushrooms
Kitchen Supplies:
Misto olive oil spray bottle
cookie sheet
wide nonstick pan and lid
Scrub and cut carrots into strips and half them. (We don't peel them, only scrub, but you can peel then cut them into strips, if you want.)
Two options:
(option one: Place carrots in a bowl. Cover with cellophane and heat until softened in microwave.)
option two: Preheat oven to 375. Place carrots on oiled cookie sheet. Roast carrots in oven approximately 10 minutes, or until softened.
While heating the carrots, on low to medium heat, begin to sauté mushrooms with a little water or oil.
Once they're ready, add carrots and all other ingredients. Be modest with the honey, syrup, salt, and pepper. Taste test to evaluate whether you'd like to add more of any of these.
Saute until softened and well seasoned.
Health Benefits:
Carrots: as outlined in Sweet Potato Black Bean Soup and Carrot, Apple, Celery Salad, carrots provide vitamin A, multiple antioxidants including beta-carotene, but have also demonstrated cardiovascular, vision, and anti-cancer (particularly colon cancer) benefits
Portobello Mushrooms: supply immune system support, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, cardiovascular and anti-cancer benefits ***Warning: mushrooms can interact with some medications; check with your health care provider, if you have any questions.
Local Honey: believed to boost immunity and reduce allergies, as well as providing vitamins B6 and C
Maple Syrup: contains iron, calcium, zinc, manganese, and potassium, and provides antioxidants and is a low fructose sweetener
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Labels: March Mindfulness, Mindful Eating
