Spring is in the air, a new beginning, a time to shrug off the excesses of winter and get ready for Summer. There is a natural urge to lighten our diet, get up early with the sunrise and be more active. All of this is in preparation to help our energy rise up just like the sap in the trees for the more active and energetic days ahead.
Tabouli is a Middle Eastern dish traditionally using couscous. Here, Dorene Palmer, CEO of Divine Foods, uses quinoa, an ancient South American grain, packed with protein, calcium and gluten free. It is light and easy to digest.
Quinoa Tabouli (Serves 4)
1 cup raw quinoa, yields 2 cups
1½ cups water
2 tomatoes, diced
½ cucumber, diced
Bunch of parsley
Mint
1-2 scallions
1 clove garlic, minced
Juice of ½ lemon and zest is optional
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper
Directions:
Wash and rinse quinoa in water. Combine quinoa, water and pinch of salt in a pot, cover with lid and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15- 20 minutes.
Finely chop; mint, parsley and scallions. Allow quinoa to cool, then combine all finely chopped salad ingredients in a bowl and toss gently together. Whisk the oil, lemon, salt and pepper together. Stir into Tabouli, adjust flavours and season to taste.
Dorene Palmer runs cookery classes in Dublin and Kilcoole. Contact her at 0857062039/2842590 or email palmerdee@gmail.com
According to tradition health practices, in Spring, the life force in your body is moving from the quiet water/kidney energy of winter to the wood/liver energy of spring. Thus juicing is a wonderful way to start Spring, with a juice day or even three days to cleanse and eliminate the acidic wastes of our rich diet.
Even without taking on a fast day, raw vegetable and fruit juices are a great way to maximize energy and fill your being with vital enzymes and photochemicals. Here, Mary Berkery, CEO of Heaven and Earth Day Spa, shares her favourite combinations.
“Spring Blush”
1 small beetroot
1/2 cucumber
1 small carrot
“Alkalinizing Green Juice”
1/2 large cucumber
2-3 celery stalks
1/4 apple
Thin slice of root ginger or slice of fennel bulb
Directions for both juices:
Remove the top from vegetables and scrub using water and a stiff vegetable brush to remove any dirt.
Peel or wash the cucumber. If the cucumber is waxed then remove the wax by peeling it.
Cut the vegetables to fit your juicer.
Juice and serve immediately
“Spring Boost” Wheatgrass Juice Shot
Wheatgrass is a complete food, full of B vitamins, phytonutrients, and is rich in chlorophyll. It aids liver detoxing, colon cleansing and strong bones. One week and your skin will look glowing and you will feel great!
Purchase 1-2 trays of wheatgrass or grow your own! Get an electric- or hand-wheatgrass juicer and away you go with one shot every morning on an empty stomach. Last thing at night too is a bonus
Heaven and Earth are offering heavenly 1- and 3-day retreats: alkalinising and energising Juice Days, with a spa treatment to aid detoxing, cleansing and renewal. Contact them at 01 284 3333 or see our website www.heavenandearth.ie
