As a senior, it's important to maintain good health and well-being through your diet. Eating well is an essential part of keeping your heart healthy. You can explore the benefits of cooking with herbs and try a few new recipes.
Benefits of Cooking With Herbs
Cooking with herbs has several benefits for seniors. It adds an extra layer of flavor, color, and texture to recipes without adding unhealthy fats or salt. Herbs are low in calories, and easy on your pocketbook. They have many potential health benefits including improved digestion and decreased cholesterol levels.
Four Recipes for Seniors to Try
Here are a couple of recipes for you to try:
1. Basil Pesto
Basil pesto is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the nutrients present in herbs. In a blender or food processor, combine:
- One garlic clove
- ¼ cup of freshly-cracked pine nuts
- Two cups of fresh basil leaves
- ½ teaspoon of white wine vinegar
- A pinch of sea salt
Slowly add olive oil until desired consistency is achieved. You can serve it over pasta or use it as an accompaniment to roasted vegetables.
2. Rosemary Lamb Chops
Rosemary is especially popular when cooking lamb. To make rosemary-crusted lamb chops combine:
- Eight lamb chops
- ¼ cup of fresh rosemary leaves
- One teaspoon of paprika
- One tablespoon of olive oil
Preheat oven to 375°F and arrange the ingredients in a baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes or until the internal temperature has reached optimal levels (145°F). You can serve it with roasted tomatoes and garlic.
3. Minty Green Beans
Mint has a bright, peppery flavor that pairs perfectly with green beans. Blanch one pound of trimmed green beans in boiling water and then drain them.
Place the drained green beans in a skillet with two tablespoons of butter, finely chopped mint leaves, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook on medium heat until they're tender.
4. Thyme-Roasted Potatoes
This is a delicious side dish for any meal and it's surprisingly easy to make. Preheat oven to 400°F and combine:
- Two peeled russet potatoes, cut into cubes
- One tablespoon of olive oil
- Two tablespoons of freshly-chopped thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
- A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Place mixture onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. You can serve it right away with optional melted butter.
Tips for Cooking for One
Sometimes cooking for yourself can be a challenge, especially as a senior. Meal prep for the week so you don't need to make fresh food every day. You can cut recipes in half or even thirds. This allows you to prepare only what you need and have a varied menu throughout the week. If needed, you can freeze unused portions that may spoil if not used right away.
Senior Helpers Evansville Assists With Meal Prep and Other Activities
Cooking with herbs can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for seniors. They're low in calories and provide many health benefits. If you need help with meal prep in Evansville, Newburgh, Mount Vernon, or Boonville, Senior Helpers Evansville can give you the assistance you need. Reach out to us now to discover all of the ways we can help.