Cooling Summer Recipe: Vegan "Tuna" Spread
Picnic pot luck season is upon us! The weather is hot, the days are long and it’s a perfect time to gather, eat and connect!
By: Dr. Hilda Gonzalez
During the summer months, our bodies naturally crave more cooling foods which can help reduce sensations of heat in the body as well as sweat.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Summer is the season of the Fire Element and it recommends a shift in our habits and routines to align with the season.
Yang Vs. Yin in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Yang in TCM represents heat. When there is too much heat in the body, it harms the Yin (which is the cooler, winter aspect). Heat is introduced to the body through the external environment - temperature - or through diet - spicy foods. During the heat of summer, it is recommended to focus on predominately cooling ‘yin’ foods to disperse heat and build up body fluids.
Curious about the different between Yin and Yang? Learn More: BREAKING DOWN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YIN AND YANG IN TCM
Foods to Eat in the Summer According to TCM
Bitter forward foods correspond to the fire element so the focus of the season should be bitter–cool or bitter–cold foods. In general, choose lighter foods to avoid indigestion.
Cooling foods to look for:
Fruits: Apple, lemon, kiwi, watermelon, orange, pear, pineapple, tangerine
Vegetables: Cucumber, Belgian endive hearts, spinach, tomato, salads, yogurt, wheat, barley, fish, rabbit, mint, dill, cilantro
Hydrate: Lots of water, watermelon juice, green tea
Avoid: Cold temperature foods (such as ice cream - it will slow the digestive system down) Hot and dry foods such as coffee, excessively spicy foods.
If you are looking for a plant based, high protein cooling summer recipe, I invite you to try one of my favorites. Enjoy!
Vegan "Tuna" Spread: This recipe is refreshing and it is high in protein and fiber; vitamins like Vitamin E and B6; minerals like magnesium, iron and zinc and it is low in sugar.
Ingredients:
INGREDIENTS
-1.5 cups of soaked almonds or cashews (soak almonds for 24 hours and then rinse; or cashews for 30mins)
-1 cup of soaked sunflower seeds (soak for 4 hours and then rinse)
- 1/3 cup of onion or scallions
- 1/2 bunch of minced parsley
- 2 stalks of minced celery
- 1/2 cup of lemon juice
- 1.5 tablespoons of kelp powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of dulse flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of dried dill or 1.5 of fresh chopped dill
- Salt to taste (really doesn’t need much it if you are using kelp and/or dulse)
DIRECTIONS:
- Process the almonds or cashews and sunflower seeds in a food processor with the fresh lemon juice (may add a little water if needed)
- Transfer mixture to a bowl, add the rest of the ingredients and stir
- Pair with your favorite chips, veggies, in a sandwich, in nori rolls or lettuce cups/wraps
Enjoy!
