3 Nourishing Summer Recipes by Manuela Scalini (Plant-Based)
I find it is always easier to have a few recipes ready to go in the summertime, because rather than having to get creative in the moment, you can have a little something to look forward to. Nourishing your body is crucial to mental, emotional, and physical health. That’s why I like to follow a plant-based diet and keep a few recipes on hand for when I run out of ideas. Lately, I have been loving these three recipes from one of my dearest friends and my favorite plant-based chef, Manuela Scalini. Manuela was born in Brazil and has traveled the world for over a decade teaching plant-based workshops, consulting for restaurants, and catering wellness retreats. She is also a certified yoga instructor and studied culinary at the Living Light Culinary Institute in California. We share the same belief that “food is medicine”.
Recipe #1: Rainbow Coconut Milk Chia Bowl
Image Courtesy of Manuela Scalini
This is my go-to breakfast on summer mornings. It’s effortless, simple, yet packed with antioxidants and fiber to start my day. Chia seeds are a small, but mighty ingredient that provide protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial in a plant-based diet. I like to top my bowl with some of Manuela’s homemade granola to add a bit of texture and crunch. The best part is that you can make a whole batch of chia pudding and keep it in the fridge for up to a week! I recommend getting creative with your fruits. The more colorful your bowl, the better.
You can find this recipe here.
Recipe #2: Cassava and Garbanzo Tortillas
Image Courtesy of Manuela Scalini
These tortillas compliment most of my summer lunches. They are easy to prep, cook, and store. I like to make vegan wraps out of them with arugula, chickpeas, tomato, onion, and a bit of homemade dressing. Manuela also provides some amazing recommendations for how to enhance the antioxidants for this recipe. I personally like to add a bit of turmeric since it is packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties as well.
You can find this recipe here.
Recipe #3: Plant Based Immunity Broth
Image Courtesy of Manuela Scalini
Because we carry a lot of emotional stress in our gut, it is important to incorporate a gut healthy meal into our weekly nourishment. I like to include this broth recipe in my summer routine as a means to regulate my digestive system and boost my immunity. It feels like an appropriate recipe for all plant-based eaters to have during a Pandemic...
You can find this recipe here.
Food IS Medicine
It is no secret that what we eat directly affects our well-being. The benefits of incorporating more plants into our food have endless benefits. According to Healthline, “a study on worldwide mortality and disease showed that in 2017, 11 million deaths and 255 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were likely due to poor diet.” From strengthening our immune system, to enhancing our gut health, plants have powerful properties that can aid healing and overall health.
Always Growing,
Wanda