The light, yet hearty consistency of this spread makes it so interesting. I like to add fresh rosemary or sage to this dish to enhance the flavor and to improve the health benefits. Rosemary is known for anti-microbial and calming effects, while sage is known for its anti-oxidant benefits. Both have distinct flavors and their own healing personalities (see below).
INGREDIENTS:
Potatoes - purple, gold, or sweet potatoes
Chickpeas
Onion (red or white/sweet)
2 tablespoons of olive oil + salt + seasonongs
Greens (optional: tomatoes, fennel, etc.)
Roasted, raw, or candied cashews as a topping
Fresh rosemary and sage (option to use dried)
For the Cashew + Quinoa spread:
1/2 cup of cooked quinoa (any color)
1/2 cup of roasted or raw cashews
1/2 cup of white wine or rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon of miso
1 tablespoon or olive oil
1/2 cup of water (room temperature)
1 lemon - juice + pulp
INSTRUCTIONS:
Toss the potatoes, onion, chickpeas in olive oil and salt, then spread on a baking sheet with parchment paper, sprayed with oil.
Bake at 400-425 degrees for 25-35 minutes, adding the rosemary and sage at the end or use them in the cashew spread.
In a blender or food processor, whip up the cashew spread ingredients, adding water or wine slowly, until you get the desired consistency. Option to add a teaspoon of maple syrup for another ‘note’ of flavor.
Dollop on the cashew quinoa spread to the potatoes and the salad.
Also makes a great dip for crackers, chips, and fresh vegetables
BENEFITS:
Rosemary - According to the NIH, here are benefits of Rosemary:
Rosemary has significant antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-tumorigenic, antinociceptive, and neuroprotective properties. Furthermore, it shows important clinical effects on mood, learning, memory, pain, anxiety, and sleep.
Sage - According to WEBMd, Sage offers a host of benefits:
Sage is a member of the mint family, and its strong flavor means it usually gets used in small amounts. Other members of this family include oregano, rosemary, basil, and thyme.
Sage is very high in vitamin K, and it also contains vital minerals like magnesium, zinc, and copper.
Antioxidants help combat free radical molecules in our environment that can damage our cells, leading to cancer. Sage contains antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E in small amounts. It also has over 160 types of polyphenols, another type of antioxidant made of plant matter.
Sage has several types of acidic compounds in it that also act as antioxidants. Chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, ellagic acid, and rutin have all been linked to benefits such as lower cancer risk, memory improvement, and improved brain function.
One study found that drinking tea made from sage both raised antioxidant defenses and lowered LDL or “bad” cholesterol. Subjects who drank two cups of sage tea every day saw these benefits, as well as an increase in good cholesterol levels.
May Ease Symptoms of Menopause - The body naturally experiences a decline in estrogen levels during menopause. That decline causes side effects like hot flashes, excessive sweating, vaginal dryness, and irritability. Sage has been used as a traditional medicine to reduce these symptoms.
May Help Control Blood Sugar Levels - Sage leaves have been used in traditional medicine as a treatment for diabetes, and some studies do back this up. In one study, rats with type 1 diabetes had reduced blood glucose levels after taking sage extract. The extract activated a receptor in the rats that helps clear excess fatty acids from the bloodstream, increasing insulin sensitivity.
Human studies have shown that sage leaf extract can lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity similar to the anti-diabetes drug rosiglitazone. However, further testing is needed before sage extract can be recommended as a diabetes treatment for humans.