5 Healthy festive recipes, including spiced up pumpkin for the whole family!
Christmas is just around the corner – we can almost touch it! It’s all the aspects that go with this season – family, friends, holiday and of course those beloved holiday dishes that only make an appearance once a year. Although there’s nothing wrong with indulgence (after all, it’s a time to celebrate!), it’s pretty wise to cut down on excessive saturated fat, sodium and sugar.
Trojan gathered a couple of our favourite yet healthier festive recipes for the whole family!
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Cauliflower
Mashed potatoes are a staple at the holiday table, and replacing them entirely with cauliflower mash isn’t the same. Try the 50/50 approach instead: Use half-white potatoes, half cauliflower. You’ll keep the classic texture and taste while sneaking in extra veggies and more volume.
Broccoli and Cauliflower Gratin
We think you might just trick your children into eating their vegetables this Christmas with this broccoli and cauliflower gratin.
Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder
A two-step recipe that feeds up to eight, this pork joint couldn’t be easier if you’re catering for a crowd, and the simple flavours will be popular with kids and adults alike. Slow cooking the meat makes it succulently tender. Try serving with warm new potatoes tossed in mayo, a green salad and fresh rolls.
Crispy Beet and Mozzarella Salad
Beets and cucumbers are great and all, but mozzarella is the real winner here. Roasting beets brings out their natural, earthy sweetness, while peppery radishes and arugula provide crunch and contrast. For a pretty plate like this one, try using a variety of different-coloured beets.
Spiced Up Pumpkin
This spiced up pumpkin recipe will definitely be the highlight of your day. A nutritious side dish that is not only healthy but the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 5kg Jap pumpkin, cut into wedges
- Coconut yoghurt, lime wedges & coriander leaves, to serve
Maple And Cinnamon Dressing
- 1 tbs tamarind puree
- 2 tbs maple syrup
- 1 tbs light soy sauce
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
Method
- Preheat oven to 220°C. Grease and line a large baking tray with baking paper.
- Whisk oil and cinnamon in a small bowl. Season, then rub all over the pumpkin to coat. Place pumpkin wedges upright on a tray so skin is in contact with the tray.
- Roast for 40 minutes or until tender and edges are slightly charred.
- Meanwhile, for the dressing, combine tamarind, maple syrup, soy, cinnamon and lime juice in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in the oil until well combined.
- Place the pumpkin on a large platter, drizzle over the dressing and serve with yoghurt, lime and coriander.
If you’re not quite hungry after reading these recipes, we don’t know what will tickle your tastebuds, especially with the healthy aspect to it too… Try one or all of them, and let us know which one is your favourite on our social channels!
Happy, healthy eating Trojan fans!
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