Tag: Fruit

Healthy Body, Healthy Family

Jugo Verde: Mexican Green Juice

manton

 

 

My sister and I recently went to the City of Oaxaca, and it is always affirming for me to go to Mexico, but Oaxaca is just pure magic. Everything is so beautiful there — the textiles, the architecture, the pride of place, the colors, and of course, the food. We ate magnificently well there, from the 4 star Casa Oaxaca to the unpretentious La Florecita at El Mercado de la Merced. (Have you had squash blossom quesadillas? Amazing!)

We took a fabulous cooking class from La Maestra Reyna Mendoza in Teotitlan Del Valle. We learned how to make Mole Rojo in a beautiful outdoor kitchen. We grinded the chiles and spices on a metate! And then we got to eat everything!  

Everything we did was fantastic — one of the best vacations I have ever taken.  Being with my sister is such a joyful experience! I feel so blessed to be able play and work with her. It’s so much fun to eat with her because she can tell you what’s in the food while you’re eating it, just by taste. Let us not forget that she is La Madrina en La Cocina! She has developed and tested each and every one of our recipes! With the help of the fabulous Malena Perdomo, a certified nutritionist and diabetes educator, we bring you the healthiest food that our test kitchens have to offer.  

This edición is about making small but important healthy changes. We’re with you on your journey to a healthier life. We all know that eating more veggies and fruit are the cornerstone of healthy eating. We are constantly adding more delicious ways to add more plant-based foods to our day.

At De Las Mías, we recommend 3 cups of veggies and 2 fruits every day but the new USDA Dietary Guidelines are recommending that we go above and beyond.  There is no harm in eating more vegetables!

But how do we do that? One way to add more healthy fruits and veggies to your day is to add them to breakfast. Add a bell pepper and some spinach to your huevos, and some berries to your avena! OR….Have yourself a Jugo Verde!

 

 

On our last day in Oaxaca, as we were walking down Hidalgo Street, I was snagged by a beautiful display of bicicletas, in all colors, adorned with handmade wooden baskets at the lovely hotel, Casa de la Sierra Azul. We walked into the courtyard and heard the angels sing! We couldn’t resist the inviting patio restaurant and promptly sat down to peruse the menu and order breakfast.

The Jugo Verde caught my eye and I ordered it. It was the most refreshing and delicious juice I had ever tasted. Lori and I were trying to figure out what it had in it. It was psychedelic green! Not the green goop that you sometimes get from Odwalla in the States, but the most beautiful, vibrant green I’ve ever seen!

We knew it had spinach in it, and I could taste the pineapple but we couldn’t figure out the rest. We asked the waiter and he said it had fresh nopales and yerba santa.  

We struck up a conversation with the waiter and we told him about De Las Mías. He went on to tell us all about the magical properties of Jugo Verde, a time-honored Mexican tradition that promises to bring you good health, happiness, and beautiful skin.  

We vowed to get back to the states, do some additional research and start testing out some Jugos Verdes of our own.

We haven’t tried Jugo Verde with nopales, yet, and yerba santa is not that easy to find in Portland or Santa Fe, but here are 3 Jugos Verdes that I have been indulging in and I feel better already!

Starting off my day with a refreshing Jugo Verde just feels right! It sets the intention for your day, como dicen las del New Age. To feel more grounded I follow it with a strong cup of coffee and avocado toast. Add a handful of almonds for protein, ¡y párale de contar! You’re set!

Jugo Verde is a great way to include veggies and fruits with breakfast. These jugos are simple, don’t require any special equipment except a run-of-the-mill blender, and are packed with at least 2 servings of veggies and one serving of fruit! And that is just to get you going in the morning!  

I also find that Jugo Verde is very energizing for the mid-afternoon slump when all I want to do is plop down to watch depressing news! So slam down some Jugo Verde, put on your tenis, and take your dog for a walk instead! SOOO much better for you than more screen time!

Try these Mexican green juices!

 

 

La Diosa Verde.

This one is my favorite. I feel righteous and strong after this one!

  • A handful of fresh spinach
  • 4 2-inch chunks of fresh pineapple
  • ½ a peeled cucumber
  • ½ a peeled apple
  • 1 cup of water
  • One or two squeezes of fresh lime
  • 1 teaspoon jalapeño juice
  • Ice cubes if you like ice in your jugo

Blend it on high until it turns into juice.  (Optional: Since I like sweet, I even add a ½ teaspoon of Stevia, but that’s just me.)

 

Amor al Kiwi.

If you like kiwi, you will love this Jugo Verde.

  • One peeled and ripe kiwi
  • A handful of spinach
  • 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger
  • 1 stalk of celery
  • 1 cup of water
  • Ice cubes if you like ice in your jugo

Blend it until it turns into juice. (You can sprinkle Tajín on top for added punch!)

 

Sana Sana, Jugo de Manzana.

I choose a super sweet apple for this one.  Have you tried Opal Apples? They are so sweet and delicious. Pink Lady is another sweetheart.

  • 1 cored and peeled apple
  • 2 stalks of celery
  • 1 cup of water
  • A handful of spinach
  • Ice cubes if you like ice in your jugo.

¡Andale!  

 

A few notes on making Jugos Verdes in the blender: Basically, you can blend anything you like in your blender, so go nuts. You’ll need veggies, fruits and water for jugos. More on licuados and smoothies here. I sometimes add a bit of unsweetened juice, although water is really best. I also add a dash of salt, pepper, lime juice, lemon juice, jalapeño juice, or Tajín. You could even blend up a serrano in there if you dare! Just do what tastes good to you and makes you feel like the Righteous Green Goddess that you are!

I have recommended this little book to you before and I will do it here again: The Blender Girl by Tess Masters. I like her non-pretentious approach to eating more vegan meals and we could all stand to eat less meat and more veggies, fruits and plants of all kinds. Your body and Mother Earth will thank you.

Try these and let me know what you think! Keep it simple and delicious! Do you have a favorite Jugo Verde? Share your favorite with us and we’ll choose a few to feature on our Instagram feed!

 

¡Hola, Sabrosa!, English, Healthy Body, Healthy Mexican Food

Jugo Verde: Mexican Green Juice

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    My sister and I recently went to the City of Oaxaca, and it is always affirming for me to go to Mexico, but Oaxaca is just pure magic. Everything is so beautiful there — the textiles, the architecture, the pride of place, the colors, and of course, the food. We ate magnificently well there, from the 4 star Casa Oaxaca to the unpretentious La Florecita at El Mercado de la Merced. (Have you had squash blossom quesadillas? Amazing!) We took a fabulous cooking class from La Maestra Reyna Mendoza in Teotitlan Del Valle. We learned how to make Mole Rojo in a beautiful outdoor kitchen. We grinded the chiles and spices on a metate! And then we got to eat everything!   Everything we did was fantastic — one of the best vacations I have ever taken.  Being with my sister is such a joyful experience! I feel so blessed to be able play and work with her. It’s so much fun to eat with her because she can tell you what’s in the food while you’re eating it, just by taste. Let us not forget that she is La Madrina en La Cocina! She has developed and tested each and every one of our recipes! With the help of the fabulous Malena Perdomo, a certified nutritionist and diabetes educator, we bring you the healthiest food that our test kitchens have to offer.   This edición is about making small but important healthy changes. We’re with you on your journey to a healthier life. We all know that eating more veggies and fruit are the cornerstone of healthy eating. We are constantly adding more delicious ways to add more plant-based foods to our day. At De Las Mías, we recommend 3 cups of veggies and 2 fruits every day but the new USDA Dietary Guidelines are recommending that we go above and beyond.  There is no harm in eating more vegetables! But how do we do that? One way to add more healthy fruits and veggies to your day is to add them to breakfast. Add a bell pepper and some spinach to your huevos, and some berries to your avena! OR….Have yourself a Jugo Verde!     On our last day in Oaxaca, as we were walking down Hidalgo Street, I was snagged by a beautiful display of bicicletas, in all colors, adorned with handmade wooden baskets at the lovely hotel, Casa de la Sierra Azul. We walked into the courtyard and heard the angels sing! We couldn’t resist the inviting patio restaurant and promptly sat down to peruse the menu and order breakfast. The Jugo Verde caught my eye and I ordered it. It was the most refreshing and delicious juice I had ever tasted. Lori and I were trying to figure out what it had in it. It was psychedelic green! Not the green goop that you sometimes get from Odwalla in the States, but the most beautiful, vibrant green I’ve ever seen! We knew it had spinach in it, and I could taste the pineapple but we couldn’t figure out the rest. We asked the waiter and he said it had fresh nopales and yerba santa.   We struck up a conversation with the waiter and we told him about De Las Mías. He went on to tell us all about the magical properties of Jugo Verde, a time-honored Mexican tradition that promises to bring you good health, happiness, and beautiful skin.   We vowed to get back to the states, do some additional research and start testing out some Jugos Verdes of our own. We haven’t tried Jugo Verde with nopales, yet, and yerba santa is not that easy to find in Portland or Santa Fe, but here are 3 Jugos Verdes that I have been indulging in and I feel better already! Starting off my day with a refreshing Jugo Verde just feels right! It sets the intention for your day, como dicen las del New Age. To feel more grounded I follow it with a strong cup of coffee and avocado toast. Add a handful of almonds for protein, ¡y párale de contar! You’re set! Jugo Verde is a great way to include veggies and fruits with breakfast. These jugos are simple, don’t require any special equipment except a run-of-the-mill blender, and are packed with at least 2 servings of veggies and one serving of fruit! And that is just to get you going in the morning!   I also find that Jugo Verde is very energizing for the mid-afternoon slump when all I want to do is plop down to watch depressing news! So slam down some Jugo Verde, put on your tenis, and take your dog for a walk instead! SOOO much better for you than more screen time! Try these Mexican green juices!  

 

 

La Diosa Verde.

This one is my favorite. I feel righteous and strong after this one!

  • A handful of fresh spinach
  • 4 2-inch chunks of fresh pineapple
  • ½ a peeled cucumber
  • ½ a peeled apple
  • 1 cup of water
  • One or two squeezes of fresh lime
  • 1 teaspoon jalapeño juice
  • Ice cubes if you like ice in your jugo

Blend it on high until it turns into juice.  (Optional: Since I like sweet, I even add a ½ teaspoon of Stevia, but that’s just me.)  

Amor al Kiwi.

If you like kiwi, you will love this Jugo Verde.

  • One peeled and ripe kiwi
  • A handful of spinach
  • 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger
  • 1 stalk of celery
  • 1 cup of water
  • Ice cubes if you like ice in your jugo

Blend it until it turns into juice. (You can sprinkle Tajín on top for added punch!)  

Sana Sana, Jugo de Manzana.

I choose a super sweet apple for this one.  Have you tried Opal Apples? They are so sweet and delicious. Pink Lady is another sweetheart.

  • 1 cored and peeled apple
  • 2 stalks of celery
  • 1 cup of water
  • A handful of spinach
  • Ice cubes if you like ice in your jugo.

¡Andale!     A few notes on making Jugos Verdes in the blender: Basically, you can blend anything you like in your blender, so go nuts. You’ll need veggies, fruits and water for jugos. More on licuados and smoothies here. I sometimes add a bit of unsweetened juice, although water is really best. I also add a dash of salt, pepper, lime juice, lemon juice, jalapeño juice, or Tajín. You could even blend up a serrano in there if you dare! Just do what tastes good to you and makes you feel like the Righteous Green Goddess that you are! I have recommended this little book to you before and I will do it here again: The Blender Girl by Tess Masters. I like her non-pretentious approach to eating more vegan meals and we could all stand to eat less meat and more veggies, fruits and plants of all kinds. Your body and Mother Earth will thank you. Try these and let me know what you think! Keep it simple and delicious! Do you have a favorite Jugo Verde? Share your favorite with us and we’ll choose a few to feature on our Instagram feed!  

Healthy Mexican Food

Cucumber and Jícama Salad

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Cucumber and Jícama Salad: A Delicious Way to Eat Your Veggies

At De Las Mías, we pride ourselves in bringing you the most delicious and simple ways of preparing and serving healthy Mexican foods! If you’ve been to Mexico, no doubt you came across the food carretas selling sliced jícama with lime and chilito. And have you seen the cucumber served on a stick like a popsicle with what else but ¡chilito! a dash of salt and juicy lime. Almost anywhere you go in Mexico, you will see merchants selling fruits and vegetables. Yet, many of us have gotten away from these delicias. In the USA, we just don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables! Find cucumber and jícama at your local market.  Buy jícama already peeled and chopped if you want a short cut!

Jícama is rich in fiber

The jícama is known in some circles as the Mexican Potato. Who knew? And because the jícama is so rich in fiber, it is a very healthy carb! For that reason, this combination of green refreshing cucumber with the crunchy sensation of the jícama is simply an irresistible combo. Simple salads, or chunky salsas like this one are a great way to get into the habit of eating more veggies! Refreshing, quick and easy-to-make, this dish goes well with everything. Use it to top your taquitos and tostadas, or as a side dish. Pair it with carnitas, roasted chicken or fish. It also makes a great mid-afternoon snack. Add as much chilito as your heart desires, or go easy on it for the kiddos. Enjoy this tasty, spicy, crunchy treat and satisfy yourself on a culinary and cultural level ¡Provecho, Comadres!

Healthy Mexican Food

Tropical Infusion Smoothie

manton

This Tropical Infusion Smoothie is a delicious treat, and a great way to get your fruit in for the day. At De Las Mías, we love our licuados and batidos! Smoothies have a long-standing tradition for Super Mujeres on-the-go all over Mexico and Latin America and now they are gaining ground in the USA.  And why not?  What could be more delicious, healthy and quick than loading up your blender with fruits and veggies, watch it whirl, and enjoy?  No need for fancy equipment here!  This colorful Infusion will take you to the tropics!  What’s there not to like about mangoes, pineapple, papaya and strawberries?  This one calls for coconut water, but you can just add water, or a little bit of juice, or even yogurt!  Whatever combo works for you works!

My own preference is to blend the heck out of it with ice on a hot summer day.  I even infuse it with a shot of jalapeño juice, because, for me, everything goes better with chilito!

Our mera mera nutritionist Malena recommends that you pair it with protein.  So how about a piece of whole grain toast with avocado to go with it?  Or a handful of cashews or almonds to give it a protein punch?

 

 

Healthy Mexican Food

Tropical Infusion Smoothie

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This Tropical Infusion Smoothie is a delicious treat, and a great way to get your fruit in for the day. At De Las Mías, we love our licuados and batidos! Smoothies have a long-standing tradition for Super Mujeres on-the-go all over Mexico and Latin America and now they are gaining ground in the USA.  And why not?  What could be more delicious, healthy and quick than loading up your blender with fruits and veggies, watch it whirl, and enjoy?  No need for fancy equipment here!  This colorful Infusion will take you to the tropics!  What’s there not to like about mangoes, pineapple, papaya and strawberries?  This one calls for coconut water, but you can just add water, or a little bit of juice, or even yogurt!  Whatever combo works for you works!

My own preference is to blend the heck out of it with ice on a hot summer day.  I even infuse it with a shot of jalapeño juice, because, for me, everything goes better with chilito!

Our mera mera nutritionist Malena recommends that you pair it with protein.  So how about a piece of whole grain toast with avocado to go with it?  Or a handful of cashews or almonds to give it a protein punch?

 

 

Healthy Mexican Food

Grilled Pineapple Salsa

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Grilled Pineapple Salsa – ¡Que cosa tan rica!  This is a delicious salsa! Who knew that fruit salsas would become so popular? Most of us Mexicans grew up with las salsas madres of México, right?  Those are the classic, tomato, chile, onion and cilantro variety, and they are a staple on our tables, and in our tacos and burritos.  I never had a fruit salsa until I got to Santa Fe, New Mexico where culinary fusion is queen. But now, I love me a good fruit salsa.

This grilled pineapple salsa was developed and tested by Lori and Malena and you’re gonna love it.  If you’re brave, you can sneak in a pinch of habanero or chop up a mean little serrano, but just try it as is and kick it up later.

Fruit salsas pair great with meat, fish and poultry and this one with pineapple, is bien rica with carnitas, pork ribs, and grilled chicken. If you like fruit salsas, look for our peach and mango salsas.  And don’t forget our cranberry salsa for your Thanksgiving guajolote. Fruit salsas are a great way to liven up a taco!

Remember, you can make this salsa with other fruit besides pineapple, grilled peaches are lo máximo! If you don’t want to grill the chiles, it’s okay to remove the seeds and chop it up fresh! The best part of this recipe is grilling the pineapple.  If you haven’t had grilled pineapple, you are in for a treat.

In looking up the origins of fruit salsas, I found references to the Caribbean salsas made with mango, papaya and other tropical fruits, but not much else as far as the origins go.  I think it’s safe to say that fruit salsas are just another fabulous way we celebrate El Mestizaje – that bitter sweet fusion –  that got us all here in the first place.

¡Buen Provecho!

Healthy Mexican Food

Avocado Mojito Smoothie

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Avocado Mojito Smoothie

This seemingly random combination of ingredients actually works to make a delicious and nutritious pick-me-up! If you like melon and you like avocado, you will love this licuado.  The coconut water, lime juice and mint give it a mojito vibe. This smoothie is a great way to get your healthy fat in from the avocado, as well as boosting your new habit of having more fruits and veggies every day.

Treat it as a satisfying elixir after-work or after-work-out!

We love this avocado smoothie because it’s great for breakfast too!  You can also turn it into a mid-day  meal by pairing it with protein.  It goes  nicely with a tuna salad, or tuna tacos, or you can keep it simple by making yourself a fresh ensaladilla with lettuce, tomato, and purple onion, dressed with a light olive oil vinaigrette.  With the olive oil and the avocado you’ve got your healthy fats covered.  And with a crisp, fresh salad with a little protein you are well on your way to treating your body right, Comadres!

Getting into the habit of adding healthy smoothies like this to your day will make it that much easier to live a healthier and satisfying life. Look for other De Las Mías smoothies and licuados in our La Cocina section and enjoy!

¡Andale!  You deserve to take care of yourself!

¡Buen Provecho!

¡Hola, Sabrosa!, English, Healthy Mexican Food

10 Easy Ways to Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

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Your diet should include a healthy variety of fruits, vegetables, protein and grains. Fruits and veggies are an important part of your diet because they add vitamins and rich nutrients that will make you feel better throughout the day. Try these easy-to-follow tips and you’ll be on your way to a better, healthier you!

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Getting creative and healthy with your meals has never been easier. Fruits and vegetables give extra color, sabor y textura to your dishes, while adding a little creativity to your dinner table. Madrina Malena recommends three cups of veggies and two cups of fruit each day. Here are 10 delicious ways to help you get your daily fill of frutas y verduras!

  1. Make a fruit smoothie. Fruit smoothies are postres in a glass! Get a simple blender and crush ice and fruit like watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, strawberries and mango and whip up a dreamy licuado for a refreshing drink or snack.
  1. Add chopped vegetables to your main dishes. (¡Qué vivan las salsas frescas!) Liven up your meals with fresh vegetables, picados and salsas. Incorporate sautéed or fresh onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, peppers and spinach into your dishes for added vitamins and nutrients, and treat your senses to sweet, savory or spicy salsas and pico de gallo.
  1. Eat a green salad once a day. Make an ensalada mixta a healthy daily habit! Start with fresh lettuce and add other crispy veggies. Try a simple dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Whether paired with lunch or dinner, a fresh salad with mixed greens, carrots, cherry tomatoes, green onions and peppers is the perfect complement to any meal.
  1. Fire up the grill. Face it. Everything tastes better on the parrilla. Whether you grill the vegetables in a kabob or in a fajita mix, the combination of corn, peppers, onions and chile powder will spice up any meal. Ever tried grilled pineapple with chilito? How about grilled asparagus? Try some of Madrina Lori’s grilled veggies today!

Eat up to three cups of veggies and two cups of fruit every day for a healthier you!

  1. Shred and puree vegetables. Instead of using dairy or meat products to thicken your sopas and stews, try shredding and pureeing vegetables. Pureed and shredded carrots, celery, potatoes, mushrooms and sweet potatoes make a hearty (and healthy) addition to your dishes.
  1. Add fruit to your desserts. When you’re craving something sweet—algo dulce—get creative with baked goods by adding blueberries, pears, strawberries, bananas, applesauce or apples into your favorite recipes. Fruit sweetens the flavor and adds a luscious texture.
  1. Plan a vegetable main dish. At least once a week, let your veggies be the main attraction! Make Lori’s calabacitas con shredded chicken! Get creative! Make a veggie taco! Push the envelope and add spinach to your enchiladas. Pile some shredded jicama, cabbage and carrots on a yummy bean tostada. Add calabacitas to your burritos and nopalitos to your taquitos. Nothing tastes better than Hatch green chile on a quesadilla.
  1. Sip on vegetable soup. A good sopa de verduras will warm your belly and your soul. Mix together a playful combination of peppers, corn, zucchini, tomatoes, onions and beans for a delicious main or side dish. Too hot for soup? Try Lori’s gazpacho and pretend you’re in sunny Spain!
  1. Snack on fruits throughout the day. When you’re feeling hungry, reach for raspberries, grapes, blueberries, bananas, apples and pears, which will curb your appetite and give you a healthy boost of energía. Balance the fruit with a handful of protein-rich almonds and you’re on your way!
  1. Stock up on fruits and vegetables—fresh, frozen and canned. The absolute easiest way to eat more fruits and veggies is simply to have them around! Buy more fruits and vegetables when you go grocery shopping. Keep a bowl of fruit on your table. Don’t forget to stock up on canned and frozen vegetables to ensure your meals are tasty and nutritious. Take a hint from Madrina Malena: rinse canned veggies before eating to wash away some of the added sodium.