eat... seaweed?!

Well, for one thing, it's one of the World's Healthiest Foods. "They offer the broadest range of minerals of any food, containing virtually all the minerals found in the ocean-the same minerals that are found in human blood. Sea vegetables are an excellent source of iodine and vitamin K, a very good source of the B-vitamin folate, and magnesium, and a good source of iron and calcium, and the B-vitamins riboflavin and pantothenic acid. In addition, sea vegetables contain good amounts of lignans, plant compounds with cancer-protective properties." Plus, there has been countless studies to show that it may be the solution to nearly any health problem! These include, but are not limited to: cardiovascular diseases, high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, brain function, arthritis, neuropathy, weight loss, and erectile disfunction. Natural News even goes as far to claim that, "It may well be the most nutritionally-packed food on the planet." Wow, seriously? Where can I get some?!

Just eat your dinner, darling. Haha, yes, seaweed was the star of last night's Chilean meal, Esofado de Cochayuyo. In other words, I ate a stew with Antarctic brown seaweed found off the southern coasts of Chile... and it was delectable. The sea vegetable added the heartier brown color to the broth, a mild salty flavor, and the whole pieces themselves were incredibly suave. Besides the superfood that is seaweed, the stew featured potatoes, carrots, and red pepper.And here it is with it's friends Ensalada de Tomate, y Ensalada de Lechuga. I had two servings of everything, enjoyed every last bite, and never once felt uncomfortable full. I'd love to recreate it when I go home! Although I would assume they wouldn't sell seaweed in US supermarkets... perhaps an Asian specialty store? For now, my gosh was it good (for me,) I am so looking forward to the leftovers. Monday's lunch was another spin on the Sopa de Garbanzos. I think I liked it more this time. It was a mix of thick and creamy chickpeas, rice, and pumpkin. I'm going to ask my "grandmother" for the recipe soon, I think this would be another perfect soup for the North American autumn season! Until next time... have a wonderful Tuesday everyone!