I don’t know about you but this summer weather has me itching to get outside. We’re hoping to go for a long bike ride or hike this weekend or maybe take some paddle boards out on the lake. No matter what we end up doing this Crispy Broccoli and Barley Bowl from Izy Hossack’s new book The Savvy Cook is definitely making an appearance. Continue reading for the recipe and some thoughts on eating healthy…
The struggle has been real. These past few weeks I’ve been in an almost constant state of worry. I worry about my health, my hormones, my weight, my skin. Being a highly sensitive person, I’m hyper aware of physical sensations and changes. A twinge here, an ache there, a bump, a rash. The smallest thing can send me into a state of panic. I also worry about being vain and self-absorbed and about worrying too much. I try so hard to be healthy and sometimes I wonder if I should just let it all go. The other day Anders casually asked me, “But, do you feel good?” I paused and thought for a moment. A question so subjective and hard to answer. I’ve convinced myself that I can always feel better or be stronger or healthier but in reality, I do feel good. Of course there are some days that are better than others, but overall, I’m good. I pride myself on being a person who doesn’t let perfect get in the way of good enough, but my health may be the exception. They say awareness is the first step and I’m trying to remain aware and cut myself some slack when it comes to lifestyle and diet. Because, sometimes you just have to let go and enjoy life; something Izy Hossack of the blog Top With Cinnamon has already figured out.
Izy is a strong proponent of eating well without restrictions or worry. She’s a student of Food Science and Nutrition and advocates for real food and a little bit of indulgence every now and then. She often says what I am thinking but don’t have the guts to say. This is from the landing page for her book: “there’s no weird superfoods in here, no coconut oil and I don’t go on about ‘detoxing’ or avoiding ‘refined sugar’. This is sensibly-healthy food and to me, that means LOTS of vegetables, whole grains, legumes & fruit but ALSO cakes + cookies – because hello you need to nourish your soul as well as your body.” Thank you! Her new book is full of approachable, nourishing, delicious recipes with lots of tips, tricks and helpful info as well. Be sure to check it out.
Wishing you all a happy, care-free weekend.
P.S. The nomination period for the 2017 Saveur Blog Awards begins today. If you value the recipes, photos and content here on the blog please take a moment to nominate me for best special interest food blog or for any other category you think is a good fit. The more nominations the better. These awards are a great opportunity for me to expand my audience which will allow me to continue to make a living bringing you the content you enjoy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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Crispy Broccoli and Barley Bowl
Slightly adapted from The Savvy Cook by Izy Hossack
Serves 2
INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup dry pearl barley
1 large head of broccoli, cut into medium florets
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon maple syrup
2 tablespoons tahini
juice of 1/2 lemon
pinch of salt
radish sprouts, arugula and sliced red onion to garnish
PROCEDURE
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Put the barley in a medium saucepan and pour in enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until chewy but soft, 35-40 minutes. Drain, rinse, and return to the pan, and cover with a kitchen towel and a lid. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, toss the broccoli in the oil and a sprinkle of salt on a baking tray. Roast in the oven for 20-30 minutes until golden and crispy.
In a nonstick skillet, toast the pumpkin seeds over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they start to pop. Add the soy sauce and maple syrup, then stir until the seeds clump together. Transfer to a plate or cutting board and let cool.
In a small bowl stir the tahini, lemon juice and salt together. Add enough water to make a drizzle-able dressing.
Divide the cooked pearl barley, crispy broccoli, pumpkin seeds and tahini dressing between two bowls. Sprinkle with the sprouts, arugula and red onion. Serve warm.
I made this tonight and it was absolutely delicious! I love that the recipe is for two people as well; it was the perfect amount for my husband and me. Thank you from Yukon, Canada! Karen
What a beautiful way Izy’s book has touched you Sasha, thank you for sharing this with us <3. I hope you are feeling well and letting go of those "what is healthy" chains that have been holding you down lately, I'm so so sorry to hear it friend. Sending you hugs, and hunches to go get an ice cream cone today – love you! xx
Mmmm ice cream!!!
Such a beautiful recipe, Sasha! Have to get some broccoli too this make and make it! I enjoyed this post, as usually! Let me tell you that I think that sometimes we are just too worried about all and we just forget to enjoy life as it is. It’s nice and healthy to eat healthy, but eating is not everything. What about a person eating non-healthy and being positive is more healthy than someone taking too much attention to food and forgetting to enjoy the little things? I do love paying attention to my food and I do think it’s really crucial how I feed my body, but sometimes I tend to exagerate…
Going to vote you now, it’s always a pleasure to read this blog!
Thank you so much
Sorry about the struggle. You are a brave and beautiful soul.
On a different note….$5/lb for broccoli? Wow. Who can afford that? And yet I know farmer’s aren’t getting rich, so it feels pretty weird saying that. How do we create a sustainable food system where the people who grow good organic food can make a living wage, AND, working class people can afford to buy that food? If I’m making $7/hour (or even $15) I can’t feed my family good healthy food if it costs $5/lb. I know you care about people and health and food systems, so I’m hoping you have all the answers 😉
I know…it’s crazy. I actually didn’t buy any at the market. Shhhh. I wish I had the answer to this one…my hunch is that something in govt has to change to subsidize the kind of agricultural practices that are good for people and the planet
This is absolutely beautiful!