According to Chinese medicine, each season of the year belongs to one of the 5 elements, to a specific color, to a unique flavor, to a bodily organ or system. We too (as part of nature) are affected by the seasons, even if the air-conditioning has made us forget we’re in the heat of the summer.
According to the 5 element theory, the summer season is the most Yang period in the year and belongs to the Fire element which symbolizes extreme, dynamism, red and fiery. Summer is a time of expansion, growth, creativity and being out. There is much more to tell about the fire element, what it affects and what happens when it is gets out of balance. For now, let’s concentrate on a delicious, fun and nutritious hot salad (yes, even if it contains cheese).
What's in it?
3-4 colored beets roasted (I chose purple and orange)
Half Japanese pumpkin, with the peel
A handful of parsley
2-3 green onions
Halloumi cheese
For the vinaigrette sauce: olive oil, smooth mustard, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper
How to?
First prepare the sauce: mix 2 tablespoons olive oil, a tablespoon of mustard, 1 balsamic vinegar, S&P and mix well.
Wrap beets in foil and perforate with a fork. Place on baking paper and in the oven preheated to 200C for about an hour. After cooling under tap water remove the peel and cut into coarse slices. Mix with a little of the vinaigrette sauce and set aside to absorb the flavors.
The pumpkin is cut into thin slices, with the peel. Take some of the sauce and brush (or by hand) the pumpkin slices. Place on baking paper and roast for about 30 minutes at 200C (I did this together with the beets).
Chop the parsley and green onion
Cut the Halloumi cheese into slices nearly 1 cm thick and roast on an oil-free grill pan
Mix everything and serve
Nutritionally:
The pumpkin, with its sweet-slightly bitter flavor belongs to the earth element, supporting, grounding and nourishing. From a Western point of view they are rich in vitamin A, K, iron, etc.
Beets are sweet, strengthen both Qi and Blood, strengthen Yin and gently moving Qi. Great for anemia, fatigue, relieving constipation. However, people who tend to have high blood sugar levels should eat in moderation.
Halloumi cheese is indeed rich in salt and fat, but it is not part of our daily diet and so it’s just fine to indulge on it once in a while. It of course does provide calcium, magnesium, iron and protein. People with high blood pressure should consume in moderation.
Bon Appetite!
Feel free to talk to me about nutrition and health mid-life and older