That's why I really appreciated finding these vegetarian recipes while I was staying at Eco Kapievi, a wonderful yoga retreat in Puerto Maldonaldo, Peru (http://tambopataecotours.com/kapievi.html).
As I've been continuously on the road, I haven't had the chance to try these recipes myself, but let me know how they turn out if you do!
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| One the cabinas I stayed in Eco Kapievi, Puerto Maldonaldo |
Yucas con coco
(Yucca with coconut)
Yucca is not a well-used vegetable in North America, but eating it provides significant health benefits. Yucca a good source of vitamin C and fibre, and contains antioxidants. It is also thought to lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation (and is thus helpful for those suffering from rhematoid arthritis).
1 1/2 kg of yucca
1 cup of coconut cubes
1 cup of coconut water
1 pinch of pepper
1 teaspoon of cumin powder
1 tablespoon of salt
1 teaspoon of thyme
Wash, peel and chop of the yucca into small pieces, removing the filament in the centre. Place in a pot with half the shaved coconut and a little bit of water to cook. In the meantime, blend the rest of the coconut with the other half of the coconut water. Add this to the pot with the salt, thyme, pepper and the ground cumin. When the liquid has been absorbed by the yuccas, the yuccas are finished cooking and are ready to serve.
Platanos en salsa de tomate
(Bananas in tomato sauce)
Did you know that bananas are related to the orchid and lily family? The health benefits of these fruits are simply astounding. Bananas are rich in carbohydrates, vitamins B6 and C, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Accordingly, they are thought to be good for the heart and for maintaining one's energy level. Here's a different way to eat bananas that's different for many Canadians - green, and prepared in a savory (not sweet) sauce.
10 green bananas, for frying
1/4 kg of green peas
200 grams of cheese (or soya cheese or other cheese substitute, if vegan)
1 1/2 kg of tomatoes
1 tablespoon of oregano
3 laurel leaves
1 teaspoon of black pepper
1 teaspoon of salt
Clarified butter or oil, for frying
Score each tomato with an "x", and place them in water to boil. When they are done boiling, place them in cold water, and peel, remove and discard the skins. Chop the peeled tomatoes finely and put them to cook in the pot with the peas.
You can choose to prepare the bananas in one of two ways. The first is to deep fry them (like french fries) in the oil or clarified butter until they are golden. The second is to coat them with thin layer of oil or butter and bake them in the oven, turning the pieces from time to time until they turn golden. Add the salt, oregano, the pepper, the laurel leaves and the cheese to the tomato salsa, and mix well. When the peas have cooked, put them in with the bananas and cook it all together for a few more minutes, then serve.
Papas con salsa de coco y yogurt
(Potatoes with coconut sauce and yogurt)
Potatoes get a bad rap as the "devil's food", since they are high in carbohydrates and are thus thought to make you fat if you eat them. In reality, eating foods high in complex carbs can help you lose weight, as their sugars break down more slowly in your body, thus staving off hunger pangs for longer. Potatoes are also very high in vitamins and fibre - a single potato will provide almost 50 percent of the Vitamin C, 21 percent of B 12, and 12 percent of the fibre it is recommended you consume daily.
Peel, boil and slice the potatoes into cubes, and boil until soft. Place them in a container and refrigerate. Mix in the yogurt, the salt and the grated coconut. Heat the clarified butter in a small pot, and roast mustard seeds until they begin to pop. Later add the pepper, ginger and aji and stir a few seconds more. Pour the mixture into the container with the potatoes and yogurt and mix well. Serve cold as a salad, and garnish with parsley and tomato slices before serving.
