Coconut Noodle Salad - Asia Style

here's a yummy, easy, quick and quite healthy recipe for you. 
this is one of those recipes that are born when you just throw together what's left cause you failed at planning your grocery shopping.
it was planned as a warm dish, but turned out to be waaaay better when cold. but either way, it's great and perfect as a starter or a light lunch or dinner.

what you'll need for 2-3 servings:

• a bunch of rice noodles (about 80g)
• 1 zucchini
• 1/2 can unsweetened coconut milk (200-250ml)
• asian veggies (i used a mixed can wok veggies, but you can use fresh ones as well - good handfull soy bean sprouts, 2 carrots cut in strips, mu err mushrooms, bamboo shoots and babycorn)
• a bunch of coriander and other herbs
• soy sauce

what to do:

let rice noodles soak for 5 minutes in one cup of vegetable broth, or if you use a can with veggies you can let it soak in the water thats in the can.

cut zucchini in slices and half them, fry in (coconut) oil until slightly brown. then add veggies and noodles with the liquid, add coconut milk and let cook for another 5-7 minutes. season with soy sauce and maybe some pepper. 
serve with lots of fresh herbs, as coriander which fits perfectly!


 let me know if you tried it and if you liked it! do you have one of those recipes that were born this way? let me know what it was!

Recipe: Pumpkin Coconut Soup

yep, i'm still alive! sorry for my long absence, i was so busy. i know, bad excuse - but true.
i hope the busy time is over now and i'll get back to posting regularly.

i neglected my recipe post the last months, but here i have a new one for you guys! i love this recipe, it's so delicious and easy to cook. you don't need much and i think a soup during this cold days is a nice thing.
i normally feel like lacking something after eating soup, i feel like i need something 'real' to eat. so you can say that i'm not a soup kind of person.
but this one is different, so it's even for non soupies like me^^ just give it a try, you could also use it as an appetizer or a between meal. i love pumpkins and for me it was the perfect start into this years pumpkin season.

let me know if you tried it and feel free to save the recipe on your computer for your personal use!

Health: Coconut Water

heat wave alert! summer will hit germany with it's full intensity this week and we have to be prepared. one of the most important things during this time is to keep our bodies hydrated. drinking enough water is really important, and unsweetened tea is a good option as well.

but there are other drinks that are ideal to hydrate the body, plus they have some great health benefits that your normal water can't offer.

today i'm talking about coconut water. it's derived from young coconuts, before the liquid develops into the flesh of the coconut. it's taste may be irritating for those who expect the coconut taste we all now from the creamy coconut milk, but it's very refreshing and tasty.

here are the major health benefits:

hydrates
drinking coconut water can replenish the fluids in your body, and it provides essential nutrients that are not available in regular water.
in fact, coconut water can be a better option compared to popular sports drinks, because it helps to restore the electrolytes in the body without the added sugar and chemicals that are found in sports drinks.

boosts metabolism
coconut water is naturally fat free and low in calories and it also boosts your metabolism. these benefits make it a great supplement to use during weight loss and it may help you get rid of those pesky pounds when it is combined with other healthy habits.

lowers blood pressure
coconut water has a low amount of sodium and a high amount of potassium, which is the perfect combination to reduce blood pressure levels. in addition to drinking coconut water, you should also eat other natural, whole foods for maximum health benefits.

prevents diseases
coconut water has anti-viral properties and drinking it on a regular basis helps to fight off infections and illness.
in fact, some health specialists have suggested that coconut water helps to boost the immune system in addition to treating any current health condition, which means that it can prevent future illnesses.

removes toxins
toxins build up in our body every day as a result of normal body processes and the environment that we live in.
drinking coconut water can help the body to get rid of those toxins quickly and efficiently.


so all in all, coconut water is a great thing! it amazing for your health and great for your skin. it helps to clear it up by boosting your immune system and fighting the toxins.

the best source is a fresh cocnut which you just have to cut open or make a hole into. if you can't get your hands on a green coconut, most of the supermarkets have coconut water in store. most of them are organic, which is very important to me. make sure there is only one ingredient on the list: coconut water. some have added sugars or fruits, if you like it, be aware that the amount of calories is way larger, and you should count it as sweets, like chocolate or other limonades. 

for my german friends who don't know where to get coconut water: alnatura has it in store (at DM e.g.), and at most REWE you can get it, right where the fresh milk is.


have you ever tried it? whats your favourite summer drink? does it have any health benefits?

( image via q8rashaqa.com, informations via foodlve.com and indianbeautysopt.com )