<p>Evergreen greens</p><p>We are also big fans of mixed green seasonal vegetables and herbs. Combining greens in dishes accentuates their shared energetic flavour, while also bringing out the distinct character of each. It's a direction that keeps sprouting new blossoms of enjoyment as this vegetable or that comes into season. </p><p>A green soup with chopped tomato is a wonderfully light starter or lunch, or you could always combine green vegetables into a warm salad for a fresh, easy weekday supper. Sage, basil, rosemary, parsley, dill... each of these green herbs would bring an entirely different, but equally tantalising slant to your dish of choice.</p><h3>Mix it up</h3><p>A plant-based milk brings creaminess to your spirng risotto; if your mood calls for something tangier, opt for vegetable stock. Liquidising some of your greens and ladling that into your rice would lend an attractive, grassy tint to your concoction. </p><p>We have been using barley instead of rice in our risottos of late, and it gives us all the pleasure of the more traditional arborio or carnaroli rices listed in this recipe, along with extra fibre. Casting about for another idea for a light vegan spring risotto? </p><p>Try rosemary, lemon, spinach, and beet risotto topped with <a href="https://erbology.co/shop/organic-hemp-seed-oil/">Erbology Hemp Seed Oil.</a>&nbsp; Boil your beetroot, then remove the beautifully fuschia orbs. Mix vegetable stock or plant-based milk into the beet water and ladle that into your grain of choice for a lovely pink risotto.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><img src="https://erbology.health/storage/images/2019/05/IMG_0357-e1558257064347.jpg"></p><p>But we're getting ahead of ourselves here! To come back to this pleasing spring green vegan risotto: the addition of Sicilian almonds on top lends extra texture that means you won't feel the absence of parmesan. There are few things more gratifying than good asparagus. </p><p>This delicate, dignified vegetable needs to be accompanied well so that the light flavour is properly framed. Parsley is a classic pairing that brings out the freshness of both ingredients, while spinach adds body without overwhelming with taste. Spring onions bring just the right amount of gentle tang that reminds you spring is all about new growth and bursting forth.</p><h3>Your shopping list</h3><p>Although you will know that we promote buying organic whenever possible, we also realise this can be tough on wallets. Spinach, however, has repeatedly tested higher for pesticide residue by weight than almost any other vegetable.(1) In addition, multiple pesticides tend to be used on spinach.</p><p> Thus, it is especially worthwhile to purchase organic spinach, which is widely available in supermarkets as well as in health food shops. In contrast, asparagus numbers prominently on the list of foods that regularly show low total concentrations of pesticide residues. We will be making this dish in the next few weeks and eating it on a table by the window while the sun streams through... Spring is coming.</p>

A spring vegan risotto is particularly appealing to us; it's a perfect combination of the crispness ...

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Organic Italian Almond Oil

3.4 fl oz

8.5 fl oz

Vitamin D + Omega 3

Organic Hemp Seed Oil

17 fl oz

Digestive health

Organic Apricot Kernel Oil

Omega-7 powerhouse

Organic Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil

1 fl oz

Vegan Risotto, Spring Greens Risotto with Sicilian Almonds - Erbology

A spring vegan risotto is particularly appealing to us; it's a perfect combination of the crispness of a salad and the pure contentment of a risotto. Feeling as if you have one foot in late winter and the other foot in early spring? Spring risottos are the culinary equivalent of a light cashmere sweater that allows you to exist gracefully in the limbo between seasons.

Spring risotto recipe

<h3>All about onigiri</h3><p>Onigiri – triangular rice balls wrapped in seaweed – are hugely popular in Japan. Versatile, wholesome, and undeniably tasty, you’ll find them in almost every supermarket and convenience store across the country. They’re ideal for a quick lunch, taking on a hike or train journey, or bringing to a picnic. Plus, you can make an onigiri recipe with all kinds of different fillings.</p><p>The specific origins of onigiri are unclear. However, the dish may date as far back as the Yayoi period (approximately 2000 years ago). Spherical rice balls became popular during the Heian period (794–1185), but it was during the Edo era (1603–1867) that people began wrapping onigiri in dry seaweed. And in 1885, they were among the earliest foods sold on Japan’s first railway line.</p><p>Today, these iconic rice balls are beloved around the world. And if you’re looking for an alternative to the same old sandwiches for lunch, this onigiri recipe might be perfect.</p><h3>Choosing the best rice for onigiri</h3><p>One of the key factors in making onigiri is using the correct type of rice. Stickiness is crucial, because it ensures that your rice balls hold together both before and while you eat them. To achieve this consistency, you need to use short-grain rather than long-grain rice.</p><p>Despite the names, the difference in the suitability of these rice varieties isn’t down to the length of the grains. It’s more about the type of starch they contain. Japonica short-grain rice has more amylopectin, whereas long-grain indica varieties (like basmati and jasmine rice) have more amylose.&nbsp; Amylopectin is water soluble and gives cooked rice a tender, fluffy, and sticky texture that’s perfect for making onigiri. Amylose, on the other hand, is less water soluble and results in cooked rice grains that don’t stick together. That’s why long-grain rice doesn’t work in an onigiri recipe.</p><p>Glutinous rice is even higher in amylopectin, which makes it especially sticky. However, we don’t recommend using it in this onigiri recipe. That’s because it becomes too soft and mushy when you try to shape it. Depending on where you live and the brand you choose, you should instead look for ‘sushi rice’ or ‘Japanese short-grain rice’. Unlike making sushi, with an onigiri recipe there’s no need to add vinegar to the rice.</p><p>So, if you’ve ever struggled to make homemade onigiri before, it’s probably just because you picked the wrong rice. All you need is the right variety and this easy onigiri recipe!</p><h3>How to make onigiri</h3><p>Making your own rice balls might sound tricky, but with this simple onigiri recipe you’ll be enjoying them in no time! Start by cooking your short-grain rice. We’ve suggested two cups, but feel free to adjust this amount depending on how many onigiri you want. Once it’s done, set it aside to cool slightly. It’s easiest to make onigiri with rice that’s warm but not hot. This ensures that it’s pliable and won’t be uncomfortable to handle.</p><p>Now we move on to the filling for this onigiri recipe. Heat some oil in a frying pan and add two cups of fresh, sliced chestnut mushrooms. Sauté for about 10-15 minutes until they’re soft and brown. Next, sprinkle in a pinch of sea salt and black pepper, plus half a teaspoon of Irish sea moss powder. Pour one or two teaspoons of lemon juice into the mix and stir.</p><p>Time to mould your homemade onigiri! Top tip: dipping your hands in salt water first helps to prevent the rice from sticking to your skin. Scoop a small amount of cooked rice into your palm and make an indentation in the centre. Fill this with some of the mushroom mixture, then cover with another portion of rice and shape into a triangle. Repeat this process until you’ve used up all the rice.</p><p>Next, take the sheets of nori seaweed and wrap one around the base of each onigiri. It’s better to wait until the rice has cooled first, to avoid the nori becoming too soft. Finally, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top of your onigiri, pour some soy sauce into a dipping bowl, and enjoy!</p><p><img src="https://erbology.health/storage/2025/Apr/qorswl5HYX.jpg"><br></p><h3>The health benefits of chestnut mushrooms</h3><p>One of the best things about a homemade onigiri recipe is the variety of fillings you can use. Here, we’ve gone with chestnut mushrooms for a few reasons. They bring a different texture to the dish, make a great colour contrast with the white rice, plus taste delicious. And, of course, mushrooms are bursting with nutrition. As an example, <a href="https://erbology.co/b-vitamin-foods/" target="_blank">they’re rich in B vitamins</a> and are a rare plant source of vitamin D. Chestnut mushrooms are also high in selenium, a mineral that supports the immune system and thyroid health.</p><p>In addition, mushrooms contain potent polysaccharides that offer a number of potential wellness benefits. They act as a prebiotic, nourishing the good bacteria in your gut.(1) This not only promotes digestive health, but also helps look after the immune system, brain health, and even your mood.</p><p>Another aspect of wellbeing that the mushrooms in this onigiri recipe could assist with is cardiovascular health. Studies show that they can lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and prevent the buildup of plaque in your arteries.(2) This all helps to lessen the risk of conditions like heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.</p><p>Interestingly, research suggests that regularly consuming mushrooms might aid in staving off cognitive decline.(3) This could be thanks to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the <a href="https://erbology.co/beta-glucans/" target="_blank">beta-glucan</a> they contain. This is a type of fibre that – among many things – may have neuroprotective effects. However, further investigation is necessary to clarify exactly how beneficial using mushrooms in an onigiri recipe is for your brain.</p><h3>Super sesame seeds</h3><p>People often think of sesame seeds as nothing more than a decorative ingredient that adds a bit of crunch. Yet that’s not the only reason we’ve used them in this onigiri recipe. Sesame seeds also offer some potential health benefits of their own thanks to the nutrients they contain.</p><p>For example, these tiny seeds are high in magnesium, a mineral that can reduce blood pressure.(4) They’re a great source of B vitamins too, which assist with everything from cell function to metabolism. Sesame seeds are additionally rich in several nutrients that support the immune system, including zinc, selenium, copper, and iron.</p><p>Lowering blood pressure isn’t the only way adding sesame seeds to your onigiri recipe could be good for heart health. The ingredient also contains two plant compounds that may decrease levels of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and triglycerides: lignans and phytosterols.(5)</p><p>What’s more, sesame seeds possess <a href="https://erbology.co/what-antioxidants-do" target="_blank">antioxidant</a> and anti-inflammatory properties. As such, including them in your diet could help to fight oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. That’s beneficial because experts have linked both to an increased risk of harmful conditions like heart disease, obesity, and Alzheimer’s. For instance, studies suggest that the sesamin in sesame seeds may protect cartilage and ease the symptoms of knee arthritis.(6)</p><p>Finally, there’s a chance that sprinkling sesame seeds on your homemade onigiri could assist with blood sugar management. They contain a compound called pinoresinol, which inhibits the action of maltase. This is a digestive enzyme that breaks down the sugar maltose. Preventing the digestion of maltose might help to lower blood glucose levels. However, further research is necessary to clarify this.</p><h3>Amazing algae: the benefits of sea moss</h3><p>Sea moss, or Chondrus crispus, is a type of edible algae or red seaweed with thin, fan-shaped fronds. You’ll find it growing in tufts in the waters along the rocky coasts of the Atlantic. While its earthy saltiness works perfectly in this onigiri recipe, the powder also takes its nutritional value to the next level.</p><p>Perhaps the most well-known <a href="https://erbology.co/sea-moss-benefits/" target="_blank">benefit of sea moss</a> is that it’s a fabulous source of iodine.(7) This is a trace mineral that the body requires for the thyroid to function healthily. Your thyroid gland produces several hormones that help regulate metabolism, growth and development, making it crucial for wellbeing. Sea moss also contains iron, calcium, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium, all of which contribute to keeping us fit and well.</p><p>Research into the advantages of consuming sea moss in an onigiri recipe or similar dish is still in its infancy. However, so far, the findings have been positive. For instance, the ingredient may support immune modulation and response thanks to certain phytochemicals it contains.(8) Sea moss is also rich in fucoxanthin, a compound which could reduce insulin resistance and help manage blood glucose levels.(9)</p><p>Like mushrooms, sea moss is high in fibre and acts as a prebiotic. Plus, it boasts antioxidant properties and helps tackle the damage caused by oxidative stress. Sea moss functions as an anticoagulant too, with the potential to prevent blood clots.(7) However, this does mean the ingredient may not be suitable for people taking blood thinners. If you have an existing health condition or are on any medication, check with a doctor before consuming seaweed.</p><p><img src="https://erbology.health/storage/2025/Apr/ruvJDuWcDW.jpg"><br></p><h3>Introducing our Irish sea moss</h3><p>When choosing a seaweed or algae product to use in your onigiri recipe, it’s vital to think about quality. That’s because the environment that plants like nori and Irish sea moss grow in directly affects their nutritional value. For this reason, we’re careful to only partner with the best suppliers to create our <a href="https://erbology.co/shop/organic-irish-sea-moss-powder/" target="_blank">organic Irish sea moss powder</a>.</p><p>We source our sea moss from small farmers in Ireland, who gather it from the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. After harvesting, they meticulously dry the algae and then grind it into a fine powder. We don’t add any extra ingredients like artificial flavourings, colourings, or preservatives to the mix. Plus, we have it professionally tested for heavy metals to make sure it doesn’t contain any contaminants. All of which helps ensure that using our sea moss in your onigiri recipe benefits you as much as possible.</p><p>Sea moss powder has a mild flavour with earthy undertones and hints of saltiness that remind us of the ocean. That’s one reason it goes so well in homemade onigiri and similar rice dishes. However, there are plenty of other meals you can include it in. We’re especially fond of using Irish sea moss in savoury dishes like soups, stews, and pasta. More surprisingly, the powder also helps to thicken up sauces and smoothies, as well as ice cream and other desserts. You could even sprinkle some into your breakfast bowl to start the day with a burst of nutrition!</p><h3>Customising your homemade onigiri</h3><p>The most effective way to customise an onigiri recipe is by changing the filling. For example, you might like to use Japanese pickled plums (umeboshi), cucumber and avocado, kimchi, or marinated tofu. Other ideas include plant-based tuna and mayo, finely chopped vegetables in miso, and fresh seaweed in soy sauce.</p><p>You can also try making onigiri without a filling. Instead, stir your chosen ingredients into the rice, mould the mixture into triangles, and wrap them with your nori sheets. There are a few different ways to wrap rice balls in seaweed. For instance, you could layer a thin strip all the way around the outside of the triangle. Alternatively, use a larger nori sheet and cover the entire onigiri in seaweed.</p><p>If you don’t have any nori to hand, you can skip that step altogether. Other options include coating your homemade onigiri in a mix of sesame seeds and seaweed flakes. You could even grill your rice balls using a soy sauce glaze to create crisp and golden yaki-onigiri.</p><p>Whichever way you make it, this wholesome onigiri recipe is ideal for your lunchbox or as a snack while hiking. These rice balls are also delicious when you enjoy them at home with a soy sauce or miso-based dip. Just be sure to whip up a few, because the rest of your family are going to want some too!</p>

Easy Onigiri Recipe (Japanese Rice Balls) - Erbology

Revitalise your lunches with this delicious onigiri recipe. Bursting with nutritious ingredients, these rice balls are simple to make, convenient to eat on the go, and endlessly customisable.

Easy onigiri recipe

<h3>Why we love winter greens</h3><p>People often consider winter to be a rather bleak and barren season, when the frosty soil prevents anything from growing. However, there are some hardy plants that can withstand the harsh weather. And it’s not just root vegetables like carrots and parsnips. Several species of leafy greens are also able to thrive in a chilly climate. These include kale, spinach, Swiss chard, and collard greens. That makes them perfect for a winter pasta dish such as this one.</p><p>It's all because these veggies have a higher concentration of natural sugars than other crops, so don’t freeze as easily. This defence mechanism also results in the plants having a sweeter taste when we harvest them in the colder months. Which means this green pasta recipe is both seasonal and delicious.</p><p>What’s more, tucking into pasta with greens is a fantastic way to support your wellbeing at this time of year. For example, most winter greens are rich in vitamins C and K, plus carotenoids like beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. As such, enjoying a green pasta dish could help you look after your immune system, bones, and eye health. Leafy vegetables can also be an effective choice for adding key minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium to your diet. Many winter greens are excellent sources of fibre too, which is beneficial for your heart and gut health.</p><p>Interestingly, research additionally links consumption of leafy green vegetables with improved cognitive functions and protection against neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s.(1) So, a green pasta recipe may even have benefits for your brain.</p><h3>All hail avocado</h3><p>While winter greens take centre stage in this green pasta recipe, it’s avocado that gives the dish its creamy texture. Technically a fruit (a berry, in fact), experts believe the avocado has been around for an astonishing 10,000 years.(2) Before humans began cultivating it, the plant relied on large animals like giant ground sloths and mammoths to spread its huge seeds. Today, of course, this trendy ingredient is everywhere – and not just because of its taste. It also boasts an impressive nutritional profile.</p><p>As an example, adding avocado to your green pasta could help to support your cardiovascular health. Studies show the ingredient may lessen the risk of heart disease by decreasing blood pressure and managing cholesterol levels.(3) What’s more, despite being higher in calories than many other fruits, avocados could assist with weight management. Because they’re rich in fibre and healthy fats, they can leave us feeling full for longer. This might be why research links avocado consumption with decreased abdominal fat and a lower risk of obesity.(4)</p><p>Similar to the greens in this winter pasta, avocados are bursting with key nutrients like vitamins C, E and K. They’re also rich in potassium, copper, magnesium, and B vitamins. Further, the fruit contains carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect our vision and the health of our eyes. Studies even suggest the ingredient can increase the elasticity and firmness of our complexions.(5) This green pasta could therefore be just what you need to counter the effects of cold weather on your skin!</p><p></p><h3>How to make this green pasta recipe</h3><p>To get started with this winter pasta dish, pop your desired amount of pasta into a saucepan to boil. We’ve suggested 250g, but feel free to alter this depending on how many people you’re catering for. And how hungry you all are! Pretty much any type of pasta will work in this meal, from penne and fusilli to conchiglie and farfalle. Personally, we like to use wholewheat pasta rather than white, as it’s higher in fibre and other nutrients.</p><p>While the pasta is cooking, add half a cup of your favourite wilted winter greens to a blender. Next, drop in a clove of garlic and spoon a cup of avocado on top. You might want to use a little more or a little less garlic, depending on your preference. Now it’s time for the secret ingredient in our green pasta recipe: sea buckthorn berry oil. Pop five drops into the mix, along with a pinch of sea salt and 2-3 teaspoons of lemon juice. Then you’re ready to blend the mixture until it’s gorgeously green and creamy.</p><p>Drain your pasta and tip it into a large bowl, followed by a tablespoon of vegan butter. Stir until the butter has melted, then scoop your blended winter greens on top. Sprinkle in a pinch of chili flakes and a scattering of black pepper, then add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast. Mix the dish well, so that you evenly coat all the pasta in the sauce and seasonings. Finally, spoon your green pasta into serving bowls, garnish with a few olives, and tuck in!</p><p><img src="https://erbology.health/storage/2025/Mar/MxpaE6oZfy.jpg"></p><h3>What the heck is nutritional yeast?</h3><p>At this point, you might be wondering why on earth we added yeast to our green pasta recipe! It may sound strange, but it brings a deliciously nutty, umami taste to the dish that we’re sure you’ll love. Nutritional yeast, or ‘nooch’ as fans affectionately refer to it, is an inactivated version of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This is the same yeast people use to bake bread and brew beer. And it doesn’t simply add depth of flavour to your meals. It gives them an extra burst of nutrition too.</p><p>For instance, <a href="https://erbology.co/nutritional-yeast-benefits/" target="_blank">nutritional yeast</a> is a great source of B vitamins such as thiamine, niacin, B2 and B6. These help to support the nervous system and release energy from the food we consume, alongside many other vital functions. Nooch also contains trace minerals like zinc and manganese, which are key for wellbeing, as well as glutathione and selenomethionine. These last two are potent antioxidants that defend our cells against harmful oxidative stress.</p><p>What’s more, nooch provides all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete source of plant-based protein.(6) As such, adding it to your green pasta may additionally support muscle growth and repair. Nutritional yeast also contains a type of fibre called <a href="https://erbology.co/beta-glucans" target="_blank">beta-glucan</a>. This offers us a wealth of potential benefits, including supporting the immune system and lowering cholesterol levels.(7) The latter helps to protect cardiovascular health by reducing the risk of conditions like heart disease and stroke. That’s a lot of value in such a tiny ingredient!</p><h3>Introducing our nutritional yeast flakes</h3><p>We source the <a href="https://erbology.co/shop/organic-nutritional-yeast/" target="_blank">organic nutritional yeast flakes</a> we use in this green pasta directly from small, sustainable producers in Germany. They cultivate it on a sugar-rich medium and allow it to ferment for several days under meticulously controlled conditions. After deactivating it with heat, our team carefully harvests, washes, and dries the ingredient. Rest assured that no filler ingredients or unwanted additives like artificial colourings and flavourings get near it!</p><p>Besides using it in this green pasta, you can sprinkle nutritional yeast on top of pizza, salad, and roasted vegetables. It also works brilliantly when you stir it into stews, risottos, soups and casseroles for extra flavour and nutrition. Plus, you’ll find it ideal for making plant-based cheese sauces. You might even like to mix some into your dough when baking homemade bread for a unique umami twist.</p><p><img src="https://erbology.health/storage/2025/Mar/EMR6kAFjae.jpg"></p><h3>Sea buckthorn: simply sensational</h3><p>In our opinion, it’s the sea buckthorn berry oil that makes this stand out from other green pasta recipes. Sea buckthorn is a tiny, vibrant orange berry with a distinctive tart and tropical flavour. And its precious oil brings an array of <a href="https://erbology.co/sea-buckthorn-benefits/" target="_blank">potential wellness benefits</a> to your bowl.</p><p>First, sea buckthorn oil is rich in potent phytosterols, minerals, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. It’s also a rare plant source of omega-7 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation, support your mucous membranes, and protect cardiovascular health.(8) Research indicates that the oil could lower blood pressure and cholesterol in people with hypertension and hypercholesterolemia.(9)</p><p>Furthermore, sea buckthorn is bursting with <a href="https://erbology.co/beta-carotene/" target="_blank">beta-carotene</a>. This is a carotenoid that the body converts to vitamin A, and it’s crucial for eye health. It’s also what gives the oil its beautiful orange colour. Sea buckthorn is additionally full of antioxidants like quercetin. These protect us from oxidative stress and lessen the risk of chronic diseases.</p><p>One of the main reasons people value sea buckthorn oil so highly is its <a href="https://erbology.co/sea-buckthorn-skin-benefits/" target="_blank">positive influence on skin health</a>. The ingredient is rich in palmitoleic acid – which promotes wound healing – and linoleic acid.(10) The latter can alleviate conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and dry and scaly skin.(8) Interestingly, sea buckthorn oil might even protect our skin against damage from the sun’s UV rays.(11) However, we don’t recommend ditching your sun cream and using it instead!</p><p>Finally, there’s a possibility that <a href="https://erbology.co/sea-buckthorn-benefits-for-hair/" target="_blank">sea buckthorn oil has benefits for hair health</a>. Not only does it support the condition of your scalp, but it could also help repair damaged locks. Plus, it contains lipids such as lecithin that remove excess oil from your tresses.(12)</p><h3>Say hello to our sea buckthorn oil</h3><p>Choosing a top-quality oil is vital if you want to enjoy the benefits of sea buckthorn in this green pasta. That’s why we source ours from independent farmers in Eastern Europe who use strictly organic techniques to cultivate their plants. Our team harvests the berries by hand in August, and cold presses them to extract the oil. It takes around 50kg of fresh berries to make one litre of <a href="https://erbology.co/shop/organic-sea-buckthorn-berry-oil/" target="_blank">sea buckthorn oil</a>. Using a cold pressing technique helps preserve the fruit’s nutrients and ensure you get the maximum potential benefit. For example, our berry oil contains roughly 37g of omega-7 fatty acids per 100g.</p><p>Besides this green pasta recipe, you can add sea buckthorn oil to smoothies, mocktails, and even homemade ice cream. Or, if you’re in a rush, you could just take it neat. The oil’s mildly sweet, botanical flavour makes it a fabulous addition to all kinds of drinks and dishes. The only factor to bear in mind is that it doesn’t like to be heated, so don’t cook with it. Simply drizzle a few drops over your finished meals instead.</p><p>Alternatively, you might prefer to apply sea buckthorn oil topically to make the most of its hair and skin benefits. For example, massaging a few drops directly into your scalp and leaving it for a few hours could reduce itchiness. Another option is to mix it into your normal shampoo or conditioner. For skin health, you’ll want to dilute sea buckthorn oil with a carrier like almond oil. This is to prevent its vibrant orange hue from staining your skin. Then you simply apply the blend at night as a facial oil.</p><h3>Customising this green pasta recipe</h3><p>Like most of our recipes, there are plenty of ways to adapt this winter greens pasta dish to suit you. For instance, keep with the jade theme by adding some broccoli florets, Brussels sprouts, asparagus or leek to the bowl. Alternatively, bring a pop of contrasting colour to your meal with sweetcorn, sun-dried tomatoes, aubergine, or red pepper. As the sauce is green, it still counts as green pasta!</p><p>Mixing up the seasonings is another fantastic way to make this green pasta your own. As an example, you could use fresh parsley, mint, or basil for extra flavour. Meanwhile, a splash of coconut milk can make the sauce even more creamy. There are also lots of other garnishes you might like to add besides the olives. Personally, we love tossing in a handful of pine nuts, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for a hint of crunch. And a light sprinkle of sesame seeds ensures a photogenic plate.</p><p>If you want to make your green pasta into a more substantial meal, try adding tofu, pulses, or tempeh. And when it comes to serving, you can’t beat a side of fresh, warm garlic bread. Delicious!</p>

Easy Winter Greens Pasta Recipe - Erbology

With its stunning jade hue, creamy texture, and abundance of wholesome ingredients, this green pasta is sure to keep the winter blues at bay. And we’ve put a unique spin on the dish with the inclusion of sea buckthorn berry oil. This brings a sweet, botanical note to the recipe, as well as plenty of potential health benefits. Think you know pasta? Think again!

Winter greens pasta

<h3>What exactly is cauliflower rice?</h3><p>Cauliflower rice recipes have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They offer a simple way to add more vegetables to your diet, making your meals extra nutritious. Plus, the versatility of cauliflower means you’re able to enjoy it in all kinds of different dishes. From cauliflower fried rice to burritos, salads, and rice bowls, the options are almost endless. You can even use riced cauliflower to make a pizza base! But what exactly is it, and where did it come from?</p><p>As with many dishes, the specific origin of cauliflower rice recipes is up for debate. People have likely been eating the vegetable since the Middle Ages, so we can’t say for certain who first discovered how to rice cauliflower. However, the most widely accepted story is that chef Ben Ford (son of Harrison) invented the meal in 1998.(1) He called it cauliflower couscous and served it as part of a lamb dish.</p><p>As the name suggests, cauliflower rice is simply cauliflower that has been broken down into very small pieces. Visually, it resembles a grain much like rice or couscous, and you use it in a similar way.</p><p>Today, it is not unusual to find chilled and frozen cauliflower rice in the supermarket. (Quick side note: producers often call their product ‘riced cauliflower’ to appease the rice industry and avoid any possible confusion!) Here at Erbology, however, we think it’s rather more satisfying to whip up your own cauliflower rice recipes. But before we talk about how to make cauliflower rice, let’s look at some reasons you might want to. You’ll soon understand why it’s such a fabulous addition to your culinary repertoire!</p><p dir="ltr">[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZvTXb34M-k[/embed]</p><p></p><p>The health benefits of cauliflower</p><p>The humble cauliflower is, of course, at the heart of all cauliflower rice recipes. It may not be the most exciting of foods, however that’s precisely why it works so well. The vegetable’s mild flavor pairs perfectly with almost any ingredient. Not to mention, it’s bursting with nutritional benefits.</p><p>For starters, cauliflower is rich in an antioxidant called sulforaphane. <a href="https://erbology.co/what-antioxidants-do/">Antioxidants help to protect our cells</a> against oxidative stress, and research has linked sulforaphane with a wealth of health benefits.(2) These include decreasing the risk of diabetes, plus reducing high blood pressure and keeping your arteries healthy. The latter two mean cauliflower rice recipes may aid in lessening the chance of developing heart disease.</p><p>Cauliflower is additionally a fantastic source of choline. This essential nutrient plays a multitude of key roles within the body. For instance, choline helps to support cell membranes, synthesise DNA, and prevent cholesterol from building up in the liver. It’s also vital for making acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in everything from muscle contraction to cognitive functions like memory.(3)</p><p>As if that weren’t enough, cauliflowers are high in more familiar nutrients like folate, vitamin K, and vitamin C too. Vitamin K supports blood clotting and bone health, while vitamin C is important for wound healing and iron absorption.</p><p>Moreover, cauliflower’s relatively high fiber content brings plenty of additional benefits to our wellbeing. Eating sufficient fiber promotes digestive health by <a href="https://erbology.co/improve-gut-health/">nourishing the gut microbiome</a>, plus reduces the risk of developing certain chronic diseases. So, as you can see, introducing cauliflower rice recipes into your diet may boost wellness in all sorts of ways!</p><p></p><h3>Versatile and nutritious: how to make cauliflower rice</h3><p>As well as being wholesome and delicious, cauliflower rice recipes are super easy to make. So without further ado, here’s how to do it.</p><p>Start by adding your cauliflower florets to a food processor and blending them until they’re minced. Technically, after this step, you already have cauliflower rice! However, on its own, riced cauliflower can be rather bland – so let’s dial up the flavor.</p><p>Add the sunflower oil to a pan and heat it up before tipping in the minced cauliflower. Sauté for about five to seven minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is tender. Now it’s time to season your fried cauliflower rice. Sprinkle in the sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cumin powder, and give the dish a good mix. It’s at this point that you can switch up your cauliflower rice recipes by using different seasonings. As always, feel free to adjust the amounts you add to suit your personal taste preferences.</p><p>Take the pan off the heat and then pop in your barley grass powder. Stir your riced cauliflower until all the seasonings are evenly distributed. The barley grass should give the dish a gorgeous green hue!</p><p>Plate up your cauliflower rice, then garnish with finely chopped chives and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds. And with that, you’re ready to serve! You can enjoy this dish as it is, or use it in place of different grains as part of a larger meal. Another option is to bulk it out with extra ingredients to make it more filling. Roasted vegetables, tofu cubes, and nuts are all brilliant additions, so have fun creating your own unique cauliflower rice recipes!</p><h3>Supreme seasonings</h3><p>Because cauliflower is mild in flavor, seasonings are crucial for creating delicious cauliflower rice recipes. What’s more, they can also bring a little extra nutrition to your meals. Take the black pepper in this dish as an example. Thanks to an active compound called piperine, it may help to improve blood sugar management and <a href="https://erbology.co/anti-inflammatory-diet/">lower inflammation</a>.(4)</p><p>Similarly, evidence indicates that cumin offers a number of potential health benefits. The spice could enhance digestion, improve blood cholesterol levels, and promote weight loss.(5) It might additionally help with diabetes by improving blood glucose control and countering some of the condition’s effects.(6)</p><p>And then we have garlic powder. This potent plant may have antiviral properties, helping to boost the immune system.(7) Garlic is also <a href="https://erbology.co/best-diet-heart-health/">good for cardiovascular health</a>. Studies show that it could work to lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol, plus improve blood flow.(8) All of which can reduce the risk of conditions such as heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. This makes garlic a wonderful addition to your cauliflower rice recipes.</p><p>Finally, there are the black sesame seeds. Ok, technically these are more of a garnish than a seasoning, but they don’t just add color to the dish. These tiny nutritional powerhouses are rich in antioxidants, helping to defend us from the damage caused by free radicals. Furthermore, evidence suggests that tucking into sesame seeds could be useful for lowering blood pressure.(9)</p><p>Of course, these seasonings are only suggestions. We encourage you to create your own cauliflower rice recipes with different herbs and spices to suit the season and occasion. You can’t go wrong with a little culinary creativity!</p><p><img src="https://erbology.health/storage/2024/Dec/XcnLiUymWS.jpg"></p><p><a href="https://erbology.co/shop/organic-barley-grass-powder/"></a></p><h3>Barley grass: taking cauliflower rice recipes to the next level</h3><p>What sets this dish apart from other cauliflower rice recipes is the inclusion of barley grass. These vibrant green shoots are bursting with vitamins A, C, and K, plus minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium.(10) Each has a vital role to play in ensuring we stay healthy. Barley grass also contains eight of the essential amino acids, which are the basic building blocks of protein.</p><p>In addition, barley grass powder is overflowing with plant compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoids. These possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to keep oxidative stress and chronic inflammation at bay. This is important because experts have linked both to an increased risk of harmful health conditions like cancer and Alzheimer’s.</p><p>What’s more, oxidative stress can speed up the ageing process. Including antioxidant-rich barley grass in your cauliflower rice recipes could therefore be beneficial for skin health. The fact that the vitamin C it contains also <a href="https://erbology.co/collagen-supplements-work/">stimulates the production of collagen</a> enhances this. Collagen is a protein that improves skin elasticity and hydration, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.</p><p>Another organ that barley grass could be especially beneficial for is the heart. There are several reasons for this. First, minerals such as magnesium and <a href="https://erbology.co/potassium-blood-pressure/">potassium help to regulate blood pressure</a> and prevent hypertension. Second, studies indicate that barley grass may decrease cholesterol and triglyceride levels, plus reduce the oxidation of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol.(11)</p><p>Interestingly, there’s a chance that barley grass might also contribute to improved mental health. Some of the amino acids it contains – such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and tryptophan – help ease anxiety and promote sleep. Indeed, one study found that taking barley grass powder <a href="https://erbology.co/tips-better-sleep/">improves the quality of our sleep</a>.(12) However, more research is necessary to confirm this.</p><p><a href="https://erbology.co/shop/organic-barley-grass-powder/"><img src="https://erbology.health/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/5D32349-1024x683.jpg"></a></p><h3>Meet our organic barley grass powder</h3><p>To enjoy the benefits discussed above, it’s important to use a quality barley grass powder in your cauliflower rice recipes. That’s exactly why we source ours directly from small organic farmers in Europe, who don’t use any chemicals when cultivating the plants. They pick the leaves while they’re still young and at their nutritional peak, then carefully clean and sort them. This ensures that only the very finest make it into the final product.</p><p>Next, our team meticulously dries the barley grass and mills it into a fine powder. We don’t add any bulking agents or filler ingredients, so what you receive is 100% pure <a href="https://erbology.co/shop/organic-barley-grass-powder/">organic barley grass powder</a>. As such, you can rest assured that you’ll get the maximum potential health benefits from taking this potent plant. And yes, it means that beautiful green color is entirely natural!</p><p>Barley grass powder has a fairly mild, earthy flavor, with bitter undertones. Consequently, there are all sorts of other delicious ways to enjoy it in addition to cauliflower rice recipes. For example, you could add a teaspoon to a glass of water for a quick and easy burst of nutrition. Alternatively, mix some into your favorite juices and smoothies. It’s particularly effective at balancing out the sweetness of fruits like mango and pineapple.</p><p>Another option is stirring barley grass powder into yoghurt or a breakfast bowl for an extra-healthy start to your morning. Prefer to enjoy it later in the day? Try mixing the powder into a homemade salad dressing, or adding some to a bowl of soup. The one factor to bear in mind is that heating barley grass powder can mean you lose some nutrients. As such, raw recipes are ideal!</p><h3>The versatility of cauliflower rice recipes</h3><p>We’ve talked a lot about how versatile cauliflower rice recipes are. One reason for this is that the riced vegetable easily absorbs flavor from dressings and sauces. What’s more, you can eat it raw or quickly heat it up to make fried cauliflower rice. It only requires minimal cooking, especially if you don’t want it to get soft.</p><p>However, it’s worth noting that cauliflower rice is not as absorbent as actual rice. As such, you might not need to use as much sauce or dressing as you would in a rice dish. If you find that your cauliflower rice recipes are getting soggy, try roasting the grains on a wide, shallow tray. Alternatively, pat them gently with a piece of kitchen towel to remove any excess moisture.</p><p>There is almost no limit to the cauliflower rice recipes you can create once you have the technique down. Looking for some inspiration? You could try using riced cauliflower to make sushi rolls, tabbouleh, tofu rice bowls, or stuffed peppers. And it’s not only rice you’re able to substitute it for. Cauliflower rice also works perfectly in place of other grains like couscous and quinoa.</p><p>So have fun, experiment, and find your own favorite cauliflower rice recipes! You might never look at this unassuming vegetable in the same way again…</p>

What exactly is cauliflower rice?Cauliflower rice recipes have become increasingly popular in recent ...

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How to Make Cauliflower Rice - Erbology

Are you interested in trying out some cauliflower rice recipes but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered! In this post we talk about how to make cauliflower rice, plus suggest some ideas for different ways you can serve it. We’ve also given this already-healthy dish an extra nutritional boost with the addition of barley grass. As well as adding flavor and color, this vibrant green powder brings a wealth of wellness benefits to your plate. Not bad for a humble young leaf!

How to make cauliflower rice