Chinese New Year (CNY) is when families come together. And what brings people together better than food? Yu sheng. Bak kwa. Pineapple tarts. Those are just a few of the “mandatory” food you’ve probably eaten during CNY. So now that the initial festivities are over, you might want to lose the extra pounds you gained and morph back into the healthier version of yourself. Well, this post will be helping you do just that! We have scavenged the cyberspace and compiled a few recipes, ranging from a simple drink to a hearty bowl of soup, which are not only tasty but can also detoxify your body after all those sinful CNY snacking. 🙂 None of these require an oven so you can easily make them in your hall/residence!
Apple Pumpkin Soup
Suggested for: Those looking for a light refreshing soup, but with a bite!
2 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
2 Granny Smith apples, cut into 1/4 inch pieces
1 cup brewed red zinger tea, chilled
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 (15 oz.) can pureed pumpkin
1/4 cup salted peanuts
1/3 cup dried cherries, finely chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
1/4 tsp stevia powder
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
1 tsp coconut flakes
2 Tbsp orange zest, plus more for garnish
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl; gently toss to combine.
- Divide soup evenly among four serving bowls. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Garnish with more orange zest if desired.
Springtime Strawberry Spa Water
Suggested for: Those who’re looking for a fuss-free way to detox throughout the day – what better way than to do it with water (that you already need to drink anyway)?
1 gallon of water
1 large lemon thinly sliced
1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
6 medium sized strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
3 small sprigs of fresh herbs – basil or mint is nice
- Place all the sliced fruits and veggies into a pitcher.
- Add the sprigs of herbs, and fill the pitcher with water.
- The water tastes best after 6-8 hours in the refrigerator, but it will keep up to 2 days in the fridge.
Source: http://gi365.co/lifestyle/springtime-strawberry-spa-water/#ixzz3zJt98bMr
Creamy Pea and Watercress Soup
Suggested for: Those who enjoy a hearty filling soup, without having to chew anything too much.
25g butter
1 onion, finely chopped
300g fresh or frozen peas, reserve 100g
100g or 2 bags watercress
1 large potato, peeled and cubed
1 litre vegetable stock
Handful of fresh mint
Salt & Black Pepper
60g natural bio yogurt
Fresh mint, chopped to serve, optional
- Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the onion, cook till translucent and soft.
- Add 200g of the peas, watercress and potato and continue to cook until soft and wilted.
- Add the vegetable stock and simmer for 15-20 minutes, add the last of the peas – this will give the soup extra vibrancy.
- Add the mint and seasoning and blitz with a blender until smooth.
- Ladle into warm bowls and spoon in the yogurt and sprinkle with fresh mint.
Source: http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/recipes/513533/creamy-pea-and-watercress-soup
Berry Blast Porridge
Suggested for: Those who can’t live without their rice and carbs, this is a healthy detox alternative – at least until you shed those CNY pounds!
For the porridge:
100g of porridge oats
500ml milk or water
Handful of strawberries, quartered
Handful of raspberries, whole
For the redcurrant compote:
100g redcurrants
50g caster sugar
1 orange juice and zest
- For the redcurrant compote: destalk the redcurrants, place in a small saucepan with the sugar, orange zest and juice and simmer on a low heat for 5 – 10 mins, or until the sugar has dissolved. Leave to cool slightly.
- For the porridge: combine the oats and water (or milk if you prefer it creamier) into a medium pan.
- Bring to the boil slowly, turn down the heat and simmer gently for 3 – 4 mins, stirring occasionally.
- Divide the porridge into 2 bowls, spoon the redcurrant compote on top and add the strawberries and raspberries to finish.
Source: http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/recipes/530418/berry-blast-porridge
Lemony Asparagus & Tomato Salad
Suggested for: All our veggie warriors.
1 large bunch of asparagus, washed, ends cut off and thinly sliced lengthwise
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
Juice of 1 lemon
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt & pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Parmesan cheese, shaved using a vegetable peeler for garnish
- Combine asparagus and tomatoes in a medium bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and salt & pepper.
- Pour over asparagus and tomatoes and toss to coat.
- Transfer to a serving dish and top with parmesan and parsley.
- Serve cold.
Source: http://www.runningtothekitchen.com/lemony-asparagus-tomato-salad/
There you go – a guide to cleansing our CNY sins. All it takes is around 15-30 minutes for each recipe, and you get yourself a tasty detox meal/drink! Who says healthy cannot be tasty? 😉
Tell us if you succeed in following these recipes. You can send us photos of your creations and we may even post them on our Facebook page! 🙂
