Many people who follow a paleo diet often find themselves limited to a narrow range of flavors and cuisines. However, the good news is that there are countless ways to add some excitement to your paleo meals. One of the best ways to do this is by infusing Chinese and Indian-inspired flavors into your recipes. In this article, we will explore some delicious paleo recipes with a twist, incorporating the bold and aromatic spices of China and India.
1. Kung Pao Chicken Lettuce Wraps:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons arrowroot starch
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup diced zucchini
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped cashews or almonds
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Romaine lettuce leaves, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, and arrowroot starch. Set aside.
2. Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
3. Add the bell pepper, zucchini, and carrots to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat.
5. Add the cashews or almonds, green onions, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. To serve, spoon the Kung Pao chicken mixture onto romaine lettuce leaves and roll them up like a wrap.
2. Paleo Butter Chicken:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon ghee or coconut oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Sea salt, to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat ghee or coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
4. Add the spice mixture to the skillet and stir to coat the chicken evenly.
5. Stir in the tomato paste and coconut milk. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
6. Season with salt to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
3. Cauliflower Fried Rice:
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, grated or processed into rice-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup diced zucchini
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat coconut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden.
2. Add the cauliflower rice to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the cauliflower is tender.
3. Push the cauliflower rice to one side of the skillet and add the carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini to the other side. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together coconut aminos and sesame oil. Pour the mixture over the cauliflower rice and vegetables. Stir well to combine.
5. Add the sliced green onions and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is heated through.
6. Serve the cauliflower fried rice as a side dish or add cooked chicken, shrimp, or beef for a complete meal.
In conclusion, following a paleo diet doesn't mean you have to sacrifice flavors or stick to boring recipes. By adding Chinese and Indian-inspired ingredients and spices into your meals, you can create mouthwatering dishes that will satisfy your taste buds and keep you on track with your paleo lifestyle. Give these recipes a try and enjoy the delightful fusion of paleo with a twist!