Today is the start of the Jewish holiday, Passover. It is one of my favorites, mainly due to the beautiful symbolism around food. An important story is told and we eat a delicious meal full of meaning.
One of these foods is horseradish. These “bitter herbs” are to remind Jews of the bitter times endured as slaves in Egypt. My father makes a legit, homemade horseradish every year. It is more of a clear-your-sinuses-and-make-you-cry version, but, it is quite tasty. Funnily enough, I have been going through a bit of a horseradish phase these last few weeks. I bought it for no particular reason at the market and I seem to be adding it to all my meals. It is delish! So good! Full of flavor and spice (quite a kick!) and no calories. Why isn’t everyone eating horseradish?
People tell me I have a bit of a spicy personality, not sure about that one, but I do love spice in my food!
If you like spice or not…take this opportunity to look at the sauces and dressings you add to food and ask yourself, “what is in there?” You would be amazed at what is in condiments – often filled with sugars, empty calories, chemicals and a bunch of junk. Consider using herbs, spices and acids such as vinegars and lemon and lime juice to add flavor without the calories.
How have I been eating horseradish?
I have been making a quick dressing of horseradish, red wine vinegar, zaatar spices, a squeeze of lemon and olive oil and adding it to my “everything under the kitchen sink” meals. Yesterday, I hadsome hummus and added a spoonful of horseradish which was just was divine. And a few weeks ago, I was cooking lentils and squash and threw some horseradish in while it was cooking and each bite was so much better.
So, whether you are celebrating Passover or not, take this opportunity to add some spice, some kick, some flavor to your food and savor each bite. It is fun to be a bit spicy!