Izelle Hoffman is making magic with mushrooms!

By now you know that each week we talk about the best foods to eat and the why behind them with our 'Mindful Eating' maven, Izelle Hoffman! 

This week her magic ingredient is the humble mushroom! 

Grilled portobellos with biltong and sundried tomatoes

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

4 large portobello mushrooms

4 tsp olive oil

150 g shaved extra-lean moist biltong

120 g sundried tomatoes chopped

1 heaped Tbsp almond flour

pinch Oryx desert salt

½ tsp crushed garlic

1 heaped tsp sesame seeds

1 small red salad onion, chopped

¼ tsp  dried parsley

¼ tsp ground black pepper

1 Tbsp raw honey

1 Tbsp soy sauce

chopped fresh Italian parsley for garnishing

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C and spray a baking tray with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Place the mushrooms stem-side up on the tray and drizzle each with 1 tsp olive oil.
3. Top with biltong and then sundried tomatoes.
4. Using your fingertips, mix the almond flour, salt, garlic and sesame seeds to a large crumb-like texture.
5. Sprinkle the crumb on top of the mushrooms and finish each off with some chopped onion, dried parsley and black pepper.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and switch on the grill.
7. Mix the honey and soy sauce in a cup and drizzle over each mushroom. Return to the oven to grill for 5 minutes.
8. Garnish with chopped fresh Italian parsley before serving.

Replace the biltong with 1 Tbsp cooked quinoa per mushroom for a vegetarian option 

Why we are using the following ingredients:

Portobello Mushrooms

Contains Antioxidants and natural anti-inflammatories, source of fiber and copper that supports a healthy metabolism and is needed for growth, development and ongoing connective tissue repair.

Oryx Salt

What is the purpose of adding salt during cooking? It’s to enhance flavour, right? So why not start by using a good-quality salt to do the job? Sun-dried and unrefined with no additives will bring out the best in your food in the healthiest way possible.

Raw Honey

Salt needs sweet and vice versa to enhance taste and flavour. So when you add sweetness, choose a sweetness that has a healing effect on your body and health. Raw honey is antiviral and anti-fungal, and contains powerful antioxidants. Its helps ward off allergies, stabilise blood pressure and balance blood sugar levels. It also boosts the immune system and promotes digestive health.

Olive Oil

We all have our reasons why we prefer certain oils, but without a doubt my oil base of choice is olive oil, specifically for its amazing health benefits. Olive oil helps reduce inflammation and prevent osteoporosis, and is essential for bone health because it assists in the absorption of calcium and the mineralisation of bones, all of which are qualities I look for in a product, given my hip dysplasia and related joint pain.

Onion

Onions are a natural antibiotic and antiseptic, so are a big YES, especially in winter. They purify the blood, regulate blood sugar levels and improve digestion. They are also anti-inflammatory. In addition to fresh onions, in my pantry you will find dried onion powder and flakes.

Ground Black Pepper

Why do we add pepper to our food? When I ask this during cooking demonstrations, I always get the most interesting answers, but mostly people cannot tell me why they add pepper to their meals. My reason? It increases nutrient absorption and improves digestion, so you can get the most out of every meal, every time.

Almonds

Whether in the form of milk, flour, butter or flakes, almonds are packed with nutritional benefits. They boost the immune system, help repair damaged skin, help prevent cancer, reduce the risk of osteoporosis and have alkalising properties. They are also a source of vitamin E, magnesium and high-quality protein. 

Crushed Garlic

Antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory, garlic assists in detoxification and boosting the metabolism, and is a natural dewormer that kills parasites. I use both black and white fresh garlic, and keep dried garlic powder and flakes in my pantry.

Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are anti-inflammatory and high in protein. They improve bone health, prevent osteoporosis and aid digestion. 

Parsley

It is so much more than just a garnish; it packs an unsuspecting nutritional punch. High in vitamins A and C and calcium, it is anti-inflammatory, improves bone health, is a blood purifier and boosts the immune system.

We also spoke about the importance of self love and care, and how adopting a dog can change your lockdown!

Another one ingredient challenge: What's in your fridge?

If you would like Izelle to use your ingredient idea to create a recipe that the whole family will love, send us a message on our Facebook page or leave a comment here and you could win a copy of her eBook - 'Mindful Eating'! 

You can also buy your copy here!