Today’s recipe is sprout of this world! Your body wants Brussels sprouts. They’re rich in vitamin K and they’re loaded with vitamin C and Folate. For Toast Tuesday, we’ve prepared a Fall Harvest Toast by mixing these leafy veggies with a blend of nuts, onions, seasonings, and Lifeway Farmer Cheese. Our cool and tangy cheese, which is full of protein and probiotics, perfectly complements the warm nutty flavor of the Brussels sprouts. It’s an easy-to-make lunch that you can feel good about eating.
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Actually Need to Know
With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.
Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.
Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school-age years. In addition, kefir made from whole fat milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health. Lifeway Farmer Cheese is also a great source of all these nutrients, just in a different format for all the cheese lovers out there.
Prebiotics + Probiotics = A Healthier You
Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates naturally found in a variety of fiber-rich plant foods. Your body actually can’t digest prebiotics, so they’re what probiotics feed off of to remain actively working in your digestive system. They help the digestive system by promoting the growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics work together in balance to make sure our digestive system stays on track and regular. Research has found that consuming a variety of prebiotic and probiotic food sources may improve your body’s natural functions, including both your immune and digestive systems.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet onions
- kosher salt and pepper
- 1 lb. brussels sprouts
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 cup Farmer Cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted pistachios
- Basil and parsley for topping
- French Loaf
Directions
- In a medium skillet over medium/high heat, add slice onions with a pinch of salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. Cook for about 10 minutes stirring often until the onions are soft. Turn down the heat and cook for about 20-25 more minutes stirring often. The onions should caramelize, but you don't want them over done.
- Remove the onions and add in another drizzle of olive oil along with the brussels sprouts and salt and pepper. Cook for about 8 minutes, or until they become bright green.
- Slice the french loaf in half, top with farmer cheese, cooked onions and brussels sprouts, pistachios, a drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper, basil, and parsley to taste. Cook in the oven for 15 minutes at 450 degrees.
- Top with more fresh herbs, slice into crescents, and enjoy!
