Papas de Navidad | Breakfast Potatoes

Stare at a blank sheet of paper smeared with ink, and you might detect a specific image. But show that same sheet of paper to someone else, and there is a good chance they will see a different image. Of course a psychologist will tell you that the Rorschach test tells us more about the viewers than the sheet of paper.

In many ways, the study of nutrition is similar. All that is needed is a few moments looking at various search engine results about diet and nutrition to see there are widely differing views on the best ways to eat. Add on top of this, the confusion that government agencies and industry lobbyists create, and suddenly it becomes clear why so many people view that ink stained paper in so many different ways.

However, I believe a consensus is slowly starting to form, and a specific image is becoming increasingly transparent to an increasing number of people. The consensus is, of course, in favor of a plant-based diet.

I know of no other diet, because not a single study exists, which can scientifically be shown to reverse heart disease, other than a plant-based diet. Increasingly, the leading experts on cancer are finding the benefits overwhelming as well, as evidenced by the recently statements made by the World Health Organization.

As we enter a new year, and as I enter my 9^th year as a plant-based vegan, I can firmly state that the tide of the evidence for a plant-based diet is growing. And I believe that 2016 will only further support such a healthful message.

As we begin this year together, I remain optimistic, and I invite you all to join me on this journey as we move every away from the wilderness, and closer to living with longevity, intention, and peace.

***

Today’s recipe is called Papas de Navidad (or Christmas potatoes) because I made this dish for M when she got home from her 24-hour shift on Christmas day morning. This is a sweet and savory dish.

I chose to make this dish this Christmas because while we were spending our first Christmas living together, we were both away from our families, and while it is summer here, I’m told that traditional Argentine Christmas dishes tend to mimic the dishes of bewintered North America. As such, this dish incorporates some flavors of the North East, by using maple syrup, an ingredient which we brought to Argentina with us from New York when we moved, making it an extra special dish.

Papas de Navidad | Breakfast Potatoes

4 potatoes - cubed

2 large tomatoes or a handful of cherry tomatoes – cubed or halved

1 medium onion – chopped

1 small head broccoli – chopped

Spices

1.5 tablespoons maple syrup – save to the end

2 cloves of garlic – diced (Or 1 teaspoon of garlic powder)

1 teaspoon cumin

½ teaspoon turmeric

¼ teaspoon rosemary

¼ teaspoon oregano

As mentioned below,* I pre-boiled my potatoes for about 15 minutes until they became soft to pierce with a fork. While the potatoes are boiling, prepare the remaining vegetables. Once all of the veggies are prepared, toss them in a oven safe container (I like to use cast iron for this dish, as it adds a real country flavor to the vegetables) and generously spread the spices evenly throughout.**

Now cover the vegetables with tin foil and place into the oven on 350°. If you pre-boiled the potatoes as suggested, cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, depending on how browned you like your potatoes.

Once done, drizzle the vegetables with maple syrup. I served the dish with a large bunch of steamed kale and dried cranberries, which we also drizzled with maple syrup (don’t knock it until you try it). 

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season!

Feliz Ano Nuevo!

*I prepared the potatoes the night previously to help reduce the overall cook time by boiling them until almost soft.

** Pro Tip – Put the veggies and spices in a large container with a lid and shake the container for 10 seconds until the spices fully coat the veggies.

As always the information presented in this blog is for educational purposes only. It should not be considered as specific medical, nutritional, lifestyle, or other health-related advice.