Recipe

Each component of this is delicious in its own right, but combined they make a force to be reckoned with. Plus, it makes a lovely protein and fibre-rich dessert. If you’re lucky you might have some compote or crumble left to dress your morning porridge with — yum!

Being nut-free, this muesli bar is a versatile, delicious, nourishing addition to your school lunchbox. It freezes well also, so it’s great to batch-bake. Alternatively, serve it warm with cream or yoghurt for a luscious dessert.

I don’t eat refined sugars these days. Instead I sweeten my recipes with fresh medjool dates. They are whole food, and have the sweetness with the fibre and loads of other nutrients.

This delicious crumble cake makes a perfect afternoon tea treat or dessert served warm with homemade custard. Rhubarb is a great source of dietary fibre and has a natural laxative effect so it is beneficial for digestive health and to improve bowel regularity and bloating. Rhubarb also contains calcium and vitamin K, which are both important for bone health.

These tasty muffins are jam-packed with protective antioxidants and dietary fibre that help neutralise free radicals in the body and support cardiovascular health. Apples contain soluble fibre that helps to lower cholesterol levels, and polyphenols that can lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke.

This pilaf is one of my all-time favourites. I love the fresh herbs and burst of freshness from the pomegranate. It’s a great way of using up any fresh herbs you may have in the fridge, but I recommend using a mix of fresh parsley and mint which pairs perfectly with the zest of the lemon.

Miso is one of my favourite fermented foods which I use often in marinating fish, in dressings and as a simple snack as a soup with seaweed. It only seemed fair to try it out in a more Asian-fusion-style pilaf. I think it’s an absolutely winning combination.

Team this delicious pilaf with your favourite protein or another side of nourishing vegies for the easiest, most flavoursome meal, that’s ready in no time at all.

Try these recipes made with Cabot Health’s 15-Day Cleanse. Dr Sandra Cabot’s 15-Day Cleanse is a triple-strategy program that targets the liver, gut and immune system for a total body cleanse.

I’ve learned so much about pilaf writing for this issue of EatWell — it’s so diverse, delicious and adaptable to whatever you have on hand. Plus it’s a bit of a crowd-pleaser, in particular this gorgeous pilaf which is full of wholesome flavours and ingredients. If you don’t have cauliflower then swap it for three cups of cooked rice such as brown or basmati.

Pine nuts are a nutritious seed containing vitamins E and K, magnesium and beneficial monounsaturated fats, all needed for good heart health. Eating foods like garlic, onion and mushrooms that are good sources of the trace mineral selenium will help boost immune function and reduce inflammation in the body.

This is my healthy take on a Greek classic pastitsio. Instead of a rich cheesy sauce, it’s topped with a much lighter blend of yoghurt, tahini and parmesan. It can also be made with beef mince if you prefer, but I personally prefer to use lamb.