Looking for an easy way to add cholesterol-lowering nutrients to your diet? Try adding fresh and dried herbs and spices to your dishes. For example, ground cloves contains cholesterol-friendly phytosterols and adds fabulous flavor.
Cloves work well in Indian dishes, masala chai tea, Vietnamese pho broth, and baked goods, such as pumpkin and apple pie.
Starters and Sides
- Easy Mexican Rice: Tomatoes, onion, garlic, and pepper add zest to this easy dish.
(Tip: Use brown rice and a sodium substitute to make this dish even more heart-healthy).
- Roasted Chestnut Soup: Here's a recipe that your guests probably haven't tried before! This soup has a rich nutty flavor and is best served in fall or winter.
(Tip: Use low-sodium broth instead of standard vegetable broth, and plant sterol spread, such as Benecol, instead of margarine).
Entrees
- Baked Macaroni and Meat Sauce: Use whole-grain macaroni noodles for this dish.
- Indian Cauliflower Curry: This spicy vegan recipe is rich in antioxidants and fiber.
Desserts
- Crustless Pumpkin Pie: Pumpkin pie can be surprisingly healthy if prepared the right way. Skipping the crust is one of the first steps to a healthier pie.
- Vegan Pumpkin Pie With Cloves: Fiber, beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium are just some of the nutrients this pie delivers. Cloves provide you with even greater antioxidant nutrients.
