Three part harmony

Two is better than one, but three, well, that can become a synergistic symphony.  A potent three-part combination to combat poor circulation (and other health issues) is garlic, ginger and cayenne.  Here are some reasons why:

A Threesome Like No Other

Try these three spices together for a powerful boost to your health:

Garlic:  Studies show a regular intake of garlic lowers cholesterol levels in the blood.  It cleanses the blood, tones the heart and circulatory system, helps prevent heart disease and may help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.

Ginger:  This root stimulates all tissues of the body, is a great aid with digestion and is an aneccote for poor circulation.

Cayenne:  This pepper has a great warming effect on the body and it speeds up the metabolism as well as regulates blood flow.

All three together happen to taste great, too.  Funny how that works!

Cilantro, Parsley Sauce

The recipe I am sharing contains all three of these gems - garlic, ginger and cayenne - combined in a way that will be easily absorbed into the body.  This is one of my all time favorites.  I enjoy this sauce in so many ways - with grilled fish, drizzled over rice or other grains, stirred into a soup, as a appetizer to dip warmed bread or tortillas and as a glaze over some roasted vegetables.  It also freezes well to use later to brighten a dish or two.


Gather

• 1/2 cup to 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup fresh parsley
• 2 green onions cut into fourths
• 2 large garlic cloves
• 1.5 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne or more if you like heat
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

blender

Now do this

• Optional step:  To retain a bright green color to the sauce, create an ice bath.  Prepare a bowl of ice water.  In a small saucepan of boiling water, blanch cilantro and parsley for 5-10 seconds and drain.  Immediately submerge herbs in the ice water bath to cool.  Drain very well.
• In blender, puree all ingredients together until smooth. 
• Season to taste with salt and pepper and adjust other seasonings to your taste as well.
• If sauce is too thick, add drops of water or more lime juice to thin to desired consistencey. 
• If a thicker sauce is desired, mix sauce with plain, organic greek yogurt a tablespoon at a time to desired consistency.
• Sauce may be made ahead, covered and stored in the refrigerator for a day or so.  Bring to room temperature before serving.