Do you tend to get tired of the same old food on your table? If you’re an adventure seeker (at least when it comes to food), we’re quite positive you’ll enjoy the addition of West African cuisine on your plate. Not only is it different, unique, and delicious - West African food is also extremely nutritious and healthy, which makes it suitable for most diet regimes.
In case you haven’t had the chance to taste West African food, let’s talk a bit about some of its main characteristics. When it comes to ingredients, some of the most common are: cowpeas, okra, lemongrass, rice, yams, plantains, and cassava. As for spices, think ginger, garlic, African nutmeg, ground dried crayfish, and ground melon seeds. Yes, you can get them all at Whole Foods :)
Today, we’re encouraging you to dip your toes into the waters of exotic West African cuisine by trying out some of the most popular dishes from this diverse cuisine. They’re collagen-infused, offer a balanced macronutrient count, and most importantly, they’re delicious. It’s time to mix it up in the kitchen with new flavors.
Why include a serving or two of all-natural Beef Gelatin powder into your recipes? First and foremost, gelatin is an excellent source of collagen protein that’s simple to add to homemade recipes. It also serves as a thickening agent instead of using white flour and other less nutritive ingredients we would be better off avoiding. Aside from providing texture, Beef Gelatin does not alter the taste or odor of your meals, which makes it suitable for any type of food, including desserts. Also, thanks to its high-solubility formula, the gelatin will dissolve into any hot liquid should you want to use it in your favorite beverages, like coffee.
So, what is Beef Gelatin anyway? Gelatin is extremely hard to get from dietary sources, especially if you’re not a fan of bone broth and animal skin in your kitchen. Gelatin supplements are packed with collagen, the most abundant and most important bodily protein present in the structure of pretty much every single body part. Even though collagen is a natural product of our bodies, its production is not consistent throughout our lives. As a matter of fact, after the age of 25, we’re pretty much left on our own when it comes to supplying the body with enough collagen. Natural production decreases as we age.
Beef Gelatin contains 18 amino acids responsible for countless health benefits concerning the quality of skin, hair, nails, bones, connective tissues, muscles, bones, and blood vessels. Without collagen, skin becomes dull, lacking elasticity and hydration, while hair and nails become brittle and weak. When it comes to bones and joints, a decrease in collagen levels seriously jeopardizes their structure, making them prone to numerous conditions and inflammation. Collagen is also necessary for muscle growth, strength, and repair in case of injuries.
One of the most prominent benefits of Beef Gelatin concerns digestive health, hence the recommendation of gelatin in a healthy diet. Namely, the collagen composition of gelatin is extremely important for the structure of the gut lining. The integrity of the mucosa lining is one of the main prerequisites when it comes to digestive conditions such as leaky gut, which could develop into chronic states.
Also, there’s no better companion to your diet than gelatin, as it is low in calories, and it provides a satiating effect due to the extra protein that helps keep you feeling fuller for longer even between meals. What’s more, its prominent amino acid glycine has been associated with a better night’s sleep and helps contribute to the overall recovery process.
Without further ado, let’s see how Beef Gelatin can take your collagen-infused West African culinary staples to the next level!
-1 cup rice flour
-1-1 ⅕ cups water
-a pinch of salt
-1 tsp gingelly oil
-1 scoop Non-GMO Beef Gelatin
Preparation Time: 20 minutes, Servings: 6
Bring water to a boil. Stir boiling water into rice flour and Beef Gelatin until you get a firm, yet sticky dough. The gelatin will dissolve in the hot liquid but thicken as it cools. You will now need an Idiyappam press or idli maker to create strings from the dough by pressing it through. Cook the strings for 5 minutes and serve hot.
-2 cups rice flour
-1 cup cooked rice
-½ cup grated coconut
-1 tsp dry yeast
-1 tsp sugar (or Stevia)
-¼ cup warm water
-a pinch of salt
-cooking spray
-1 scoop Fat-Free Beef Gelatin Powder
Preparation Time: 10 hours, Servings: 10
Soak the uncooked rice for at least 4 hours prior to starting the preparation. Mix warm water, dry yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Set it aside for about 10-15 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface of the mixture. For the batter, mix the cooked rice with the drained rice you’ve previously left soak for 4 hours. Add grated coconut and Beef Gelatin powder to the rice mixture and blend vigorously until you’ve made a smooth batter. Now add the previously made yeast & sugar mixture and salt. Leave overnight to ferment.
In the morning, prepare a heated skillet with cooking spray. Form your Kerala by placing a ladle of batter in the middle of the skillet. Move the skillet in a circular motion to spread the batter as if you were to make a thin pancake. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook on low setting until the edges are gold and brown. Serve your Kerala appam with your favorite curry.
-½ cup grated coconut
-1 green chili
-½ inch ginger
-10-15 curry leaves
-2 whole red chilies
-¼ cup water
-¼ cup onion
-½ tsp mustard seeds
-salt
-1 tbsp oil
-1 scoop Grass-Fed Beef Gelatin powder
Preparation Time: 7 minutes, Servings: 4
Mix together chopped onion, ginger, green chilies, coconut, and Beef Gelatin, and grind the mixture with salt and water. Sauté the onion, curry leaves, whole red chilies, and mustard seeds. Mix it with the previously made ground paste, and add some water to get an even consistency.
Happy cooking and enjoy! Explore more of our premium collagen products right here in our online shop.
