Meatless Monday Roundup: 5 Pineapple Recipes
Pineapple is a delicious, exotic treat; most organic pineapple in the States comes from Hawaii, though pineapple is also grown in Southeast Asia and Côte d’Ivoire. Pineapple can be bought canned in syrup; depending on the recipe you’re using, this can be a good option, especially if you’d like to have some in your pantry. However, fresh pineapple is the only known source of bromelain, an enzyme that may have anti-inflammatory properties. Pineapple is also high in vitamin C and manganese… and on top of all of its nutritional benefits, it’s delicious! While pineapple is frequently used in desserts, you can also use pineapple in all sorts of vegetarian recipes.
Image by Luz Adriana Villa A.
Sweet Potato, Pineapple and Cheddar Salad
Our very own sweet potato, pineapple and cheddar salad is the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Sweet potatoes and pineapple lend a touch of sugar, but sharp cheddar cheese and onions add a touch of savory. Together, this salad is not only delicious, but it’s also rich in nutrients: calcium, vitamin d, vitamin c, beta carotene… you can’t get much better than this salad!
Pineapple and Artichoke Pasta
Artichokes and pasta seem like a typical combination, but adding pineapple? Surprisingly enough, this pineapple and artichoke pasta is actually a great marriage of flavors. The slightly bitter taste of artichokes works very well with the pineapple; just be sure that you balance out the ingredients well, so that no one flavor overwhelms the other.
Pineapple Fried Rice
Pineapple fried rice is probably something you recognize… albeit with meat added. This vegetarian version is just as delicious, with a mix of vegetables and brown rice, which is rich in vitamin B. You can easily make this dish with leftover rice, if you ever have some in the fridge from the night before.
Pineapple and Potato Curry
Curry is yet another recipe you might be used to seeing pineapple in; it’s a great way to play off of all those hot spices. Pineapple and potato curry is a fairly easy recipe to put together, with ingredients that you’re likely to already have lying around the house. This curry can be made as hot or as mild as you like; feel free to play with the spices to suit your personal tastes.
Grilled Baby Pineapples with Honey Chardonnay Glaze
Our very own recipe for grilled baby pineapples with honey chardonnay glaze makes a great dessert, but you could also serve it as a sweet accompaniment to a cheese course. Grilling the pineapples brings out even more of their natural sweetness, and the Chardonnay glaze definitely gives this recipe dinner party status.
