Chef Tim Says….
What should I have in my kitchen?
This is the last column in a series I have been writing about healthy choices for you to make at the grocery store. So far I have discussed different ideas for proteins like meat, poultry and fish and a couple of weeks ago discussed items for your pantry.
The idea is that if you slowly purchase the basic items you will always have healthy ingredients to make a meal — one that’s quick and easy or even much more complex. This week is a very simple list of the items that you should begin stocking in your refrigerator. This is far from what might be a complete list but a starting place for those foods that will let you always have something healthy in the house to start (or complete) a meal or have a healthy snack. In Your Pantry: Refrigerator Items
Featured Recipe
Grilled Steak with Horseradish Tomatoes
As many of you know, I love balanced recipes. The umami of the beef is complemented by the sweetness of the tomatoes and basil. All of this is rounded out by a bit of tartness and spice from the prepared horseradish.
This recipe works great with pan grilling in the oven or cooking the steak on the grill outside.
This recipe is Coumadin® (warfarin) safe, gluten free and lactose free. It contains multiple GERD triggers and those with GERD / Acid Reflux should avoid it. (We’ll be adding more GERD-friendly recipes soon!)
Char Grilling or Broiling Meat
There are a couple of concerns amongst scientists about grilling or broiling of meats to the point where the edges are charred black. The short answer is that we don’t know if this is harmful.
The first worry has to do with fat dripping onto hot charcoal. It appears to cause the formation of PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) – basically soot. A lot of these substances have been shown to be associated with cancer but grilling has not been proven to be a problem.
The other issue is when you pan sear or broil meats. Heterocyclic Amines (or HAs) can form. We know less about this but there is still concern.
The fact is, you probably don’t have to worry. Eating red meats is something that I do but I don’t grill it or broil it every time. I also make stews and such. By eating a healthy diet, the occasional little bit of char probably won’t be an issue for most people.
