When it comes to Valentine’s Day, romance and creativity are attached at the hip. It’s definitely a healthy marriage, which is why during this Valentine’s Day romantic meal, you will get bonus points when you create something your sweetheart hasn’t had before.
How about you put a twist on an old classic? Cruciferous vegetables are the best vegetable group available that contains the highest nutrients of vitamin A, vitamin C, carotenoids, folic acid, and fiber.
Brussels sprouts may have been the vegetable you left on your plate as a kid, but in your adult years, you’d be remised if you passed up these green balls of wonder. Brussels sprouts contain 273.5% of your daily intake of vitamin K in just one cup. They are also a great source of indole-3-carbinol, which is a compound known to reduce estrogen levels. This means it can be a great sex drive booster for men.
What’s the twist on these Brussels sprouts? A cranberry pistachio pesto sauce of course! Yeah, that’ll mix things up for sure. The pistachio nut is also known to increase the sex drive in men, according to a 2012 Turkish study. This tiny green nut contains vitamin B6, which helps keep your immune system healthy. Your Valentine’s Day just wouldn’t be the same if your immune system were not in top shape. You will have a strong blood supply throughout your body with vitamin B6.
This Valentine’s Day healthy recipe is perfect for a romantic occasion!
Cranberry Pistachio Pesto Brussels Sprouts
Print recipe Ingredients
- 3 cloves Roasted garlic
- 2 sprigs Fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup Olive oil
- pinch Fresh oregano
- pinch Sea salt
- pinch Ground black pepper
- 1 1/2lb Brussels sprouts
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoons Sea salt or kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground pepper
- 1/4 cup Cranberry pistachio pesto
- 1/2 cup Toasted pistachios
- 1/2 cup Dried cranberries
Directions
| Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. | |
| Wash your Brussels sprouts in cold water, even if they are organic. | |
| Cut off the end of the Brussels sprouts and remove loose outer leaves. Next, cut the Brussels sprouts in half, lengthwise, then toss with olive oil. | |
| Spread the Brussels sprouts evenly on a baking sheet, and roast them for about 25 minutes or until they begin to brown. They should be tender when forked. | |
| Put pistachios, cranberries, garlic, and parsley into a food processor, and run until ingredients are very finely chopped. Sprinkle two tablespoons of olive oil. | |
| Spoon the pesto into a bowl, while stirring in the remaining olive oil, then season with fresh oregano, sea salt, and ground black pepper to your preferred taste. The pesto should taste slightly salty and sweet. | |
| Add more oregano, sea salt, and ground black pepper over your Brussels sprouts then spoon the cranberry pistachio pesto right on top. Serve and enjoy! | |
Sources:
Mateljan, G., The World’s Healthiest Foods: Essential Guide for the healthiest way of eating (Seattle: George Mateljan Foundation, 2007), 172.
Steamy Kitchen, “Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberry Pistachio Pesto,” Steamy Kitchen web site, May 3, 2010; http://www.steamykitchen.com/9035-roasted-brussels-sprouts-cranberry-pistachio-pesto.html.
O’Connor, K., “Boost Your Libido: 21 Foods to Increase Your Sex Drive,” Love Hacks web site; http://www.onlinedater.org/articles/boost-your-libido-21-foods-to-increase-your-sex-drive-naturally/, last accessed January 30, 2014.
