As a result, your energy levels will be improved and it will be easier to maintain a healthier weight. What you eat greatly affects your metabolism – so the healthier you eat, the faster your metabolism will be. Natural herbs and spices not only improve the flavor of your food, but can also contribute to an overall healthier body.
Here are some flavorful herbs and spices recipes that can help you improve your metabolism:
1. Creamy Basil Butter
What you need:
- 15 leaves fresh basil
- 1 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
Combine the basil leaves, garlic cloves and ground black pepper in a blender or food processor. Pulse until all ingredients are in small bits and well-mixed. Add the butter and process again until all ingredients are well-combined. Spoon the mixture into a bowl, cover and place in the refrigerator until firm. Best served with slices of wheat bread.
2. Sweet Pepper and Cayenne Fettucine
What you need:
- 1 1/2 cups cooked fettucine pasta
- 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cups grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup low-fat sour cream
- 1 tbsp. brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 red bell peppers julienned
- 3/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a large skillet, sauté garlic, red bell peppers and cayenne pepper over medium high heat for 2-4 minutes. Add the chicken broth and the sour cream and allow to simmer without cover for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat then stir in cheese. Pour the sauce over cooked pasta then toss. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve warm.
3. Creamy Corn and Cumin Soup
What you need:
- 3 garlic cloves, thickly sliced
- 1 onion, largely diced
- 4 cups frozen corn, thawed and drained
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 tbsps. olive oil
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 2 tsps. ground cumin
- 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1 pinch sugar
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- A few pieces of tomato slices for garnish
- A few pieces of corn chips for garnish
Heat the olive oil in a sauté pan over medium high heat. Cook the onion and frozen corn, stirring frequently, for 6-8 minutes until golden brown. Lower the heat then stir in butter, garlic, sugar, cumin and cayenne pepper and cook for another 10 minutes. Add the chicken broth and simmer partially covered for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro. Pour the mixture onto a blender (remove the lid’s pop out cover) and process, slowly adding the whole milk, until smooth. Transfer to serving bowls, garnish with tomato slices and serve with corn chips while warm.
Boost your metabolism with these healthy, easy and delicious herbs and spices recipes today!