Micrbiomediet 1
Micrbiomediet 1
           BY RAPHAEL KELLMAN, MD
                                        Contents
                                            2
   Quinoa with Chopped Apple and Almonds                            72
   Scrambled Eggs with Leeks, Onions, and Tarragon                  73
   Sunrise Smoothie                                                 74
Lunches                                                             75
   Apple Harvest Spinach Salad                                      75
   Arugula Salad                                                    77
   Asparagus Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette                           78
   Beet, Rice, and Orange Salad with Orange Vinaigrette             80
   Black Bean and Rice Salad                                        81
   Chèvre, Beets, and Jicama Salad                                  82
   Chicken Salad with Fennel, Tomato, Olives, Jicama, and Greens    83
   Chicken Soup with Kale and Jerusalem Artichokes                  84
   Classic Greek Salad with Sheep’s Milk Feta                       85
   Escarole Chickpea Soup                                           86
   Fennel Salad                                                     87
   Guacamole Smoothie                                               88
   Kale Salad à la Greque                                           89
   Leek, Onion, and Potato Soup                                     90
   Mango Arugula Salad                                              91
   Prebiotic Superfood Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette           92
   Rich Vegetable Soup                                              93
   Rumanian Eggplant Salad                                          95
   Sauerkraut and Meatball Soup                                     96
   Savory Pear Salad                                                99
   Turkish-Style Cucumber Soup                                      100
Dinners                                                             101
   Basil Pesto                                                      101
   Beef, Beer, and Onion Stew                                       102
   Beef Stew with Aromatic Vegetables and Red Wine                  104
   Borscht                                                          106
   Braised Apple Chicken                                            107
   Brazilian Fish Stew                                              108
   Chicken Base                                                     109
   Chili Con Carne                                                  110
   Curried Lamb and Lentil Stew                                     111
   Curried Vegetable Stew                                           112
   Easy Sautéed Greens                                              114
   Fish Stew with Romesco                                           115
   Greek-Inspired Beef Stew with Onions, Feta Cheese, and Walnuts   117
   Grilled Beef Burger and Portobello Mushroom Napoleon             118
   Italian-Accented Chicken Stew                                    120
   Jerk Cornish Game Hen                                            121
   Lamb Stew Provencal                                              123
   Lemon Chicken Stew                                               124
   Meatballs with Roasted Spaghetti Squash and Basil Pesto          125
                                            3
   Mexican Beans and Rice with Avocado and Mango   126
   Mussels Steamed in Beer                         128
   Pan-Roasted Cod with Orange Cumin Vinaigrette   129
   Pan-Roasted Salmon                              131
   Steamed Quinoa                                  132
   Traditional Chicken Soup                        133
   Seared Scallops                                 134
Snacks                                             135
   Curried Roasted Cauliflower                     135
   Gazpacho Smoothie                               136
   Oven-Roasted Kale Chips                         137
   Roasted Asparagus with Lemon                    138
   Roasted Sweet Potato Chips                      139
   Spiced Roasted Chickpeas                        140
   Steamed Artichoke with Lemon Mustard Dip        142
   Stuffed Mushrooms                               144
   Vegetables with Turkish Garlic Yogurt Dip       145
Metric Conversions                                 146
Resources                                          149
                                         4
         Meal Plans for the Microbiome Diet
PHASE ONE
WEEK 1
Day 1
Breakfast
Sunrise Smoothie*
Snack
Lunch
Snack
Dinner
                           5
                                           Day 2
Breakfast
Snack
Lunch
Snack
Dinner
Pan-Roasted Salmon* on Fennel Salad* with Lemon Vinaigrette,* watercress, and mixed greens,
           2½ tablespoons fermented beets or your choice of fermented vegetables
                                             6
                                    Day 3
Breakfast
Snack
Cherry tomatoes and Jerusalem artichoke slices with sunflower seed butter
Lunch
Guacamole Smoothie*
Snack
Dinner
Beef, Beer, and Onion Stew*, 3 tablespoons your choice of fermented vegetables
                                      7
                                          Day 4
Breakfast
Sunrise Smoothie*
Snack
Tomato, Jerusalem artichoke slices, cucumber, and radish with olive oil and sea salt dips
Lunch
Snack
Dinner
Lemon Chicken Stew* (use leftovers from Day 1), 3½ tablespoons your choice of fermented
                                      vegetables
                                            8
                                            Day 5
Breakfast
Mango Smoothie*
Snack
Curried Roasted Cauliflower* (use leftovers from Day 2) and ten cashews
Lunch
Snack
Dinner
Beef, Beer, and Onion Stew* (use leftovers from Day 3), 4 tablespoons your choice of fermented
                                          vegetables
                                              9
                                        Day 6
Breakfast
Snack
Lunch
Snack
Dinner
Meatballs with Roasted Spaghetti Squash and Basil Pesto*, 4½ tablespoons your choice of
                                 fermented vegetables
                                          10
                                            Day 7
Breakfast
Snack
Lunch
Traditional Chicken Soup* (use the soup you made and froze on Day 2)
Snack
Dinner
Seared Scallops* with Easy Sautéed Greens*, 5 tablespoons your choice of fermented vegetables
                                              11
                                        WEEK 2
Day 8
Breakfast
Snack
Lunch
Gazpacho Smoothie*
Snack
Steamed Artichoke with Lemon Mustard Dip* (use leftover dip from Day 6)
Dinner
Curried Lamb and Lentil Stew*, mixed green salad, 5½ tablespoons your choice of fermented
                                       vegetables
                                           12
                                          Day 9
Breakfast
Mango Smoothie*
Snack
Lunch
Snack
Spiced Roasted Chickpeas* (use leftover Spiced Roasted Chickpeas from Day 7; to make them
                           crisp, reheat in 350°F oven until hot)
Dinner
  Curried Lamb and Lentil Stew* (use leftovers from Day 8), 6 tablespoons your choice of
                                 fermented vegetables
                                           13
                                        Day 10
Breakfast
Snack
Guacamole Smoothie*
Lunch
Snack
Dinner
Beef Stew with Aromatic Vegetables and Red Wine*, 6 tablespoons your choice of fermented
                                       vegetables
                                          14
                                        Day 11
Breakfast
Sunrise Smoothie*
Snack
Lunch
Chicken Soup with Kale and Jerusalem Artichokes* (use frozen Chicken Base prepared at the
                                  beginning of the diet)
Snack
   Roasted Asparagus with Lemon* and almonds (use leftover roasted asparagus from the
                         Asparagus Salad* you made on Day 5)
Dinner
Pan-Roasted Cod with Orange Cumin Vinaigrette* with Easy Sautéed Greens*, 6 tablespoons
                          your choice of fermented vegetables
                                           15
                                       Day 12
Breakfast
Snack
Lunch
Sauerkraut and Meatball Soup* (use the extra serving you froze on Day 4)
Snack
Dinner
Braised Apple Chicken* with mixed green salad, 6 tablespoons your choice of fermented
                                    vegetables
                                         16
                                           Day 13
Breakfast
Snack
Gazpacho Smoothie*
Lunch
Snack
Jerusalem artichoke slices and cherry tomatoes with olive oil and sea salt dips
Dinner
Fish Stew with Romesco*, mixed green salad, 6 tablespoons your choice of fermented vegetable
                                              17
                                 Day 14
Breakfast
Snack
Lunch
Arugula Salad*
Snack
Steamed Artichoke with Lemon Mustard Dip* (use the extra dip from Day 6)
Dinner
                                   18
                                         WEEK 3
Day 15
Breakfast
Snack
Spiced Roasted Chickpeas* (use leftover Spiced Roasted Chickpeas* from Day 7; to make them
                             crisp, put in 350°F oven until hot)
Lunch
Rumanian Eggplant Salad* (use the leftover Rumanian Eggplant Salad from Day 10)
Snack
Guacamole Smoothie*
Dinner
Meatballs with Roasted Spaghetti Squash and Basil Pesto* (use leftover Meatballs and Roasted
     Spaghetti Squash from Day 6), 6 tablespoons your choice of fermented vegetables
                                            19
                                          Day 16
Breakfast
Sunrise Smoothie*
Snack
Carrot, jicama, and celery sticks with Basil Pesto* (use the extra Basil Pesto* from Day 6)
Lunch
Traditional Chicken Soup* (use the Chicken Stock you made at the beginning of the diet)
Snack
Dinner
Seared Scallops* with Easy Sautéed Greens* (try Swiss chard), 6 tablespoons your choice of
                                  fermented vegetables
                                             20
                                         Day 17
Breakfast
Snack
Lunch
    Green salad with fennel, tomato, asparagus, Jerusalem artichoke, radish with Lemon
                                        Vinaigrette*
Snack
Dinner
Curried Lamb and Lentil Stew* (use leftover frozen Curried Lamb and Lentil Stew* from Day
                  9), 6 tablespoons your choice of fermented vegetables
                                           21
                                           Day 18
Breakfast
Snack
Cherry tomatoes, jicama, red peppers, and cucumbers with Romesco* used as a dip (use the extra
                                   Romesco* from Day 13)
Lunch
Rumanian Eggplant Salad* (use leftover Rumanian Eggplant Salad from Day 10)
Snack
Dinner
Pan-Roasted Salmon* on Fennel Salad* with Lemon Vinaigrette*, watercress, and mixed greens,
                    6 tablespoons your choice of fermented vegetables
                                             22
                                          Day 19
Breakfast
Snack
Lunch
Arugula Salad*
Snack
Dinner
Curried Vegetable Stew* (use leftover Curried Vegetable Stew from Day 14), 6 tablespoons your
                                choice of fermented vegetables
                                             23
                                        Day 20
Breakfast
Mango Smoothie*
Snack
Steamed Artichoke with Lemon Mustard Dip* (use the extra Lemon Mustard Dip* from Day 6)
Lunch
Sauerkraut and Meatball Soup* (use frozen Sauerkraut and Meatball Soup from Day 4)
Snack
Roasted Asparagus with Lemon* with ten almonds (use leftover Roasted Asparagus from Day
                                          19)
Dinner
 Braised Apple Chicken* (use frozen Braised Apple Chicken from Day 12) with mixed green
                 salad, 6 tablespoons your choice of fermented vegetables
                                          24
                                         Day 21
Breakfast
Snack
Spiced Roasted Chickpeas* (use leftover Spiced Roasted Chickpeas from Day 19)
Lunch
Chicken Soup with Kale and Jerusalem Artichokes* (use the frozen Chicken Base you made at
                                the beginning of the diet)
Snack
Dinner
Beef Stew with Aromatic Vegetables and Red Wine* (use leftover Beef Stew you froze on Day
                  10), 6 tablespoons your choice of fermented vegetables
                                            25
                           Meal Plans for the Metabolic Boost
PHASE TWO
WEEK 1
Day 1
Breakfast
Snack
Lunch
Gazpacho Smoothie*
Snack
Spiced Roasted Chickpeas* (use leftover Spiced Roasted Chickpeas from Day 21 of Phase 1)
Dinner
Italian-Accented Chicken Stew,* Steamed Quinoa,* and green beans, 6 tablespoons your choice
                                  of fermented vegetables
                                            26
                                       Day 2
Breakfast
Granola with Oats and Flaxseed Crumbles* with apple and coconut milk
Snack
Lunch
Snack
Roasted Asparagus with Lemon* (use leftover Roasted Asparagus from Phase 1, Day 19)
Dinner
Grilled Beef Burger with Grilled Portobello Mushroom Napoleon,* lettuce and tomato, 6
                    tablespoons your choice of fermented vegetable
                                         27
                                     Day 3
Breakfast
Poached eggs on Avocado and Tomato topped with yogurt and chili oil or hot sauce*
Snack
Lunch
Mango Smoothie*
Snack
Dinner
                                       28
                                         Day 4
Breakfast
Granola with Oats and Flaxseed Crumbles* with berries and coconut milk
Snack
Vegetable medley—your choice—with pine nuts and Basil Pesto* (use the extra Basil Pesto*
                            you made on Phase 1, Day 6)
Lunch
Snack
Dinner
Mexican Rice and Beans with Avocado and Mango*, mixed greens salad, 6 tablespoons your
                            choice of fermented vegetables
                                          29
                                           Day 5
Breakfast
Snack
Lunch
Snack
Dinner
Italian-Accented Chicken Stew* (Use leftover Italian-Accented Chicken Stew from Phase 2, Day
  1) over Steamed Quinoa* and green beans, 6 tablespoons your choice of fermented vegetables
                                            30
                                           Day 6
Breakfast
Snack
Lunch
Black Bean and Rice Salad* (use leftover Mexican Rice and Beans from Phase 2, Day 4), served
                   with tomato on greens with Orange Cumin Vinaigrette*
Snack
Dinner
                                             31
                                           Day 7
Breakfast
Snack
Mango Smoothie*
Lunch
Snack
Spiced Roasted Chickpeas* (use the leftover Spiced Roasted Chickpeas from Phase 2, Day 1)
Dinner
Greek-Inspired Beef Stew with Onion, Feta Cheese, and Walnuts*, 6 tablespoons your choice of
                                   fermented vegetables
                                            32
                                      WEEK 2
Day 8
Breakfast
Snack
Spiced Roasted Chickpeas* (Use leftover Spiced Roasted Chickpeas from Phase 2, Day 1)
Lunch
Snack
Dinner
                                         33
                                           Day 9
Breakfast
Snack
Mango Smoothie*
Lunch
Snack
Parsnip, zucchini, and jicama sticks with Basil Pesto* (use the extra Basil Pesto* you made on
                                        Phase 1, Day 6)
Dinner
Fish Stew with Romesco*, Easy Sautéed Greens*, Steamed Quinoa*, 6 tablespoons your choice
                                 of fermented vegetables
                                             34
                                           Day 10
Breakfast
Snack
Escarole Chickpea Soup* (use the frozen Chicken Stock you made at the beginning of the diet)
Lunch
Frittata* (Use the leftover Frittata from Phase 2, Day 9) and salad
Snack
Baked apple with cinnamon (see the instructions in the Apple Harvest Spinach Salad* on page
                                            75.)
Dinner
   Chili Con Carne* with brown rice with mixed green salad, 6 tablespoons your choice of
                                  fermented vegetables
                                              35
                                            Day 11
Breakfast
Granola with Oats and Flaxseed Crumbles* with fruit and coconut milk
Snack
Lunch
Snack
Dinner
Borscht* (use leftover frozen Borscht from Phase 2, Day 3), with green salad, 6 tablespoons your
                                choice of fermented vegetables
                                              36
                                         Day 12
Breakfast
Snack
Guacamole Smoothie*
Lunch
Green salad topped with leftover Fish Stew with Romesco*, Roasted Asparagus*, jicama, and
 tomato (use leftover Fish Stew with Romesco from Phase 2, Day 9 and the leftover Roasted
                              Asparagus from Phase 2, Day 11)
Snack
Sauerkraut and Meatball Soup (use the frozen soup you made from Phase 1, Day 4)
Dinner
 Chili Con Carne* with brown rice (Use leftover Chili Con Carne from Phase 2, Day 10), 6
                    tablespoons your choice of fermented vegetables
                                            37
                                          Day 13
Breakfast
Snack
Lunch
Snack
Turkish-Style Cucumber Soup* (use leftover refrigerated Cucumber Soup from Phase 2, Day 11)
Dinner
Mussels Steamed in Beer* with Easy Sautéed Greens*, 6 tablespoons your choice of fermented
                                       vegetables
                                            38
                                        Day 14
Breakfast
Snack
Lunch
Snack
Curried Roasted Cauliflower* (use leftover Curried Roasted Cauliflower from Day 13)
Dinner
Jerk Cornish Game Hen* with Mango Salsa*, steamed broccoli with lemon quarter and cooked
                 millet, 6 tablespoons your choice of fermented vegetables
                                           39
               Your Pantry List, Shopping Lists, and Time-Saving Strategies
Here are pantry staples and equipment you will use throughout Phases 1 and 2. Have these items
on hand when you begin the Microbiome Diet. You can buy them ahead of time or when you
pick up your first week’s groceries. Some of these items can be bought online—see Resources
for details.
Equipment
      1 small bowl
      1 10-cup bowl
      1 small saucepan
      1 medium saucepan with lid
      1 small ovenproof casserole with lid
      1 6-inch cast-iron pan
      1 8-inch skillet
      1 16-cup stock pot
      12 x 18-inch sheet pan
      13 x 18-inch sheet pan
      1 steamer basket to fit medium saucepan with lid
      assorted containers for refrigerating or freezing
      12 2-cup freezer containers for soup stock
      1 flat metal spatula
      1 heavy-duty blender
      1 large metal strainer
      1 set measuring spoons
      1 set measuring cups
      1 grapefruit-sectioning spoon or knife
      mandolin with safety guard
      waterproof black marker, for marking leftovers you are refrigerating or freezing
                                               40
                                               Foods
Nut Butters:
        almonds
        Brazil nuts
        macadamia nuts
        pine nuts
        walnuts
Oils
        coconut oil
        flaxseed oil
        olive oil
        sunflower oil
Spices
        cinnamon
        cumin
        curry powder
        turmeric
Other Items
                                                 41
   kimchee, 1 16-ounce jar
   Lakanto 1 8-ounce package
   rice flour, 3 ounces
   sauerkraut (made without whey), 2 cups
                                         42
                                     Shopping Lists for Phase 1
Week 1
Fruits
        3 apples
        ½ pint blueberries
        3 grapefruits
        5 kiwi fruits
        3 lemons
        1 lime
        2 mangoes
        1 ripe nectarine or ripe pear
        6 oranges
        ½ pint raspberries
        1 pint strawberries
Miscellaneous
 ½ pound asparagus
                                                 43
   3 avocados
   1 bunch basil leaves
   6 carrots
   1 head cauliflower
   1 pint cherry tomatoes
   1 bunch celery
   3 cucumbers
   1 bunch fresh dill
   1 fennel
   1 large head of garlic
   1 ginger root (½ pound)
   12 cups mixed greens
   1 jicama
   1 medium bunch kale
   1 bunch fresh mint
   ½ pound button mushrooms
   1 3-pound bag yellow onions
   1 red onion
   1 bunch parsley
   4 parsnips
   1 bunch radish
   1 small red pepper
   2 ounces snow peas
   1 small bunch Swiss chard or escarole
   1 small butternut squash
   1 small spaghetti squash
   4 ripe tomatoes
   1 bunch watercress
                                            44
                                              Week 2
Fruits
        6 large apples
        ½ pint blueberries
        2 grapefruits
        2 kiwis
        2 lemons
        1 lime
        1 mango
        3 ripe nectarines or pears
        2 oranges
Miscellaneous
        2 artichokes
        24 asparagus
        2 avocados
        1 bunch arugula
        1 bunch fresh basil
        1 head broccoli rabe or escarole
                                                 45
   1 small green head cabbage
   3 carrots
   1 bunch cilantro
   1 head cauliflower
   1 medium eggplant
   1 small fennel bulb
   8 cups greens
   2 bunches kale
   1 leek
   1 bunch fresh mint
   ¾ pound mushrooms
   7 large button or cremini or small Portobello mushrooms
   2 medium Portobello mushrooms
   1 parsnip
   1 green pepper
   1 jalapeno pepper
   1 sweet red pepper
   1 small butternut squash
   1 small spaghetti squash
   1 large bunch spinach
   1 large turnip
   2 small turnips
                                          46
                                              Week 3
Fruits
        1 apple
        1 pint blueberries
        2 grapefruits
        3 kiwis
        2 lemons
        2 mangos
        1 nectarine
        2 oranges
        ½ pint strawberries
        1 artichoke
        18 asparagus
        1 avocado
        1 small bunch carrots
        1 bunch celery
        1 cucumber
        2 fennel bulbs
        6 cups greens, your choice of the following: mesclun greens, which might also be labeled
         field greens or assorted baby greens; red oak leaf lettuce; red leaf lettuce; arugula; baby
         spinach; Romaine lettuce; bibb lettuce; Belgian endive; or any lettuces of your choice
         (except iceberg)
        1-pound bag Jerusalem artichokes
        1 jicama
        1 bunch kale
        6 button mushrooms
        1 red pepper
        6 radishes
        4 stalks Swiss chard
        1 tomato
        ½ pint cherry tomatoes
        1 cup watercress
                                                 47
                                       Shopping Lists for Phase 2
Week 1
Fruits
        3 apples
        1 pint berries, your choice
        2 grapefruits
        2 kiwis
        5 mangos
        2 oranges
Miscellaneous
 12 asparagus
                                                  48
   3 avocados
   2 small beets and 8 large beets
   2 heads cauliflower
   1 small celeriac (celery root)
   2 cucumbers
   1 endive
   1 small romaine lettuce
   1 small bibb lettuce
   1 small head escarole
   1 large head of garlic
   6 green beans
   6 cups salad greens
   2 jicama
   1 big bunch kale
   2 leeks
   2 Portobello mushrooms,
   4 inches in diameter
   7 large white or cremini mushrooms,
   2 inches in diameter
   1 red onion
   3 yellow onions
   1 jalapeno pepper
   3 white potatoes
   4 radishes
   1 small bunch spinach
   4 ripe tomatoes or 4 cherry tomatoes and 4 regular tomatoes
   2 tomatillos
   2 large sweet potatoes
   1 bunch cilantro
                                           49
                                            Week 2
Fruits
        4 apples
        2 grapefruits
        1 kiwi
        1 lime
        3 mangos
        2 oranges
        2 pears
Miscellaneous
        12 asparagus
        1 avocado
        1 beet
        1 small head broccoli
        2 carrots
        3 cucumbers
        2 bunches dill
                                               50
   21 bunches escarole
   10 cups mixed green salad
   12 green beans
   1 small bunch kale
   2 bunches mint
   3 large mushrooms for stuffing
   1 parsnip
   2 potatoes
   2 ounces snow peas
   1 small bunch of spinach
   1 small bunch Swiss chard
   2 tomatoes
   1 small zucchini
                                     51
                                       Weekly Work Plans
Use these work plans to organize your work as you prepare food ahead of time on Sundays and
as you put leftovers aside for use during the week. If you can’t or don’t want to follow these
exact plans, try to choose one day a week (a weekend day or evening is great) to make some of
the dishes that are more time-consuming. Of course, you can also do some of the preparations in
the evening or while some of the frozen dinners are being heated. Making double batches and
freezing in smaller portions is a great way to make sure you always have microbiome-supporting
meals at the ready, even when you don’t have time to cook. For your convenience these time-
savers are built right into the meal plans.
One huge time-saver concerns the Beef Base* (page 96) and Chicken Base* (page 109): you can
make everything you need for both phases on your first day of cooking and freeze it to reheat
later. That means you’ll be making homemade soups in about half an hour. If you prefer, you can
buy organic beef or chicken stock (it’s on your shopping list as an option), but I think you’ll
enjoy the homemade more, and you’ll definitely get more nourishment from it.
Carefully seal all prepared foods and mark each container with the name of the recipe and the
date. Keep a list of all the frozen and refrigerated foods and mark them off when used.
Phase 1
Week 1
1. Prepare the chicken soup base recipe. Reserve enough for Day 2 lunch and the lemon chicken
recipe, and divide the remainder into 1- or 2-cup containers, and freeze for future use.
3. Prepare beef stock for sauerkraut soup. Prepare meatballs for the soup. Freeze half of the
meatballs for the Meatballs with Roasted Spaghetti Squash and Basil Pesto entrée. Freeze the
stock in 2-cup freezer containers.
4. Roast the spaghetti squash; seed and shred the flesh. Refrigerate.
                                                52
                                            Week 2
Sunday
3. Make the Beef Stew with Aromatic Vegetables and Red Wine.
                                              53
                                            Week 3
Sunday
                                              54
                                         Phase 2
Week 1
3. Cook Mexican Beans and Rice. Refrigerate separately. Make Mango Salsa.
                                            55
                                          Week 2
                                                56
                                            Week 3
Sunday
                                              57
                                             Recipes
I am excited to share with you the wonderful meal plans and recipes created by wellness chef
Carole Clark. Chef Carole worked closely with me to embody the principles of the Microbiome
Diet in delicious recipes that will feed your senses, heal your gut, and rebalance your
microbiome.
Each recipe notes which phase it is suited for. Most of these recipes can be prepared in half an
hour or less. A few require some advance prep time, but either that can be done on Sundays or
weekday evenings when you are doing your advance preparation. Carole has created a work plan
for each phase of the diet (see Work Plans on page 52) based on you investing a few hours each
Sunday to prepare food for the week ahead. It might take somewhat longer the first couple of
times you try it, but as you get used to it, you’ll be able to complete the “advance prep” more
quickly. That way you have at most half an hour—and sometimes far less—to prepare or heat up
each meal during the week. As noted, you can make all of the Beef Base* (page 96) and Chicken
Base* (page 109) for the entire diet the first time you prepare food—just freeze in two-cup
containers and then reheat.
I know the latest trend for busy cooks is sautéing, roasting, and other quick methods of preparing
food. However, I deeply believe that for healing the gut, soups and stews are far superior. You
get more nutrients, the warm liquids are soothing and easily absorbed, and you are generally
choosing a healthier means of cooking. So please, invest a few hours each Sunday in your gut
health, your microbiome, and your ability to lose weight. Your reward will be delicious,
satisfying food; freedom from cravings and outsized appetite; and healthy, permanent weight
loss. Plus, in three weeks you can enjoy extra indulgences 10 percent of the time, and at the end
of seven weeks you can eat indulgently 30 percent of the time. I hope a few hours of meal prep
on Sunday night seems like a fair exchange!
I chose to work with a chef of Carole’s caliber because I want you to enjoy every bite you put
into your mouth! As you will see in Chapters 7 and 8, savoring the tastes, textures, and aromas of
the food you eat will help you switch from the “fight or flight” portion of your nervous system to
that part of your anatomy that is dedicated to “rest and digest.” Stress-free eating is an important
aspect of the Microbiome Diet, and what better way to destress than to sit down to a delicious
meal full of rich, satisfying flavors? These recipes are easy to prepare, but because of Carole’s
creative use of ingredients, you will get maximum pleasure from every meal.
                                                58
                                             Breakfasts
You can either bake the apple or use a raw one. Either way, the spices make the whole thing taste
like your favorite apple dessert. Even though this is a super healthy way to start your morning—
with protein, probiotic kefir, and a vitamin-rich apple—this breakfast smoothie will make you
feel as though you’re having dessert.
1 Serving
      1 small raw apple, peeled, seeded, cored, and chunked, about 1 cup, or 1 large baked
       apple, peeled, seeded, and cored (See directions for baking an apple in the Apple Harvest
       Spinach Salad,* page 75.)
      ¼ cup unsweetened apple cider
      ¼ cup kefir
      1 small pear, peeled, seeded, cored, and chunked, about ¾ cup
      2 tablespoons protein powder
      ½ teaspoon cinnamon
      1/
          8 teaspoon nutmeg
      1
         /8 teaspoon clove
      3 ice cubes
                                                   59
           Berry, Nectarine, Kiwi, and Orange Minted Fruit Salad with Cinnamon
This sweet-and-tart fruit salad is a delicious and refreshing way to start the day. For an extra
healthy bonus, enjoy the fiber in the kiwi as well as cinnamon, which helps to balance your
blood sugar and prevent insulin resistance.
1 Serving
2. Peel the nectarine and cut it into ½-inch slices. It should be juicy, so save the juice and add it
to the orange juice. Add the nectarine slices to the orange sections.
4. Add the cinnamon to the mixed juices, pour on top of the fruit, sprinkle with the mint, and
serve.
                                                  60
                                    Blueberry Kale Smoothie
Invigorating! The robust flavor of the frozen blueberries masks the taste of the kale, even as this
“silent” ingredient delivers valuable vitamins and nutrients. The avocado and almond butter feed
your brain and your cells with healthy fats, the kefir is a natural probiotic, and the protein
powder fuels your energy for a vigorous start to your day. A great way to get more greens into
your diet while enjoying the sweet, tangy taste of blueberries and cider or kefir.
1 Serving
                                                61
                                 Citrus Berry Salad with Brazil Nuts
This citrusy salad is a great way to get a huge dose of immune-protective vitamin C to start your
morning. The kiwi is rich in microbiome-nourishing fiber, and the Brazil nuts add a serving of
protein plus a nice portion of gut-healing Omega 3 fats. Quick, easy, delicious, and healthy—an
energizing start to your day.
1 Serving
      ½ grapefruit, cut in half through the center, not the stem end
      1 orange
      ½ kiwi fruit
      ¼ cup blueberries or raspberries
      1/
          8 cup fresh mint leaves
      6 Brazil nuts
1. Section the grapefruit with a sectioning spoon or with a knife or regular spoon if you don’t
have a sectioning spoon. Squeeze the grapefruit shell for residual juice, and save it in a cup.
2. Cut the orange in half through the center, not the stem end, and section it. Squeeze the shells,
and add the juice to the grapefruit juice. Add orange sections to the grapefruit sections.
3. Cut the kiwi in half, peel it, and slice it into ¼-inch slices. Add to the grapefruit and orange
sections.
5. Add chopped mint leaves to the juices, and pour juice mixture over the fruit.
                                                  62
                                    Citrusy Avocado Compote
Grapefruit and avocado is one of my favorite combinations—if you’ve never tried it, you’re in
for a treat! In this case the sharp, citrusy tastes of the orange and the sweetness of the kiwi are an
added bonus. Plus you get loads of antioxidants, vitamin C, microbiome-nourishing fiber, and
healthy fats for a delicious, healthy way to start the day.
1 Serving
1. Section the grapefruit with a sectioning spoon, or, if you don’t have one, with a knife or
regular spoon. Squeeze the grapefruit shell for residual juice, and save the juice in a cup.
2. Section the orange, squeeze the shells, and add the juice to the grapefruit juice. Add the orange
sections to the grapefruit sections.
3. Cut the kiwi in half through the center, peel it, and slice it into ¼-inch slices. Add to the
grapefruit and orange sections.
4. Peel the avocado, and remove half from the pit. Keep the pit attached to the half you are
reserving for later use, wrapping it airtight. Slice the avocado, and add it to the fruit sections.
                                                  63
                                             Frittata
You can definitely enjoy this frittata in the morning, but it also works beautifully for lunch or
dinner, especially when served with a salad. You’ll find suggested vegetables in this recipe, but
feel free to improvise—what are your favorites? In this version the onions are a Microbiome
Superfood that will nourish your microbiome while healing your gut, and the leafy greens offer
you iron and B vitamins for stamina and stress reduction.
2 Servings
      6 organic eggs
      2 tablespoons cold water
      1 teaspoon snipped tarragon
      ¼ cup grated “goat” Parmesan, or Pecorino Romano, a sheep’s milk cheese, divided
      ½ teaspoon salt
      ½ teaspoon pepper
      1 cup sliced onions
      2 tablespoons olive oil
      1 small zucchini, cut into 1-inch slices
      ½ pound spinach or Swiss chard
      Salt and pepper to taste
2. Beat the eggs in a small bowl with cold water. Add tarragon, 2 tablespoons cheese, ½ teaspoon
each salt and pepper, and combine. Set aside.
3. Sauté the onions over medium heat in an ovenproof nonstick 6-inch skillet in oil until
translucent, about 5 minutes. Add zucchini, and sauté until lightly browned, about 7 minutes.
Then add spinach, and cook until wilted, about 7 minutes.
4. Spread the vegetables evenly in the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. The pan should be
hot. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables, and cook until the eggs begin to set.
5. Sprinkle on 2 tablespoons cheese. Place the skillet in the hot oven, and bake for 5 minutes
until the frittata is firm but not brown.
                                                64
                           Granola with Oats and Flaxseed Crumbles
This is a filling, fast, and easy breakfast you can also munch on for a snack. To add a sweet note,
eat it like cereal with coconut milk, and to make it even sweeter substitute unsweetened apple
cider for the water. The flaxseed, almonds, almond butter, and coconut oil give you lots of
healthy fats for cell and brain health, while the cinnamon helps to balance your blood sugar. This
recipe makes enough for a few weeks and will keep so long as you store it in an airtight
container in the fridge to preserve the flaxseed.
7 Half-Cup Servings
      ½ teaspoon cinnamon
      ¼ teaspoon allspice
      ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
      1 cup water
      1½ cups flaxseed
      1 cup raw sunflower seeds
1. Combine the spices, vanilla, and water. Add the flaxseed, and let it rest for about 6 hours or, if
you prefer, overnight. It should have an oily texture.
3. Bake in a preheated 275°F oven for 1 hour, stirring frequently. Remove from the oven, and let
cool. When the mixture is still warm, break up any clumps. When cool, mix in sunflower seeds.
Reserve.
      ½ teaspoon allspice
      ½ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
      1 teaspoon cinnamon
      1 tablespoon vanilla extract
      ½ cup water
      ¼ cup coconut oil
      2 tablespoons almond butter
      1 cup sliced raw almonds
      2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
                                                 65
1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. In a saucepan, add the spices and vanilla to the combined water, coconut oil, and almond
butter, and cook on low for 2 minutes. Let cool.
3. In a medium bowl, mix the cooled liquid into the oats and nuts.
4. Put the mixture in a 12 x 18-inch sheet pan. Bake at 300°F for 30 minutes, stirring frequently.
The mixture should be crispy.
                                                66
                   Hard-Boiled Eggs with Tomato, Radish, and Asparagus
This is a lively way to dress up good old-fashioned hard-boiled eggs, not to mention using three
Microbiome Superfoods to nourish your microbiome and help heal your gut. By the way, older
eggs peel better than fresh ones, and to make a quicker breakfast you can even boil the eggs the
day before you make the dish.
1 Serving
      2 organic eggs
      4 asparagus, stem end removed
      3 tomato slices
      3 radishes, sliced in half
1. Place eggs in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and cover them with cold water. Cover the tops of
the eggs with at least 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a full boil, uncovered. When there are
very big bubbles, remove the pot from the heat and cover it. Let the pot stand untouched for 15
minutes. Remove the boiled eggs from the water, and transfer them to a bowl of cold water for
10 minutes to stop the cooking process. Peel the egg, and slice into quarters.
2. Place water in a saucepan fitted with a steamer strainer. Fill with water to the bottom of the
strainer. Heat to boiling, and turn down the heat to simmer. Place the asparagus in the steamer
pan set. Steam for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the asparagus, or until
asparagus is tender.
3. Assemble the eggs with the asparagus, tomato slices, and radishes on a plate, and serve.
                                                67
                                         Mango Smoothie
The tropical taste of mango and the zing of fresh ginger make a naturally sweet treat that will
leave you feeling full, energized, and ready to start your day. Mango will boost your digestion as
well as offer a fantastic source of vitamins A, C, and E along with folic acid and calcium. Ginger
is good for your digestion and helps fight inflammation. And when you can add kefir in Phase 2,
you are including a natural probiotic that will support your microbiome.
Because of the large flat seed inside, peeling and slicing a mango can be challenging, but
because you’re throwing it all in the blender, you don’t have to worry about how it looks. Be
prepared for a little mess—and an absolutely delicious taste.
If you’ve never cooked with fresh ginger before, you’re in for a treat. It tastes about as different
from powdered ginger as fresh peaches do from canned. Look for the small, brown, knobby root
in the produce section. Peel off the thin skin and slice up the yellowish meat inside. Because
you’re throwing it all in the blender, don’t worry about size or shape—just make them small
enough to buzz.
1 Serving
                                                 68
                              Minted Fruit Salad with Brazil Nuts
This refreshing fruit salad is loaded with antioxidants, nutrients that help protect your body from
oxidative stress as well as supporting your immune system. Plus the contrast between the sweet
mango, the citrusy orange, and the tart berries makes for such a satisfying combination. You also
get gut-healing Omega 3 healthy fats from the Brazil nuts.
1 Serving
1. Cut the orange in half through the center, not the stem end, and section it. Squeeze the shells,
and reserve the juice.
2. A mango has a large flat seed in the center. Assume it is about ¾ inch thick. Cut the mango
lengthwise along the long axis on one side of this seed. Make light cross-cut slices on the cut
half. Be careful not to slice through the skin. Wrap the uncut half airtight, and refrigerate.
3. With your fingers, push the skin side of the mango cheek up, and your cross-cut surface will
fan out. With a small knife cut off these chunks. Scrape the remaining flesh and juice into the
orange juice.
4. Combine the lime juice with the orange-mango juice mixture. Add the berries and chopped
mint.
5. Place in a serving bowl, and serve the Brazil nuts on the side.
                                                 69
                                    Nectarine Kiwi Smoothie
In the summer you can enjoy the sweet, slightly tart taste of fresh nectarine. Off season,
substitute a ripe pear. The combination of either fruit with the kiwi will wake up your taste buds
with a delicate, intriguing flavor. Both pears and kiwis are Microbiome Superfoods that are
natural prebiotics, nourishing your microbiome and also helping your gut to heal.
1 Serving
                                                 70
                             Poached Eggs on Avocado and Tomato
This elegant dish is actually quite quick and simple to make, and it’s one of the healthiest ways I
know to enjoy eggs. You get some healthy fats with the avocado, a Microbiome Superfood with
the tomato, and some probiotics in the yogurt topping. Plus the combination of tangy yogurt,
piquant hot sauce, acid tomato, and creamy avocado is just fabulous with poached eggs.
When you make this dish use only very fresh eggs. Check the date on the container to make sure
they are less than a week old.
1 Serving
1. Mix the yogurt with the salt in a small serving bowl, and top with the tomato and avocado.
2. Crack each egg into a small cup or bowl. If a yolk breaks, discard it.
3. Fill a pan with water. Use a pan that is at least 3 inches deep so there is enough water to cover
the eggs. Bring the water to a boil, and then lower the heat to a simmer. If the water is too cool,
the egg will separate apart before it cooks; if the water is too hot, you will end up with tough
whites and an overcooked yolk.
4. Set a timer for exactly 3 minutes for medium-firm yolks. Adjust the time up or down for
runnier or firmer yolks. Cook 2½ to 5 minutes, depending on firmness desired.
5. Remove the eggs from the hot water with a slotted spoon. Lift each poached egg from the
water, holding it over the pan briefly to let any water clinging to the egg drain off. Place each
well-drained egg on the tomato mixture. Add the hot sauce and salt and pepper to taste.
                                                 71
                           Quinoa with Chopped Apple and Almonds
We usually think of quinoa as savory, not sweet, but when you add the fruit and nuts, you’ve got
a fabulous high-protein alternative to oatmeal. Almonds and flaxseed provide healthy fats for
your cells and brain, while cinnamon helps balance your blood sugar. Grated ginger adds kick to
the mix, plus some digestive health benefits and anti-inflammatory properties. This cereal will
leave you feeling energized and satisfied but not stuffed or bloated.
1 Serving
1. Stir the quinoa, water, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and oil in a small pot. Heat to a boil. Reduce
the heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Stir in the apple and coconut milk, and simmer for 5 minutes, until liquid is absorbed.
                                                     72
                      Scrambled Eggs with Leeks, Onions, and Tarragon
Who doesn’t love the warm, comforting taste of scrambled eggs? And they’re even better when
they are enlivened with leeks, onions, and tarragon—a wonderful way to add flavor as well as
two Microbiome Superfoods. You can make this dish quickly for a hot, filling breakfast that will
help you power through your morning—so enjoy!
1 Serving
1. Break the eggs into a small bowl. Add the cold water, and whisk vigorously. Add ½ teaspoon
tarragon.
2. Heat the tablespoon of unsalted clarified butter, and then sauté the leeks in it on medium-low
heat for 2 minutes. Add the onion, and cook for 5 minutes until soft and golden.
3. Add the teaspoon of clarified butter, and place on medium heat until the butter bubbles. Pour
the eggs into the middle of the pan. Stir slowly with a silicone spatula. As soon as curds (big soft
lumps) begin to form, lower the heat to low, and fold the curds over on themselves. As soon as
the egg is no longer liquid transfer the scramble onto the serving plate. Salt and pepper to taste.
                                                 73
                                        Sunrise Smoothie
This fruit combination makes a delicious sweet start to your day. Ginger is a terrific support for
your digestion as well as a natural anti-inflammatory. The fruits are loaded with vitamins, and
the almond butter gives you a serving of healthy fat to support cell and brain health. And it’s
loaded with protein powder to boost your energy.
For instructions on how to buy and prepare the ginger, see the recipe for Mango Smoothie, page
68. If fresh strawberries are not in season, buy frozen organic berries and just throw them into
the blender without defrosting. If nectarines are out of season, an apple makes a good substitute.
1 Serving
                                                 74
                                              Lunches
This salad is especially delicious in autumn during the apple harvest, when Jerusalem artichokes
are the sweetest. Another root vegetable, celeriac, also called celery root, is part of the vegetable
mix. Found in the produce section of the market, celeriac is a large, round, knobby root ball with
hairy roots growing on it. It has a bright, piquant, clean taste, reminiscent of celery. Peel the thin
skin and dice just before using.
When you make this salad you’ll probably end up with some extra vinaigrette, which you can
store in the fridge for future use.
This recipe is inspired by a lovely salad that’s on the menu at Crossroads Food Shop, David
Wurth’s restaurant in Hillsdale, New York.
2 Servings
      1 apple, cored, with ½ inch of peel removed from the top of the apple
      4 tablespoons water
      1 small pinch cinnamon
      1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
      ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
      2
         /3 cup olive oil
      ¼ teaspoon salt
      ¼ teaspoon pepper
      4 cups torn spinach leaves, washed and dried
      ½ cup sliced Jerusalem artichokes
      ½ cup peeled, diced celeriac
      ¼ cup goat’s or sheep’s milk feta cheese
      Salt and pepper to taste
2. Place the apple in a baking dish with the water. Put a pinch of cinnamon on the top of the
apple. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until tender, not mushy. Let cool.
3. To make the vinaigrette, put the mustard and vinegar in a food processor, and pulse to blend.
Add the oil in a slow, steady stream. Add the salt and pepper.
                                                  75
4. Peel, quarter, and cut the apple into small chunks. Place the spinach in a shallow bowl. Add
the apple, Jerusalem artichokes, celeriac, and feta. Toss with 3 tablespoons of the vinaigrette.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
                                                76
                                          Arugula Salad
This piquant salad wakes up your taste buds with its many contrasts in taste and texture: peppery
arugula, sweet mango, smooth avocado, crunchy jicama, and zesty onion. The jicama and onion
are Microbiome Superfoods. The avocado feeds your cells and supports your brain with healthy
fats, while the arugula loads you up with stamina-building iron and stress-busting B vitamins.
The mango is full of digestive enzymes that support the Replace step in the Four Rs (see Chapter
4).
2 Servings
Citrus Vinaigrette
1. For the vinaigrette, whisk the vinegar and juices with the mustard. Slowly add the oil. Add the
cumin and salt and pepper.
3. Add the avocado, mango, jicama, and onion to the arugula mix, and salt and pepper to taste.
Add the chicken (optional).
4. Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette on top. Serve immediately. If you are taking this salad to
work, save this last step for just before you start to eat.
                                                 77
                           Asparagus Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
2 Servings
Lemon Vinaigrette
1. Place the asparagus in a large sauté pan, add the water, drizzle with oil, and season with salt.
Simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and simmer until the
asparagus is just knife-tender, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the asparagus, and set aside until
cool enough to handle.
2. For the vinaigrette, combine the lemon juice and zest in a small, nonreactive bowl (glass,
stainless steel, or plastic). Season with salt. Add Dijon mustard and whisk. Slowly add the olive
oil. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper or lemon juice as needed.
                                                78
3. Cut the cooled asparagus into 1-inch pieces and place in a large bowl. Add Jerusalem
artichoke, avocado, and snow peas; toss gently with the vinaigrette. Place the vegetables on the
mixed greens, sprinkle with the snipped tarragon, and serve.
                                               79
                    Beet, Rice, and Orange Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
These earthy beets, crunchy Jerusalem artichokes, and sweet oranges make a lively combination.
The Jerusalem artichokes are a Microbiome Superfood, and the vinaigrette supplies you with lots
of healthy fats for your brain and cell health.
You’ll probably have some leftover vinaigrette after you’re done, which is delicious with grilled
fish and, of course, other salads.
1 Serving
Orange Vinaigrette
1. To make the vinaigrette, whisk the mustard with the orange juice and vinegar. Add the oils,
pouring in a slow steady stream. Add the zest, tarragon, and salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
2. Mix the beet dice with the rice. Add the Jerusalem artichoke and green beans. Moisten with 2
tablespoons of the vinaigrette. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add half of the orange to the rice
mixture.
3. Place the greens on a plate. Top with the rice beet mixture, and garnish with the remaining
orange sections. Serve the vinaigrette on the side.
                                                80
                                  Black Bean and Rice Salad
This simple but luscious salad is a great way to use up the Mexican Rice and Beans leftovers
from dinner. You get lots of fiber from the black beans and brown rice—fiber that protects your
colon, promotes weight loss, and helps lower cholesterol. The tomatoes, jicama, and red pepper
are all Microbiome Superfoods that will help nourish your microbiome. And the mango salsa
adds a zingy sweet taste that helps bring the whole dish to life.
1 Serving
1. In separate bowls, mix the brown rice with 1 tablespoon vinaigrette, mix the beans with 1
tablespoon vinaigrette, and mix the greens with ½ tablespoon vinaigrette. Lay a bed of greens on
a dinner plate. Place the rice and the beans on the greens. Surround the rice and beans with the
mango, avocado, and tomatoes. Sprinkle the cilantro, jicama, and red pepper on top.
2. Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette on the salad. Serve with the Mango Salsa on the side.
                                               81
                               Chèvre, Beets, and Jicama Salad
Earthy beets, creamy chèvre, piquant arugula, crunchy jicama, and savory herbs are a perfect
combination of taste, texture, and aroma. If you’re feeling creative and can find them in your
produce section, edible nasturtium flowers add a peppery and colorful garnish.
Jicama is a Microbiome Superfood, and the greens load you up with stamina-building iron and B
vitamins, which help you to balance your hormones and cope with stress.
2 Servings
      1 teaspoon each: fresh tarragon, thyme, chive, and parsley, stemmed and snipped
      1
         /8 cup olive oil
      ½ cup creamy chèvre, preferably Rawson Brook Farm’s Monterey Chèvre
      3 cups mixed greens
      1 cup baby arugula or watercress
      ¼ cup peeled, diced jicama
      3 tablespoons Lemon Vinaigrette (see page 78)
      2 cooked beets, peeled, quartered, and sliced
      Stems of fresh herbs for garnish
      2 nasturtium blossoms for garnish (optional)
1. Mix the herbs with the oil. Divide the chèvre into 2 scoops, and pour the herbed oil over them.
2. In a bowl, mix the greens, arugula, and jicama, and toss with the Lemon Vinaigrette.
3. Place the mixture in a shallow bowl, and top with the chèvre scoops.
4. Garnish with the beets and stems of fresh herbs. Top with optional nasturtium blossoms.
                                                82
               Chicken Salad with Fennel, Tomato, Olives, Jicama, and Greens
Looking for a great way to use up leftover chicken? This chicken salad features the Microbiome
Superfoods radishes and jicama, which will nourish your microbiome. Enjoy the amazing
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits from the fennel and the healthy serving of fiber in the
fennel and mixed greens.
1 Serving
1. Mix the greens, radishes, and fennel with 1 tablespoon of the vinaigrette.
2. Place the mixture on a dinner plate, and top with the chicken and remaining ingredients.
                                                83
                     Chicken Soup with Kale and Jerusalem Artichokes
Rich chicken soup is enhanced with Jerusalem artichokes and flavored with garlic to help heal
your digestive tract. Kale is a dark green leafy vegetable that boosts your supply of iron, which
builds energy through red blood cells, and vitamin B, which you need to modulate stress, support
your brain, and balance your hormones. If you have made Chicken Base (page 109) ahead of
time and frozen it, putting this soup together goes very quickly.
4 Servings
1. Add lemon juice to the cold water in a medium bowl. Scrub Jerusalem artichokes, and cut into
¼-inch slices. Let them soak in the lemon water and set aside.
2. Warm olive oil in a sauté pan over very low heat and add the garlic. Don’t let the garlic
brown—just leave it in the oil for about 2 minutes. Then add the wet kale and simmer gently,
until tender, about 8 minutes.
3. Melt the frozen Chicken Base in a saucepan. Drain the Jerusalem artichokes, and add them to
the Chicken Base. Simmer for 10 minutes until tender. Add the kale mixture. Add chicken, if
desired. Cook for 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Salt and pepper to taste.
                                               84
                          Classic Greek Salad with Sheep’s Milk Feta
This is a quick and easy way to prepare a class Greek salad. Enjoy the fresh, tasty ingredients,
which include the Microbiome Superfoods tomato, red pepper, and onions. Nourish your
microbiome while you refresh your palate and perk up your lunch hour.
1 Serving
1. In a medium bowl, mix together the lettuce, tomato, olives, cucumber, red and green peppers,
and onion, if desired.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the oregano into the vinaigrette, and shake vigorously. Add salt and
pepper to taste.
3. Place the vegetable mixture on a dinner plate, and top with feta crumbles.
                                                85
                                     Escarole Chickpea Soup
The rich bone broth in the chicken base make this a super nutritious and hearty soup, and the
escarole adds stamina-building iron and B vitamins that help ward off the effects of stress.
Onions, garlic, and tomato add three Microbiome Superfoods, while the chickpeas help women
balance their hormones, especially during perimenopause and menopause. Sriracha, by the way,
is a kind of Thai hot sauce that can give this fragrant soup an extra kick.
3 Servings
1. Warm the garlic in a medium saucepan over low heat in the oil, then add the onion. Sauté over
medium-low heat until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the stock and bring to a boil. Add the escarole, chickpeas, and tomatoes. Lower the heat
to medium, and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add the cumin, salt, and chicken and hot sauce, if desired. Salt to taste.
                                                 86
                                           Fennel Salad
If you’re looking for a healthy salad that is also filling, you can’t do better than fennel. Crunchy
and slightly sweet, this Italian vegetable tastes delicious cooked or raw. You’ll get lots of
digestive and weight-loss benefits from the fiber, as well as lots of potassium, vitamin C, copper,
and manganese. These ingredients also support your immune and cardiovascular systems. Come
for the health and weight loss—stay for the refreshing taste!
1 Serving
                                                  87
                                      Guacamole Smoothie
This smoothie is an incredibly rich and creamy pick-me-up. Flaxseed oil adds beneficial Omega
3s, the avocado provides even more healthy fats, the lime juice adds zing, and the pea protein
powder gives you a much-needed protein boost to keep you going in the middle of the day. This
smoothie is good for a satisfying snack or quick but filling lunch. Olé!
1 Serving
                                                88
                                      Kale Salad à la Greque
Kale is loaded with iron, which supports your production of energizing red blood cells, and B
vitamins, which are great for combating stress, supporting brain function, and balancing your
hormones. The olive oil and olives provide healthy fat to feed your cells and support your brain.
The optional chickpeas add protein, make the salad more filling, and help women balance their
hormones, especially during perimenopause and just after menopause. The optional quinoa adds
still more protein and makes the salad even more filling.
1 Serving
      2 cups kale greens, washed and dried, ribs removed, and sliced into thin ribbons
      1 teaspoon olive oil
      ¼ teaspoon salt
      2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
      2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
      2 tablespoons cider vinegar
      1
         /3 cup olive oil
      ¼ teaspoon lemon zest, finely chopped (be sure to use only the yellow rind, not the white
       pulp)
      Salt and cracked pepper to taste
      1
         /3 cup canned organic chickpeas, drained and rinsed (optional)
      ¼ avocado, sliced (optional)
      3 thin slices red onion (optional)
      ½ cup cooked quinoa (optional)
      ½ tomato, chopped, or 6 cherry tomatoes
      1
         /3 cucumber, seeded and chopped
      1
         /3 sweet red pepper, chopped
      2 tablespoons chopped Jerusalem artichokes or jicama
      8 kalamata olives
      ¼ cup sheep’s milk feta cheese
1. Put the kale in a bowl. Add olive oil and salt. Toss the kale with your hands until it is well
coated. Set aside.
2. In a bowl, combine the mustard with the lemon juice and vinegar. Whisk until smooth, and
slowly add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream. Add lemon zest, salt, and pepper to taste.
3. Add some of the dressing to the kale. Add the remaining ingredients and toss. Season with salt
and pepper to taste.
                                                 89
                                 Leek, Onion, and Potato Soup
This creamy soup brings the traditional flavors of France to your lunch table while loading you
up with two Microbiome Superfoods—leeks and onions. It will keep in the fridge for two or
three days, but don’t try freezing it—potatoes don’t freeze well. Make it with the Chicken or
Beef Base you prepared ahead of time (pages 109 and 96). You can substitute canned or boxed
organic beef stock if you prefer, but please make the Chicken Base from scratch—you want to
load up on all the healing nutrients from that bone broth, which you will never find in a
commercial preparation.
2 Servings
1. Sauté leeks and onion in olive oil in a 12-inch sauté pan over medium-low heat for 10 minutes.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2. Add the clarified butter, and, when melted, stir in the flour. Cook on low for 2 minutes. Stir in
the stocks, and whisk for 1 minute.
3. Add the potatoes and dried tarragon. Bring to a simmer, and cook for 40 minutes or until
potatoes are tender. Let cool.
                                                 90
                                      Mango Arugula Salad
This sweet, piquant salad will leave you both refreshed and satisfied. The mango is full of
vitamins A and C, which help repair your gut walls and support your immune system, jicama and
tomato nourish your microbiome, and the avocado loads you up with healthy fats. Find the recipe
for Citrus Vinaigrette on page 77. If you’re taking this to work, don’t add the last of the dressing
at home; instead, take it to work with you in a small jar and drizzle it on just before you eat.
1 Serving
2. Add the avocado, mango, and onion to the arugula mix, and salt and pepper to taste. Add the
chicken if desired.
                                                 91
                  Prebiotic Superfood Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
There’s nothing like a fresh green salad loaded with vibrant vegetables to leave you feeling
refreshed and energized in the middle of the day. This healthy salad is loaded with prebiotics to
nourish your microbiome.
1 Serving
1. Combine greens, fennel, tomato, Jerusalem Artichoke, and radishes, and toss with Lemon
Vinaigrette.
                                                92
                                      Rich Vegetable Soup
The French call this type of soup “Soupe a la pistou”: a fragrant vegetable soup garnished with
pistou, a savory infusion of chopped fresh basil, garlic, and tomato. It’s a wonderful way to load
up on vegetables, which will leave you feeling full and satisfied without that overstuffed, bloated
feeling you can sometimes get from too much meat or starch. You’re also loading up on
Microbiome Superfoods—leeks and carrots in the soup and garlic and tomato in the pistou. If
you’re looking for some extra protein, add the chicken pieces. The pistou makes enough for a
few servings and will keep well in the fridge or freezer.
3 Servings
Pistou
1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, gently heat olive oil over medium-low heat, add leek and kale,
and cook 5 minutes until golden. Add garlic, and cook for 2 minutes.
2. Add the turnip, celery, carrot, and parsnip, and cook for 5 minutes. Add the Chicken Base, and
simmer for 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
                                                93
3. Add the zucchini, mushrooms, and optional chicken, and simmer for 10 minutes until tender.
4. Make the pistou: while the soup is cooking, put the garlic, basil, tomatoes, and salt and pepper
in a food processor or blender, and puree until almost smooth. Gradually add the oil. Refrigerate
until ready to serve.
5. To serve, stir 3 tablespoons of the pistou into the hot soup. Add salt, pepper, and more pistou
to taste.
                                                94
                                   Rumanian Eggplant Salad
You might be more familiar with eggplant that has been breaded and fried, but in this salad you
simply pan-sear it, which brings out its rich, earthy taste, enhanced by the tangy vinegar and
lemon. When you choose an eggplant, make sure it is shiny, light, and firm with no soft spots.
You can enhance the flavor of the chopped, seasoned eggplant by refrigerating it for a few days.
For one serving, simply prepare one-third the amount of each vegetable.
3 Servings
1. Wrap the firm eggplant in heavy aluminum foil. Heat a cast-iron skillet, and place the eggplant
in the skillet. Turn heat up to medium-high, and cook the eggplant, turning every 5 minutes until
it is collapsed. Let cool, unwrap, and scoop the soft, well-cooked eggplant from the skin.
2. Place the eggplant flesh in a food processor, and process for 15 seconds. Add the vinegar and
salt, and pulse, adding the oil in slow stream. As soon as the oil is incorporated, stop processing
so the eggplant is not pureed.
3. Place the eggplant on the greens, and surround with the tomato, fennel, Jerusalem artichokes,
and cucumber. Salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle vinaigrette on the sliced vegetables.
                                                 95
                                 Sauerkraut and Meatball Soup
This hearty entrée soup for lunch or dinner was inspired by Eastern European–style stuffed
cabbage. It’s warm and filling, and because it contains sauerkraut, a fermented food, it is also a
natural probiotic. Plus it contains several Microbiome Superfoods—onions, garlic, carrots, and
the Microbiome Superspice, cinnamon.
Save five of the meatballs to serve with Roasted Spaghetti Squash (page 125). Buy the
sauerkraut in the fermented foods section of the market. The beef stock takes 5 hours to cook,
but you can make it ahead of time or just substitute canned or boxed organic beef stock. The
soup freezes very well.
Beef Base
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      1 28-ounce can organic chopped tomatoes
      ¼ cup cider vinegar
      10 whole cloves
      1 teaspoon cinnamon
      1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
      1 teaspoon ground allspice
      3 teaspoons sugar substitute: Lakanta
      2 cups sauerkraut, drained
1. In a large pot, cook the beef and marrow bones in boiling water for five minutes. Drain,
discarding the water.
2. Place the bones back into the pot, and add the beef chuck and 3 quarts of water. Bring to a
boil, and then reduce the heat. Skim off the fat and foam until it stops forming, about 15 minutes.
3. Add the onion, carrot, parsley, peppercorns, and salt. Simmer 3 hours.
4. Strain the liquid and taste for seasoning. If the flavor is not concentrated enough, continue
cooking over medium heat until the desired taste is achieved. If you like, add more salt to taste.
This will yield almost 3 quarts of stock. Strain the stock and refrigerate so the fat solidifies and
can be easily removed. When chilled, skim the fat off the top, and discard. Use 5 cups of the
stock for the recipe, and freeze the remainder.
2. For the meatballs, sauté the chopped onion until it is golden, and set aside.
3. For the soup, in oil, lightly sauté the sliced onion, carrots, and parsnips over medium heat for
10 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Remove from pan, and set aside.
4. To make the meatballs, combine the ground beef, sautéed onion, egg, nutmeg, salt, and pepper
in a medium bowl. Form into 1½-inch-size meatballs, and place on an oiled baking sheet. Place
in a preheated 375°F oven for 30 minutes. Let cool and set aside.
5. While the meatballs are cooking, heat the stock over medium flame. Add the vegetable
mixture, and simmer about 10 minutes.
6. Add the tomatoes, vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and Lakanta. Stir and cook for
10 minutes. Add the sauerkraut, cook for 5 minutes, and taste for seasoning.
                                                 97
7. Before serving, add the meatballs, and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. Salt and pepper
to taste.
                                              98
                                         Savory Pear Salad
This was a favorite at Chef Carole’s restaurant, Charleston. Pears, walnuts, and blue cheese are a
luscious combination. The walnuts and vinaigrette provide healthy fats for your cells and brain,
and the mixed greens are rich in energizing iron and stress-busting B vitamins.
2 Servings
1. Halve, quarter and slice the pears. Set six slices aside for garnish.
2. Arrange the greens in a shallow bowl. Add the pear, cheese, and walnuts. Toss with the
vinaigrette. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Mound the greens and garnish with the set aside pear slices, sliced chicken, and any additional
walnuts.
                                                  99
                                 Turkish-Style Cucumber Soup
This cold soup makes a refreshing lunch or snack. The live cultures in the yogurt give your
microbiome a major boost, while the protein supports your energy. Cool and tangy, the aromatic
flavors of mint and dill make the soup extra flavorful, and the garnishes of tomato and Jerusalem
artichoke give you two helpings of Microbiome Superfoods. If you want to make the soup more
filling, throw in the optional quinoa. Anything left over will keep for a few days in the fridge.
2 Servings
For Garnish
1. Dice ¼ cup of the cucumber for garnish and set aside. Grate the remainder.
2. Combine the yogurt, garlic, water, salt, pepper, vinegar, olive oil, and ¼ cup of each herb in a
medium-large bowl. Add the quinoa if desired.
4. When ready to serve, taste for seasoning and add more salt and pepper. Garnish with the
chopped tomato, Jerusalem artichoke, dill, and mint.
                                                100
                                              Dinners
Basil Pesto
This delicious Italian dish is a wonderful way to enjoy the green taste of fresh basil, enlivened
with the zingy flavors of lemon and garlic. Pesto is traditionally served on pasta, so it will go
beautifully with our Microbiome Diet recipe for “spaghetti squash.” I’ve had you make some
extra; refrigerate it in an airtight container, and you can continue to use the leftovers as a
vegetable dip. Make sure you find fresh basil—the recipe definitely will not work with dried.
1 Cup
1. Place all the ingredients in a food processor, and process until smooth.
                                                  101
                                   Beef, Beer, and Onion Stew
This Belgian-style beef stew, Carbonnades a la Flammande, is rich, hearty, and satisfying. The
beer—gluten-free and Belgian style—gives a rich, hearty taste to the meat, while the onions add
a touch of sweetness.
This recipe can be made ahead of time and then refrigerated for four days. It also freezes well.
Reheat the defrosted stew in a preheated 350°F oven.
3 Servings
2. Dry the beef with paper towels. On a 9-inch plate, mix together the beef, rice flour, salt, and
pepper until the beef is well coated. Reserve leftover rice flour mixture.
3. Heat the oil in a 9- or 10-inch fireproof Dutch oven casserole; add the meat. Over medium-
high heat brown the meat on all sides, which takes approximately 5 minutes. Remove the meat.
Add the onions to the pot and cook, stirring continually for 5 minutes. Add salt, pepper, garlic
and 1 teaspoon of the leftover rice flour mixture.
4. After about 5 minutes, the onion mixture should be light brown. Then add ½ cup of the beer,
and scrape up the browned bits on the bottom of the pot. Add the beef, and stir in the remaining
beer, Beef Base, 1 tablespoon Lakanto, and thyme.
5. Bring to a simmer, and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the casserole, and cook at 350°F for
about 2 hours; testing the beef for tenderness—cook until the meat is fork tender. Add the
                                                102
vinegar and 2 remaining tablespoons Lakanto, and cook for 3 minutes longer. Taste for
seasoning, adding salt and pepper and more thyme to taste.
                                             103
                      Beef Stew with Aromatic Vegetables and Red Wine
Here’s another hearty stew, this time with a French influence. The aromatic vegetables add a
delicate flavor to the mix, while the red wine brings out all the flavor of the beef. You also get
plenty of onions and carrots in this dish, two Microbiome Superfoods.
This stew can be cooked in advanced and kept refrigerated for up to four days. Or you can freeze
it and keep it for weeks. To reheat, bring to room temperature and then cook for approximately
ten minutes on low heat.
2 Servings
2. In a large ovenproof, lidded pot, sauté the chopped onion, carrot, garlic, and parsnips in the
coconut oil over medium-low heat for 8 minutes until vegetables are tender. Remove from the
pan and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the rice flour, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and beef. The beef should be
well coated with flour mixture.
                                                104
4. Add more oil to the pot if necessary, and transfer the meat to the pot, sautéing over medium-
high heat until the meat is browned, about 8 minutes. Remove the meat, and add ½ cup of the
Beef Base to the pot to scrape up the browned bits.
5. Transfer the vegetable mixture and the meat back to the pot. Add the thyme, rosemary,
tarragon, red wine, and remaining stock. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and place in oven,
cooking at 300°F for about 2 hours; after 1½ hours check for tenderness.
6. While the stew is cooking, sauté the sliced onions in 1 tablespoon of the butter. Remove from
pan. Sauté the mushrooms in remaining butter. Add mushrooms to onions and set aside.
7. Add the onion and mushroom mixture to the stew ½ hour before serving.
8. Add salt and pepper for taste. Garnish with chopped parsley.
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                                              Borscht
Ah, Mother Russia! This robust lunch or dinner entrée soup will charm you with its sweet and
sour flavors while leaving you feeling full and satisfied from its rich, meaty broth. Add in some
white beans to make the dish even more filling.
To make this dish you’ll need the Beef Base you prepared ahead of time, or you can just use
canned or boxed organic beef stock. (But the homemade will taste better!) Enjoy the flavors
while knowing you are loading up on Microbiome Superfoods: onion, carrot, tomato, and garlic.
6 To 8 Servings
1. In a large saucepan, boil the beets for about 45 minutes, until they can be pierced with a butter
knife. Remove from heat, and allow to cool, saving the beet water. Slip the skins off the beets,
and discard. Cut the beets into match sticks.
2. In a medium pan over medium heat, sauté onions and carrots in the oil, about 5 minutes. Add
the beef, and cook until brown, about 10 minutes. Add the tomato paste and a cup of the stock.
Set aside.
3. Combine the remaining stock, 1 to 2 cups beet water, beef mixture, garlic, peppercorns, and
beets in a large pot. Add the Lakanto and vinegar. Cook 20 minutes over low heat. Add the
cabbage, and cook until the cabbage is tender, about 10 minutes. Add dill, as well as more
Lakanto, salt, and pepper to taste. The soup should have a sweet and sour flavor.
                                                106
                                      Braised Apple Chicken
This supper can easily be made ahead and either refrigerated or frozen. The sweetness of the
apples and cider make the chicken taste sweet as well, while the coconut oil adds a serving of
healthy fat. The apples are full of fiber that nourishes your microbiome.
When you are shopping for this dinner choose apples that are firm and not bruised.
2 Servings
2. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. In a small sauté pan, sauté the chicken in 1 tablespoon
coconut oil on medium-low heat until lightly browned. Remove from pan, and deglaze pan with
¼ cup of the apple cider, scraping all the browned bits into the cider. Pour this deglazing cider
over the chicken, and set aside. Clean the pan.
3. Sauté onions in remaining coconut oil over low heat for 5 minutes, until softened. Add the
apples, and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add the chicken, deglazing liquid, tarragon, thyme, and the remaining cider. Season with salt
and pepper.
5. Transfer to a small ovenproof baking pan, cover with a lid or foil, and bake at 375°F for 20
minutes. Turn chicken over, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the
chicken is no longer pink and the juices are clear.
                                                 107
                                       Brazilian Fish Stew
Maybe you don’t have time to fly down to Carnival in Rio this year, but you definitely do have
time to make this quick and easy Brazilian-flavored coconut-creamy stew. Delicious with any
firm-fleshed fish, the stew works with cod, grouper, catfish, and similar choices. Just make sure
you go low mercury.
For added digestive healing—and creamy sweetness—enjoy the coconut milk. Garlic, onion, and
tomato will help heal your intestinal tract while nourishing your microbiome.
2 Servings
1. Place the fish in a small bowl, and cover with the lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Marinate
for 15 minutes.
2. Sauté the onion, paprika, and red pepper in the coconut oil on medium-low for 5 minutes until
soft. Add the tomato and marinated fish, and cook until the fish begins to turn opaque, about 5
minutes.
3. Add the coconut milk, hot sauce, and half of the cilantro. Simmer until the fish is fully opaque
and begins to flake, about 10 to 15 minutes. Taste for seasoning. Add more lime juice, hot sauce,
and salt to taste.
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                                          Chicken Base
How healthy can you get—not just the chicken, but the bones as well, which are liquefied and
strained into the soup. This “bone broth” heals and seals the gut wall and is loaded with minerals.
The broth requires many hours for simmering, but once you’ve made it, you can divide it into 2-
cup containers and freeze enough portions to last you a few weeks. Use it as your base for the
traditional chicken soup as well as for the vegetable soups and sauces.
10 Cups
1. Rub the chicken parts with the garlic and salt; cover and refrigerate 1 hour.
2. Put the water, onions, carrot, and all the chicken parts, except the breasts, into a stockpot.
Bring to a boil, and add the breasts and the bunch of parsley and dill. Cover the pot, reduce heat,
and simmer for 40 minutes, until tender.
3. Remove the breasts. Skim off fat; discard. Remove the skin and chicken from the breast
bones; discard skin. Put the bones back into the pot, and continue cooking for 2 hours. Cut up the
chicken into bite-size pieces, and refrigerate or freeze for another use.
4. When tender, remove the remaining chicken from the pot, and continue cooking the bones and
stock 30 minutes. Remove the chicken meat from the legs and back. Return the bones to the
stock pot, and continue cooking on low heat for 3 hours. Refrigerate or freeze the chicken meat
for another use.
5. Remove and discard the vegetables and herbs from the pot. Put the bones and 1 cup of the
broth in a blender, and process until liquefied and smooth. Strain the liquid, discard any solids,
and strain the liquefied bones back into the stock. Add the pepper, and taste to see if you want to
add more salt. There will be about 10 cups of soup base.
6. Refrigerate what you will need for making a soup, and freeze the remainder.
                                                109
                                         Chili Con Carne
This is a quick and easy chili that freezes well. Or you can store it in an airtight container and
keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Onions, garlic, and tomato give you plenty of
Microbiome Superfoods to make this dish both superfast and super healthy.
3 Servings
1. Sauté onion in the oil, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes. Add ground beef, and cook, stirring until
beef is no longer pink. With a wooden spoon break up the beef as it cooks.
2. Add the jalapeño, garlic, and spices. Stir and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the diced tomatoes,
water, and kidney beans. Bring to a boil. Lower heat, and simmer for 35 minutes. Add additional
salt and pepper to taste.
                                                 110
                                 Curried Lamb and Lentil Stew
Lentils are such a healthy food! They load you up with protein, support your digestion, and leave
you feeling full and satisfied. Full of fiber, they are one of your microbiome’s favorite foods too.
This quick and easy stew also contains the Microbiome Superspice turmeric, which is a terrific
anti-inflammatory that promotes digestive health and supports a healthy brain. The coconut milk
provides you with some healthy fat and a sweet, creamy flavor that compliments the taste of the
lamb.
2 Servings
2. Heat oil in a heavy pan over medium-high heat, and sauté lamb until brown, about 7 to 8
minutes. Add onions, carrots, garlic, and ginger. Mix and sauté on low heat for 3 to 4 minutes.
Add turmeric, cumin, curry, and salt, and stir. Add tomatoes, lentils, carrots, coconut milk, and
water. Bring to boil, lower heat, and cook until lamb and lentils are tender, about 45 minutes.
                                                111
                                     Curried Vegetable Stew
This sumptuous vegetarian dinner is packed with nutrient-rich vegetables as well as chickpeas,
which help women balance their hormones, and coconut milk, which adds healthy fats that
support your cell and brain health.
The creamy curry sauce really sets off all the different textures of the fresh vegetables. The
chickpeas and the optional butternut squash make this a very satisfying meal that will leave you
feeling full and nourished but not stuffed. This stew will keep for up to a week or so in the
fridge, so once it’s made you can enjoy it for several days.
3 Servings
1. In a medium pot, boil 3 cups of water. Place the carrots and cauliflower in a strainer basket in
the boiling water for 5 minutes, then remove from the heat.
2. Sauté the onion in clarified butter until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, jalapeño,
ginger, turmeric, and curry. Stir to combine, and cook on low heat for 3 minutes. Add the
cabbage, squash, peas, carrots, and cauliflower, and cook gently for 2 minutes, stirring to
combine well.
3. Add the coconut milk and chickpeas, and cook for about 20 minutes, until the cauliflower is
tender. Add more coconut milk if necessary to make sure the stew is saucy.
                                                112
4. Taste for seasoning, and add salt, pepper, and more jalapeño to taste. To serve, sprinkle with
the chopped cilantro.
                                               113
                                      Easy Sautéed Greens
Looking for a quick, easy, and tasty way to get more greens into your diet? Leafy green
vegetables are terrific for your health—full of energizing iron, stress-busting B vitamins, and
many other valuable nutrients that help heal your gut and support your metabolism.
In this recipe you quickly sauté your greens, wilting them in garlic-scented oil to produce a light,
savory vegetable. This recipe can be used with most leafy greens—escarole, spinach, or broccoli
rabe. If you happen to find some dandelion greens in the market, you can use this recipe for them
as well; just make sure you boil them for 10 minutes before sautéing them. Dandelion greens are
a natural prebiotic that also provides you with many other nutrients.
1 Serving
2. In a sauté pan, warm olive oil over low heat. Add the greens and garlic; cook over low heat
until the greens wilt or until the broccoli rabe florets are tender when pierced with a fork, about
12 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
                                                114
                                    Fish Stew with Romesco
Bring the flavors of Spain into your kitchen with this riff on a classic Catalan fish stew. The
almond garlic infusion is called “romesco,” adding a depth of flavor that will leave you feeling
satisfied.
This stew can be made with any firm-fleshed white fish—just pick one that is low in mercury,
such as catfish, cod, or grouper. The fish and almonds are full of Omega 3 fats, which promote
cell and brain health.
For your convenience the romesco recipe yields a cup of sauce, which you can store in the fridge
for future use, either to make another stew or as a delicious dip for vegetables.
2 Servings
Romesco
      1 large tomato
      1 cup slivered almonds
      ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
      1 teaspoon jalapeño, or more to taste
      2 garlic cloves, chopped
      ½ yellow pepper
      2 scallions, trimmed and chopped
      1 teaspoon cider vinegar
      ½ teaspoon salt
2. Place the tomato and the almonds on a baking pan, and bake for 10 minutes, until the almonds
start to color. Watch them closely so they don’t burn.
3. Add ¼ cup of the oil to a small sauté pan, and sauté the jalapeño over medium heat, about 5
minutes. When the jalapeño is soft, add the garlic. Cook for 2 minutes. Do not allow the garlic to
brown. Remove from heat.
4. Put into a food processor the yellow pepper, scallion, and jalapeño mixture.
5. Remove the skin from the tomato, and then add the tomato, vinegar, and almonds to the
processor.
                                               115
6. Process for 1 minute, and slowly add the remaining olive oil. Scrape down the sides of the
bowl; add salt, and puree just until smooth.
7. Add more salt to taste, if desired. The sauce can be refrigerated for several days. Serve at room
temperature.
1. In a sauté pan or small saucepan, sauté the onion and fennel in the olive oil over medium-low
heat until tender, for about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and the tomatoes, and cook for 10 minutes.
Add the wine and clam juice, and top with the fish; simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the fish is
opaque and cooked.
2. Transfer the fish to serving bowls, and whisk 3 tablespoons Romesco into the soup.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour the soup over the fish, and serve.
4. Put a dish of Romesco on the table in case you or your dinner companions want more.
                                                116
              Greek-Inspired Beef Stew with Onions, Feta Cheese, and Walnuts
This dish was so popular in Chef Carole’s restaurant, Charleston, that it inspired the offering of a
weekly stew. Not only is it delicious; it’s also loaded with Microbiome Superfoods: onions,
garlic, and tomatoes plus the Microbiome Superspice, cinnamon. The walnuts add an interesting
crunch as well as provide some Omega 3 healthy fats to support cell and brain health.
You can make this stew ahead of time and refrigerate it. It also freezes very well.
Serves 6
1. Lightly brown the beef in the olive oil over medium-high heat for 7 to 8 minutes. Add salt and
pepper to taste.
2. Cover with the onions, and cook until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the red wine,
wine vinegar, tomatoes, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cumin. Cover and simmer for 2 hours
until the meat is tender. To serve, add the feta cheese and walnuts.
                                                 117
                  Grilled Beef Burger and Portobello Mushroom Napoleon
You won’t miss the hamburger bun at all with this creative combination of burger and
Portobello. When buying beef, choose the 80 percent to 20 percent meat-to-fat ratio, as that will
provide the juiciest, most tasty burger. The meat should be red, not gray, and preferably freshly
ground. Ask your butcher to grind some chuck for you.
When buying the mushrooms, select them from the loose bin. Choose two with firm caps and dry
gills. If the gills are black and moist, reject them!
If you don’t have a grill, the burgers can be cooked in a black cast-iron pan. Just remember to
turn on the exhaust fan!
1 Serving
1. In a small bowl, mix the beef with ⅛ teaspoon each of the salt and pepper. With a minimum of
handling, form into a 1-inch thick, 4-inch wide patty.
3. Remove the stems from the mushrooms, and clean the caps with a dry paper towel or
mushroom brush. Brush the mushrooms on both sides with 1 teaspoon of the olive oil, and
season with ⅛ teaspoon each of the salt and pepper.
4. Place the mushrooms on the grill, and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. If you don’t
have a grill, put a teaspoon of oil in a black cast-iron pan, and cook the mushrooms for about 4 to
5 minutes on each side. The mushrooms will be firm, cooked through, and shrunken in size.
Remove and set aside.
                                                118
5. If using the onions, while the mushrooms are cooking, add the onion to the grill or pan, and
cook for 2 minutes until softened. Remove and set aside.
6. Turn up the grill temperature to high heat. If using a cast-iron pan, turn on the exhaust fan, put
1 teaspoon olive oil in the pan, and set heat to medium-high. Cook the burger for 3 to 5 minutes
on one side, and then turn for another 3 to 5 minutes on the other side. Do not flatten the burger
while cooking, and resist flipping it. When the burger is firm and has a nice crust, remove from
the grill to rest.
7. Combine the greens, Jerusalem artichoke, fennel, and all but 3 slices of tomato with the
vinaigrette. Salt and pepper to taste.
8. Place one mushroom cap on a plate, and layer with the burger, bibb lettuce, tomato slices,
optional avocado, onion, and top with the second mushroom cap. Serve the Burger Napoleon
with the salad on the side.
                                                119
                                 Italian-Accented Chicken Stew
Bring a taste of Italy into your kitchen with this variation on the classic Italian chicken stew,
Chicken Cacciatore. Garlic, tomatoes, and onions give you plenty of Microbiome Superfoods,
which might be why those ingredients show up so often in traditional Italian cooking.
Ideally you would make this stew on Sunday night and eat it over the next three days, because as
the stew sits, the flavors are enhanced. You can also make it ahead of time and freeze it.
2 Servings
2. Generously salt and pepper the chicken. Brown the chicken in a sauté pan in 3 tablespoons oil
over medium-high heat for 10 minutes. Transfer chicken to a baking pan.
3. Add to the sauté pan 2 tablespoons oil along with the onion, garlic, green pepper, and zest, and
sauté for 2 minutes. Add the vinegar, broth, vermouth, fennel, tomato, and 1 teaspoon each of the
rosemary and thyme, and cook for 3 minutes. Pour the mixture over the chicken, cover the
baking pan with foil, place in the oven, and cook at 350°F for 20 minutes.
4. In a medium pan, sauté the mushrooms over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, and sprinkle
with the remaining rosemary and thyme. Add the mushroom mixture to the chicken, and cook 10
minutes longer, until the chicken is tender. Add salt and pepper to taste.
                                                120
                                   Jerk Cornish Game Hen
“Jerk” is a Jamaican seasoning mixture that can be used for poultry, fish, and even to make a
yogurt-based dip for vegetables. Usually fiery hot, this version is milder. It features two
Microbiome Super-spices: turmeric, which fights inflammation and promotes digestive and brain
health, and cinnamon, which helps to balance your blood sugar. You can also nourish your
microbiome with onion and garlic while enjoying ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties and its
support for your digestive health.
1 Serving
1. Combine all ingredients for the jerk mixture in a food processor and puree until smooth. Add
more water if the paste is not pourable.
                                              121
3. Rub 1 tablespoon of the jerk seasoning in the cavity of the hen. Loosen the skin of the breast
and legs of the hen, and spread 2 tablespoons of the seasoning on the flesh. Put the bird in a
small roasting pan, and spread more seasoning on the skin. Top with the clarified butter.
4. Roast for 30 minutes or until the bird is golden brown and the juices run clear when the thigh
is pierced with a fork. Let the hen “rest” for 3 minutes, and then serve. This dish is lovely with
Mango Salsa (page 127).
                                                122
                                      Lamb Stew Provencal
Few combinations work better than a tangy orange, a crisp red wine, and the earthy meat of
lamb. Herbs add fragrance and the Provencal aromas of southern France, while garlic, carrots,
onions, and tomato help to heal your gut and nourish your microbiome. The chickpeas help
women balance their hormones, especially during perimenopause and just after menopause.
You can make this stew in advance and keep it in the fridge for 3 or 4 days, or freeze it for
several weeks. Serve with quinoa or brown rice.
2 Servings
1. Sprinkle the lamb with salt and pepper. Sauté it in the oil in a small fireproof casserole over
medium-high heat until browned, about 7 minutes. Add the onions and the remaining ingredients
except for the salt, pepper, and the orange sections.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat, and simmer on a low flame, covered, for an
hour or until the lamb is tender but not falling apart. Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with
orange sections.
                                                123
                                      Lemon Chicken Stew
This piquant stew will really fill you up while incorporating three of our Microbiome
Superfoods: onions, leeks, and garlic. Lemon and chicken is a wonderful flavor combination—
something about the tangy lemon makes the chicken seem almost sweet.
You can cook this stew in advance and refrigerate it for up to 4 days or keep it frozen for several
weeks. Reheat the defrosted stew in a 350°F oven until hot.
2 Servings
2. In a sauté pan, lightly brown the chicken breasts in 1 tablespoon oil on medium-high heat for
10 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a baking pan.
3. Add remaining oil and onion until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the carrot and parsnip to the
sauté pan, and cook for 5 minutes over medium-high heat until lightly browned. Add the lemon
zest, garlic, lemon juice, Chicken Base, chopped rosemary, and thyme, and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Pour the mixture over the chicken, and cover the baking pan with foil. Bake for 30 minutes
until tender. Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with rosemary sprays, if desired.
The stew can be cooked up to 3 days in advance and can be frozen. Reheat in a 350°F oven until
hot.
                                                124
                  Meatballs with Roasted Spaghetti Squash and Basil Pesto
Now you can enjoy spaghetti and meatballs, Microbiome Diet–style! The long, stringy noodle-
like flesh of the squash makes a delicious gluten-free spaghetti that is loaded with nutrients to
satisfy your taste buds while supporting your health. It also contains three Microbiome
Superfoods—garlic, onions, and tomato.
To save you some cooking time, this recipe uses the extra frozen meatballs from the Sauerkraut
and Meatball Soup on page 96. You can also cook the squash ahead of time, seed it, and shred it
into “spaghetti.” Then just reheat it when you’re ready to make the dish.
2 Servings
      1 small spaghetti squash, pierced with the point of a knife in several places
      ½ onion, roughly chopped
      2 tablespoons olive oil
      1 garlic clove, minced
      ½ teaspoon oregano or marjoram
      ½ cup chopped roasted tomatoes
      ½ teaspoon salt
      ¼ teaspoon pepper
      10 meatballs (see page 96)
      3 tablespoons Basil Pesto (see page 101)
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. When heated, place the squash on a foil-lined sheet pan in the oven,
and roast for 1 hour until soft. Let cool.
2. While the squash is roasting, sauté the onion in the olive oil over medium heat until soft, about
5 minutes. Add garlic and oregano. Lower the heat, and cook for 3 minutes; then add the
tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook mixture for 5 minutes, then add the meatballs, and stew on low
heat for 15 minutes. Cover and set aside.
3. When the squash is cool, remove the stem end, and cut in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds,
and, with a fork, shred the squash into “spaghetti.”
4. When ready to serve, mix the pesto into the squash in a saucepan, and heat for 6 minutes over
medium heat.
5. Heat the meat balls and tomato sauce, heap it onto the spaghetti squash, and serve.
                                                125
                      Mexican Beans and Rice with Avocado and Mango
This exotic, tropically styled vegetarian stew is a wonderful study in contrasts: sweet mango and
the fresh avocado setting off the warm, earthy rice and beans.
The recipe is for 6 servings because I think you will want to share it with guests—and you also
get a lot of leftovers! Use the extra rice and beans in a salad with tomato and avocado. Or serve a
smaller portion of the stew and salsa as a side dish with dinner entrées. The salsa will last for a
week in an airtight container. Stored in its own airtight container, the stew will last two or three
days.
Mango is loaded with digestive enzymes (see Chapter 4 for why that’s important), and the
avocado gives you healthy fats to support cell and brain health. The optional tomatillo is a small,
green, tomato-like fruit often used in Mexican cooking. You can find it in either the produce
section or the Latin foods section of your grocery store. It will add a little acid and texture to the
salsa, which contrasts nicely with the sweet, smooth flesh of the mango.
6 Servings
1. Follow the recipe on the package if you want to presoak the beans. To cook the beans that day,
put the beans in a pot and cover the beans with at least 3 inches of water. Place on high heat,
bring to a boil, and immediately lower the heat to simmer. Simmer the beans for 10 minutes.
Turn off the heat, and let the beans sit for 60 minutes.
2. Drain the liquid from the beans. Put in a clean pot and cover with 2 inches cold water. Put the
heat on high, and bring to a boil. Add the onions, cumin, and garlic. Lower the heat to a simmer,
and cook for 1 hour. Taste to see whether the beans are tender. Cooking time will vary
depending on the age of the beans and the amount of absorbed water. Stir in salt.
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      1 tablespoon sunflower oil
      1 tablespoon coconut oil
      2½ cups brown rice
      1 13.5-ounce can organic coconut milk
      1½ cups water
      Salt and pepper to taste
1. Sauté the onion in the oils, and, when soft, add the rice. On low heat stir the rice until it
becomes opaque. Add the coconut milk and water. At least 2 inches of liquid should cover the
rice. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, and cook on low heat for about 30 minutes. Taste for
tenderness. Salt and pepper to taste.
Mango Salsa
1. Combine all ingredients except for the salt and pepper in a blender, and pulse until almost
smooth. Salt and pepper to taste.
The Toppings
1. To serve, place beans on the rice, and top with the mango, jicama, avocado, and cilantro.
Serve with the mango salsa and bowls of extra mango, avocado, jicama, and cilantro to pass
around the table.
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                                   Mussels Steamed in Beer
This dish is best made with Prince Edward Island mussels. Choose mussels that are closed so
you know they are fresh. The serving size is for one because cooked mussels do not reheat well,
but of course, you can multiply as needed for your dinner companions. This dish is best served
with a warm, crusty, gluten-free bread that you can dip into the delicious beer broth, plus a
simple green salad with Lemon Vinaigrette (page 78) or Citrus Vinaigrette (page 77).
Serves 1
1. Rinse mussels under cold running water. Tap to close any mussels that are a little bit open.
Discard any mussels that are broken, are wide open, or remain open after you tap them. Wash the
shells, and “debeard” them by pulling off hairy clumps with your fingers.
2. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a soup pot with a tight-fitting lid. Add thyme, garlic,
shallots, mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat until shallots and garlic are softened,
about 3 minutes. Add the tarragon, pour in beer, and bring to a simmer for about another 3
minutes. Add mussels, and cover the pot. Steam the mussels until they open, which usually takes
5 to 10 minutes. Discard any mussels that have not opened.
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                       Pan-Roasted Cod with Orange Cumin Vinaigrette
Pan roasting is a simple, fast method for cooking many different types of fish. It’s easy to get the
hang of this approach, which allows you to have a nourishing dinner on the table within a few
minutes. This particular recipe relies on cod, a mild, white, firm fish whose flavor is enhanced by
a tangy, sweet orange cumin vinaigrette. Make some extra vinaigrette, and save it for a delicious
salad dressing.
This dish goes great with Easy Sautéed Greens (page 114). The side dish brings in the
Microbiome Superfood, garlic, as well as provide you with stress-reducing and brain-supporting
B vitamins from the green leafy vegetables. Olive oil and flaxseed oil in the vinaigrette add
healthy fats to promote cell and brain health.
1 Serving
3. Heat on high heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or a cast-iron pan that is a little larger than the fish
portion. When the pan is hot, add the butter. Add the fish top side down. Cook on high until the
edges turn brown and the sides of the fish start to turn opaque, about 2 or 3 minutes. Do not turn
the fish.
4. Put the pan in the oven, and cook at 425°F for about 6 to 8 minutes until the fish flesh is
completely opaque and there is a crust on the bottom.
5. Turn the fish onto a plate by inserting the spatula under the end side of the filet. Serve with the
vinaigrette (below) and Easy Sautéed Greens.
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      1 teaspoon chopped orange zest
      1 teaspoon cumin
      ¼ teaspoon salt
      ¼ pepper
1. Whisk the mustard with the orange juice and vinegar. Add the oils, pouring in a slow stream.
Add the zest, cumin, salt, and pepper.
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                                       Pan-Roasted Salmon
Wild-caught salmon has a high content of desirable Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 molecules
provide anti-inflammatory benefits as well as help to heal your gut walls, thereby improving
your digestion and supporting your microbiome.
Please don’t purchase farm-raised salmon. Find wild caught—it’s far cleaner and way more
nutritious.
I’ve had you pan-roast the salmon because it’s a quick way to cook fish that produces enhanced
flavor. Enjoy!
1 Serving
1. Heat the oven to 450°F. Place on high heat a heavy-bottomed ovenproof skillet or cast-iron
pan that is a little larger than the fish portion.
3. When the pan is hot add the butter. Place the fish in flesh side down. Cook on high heat until
the edges brown and an opacity starts to creep up the side of the fish, about 3 minutes. Do not
turn the fish.
4. Put the pan in the oven. Cook for about 7 minutes, or until the fish flesh is opaque, firm, and
there is a nice crust on the bottom. Then turn the fish onto a plate by inserting the spatula under
the end side of the filet.
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                                          Steamed Quinoa
Quinoa looks like a grain, but the part you eat is actually the seeds. Protein-rich, filling, and full
of antioxidants, quinoa is a great addition to any meal when you want a healthy choice to satisfy
your craving for carbs. Quinoa is considered an anti-inflammatory food that also has significant
antioxidant properties, but you won’t be thinking about the health benefits when you’re focused
on the delicious taste. This buttery treat makes a great accompaniment to any meat or fish.
1 Serving
1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the quinoa, and toast, stirring, for
about 2 minutes. Add the water, and cook over low heat for about 8 minutes, until tender. Add
the parsley, thyme, and salt. Add pepper and additional salt to taste.
                                                 132
                                   Traditional Chicken Soup
This protein-rich and healing chicken soup is based on a traditional “Grandma’s Friday-night
chicken soup” and makes a satisfying lunch or snack. Its warmth is good for your digestive tract,
and the bones in the chicken soup base are full of key nutrients. Add extra vegetables if you like
or, in Phase 2, add in some brown rice to make a filling and substantial dinner. Either way, the
carrots, garlic, and onions in this soup and in the base are Microbiome Superfoods.
2 Servings
1. Heat Chicken Base on low heat in a 6- or 7-inch saucepan for 5 minutes. Add carrot and
parsnip, and cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until tender. Add the cooked chicken.
When the chicken is hot, after about 4 minutes, add the dill and parsley. Salt and pepper to taste.
                                                133
                                        Seared Scallops
Quick, easy, and delicious! This is the perfect meal to make when you want something that tastes
fabulous and takes just a few minutes to cook. Be sure to buy “dry” scallops as opposed to “wet”
ones. Wet scallops are treated with phosphates, a preservative that absorbs water. You can
identify them because they are snow white. Dry scallops are natural and don’t shrink when
cooked—look for their natural cream color. You can ask your fishmonger to be extra sure. You
might notice that large scallops are labeled “U10,” a designation that means there are less than
ten scallops to a pound.
2 Servings
1. Wash and dry the scallops. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil and 1 teaspoon butter in a heavy pan over high heat until almost smoking. Sear
the scallops 1½ to 2 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms. Remove from heat.
3. Quickly melt remaining 1 teaspoon butter in the pan, add the lemon juice; cook for 1 minute
over medium heat, then add the parsley, chive, and tarragon.
4. Pour the hot herb butter over the scallops, and serve immediately.
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                                            SNACKS
This recipe is an addictive snack that can be eaten solo, added to a salad, or used as the side
vegetable to a dinner entrée. The recipe includes turmeric, a ground spice that in India and Asia
is used to promote health and has a history of medicinal uses in many cultures. And no wonder:
this Microbiome Superspice helps heal inflammation, support your immune system, and promote
brain and immune function. Onions and garlic add two more Microbiome Superfoods to the
healthy mix.
This is a snack that will leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied, with no sugar rush or salt
overload. Give it a try and see for yourself. (And if you need help buying or cooking with the
fresh ginger, see the Mango Smoothie recipe on page 68 for instructions.)
4 Servings
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a 13 x 18-inch sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. Warm the garlic in the oils in a medium saucepan over low heat, and add the onion and ginger.
Sauté over low heat until the onion is soft, about 7 minutes. Add the coconut milk, and gently
simmer for 5 minutes. Add the cauliflower, curry, turmeric, cumin, cardamom, and mustard
seeds, if desired, and cook for 15 minutes, frequently ladling the coconut liquid over the
cauliflower. The liquid will reduce substantially.
3. Transfer the cauliflower to the parchment-lined pan, and spoon the coconut milk mixture over
the florets. Bake for 30 minutes until golden. Serve warm or at room temperature.
                                               135
                                       Gazpacho Smoothie
This afternoon tonic is a liquefied version of the popular cold Spanish soup. It is spicy, tangy,
refreshing, and loaded with prebiotics from the chopped tomato and garlic. Olive oil and flaxseed
oil give you some healthy fats, which are crucial for cell and, especially, brain health, while the
protein powder gives you that midday energy boost to keep you functioning at optimal levels.
Poured into a thermos, this smoothie is an easily portable snack or lunch. Shake vigorously
before drinking.
1 Serving
                                                136
                                    Oven-Roasted Kale Chips
This addictive snack is also a super healthy treat—a great way to load up on kale, which is one of
the world’s healthiest foods. Kale is rich in fiber, which is terrific for weight loss, and contains
significant amounts of vitamins A, C, B6, and K as well as manganese and copper, providing you
with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection and protection against cancer.
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. Wash and thoroughly dry the leaves; wet leaves will make soggy chips. Remove the ribs from
the kale leaves, and discard. Rip the kale into 1-inch pieces.
3. Rub the oil into the kale pieces; the leaves should be shiny but not oily. Sprinkle on salt.
4. Place the kale on parchment paper, and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until crispy. Add
more salt to taste, if desired.
                                                 137
                                Roasted Asparagus with Lemon
Asparagus helps improve digestive health, fights inflammation, and nourishes your microbiome,
making it a natural prebiotic. But don’t just choose asparagus for its health benefits—eat it
because it tastes so good! Roasting this green vegetable enhances the flavor and makes it
crunchy, while a splash of lemon makes it tangy. This recipe makes a nice big portion, so you
can take some to work for a late-afternoon snack, dress some with Lemon Vinaigrette (page 78)
for a flavorful salad, and reheat some to serve hot as a quick and easy side vegetable.
4 Servings
      24 large asparagus spears (about 2 pounds), with the hard round ends cut off
      3 tablespoons olive oil
      Kosher salt or coarse sea salt
      2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
      Lemon slices
2. Place asparagus on an oiled sheet pan, and brush with oil. Sprinkle with salt.
4. Sprinkle with lemon juice, and garnish with lemon slices. Serve either hot or cold.
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                                   Roasted Sweet Potato Chips
You don’t have to miss potato chips on the Microbiome Diet—you can satisfy your cravings
with this crispy roasted savory-sweet snack. Use either sweet potatoes or yams, both of which
are rich in antioxidants, dietary fiber, vitamins, and nutrients.
Slice the potatoes with a sharp knife, or invest $10 in a mandolin, a cutting device with different
types of blades. Get one with a safety guard at your grocery store, at a housewares store, or
online. They’re great for all sorts of cutting and slicing; they save time and leave your veggies
looking restaurant-beautiful.
1 To 2 Servings
3. In a bowl, toss the slices with the oil, and sprinkle with salt. Place on a single layer on cookie
sheets, and bake for 1 hour, flipping every 15 minutes for even baking. When the slices begin to
darken, watch carefully so they don’t turn brown. The slices are ready when they are golden
brown and crispy. The centers will be less crisp than the edges.
4. Salt to taste, and serve immediately. Leftovers, if there are any, will keep for 1 day. To reheat,
crisp in the oven.
                                                 139
                                     Spiced Roasted Chickpeas
This addictive snack from Trinidad will last for days. Chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans,
boost intestinal health and, as a fiber-rich food, provide a feeling of fullness. They also help
women with hormonal balance, especially during perimenopause and right after menopause. The
spice mixture includes turmeric, a Microbiome Superspice used in Indian and Asian cuisine with
a history of medicinal benefits. Modern science tells us turmeric is a terrific anti-inflammatory
that will boost your immune system and help heal your gut.
About 3 Servings
      1 teaspoon cumin
      ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
      1 teaspoon curry powder
      ¼ teaspoon turmeric
      1 teaspoon allspice
      ½ teaspoon cinnamon
      ¼ teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
      1
         /8 teaspoon ground cloves
      1 teaspoon ground coriander
      ½ teaspoon chili powder, or more to taste
      2 16-ounce cans organic chickpeas
      1½ tablespoons olive oil
      2 teaspoons kosher salt
      Salt and pepper to taste
2. Combine all spices (cumin through chili powder). Any remaining mixture can be stored and
used as a rub for meat and poultry.
4. In a bowl, combine the chickpeas with the oil. Add 2 tablespoons of the spice mixture with the
salt.
5. Spread the peas in one layer on a cookie sheet or shallow roasting pan. Place in oven, and bake
until golden and crisp, about 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool to room temperature. Add more salt and
pepper to taste if desired. Serve.
                                               140
6. The spiced chickpeas can be stored in an airtight container. If they become soggy, rebake until
crisp.
                                               141
                         Steamed Artichoke with Lemon Mustard Dip
Steamed artichoke is an unusual snack that can be made ahead of time. It takes a long time to eat,
so it’s great if you’re feeling hungry because by the time you’re done eating, you’re full!
Steamed artichokes also make a great side dish with a lunch salad.
There are lots of great health benefits associated with artichokes. They are powerful antioxidants
that contain lots of nutrients as well as dietary fiber, which feeds your microbiome while making
you feel full.
To eat the steamed artichoke, pull off a single leaf, dip it in the butter-lemon-mustard mixture,
and slide the inside surface of the leaf over your bottom teeth to remove the flesh. Then throw
the leaf away and pluck another. When you come to the fuzzy inner part—the choke, which
covers the heart—just scrape it out with a spoon and throw it away. Then cut the heart and stem
into bite-size pieces, dip each one into the sauce, and enjoy! I like to think of the delicious heart
as the prize you get for working your way through the artichoke. Mmmm!
By the way, I’m having you make two artichokes and lots of extra dip so you can refrigerate both
and reuse them the next time you make artichokes on your meal plans.
2 Servings (2 Artichokes)
      2 medium artichokes
      1 cup or more water
      ½ teaspoon lemon juice
1. with scissors, cut off the thorns of the artichokes, leaving about an inch of stem. Place the
artichokes in a steamer basket in a pot, and add water and lemon juice until it reaches the bottom
of the steamer. Put a lid on the pot, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium, and steam for
approximately 40 minutes. To test for doneness, pierce the stem with a sharp knife. Let cool.
                                                 142
      3 teaspoons flaxseed oil
      Salt and pepper to taste
1. Place all the dip ingredients in a small nonreactive bowl, and whisk. Add salt and pepper to
taste.
2. Serve as a dip with a cooled artichoke. Refrigerate the leftover dip for future use.
                                                143
                                      Stuffed Mushrooms
Two stuffed mushrooms make a satisfying hot snack. Or serve four stuffed mushrooms with
Easy Sautéed Greens (page 114) for lunch. This recipe makes enough for one snack serving and
one lunch entrée (with the Sautéed Greens). The garlic nourishes your microbiome, while the
kale loads you up with iron and vitamin B to help you power through stress, promote brain
function, and balance your hormones. In Phase 2 some sheep’s milk or goat’s milk cheese grated
on top adds another texture and a salty kick.
1 Lunch-Size Serving
2. Add 1 tablespoon oil to a medium sauté pan, and sauté the onions over medium-low heat,
about 5 minutes, until tender.
3. Cut the stems off 6 mushrooms. Chop the last mushroom, and add to the onions; sauté for 2
minutes. Add the kale, garlic, cumin, salt, and red pepper, and cook on low heat until the mixture
is soft, about 6 minutes. Add more salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
4. Lightly brush the stemmed mushrooms with 1 tablespoon olive oil and stuff the mushrooms
with the onion mixture. Place on a baking sheet, and bake for about 25 minutes, until the
mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through and golden. In Phase 2, top with grated
sheep’s milk cheese, if desired.
                                               144
                          Vegetables with Turkish Garlic Yogurt Dip
Yogurt with garlic and salt is a classic Turkish combination that brings out the flavor of
vegetables. In this version garlic, onion, radish, and jicama give you the benefits of three
Microbiome Superfoods.
You can make lots of extra dip, which refrigerates well for future use. Then experiment with
different combinations of vegetables. Serving the dip over grilled eggplant is one delicious
choice. Mixing it with sliced cucumbers for a cucumber salad is another. Whichever way you go,
you are getting protein, probiotics, and a tart and tangy snack, the strong flavors of which leave
you feeling satisfied both “stomach-wise” and “mouth-wise.”
2 Servings
1. In a small pan over low heat, warm the garlic in oil for about 2 minutes. Do not allow to
brown. Drain the garlic into a small bowl, and mix with the salt. Add the yogurt, mixing well.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
2. Put in a dipping bowl and sprinkle with fresh mint. Serve with raw vegetables.
                                                145
                                     Metric Conversions
      The recipes in this book have not been tested with metric measurements, so some
       variations might occur.
      Remember that the weight of dry ingredients varies according to the volume or density
       factor: 1 cup of flour weighs far less than 1 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon doesn’t
       necessarily hold 3 teaspoons.
Linear Measurements
½ inch = 1½ cm
1 inch = 2½ cm
6 inches = 15 cm
8 inches = 20 cm
10 inches = 25 cm
12 inches = 30 cm
20 inches = 50 cm
¼ teaspoon = 1 milliliter
½ teaspoon = 2 milliliters
¾ teaspoon = 4 milliliters
1 teaspoon = 5 milliliters
1 tablespoon = 15 milliliters
                                             146
¼ cup = 59 milliliters
⅓ cup = 79 milliliters
½ gallon = 2 liters
1 gallon = 4 liters
1 gallon = 4 liters
100°F = 38°C
200°F = 95°C
                                                 147
250°F = 120°C
300°F = 150°C
350°F = 180°C
400°F = 205°C
450°F = 230°C
1 ounce = 30 grams
2 ounces = 55 grams
3 ounces = 85 grams
                                  148
                                          Resources
Betaine
Now, www.nowfoods.com. Their Betaine HCl is a very reliable source of hydrochloric acid.
Thorne, www.thorne.com. Their Betaine HCl is a good source of hydrochloric acid for replacing
stomach acid.
Enzymes
Now, www.nowfoods.com. They make a very good product called Super Enzymes, which contain
all the enzymes you need.
Fermented Foods
Bao Fermented Food and Drink, www.baofoodanddrink.com. Fermented and probiotic foods.
Gluten-Free Foods
                                              149
Bob’s Red Mill, www.bobsredmill.com
Glutino, www.glutino.com
Grow and Behold, www.growandbehold.com. For kosher as well as organic, free-range, and
humanely treated animals.
Gut-Healing Products
                                             150
Organics, www.organics.com
Prebiotics
Now, www.nowfoods.com
Prebiotin, www.prebiotin.com
Probiotics
Organic3.com, www.organic3.com. A good source for Lactobacillus gasseri, which has been
shown in studies to help with weight loss, as well as other probiotics. This company sells a
probiotic powder that includes this vital bacteria.
                                               151
Designs for Health, www.designsforhealth.com. Their product, GI Microbe-X, is a powerful
combination of herbs that will help balance your gut bacteria.
Metagenics, www.metagenics.com. Their product, Candibactin AR, will help eliminate unhealthy
bacteria from your intestinal tract.
Protein Powder
Designs for Health, www.designsforhealth.com. This company’s Pea Protein is a very reliable
source of healthy protein.
Swedish Bitters
Standard Process, www.standardprocess.com. Their product, Digest, contains milk thistle, for
liver support; dandelion root, a prebiotic; gentian; tangerine; and Swedish Bitters to stimulate the
production of stomach acid.
Douglas Labs, www.douglaslabs.com. Many of my patients have had good results with their
product Metabolic Lean.
152