Chicory (witloof) and Nutmeg. Another old Dutch recipe.

Chicory has many health benefits. Contains; oligosaccharides, a pre-biotic, which helps the colon. Inulin, which has a mild effect on constipation. Fibre which helps dyspepsia and also stimulates the appetite. Vitamins, A,C,K. Calcium and Potassium which is a mild sedative. Best of all it is a delicious vegetable with all these health benefits that grows all year round usually in the dark.

I was in Belgium for a couple days recently and noticed that every restaurant has it on the menu and the markets are full of them. This reminded me of my favourite childhood dish. The vegetable is not so widely available in Britain. I bought myself a kilo in Burgplein in Brugge. It has a sweet but slightly bitter taste.

To prepare;

• Slice like a loaf of bread and boil for about 10 to 15 minutes until tender.
• Put in a bowl.
• Prepare a simple white sauce.
• Put the sauce over the chicory
• Grate some nutmeg on top using a special nutmeg grater – you just need a few sprinkles.
• You can also add MCT coconut oil instead of sauce.
• Then serve with your other vegetables and fish or meat.
• Enjoy.

More about the benefits of Nutmeg. A brown seed from the tropical evergreen nutmeg tree. Know since ancient times to have mild aphrodisiac powers and is antibacterial. Myristicin, the chemical element present in the essential oil of the nutmeg, is good for memory. Helps with flatulence, is a digestive aid, it has anti-asthma properties and is a muscle relaxer. It’s best freshly grated, as the powder can start to taste off quite quickly unless kept in dark. Use the seeds and your grater to add to dishes.