The healthy oil-ternative

MANILA, Philippines – “People often consume more calories, fat and sodium when they eat out instead of having home-cooked meals,” reveals professor Luchie Callanta of UP College of Home Economics. “Aside from this, people who eat at fast foods usually skip on healthy meals made from vegetables, fruits and healthy oils which are rich in vitamins and minerals.”

As a way to promote a healthy lifestyle, Doña Elena Cuisinera Club recently conducted a cooking class at The Podium in Ortigas. The participants were taught how to prepare easy-to-cook dishes which aren’t only healthy and delicious, but are perfect for busy men and women as well.

“With home-cooked meals that are easy to prepare, a healthy lifestyle is possible despite our hectic schedules,” said Callanta. “Home-cooking allows us to get involved in every aspect of our meal — by choosing of healthy, antioxidant-rich ingredients such as whole grains, vegetables and olive oil, to its preparation.”

Chef Golda Laurel-Liamzon taught members and guests how easy it actually is to whip up quick, nutrition-rich meals such as sardine sandwiches, three olive spread, and anchovy and caper pasta — all tasty dishes which only took minutes to prepare.

With olive oil’s versatility, everyone can enjoy the healthy benefits Doña Elena gives come mealtime. For salads and bread dips, one can use the extra-virgin variant to give dishes a fruity taste and aroma. Pure olive oil, on the other hand, is ideal for everyday cooking that involves sauteeing, basting, frying and pasta preparation.

Sardine Sandwich

Ingredients:

1 pc.    French baguette

Doña Elena Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for drizzling bread)

1 bottle   Doña Elena Spanish sardines in pure olive oil, bones removed

1/4 cup   cream cheese

1 tbsp.   sour cream

1 tbsp. lemon juice

2 stalks fresh dill

salt and pepper to taste

1 pc. Baguio tomato, sliced

1 pc .   white onion, sliced into rings

1 bunch romaine lettuce

Procedure:

Drizzle French bread with olive oil. Place in oven toaster until crisp and golden.

Mix cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice and dill in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

Spread the cream cheese mixture on the inside portion of the baguette.

Place the lettuce, tomatoes and onions on the bottom portion of the baguette.

Arrange the slices of sardines on top of the vegetables.

Cover with the top portion of the baguette.

Serve.