Pickle power: Elevate your pork chops with crunchy nutrition
When serving a traditional pork chop, nothing complements it better than a fresh and crunchy side dish. The choice often comes down to sauerkraut or fresh coleslaw. To break the routine, consider exploring your fridge supplies. You're likely to find some pickles, onion, and carrots. Maybe you'd like to add an apple and red bell pepper? The choice of additional ingredients is up to your imagination.
A salad with pickles is a simple combination based on pleasantly crunchy vegetables. In a richer version, it can include many colorful ingredients, but the basic combination with olive oil and parsley is just as delicious. This lunch side dish is a much healthier and lighter alternative to popular salads made with sour cream and mayonnaise.
Nutritional values of fermented foods
Pickles offer significant health benefits, mainly due to their unique probiotic properties. The fermentation process transforms vegetables into a digestible source of vitamin C and B vitamins. Organic acids present in fermented foods, such as lactic acid, support gut health and boost the body's immunity.
Fermented cucumbers or sauerkraut also contain a large amount of dietary fiber. This supports proper bowel function and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, sauerkraut contains very few calories, making it a great option for those watching their figure.
Consuming fermented foods can help reduce inflammation in the body, thanks to their antioxidant properties. Moreover, due to minerals such as iron and magnesium, pickles support the functioning of the nervous and circulatory systems. Regular consumption can also help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, which is important for heart health.
Recipe for salad with pickles
You can add a bit of sugar to the salad to slightly mellow out the strong flavor of olive oil.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pickles
- 1 red onion
- a handful of parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- freshly ground pepper to taste
- optional: red bell pepper, carrot, apple
Instructions:
- Slice the pickles into rounds and the onion into thin strips; finely chop the parsley.
- If desired, add diced red bell pepper and grated carrot and apple.
- Mix the salad with olive oil and season with freshly ground pepper.
