Source: iulm.it; photo: blog.giallozafferano.it

PRESENTATION

A fish main course prepared with swordfish, lemon, lamb’s lettuce (valerian), cucumber, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.

INGREDIENTS:

Serves 2

• 10,5 oz (300 g)  cleaned swordfish
• 2 lemons with leaves
• 160 g lamb’s lettuce (valerian salad)
• 1 cucumber
• 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt
• White peppercorns

METOD

Peel the cucumber and cut it into small cubes.

Finely chop the swordfish and form two fairly flat patties, enclosing each one between two lemon leaves.

Brown the patties over medium heat in a nonstick pan with the olive oil and the juice of half a lemon.

Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground white pepper.

Drizzle with the juice of the remaining half lemon and turn off the heat as soon as the cooking juices have reduced.

Wash the lamb’s lettuce and arrange it on a serving platter with the diced cucumber and a peeled lemon.

Remove the lemon leaves from the swordfish patties, place them on the salad, dress with salt, pepper, and the swordfish cooking juices, and serve.

ALLERGENS:

Cucumber: cases of individual intolerance have been reported.

Lemon: lemon intolerance or possible cross-reactivity in individuals allergic to grass pollens.

Extra virgin olive oil: allergy is uncommon; no intolerance described.

Pepper: possible cross-reactivity in cases of spice intolerance.

Swordfish: fish is listed among allergens under EU Regulation 1169/2011.

Lamb’s lettuce (valerian): possible cases of individual allergy.

NOTE

Prepare and handle under strict hygienic conditions.

Health benefits of the ingredients

Cucumber: supports kidney function and helps prevent kidney stones; also beneficial for liver function.

Lemon: rich in antioxidant compounds (vitamin C, beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin) that support liver cell regeneration, immune system function, and cardiovascular protection; also suitable for kidney patients.

Extra virgin olive oil: a source of vitamin E that protects the immune system from harmful fatty acids.

Pepper: contains piperine, a powerful antioxidant; improves insulin sensitivity, lowers cholesterol levels, and activates metabolism; recommended for people with cardiovascular conditions.

Swordfish: provides zinc and selenium, which support proper immune system function by counteracting prostaglandin formation; rich in omega-3 fatty acids that inhibit platelet aggregation (a cardiovascular risk factor); beneficial for liver function due to its zinc, selenium, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Lamb’s lettuce (valerian): a salad rich in carotenoids, chlorophyll, and vitamin E that protect the immune system from harmful fatty acids, and in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that protect cardiovascular health; also suitable for kidney patients.

SAFETY / INTENDED USE

Also suitable for individuals with:

• Anorexia / weight loss
• Xerostomia (dry mouth)
• Dysphagia (chewing and swallowing difficulties): serve the patties whole at first, then mash or cut them into small, evenly sized pieces
• Mucositis (inflammation and lesions of the oral cavity): use with caution depending on tenderness, texture, acidity, or spiciness

Not recommended in cases of:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea