Source: nephrocare.it

Presentation

An appetizer of German origin based on lettuce, valerian, cucumbers and strawberries, seasoned with balsamic vinegar, mustard, honey, extra virgin olive oil, shallots, salt and pepper.

Ingredients

Serves 4

Butterhead lettuce – 100 g (3.5 oz / ≈ 3 cups loosely packed)

Valerian (lamb’s lettuce) – 50 g (1.8 oz / ≈ 2 cups loosely packed)

Cucumbers – 100 g (3.5 oz / ≈ ¾ cup sliced)

Strawberries – 50 g (1.8 oz / ≈ ⅓–½ cup sliced)

For the dressing:

White balsamic vinegar – 4 tablespoons (60 ml / 2 fl oz)

Mustard – 1 tablespoon (15 g / 0.5 oz)

Honey – 1 tablespoon (≈ 20 g / 0.7 oz)

Olive oil – 4 tablespoons (60 ml / 2 fl oz)

Shallot – 1 small (≈ 30 g / 1 oz), finely chopped

Salt – a pinch (≈ 1 g / 0.03 oz)

Spices (to taste) – a pinch (e.g. pepper or mixed spices)

Method

Clean and cut the lettuce

Cut the cucumber into thin slices.

Wash the strawberries

Cut them into four or eight parts)

For the dressing, finely chop the shallot

Add it to all the ingredients.

Serve the salad in small bowls, garnishing it with the strawberries and dressing.

Allergens

Balsamic vinegar: may contain sulfites

Cucumber: cases of individual intolerance described

Strawberries: individual intolerance; possible cross-reactivity in case of birch allergy

Lettuce: individual cases of intolerance described

Honey: possible reaction in case of pollen allergy

Extra virgin olive oil: unusual allergy; intolerance not described

Pepper: possible cross-reactivity in case of intolerance to spices

Shallots: cases of individual reactivity reported

Mustard: included among the allergens in EU Regulation 1169/2011

Valerian: possible cases of individual allergy

Notes

To be prepared and handled under strict hygienic conditions.

The ingredients of the dish bring the following benefits:

Balsamic vinegar: it is rich in grape polyphenols which make it an antioxidant food capable of strengthening the immune system, fighting the harmful action of free radicals, but also keeping blood sugar levels under control thanks to the presence of acetic acid and reducing blood pressure.

Cucumber: Favorable to kidney function and stone prevention; also favorable to liver function. Especially if consumed with the peel, it provides folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Strawberries: rich in vitamin C, the antioxidant par excellence that fights free radicals and supports the immune system, and mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants that act as a protection of the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathic patients, useful for the functioning of the liver for the contribution of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. They provide folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Lettuce: rich in carotenoids that support the immune system and mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants that act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathic patients; useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants-It provides folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Honey: it has a composition that performs anti-anaemic and cardiotropic, detoxifying and protective action on the liver, diuretic.

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

Pepper: contains piperine, a powerful antioxidant; improves insulin sensitivity by reducing cholesterol levels and activating metabolism. Recommended for people with cardiovascular problems.

Salt: essential for the balance of body fluids and for the transmission of nerve impulses, it is however to be consumed respecting the limit of 5 g per day according to the indications of the WHO so as not to promote arterial hypertension and consequent increase in the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases starting from myocardial infarction and cerebral stroke; to be limited as much as possible in case of nephropathy.

Shallots: rich in selenium that supports the immune system and with the ability to stabilize blood glucose at normal values; carrier of quercetin, a flavonoid that helps contain cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, parameters related to cardiovascular risk, which also supports liver function by promoting the purification of the body. Also suitable for nephropathics. A species that provides folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Mustard: able to strengthen the immune system; also suitable for nephropathic patients

Valerian: salad source of carotenoids, chlorophyll and Vitamin E that protect the immune system from harmful fatty acids and mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants that act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathic patients. A species that provides folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Safety / Intended use

Also intended for individuals suffering from:

• Anorexia – Weight Loss
• Mucositis (inflammation and lesions of the oral cavity) with caution according to the degree of acidity and spiciness

Not suitable in case of dysphagia (chewing and swallowing problems) if not cut into small pieces of uniform size and accompanied by cream or sauce