Source: iulm.it

PRESENTATION

A vegan first course or single-dish meal made with soy noodles, red adzuki beans, carrot, onion, celery, mustard, crispbread, extra virgin olive oil, tomato purée, basil, salt, and pepper.

INGREDIENTS:

Serves 2

160 g (about 5.6 oz) soy noodles

240 g (about 8.5 oz / 1 cup) cooked red adzuki beans

1 small carrot (about 60 g / 2 oz)

½ onion (about 50 g / 1.75 oz)

A small piece of celery (about 15 g / ½ oz)

Whole-grain mustard, to taste

1 tablespoon soy yogurt

5 crispbread slices (or equivalent breadcrumbs, about 40 g / 1.4 oz)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

200 g (about 7 oz / ¾ cup) tomato purée

1 teaspoon tomato paste

Fresh basil, to taste

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

METOD

Blend the adzuki beans together with the finely chopped carrot, onion, and celery, the mustard, soy yogurt, olive oil, and crumbled crispbread.

Season with salt and pepper.

Shape the mixture into small meatballs and set aside.

Pour the tomato purée into a nonstick pan.

Add the tomato paste, salt, pepper, and finely chopped basil.

Place the pan over medium heat and let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes.

Add the vegan meatballs to the sauce and cook for about 10 minutes, turning gently if needed.

Cook the soy noodles al dente according to package instructions.

Drain the noodles and transfer them to a serving bowl together with the sauce and meatballs.

Mix well and serve.

ALLERGENS:

Basil: possible cross-reactivity in individuals allergic to pellitory-of-the-wall (Parietaria) or spices.

Carrot: possible individual intolerance and cross-reactivity in cases of allergy to Artemisia, grasses, composites, or birch pollen.

Onion: possible reactivity in individuals allergic to nickel, due to its ability to concentrate this element.

Beans: possible cross-reactivity in individuals allergic to Parietaria.

Crispbread: contains gluten from cereals listed in EU Regulation 1169/2011.

Extra virgin olive oil: allergy is uncommon; intolerance not reported.

Tomatoes: possible cross-reactivity in individuals sensitive to grasses.

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

Celery: potentially allergenic.

Mustard: listed among allergens in EU Regulation 1169/2011.

Soy: listed among allergens in EU Regulation 1169/2011; may also cause cross-reactivity in individuals allergic to grasses, birch, or Parietaria.

NOTE

Prepare and handle under strict hygienic conditions.

Health Benefits of the Ingredients:

Basil: rich in carotenoids that support immune function; its mineral, vitamin, and antioxidant content helps protect the cardiovascular system and supports liver function.

Carrots: rich in vitamins (B1, B2, C, PP, E, D), carotenoids, minerals, and active compounds that support immune function, eye health, diuretic and healing processes, and protect the cardiovascular system. Suitable for individuals with kidney disease and beneficial for liver function.

Onion: rich in selenium, supports immune function and helps stabilize blood glucose levels; provides quercetin, a flavonoid that helps control cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reducing cardiovascular risk and supporting liver detoxification. Suitable for individuals with kidney disease.

Adzuki beans: rich in folic acid, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B6, and minerals and trace elements—especially potassium, zinc, and molybdenum—which is essential for liver function and the formation of sulfite oxidase.

Crispbread (whole grain): provides zinc, which supports proper immune system function; suitable for individuals with kidney disease.

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

Tomatoes: rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that combats free radicals and supports immune function; provide minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that protect the cardiovascular system and support liver function. Suitable for individuals with kidney disease.

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

Celery: rich in carotenoids, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that support immune and cardiovascular health and liver function.

Mustard: helps strengthen the immune system; suitable for individuals with kidney disease.

Soy: provides flavonoids (vitamin P), antioxidants that enhance the action of vitamin C in supporting immune function.

SAFETY / INTENDED USE

Suitable for individuals with:

• Constipation
• Mucositis, only if very well cooked and with attention to spiciness and acidity

Not recommended in cases of:

• Constipation with bloating (meteorism)
• Diarrhea