Source: blog.giallozafferano.it

DESCRIPTION

A nourishing dish, served as a side or main course, prepared with Belgian endive, quark, stracchino cheese, walnuts, pear, pomegranate, and pepper

INGREDIENTS:

10 Belgian endive leaves

100 g quark (or another low-fat spreadable cheese) – approx. 3.5 oz (about ½ cup)

50 g stracchino cheese – approx. 1.8 oz

4 walnuts

70 g pear (about half a pear) – approx. 2.5 oz

Pomegranate seeds (for garnish)

A pinch of pepper

METOD

Mix the quark with the stracchino until a smooth, soft cream forms.
Add two walnuts, roughly chopped, and half a pear cut into small pieces.
Season with a pinch of pepper.
Wash and thoroughly dry the Belgian endive leaves.
Place 2 teaspoons (about 20–25 g / 0.7–0.9 oz) of the cheese, pear, and walnut mixture onto each leaf.
Garnish with the remaining walnuts, roughly chopped, and with pomegranate seeds.

ALLERGENS:

Belgian endive: possible individual reactivity.

Pomegranate: some cases of hypersensitivity to this fruit have been reported.

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

Pepper (green, pink, black, gray, white): possible cross-reactivity in individuals with spice intolerance.

Pear: individual intolerance or cross-reactivity in cases of birch pollen sensitivity.

Quark: contains milk allergens.

Stracchino: contains milk allergens.

NOTE

Prepare and handle under strict hygienic conditions.

Nutritional benefits of the ingredients:

Belgian endive: a salad vegetable rich in carotenoids, chlorophyll, and vitamin E, which protect the immune system from harmful fatty acids; also provides minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that support cardiovascular health; suitable for kidney patients; provides folic acid linked to serotonin production, supporting good mood and helping counteract depression.

Pomegranate: rich in polyphenols and vitamin C, supporting immune and cardiovascular function; has mild diuretic properties; provides folic acid linked to serotonin production, supporting mood and emotional well-being.

Walnuts: provide zinc, supporting proper immune function; also suitable for kidney patients; beneficial for liver function due to their vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant content; rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E, helping reduce blood pressure and lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol; also rich in magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids important for mood regulation and cognitive function.

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

Pear: contains carotenoids that support the immune system, along with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that protect cardiovascular health; suitable for kidney patients; beneficial for liver function; when eaten with the peel, provides folic acid linked to serotonin production, supporting good mood and helping counteract depression.

Quark: dairy products support liver function due to their vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant content; the presence of tryptophan helps counteract depression; provides beneficial flora that supports intestinal health.

Stracchino: like other cheeses, supports liver function through its vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant content; the presence of tryptophan helps counteract depression; provides beneficial flora that supports intestinal health.

SAFETY / INTENDED USE

May also be suitable in cases of:
• Anorexia – weight loss
   • Diarrhea
   • Constipation
   • Xerostomia (dry mouth)

Not recommended in cases of:
• Dysphagia (chewing and swallowing difficulties)
   • Mucositis, due to acidity