10. Eggplant Rollatini
There is an argument among some in the food community that edible fruits are generally a safer health choice then vegetables, and nightshades are their example. Inflammation, arthritis and diabetes are negatively impacted by the alkaloids (insect deterrent) naturally present in this family of foods. From the website Garlic and Zest comes this recipe that has great pictures and step by step instructions to make eggplant rollatini the right way!
9. Fried Green Tomatoes
From Feast and Farm comes this recipe that was made popular by the movie of the same name. Tomatoes when young are still green and have a more acidic flavor. Their firm texture makes them ideal for frying in thin slices. While like most nightshades contain solanine, there is no medical evidence of any adverse health effects involving pain or inflammation.
8. Pommes Dauphine Potatoes
Except for sweet potatoes and yams, all other potatoes are members of the nightshade family. This recipe from Gourmet Traveler is a DELICIOUS twist on a traditional potato recipe. The addition of choux pastry combined with deep frying and a condiment is a marriage of great flavors.
7. Roasted Red Bell Pepper Soup
This Southwestern recipe from Food Network has a lot of different flavors including lime, corn, cilantro and sour cream. It takes almost an hour to make due in large part to the prep time involved. But the effort is worth it, though making the soup the day before allows the flavors to blend together that much more.
6. Goji Berry Jeweled Rice
From Bon Appetite comes this recipe that transforms basmati rice into a pilaf suitable for any Persian wedding. The addition of saffron (not a cheap ingredient) along with pistachio and orange create a unique blend of flavors. This is not a dish for the faint of heart but is truly unique and keeps well.
5. Curry Salad Dressing
This coconut and curry dressing recipe from Life is No Yoke is unbelievably delicious and a great twist if you’re tired of the same old dressing. Throw in some red cabbage for fiber and a nice color contrast.
4. Gooseberry Crème Brûlée
The adult version of a creme brulee, this recipe from the BBC Good Food site uses seasonal fruit and sweet pastry dough. Powdered sugar and a blowtorch give this pie a sweet, crunchy shell.
3. Paprikash
The Hungarian love of paprika culminates in this delicious recipe from The Daring Gourmet. Paprikás Csirke in its native Hungarian, the more traditional versions don’t use bell peppers. While this recipe does use a large amount of paprika, unlike with goulash it forgoes the potatoes.
2. Tobacco Onion Rings
From Food and Wine and Chef James Golding comes this recipe that gives a whole new spin on tobacco. However do not use tobacco meant for smoking (cigarettes, pipes, etc). These are blended products meant for a completely different use.
1. Jalapeno and Chocolate Chip Cookies
This creative recipe from Peanut Butter and Peppers combines chocolate with normally spicy jalapenos in a surprising way. It’s similar to the traditional Aztec hot chocolate recipes where a spicy pepper was included.
