I know not everyone is a fan of spicy food, but if you are it is a great way to liven up your meals and recipes. If you are a fan of spicy then pile it on, if not but you like the flavor you can go easy. Spice can wake up your senses, it can bring out the flavors of foods and there are some health benefits to eating spicy food. My top five reasons why spicy food is good for you are:
Spicy food has longevity benefits
Spicy food speeds up your metabolism
Spices combat inflammation
Spices might even help fight cancer cells (articles on this but not scientifically proven)
Spices help kill bacteria
Great reasons to give a little spice a try, cooking with peppers (different ones have different levels of hot), sauces with a kick, seasonings (such as cayenne or chili powder), garlic.... On vegetables, in marinades, in stir fries, in salad dressings, spicy dips, you get my point anything and everything even fruit!!! So be brave and kick up the heat a bit, try this recipe for Spicy Thai Noodles and savor the spice!
Spicy Thai Noodles
12-16 oz linguine (can be gluten free option or a thicker rice noodle)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 eggs, (optional) beaten
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (if not using eggs you son need the red pepper flakes)
1 zucchini cut in half and sliced
8 oz mushrooms sliced
3 cloves garlic minced (I used 5 cloves)
2 tbsp brown sugar or 1 tbsp maple syrup (this can be left out as well)
1/3 cup coconut aminos
1 1/2 tbsp sriracha (you can use less for milder spice)
2 inches fresh ginger grated
3 green onions
1 handful fresh cilantro (optional if you aren't a cilantro fan)
Cook noodles in a large pot according to package directions, drain and set aside.
Using a medium bowl combine brown sugar or syrup, coconut aminos, sriracha and ginger whisk to combine.
Using the noodle pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and add beaten eggs and red pepper flakes, stir to scramble the eggs. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Back in the same pot heat the second tbsp olive oil add zucchini, mushrooms and garlic, sauce over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until veggies are cooked through.
Turn heat down a little and add pasta and eggs to the vegetables, then pour the sauce over the top and stir well to coat, about 2-3 more minutes. Remove from the heat and add cilantro and onions.
*You can also add protein of choice and more vegetables or different vegetables
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