Cooking, for Holly Lane, is a labor of love, particularly in terms of promoting heart health. “After my dad’s heart problems, I started to pay more attention to making meals that are both great for the heart and tasty,” she says.
Here are her top recipes that minimize sodium and carbs while maximizing flavor.
1. Salmon Stuffed with Herbs and Crust
“This is a basic meal in our house,” Holly explains. Coat a salmon fillet with a concoction of parsley, minced garlic, almond flour, and lemon juice. Cook it until the salmon flakes readily with a fork at 375°F. She notes, “It’s simple, quick, and packed with omega-3s.”
2. Pesto-based zucchini noodles
Toss spiralized zucchini noodles with a homemade pesto made from basil, garlic, olive oil, and a few walnuts instead of regular pasta. “It’s low-carb yet still has that comforting pasta vibe,” Holly says.
3. Bowls made from cauliflower “rice”
With turmeric, black pepper, and garlic, Holly sautés riced cauliflower. She ranks it highest with grilled chicken, avocado slices, and a dab of tahini sauce. “The turmeric adds a warm, earthy flavor and a flash of color,” she notes.
4. Medley Roasted Vegetables
Holly roasts mixed carrots, Brussels sprouts, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, rosemary, and cracked pepper to make a vibrant side dish. She says, “There’s no need for additional salt since the roasted veggies clearly have natural sweetness.”
Holly’s dishes demonstrate that good dining does not have to entail boring cuisine. “It’s all about using fresh, flavorful ingredients to create meals you look forward eating,” she advises.
