Foodie Friday - Inspired by my trip to the South

I went to Atlanta, Georgia to visit my cousin LeAnna and my friend Kyle.  While down there I picked up some interesting food stuffs.  My dishes are a little southern inspired, a little world inspired.

Ginger soy pig ears

Photo by David Wesley

Cajun style frog legs

Photo by David Wesley

Cajun style frog legs

Photo by David Wesley

Nigerian akras made with black eyed peas

Photo by David Wesley

Foodie Friday - Sprouted Lentils

     I made lentil soup and boosted the nutritional level a bit by sprouting the lentils first.  Soaking also makes the legumes release phytic acid which is good because we can't digest it.  Phytic acid is also an anti-nutrient, meaning that it binds to minerals in our foods and makes it so we can't absorb them.  Weed 'em and Reap has a good article explaining the benefits of sprouting and soaking different foods here.  There is also a great infographic on how long to soak different seeds and nuts.

     Sprouting is very simple.  All I have here is a mason jar with a sprouting lid that has holes for straining.  After soaking, you just rinse twice a day and let the excess moisture drain from the upside down jar for a couple days.  The lids only cost a couple dollars but I imagine if you're the DIY type you could drill little holes in a lid you have or cut a circle of craft canvas to go under a regular jar ring.

Sprouted lentils are also a great treat for chickens in the winter when they can't scratch and peck for other greens and bugs.

Foodie Friday - Quail eggs

Besides being so cute, quail eggs are also said to be packed with more nutrition than a chicken egg despite its much smaller size.  Another interesting tidbit is that quail eggs don't cause egg allergies.  I'm thinking it would be nice to have a couple hens for eggs.  Even in cities where farm animals are not allowed, you can still have quail because they are considered a pet.  I've even seen them for sale in large chain pet stores.

Fried zucchini and quail eggs