Recently, I had a pot of fresh wild dulse in my fridge that I decided to roast with my vegetables in the oven, and it made for some delicious results.
However, this was not a recipe that was able to convince or convert my mother who abhors anything tasting like the sea, and can smell fish being cooked from miles away. But for those of is who are already fond of sea veggies, the amazing flavour is showcased in this recipe, and can be a delicious vehicle for delivering all those amazing health benefits!
Dulse: The bacon of the sea!
Of all the seaweeds I've tried, dulse is hands-down my favourite one. The smoky, almost meaty flavour can complement a broad range of dishes, and I add it to meat, as well as sea-food, based meals. It adds this really deep flavour that adds an interesting complexity and heartiness. I find it goes really well with grass-fed mince beef, and is one of my favourite additions to a bacon & eggs breakfast! Eating dried dulse with avocado and sardines is up there on my top favourite meals, too! If you're not too fond of other seaweeds, but havn't yet tried dulse, I would give it a try! IT IS SO GOOD!
Like a lot of the other seaweeds, dulse is rich in iodine, a mineral that is critical for thyroid health and funciton (thyroid hormones are actually made of this as a key componant!!!!), for the endocrine system in general, and for metabolism and energy regulation. It is also a mineral that can be severly lacking due to depleted soils and nutrient poor food choices. I was extremely difficient in iodine when I got my blood tested as a raw vegan, so it is not just those who are eating junk food who are at risk!
Kelp is still the highest at 1820 micrograms of iodine per gram (!), but dulse is a very respectful source, containing 72 micrograms of iodine per gram of dulse. Also, according to Dr. Cousins, the synergistic properties of the minerals iodine and manganese, dulse is even better at feeding our cells with the iodine contained within the seaweed! Manganese is critical in the absorbtion and function of iodine, and thus dulse's high manganese levels helps with iodine absorbtion and utilisation.
Dulse & Veggie Roast Recipe
- 350g fresh dulse
- 2 small heads of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 3 aubergine, cubed and pre-steamed (can just skip this and use another veggie, I used them as I had them already on hand!)
- Apple cider vinegar
- Chili flakes (optional), for a bit of heat :=)
- Preheat the oven to 220 degrees celcius.
- Rinse fresh dulse in a colander, making sure to pick out any wondering shells. If in long strips, tear or cut into smaller pieces.
- Mix the veggies and dulse in a bowl, crushed garlic, and optional chili flakes
- Coat with apple cider vinager - enough to add some moisture so that the produce get too dry and burn. Could also use a tsp of coconut oil.
- Place and spread evenly in an oven pan.
- Cook for 20-30 minutes, taking out around half way through to stir