Most people only use spirulina as a powder to mix into their smoothies for an extra nutritional boost. Spirulina contains an astonishing amount of nutrients, including antioxidants like chlorophyll and beta-carotene, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. It is also very rich in protein and contains all essential amino acids. A full 65-71% of spirulina's weight consists of protein, making it more than twice as protein-rich as meat, in terms of protein per gram. In other words, it's superfood in its truest sense, and something we'd like to incorporate into our meals in more ways than just in smoothies.
Here are 5 of our favorite recipes that are excellent for adding spirulina to your daily diet in a more varied way.
1. Spirulina Dressing
1/2 large avocado or one small whole
1 tsp spirulina
1 small zucchini (desalted and chopped)
0.5 dl hemp seeds
1 tbsp white miso
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 dl water (or more if you want it runnier)
Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until desired consistency.
2. Spirulina Pesto
2 dl walnuts (soaked overnight)
3 dl baby spinach
1 dl fresh basil
1 tsp spirulina or AFA algae
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 clove of garlic
1 dl water
3 tbsp nutritional yeast
1/2 tsp natural salt
First blend the nuts in a high-speed blender. Then blend in the rest until desired consistency and season with salt.
3. Spirulina Kale Chips
1 kale, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
0.5 dl nutritional yeast
1 tbsp spirulina
1 tbsp paprika powder
Mix all the powders in a bowl with a spoon. Massage the kale with the powder mixture. Place in a dehydrator or regular oven until crispy.
4. Spirulina Water
500 ml sparkling water
1 fresh lemon
6 drops stevia or other sweetener such as xylitol
1-2 tsp spirulina depending on mood
Squeeze the lemon juice into a large glass pitcher. Add sweetener and spirulina. Pour in sparkling water and mix.
5. Spirulina Nicecream
2 frozen bananas (peeled)
1-2 large handfuls of baby spinach
1 tsp spirulina
Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend. Decorate with fruit.
