Heart-Healthy Recipes: Cooking with Love - Heart-Healthy Comfort Foods

 

Comfort foods don’t have to be heavy on salt or unhealthy fats. With a few smart ingredient swaps, you can create dishes that warm your soul and support your heart.

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1. Mediterranean Baked Salmon

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup olives
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Arrange salmon on a baking dish with tomatoes and olives.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
3. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Why It Works: Salmon and olive oil are packed with omega-3s, reducing inflammation and supporting heart health.

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2. Barley and Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 6 cups vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened.
2. Add barley and broth, simmering for 40 minutes.

Why It Works: Barley is a whole grain that helps lower cholesterol, while vegetables add fiber and nutrients.

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3. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

Ingredients:

• 2 sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 cup black beans
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 8 small whole-grain tortillas

Instructions:

1. Roast sweet potatoes at 400°F for 20 minutes.
2. Assemble tacos with black beans, sweet potatoes, and a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Why It Works: Sweet potatoes and black beans are nutrient-dense and support cardiovascular health.