Benefit Your Health and Boost Your Meals by Adding Tea to Your Cooking This Fall

Tea is not just a healthy and beneficial beverage that’s sippable and savorable, but it can also make meals more nutritious and delicious. Stay warm and cozy this fall and winter and experience the joys of cooking with tea!

SOUPS & STEWS

Southwestern Fiesta Goulash

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef 
  • 2 large yellow onions, chopped 
  • 2 bell peppers or sweet peppers, chopped or minced
  • 3 cups black beans
  • 1-2 Tablespoons minced hot peppers (jalapenos/habaneros—optional)
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped or minced
  • 2 cups tea (black teas, pu-erhs, or oolongs)
  • 2 cups beef or vegetable broth 
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
  • 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced or stewed tomatoes
  • 3 Tablespoons soy sauce 
  • 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons dried Italian herb seasoning or fresh oregano/rosemary/basil
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • Cayenne pepper to taste (for those who like spicy)
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups pasta of choice 

Instructions:

Preheat a slow cooker set on high heat. Add all ingredients and cook on high for 1 hour. Top with a dollop of sour cream/guacamole/pico de gallo/salsa verde.

Recipe adapted from classic goulash recipe: allrecipes.com/recipe/213268/classic-goulash/

Potato, Squash, and Leek Soup

Ingredients:

  • 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter or coconut oil
  • 4 large leeks, white and light-green parts only, roughly chopped 
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
  • 3 cups butternut or other squash, cubed
  • 2 pounds white, red, or sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into ½-inch pieces
  • 3 cups white or green tea  
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup heavy cream, coconut milk, or other nut milk 
  • Chives or green onions/scallions, finely chopped, for serving

Instructions:

  1. Melt butter or oil over medium heat in a large soup pot. Add leeks and garlic and cook, stirring regularly until soft and wilted, about 10 minutes. 
  2. Add potatoes and squash, tea, broth, bay leaves, thyme, spices, and salt and pepper to pot and bring to a boil. Cover and turn the heat down to low. Simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are very soft.
  3. Remove thyme sprig and bay leaves. Purée the soup with a standard or hand-held immersion blender until smooth. 
  4. Add heavy cream, coconut, or other plant-based milk, and bring to a simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If soup is too thin, simmer until thickened. If too thick, add water or stock to thin it out. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Recipe adapted from: onceuponachef.com/recipes/potato-leek-soup.html

SALAD DRESSINGS & SAUCES

Ginger Honey Maple Apple Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

  • 4 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 4-6 Tablespoons Assam black tea, white tea, or chamomile herbal tea
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons maple syrup and/or honey
  • ⅔ cup of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
  • ¾ teaspoon fresh grated or ginger powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ⅓ teaspoon cloves
  • ¾ teaspoon horseradish or cayenne for a spicy kick
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • One or two twists of freshly-ground crushed pepper

Instructions:

  1. Whisk ingredients together in a bowl or jar.
  2. Refrigerate for prolonged storage.

Recipe adapted from: spoonfulofplants.com/favorite-fall-salad-dressing/

Ginger Orange Chai (Bourbon) BBQ

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 3 Tablespoons chai black tea or other black tea, pu-erh, or oolong
  • 3 Tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1½ tablespoons juice from fresh orange
  • 2 Tablespoons brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey
  • 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2-3 teaspoons fresh grated or ginger powder
  • 1½ teaspoons fresh orange zest 
  • Sea salt and ground pepper to taste

Instructions:
Combine glaze ingredients to brush on meat and vegetables throughout grilling.

Recipe adapted from: marthastewart.com/1004533/easy-bbq-glaze

Tea lovers rejoice, and enjoy utilizing your favorite teas in your favorite dishes this fall. Experiment with different teas and find your favorites. Let your senses be your guide. Always a time for tea! Happy fall, y’all!

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