Emergency Food Recipe Of The Week #10: Tomato Pesto Bean And Shrimp Salad

photo source: busycooks.about.com

This is it. The moment I’ve feared ever since discovering the emergency food recipes on busycooks.about.com. This is the last recipe left untested by me, so I thought it’s time I’d give it shot.

It’s a tomato pesto bean and shrimp salad. I’m not crazy about pesto, especially tomato pesto, but I’ve got to admit… I actually liked this salad. And so did our friends’ kids, and they are very picky when it comes to food.

So this is the proof that you can make great meals with emergency food that even your kids or grandkids will eat. And very healthy, too.

You may not know this, but shrimps have no less than 10 health benefits, according to HealthMad. Here they are:

#1: It helps fight cancer

“Every 85 g (8oz) of steamed shrimps can provide the body with 48% of the DV of selenium. Lack of selenium in the body has been linked to the incidence of many types of cancer, including prostate.”

#2: It keeps skin, hair and nails healthy and beautiful

“The most expensive shampoo and lotion will be useless to hair and skin without the adequate supply of protein in the body. Protein is a vital part of every living tissue and shrimps are excellent sources of this mineral.”

#3: It prevents anemia

“Shrimps are rich in vitamin B12, a nutrient which supports the production of red blood cells and help prevent pernicious anemia.”

#4: It gives you energy

“Fatigue and weakness may indicate low levels of iron in the body. Iron is an essential nutrient needed for energy and vitality and shrimps are rich with this mineral.”

#5: It keeps your bones strong

“These crustaceans are loaded with phosphorus. Calcium and phosphorus are the two chief nutrients which work closely together to build strong bones and teeth.”

#6: It helps process fats

“Niacin (vitamin B3) helps process fats, carbohydrates and protein and turns it into energy. Shrimps can provide a good amount of this essential vitamin.”

#7: It helps fight depression

“Just like fish, shrimps can also supply omega-3 fatty acids. Study participants have shown that omega-3’s offer powerful protection against depression and may help improve mood to those who are already suffering from the disorder.”

#8: It improves prostate health

“Preliminary studies have shown that zinc slow down prostate cancer cell growth. Eating shrimps will add to the body’s needed daily value of this mineral which is only 10-15 mg.”

#9: It keeps thyroid healthy

“Shrimps can contribute to thyroid health through its supply of copper.”

#10: It helps stabilize blood sugar levels

“These scrumptious seafoods are also good sources of magnesium, which studies suggest can help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes”

Now let’s see what you need for this recipe:

• 1/2 cup dried tomato pesto mix

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup tomato juice

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons evaporated milk

• 1 (15-ounce) can butter beans

• 1 (15-ounce) can Great Northern Beans

• 3 (6-ounce) cans medium shrimp, drained

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 1 red or yellow bell pepper, chopped

• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained, reserving juice

You’ll also need a large bowl, where you’ll throw in the pesto mix, olive oil, tomato juice reserved from the drained tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. Mix it well, then add evaporated milk and stir. Then let it stand for 5 minutes.

Next, you can add the remaining ingredients, using fresh vegetables (if you have any at hand. Last thing on the To do list: stir to coat.

Now you can enjoy this wonderful salad with your family. Hope you’ll like it.

By Anne Sunday