Food for Brains - Fish Burger with Wasabi and Beetroot Shot

How we experience the foods we eat involves several of our senses – not just our taste buds. The way we taste food is influenced by our feelings and thoughts. We're all familiar with the way in which our food tastes different when we're in a good mood or when we feel sad. But it also works the other way round, in that what we eat has a direct impact on our mood. In fact, eating the foods we enjoy is one of the most effective ways of activating the brain's "reward system". This system involves the neurotransmitter dopamine, which stimulates the parts of the brain that control our feelings of pleasure and happiness. This is probably what's behind a significant percentage of "comfort eating". And there's also no doubt that food tastes completely different when we are hungry compared to when we are full.

Mix things up a little and bring some variety into your daily diet. Try some fatty fish such as tuna or mackerel, which contain the essential fatty acids your brain needs. Serve with fibre-rich vegetables, and make sure to serve foods in a variety of different ways. It makes it more interesting, and in this way you stimulate the mind and create memorable experiences.

Why not try the recipe below?* 

Fish burgers

150 g (5.3 oz) smoked salmon
150 g (5.3 oz) fresh salmon fillet
1 red onion
1 bunch flat leaf parsley
4 tbsp capers
2 tbsp 38 % sour cream
Salt and pepper
100 g (5.3 oz) toasted white and black sesame seeds

Wasabi Beetroot Shot

22 large beetroots
1 large onion
2 tbsp red balsamic vinegar glacé
2 tbsp oil
Wasabi
Salt and pepper
1 dl (3.5 fl oz, 1⁄₅ CUP) vegetable juice

Peel and grate the beetroots and onion, then sauté in oil in a saucepan. Liquidize in a blender, add vegetable juice until you obtain a suitable consistency. Then season with balsamic vinegar, wasabi, salt and pepper. Pour into glass and serve.
Chop the salmon, onions, parsley, and capers and blend these ingredients with the sour cream. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Shape into 8 small "burgers" and coat on either side with toasted sesame seeds. Whole wheat flakes.
Remove crusts from 4 very thin slices of rye bread, cut into triangles, brush with rapeseed oil, and sprinkle with a little Maldon sea salt. Bake until crisp in the oven. (Can be made in advance)

Energy Tip

Classified as an "oily fish" salmon is considered to be healthy due to the high concentration of Omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin D. Salmon is believed to improve your memory, your mood, your synaptic connections, and your arteries; reduce your risk of stroke and Dementia and Alzheimer's and much more.

Per serving/person

Energy 2244 kJ/ 536 kcal, Protein 19.1 E%, Fat 60.8 E%, Carbohydrates20 E%. Approx. 7.2 g Dietary fibre.