BVI Part 2– Food Inspired
My time spent at the Aerial was so special and left me with a more conscious mindset about how I am treating my body and what I am putting into it. At the Aerial they have a pescetarian forward menu. There is an emphasis on healthy fats with clean and lean proteins in the form of fresh fish. All the food and drinks are sourced locally either on the island or from local caribbean islands. There is a Healing Island Farmacy - which is not your typical pharmacy. The Farmacy is made up of fresh grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are used daily in the meals served on the island. The motto on the island is, “If it’s here for you, it’s good for you.”
I have endless photos of the beautiful nutritious meals served on the island but I wanted to share a recipe with you all to inspire some healthy and delicious cooking! If you enjoy this recipe and the photos below look like something you’d be interested in trying on your own, The Aerial actually has a newsletter you can subscribe to for weekly recipes! Click here to sign up.
The Burger
Serves: 2
Burger ingredients:
2 Beyond meat burgers
2 brioche rolls
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp oregano
Caramelized red onion ingredients:
2 red onion
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp agave nectar
Pinch of salt/pepper
Homemade ketchup ingredients:
1 medium onion diced
2 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons of tomato paste
1 28 ounce can of diced tomatoes
3 drops of liquid smoke
3 tablespoons of agave
¼ cup of apple cider vinegar
1 tsp sweet paprika
½ tsp red pepper flakes
Method:
Break down the burgers (with a wooden spoon) so that you have ground “meat” consistency. Add spices to the mix and reshape the “meat” into a burger.
Slice the onion in preparation for caramelizing. Put the pan on low heat, add oil and slowly cook the onions. It is essential that the onions are slowly caramelizing. Stir occasionally. You want the onions to slowly turn brown and sticky. When they do, add the balsamic and agave and cook for a further two minutes. Set aside
For the ketchup, Dice the onion and garlic and cook on medium high heat. Add the remainder of the ketchup ingredients and bring to a gentle simmer for 30 minutes. Taste and season. Allow to cool.
Light the bbq or turn on the oven to 400F, place burgers on a tray (or the grill) and cook for 12-15 minutes.
Assemble burger with brioche bun, beyond meat, caramelized onion chutney, ketchup and whatever other condiments you like!
Enjoy!
Raw Beauty Mocktail
Next up is a beautiful mocktail inspired by my friend Erin from Raw Beauty Co. We just adored the mocktails all week and decided to come up with one together with the help from our bartender friend, Jewel, on the Island. The recipe is below:
Ingredients:
1-2 Strawberries
3 raspberries
Fresh mint
Lime juice
Watermelon Juice
Soda Water
Method:
Cut up fresh berries and mull them into the bottom of your glass.
Add watermelon juice, fresh squeezed lime, and mint to taste into shaker and give it a good shake.
Add ice to your cup on top of mulled berries.
Pour freshly shaken juice to the glass until about half way full.
Top the drink with soda water.
Garnish with lime and fresh mint.
Enjoy!
Below are some photos of the incredible food we ate on the island.