Let’s Make Something that is on Repeat in the Summer in Our Home: Vegan Carrot Lox
In recent years, carrot lox—a vegan substitute for classic salmon lox—has been making waves in the food blogosphere. Vegans and anyone trying to reduce fish consumption will love this novel take on smoked salmon that tastes and feels much like the real thing. I will share how I make it, as it involves two great recipes and a nice kitchen flow. If you make these slow cooked Moroccan Style Carrots, you can use the leftovers for this.
There are several ways to make this, but the key “ingredient” is time. Not unlike salmon who live in the wild, good things come when we slow down in the kitchen. I understand that salmon plays a vital role in an anti-inflammatory diet, as offered by Dr. Weil, but with its popularity have come some very concerning practices of how salmon farms operate. Please read more on that, but I will spare the details for now.
Come Cook the Holidays with Me and Learn My Favorite Kitchen Skills!
To be really honest, I’m excited to share a labor of love that has been cooking for months or perhaps years in my kitchen. I’ve made something especially for you because I know how much joy cooking can provide and the healing properties of food.
Imagine always having my favorite holiday recipes accessible to you in a treasure trove spanning more than 100 pages. These aren’t simply recipes; they’re celebrations of the season’s wealth, thoughtfully chosen to satisfy your palate and nourish your body. Still, that’s not all!
When you buy the workshops and related ebooks, you get more than recipes and gain new skills, confidence, and perhaps a different perspective on cooking. These methods are simple to apply, turning your kitchen into a happy place for creative expression and culinary healing.
Are you prepared to go on this delectable adventure with me? Let’s grow, learn, and cook together!
Dr. Siri Chand Khalsa’s 5-week Plant-based Cooking Course for Stanford’s Division of Immunology & Rheumatology was a spectacular addition to our wellness program. Dr. Siri Chand created an inspired line up of unique yet easy recipes which she beautifully rendered into a recipe booklet, replete with her own eye-popping food photography. She masterfully taught us to cook delicious and visually appealing dishes including sheet-pan veggies with quinoa tabouli with cilantro chutney, and root vegetable purée soup with kale sauerkraut salad. Each lesson was made even more delightful with unapologetically delicious desserts like fruit crisp and chia pudding. Dr. Sir Chand’s profound knowledge of Ayurvedic cooking, combined with her allopathic training and additional expertise in Lifestyle Medicine, offers a unique perspective on eating for vitality. She radiates passion and compassions in every session, making the experience truly enriching. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from this culinary medicine master!
Neha S. Shah, MD
Neha S. Shah, MD (she/her/hers) Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine Fellowship Program Director – Adult Rheumatology Division of Immunology & Rheumatology Department of Medicine Stanford University Hospital & Clinics
Carrot Lox: A Better Option Than Regular Salmon?
Carrot lox isn’t merely a fad; it’s a deliberate decision with several advantages. Vegans and vegetarians can enjoy carrot lox because it is entirely plant-based. Additionally, it is a sustainable option that contributes to alleviating the pressure on the fish species in our oceans.
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The Advantages of Carrot Lox for Your Health
Although salmon is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, carrot lox has many health benefits. The beta-carotene found in abundance in carrots is converted to vitamin A by the body, which benefits the immune system and eye health. In addition to being a good source of fiber, they aid digestion. Iodine, generally found in seafood, can even be added to carrot lox when nori sheets are used (though I don’t always do that).
Some Components of Carrot Lox
To make delicious carrot lox, you must have the following:
Big carrots
Smoked Paprika (I avoid liq smoke, but you can do that as well)
Nori fabric
Minced dill
Preserved Lemon (optional)
Black pepper if desired.
Let’s Make It Together
Carrots should be steamed until softened, but not mushy, after peeling.
Peel and thinly slice the carrots lengthwise. Then, place them in a steamer or microwave for 2-4 minutes. It really depends on your stove and cooking style. You don’t want them mushy, and you also don’t want them too hard.
Combine the spices, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt in a bowl.
Combine the nori sheets (if using) , marinade, and sliced carrots in a bowl.
Let the flavors develop by chilling for at least 24 hours.
Here are some variations:
To personalize your carrot lox, try experimenting with various spice mixtures.
If you want to spice up the marinade, try adding hot peppers, white miso paste, or kelp powder to boost the umami flavor for a more nuanced range of flavors.
Free Ebook
The food we eat significantly impacts our health, but how we prepare it can also have an effect. Eating a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can lead to many health problems, such as obesity and heart disease. Furthermore, what if I told you that changing these factors could make all the difference? You can improve your health by cooking your meals with whole food and plant-based ingredients. First, grab this free recipe ebook that incorporates flavors and principles from my Ayurvedic and Lifestyle Medicine training, and it is 100% plant-based. Then let me know what you have made.
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How to Keep Your Carrot Lox Fresh for a Long Time
If you seal carrot lox well, it may be kept in the fridge for up to a week. Freezing it will extend its storage life by up to three months.
Here are some fun options – it is pretty adaptable:
Carrot lox, vegan cream cheese, and a classic bagel
Salmon and carrot sushi rolls
Vegetarian quiche topped with dill, carrot lox, and
Tapas with cucumber and carrot lox (my fav)
Pickled Beets and fresh herbs, such as chives and dill
Avocado slices
Please help me get the word out about plant-based healthy living so that doctors know the value of lifestyle changes by sharing this post on your social media.
Peel the carrots and slice them thinly lengthwise using a vegetable peeler or mandoline.
Steam the carrot slices until they are tender but still slightly firm, about 2-4 minutes. Ensure they are not mushy.
Make the Marinade:
In a bowl, combine the smoked paprika, nori pieces (if using), minced dill, preserved lemon (if using), olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper (if desired).
Marinate the Carrots:
Add the steamed carrot slices to the bowl with the marinade.
Toss the carrots gently to ensure they are well-coated with the marinade.
Transfer the carrot mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to let the flavors develop.
Variations:
For added heat, include hot peppers in the marinade.
To enhance the umami flavor, add white miso paste or kelp powder.
Storage:
Carrot lox can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
For longer storage, freeze the carrot lox for up to three months.
Tips:
Choose large, straight carrots for easier slicing.
Be cautious not to over-steam the carrots; they should remain slightly firm.
Allow ample time for the marinade to infuse the carrots with flavor.
Experiment with different types of seaweed for a variety of “ocean” flavors
Click on the image to grab the ingredients from Instacart from a list I have personally selected. The app will let you pick the store and provide a basis for the shopping and ingredient list. Then you can choose what you need. It has worked great for us.
Also, if you select the “pick up” option, which you can do on your way home from work, you may even receive a small credit on your purchases for your next visit.
To sum up, if you are a busy professional, look into Instacart to eat healthier when your schedule is hectic, either as a delivery or pick-up option.
Advice for Making the Best Carrot Lox Possible
To make slicing carrots easier, choose for big, straight carrots.
Carrots should be slightly firm, so be careful not to steam them too long.
Give the marinade plenty of time to work its magic for the most flavorful results.
To get a variety of “ocean” flavors, try using different kinds of seaweed.
FAQ: Carrot Lox
Are there any alternatives to carrots that I can use?
A: Carrots are the most effective, but you can also try parsnips or beets.
Is it raw carrot lox?
Answer: Usually, the carrots are cooked first, then marinated.
How much time is required to prepare carrot lox?
An estimated one to two days, not counting marinating time, is required.
Kitchen Supplies
Having the right supplies makes working in the kitchen easier. Click on the image to see the ways I love to store my food.
These are some of my favorite ways to store warm food in glass containers. The Weck and Ball Glass jars are absolute staples in my kitchen.
Let’s Explore Seasonal Eating: Summer
We love going to the farmer’s market. And while we can’t make it every week, there is so much to consider.
What is Seasonal Eating?
I am particularly interested in the role of local and/or seasonal eating. I believe that connection to seasonal living builds a steady and essential connection to nature. Fortunately, this is not just my opinion; scientific data exists to explore this notion.
Eating locally and seasonally has been proposed to reduce the environmental impact of food production and enhance consumer health (Macdiarmid, 2013). However, the evidence supporting this idea is mixed. While some studies have found that local food can be inferior to non-local food (Edwards-Jones, 2010), others have highlighted the potential benefits of consuming local seasonal food for sustainable consumption (Vargas, 2021). The link between eating seasonally and reducing environmental impacts in the food chain has also been explored, with some research suggesting a potential benefit (Brooks, 2011). However, the overall impact of eating locally and seasonally on health and the environment remains complex and nuanced.
Seasonal Recipe Book: My Summer Favorites!
I’m so delighted to share with you a new seasonal cookbook that I have created that is available for purchase. Please click through on the link to learn all about it. AND the best part is that I will be creating one for each season. Hope you enjoy and if you make one of the recipes, please let me know.
References
Macdiarmid JI. Seasonality and dietary requirements: will eating seasonal food contribute to health and environmental sustainability? Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 2014;73(3):368-375.
Edwards-Jones G. Does eating local food reduce the environmental impact of food production and enhance consumer health? Proc Nutr Soc. 2010 Nov;69(4):582-91.
Vargas AM, de Moura AP, Deliza R, Cunha LM. The Role of Local Seasonal Foods in Enhancing Sustainable Food Consumption: A Systematic Literature Review. Foods. 2021; 10(9):2206.
Brooks, M., Foster, C., Holmes, M.R., & Wiltshire, J.J. (2011). Does consuming seasonal foods benefit the environment? Insights from recent research. Nutrition Bulletin, 36, 449-453.
Jaqua E, Biddy E, Moore C, Browne G. The Impact of the Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine on Brain Health. Cureus. 2023 Feb 3;15(2):e34605.
Elicit; Elicit: The Al Research Assistant; https://elicit.com; accessed 2/8/2024
In the complexity of considering the regional needs and long-term goals of feeding populations, I also believe that seasonal and, when feasible, local eating helps us cultivate mindfulness skills, paying attention to what is close and relevant. Exploring markets and local farms builds community connections, which is also part of Lifestyle Medicine’s core pillars of health.
I would love for you to try this!
As an exciting, tasty, and healthy substitute for the classic salmon lox, carrot lox will indeed please. When you become an expert at making this vegan treat, your vegan kitchen will be at your fingertips. Carrot lox is a unique and adaptable addition to your cooking arsenal, whether you’re already a vegan or just trying to eat more plant-based foods. Taste it for yourself and find out what all the fuss is about with these creative flavors and textures!
Earn CME
This experience is powered by CMEfy – an AI-powered platform that directs learners along a pathway to capture reflections at the point of inspiration, point of care. Clinicians may earn CME/CE credit via ReflectCE, the accredited activity portal. Learn more at about.cmefy.com/cme-info
The CE experience for this Blog Post / Article is powered by CMEfy – click here to reflect and earn credits: https://earnc.me/7CbypP
Join me in community!
Looking to make a positive change in your life and community clincially? Dr. SiriChand is a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, and Hospice/Palliative Medicine. She has dedicated her career to promoting long-term vitality through the choices we make every day and is an expert in Ayurveda and plant-based nutrition.
She particularly works with physicians to explore how to create time for self-care and how to learn to innovate in their integrative medicine careers. Take the first step towards an aligned, happier future, and contact Dr. Siri Chand Khalsa today.
Let’s create a better world for female physicians through intentional, mindful living.
Thanks for checking out this week’s post to the end!
If you make this, tag me on social media at @doctorsirichand. I would love to see your variations and flavor options. Save this Recipe for later to your favorite place. I like using PINTEREST, but you could also clip it elsewhere.
Dr. Siri Chand
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May your life be nourished and vital!
*Please note as an amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases which means I will receive a small fee if you purchase them. I have only included things I truly use. This post is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation. For my full Disclaimer, please go here.
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