happy + healthy
superfoods
Dairy + Plants:
The Ultimate Power Couple
When it comes to food pairings, plant foods and dairy foods
are the ultimate superfood power couple. Each one contributes
unique and important nutrients to the diet; they were made for
each other! What one lacks, the other provides.
Take, for instance, the nutrients of public health concern,
which are identified by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans
that many Americans are not eating enough of these nutrients
and the lack of which can contribute to increased risk for many
chronic diseases.
These nutrients include fiber, potassium, calcium and vitamin
D. Plant foods provide fiber, while dairy foods provide a
powerful nutrient package that includes calcium, potassium
and vitamin D. The Dietary Guidelines advise increasing
consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy foods
to help close this nutrient gap in many Americans' diets. Additionally,
dairy foods complement a plant-based diet by adding
high-quality protein, important for flexitarians and vegetarians.
Better Together
Beyond their nourishment, plants and dairy foods play a vital
role together in sustainability. Without plants, it would not be
possible to feed the cows that produce amazingly nutritious
dairy products. Due to their 4-chambered stomachs, cows can
eat parts of plants that may otherwise be discarded, and would
potentially end up in a landfill. For example, citrus pulp leftover
from making juice and cottonseed hulls that remain from
making clothing. All these plants help to nourish dairy cows
while, in return, the cows help to keep the plants’ by-products
out of landfills.
Last, but certainly not least, the plant and dairy foods power
couple reign supreme as the stars of many favorite dishes.
Together, plant and dairy foods help to create delicious bites
like a fruit & yogurt parfait in the morning, grilled cheese and
tomato soup on a chilly night or a pizza that can be shared
with friends. These Mini Naan Mix & Match Pizzas would be
perfect for a dinner party! Set out a make-your-own-toppings
bar and let family and friends mix and match to make their
own perfect pizza.
Check out more of The Dairy Alliance
recipes for additional ways to feature the
ultimate power couple at mealtime.
thedairyalliance.com/dairy-recipes/
Mini Naan Mix &
Match Pizzas
Prep time: 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
INGREDIENTS
◆ 8 mini Naan flatbreads
◆ 1 cup marinara sauce of choice
◆ 1⁄2 cup pesto sauce
◆ 1 cup mixed cherry tomatoes halved
◆ 1⁄2 cup quartered artichoke hearts drained
◆ 1⁄2 cup pancetta
◆ 1⁄2 cup roasted red bell peppers drained
◆ 1⁄4 cup chopped Kalamata olives
◆ 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
◆ 1 8-ounce fresh mozzarella pearls
◆ 1 cup arugula
◆ Salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Place the naan flatbreads on parchment paper-lined baking
sheet(s). Spread marinara sauce on half and pesto sauce on
the other half. Any combination of toppings work. Here are a
few suggestions:
• Pesto with cherry tomatoes topped with mozzarella pearls
• Pesto with bell peppers and shredded mozzarella, topped
with arugula after baking
• Marinara with artichoke hearts, pancetta and shredded
mozzarella
• Marinara with Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes and
mozzarella pearls
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until cheese is melted and bread is
toasted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove and
place on large cutting or serving board, cut in half and serve
directly on board or transfer to platter.
Source: Rebecca Egsieker, The Dairy Chef
22 | Fall 2020 www.potentialmagazine.com