Recipe: Holiday Zinfandel Chia Onion Relish

Serve this colorful, flavorful relish at Thanksgiving instead of the standard cranberry relish, which is high in calories and simple carbohydrates. The onions and Zinfandel give this dish an unexpected sweetness and a fabulous taste. And our holiday relish has plenty of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids from the chia seeds.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red onion, sliced
• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons agave nectar
• 4 tablespoons Zinfandel wine
• 1/2 teaspoon chia seeds

Directions

1. Heat oil in sauté pan; add onions, and sauté until tender.
2. Add agave nectar and sauté until lightly caramelized.
3. Add Zinfandel wine and chia seed; reduce until it reaches a syrupy consistency.
4. Serve as a side accompaniment to turkey breast as you would cranberry relish.

Ingredient health benefits

• Onions. These alliums may be common, but don’t let their lack of star quality fool you. Onions are full of vitamin C and flavonoids, both antioxidants that support your heart, brain and immune system. They also help your body suppress unwanted inflammation and free radicals that can lead to disease in the long term. And lower down, the prebiotics and fiber in onions promote healthy digestion, ensuring smooth moves.
• Extra virgin olive oil. An ancient ingredient, olive oil has been a kitchen staple for millennia in some parts of the world. It has vitamins A, D, E and K (fat-soluble vitamins), which contribute to many aspects of your health, including your vision and bones. There are also unsaturated fats that help your heart by decreasing your “bad” (LDL) cholesterol and elevating your “good” (HDL) cholesterol. And that’s not all! Like onions, olive oil is a source of inflammation-lowering antioxidants to keep your cells in peak condition.
• Chia seeds. There’s a lot of hype around these tiny things, and while some of it may be exaggerated, you can rest assured that chia seeds have perks to provide. They’re a vegan-friendly source of omega-3s, fatty acids that every cell in your body needs to stay healthy. They’re also loaded with digestion-friendly fiber and natural compounds that encourage “good” gut bacteria to grow. And what’s more, chia seeds have a natural ability to expand in your stomach, which may keep you fuller for longer (this can be helpful if you’re trying to lose weight).

Nutrition information (per serving)

Makes 2 servings
Serving size = 1/2 cup

Calories: 100
Carbohydrate: 12 g
Saturated fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Protein: 1 g
Sugars: 7 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: 0 mg