In Chef Andre’s Kitchen, Tomato Products are Hot

Posted by tomatowellness on June 5, 2013 in Food and Nutrition, Health, Tomato Products

According to celebrity Chef Andre Carthen, tomato products are the perfect food to power up family meals with flavor and nutrition. Chef Andre, a.k.a the “Fit Chef” and part of the Kathy Ireland Worldwide team, is on a mission to help bring delicious, healthy meals to families and children across the country.  His culinary creations are both approachable and wholesome, appearing in television programs like the “Today Show” and in books, such as Janet Jackson’s best selling “True You” and Kathy Ireland’s “Real Solutions for Busy Moms”.

The Tomato Products Wellness Council was very proud to be invited into Chef Andre’s personal home kitchen, set in the gorgeous hills of Palm Springs, California, to share in his culinary reflections and tips on cooking with tomato products.  He believes that tomato products fit into every day kitchens for many reasons, including convenience and ease of preparation, affordability, nutrition, and delicious taste, considering canned tomatoes are harvested ripe and processed within hours of picking.  That’s why tomato products make up the backbone of many delicious ethnic meals, including tacos, spaghetti, lasagna, and curry dishes.

Chef Andre discussed the nutritious benefits of eating tomato products with Sharon Palmer, RD, a Los Angeles-based dietitian and nutrition expert for the Tomato Products Wellness Council.  The range of health benefits linked with eating more tomato products include reduced risk of heart disease, reduced levels of inflammation and oxidative stress that promote

chronic disease, and protection against prostate cancer.  It’s no wonder that tomato products feature so heavily in the Mediterranean diet, one of Chef Andre’s favorite world cuisines—this diet pattern has been linked with a variety of health benefits, from lower risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes to protection of the brain against Alzheimer’s disease.  Chef Andre shared one of his favorite easy recipes featuring tomato products—Grilled Swordfish Veracruz.

Click here to see the discussion and watch Chef Andre cook up the Grilled Swordfish Veracruz

Chef Andre’s Swordfish Veracruz

This is the perfect go-to meal on any busy night of the week.  It’s so simple, yet offers earthy elegance, thanks to its Spanish origins. Serve it with a simple pasta or brown rice on the side. 

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 swordfish steaks (about 6 oz each)

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 – 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes

½ c sliced green olives

1/3 c capers

2 fresh basil sprigs

1. Heat a griddle or grill and brush with extra virgin olive oil.
2. Season swordfish with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, as desired.
3. Place swordfish on hot grill, cooking about 4 minutes per side, until just tender but moist.
4. Meanwhile, add remaining olive oil to a sauté pan and heat.  Add tomatoes, green olives and capers.
5. Place swordfish on individual dinner plates.  Top with sauce.  Garnish with fresh basil. Serve immediately.

Makes 2 servings