Food and wine pairings are an important skill to master. You have to know the right type of wine that will enhance the flavor of a dish. The proper pairing can help achieve the right balance of flavors that would complement each other beautifully. But aside from achieving the correct balance of flavor, it is also important to choose a healthy pairing. You can indulge in good flavor without compromising on health. So, these are the best food and wine pairings that won’t make you feel guilty or damage your diet.
Turkey Chili and Red Wine
Turkey chili is a recipe that offers a ton of flavor and comfort. While beef chili is a common recipe, you can create a healthier version by using turkey meat instead. Turkey is much leaner and is just as flavorful as beef when it comes to this recipe. This hearty meal is the perfect way to cap off your day or to fuel you before an intense workout. It is a great meal option if you run out of vanilla flavored protein powders to energize you ahead of a good workout. It is also ideal for a lazy night in and you need to serve up a hearty meal.
This dish is loaded with nutrients and flavors as it uses ingredients such as beans, vegetables, and lots of spices (aside from the lean turkey meat). It is bold and complex, so you need to pair it with a red wine of your choice. In particular, Cotes du Rhone and Zinfandel are perfect with this dish. It adds a spicy kick to your palate without causing too much heat.
Grilled Salmon and Red Wine
Another excellent dish that is hearty and healthy is grilled salmon. Salmon is a very tasty fish that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. It is, therefore, one of the healthiest kinds of fish you could consume as part of your diet. In fact, health experts recommend that you get at least two servings of salmon per week.
This delicious fish can be served grilled as this adds a smoky element to the flavor. You can pair it with a delicious sauce or fresh herbs to boost the taste. When it comes to pairing it with wine, varieties such as Gamay or Pinot Noir go perfectly with salmon. The fruits that were used to create these wines complement the rich flavor of the fish beautifully. If you are a white wine fanatic, then you can also pair it with some Chardonnay.
Citrus Vinaigrette Salad and Sauvignon Blanc
If you are a fan of salads, then you’ll be pleased to know that there is a perfect wine pairing for that–Sauvignon Blanc. This particular type of wine is known for its hints of grassy and citrusy flavors. It goes perfectly with a salad that is made with citrus vinaigrette, particularly lemon. While some types of wine might be overwhelmed by the citrus notes of the salad, the case is not the same with Sauvignon Blanc. In fact, both salad and wine complement each other beautifully.
White Fish and White Wine
Whitefish is another healthy kind of seafood you can indulge in. Not only is white fish healthy, but it also comes with a mild flavor. For this reason, it is best paired with white wines because it won’t overpower the flavor of the fish meat (which is the case with red wines).
Whitefish is also low in fat content, so it is a good choice for health-conscious individuals. To make it healthier, white fish is best served grilled or baked. Make sure to sprinkle fresh herbs such as dill on top along with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice. Whatever type of white wine you pair it with, it is sure to be a winning combo!
Grilled Vegetables and Red Wine
Grilled vegetables are another healthy meal option that you can try for your next food and wine pairing. This is a delicious combination that will make you forget just how healthy it is! The best thing about grilled vegetables is that you can use any type of vegetable that is available. Put them on a grill and season them, and you are all set.
Grilled vegetables are best paired with red wines like Merlot or Grenache. But if you want to add a bold sauce to your grilled veggies, then you might want to pair it with Syrah. There are plenty of wine pairings that will go well with grilled vegetables, so have fun experimenting!
Enjoying your next wine night at home can be healthy and delicious. You can choose from any of the above wine pairings to indulge yourself without the guilt!
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