Looking For An Iron Rich Diet For Pregnancy? Try This Green Pesto Grilled Cheese Recipe

Grilled cheese sandwiches have been a beloved comfort food for generations. The classic combination of crispy bread and gooey cheese is hard to resist. But what if we told you that you can take this timeless favorite and give it a nutritious twist? Enter the Green Pesto Grilled Cheese – a delicious upgrade that not only satisfies your taste buds but also packs a punch of essential pregnancy nutrients like iron, Omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, and calcium.

Spinach: An iron rich ingredient for pregnancy:

You're likely familiar with the nutritional benefits of spinach and avocados. These green powerhouses are celebrated for their health-promoting qualities. Spinach is a rich source of iron, which is an essential mineral responsible for oxygen transport throughout your body via red blood cells. During pregnancy, the volume of blood in your body increases, and so does the amount of iron you need; your body uses iron to make more blood. Iron also helps with keeping your immune function in check.

Common symptoms of low iron or iron deficiency include:

• Fatigue, that does not get better with rest or sleep

• Poor concentration and brain fog

• Impaired immunity – getting sick more often

• Reduced physical ability to work (e.g. exercise)

• Pale skin

• Shortness of breath

• Dizziness

• Headaches

• High resting heart rate or irregular

• Brittle nails, cracking at the side of the mouth

• Spooning of the nails (i.e. they are dipped from a profile view)

On top of that, spinach is also rich in folate (vitamin B9). Folate is essential during pregnancy as it helps prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus — read more about that here!

Other nutrient powerhouses in this pregnancy safe recipe:

Avocados: A potassium rich ingredient for pregnancy

Avocados are packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which are important for brain development in the fetus. These healthy fats also support postpartum recovery.

Avocados are also high in potassium— 1 serving provides 250 milligrams of potassium, 6% of your daily potassium needs. During pregnancy, potassium helps maintain the balance of fluids and electrolytes in your body's cells.

The Green Pesto Grilled Cheese recipe

Ok, no more gatekeeping. Here’s a pregnancy safe and iron rich green pesto grilled cheese.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of your favorite bread

• 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced

• 1/2 ripe avocado, sliced

• A handful of fresh spinach leaves

• A few cherry tomatoes, chopped (for garnish)

• Olive oil for drizzling

For the Pesto:

• 1 clove garlic

• 2 tablespoons fresh chives

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves

• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

• 2 tablespoons pine nuts

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 cup kale leaves, stems removed

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it:

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan) or 370°F (Gas Mark 5).

2. Begin by making the vibrant green pesto. In a food processor, combine the garlic, chives, parsley, basil, pine nuts, and lemon juice. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.

3. While the food processor is running, gradually add the kale leaves and slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture reaches a pesto-like consistency. If it's too thick, add more olive oil until you achieve the desired texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Spread one generous tablespoon of your freshly made pesto onto each slice of bread, ensuring an even coating.

5. On one slice of bread, layer the mozzarella cheese, avocado slices, and fresh spinach leaves. Place the second slice of bread on top, creating a sandwich. Gently press the sandwich together.

6. Transfer your sandwich to a baking tray and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 5 minutes, then carefully flip the sandwich over and bake for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the sandwich is golden brown and the cheese is melted to perfection.

7. Once done, remove the Green Pesto Grilled Cheese from the oven and serve it with a side of chopped tomatoes drizzled with olive oil. This extra touch not only adds flavor but also provides a boost of B vitamins.

This Green Pesto Grilled Cheese recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will satisfy your cravings while delivering a nutritional punch! Spinach and avocados, already renowned for their health benefits, shine in this recipe alongside the vibrant kale pesto. With every bite, you're treating your body to a medley of essential nutrients, making this grilled cheese a tasty and wholesome choice for any meal.

Let us know what you think of this recipe in the comments!

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