Turkish-inspired meal idea (Kofta, bean salad, tahini Brussels sprouts, yogurt dip)
If you’re looking for a vibrant, satisfying, and deeply nourishing meal, this Turkish-inspired plate has everything your body and taste buds crave — and more. Featuring gluten-free grilled kofta, a refreshing 3-bean salad with fresh herbs, lemony roasted Brussels sprouts, and a dairy-free beet mint yogurt dip, this meal is a celebration of flavor, balance, and nourishment.
It’s not just delicious — it’s functional food at its best. Every component is intentionally chosen to support hormone balance, gut health, blood sugar stability, and sustained energy.
What’s on the Plate? All recipes on my blog!!!!
1. Grilled Turkish Köfte (Gluten-Free)
These juicy, spiced meat skewers are made with ground beef, fresh parsley, onion, garlic, and baharat — a warm and earthy spice blend. Shaped onto skewers and grilled to perfection, they’re high in complete protein, iron, and zinc — essential nutrients for hormonal and metabolic health.
A mix of red beans, chickpeas, and black beans tossed with cucumbers, red onions, lemon juice, and loads of fresh herbs (all from my garden for added probiotics). This salad offers a wide range of plant fibers, polyphenols, and prebiotics that support gut diversity and reduce inflammation.
3. Lemony Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Oven-roasted until golden and crispy, tossed in a bright lemon-tahini dressing. Brussels sprouts are part of the cruciferous family — rich in sulfur compounds that help detoxify excess estrogen, supporting hormone balance and liver function.
4. Beet Mint Yogurt Dip (Dairy-Free)
This cooling, vibrant dip is made with roasted or steamed beets, fresh mint, garlic, and coconut or almond yogurt. It’s a fusion of Middle Eastern flavors with a hormone-friendly twist — no dairy, and packed with nitrate-rich beets to boost circulation and natural detox pathways.
Why This Meal Works for You
Gluten-free & dairy-free — gentle on digestion and inflammation
Rich in fiber & plant diversity — feeds your beneficial gut bacteria
Protein-packed — stabilizes blood sugar and supports lean muscle
Anti-inflammatory & detox-friendly — with herbs, spices, and cruciferous veggies
Flavor-forward and satisfying — no deprivation, just real, vibrant food
How to Serve
Plate it family-style or as a build-your-own bowl. Add a few gluten-free flatbreads or lettuce wraps if desired. This meal works equally well for lunch, dinner, or even entertaining — beautiful on the table and nourishing in every bite.
This Turkish-inspired spread is proof that healthy food doesn’t need to be complicated or bland. With the right mix of traditional flavors and intentional ingredients, you can enjoy deeply flavorful meals that heal, energize, and delight.
As usual, these are my thoughts and ideas, not medical advice. You are encouraged to create your own recipes or search for some suited to your needs. I am just sharing my recipes, hoping that I can inspire some of you to make healthier food choices.
Please remember that we all have different nutritional needs and that food affects us differently. If you are not sure which foods are best for you, reach out for a free phone consultation.
In good health,
Ioana