Poke bowls have taken Italy by storm since around 2020. It's funny because this trend seems to have emerged just after everyone was obsessed with all-you-can-eat places. I think it really kicked off because young adults became more familiar with sashimi, making poke bowls an easy sell. Sashimi seems to be a staple in most poke bowls here, and I must say, my go-to is salmon with nori, cucumber, and fried onion. Now, for us Vietnamese, the concept of a poke bowl is not exactly groundbreaking. Rice is at the heart of our meals—we’re talking two to three times a day. Yes, even for breakfast! Have you ever tried Cơm Tấm? It's an absolute must when you're visiting Saigon. Taste this delicious and sophisticated dish: Cơm Tấm sườn bì chả! Let me know what you think! (Okay, I know there's no comment section here, but you can always hit me up on social media! 😜) Speaking of rice, every Vietnamese household has a rice cooker. It was probably one of the first appliances people got in Vietnam after the war—just dump in some uncooked rice and water, then voilà, warm and fluffy rice. When I moved to Italy, a rice cooker was my first purchase. Unfortunately, 18 years ago, white rice wasn't as popular, so I ended up buying a pretty antique model from an Asian market in a nearby city. Eventually, I discovered I could cook rice the traditional way, with a clay pot and a gas stove. So, I ditched the rice cooker at some point and can't even recall what happened to it—maybe it got tossed out during a cleanup? For almost 17 years, we've been cooking rice the traditional way. I even taught my Italian in-laws and friends from Italy, the UK, and Romania how to do it! They all nailed it. Then, out of the blue last week, my husband suggested we buy a rice cooker again. I was like, why? We've mastered the clay pot method! His reasoning? He liked the idea of tossing in the ingredients without worrying about the flame. So, I did some quick research and found that rice cookers are now quite popular in Italy, with plenty of brands and sizes available. We decided to get a small one for four portions—a teeny-tiny, adorable cooker. And just like that, I'm back to the "Vietnamese style" with a rice cooker! (This appliance is so common in Vietnam that not many people know how to cook rice with a stove and clay pot anymore, can you believe it?) Once, during a blackout in Vietnam, my mom had to use the stove and ended up burning the rice! Alright, back to today's post, I've got two options prepared for you—hope you enjoy them! 😄 poke-bowl-(2).jpg420 KB This is my simple poke with salmon sashimi, nori, cucumber, sesame seed and teriyaki sauce. Delicious! Love it. Some nutrition info:
Salmon Sashimi: Salmon sashimi is a high-protein option packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. It's also a good source of vitamin D and B vitamins. However, due to its fat content, it can be relatively high in calories, so portion control is crucial for those on a weight-watching plan. Opting for farmed salmon could mean higher fat content, so be mindful of the type you're consuming.
Cucumber: Cucumber is low in calories and high in water content, making it a hydrating and refreshing addition to meals. It's a great source of vitamins K and C and provides some fiber. For weight watchers, it's an ideal low-calorie filler in salads or poke bowls. There's negligible downside unless you consume cucumbers in excessive amounts, though they provide low nutritional density.
Nori Leaves: Nori, or seaweed sheets, are low in calories and rich in vitamins A, C, and iodine, which supports thyroid function. They also contain some protein and fiber. For weight watchers, they're a low-calorie option for adding flavor and texture to dishes. However, be cautious if you have a sensitivity to iodine or are advised to limit your iodine intake.
Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds are high in healthy fats, particularly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which support cardiovascular health. They're also a good source of calcium, magnesium, and iron. While beneficial, sesame seeds are calorie-dense, so should be used sparingly for those watching their weight. A small sprinkle can add flavor and nutritional benefits without packing in too many extra calories
poke-bowl-(5).jpg1.77 MB Apologies for the low-quality picture! Italy is in the midst of winter, and there’s no sunlight left by the time I get home from work. After cooking, I'm left with LED lights that don't quite capture the magic of the dish. This bowl has something for everyone (well, if you're not vegetarian or vegan 😝). It's a bit more complicated to prepare, but you could think of it as a creative use of leftovers! I cooked some brown rice as a base. Then I sautéed zucchini with a touch of oil and sesame seeds, and gave cabbage a quick sauté with some garlic. A simple date tomato salad added freshness. Finally, I topped it all with braised pork that I had cooked the day before. Simple ingredients, but combined in just the right way to make a comforting and satisfying meal.
Braised Pork:Braised pork is rich in protein and can be quite satisfying, making it a comforting choice for meals. However, it is also high in calories and saturated fat, depending on the cut of meat used. For those watching their weight, opting for leaner cuts and controlling portion sizes can help manage calorie intake while still enjoying its rich flavors.
Date Tomato Salad: Date tomatoes are sweet and low in calories, contributing valuable vitamins such as vitamin C and potassium. When combined in a salad, they add freshness and a burst of flavor. The disadvantage is minimal as long as you keep the dressing light and avoid added sugars or excessive oil, making it an excellent option for weight-conscious eaters.
Sautéed Cabbage with Garlic: Cabbage offers fiber and vitamin K, while garlic brings its own set of health benefits, including potential immune support and anti-inflammatory properties. Together, they create a low-calorie side dish that complements any meal. For weight watchers, sautéing with minimal oil ensures you keep the dish light while enjoying its nutritional benefits.
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