The last part of autumn often brings a sharp drop in our mood and energy. But there’s no reason to let it get the best of us! We’ve put together 3 menu ideas to recharge your batteries—naturally, all to be cooked on your Kokko! As you know, whether grilled, roasted, or smoked, every dish is elevated on a kamado barbecue!
The transition from November to December is often marked by fatigue and low spirits. Why? The days get shorter with less natural light, temperatures hover near zero, winter is fast approaching, and so on. And that’s not even mentioning the second lockdown, which has drained the physical and mental energy of many of us. So, to counter this, the solution starts on your plate! By choosing the right foods, you’ll fill up on vitamins, minerals, and trace elements and regain the energy you need to get through this challenging time with ease.
All-Fish Menu on the Kokko to Recharge Your Energy
Excellent for your health, fish is too often overlooked. Yet it’s rich in vitamins A, D, E, as well as zinc, phosphorus, iodine, and omega-3s. These fatty acids are essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system and help prevent the risk of cardiovascular disease. Not to mention, fish is high in protein, which helps curb cravings between meals—especially tempting when we’re spending most of our time at home, as we are now. ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety) recommends eating fish twice a week, alternating between oily and lean varieties.
Starter: Mussel and tomato skewers or razor clams on the Kokko
Main: Lemon salmon skewers served with a butternut steak or smoked trout with spinach gratin
Dessert: Pineapple with rosemary or pineapple with ginger and caramel
Seafood is extremely rich in vitamins and trace elements—especially iodine, which supports the nervous system and the synthesis of thyroid hormones that influence many bodily functions. When the thyroid is out of balance, it can cause fatigue, stress, irritability, weight gain, and more. Oily fish like salmon and trout are excellent sources of omega-3s. Butternut squash, a seasonal vegetable, is packed with carotenoids—antioxidants that help fight free radicals responsible for cellular aging. It’s also high in fiber, which helps regulate digestion. Spinach is rich in vitamins and iron. Iron deficiency is often behind fatigue and low energy. To help your body absorb iron, pair spinach with vitamin C—like a squeeze of lemon juice. Finally, pineapple is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber, and bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion and helps prevent heartburn and bloating. Ginger, a powerful anti-inflammatory and tonic, is perfect in winter to boost your immune defenses. And rosemary works on both the digestive system—soothing it—and the nervous system, helping to regulate it in times of stress or fatigue.
Don’t miss your dish—discover our tips for perfect fish on the barbecue!
Vegetarian Menu on the Kokko for Peak Energy
If meat and fish aren’t your thing, no worries—Kokko has created a vegetarian menu to help you recharge!
Starter: Tandoori-style sweet potato skewers
Main: Thai vegetable wok
Dessert: Wood-fired banana crumble
Rich in beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), antioxidants, and vitamin C, sweet potato is excellent for your health. As for tandoori, this Indian blend of spices—garlic, chili, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, pepper, and more—is packed with polyphenols, the largest family of antioxidants. These help fight many conditions by slowing cellular aging and regulating cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
Soybean sprouts, or mung beans, are a legume that can easily replace meat or fish by providing essential proteins and amino acids. They’re also a source of key minerals for staying in top shape, like copper, iron, and zinc. And banana, famous for being full of vitamins and satisfying, helps prevent snacking between meals, especially since its sugars are “slow” carbs that help regulate blood sugar. Its high potassium content also helps prevent and reduce high blood pressure. Paired with goji berries and cranberries, rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, this dessert is a real energy-boosting, anti-fatigue cocktail.
Meat lovers vs. vegans: why not reconcile around the barbecue?
Mixed Menu on the Kokko for Full Vitality
Can’t choose between meat and fish? Kokko has prepared a mixed menu just for you!
Starter: Grilled mackerel with oriental spices or rabbit skewers with honey and prunes
Main: Scallops and lentils with sun-dried tomatoes or pork tenderloin stuffed with dried fruit
Dessert: Grilled bananas or caramelized pineapple
Mackerel, besides being an oily fish rich in omega-3s, is also affordable. Rabbit is a lean meat—high in protein, low in fat. Most of the fatty acids it contains are beneficial for your health and help lower cholesterol in the blood. It’s also packed with vitamins, especially B vitamins like B3, which boosts energy production. Prunes and dried fruits like apricots, figs, and almonds are rich in vitamins and minerals and are especially recommended when you need a pick-me-up to regain your energy. Honey, with its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties, is known for strengthening the immune system.
For dessert, take your pick: banana—with its high magnesium content to help fight fatigue and stress—or pineapple, an excellent source of vitamin C that also aids digestion.
Preparation tips: Whenever possible, choose fresh, seasonal produce (see what’s in season in December). Opt for organic fruits and vegetables and pay attention to quality labels for meat, fish, and seafood. To preserve as many vitamins as possible, consume your food soon after purchase, avoid storing it too long in the fridge, and favor gentle, short cooking times. With Kokko, it’s simple—just master indirect cooking! Enjoy!
