Acai Health Watch

People enjoy acai not only for the energy boost or its antioxidant properties.  They like it because it tastes good!  You’ll find that many recipes, both sweet and savory, that call for berries or figs can use the acai berry as a delicious substitute.

Lamb chops are a natural fit for a tart acai berry compote with a nutty crunch.  This particular recipe calls for acai juice, but you may also try it with frozen acai berries that are becoming more available in health food grocery stores.

Açai and Nut Compote

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 shallots, finely diced
• 1 ½ cups pure açai juice (note: you can find this at many Latin grocery shops if your local grocery store doesn’t carry it. Failing that, you can find the juice online).
• 1 tsp cider vinegar
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
• ½ cup toasted pine nuts
• 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme

Method:

1. In a saucepan, heat oil; sauté shallots until golden Add açai juice, vinegar, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Simmer until reduced by one-third.
2. Add pine nuts and thyme; simmer for 5 minutes. Discard bay leaf. Serve with lamb, pork or chicken.

Açai and Pine Nut Compote for Meat: Brazil’s Super-Food With Frenched Lamb Chops | Suite101.com.