Heart-Healthy Recipes from Some of the World’s Healthiest Countries

29. Eighth place goes to – Spain

Spanish cuisine is known for its portion control, high-fiber and a low-fat diet. Including plenty of beans, vegetables, olive oil, and seafood which are all beneficial when it comes to weight control and general well-being. Gazpacho is particularly noteworthy as it is full of cancer-fighting lycopene and antioxidants.

30. Sun-dried Tomato Salad

1 cup Sun-dried tomatoes
2 cups Spinach leaves
1 Red onion
1/2 cup Feta cheese

Vinaigrette:
1 teaspoon Olive oil
1/4 teaspoon Apple cider vinegar
1 clove of Garlic
Sea salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Chop vegetable, mix in vinaigrette. Enjoy! Serves 4

31. Paella

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil,
an onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, diced
450g mixed mushrooms, chopped
1 can diced tomatoes
1 tsp paprika
a pinch of saffron
4 cups vegetable stock
1 cup dry white wine
2 cups arborio rice
1 cup frozen peas
Salt and pepper

Sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms for 10 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, paprika and saffron then pour over the vegetable stock, wine, rice, and peas. Season well with salt and pepper and bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Cook for around 20-30 minutes or the rice is tender. Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to sit for 5 minutes. Do not stir. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges. Serves 6

32. Gazpacho

4 cups seedless watermelon
1 cucumber
3 tomatoes
1 red bell pepper
⅓ cup chopped green onions
1 garlic clove
small handful basil
3 to 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 to 2 teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon pepper

Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serves 6

33. Ninth place goes to – Sweden

The Swedish diet might be low in fruit and vegetables. However, it is rich in dark breads, berries, fish and dairy, which are laden with fiber and antioxidants and come together to help burn fat. Making it the 9th healthiest countries on the planet.

34. Swedish Beef Ball Soup

1 large egg
1 cup soft bread crumbs
a small onion, finely chopped
1-3/4 teaspoons salt, divided
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon beef bouillon granules
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
3 cups of water
1 pound red potatoes, cubed

In a large bowl, beat the egg. Add bread crumbs, onion, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1/2-in. balls. In a Dutch oven, brown meatballs in butter in batches. Remove from the pan, set aside. Drain fat. Add flour, bouillon, pepper, garlic salt and remaining salt to the pan. Stir until smooth. Gradually stir in water, bring to a boil. Reduce heat while stirring for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add potatoes and meatballs.
Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 25 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Serves 4

35. Swedish Salmon Fillet

2 slices multigrain bread, crumbs
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped chives
4 x 200g salmon fillets, skin on
olive oil spray

Preheat oven to 200°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
Combine breadcrumbs, parsley, and chives in a bowl. Season both sides of salmon fillets. Press breadcrumb mixture onto flesh sides of salmon. Place salmon, skin-side down, onto a prepared baking tray. Spray with oil. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Serves 4

Where did we find this stuff? Here are our sources:

The 10 Healthiest Cuisines In The World

World Cooking, Marissa Grolding