Tasty Tidbits

THE CITRUS CURE

January typically means sniffles and sore throats, but not if you combat the cold virus with citrus fruits, the best sources of vitamin C in the winter months. They also contain bioflavonoids, which strengthen the immune system and help to prevent seasonal colds and the flu.

Be sure to eat them whole to better absorb their active ingredients – with the exception of the peel, which may have pesticides in it from the growing process. If you can’t find fresh citrus in your area, try dried fruits. They are nutritious and give you an energy boost as well.

Photo courtesy Fuji Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar

That’s How They Roll

At Fuji, the oldest Japanese sushi bar in Tulsa, you can sample some of the most mouthwatering rolls in town. Chef Nobu Terauchi grew up in Japan and worked in his family’s ramen shop; he brought those authentic Japanese tastes to Oklahoma. Standard sushi rolls are available, but you should definitely give Nobu’s 5 Fish Roll a try, along with any of Fuji’s other specialty items.

If you’d like to learn to make the dish yourself, Fuji and Terauchi host a sushimaking event the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Or, if you’d like to try something new but you’re not sure what, sign up for Terauchi’s authentic Omakase dinner. Offered by reservation only every Saturday at 6:30 p.m., this authentic Japanese meal is filled with dishes selected each week by the chef. 8226 E. 71st St., Tulsa; 918-250-1821; fujitulsa.com.

READY IN AN INSTANT

At some point in the last six months, you have probably seen or heard of an Instant Pot. This little whiz on the kitchen counter can do almost everything imaginable. It serves as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker and vegetable steamer. Depending on the size and type of the device, you can insert different dishes directly into it, such as cupcake molds or springform pans. Some models can even make yogurt or poach an egg.

The 3-quart size is perfect for a group of two to three people; the 6-quart works best for four to six people; and the 8-quart is ideal for six or more. People like the Instant Pot because it cooks quickly and naturally, without losing flavor or nutrients, in a short amount of time. And the cleanup is a snap: You can cook an entire meal in one pot, saving yourself time and effort.

EAT ’EM FOR LUCK – AND GOOD HEALTH

Black-eyed peas have been eaten traditionally for good luck in the new year since Civil War times, but this legume also brings you healthy nutrition. Just one cup gives you 20 percent of your daily intake needs for calcium, magnesium and iron – along with folate, manganese and vitamin A. Prepare them with ham or bacon, onions and tomatoes, and enjoy good luck – and good health – all year long.

Misfits in Your Mouth

Photo courtesy Quit Ngyunen courtesy 84 Hospitality Group

BURGER PUNK AIN’T MESSIN’ AROUND

When your next burger obsession strikes, satisfy it at Burger Punk, a pink mohawk-wielding food truck created by 84 Hospitality, curator of other OKC hot spots like Empire Slice House, Goro Ramen and Ponyboy.

The eye-catching truck usually hangs out around Ponyboy and at breweries on the weekends, but, in true millennial fashion, you can always find its location by following the truck on Instagram @burgerpunkokc. The no-fuss menu offers six burgers, including the Eggy Pop with fried egg and marmalade, the Clash with nacho Doritos, lime and jalapeno, and the Green Daze, a veggie delight with “punk sauce” and dill pickles.

For a side, there are crinkle fries, with a loaded option including all the fixin’s. Finish with a fountain drink or a Punk Shake (vanilla ice cream, Butterfinger pieces and caramel), and you’ll be hooked for life. burgerpunkokc.com.