Understanding the Gut-Skin Connection: Fixing your Skin From The Inside Out

Integrative dermatology is a relatively new field that combines conventional dermatology with functional medicine principals to diagnose and treat skin conditions. It takes a holistic approach to skincare and skin conditions, recognizing that the skin's health is influenced by various factors, including nutrition, stress levels, and overall well-being. Integrative dermatology focuses on treating the whole person, rather than just the skin condition, and aims to provide comprehensive and effective treatment options for patients by addressing the underlying causes of skin issues considering the physical, biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors that affect the lives of patients with dermatological diseases.

The human body is home to ecosystems of bacteria, yeast, viruses and other organisms that inhabit different regions of our body. These ecosystems are often collectively called the microbiome. While specific species and strains of organisms vary based on location in the body, imbalances of organisms in any given site play a role in the health of the body as a whole. The microbiome is a key regulator for the immune system. Hence, imbalances (also called dysbiosis) of these organisms are associated with an altered immune response, promoting inflammation in potentially multiple areas of the body. (1) A dysbiosis can occur if there are too many “bad” species, not enough “good” species, or not enough diversity of species.

The skin is the largest and most external barrier of the body with the outer environment. It is richly perfused with immune cells and heavily colonized by microbial cells. These microbes help train the body’s immune cells and help determine overall well-being. The skin has a unique microbiome that is distinct from the gut microbiome, yet scientists are learning that there is a strong bidirectional relationship between the health of these two areas of the body. The relationship is often termed the “gut-skin axis.” Skin conditions including rosacea, acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, skin aging and others are often associated with altered gut microbiome health.

The gut and skin connection

The intestinal tract houses a diverse collection of bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. Many of these microorganisms are essential for metabolic and immune function. An imbalance in this microbiome can result in a breakdown of gut barrier function resulting in antigenic food proteins and bacteria components entering the body’s circulation to trigger inflammation. This inflammation can affect many organs, including the skin.

Adult Acne Vulgaris

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Acne can be described as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples or deep cysts. Cystic acne is linked to the health of the skin’s microbiome, in particular the balance of a bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes. In a diverse, balanced skin microbiome, this bacterium is involved in maintaining a healthy complexion. However, if there is loss of the skin microbial diversity, this bacteria can also trigger cystic acne. The microbial imbalance can lead to the activation of the immune system and a chronic inflammatory condition like acne. (2) Like in the gut, the health of the skin microbiome influences the release of chemicals triggering inflammation. Optimizing both the gut microbiome and skin microbiome are important stratagies to resolve acne by controlling inflammation both at the skin level and whole body level.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a common, chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes flushing, visible blood vessels and small, pus-filled bumps on the face. The exact cause of rosacea is debated and likely related to multiple factors. Like acne, the skin microbiome and its associated inflammatory effects plays a role in rosacea's etiology. There are also numerous studies connecting rosacea to gastrointestinal disorders including celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, Helicobacter pylori infection and small bowel bacterial overgrowth.(3) Conventional treatment of rosacea often involves managing symptoms. Identifying and addressing potential associated gut-related illnesses is an effective tool to help support rosacea management.

Eczema

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition that makes skin red and itchy. It is common in children but can occur at any age. Atopic dermatitis tends to flare periodically and is often associated with asthma or allergies. Atopic dermatitis is the most common inflammatory skin disease affecting 7% of adults and 15% of children.(1)

Studies have shown that atopic dermatitis is associated with lower gut microbiome diversity, lower levels of beneficial species, such as Bacteroidetes, Akkermansia, and Bifidobacterium in the gut, and higher amounts of harmful bacteria species including Staphylococcus aureus on the skin.(1) The intestinal microbiome modulates the body’s immune system and inflammatory responses and thus may play a role in the development of eczema and its treatment. Targeted probiotics can play a role in prevention and treatment of this disease.(4)

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an inflammatory, autoimmune skin disease that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk and scalp. The illness is associated with an intimate interplay between genetic susceptibility, lifestyle, and environment. People with psoriasis have an increased risk to develop intestinal immune disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis and celiac disease.(1) A growing body of evidence highlights that intestinal dysbiosis is associated with the development of psoriasis.(5) One study showed that malabsorption of nutrients in the gut was more prevalent among patients with psoriasis. Celiac disease, bacterial overgrowth, parasitic infestations and eosinophilic gastroenteritis could be possible causes of malabsorption in these patients.(6) Addressing associated gut conditions may play a role in management of symptoms.

Skin Aging

Skin aging is associated with multiple degenerative processes including oxidation and inflammation. Multiple factors including diet, UV exposure, and environment play a role in the regulation of the aging process. New research shows that healthier diets are linked to fewer signs of skin aging.(7) Additionally, oral probiotics may play a role in regulating skin aging through influences on the gut-skin axis. In a study published in 2015, the oral probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum HY7714 was shown to improve skin hydration, skin elasticity and UV related skin changes.(8)

Skin Care may need to Start with Gut Care

Optimizing the gut microbiome has a role in addressing skin disorders. The following strategies can improve the microbiome:

• Eat better. The microbiome is influence by the food we eat. Beneficial bacteria thrive on fiber that comes from eating a variety of vegetables regularly. The growth of unfavorable bacteria is influenced by sugar, saturated fats and a lack of fiber/vegetables in the diet. To optimize your microbiome, avoid refined sugar and saturated fats like those found in sodas, breakfast cereals, candies, cakes, red meat (limit to 1 or 2 servings a week to prevent overconsumption) and what is commonly referred to as “junk food”.

• Use antibiotics wisely. Antibiotic treatment is necessary from time to time. However antibiotics can significantly lower microbiome diversity and the quantity of beneficial bacteria.(9) When prescribed an antibiotic, ask your health care provider if it is truly necessary. Speak with your provider about using prebiotics and probiotics to support the microbiome after the antibiotic use.

• Repair the gut flora. In addition to a fiber-rich diet, probiotics may play a role in optimizing gut function. Probiotic science is in its infancy, but there is research suggesting that certain strains may benefit certain medical conditions. Speak with your health care provider for probiotic recommendations that may best suit your medical needs.

• Identify other ways to care for your digestive system, such as repairing the wall of the small intestine which may have been irritated by a poor diet, poor digestion, medications or stress. Identifying food sensitivities, restoring nutritional deficiencies and eating adequate nutrients to support healing are important.

Many of the interventions above can be easily implemented without need for laboratory tests. There are no specific gastrointestinal lab markers that are known to directly cause skin issues. However, assessments of the GI system may reveal abnormalities indirectly impacting skin health. Relish Health relies on multiple tools such as stool microbiome testing, breath tests and food sensitivity tests to understand the health of the gut-skin axis and develop targeted interventions to address gut and skin conditions.

A PRIMER ON HISTAMINE INTOLERANCE
TESTING, TESTING... WHICH ONES MIGHT BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

References:

1. De Pessemier B, Grine L, Debaere M, Maes A, Paetzold B, Callewaert C. Gut–Skin Axis: Current Knowledge of the Interrelationship between Microbial Dysbiosis and Skin Conditions Microorganisms. 2021 Feb; 9(2): 353. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms9020353

2. Dréno B,. Pécastaings S, Corvec S, Veraldi S, Khammari S, Roques C. Cutibacterium acnes (Propionibacterium acnes) and acne vulgaris: a brief look at the latest updates. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2018 Jun;32 Suppl 2:5-14. doi: 10.1111/jdv.15043.

3. Daou H, Paradiso M, Hennessy K, Seminario-Vidal L. Rosacea and the Microbiome: A Systematic Review. Dermatol Ther. 2021 Feb;11(1):1-12. doi: 10.1007/s13555-020-00460-1.Epub 2020 Nov 10.

4. Fiocchi A, Pawankar R, Cuello-Garcia C, et. al. World Allergy Organization-McMaster University Guidelines for Allergic Disease Prevention (GLAD-P): Probiotics World Allergy Organ J. 2015; 8(1): 4. Published online 2015 Jan 27. doi: 10.1186/s40413-015-0055-2

5. Sikora M, Stec A, Chrabaszcz M, Knot A, Waskiel-Burnat A, Rakowska A, Olszewską M, Rudnicka L. Gut Microbiome in Psoriasis: An Updated Review. Pathogens. 2020 Jun; 9(6): 463. Published online 2020 Jun 12. doi: 10.3390/pathogens9060463

6. Ojetti V, De Simone C, Sanchez J, Capizzi R, Migneco A, Guerriero C, Cazzato A, Gasbarrini G, Pierluigi A, Gasbarrini A. Malabsorption in psoriatic patients: cause or consequence? Scand J Gastroenterol. 2006 Nov;41(11):1267-71.

   doi: 10.1080/00365520600633529.

7. Katta R, Sanchez A, Tantry E. An Anti-Wrinkle Diet: Nutritional Strategies to Combat Oxidation, Inflammation and Glycation. Skin Therapy Lett. 2020 Mar;25(2):3-7.

8. Lee, D. E. et al. (2015) “Clinical Evidence of Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum HY7714 on Skin Aging: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study,” Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. https://doi.org/10.4014/jmb.1509.09021

9. Ramirez J. Guarner F, Fernandez, L, Maruy A, Sdepanian V, Cohen H. Antibiotics as Major Disruptors of Gut Microbiota. Front. Cell. Infect. Microbiol., 24 November 2020 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2020.572912

10. Stubbe C. The Gut Microbiome in Dermatology. Anti-aging Medical News. Spring 2022. p76-80.

Asparagus Soup

Asparagus season starts in early Spring when the air is still chilly, but the ground is starting to wake from its winter slumber. This soup is a rich and delicious way to celebrate the new season.

Asparagus soup garnished with olive oil and a sorrel leaf.

Asparagus soup

Author: Erica Leazenby, MD
Time: 25-30 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

1-2 Tbsp olive oil
1 onion, sliced then
1 medium yellow potato, diced (no need to peel)
1 lbs. asparagus, cut in 1 inch pieces
¼ cup raw cashews, rinsed
3-4 cups stock of choice
½ teaspoon sea salt and more to taste
3-4 grinds of fresh ground pepper to tasted

Directions:

1. Over medium heat, sauté the onion in the olive oil until the onion is soft and translucent.

2. Add the potato and asparagus and sauté for 3-5 minutes until the asparagus is bright green.

3. Add the stock, salt, pepper and cashews. Simmer until the potatoes are soft.

4. Puree the soup in a blender until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and enjoy.

Understanding the Gut-Skin Connection: Fixing your Gut May Fix Your Skin

The human body is home to ecosystems of bacteria, yeast, viruses and other organisms that inhabit different regions of our body. These ecosystems are often collectively called the microbiome. While specific species and strains of organisms vary based on location in the body, imbalances of organisms in any given site play a role in the health of the body as a whole. The microbiome is a key regulator for the immune system. Hence, imbalances (also called dysbiosis) of these organisms are associated with an altered immune response, promoting inflammation in potentially multiple areas of the body. (1) A dysbiosis can occur if there are too many “bad” species, not enough “good” species, or not enough diversity of species.

The skin is the largest and most external barrier of the body with the outer environment. It is richly perfused with immune cells and heavily colonized by microbial cells. These microbes help train the body’s immune cells and help determine overall well-being. The skin has a unique microbiome that is distinct from the gut microbiome, yet scientists are learning that there is a strong bidirectional relationship between the health of these two areas of the body. The relationship is often termed the “gut-skin axis.” Skin conditions including rosacea, acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, skin aging and others are often associated with altered gut microbiome health.

The gut and skin connection

The intestinal tract houses a diverse collection of bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. Many of these microorganisms are essential for metabolic and immune function. An imbalance in this microbiome can result in a breakdown of gut barrier function resulting in antigenic food proteins and bacteria components entering the body’s circulation to trigger inflammation. This inflammation can affect many organs, including the skin.

Adult Acne Vulgaris

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Acne can be described as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples or deep cysts. Cystic acne is linked to the health of the skin’s microbiome, in particular the balance of a bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes. In a diverse, balanced skin microbiome, this bacterium is involved in maintaining a healthy complexion. However, if there is loss of the skin microbial diversity, this bacteria can also trigger cystic acne. The microbial imbalance can lead to the activation of the immune system and a chronic inflammatory condition like acne. (2) Like in the gut, the health of the skin microbiome influences the release of chemicals triggering inflammation. Optimizing both the gut microbiome and skin microbiome are important stratagies to resolve acne by controlling inflammation both at the skin level and whole body level.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a common, chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes flushing, visible blood vessels and small, pus-filled bumps on the face. The exact cause of rosacea is debated and likely related to multiple factors. Like acne, the skin microbiome and its associated inflammatory effects plays a role in rosacea's etiology. There are also numerous studies connecting rosacea to gastrointestinal disorders including celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, Helicobacter pylori infection and small bowel bacterial overgrowth.(3) Conventional treatment of rosacea often involves managing symptoms. Identifying and addressing potential associated gut-related illnesses is an effective tool to help support rosacea management.

Eczema

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition that makes skin red and itchy. It is common in children but can occur at any age. Atopic dermatitis tends to flare periodically and is often associated with asthma or allergies. Atopic dermatitis is the most common inflammatory skin disease affecting 7% of adults and 15% of children.(1)

Studies have shown that atopic dermatitis is associated with lower gut microbiome diversity, lower levels of beneficial species, such as Bacteroidetes, Akkermansia, and Bifidobacterium in the gut, and higher amounts of harmful bacteria species including Staphylococcus aureus on the skin.(1) The intestinal microbiome modulates the body’s immune system and inflammatory responses and thus may play a role in the development of eczema and its treatment. Targeted probiotics can play a role in prevention and treatment of this disease.(4)

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an inflammatory, autoimmune skin disease that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk and scalp. The illness is associated with an intimate interplay between genetic susceptibility, lifestyle, and environment. People with psoriasis have an increased risk to develop intestinal immune disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis and celiac disease.(1) A growing body of evidence highlights that intestinal dysbiosis is associated with the development of psoriasis.(5) One study showed that malabsorption of nutrients in the gut was more prevalent among patients with psoriasis. Celiac disease, bacterial overgrowth, parasitic infestations and eosinophilic gastroenteritis could be possible causes of malabsorption in these patients.(6) Addressing associated gut conditions may play a role in management of symptoms.

Skin Aging

Skin aging is associated with multiple degenerative processes including oxidation and inflammation. Multiple factors including diet, UV exposure, and environment play a role in the regulation of the aging process. New research shows that healthier diets are linked to fewer signs of skin aging.(7) Additionally, oral probiotics may play a role in regulating skin aging through influences on the gut-skin axis. In a study published in 2015, the oral probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum HY7714 was shown to improve skin hydration, skin elasticity and UV related skin changes.(8)

Skin Care may need to Start with Gut Care

Optimizing the gut microbiome has a role in addressing skin disorders. The following strategies can improve the microbiome:

• Eat better. The microbiome is influence by the food we eat. Beneficial bacteria thrive on fiber that comes from eating a variety of vegetables regularly. The growth of unfavorable bacteria is influenced by sugar, saturated fats and a lack of fiber/vegetables in the diet. To optimize your microbiome, avoid refined sugar and saturated fats like those found in sodas, breakfast cereals, candies, cakes, red meat (limit to 1 or 2 servings a week to prevent overconsumption) and what is commonly referred to as “junk food”.

• Use antibiotics wisely. Antibiotic treatment is necessary from time to time. However antibiotics can significantly lower microbiome diversity and the quantity of beneficial bacteria.(9) When prescribed an antibiotic, ask your health care provider if it is truly necessary. Speak with your provider about using prebiotics and probiotics to support the microbiome after the antibiotic use.

• Repair the gut flora. In addition to a fiber-rich diet, probiotics may play a role in optimizing gut function. Probiotic science is in its infancy, but there is research suggesting that certain strains may benefit certain medical conditions. Speak with your health care provider for probiotic recommendations that may best suit your medical needs.

• Identify other ways to care for your digestive system, such as repairing the wall of the small intestine which may have been irritated by a poor diet, poor digestion, medications or stress. Identifying food sensitivities, restoring nutritional deficiencies and eating adequate nutrients to support healing are important.

Many of the interventions above can be easily implemented without need for laboratory tests. There are no specific gastrointestinal lab markers that are known to directly cause skin issues. However, assessments of the GI system may reveal abnormalities indirectly impacting skin health. Relish Health relies on multiple tools such as stool microbiome testing, breath tests and food sensitivity tests to understand the health of the gut-skin axis and develop targeted interventions to address gut and skin conditions.

TESTING, TESTING... WHICH ONES MIGHT BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

References:

1. De Pessemier B, Grine L, Debaere M, Maes A, Paetzold B, Callewaert C. Gut–Skin Axis: Current Knowledge of the Interrelationship between Microbial Dysbiosis and Skin Conditions Microorganisms. 2021 Feb; 9(2): 353. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms9020353

2. Dréno B,. Pécastaings S, Corvec S, Veraldi S, Khammari S, Roques C. Cutibacterium acnes (Propionibacterium acnes) and acne vulgaris: a brief look at the latest updates. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2018 Jun;32 Suppl 2:5-14. doi: 10.1111/jdv.15043.

3. Daou H, Paradiso M, Hennessy K, Seminario-Vidal L. Rosacea and the Microbiome: A Systematic Review. Dermatol Ther. 2021 Feb;11(1):1-12. doi: 10.1007/s13555-020-00460-1.Epub 2020 Nov 10.

4. Fiocchi A, Pawankar R, Cuello-Garcia C, et. al. World Allergy Organization-McMaster University Guidelines for Allergic Disease Prevention (GLAD-P): Probiotics World Allergy Organ J. 2015; 8(1): 4. Published online 2015 Jan 27. doi: 10.1186/s40413-015-0055-2

5. Sikora M, Stec A, Chrabaszcz M, Knot A, Waskiel-Burnat A, Rakowska A, Olszewską M, Rudnicka L. Gut Microbiome in Psoriasis: An Updated Review. Pathogens. 2020 Jun; 9(6): 463. Published online 2020 Jun 12. doi: 10.3390/pathogens9060463

6. Ojetti V, De Simone C, Sanchez J, Capizzi R, Migneco A, Guerriero C, Cazzato A, Gasbarrini G, Pierluigi A, Gasbarrini A. Malabsorption in psoriatic patients: cause or consequence? Scand J Gastroenterol. 2006 Nov;41(11):1267-71.

   doi: 10.1080/00365520600633529.

7. Katta R, Sanchez A, Tantry E. An Anti-Wrinkle Diet: Nutritional Strategies to Combat Oxidation, Inflammation and Glycation. Skin Therapy Lett. 2020 Mar;25(2):3-7.

8. Lee, D. E. et al. (2015) “Clinical Evidence of Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum HY7714 on Skin Aging: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study,” Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. https://doi.org/10.4014/jmb.1509.09021

9. Ramirez J. Guarner F, Fernandez, L, Maruy A, Sdepanian V, Cohen H. Antibiotics as Major Disruptors of Gut Microbiota. Front. Cell. Infect. Microbiol., 24 November 2020 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2020.572912

10. Stubbe C. The Gut Microbiome in Dermatology. Anti-aging Medical News. Spring 2022. p76-80.

Building a Better Smoothie and Dr. Leazenby’s Favorite Recipe

We all know that we should be eating more fruits and vegetables, but its not always the most convenient choice in our busy American lifestyle. You have to get creative and plan ahead to find strategies that work for you. I frequently teach the "4 S’s" to my patients and my students as ways to incorporate veggies into your diet. These include Soups, Smoothies, Stir-fries and Salads. All of these are versatile options for incorporating plenty of nutritious foods to support your health.

Let's look closer at smoothies. They are a great option for any meal of the day. The can be made sweet or savory and can accommodate a large variety of ingredients. However, they can also quickly become unbalanced and sugar-laden when made with too much fruit juice, sweetened yogurt, or large amounts of high-glycemic fruit. The following tips can help make smoothies a nourishing part of your diet.

1. Add veggies. Fruit is delicious and wholesome, but even in high quantities this natural sugar can send our blood sugars spiking. Leafy greens like spinach and kale add to the nutrient density of our meal, but do not contribute additional sugar. Avocado can add creaminess and a luscious thickness while providing a great source of fiber and healthy fat. Cucumbers can be a refreshing way to add flavor, fiber and water to smoothies.

2. Add protein. Our bodies ideally want every macronutrient (protein, fat and carbohydrate) available in every meal. Adding protein to smoothies helps fuel the body through the day and provides essential building blocks for health. Add nuts like cashews or almonds, beans like chickpeas or white beans or consider a high quality commercially available protein powder.

3. Use a spoon and a bowl. Proper digestion starts in our brain and requires a mindful approach to eating. Sitting down to a table and chewing your calories is preferable to quickly gulping down your smoothie. When you are able, turn your smoothies into a smoothie bowl. Simply add less liquid to your smoothie to make it thick like the consistency of soft serve ice cream. Serve the smoothie as a bowl topped with fruit, nuts or your favorite granola. You may find you feel fuller faster.

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The Ultimate Smoothie Bowl Recipe

Smoothies can be a great on-the-go breakfast. Including vegetables, protein and healthy fats help ensure these tasty drinks provide a steady source of energy rather than a sugary spike and crash. To help promote mindfulness and proper digestion, consider making your smoothie thick and eat it from a bowl with a spoon.

Author: Erica Leazenby, MD Time: 5-10 minutes
Serves: 1

Ingredients for a balanced smoothie:

• 1-2 veggies: Get creative and include a variety of veggies like a handful of spinach or kale, a piece of cooked sweet potato, steamed cauliflower, half a cucumber or cooked white beans

• 1-2 fruits: Prioritize fruits like raspberries, blueberries and cherries that are less likely to spike blood sugars; tropical fruits like pineapple and mango can cause more significant blood sugar spikes, so use them more sparingly

• Healthy fat: Adding a 1/4-1/2 of an avocado, tablespoon of nut butter or a spoonful of seeds can provide healthy fats that help keep you full and promote absorption of fat soluble vitamins

• Protein: Add unsweetened yogurt, hemp seeds, nut butters, chia seeds, flax seeds or plant-based protein powders

• Liquid: Nut based milks, teas or ice are great bases for smoothies; avoid fruit juices to help control the amount of sugar

• “Extras”: Give your smoothie an extra flavor jolt with antioxidant spices like cinnamon, unsweetened cocoa, ginger and turmeric

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Dr Leazenby’s Favorite Sweet Cherry Smoothie Bowl

• 1 cup spinach

• 1/2 cup frozen cherries

• 1 serving chocolate flavored, plant-based smoothie powder (I like OptiCleanse Creamy Chocolate by Xymogen. This is available in the Relish Health office.)

• 1/2 cup or more unsweetened almond or cashew milk

• 1 Tablespoon flax seed

Optional toppings: nutty granola, unsweetened coconut flakes, helm seeds, pumpkin seeds, berries, a few banana slices

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Adjust amount of almond milk to desired consistency. Periodically scrape down the blender to incorporate all the ingredients. Serve in a bowl with your favorite toppings.

BACK TO SCHOOL BREAKFASTS

Chicken Marbella

I have vegetarian/pescatarian tendencies, so it is uncommon for chicken to get my attention in the kitchen. This recipe, however, has it all. The briny olives and capers combined with the sweet prunes to create an edgy, sophisticated dish that is over-the-top delicious. The garlic and oregano add a healthy dose of antioxidants and prebiotic fiber. Chicken marbella was made famous by The Silver Palate Shop that opened on Manhattan's Upper West Side in the 1980’s. Their namesake cookbook included its original recipe. The recipe transformed ordinary pantry ingredients into an easy, elegant dish fit for a weekend dinner party or simply a week-night meal. Its elegance and ease made it a classic staple dish of house parties in the 1980’s. I discovered the recipe when I attended culinary school in Manhattan several years ago. I think it is time to make this throwback recipe a modern staple. It is truly a classic for good reason. The chicken marinade can be prepared a day or two in advance and the cooked chicken is great warm or cold… a hostess’s dream. I pair the recipe with roasted fingerling potatoes, broccoli or green beans and a simple side salad for a complete meal. 

I’ve included the link to the original recipe, but I’ve made modifications to reduce the amount of sugar. I’ve also scaled down the recipe for the amount of chicken I use to feed my family of 4. 

Enjoy.  

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Chicken Marbella

Author: Adapted from The Silver Palate Cookbook
Serves: 4-6
Time: Hands-on time 15 minute, marinade overnight, 45-60 minutes cook time

Ingredeints:

1/4 cup olive oil
1/4  cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup pitted prunes (or 3-4 prunes per person)
1/4 cup pitted Spanish green olives ( or 3-4 olives per person)
1/4 cup capers, with a bit of juice
3 bay leaves
1/2 head of garlic, peeled and minced
2 Tablespoons dried oregano
1 teaspoons salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper (3-5 turns from a grinder)
1 whole pasture-raised chicken, 3 to 4 pounds, quartered or 6 skin-on, chicken thighs
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 Tablespoons coconut sugar (the original recipe calls for 1/2 cup brown sugar)
1 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley to garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large sealable container combine the olive oil, vinegar, prunes, olives, capers, bay leaves, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and turn to coat. Seal the container and refrigerate the mixture overnight or up to 1-2 days.

2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in a shallow roasting pan; spoon the marinade over the chicken evenly. Pour in the wine and sprinkle the chicken with the sugar.

3. Bake the chicken until the meat is 165 degrees at the center or juice when pricked with a fork is clear. This may take 40 to 60 minutes depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Baste the chicken two or three times with the pan juices once the chicken begins to brown. Do your best to leave the sugar on the chicken. This will help create beautiful browning. Tent the chicken with foil if it is browning too quickly.

4. To serve, transfer the chicken to a serving platter and top with the prunes, olives and capers; keep warm.

5. Place the roasting pan over medium heat or transfer the pan contents to a small sauce pan. Bring the pan juices to a boil. Reduce the juice to about 1/2 cup. Strain the sauce and pour it over the chicken. Garnish with parsley.

HOW TO ROAST VEGGIES LIKE A PRO