Recipe of the week

Three Quick & Easy Recipes

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I have actually been doing a lot of cooking lately however I have failed at making much that I deem “blog worthy”. Last week was a lot of quinoa and veggie bowls with salad, Saturday morning we had tofu scramble with homefries and yesterday for lunch I made a mac and cheese with gluten free pasta that turned out too dry. I did find last nights dinner to be successful and I took the time to actually grab a photo of what I made.

Since we get our CSA on Wednesday’s Sunday until Tuesday usually ends up being unplanned meals because we never know how much of things we are going to receive. Last night I decided to use up the remaining potatoes, bright lights chard, dill and a cayenne pepper. I also found one carrot, one beet and half an onion that all needed to be used, and so they were.

Garlicky Chard, Creamy White Beans and a Dilly Root Veg Mash

Garlicky Chard
Makes 2-4 servings

  • 1 bunch bright lights chard (or any kind of swiss chard you like)
  • 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • salt and pepper to taste.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for one minute. Add the chard and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Serve!

Creamy White Beans
Serves 4-6

  • Two 15oz cans of cannelini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 medium onion, minced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons white wine, vegetable broth or water
  • 1 cayenne chili, minced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, minced
  • 3 tablespoons vegan cream cheese
  • salt and pepper

In a medium pot heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for one minute. Stir in the beans and white wine, cook until liquid is gone. Add in the chili, dill, cream cheese and salt and pepper, stir until combined. Serve!

Dilly Root Veg Mash
Serves 2-4

  • 3-4 medium sized new potatoes, washed and quartered
  • 1 large red beet, peeled, washed and quartered
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons vegan margarine
  • 2 heaping tablespoons chopped dill
  • salt and pepper to taste

Place the potatoes, beet and carrot in a pot and fill with water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook until fork tender. Drain and return to the pot; add the remaining ingredients mash together to combine. Serve!

Recipes of the Week: “To Make” Recipes

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This week I am not featuring one of my recipes (I am working on some new ones), rather I am featuring recipes that I want to make.

Roasted Tomato Basil Pesto by Oh She Glows

(I want to veganize this) Harvest Cake with Vanilla by Roost 

Plum Yummy Galette by My New Roots

Ginger Lime Edamame Hummus by Choosing Raw

Coriander Tartines with Coconut-Cilantro Cream Cheese by Golubka

Q: What recipes do you want to try?

Recipe of The Week: Italian Almond Tart

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I have been attempting to get myself back in the kitchen to cook up some new recipes from my pile of ideas. Finally last night I decided to try out one of my ideas for this wonderful and delicious tart filled with creamy white-bean cashew cheeze and sweet roasted tomatoes.

Italian Almond Tart 

with Cashew-White Bean Cheeze, Sauteed Summer Squash & Oven Roasted Tomatoes

Yields 8 Servings

Ingredients:

  • One large tart crust (recipe below)
  • Cashew-White Bean Cheeze
  • One medium summer squash, thinly sliced & sauteed in olive oil for 4-5 minutes
  • Oven Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Greens, for garnish
For the Crust
  • 1 1/2 cups almond meal
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (dried) or 1 TBSP fresh herbs (basil, oregano, parsley, thyme)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 TBSP water

Preheat oven to 350F.

In a large bowl, mix together the almond meal, salt, and Italian seasoning. In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil and water. Create a well in the almond meal mixture and pour in the wet ingredients. Slowly stir the wet ingredients into the almond flour mixture until  combined. Press the dough into a 9-inch tart pan.

Bake for 20 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool on the counter for about 30 minutes.

For the Cheeze

  • One 15-oz can of cannelini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup raw cashews
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
In the bowl of a food processor, combine all of the ingredients; process until smooth.  You may need to add a little water to help the mixture combine; start with 1/2 tablespoon at a time.
For the Tomatoes
  • One pint of cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 1 TBSP olive oil
Preheat oven to 350F
Toss the tomatoes with the olive oil and place on a sheet pan.  Roast in the oven for 20 minutes.

—
For the Tart

While the tomatoes are roasting, fill the cooled tart shell with the cashew-white bean cheeze.  Place in the 350F oven to warm for 10 minutes. Remove the tart from the oven and top with the slices of sauteed summer squash.  Once the tomatoes have finished roasting remove them from the oven; place the oven roasted tomatoes on top of the tart.  Garnish with a handful of greens, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
This is delicious warm, cold or room temperature.

Peanutty Napa Salad

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Peanutty Napa Shells

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium napa cabbage, shredded
  • 4 radishes, thinly sliced
  • 4 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cups cooked whole wheat mini shell pasta
  • 1 bunch of cilantro, minced
  • 1/2 bunch of mint, minced
  • 1/2 bunch of Thai basil, minced
  • Sauce:
    • 1/4 cup crunchy peanut butter
    • 2 tablespoons tamari
    • 3 tablespoons hot water
    • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon sriracha
    • 1 tablespoon agave

Whisk the sauce ingredients in a large bowl.  Place all the remaining ingredients in the bowl and toss together.

Recipe Of The Week: Curried Lentil Orecchiette

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I have finally stepped back into the kitchen and I am doing some real cooking again! Last night I was in the mood for something warm and creamy.  I debated making a pasta with “cream” sauce and then I remembered I had coconut milk and curry leaves so I decided to make a curry pasta dish that ended up being so delicious; I can’t wait for lunch today!

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 2T Canola oil
  • 1t Mustard seeds
  • 1t Fenugreek seeds*
  • 1/2 cup Curry leaves*
  • 1/4t Turmeric
  • 1/2t Chili powder
  • 1t Curry powder
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 green chili, minced
  • 2 cups green cabbage, chopped
  • 3/4 cup Red lentils
  • 1-15oz can Diced tomatoes (no salt added)
  • 1-15oz can Lite coconut milk
  • 1/4t Ume plum vinegar or red wine vinegar
  • 1/4-1t Cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 Servings of Orecchiette or other pasta, cooked according to directions

Directions:

In a large saute pan heat the oil over medium-high heat.  Add in the mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds and toast until they start to pop, about one to two minutes; then toss in the curry leaves and cook for one minute. Stir in the curry powder, turmeric and chili and stir to combine.  Stir in the onions, chili and cabbage and saute until the vegetables start to soften and are lightly browned. Stir in the red lentils and tomatoes and then the coconut milk.  Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes.  While the lentils are cooking cook your pasta according to the directions.

Stir the vinegar and cayenne into the lentil mixture and add salt and pepper to taste.  Cook for 5 more minutes or until the lentils are softened.  Once the lentils are soft stir in the cooked pasta and serve!

*If you do not have curry leaves or fenugreek seeds you can omit them; the dish will not taste the same but it will still be delicious.  Feel free to add an additional 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of curry powder.

 

Reminder: I just wanted to encourage you to read my Yoga Aid Challenge post and donate any products (gently used or new) or services to my auction to raise money for Off The Mat.

Guest Post: VeganLisa’s Sweet Lemon Fig Poppyseed Bars

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In just a couple of weeks we will be welcoming summer. It is a short-lived season in Toronto, so I do all that I can to savour every second. Over the next three months, I have local farmers markets to visit, picnics to plan, and patios to patron.

With the change of seasons most people find their appetites turn away from the hearty, warming meals of winter to lighter, fresher fare. I consume a high-raw, vegan diet throughout the year but the bounty of local produce during the summer makes eating raw easy and incredibly delicious. Nothing saves a sweltering afternoon like a big juicy slice of watermelon. Salads, smoothies, and fruit slushies, sure say summer to me.

When the sun is shining I want nothing more than to be outdoors. Eating raw foods, means there is no need to heat up your house by turning on the oven. Putting together a salad, or blending up a smoothie takes a couple of minutes, leaving you more time to spend strolling through the city. Plus, raw foods are easier for our bodies to digest and provide plenty of energy to fuel a fantastic summer full of dancing at outdoor festivals, bike riding by the water and swimming at sunset.

Here’s a great recipe for an energy-packed snack bar to keep you full and satisfied as you tackle your 2011 Summer to-do list.

Sweet Lemon Fig Poppyseed Bars

  • 1 cup of rolled oats (the old fashioned not the instant kind)*
  • 1/2 cup raw cashews
  • pinch of sea salt
  • 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted (approximately 10)
  • 2 TBSP lemon juice
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • 3 dried Turkish figs
  • 1 TBSP poppyseeds

In a food processor, pulse the oats, cashews and salt until finely chopped. Add the remaining ingredients and process until well combined. Press into a parchment-lined 8X8 pan. Cut into 12 bars. Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

Thank you to Lindsay for inviting me to share a recipe with all of you. I hope your summers are full of fun and fantastic food. Well, if you’re a regular reader of Lindsay’s blog I have not doubt you’re already eating very well! If you’d like more raw food inspiration I’d love for you to stop by my blog veganculinarycrusade.com.

xo VeganLisa

*It can be hard to find raw rolled oats. They are usually steamed during processing. If you’d prefer to consume only raw ingredients replace the oats with 3/4 cup of almonds.