Ever heard of savory oatmeal? Being that Oats are a grain, do you ever think about why we would restrict them to only being eaten sweet? Savory oatmeal can be extremely versatile and give you a great vehicle for enjoying more vegetables, fiber, and other awesome nutrients in a quick, convenient way. This recipe is just one example. Enjoy savory oatmeal on it’s own or as a compliment to a larger meal with fish, chicken, turkey, or other proteins. But keep in mind that on its own, oatmeal provides a decent amount of protein. So don’t be afraid to experiment, knowing you’re getting a good meal from a bowl of savory oatmeal with veggies. Enjoy!
Read MoreSpiced Sweet Potato & Pear Soup
Here’s a perfect, Autumn comfort soup without any unhealthy ingredients- this Sweet Potato & Pear Soup does the trick with sweet potatoes, fresh seasonal pears, and some unique spices and fats from sesame tahini. And, it’s super easy to make, requiring only one pot and a Vitamix or high-speed blender. Enjoy this on your next chilly autumn evening, with some toasted rustic bread.
Tofu & Spinach Mashed Potatoes with Porcini Mushroom Gravy
These tofu & spinach mashed potatoes are practically a meal on their own- with 19 grams of plant based protein, spinach, and nutrient-dense porcini mushrooms. There really is no need for much more, and the fiber in the potatoes will help you feel full as well!
The porcini mushrooms in the gravy give it a really rich flavor- they are my favorite mushroom for making an intense, delicious sauce; and the tofu and cashews in the special cream for the potatoes really hit it home.
Whip this delicious dish up any time you’re craving comfort food. Where I live, in the mountains outside of Los Angeles, it’s starting to get chilly at night. So this was inspired by coming home to a cold kitchen one evening after work! Enjoy!!
Read MoreSicilian Eggplant Wraps with Cherry Tomato Vinaigrette
These Sicilian Eggplant Wraps are a perfect example of how the slightest ingredient hacks can make a big impact on the quality of nutrition you consume per calorie. Eggplants have some surprising health benefits and are rich in essential nutrients like manganese, folate, potassium, vitamin K, vitamin C, and fiber. And they are particularly rich in essential fatty acids. In this recipe we are simply replacing wraps or flatbread made from flour with grilled eggplant slices, making this a simple healthy solution for any busy schedule.
Read MoreZucchini Noodles with Shiitake Mushrooms
Here’s a nutrient-dense powerhouse utilizing zucchini noodles, that’s also bursting with flavor. Shiitake mushrooms have little-known nutritional talent, providing a great source of B vitamins and other nutrients not as commonly found in other plants. I also love how quick and simple this is to make. It can be enjoyed right away as a warm dinner, or stored in mason jars for lunch on the go. Enjoy!
Read MoreRoot Vegetable Stacks with Wild Mushroom Ragout
These root vegetable stacks are a great example of what you can prepare with just a few ingredients, and at those times when you have nothing planned for dinner. Thinking of what to make for dinner always sits in the back of my mind throughout the day, no matter what else is going on. The other day I was experiencing a busy and challenging day. I knew I needed to go grocery shopping but didn’t have the time. So I resigned to the idea that I would just work with whatever I had in the kitchen when I got home. By the time it was over, I was reminded that sometimes breaking the pattern of relying on regular grocery staples is just the ticket I need to get the creative culinary juices flowing. What is the point of this story? When you are charged with preparing dinner and all you have on hand is a yam, a beet, and some mushrooms, take a pause, make like you are in a cottage in Provence, and romance some garden herbs and that jar of Dijon mustard sitting in the back of the fridge! In most cases, simpler is actually a lot better. Embrace what you have, make it the star, and you will never go wrong!
Read MoreSpaghetti Squash with Dutch Oven Vegetables
So, I though I would get one more winter-like dish in before completely emerging into Springtime. This one has been sitting in my drafts for a while, and I think it’s time to bring it out and get it onto your dinner table! This dish may remind you a bit of pasta with ratatouille, but with a personality of its own.
Vegan Kale & Mushroom Curry
Sometimes the best meals come out of just throwing a few (or several) things in the kitchen together. The coconut milk and cashew butter in this make it an awesome vegan comfort dinner that can satiate and warm up a kitchen against any full dairy meal.
Heirloom Potato & Kale Latkes
I just whipped these up for brunch and decided they were share-worthy. The red, purple, and fingerling potatoes are a little healthier than the traditional russet potatoes. This is totally vegan but you can use real eggs instead of chia eggs, or even serve a couple poached eggs on top. To be honest, I was longing for a coupe duck eggs that I sometimes get from a local urban farmer. Having said that, I love the gooey texture in the middle that can only be a result of the chia seeds and the consistency of the heirloom potatoes doing a little happy dance. Enjoy these with some homemade ketchup or smoked trout. Yum!