Whenever I encourage my clients to eat more plant based foods, the most popular response is, “but what about the protein?” That’s where awesomely magical ingredients like chia seeds come in handy. Nature’s miraculous formula of essential fatty acids, protein, and fiber give chia seeds the unique ability to act like a binder similar to an egg, helping to hold these burgers together, while also provide a complete protein, in addition to the protein found in the beans and the zucchini. When a plant provides a complete protein, it means it delivers all the essential amino acids that your body can’t produce and therefore need to be consumed in meals. So, whip up a batch of these babies and take them on your next summer picnic!
Vegan Swiss Chard Enchiladas with Quinoa, Black Beans & Epazote
We have this gigantic Swiss chard “bush,” seriously taking hold in the food garden. The leaves kept beckoning me to wrap them up with something. So, here’s an idea for gluten-free and cornmeal-free Swiss chard enchiladas that came out pretty yummy! The fresh epazote adds a nice, earthy, Oaxacan nuance, but you can substitute something like fresh thyme and still get a great fresh herbal infusion. Epazote is really easy to grow but not so easy to find at the market. Feel free to play around with non-vegan variations using queso fresco, organic chicken, and-or ground meat. Enjoy!
Black Bean Rotini Salad
I thought I would squeeze in a 4th of July recipe this morning! Here is a gluten free pasta salad that is packed with summertime garden goodness, contains all the comfort and zesty flavors of the holiday, but won’t leave your body starving for awesome nutrition. I named it “L.A. Summer” because it contains all the stuff that you might find growing in one of L.A.’s back yards or urban farms, like nopales, cucumber, tomatoes, and peppers, and it has some hints of Mexico and the Southwest in it’s flavor profile, two prominent cuisines in the area. Enjoy, and happy Independence Day!
Corn, Black Bean, & Pepita Chiles Rellenos
Sometimes I crave the distinctive qualities of a good old fashioned chile relleno…you know- the one stuffed with cheese, battered, and fried. Well, I do indulge from time to time, but just to make a point, you can create an entirely healthy, and just as satisfying chile relleno experience, that might even resemble some real Mexican authenticity. And, you’ll get a bonus of added clean nutrition! Use a ceramic or safe clay baking dish with a lid if possible, for a great even bake, and a magnificent smell from the oven during preparation. If enjoyed with an open mind and a sense of adventure, this dish should stave off the unhealthy chile relleno craving for quite some time. Read More
“Basic” Quinoa & Black Bean Burgers
I am not a burger purist. The more different kinds of burgers the world can invent the better! This point of view comes in particularly handy when it comes to creating healthier, maybe even meatless, burger recipes. Having said this, no matter what, a burger should pass some basic requirements in order to be considered feasible- not that I am some burger expert, but let’s just be practical about it! First and foremost, the burger must hold together in a two-bun sandwich or lettuce wrap scenario. If it crumbles, it isn’t exactly a burger. Next, the burger should satiate. You want to feel full and happy and be nourished after you have eaten one. And third, it should be quick and easy to make. If you have to run to seven specialty food stores and spend two hours in the kitchen before you even get to the part where you make it into patties, well, it kind of loses its “burger experience,” in my opinion.
Here is a super easy quinoa and black bean burger that holds up to the basics and tastes great! Enjoy this between any kind of bread or bun, or make a falafel patty and enjoy with flatbread or a lettuce wrap. Seriously, the total active prep time for this is less than 30 minutes!
Calabaza Vegan Chili with Black & White Beans
Let’s be honest. Vegan chili is no replacement for the taste and experience of good old fashioned meat chili, with sour cream, onions, and shredded cheese. But that doesn’t stop me from embracing a healthier ingredients, having fun with the basic chili concept, and seeing where it goes. What if you could have a delicious, satisfying chili, without increasing inflammation in your body, increasing your risk of fatal disease, or risking unwanted weight gain? What if you could have an awesome chili-eating experience using plant-based, nutrient dense, cleansing foods? That is basically what you get with this vegan chili recipe. Read More