It’s that time of year again when the grills come out and beers start chilling. There are hot dogs composed of unknown “meats”, mayonnaise -laden potato salad, and chips galore. July 4th does not have to be notoriously unhealthy. Here are my quick fix tips to help you to celebrate without leaving you bloated, loaded, and guilt-ridden.
Read morekale tabbouleh - a classic dish, with a very crunchy twist
Some purists may snark at the thought of this salad being considered tabbouleh. Yes, it is another glorified kale salad and a fantastically delicious way for you to get your greens. But au contraire, there are many similar elements to beloved tabbouleh peeking out all over this dish. Quinoa serves as your hearty grain, creamy lemony mint-laced dressing delivers that signature zesty pop, and crunchy cucumbers and vibrant tomatoes have a prominent presence - just like conventional tabbouleh, but with a twist. Technically tabbouleh, or not, this summer salad is one not to be missed.
Read morebircher muesli - make your mornings better
I get a lot of questions on instagram about my morning oat game. In a constant effort to provide my fellow vegheads with morning motivation, here is a great staple to keep on hand for your breakfast routine.
Bircher muesli is a fancier, more sophisticated term for overnight oats - a fantastic nutrient dense option that you make the evening before and grab on the go in the morning. Muesli is the ideal solution for you bleary-eyed, non-morning people. Previous overnight oat recipes have been featured on Crunchy Radish in the past. Here the importance of post-work out fuel is discussed, and here the nutrient-rich, virtuous superfood, chia seeds, are highlighted. For this rendition of a make-ahead-breakfast, ripe banana is mixed with zesty citrus, homemade nut milk, and extra-thick rolled oats, creating a creamy, dreamy protein, fiber, and calcium-filled morning treat...without the guilt or sugar high.
Read morecinco series - always leave room for dessert
I teamed up with my friends at Whole Foods Market NYC to bring you The Crunchy Radish Cinco Series, a healthier take on a festive holiday.
We always like to leave room for dessert, especially when it is a salad. In typical Crunchy Radish fashion, we make our sweet treats as healthful and simple as possible. End your Cinco celebration on a sweet and nutritious note with creamy mango, zesty lime, mint, and crunchy toasted coconut fruit salad.
Read morecinco series - the basics
I teamed up with my friends at Whole Foods Market NYC to bring you The Crunchy Radish Cinco Series, a healthier take on a festive holiday. What would a Cinco de Mayo celebration be without the basics? Here are two simple Cinco essentials to keep on deck all year long.
Read morecinco series - fiesta bowl
Cinco de Mayo is one of my most favorite food-centric celebrations. Maybe it is the bright vibrant colors, the vast quantities of avocados, or the large amount of tequila? However you go about your festivities, be sure to make it healthful.
I have partnered with my friends at Whole Foods Market NYC to bring you The Crunchy Radish Cinco Series, a healthier take on a festive holiday. The fiesta bowl is the inaugural dish for the series! Over the next week, we will be providing you with healthful, nutritious Cinco de Mayo recipes that can take you to the 5th of May and beyond.
Read morethis sauce will change your life
I made this sauce from Sprouted Kitchen's new cookbook Bowl + Spoon, and it changed my life. Although I can not quite pronounce it, Muhammara is a red pepper and walnut sauce. Sara's recipe is spiced with smoked paprika and sweetened with dates, creating the most delicious balance of spicy and sweet. Walnuts add protein, texture, and a creamy indulgent mouth feel. Eat with a spoon, spread on a sandwich, dip with some veggies, or dollop on your bowl. Whatever you do, don't not make this sauce!
Read moreturmeric herb falafel + minty tahini
I first tasted falafel at a NYC institution during my college days, likely after a few too many happy hour specials. I remember being transfixed by the crunchy warm orbs bursting with flavor and feeling curious about the pungent and mysterious creamy white sauce that coated the balls - and no that wasn't the discounted liquid ferments talking. Years later, and few happy hours less, I learned the deep, dark, delicious secret of most falafel balls - their immersion into a deep fryer. For a virtuous spin on traditionally fried falafel, I baked the balls and loaded them with flavorful herbs and aromatic spices. That mystery white sauce? It got swapped too for a creamy mint-laced tahini. With a more discerning approach to happy hours and street "meat", these baked falafel are the perfect remedy for curing a gnawing hunger or a painful hangover.
Read morevery veggie lettuce cups
Eating your greens just got a whole lot easier thanks to the great people at Gotham Greens. I spent a lovely afternoon walking around the Gowanus greenhouse, learning about how Gotham Greens supplies local, sustainable, and nutrient-rich greens year round to the New York City area. Hydroponically grown, Gotham Greens produces a gorgeous selection of unique and delicious lettuces, basil, and tomatoes. During my recent visit, I could not keep my eyes off the picture perfect butterhead lettuce. These butterheads were calling out to become lettuce cups! For a very veggie spin on traditional chicken filled lettuce cups, I swapped in meaty portobello mushrooms and walnuts to create a hearty and nourishing meal. Lightly salted peanuts, chopped cilantro, and quick pickled cucumbers and radish add the perfect balance to this satisfying and nutrient dense meal.
Read moreA Little Naughty and Very Nice - Edamame and Herb Dumplings
We are huge dumpling fans here at Crunchy Radish and typically go to great lengths to seek out the most veghead friendly varieties. Rarely though, do we consider making our own dumplings...until now. Store bought wonton wrappers make the process extraordinarily simple and provide the perfect vehicle to play around with an assortment of fillings and cooking techniques. In honor of Spring, we made vibrant, flavorful herb and edamame filled dumplings and cooked them two ways -one slightly more virtuous than the other. A peanut sesame soy sauce serves as the ideal accompaniment for these bright, light, and delectable little parcels.
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