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 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 morezucchini lasagna
Who doesn't love lasagna? Well, maybe there are a few of you out there. Lasagna is typically an arduous process with a multitude of steps that require patience, yet limited cooking skills are actually needed. Of course, you could always take the easy route with "no cook" noodles, jarred tomato sauce, and processed cheese, but that is not the way we do things here at The Crunchy Radish.
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 moresay hello to my little friend
The are many reasons why sweet potatoes are rock star tubers. They are versatile, vibrant in color, and pack a serious nutritional punch. Their flexibility is highlighted in this dish, serving as an edible bowl for spicy and flavorful beans. These stuffed spuds could be a great dish at a causal dinner party with a few options of fillings and garnishes to suit your guests taste preferences. Whole roasted sweet potatoes are also a great item to have on hand. They can serve as a blank canvas and are amendable to a multitude of toppings and fillers - especially useful on "clean out the fridge" kind of days.
Read moreNot Your Mama's J-Pen
J-Pen, as I affectionately like to call this soup, or Jewish Penicillin, is the type of recipe that has becomes habitual from years and years of exposure. Somehow, the steps and process permeate my being and, every time an inkling of a cold emerges, J-Pen is the first line of defense. In my family, each generation puts their unique imprint on the soup, but the root of the matter is always the same. For my version, I add extra immune boosters - ginger and turmeric - to add that nutrient oomph. I also take the extra step of browning the chicken, a simple albeit slightly timely step that yields a multitude of value in flavor. Browning the chicken not only locks in the juices and creates a caramelized crust on the meat, but also the browned bits in the pan add a fantastic foundation to the soup, lending depth and flavor. The finishing touch of lime, which is one of my favorite tricks learned from my Mexican co-workers during my restaurant days, provides a refreshing burst of acidity as well as a dose of Vitamin C. Although this soup is not your mother's J-Pen, it for sure will become a staple in your home on frosty nights or "under the weather" days.
Read moremy favorite way to eat spaghetti
Nothing beats incredibly fresh homemade pasta from an amazing restaurant but, since we can't indulge in fresh pasta everyday of the week, my favorite way to eat spaghetti is from a squash! Yup, that yellow oval shaped squash, when sliced in half, roasted, and scraped, produces spaghetti-like strands of significant nutrient density. This yellow-hued veg is rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, is gluten-free, and is the perfect alternative to pasta. Swap out your basic noodles for spaghetti squash in any of your favorite recipes.
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