Some things are just better on toast. Avocado mash, chocolate hazelnut spread, ricotta and honey to name a few, but this pea and mint pesto just may take the cake. Fresh or thawed peas, mint, and lemon shine in this perfect-for-spring pesto. For all of you non-bread people out there, this pesto works wonders with crudités, quinoa, whole grain pasta, dolloped over salads or served on top roasted vegetables.
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 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 moreWho Knew Caesar Was a Vegan?
Caesar salad is notoriously known for its cheesy, garlicky, and creamy dressing that blankets leafy, watery greens. What it is not known for is its nutritional attributes. Traditional caesar salad dressing contains anchovies, raw egg yolk, and parm - tasty, but not necessarily virtuous. For a vegan and healthified version, I made a few swaps and modifications to add nutrient density to a classic dish without sacrificing palatability and mass appeal.
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 moreWhat the F is a Mung Bean?
Every year a hot new food item emerges that is touted to make you feel better and look better. But maybe this trend setting food has been around all along. Mung beans have been praised for their nutrient properties by health-minded individuals and holistic practitioners for years and, most recently, they have started making their way into the mainstream dining arena. So what exactly are mung beans, and once you find them, what the heck do you do with them?
Read moremy favorite way to eat avocado toast
I love a good slice of avocado toast as much as the next person. It encompasses the most pristine balance of toasted hearty bread and creamy green goodness.
Read moreSuper Simple Soup
Tomatoes can be fickle, sometimes emanating pure summer in a mouthful, while at other times promises of juiciness and the pristine balance of acid and sweet turn out to be mealy and bland. A surefire way to elevate your tomato game is a slow and leisurely roast. Slow roasted tomatoes have endless possibilities- tossed with brown rice pasta, pureed into tomato sauce, submerged in a grain bowl, or blended for a simple and flavorful soup. Here is my super simple slow roasted tomato soup.
Read moreFalling for Farro
The first time I visited Charlie Bird and had their delicious farro salad, I was blown away. The second time I had it, I was able to pin point the touches that made this dish so great- the balance of toasted pistachios, the mint-laced perfectly cooked grains gently tossed with grassy olive oil, and the salty flecks of parmesan cheese. All of these components truly brought this delicious dish together. By the third time, I was kicking myself for not attempting to recreate this grain dish at home. Although I have a feeling that Charlie Bird likely uses a tad more cheese and oil than I did, this dish is a stand out side or main to make at home.
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