This tomatillo-laced chili was initially conceived during a mission to create a pozole, a hominy-based Mexican stew. When my search for hominy left me empty handed, my brother-in-law suggested subbing in hearty beans for a more nutrient dense and accessible alternative. The result, a tangy and satisfying spicy green chili.
Read morecold sesame tofu with rice noodles
There is a Cold Sesame Chicken recipe from the New York Times that I have gone back to quite a few times. It is delicious, super simple, and perfect for make ahead meals. To adapt the recipe for a plant-forward crowd, I decided to swap in tofu for the main and serve it over brown rice noodles with crunchy marinated cucumbers, peanuts, and cilantro, resulting in a refreshing and easy summer meal.
Read morecacao tahini date bites
I have a few iterations of energy bites on my site, but none that feature tahini as the shining star. These balls are great for a pick-me-up between meals or when you need a sweet treat. The bites contain fiber, potassium, protein, and healthy fat to keep you satiated and well nourished. Tahini, which is made from sesame seeds, is a vegan source of calcium and iron. Sesame seeds are also a great source of copper, an essential trace mineral and antioxidant which is needed by the body to build connective tissue, produce energy, transport iron, and prevent oxidative damage.
Read morewarm up this winter - immune boosting chana dal with spinach
If you are looking for a simple and hearty stew to warm you up this winter, look no further then this immune boosting chana dal. Chana dal beans are split chickpeas, which are full of fiber, plant-based protein, and iron. They can be used in dips, salads, soups, and stews and are a staple in Indian cuisine.
Read morewinter soup series: tomato, kale, and white bean stew
I recently dined at King, a restaurant in NYC. The meal was delicious and warming. The dishes were uncomplicated - just the type of food I want to enjoy when I eat out. One hearty dish which really stood out was the ribollita, which is a Tuscan bean and tomato bread stew. It was dense and crispy and belly warming. I wanted to create something similar at home, minus the bread. Yes, I am aware that it is hard to omit the bread in a bread stew. Yet, with the inspiration intact, my bread stew morphed into a hearty tomato and bean soup, heavy on the kale, with the addition of potato to add some density and texture. Just what my belly asked for in the dark days of winter.
Read morecrunchy radish clean up: day 1
Day one kicks off with a refreshing ginger mango spinach smoothie, followed by a snack of sweet potato wedges. Lunch is a protein filled lentil soup with a massaged kale salad with chickpeas and buckwheat groats for dinner.
Read moregreen on green gazpacho
In the depths of summer, the last thing that you want to do is crank up your oven. Keep cool and calm with this raw and refreshing green gazpacho that can be whipped up in 5-minutes flat.
Gazpacho is traditionally a cold red soup made from summer tomatoes, cucumbers, and day old bread. This spin uses tons of green on green goodness, ensuring that you get your veggie fix. Green vegetables are loaded with Vitamins C and E, which are great for your skin and immune function, and contain high levels of antioxidants.
Read moreeggplant "meatballs" from kitchen matters cookbook
I have long admired Pamela Salzman for many reasons. Firstly, her food philosophy is real and authentic. She doesn't prescribe to any diet fads and simply endorses eating real unadulterated foods with mainly a plant-based slant. Secondly, as a mom of three, she has meal prep and family friendly foods down to an art. In addition to running her popular cooking classes in LA, she has created a stunning cookbook, Kitchen Matters, which focuses on wholesome and nourishing recipes that are all adaptable to various dietary needs. I am thrilled to share an incredibly delicious recipe from Pamela's book that has already become a favorite in my home. I know that, once you try it out, it will be in heavy rotation in yours too.
Read morebarley and roasted carrot salad with crispy chickpeas
I made this hearty grain salad on whim based on what I happened to have in my pantry one lazy Sunday afternoon. After demonstrating the steps on my instagram stories, I received a lot of positive feedback requesting the complete recipe. It is always such a nice reminder of the incredible community that instagram has fostered. I am so happy to have the continued inspiration and support that encourages me to keep providing nutritious and simple recipes.
Grain salads are always a staple in my cooking repertoire. They are easy to make, versatile, and provide fantastic leftovers. Since produce is currently a little slim at the greenmarket, this grain salad is full of roasted carrots, herbs, crispy chickpeas, crunchy cucumbers, and finished with a dijon sherry vinaigrette. Once the gorgeous produce of spring and summer come in, carrots can easily be joined by fava beans, asparagus, or peas, and fresh arugula can be tossed in at the very end for a punchy and vibrant finish.
Read morecrunchy radish clean up: chickpea + kale soup
Soup is all I want to eat when it is THIS cold. Not the thin, light, and airy kind, but the hearty, rich, and deeply nourishing variety which warms and soothes every part of you. This soup will satisfy your need for comfort in a bowl that we all crave in winter. Not only is this soup delicious, but it is also loaded with immune boosting properties from turmeric, cumin, and carrots which give your body that extra nudge of defense. Chickpeas add protein and texture and create a meal that wraps your belly in a blanket of wellness and warmth.
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