Vegetarian Delights: A Confessions of a Foodie Offspring

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Showing posts with label Winter Vegetable Medley w/Paella.... Show all posts
Showing posts with label Winter Vegetable Medley w/Paella.... Show all posts

Thursday, September 1, 2022

Thursday Recipes

Here are today's yummy vegetarian recipes to help you through the day, including Winter Vegetable Medley with Paella-Style Orzo and Tofu and Spinach Stuffed Shells. Enjoy!

ROASTED VEGETABLE CHILI WITH CORNBREAD BISCUITS

This is from the Food Network. Active Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy

To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/roasted-vegetable-chili-with-cornbread-biscuits-3812231.

Ingredients

1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets

1 poblano chile pepper, seeded and diced

4 scallions, roughly chopped, plus more for topping

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 tablespoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Kosher salt

3/4 cup cornmeal

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar

4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

2/3 cup cold buttermilk

2/3 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 15-ounce can black beans, undrained

1 8-ounce can tomato sauce

1 1/4 cups frozen fire-roasted corn, thawed

1 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

Directions

Preheat the broiler. Toss the cauliflower, poblano and scallions with the vegetable oil, chili powder, cumin and 1/2 teaspoon salt on a rimmed baking sheet; spread in a single layer. Broil until the vegetables are browned around the edges, 7 to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the biscuits: Whisk the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, brown sugar and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Work the butter into the cornmeal mixture with your fingers until crumbly. Stir in the buttermilk and 1/3 cup cheese with a fork until combined.

Remove the baking sheet from the broiler and preheat the oven to 475 degrees F. Add the beans and their liquid, the tomato sauce, corn, vegetable broth and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the roasted vegetables and gently stir. Spoon the biscuit dough on top in 12 mounds, about 1 1/2 inches apart. Sprinkle the biscuits with the remaining 1/3 cup cheese.

Bake until the chili starts bubbling and the biscuits are golden and cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle with scallions.

CHOCOLATE COCONUT MILK ICE CREAM

This is from the Taste For Life website. To view this online, go to https://tasteforlife.com/healthy-recipes/desserts/chocolate-coconut-milk-ice-cream.

Ingredients

3 cups unsweetened coconut milk

2/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder

8 Tbsp honey*

Vanilla extract to taste (optional)

Equipment

Ice-Cream Maker (optional)

Directions

Pour coconut milk in a large mixing bowl.

Add cocoa powder a small amount at a time, whisking until smooth each time.

Add honey and mix well.

Pour mixture in a 13 by 9 metal baking pan.

Freeze until firm, approximately 3 hours. Stir with a fork every 1/2 hour until frozen.

Notes

You can use an ice cream maker. Simply follow the directions on your appliance.

*This frozen delight can easily be vegan by replacing the honey with maple syrup.

ROOT VEGETABLE CHILI SOUP

This is from the September 2007 (?) issue of Vegetarian Times (page 76), and begins, "Root vegetables like rutabagas and carrots are great for spicy kitchen experiments because they lend subtle sweetness to dishes. Believe it or not, you can use curry powder in place of the chili powder here—the soup will have an Indian flair. Dishes that call for chili and curry powders get better over time, so make this dish a day ahead." Makes 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/root-vegetable-chili-soup/.

Ingredients

1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn, thawed

2 Tbs. canola oil

1 small onion, chopped (1 cup)

2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)

4 tsp. mild chili powder

2 tsp. ground cumin

2 small rutabagas, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (1 1/2 lb.)

2 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (1/2 lb.)

1 28-oz. can diced tomatoes

1 small russet potato, finely diced (1 cup)

2 Anaheim, banana, or mild peppers, seeded and chopped (3/4 cup)

1 small red bell pepper, chopped (2/3 cup)

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced, optional

1 15-oz. can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Preparation

Heat large pot over medium heat. Add corn, and sauté 2 minutes, or until beginning to brown. Add oil, onion, and garlic, and sauté 3 to 5 minutes, or until onion is soft. Stir in chili powder and cumin, and cook 2 minutes, scraping bottom of pan with spatula.

Add rutabagas, carrots, tomatoes, potato, Anaheim pepper, bell pepper, jalapeño, if using, and 3 cups water.

Bring pot to a simmer, and season with salt. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Add beans and cook, uncovered, 45 minutes, or until soup thickens. Serve garnished with green onions or cilantro.

PAPRIKA CAULIFLOWER PITA POCKETS

This is from the September 2007 (?) issue of Vegetarian Times (page 76), and begins, "Cauliflower, like paprika, is frequently undervalued in home kitchens. What better way to highlight them both than with this simple dish. Try topping with fresh tomatoes, chopped black olives, and some low-fat Parmesan cheese." Makes 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes

To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/paprika-cauliflower-pita-pockets/.

Ingredients

1 head cauliflower (2 lb.), cut into bite-size florets

3 Tbs. olive oil

2 Tbs. sweet Hungarian paprika

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

1/2 tsp. fine sea salt

1 small red onion, diced (1 cup)

1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)

1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth

2 Tbs. lemon juice

4 pita bread rounds, halved and warmed

Preparation

Steam cauliflower 7 to 9 minutes, or until tender.

Heat oil, paprika, pepper, and salt in nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, 2 minutes, or until fragrant, stirring constantly. Add onion and garlic, and sauté 2 minutes more. Stir in broth and cauliflower, and simmer 3 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in lemon juice. Serve with pita halves.

TOFU AND SPINACH STUFFED SHELLS

This comes from the April/May 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 40. It begins, "Olive oil–poached garlic gives tofu a deep, mellow flavor, while miso and vinegar provide a cheese-like tang."

Makes 6 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/tofu-and-spinach-stuffed-shells/.

Ingredients

6 oz. jumbo pasta shells

12 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced

1/4 cup olive oil

1 16-oz. block firm tofu, drained, rinsed, and patted dry

2 Tbs. unpasteurized apple cider vinegar

2 tsp. lemon juice

2 tsp. white miso

5 oz. baby spinach leaves (6 cups)

1 24-oz. jar prepared pasta sauce

2 Tbs. chopped Kalamata olives, optional

2 Tbs. chopped green olives, optional

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Cook pasta shells according to package directions. Drain, rinse, and drain again, then place on clean kitchen towel to cool and dry.

Bring garlic and olive oil to a simmer in small skillet over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, and simmer 15 minutes, or until garlic is soft and golden. Remove from heat, and set aside.

Crumble tofu into bowl of food processor, and blend with vinegar, lemon juice, miso, garlic, and oil until smooth. Transfer to medium bowl.

Heat large saucepan over medium heat. Add spinach and 2 Tbs. water, and cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until leaves are wilted. Transfer to strainer, and squeeze out excess liquid. Roughly chop, and stir into tofu mixture.

Spoon 2 Tbs. filling into each pasta shell, and place in single layer in large baking dish. Cover with pasta sauce, sprinkle with olives (if using), and bake 45 minutes, or until sauce is bubbling. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

WINTER VEGETABLE MEDLEY WITH PAELLA-STYLE ORZO

This recipe, from Vegetarian Times, begins, "Good-quality saffron is the key to this dish." Makes 4 servings

This can be viewed online at https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/winter-vegetable-medley-with-paella-style-orzo/.

Ingredients

2 3/4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp. saffron threads

1 14.5-oz. can fire-roasted whole tomatoes, drained, liquid reserved, and tomatoes halved

2 Tbs. olive oil

1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 16 pieces

1 cup orzo pasta

1/4 cup frozen peas

2 cups large cauliflower florets

8 green onions, each cut into thirds

1 cup large broccoli florets

Directions

Bring broth to a simmer in saucepan. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, saffron, and tomato liquid. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and keep hot.

Coat large skillet or 8-qt. Dutch oven with cooking spray, add oil, and heat over high heat. Add tomatoes, sear 2 to 3 minutes, or until browned and dry, and transfer to plate. Add bell pepper, sear 2 to 3 minutes, and transfer to same plate.

Sprinkle orzo into skillet, and stir 30 seconds. Stir in broth and peas, and reduce heat to medium. Arrange cauliflower florets on top of orzo in pot. Arrange green onions, tomatoes, and bell pepper pieces around cauliflower; cover, and simmer without stirring, 11 minutes. Scatter broccoli over vegetables, remove pot from heat, and let stand, covered, 10 minutes, or until orzo has absorbed all liquid and broccoli is crisp-tender.

Friday, April 15, 2022

Friday Recipes

It's finally Friday. Here are six yummy recipes to help you through the weekend, including Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Lemon-Thyme Dipping Sauce and West African Peanut Soup. Enjoy!

SLOW-COOKER BLACK BEAN SOUP

This is from Ali Slagle in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Ali wrote, "Start your slow cooker in the morning and by dinnertime, you’ll have deeply spiced black beans that just need a quick blend to become a velvety and vegan black bean soup. While not essential, a smidgen of baking soda helps the beans soften so they end up almost fudgy. Blending some of the beans with their liquid gives the soup body; for a very smooth soup, purée the whole mixture. A little vinegar and a flourish of toppings keep it from being one-note. Leftovers will thicken overnight, so thin as needed with water or turn them into refried beans."

Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 10 hours

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023023-slow-cooker-black-bean-soup.

Ingredients

1 pound dried black beans (not soaked)

1 yellow onion, peeled, trimmed and quartered

5 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled

1 chipotle chile in adobo plus 1 tablespoon adobo sauce

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 dried bay leaves and/or 1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon baking soda (optional)

Kosher salt (Diamond Crystal)

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Any combination of sour cream, Greek yogurt, corn chips, pickled red onion, cilantro, lime wedges or poached eggs, for toppings

Preparation

In a 5- to 8-quart slow cooker, combine the beans, onion, garlic, chipotle chile and sauce, cumin, bay leaves and/or oregano, and baking soda, if using. Add 6 cups of water and 1 teaspoon salt and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low until the beans are tender, 8 to 10 hours. Taste more than one bean to ensure they’re all cooked through; they should also flatten without much effort when pressed between your fingers.

Remove and compost the bay leaves. Transfer the onion, garlic and chipotle chile to a blender or food processor, along with about 2 cups of the beans and broth. (You can purée more or less of the soup, depending on desired consistency.) Blend until smooth. Pour puréed soup back into the slow cooker, stir in the vinegar, then season to taste with salt. Eat with desired toppings.

STUFFED SWEET POTATOES WITH CURRIED CHICKPEAS

From Renew (by United Healthcare).

This begins, “These sweet potatoes — prepared by a smart shortcut in the microwave — are packed with flavor and make a satisfying main dish in a hurry. Low-glycemic foods such as sweet potatoes, chickpeas and kale can help regulate blood glucose levels.”

View this online at https://www.medicare.uhc.com/Healthlineu/health/uhcarticle/hwal-sweet-potato-curried-chickpeas.

Ingredients

4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 (15-ounce) can unsalted chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon curry powder

2 cups baby kale leaves

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Yogurt Sauce

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon turmeric or curry powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork, then place them on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high 10-12 minutes, or until tender. In a large pan or skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add chickpeas, salt, pepper and curry powder. Cook 5-6 minutes or until heated through. Add kale to skillet and cook 2-3 minutes or until wilted. In a small bowl, combine yogurt sauce ingredients. Cut open each sweet potato; top with chickpea mixture and yogurt sauce. Garnish with cilantro.

Serves 4. Calories: 239, Total fat: 3g, Saturated fat: 1.2g, Cholesterol: 1.3mg, Sodium: 478mg, Carbs: 45g, Dietary fiber: 10.2g, Sugars: 6g, Protein: 9g

WINTER VEGETABLE MEDLEY WITH PAELLA-STYLE ORZO

This was in the November 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times (page 30). It begins, "Good-quality saffron is the key to this dish. Shop at a reliable source such as a gourmet store or online spice purveyor, and choose brands that indicate where the saffron was harvested." Makes 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/winter-vegetable-medley-with-paella-style-orzo/.

Ingredients

2 3/4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

\2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp. saffron threads

1 14.5-oz. can fire-roasted whole tomatoes, drained, liquid reserved, and tomatoes halved

2 Tbs. olive oil

1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 16 pieces

1 cup orzo pasta

1/4 cup frozen peas

2 cups large cauliflower florets

8 green onions, each cut into thirds

1 cup large broccoli florets

Preparation

Bring broth to a simmer in saucepan. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, saffron, and tomato liquid. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and keep hot.

Coat large skillet or 8-qt. Dutch oven with cooking spray, add oil, and heat over high heat. Add tomatoes, sear 2 to 3 minutes, or until browned and dry, and transfer to plate. Add bell pepper, sear 2 to 3 minutes, and transfer to same plate.

Sprinkle orzo into skillet, and stir 30 seconds. Stir in broth and peas, and reduce heat to medium. Arrange cauliflower florets on top of orzo in pot. Arrange green onions, tomatoes, and bell pepper pieces around cauliflower; cover, and simmer without stirring, 11 minutes. Scatter broccoli over vegetables, remove pot from heat, and let stand, covered, 10 minutes, or until orzo has absorbed all liquid and broccoli is crisp-tender.

SWEET POTATO AND CORN CHILI PASTA

This was in the November 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times (page 31). It begins, "Make this hearty, homey pasta dish spicier by adding more chopped chipotle chile, if desired." Makes 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/sweet-potato-and-corn-chili-pasta/.

Ingredients

6 oz. rotelle or wagon wheel pasta (2 1/4 cups)

1 Tbs. olive oil

2 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced

1 medium onion, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (1 cup)

1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

2 14.5-oz. cans zesty chili-style diced tomatoes, such as Del Monte

1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (2 cups)

1 Tbs. finely chopped chipotle chile in adobo sauce

1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed

3 Tbs. chopped cilantro

Preparation

Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain, and reserve 1/2 cup pasta-cooking water.

Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, onion, and bell pepper; cook 3 minutes, or until bell pepper begins to soften, stirring occasionally. Add tomatoes, sweet potato, and chipotle chile. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, covered, 10 minutes. Stir in cooked pasta, reserved pasta-cooking water, and corn. Cook, covered, 3 to 5 minutes more, or until pasta is tender and mixture is heated through. Sprinkle with cilantro.

ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS SKEWERS WITH LEMON-THYME DIPPING SAUCE

This was in the November 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times (page 36). It begins, "Roasting Brussels sprouts produces a tender, juicy interior encapsulated by a crispy, caramelized exterior. Hemp oil lends a nutritious element to the light sauce, but you could substitute olive oil or walnut oil." Makes 8 servings Great for the holiday table.

To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/roasted-brussels-sprouts-skewers-with-lemon-thyme-dipping-sauce-recipe/.

Ingredients

1/4 cup lemon juice

3 Tbs. pure maple syrup

1 Tbs. hemp oil

2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves, whole (if small and tender), or finely chopped

32 Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (about 2 lb.)

2 Tbs. safflower oil, or other high-heat oil

Preparation

Preheat oven to 500°F. Whisk together lemon juice, maple syrup, hemp oil, and thyme in small bowl. Set aside.

Toss Brussels sprouts with safflower oil on large, rimmed baking sheet, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Add 1 Tbs. water to pan, and arrange Brussels sprouts cut side down. Cover tightly with foil. Roast 10 minutes, remove foil, then roast 10 to 15 minutes more, or until Brussels sprouts are heavily browned. Toss with 2 Tbs. dipping sauce, and let rest until cool enough to handle but still warm.

Thread 4 Brussels sprout halves onto each skewer, and arrange on platter. Serve warm, with remaining dipping sauce on side.

WEST AFRICAN PEANUT SOUP

This interesting soup comes from Drumnwrite in Allrecipes. The recipe begins, "Tomatoes and peanut butter? YES! The first time I tried this at a health food restaurant, I was hooked. About 5 years of tweaking the recipe to my personal taste has created a spicy, sweet favorite amongst my friends and family. Luckily there is always enough for everyone!"

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour; Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes; Servings:10

To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/68530/west-african-peanut-soup/.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 medium onions, very finely diced

2 large bell peppers, (any color) finely chopped

6 large cloves garlic, minced

1 (28 ounce) can chopped tomatoes with juice

8 cups vegetable broth

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 cup uncooked rice

1 (18 ounce) jar creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Cook onion, bell pepper, and garlic until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.

Add rice to soup and stir. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 25 minutes, or until rice is tender.

When rice is cooked, whisk in peanut butter and return to a simmer, and serve. Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts, if desired.

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Thursday Recipes

Here are today's yummy vegetarian recipes to help you through the day, including Winter Vegetable Medley with Paella-Style Orzo and Tofu and Spinach Stuffed Shells. Enjoy!

ROASTED VEGETABLE CHILI WITH CORNBREAD BISCUITS

This is from the Food Network. Active Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy

To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/roasted-vegetable-chili-with-cornbread-biscuits-3812231.

Ingredients

1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets

1 poblano chile pepper, seeded and diced

4 scallions, roughly chopped, plus more for topping

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 tablespoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Kosher salt

3/4 cup cornmeal

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar

4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

2/3 cup cold buttermilk

2/3 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 15-ounce can black beans, undrained

1 8-ounce can tomato sauce

1 1/4 cups frozen fire-roasted corn, thawed

1 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

Directions

Preheat the broiler. Toss the cauliflower, poblano and scallions with the vegetable oil, chili powder, cumin and 1/2 teaspoon salt on a rimmed baking sheet; spread in a single layer. Broil until the vegetables are browned around the edges, 7 to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the biscuits: Whisk the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, brown sugar and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Work the butter into the cornmeal mixture with your fingers until crumbly. Stir in the buttermilk and 1/3 cup cheese with a fork until combined.

Remove the baking sheet from the broiler and preheat the oven to 475 degrees F. Add the beans and their liquid, the tomato sauce, corn, vegetable broth and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the roasted vegetables and gently stir. Spoon the biscuit dough on top in 12 mounds, about 1 1/2 inches apart. Sprinkle the biscuits with the remaining 1/3 cup cheese.

Bake until the chili starts bubbling and the biscuits are golden and cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle with scallions.

CHOCOLATE COCONUT MILK ICE CREAM

This is from the Taste For Life website. To view this online, go to https://tasteforlife.com/healthy-recipes/desserts/chocolate-coconut-milk-ice-cream.

Ingredients

3 cups unsweetened coconut milk

2/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder

8 Tbsp honey*

Vanilla extract to taste (optional)

Equipment

Ice-Cream Maker (optional)

Directions

Pour coconut milk in a large mixing bowl.

Add cocoa powder a small amount at a time, whisking until smooth each time.

Add honey and mix well.

Pour mixture in a 13 by 9 metal baking pan.

Freeze until firm, approximately 3 hours. Stir with a fork every 1/2 hour until frozen.

Notes

You can use an ice cream maker. Simply follow the directions on your appliance.

*This frozen delight can easily be vegan by replacing the honey with maple syrup.

ROOT VEGETABLE CHILI SOUP

This is from the September 2007 (?) issue of Vegetarian Times (page 76), and begins, "Root vegetables like rutabagas and carrots are great for spicy kitchen experiments because they lend subtle sweetness to dishes. Believe it or not, you can use curry powder in place of the chili powder here—the soup will have an Indian flair. Dishes that call for chili and curry powders get better over time, so make this dish a day ahead." Makes 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/root-vegetable-chili-soup/.

Ingredients

1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn, thawed

2 Tbs. canola oil

1 small onion, chopped (1 cup)

2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)

4 tsp. mild chili powder

2 tsp. ground cumin

2 small rutabagas, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (1 1/2 lb.)

2 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (1/2 lb.)

1 28-oz. can diced tomatoes

1 small russet potato, finely diced (1 cup)

2 Anaheim, banana, or mild peppers, seeded and chopped (3/4 cup)

1 small red bell pepper, chopped (2/3 cup)

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced, optional

1 15-oz. can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Preparation

Heat large pot over medium heat. Add corn, and sauté 2 minutes, or until beginning to brown. Add oil, onion, and garlic, and sauté 3 to 5 minutes, or until onion is soft. Stir in chili powder and cumin, and cook 2 minutes, scraping bottom of pan with spatula.

Add rutabagas, carrots, tomatoes, potato, Anaheim pepper, bell pepper, jalapeño, if using, and 3 cups water.

Bring pot to a simmer, and season with salt. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Add beans and cook, uncovered, 45 minutes, or until soup thickens. Serve garnished with green onions or cilantro.

PAPRIKA CAULIFLOWER PITA POCKETS

This is from the September 2007 (?) issue of Vegetarian Times (page 76), and begins, "Cauliflower, like paprika, is frequently undervalued in home kitchens. What better way to highlight them both than with this simple dish. Try topping with fresh tomatoes, chopped black olives, and some low-fat Parmesan cheese." Makes 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes

To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/paprika-cauliflower-pita-pockets/.

Ingredients

1 head cauliflower (2 lb.), cut into bite-size florets

3 Tbs. olive oil

2 Tbs. sweet Hungarian paprika

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

1/2 tsp. fine sea salt

1 small red onion, diced (1 cup)

1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)

1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth

2 Tbs. lemon juice

4 pita bread rounds, halved and warmed

Preparation

Steam cauliflower 7 to 9 minutes, or until tender.

Heat oil, paprika, pepper, and salt in nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, 2 minutes, or until fragrant, stirring constantly. Add onion and garlic, and sauté 2 minutes more. Stir in broth and cauliflower, and simmer 3 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in lemon juice. Serve with pita halves.

TOFU AND SPINACH STUFFED SHELLS

This comes from the April/May 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 40. It begins, "Olive oil–poached garlic gives tofu a deep, mellow flavor, while miso and vinegar provide a cheese-like tang."

Makes 6 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/tofu-and-spinach-stuffed-shells/.

Ingredients

6 oz. jumbo pasta shells

12 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced

1/4 cup olive oil

1 16-oz. block firm tofu, drained, rinsed, and patted dry

2 Tbs. unpasteurized apple cider vinegar

2 tsp. lemon juice

2 tsp. white miso

5 oz. baby spinach leaves (6 cups)

1 24-oz. jar prepared pasta sauce

2 Tbs. chopped Kalamata olives, optional

2 Tbs. chopped green olives, optional

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Cook pasta shells according to package directions. Drain, rinse, and drain again, then place on clean kitchen towel to cool and dry.

Bring garlic and olive oil to a simmer in small skillet over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, and simmer 15 minutes, or until garlic is soft and golden. Remove from heat, and set aside.

Crumble tofu into bowl of food processor, and blend with vinegar, lemon juice, miso, garlic, and oil until smooth. Transfer to medium bowl.

Heat large saucepan over medium heat. Add spinach and 2 Tbs. water, and cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until leaves are wilted. Transfer to strainer, and squeeze out excess liquid. Roughly chop, and stir into tofu mixture.

Spoon 2 Tbs. filling into each pasta shell, and place in single layer in large baking dish. Cover with pasta sauce, sprinkle with olives (if using), and bake 45 minutes, or until sauce is bubbling. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

WINTER VEGETABLE MEDLEY WITH PAELLA-STYLE ORZO

This recipe, from Vegetarian Times, begins, "Good-quality saffron is the key to this dish." Makes 4 servings

This can be viewed online at https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/winter-vegetable-medley-with-paella-style-orzo/.

Ingredients

2 3/4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp. saffron threads

1 14.5-oz. can fire-roasted whole tomatoes, drained, liquid reserved, and tomatoes halved

2 Tbs. olive oil

1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 16 pieces

1 cup orzo pasta

1/4 cup frozen peas

2 cups large cauliflower florets

8 green onions, each cut into thirds

1 cup large broccoli florets

Directions

Bring broth to a simmer in saucepan. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, saffron, and tomato liquid. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and keep hot.

Coat large skillet or 8-qt. Dutch oven with cooking spray, add oil, and heat over high heat. Add tomatoes, sear 2 to 3 minutes, or until browned and dry, and transfer to plate. Add bell pepper, sear 2 to 3 minutes, and transfer to same plate.

Sprinkle orzo into skillet, and stir 30 seconds. Stir in broth and peas, and reduce heat to medium. Arrange cauliflower florets on top of orzo in pot. Arrange green onions, tomatoes, and bell pepper pieces around cauliflower; cover, and simmer without stirring, 11 minutes. Scatter broccoli over vegetables, remove pot from heat, and let stand, covered, 10 minutes, or until orzo has absorbed all liquid and broccoli is crisp-tender.