Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Today's offerings include Vegetable Shepherd's Pie and Orange Ricotta Bars. Enjoy!
KATHARINE HEPBURN'S BROWNIES
This was in New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. It begins, “Much like its author, this recipe is a no-fuss classic. It calls for just 1/4 cup of flour, which yields an incredibly rich and gooey brownie, and it's super easy to make. So easy, in fact, that baking a batch of these might just become part of your weekend routine.” Time: about 45 minutes; makes 12 brownies
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
1 cup chopped or broken-up walnuts or pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of salt
Preparation
Heat oven to 325 degrees.
Melt butter in saucepan with cocoa and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a large bowl. Whisk in eggs, one at a time. Stir in vanilla.
In a separate bowl, combine sugar, flour, nuts and salt. Add to the cocoa-butter mixture. Stir until just combined.
Pour into a greased 8 x 8-inch-square pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Do not overbake; the brownies should be gooey. Let cool, then cut into bars.
NO CHURN ICE CREAM
This comes from GE Appliances’ email list. It begins, “No one will believe that this ultra-creamy ice cream is so easy to make. No fancy ice cream machine required.”
12 servings (6 cups total)
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch fine sea salt
2 cups heavy cream, chilled
Directions:
In a small bowl, whisk the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla and salt until thoroughly combined; set aside.
In a large metal bowl, whip the cream with a hand mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes. Fold about 1 cup of the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture with a rubber spatula until combined, then fold the lightened mixture into the whipped cream until well blended.
Pour into a chilled 9-by-5-by-3-inch metal loaf pan, cover with plastic wrap and freeze until solid and scoopable, about 3-4 hours.
Chef’s Notes:
For best results, chill both the metal bowl and loaf pan before starting this recipe.
Try adding in additional ingredients after the ice cream has set for a few hours. Crushed up chocolate sandwich cookies, toasted nuts or chopped up candy bars are all great additions. Stir them in and place the ice cream back in the freezer until firm.
VEGETABLE SHEPHERD'S PIE
This came from the Food Network's Magazine several years ago.
Prep Time: 25 min; Cook Time: 41 min; Level: Easy; Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
6 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 large carrots, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
2 stalks celery, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
1 bunch baby turnips, halved or quartered if large
6 cloves garlic, minced
Freshly ground pepper
1/2 bunch fresh parsley, leaves chopped (stems reserved)
1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 cup chopped veggie burgers or vegetarian protein crumbles
2/3 cup milk or half-and-half
Grated parmesan cheese, for sprinkling (optional)
Directions
Preheat the broiler. Cover the potatoes with water in a pot; season with salt, cover and boil until the potatoes are fork-tender, 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a stovetop casserole dish or shallow enamel pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, turnips and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the vegetables brown, 8 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups cooking liquid from the potatoes to the casserole dish. Lower the heat and scrape up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Tie the parsley stems with twine and add to the casserole. Cover and simmer until the vegetables are tender, 8 minutes. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons butter and the chopped veggie burgers and warm through, 5 minutes. Remove the parsley stems and stir in the chopped parsley. Keep warm.
Drain the potatoes and mash with the remaining 3 tablespoons butter and the milk; season with salt and pepper and spoon over the casserole. Sprinkle with parmesan, if desired. Broil until golden brown, 5 minutes.
Per serving: Calories 558; Fat 24 g (Saturated 11 g); Cholesterol 42 mg; Sodium 656 mg; Carbohydrate 68 g; Fiber 9 g; Protein 17 g
EASY WHOLE WHEAT VEGETARIAN SPINACH LASAGNA
This is from Jolinda Hackett on The Spruce Eats. Jolinda wrote, “Easy whole wheat vegetarian lasagna with spinach baked in the oven with three kinds of cheeses. What's not to love? This is the perfect classic spinach lasagna recipe for the whole family!
“Make your vegetarian lasagna just a bit healthier by using this recipe, which calls for whole wheat lasagna noodles and spinach. Even though it uses whole wheat noodles, this Italian spinach lasagna is incredibly rich and creamy as it uses plenty of mozzarella, Parmesan, and low-fat cottage cheese. Of course, you don't have to use whole wheat lasagna noodles if you prefer the regular kind.
“This spinach lasagna recipe is courtesy of the Wheat Foods Council.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 75 minutes; Total Time: 90 minutes; Yield: 10 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 8-ounce package whole wheat lasagne noodles, cooked slightly (al dente)
1 9-ounce package frozen raw spinach (well thawed and drained)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 eggs
3 cups low-fat cottage cheese
3 cups pre-made or store-bought pasta sauce
3 cups grated low-moisture part skim mozzarella cheese
Directions
Pre-heat the oven to 325 degrees F.
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the eggs then add the cottage cheese and Parmesan cheese. Spray a 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a homemade olive oil spray.
Put one layer of the slightly cooked lasagna noodles flat across the bottom of the baking dish. Add about half of the spinach, pressing down lightly and evenly over the noodles. Top with another layer of lasagna noodles. Top this layer of noodles with the cottage cheese mixture then add the remaining spinach. Then add the last of the lasagna noodles laid evenly on top of spinach.
Once you've layered everything, spread the pasta sauce evenly over the top and sprinkle the whole thing with mozzarella cheese. Press down lightly.
Cover baking dish with foil, using foil sprayed with cooking spray and keeping foil off the center of the lasagna. Secure sides tightly over baking dish.
Bake about 1 hour 15 minutes in oven. To lightly brown the top, remove foil for a few minutes at the end of baking time.
Allow to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving): 282 Calories; 12g Fat; 23g Carbs; 19g Protein
JALAPENO BROCCOLI
Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 to 5 servings
Source: America's Everyday Diabetes Cookbook
Book Title: America's Everyday Diabetes Cookbook
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/jalapeno-broccoli
Ingredients
1 teaspoon salt, optional
1 head broccoli, trimmed and separated into spears
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
2 fresh jalapeno peppers, thinly sliced (with or without seeds, depending on desired hotness)
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
Few sprigs fresh coriander or parsley, chopped
Directions
Bring a pot of water to the boil and add optional salt. Add the broccoli spears and boil over high heat for 3 to 5 minutes (depending on desired tenderness).
Drain and transfer broccoli to bowl of ice cold water for 30 seconds. Drain and lay out the cooked spears decoratively on a presentation plate. Drizzle evenly with balsamic vinegar.
In a small frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat for 30 seconds. Add sliced jalapeno peppers (with seeds, if using) and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
Take peppers with all the oil from the pan, and distribute evenly over the broccoli. Garnish with pine nuts and herbs.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 142; Fat: 9 g; Fiber: 6 g; Sodium: 206 mg; Protein: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 14 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Vegetable, 1/2 Lean Meat, 1-1/2 Fat
ORANGE RICOTTA BARS
This is from Michelle Stark, food editor for the Tampa Bay Times. She also has her own site, Stark From Scratch.
Makes about 12 bars.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 ounces ricotta cheese
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Zest from 1 orange (save a pinch for the glaze)
Juice from half of that orange
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the glaze:
2 tablespoons milk
Pinch of orange zest
1 cup confectioners' sugar, more if needed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Fresh mint, for garnish
Orange slices, for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a square baking pan (I used a 9- by 9-inch pan) with cooking spray.
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl; should take between 20 and 30 seconds. Add to a large mixing bowl. Add the sugar, orange zest and juice, and mix. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk until the batter is smooth.
Add in the flour, baking powder and salt, and gently mix until everything is incorporated. Pour batter into the pan and bake for 40 minutes. You can start checking after 30-35 minutes, but mine took the full 40. The bars will be slightly brown around the edges, but don't let them get too brown. Make sure a toothpick or knife inserted into the center of the bars comes out clean.
Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, gently run a knife or spatula around the edge of the pan to loosen bars, then flip pan over carefully so the bars wiggle out. Let bars cool on a baking rack for another 15 to 30 minutes, or until cool to the touch.
Meanwhile, make the glaze: Mix all glaze ingredients in a small bowl, whisking to thoroughly combine. If very thin, add more confectioners' sugar. You want it somewhat runny; it won't be thick like frosting.
When the bars are cool, cut into 10 to 12 squares. Gently spread about 1 tablespoon of glaze on each square (it will be drippy; that's okay). Top each one with a fresh mint sprig and orange slice. Serve immediately, or refrigerate but let come to room temperature before serving.
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Taco Tuesday
Who doesn't love tacos? I really can't remember having tacos as a kid. But once I'd moved to Florida with my mom, brother and sister, Mom started fixing tacos on a regular basis. Back then, she'd cook up some ground beef, chop up lettuce and tomatoes, grate up a block of cheese, and put everything in bowls in the middle of the table for us to make our own tacos.
These days, you don't need the same old beef-lettuce-tomatos-and-cheese tacos to enjoy Taco Tuesday. In fact, you don't even need meat at all. Today's six taco recipes (including Edamame Tacos with Peanut Sauce and Crispy Tofu Tacos) help prove that point. Enjoy!
SPICY MOROCCAN CHICKPEA TACOS
This one, from Vegetarian Times, begins, "For a switch from corn or flour tortillas, try these tacos wrapped in small, warmed whole pita rounds." Yield: Serves 4.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 small onion, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (1 cup)
1 6-oz. pkg. chicken-style vegetarian strips, such as Lightlife Smart Strips
1 tsp. fennel seeds
1/2 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed, drained, and lightly mashed with fork
2 small carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch rounds (1/2 cup)
1/4 cup golden raisins
1 Tbs. harissa
1/3 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, and cook 3 minutes, or until softened. Add chicken-style strips and fennel seeds, and cook 2 minutes. Stir in chickpeas, carrots, raisins, harissa, and 1/3 cup water. Cook 1 minute, or until sauce thickens slightly but carrots remain crisp. Stir in tomatoes, and immediately remove from heat. Fill tortillas with chickpea mixture, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 269; Protein: 12 g; Total Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 37 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 388 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 10 g
CRISPY POTATO TACOS
This is from Hetty Lui McKinnon in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this, Hetty wrote, "Potato tacos, or tacos de papa, as they are known in Mexico, make the perfect meal for those times when you find yourself with an excess of potatoes and a package of tortillas on hand. Tortillas are an endlessly versatile pantry item. In this recipe, adapted from “Tenderheart” by Hetty Lui McKinnon (Alfred A. Knopf, 2023), they are stuffed with potato and cheese for a deeply satisfying meal or light snack. Cooking the potatoes whole, skin intact, prevents them from absorbing too much water, and the skin also adds a nice texture to the filling. Shortcuts are always available: If you’ve got leftover mashed potatoes, you can use them and skip the first step."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour; Total Time: 1-1/4 hours; Yield: 4 servings
This was featured in "4 Easy Dishes That Embrace Everyday Vegeatables," and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024397-crispy-potato-tacos. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
For the Tacos
Sea salt
1-1/2 pounds potatoes (any variety), scrubbed and cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
1-1/2 cups grated Cheddar
Handful of cilantro, leaves and stems finely chopped
1 small garlic clove, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
16 to 18 corn tortillas
Neutral oil, as needed
Any combination of sliced lettuce or cabbage, very finely sliced red onion or sour cream (all optional), for serving
For the Spicy Red Salsa
3 tomatoes (about 1 pound), chopped
1/2 red onion, roughly chopped
Small handful of cilantro, leaves and stems roughly chopped
1 fresh serrano or Fresno chile (seeded, if you prefer less spice)
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
Sea salt
3/4 cup vegetable stock
Preparation
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender. (Check them by inserting a fork or knife into the largest potato piece. If it goes in and out easily, the potato is ready.) Drain and allow to cool for a few minutes.
Make the spicy red salsa: Place tomatoes, onion, cilantro, chile, garlic, cumin, oregano, sugar and 1 teaspoon salt into a blender or food processor and blitz until completely smooth. Pour the purée into a saucepan, add the vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until darker in color and slightly thickened, while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
Place the cooled potatoes in a bowl and roughly mash them. (It does not have to be smooth; a chunky texture is great.) Add the Cheddar, cilantro, garlic, cumin, paprika and 1 teaspoon sea salt and mix to combine.
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and, working in batches, add the corn tortillas and heat until soft and pliable. Remove from the pan and cover the tortillas with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm. Fill each warmed tortilla with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture, then fold in half and press down lightly.
In the same skillet, add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan and warm over medium-high heat. Place three or four tacos in the oil, pressing down lightly with a spatula so that the edges are in the oil, and fry for 1 to 2 minutes, until golden and crispy. Flip them over and repeat on the other side. Repeat with the remaining tacos.
Serve the tacos with the spicy red salsa and any of the optional serving suggestions. (The potatoes can be cooked and mashed 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The salsa can be made 2 days ahead and kept in the fridge. For freezing info, see Tip.)
Tip
You can freeze these assembled tacos by wrapping them tightly and storing in a freezer bag or airtight container. To cook, there is no need to thaw; you can fry them straight from frozen.
CRISPY TOFU TACOS
This is from Alexa Weibel in The New York Time cooking enewsletter. For this yumminess, Alexa wrote, "There are plenty of crispy tofu recipes, but few truly deliver on the promise, since tofu has a tendency to steam because of its high moisture content. But time can do the trick in the oven, creating brittle edges and a chewy texture with little effort. Squeeze out as much excess liquid as you can from your block of tofu, grate it coarsely, season it fearlessly, then roast it until sizzling. The key step is to drizzle the tofu with a combination of olive oil and tomato paste toward the end of cooking, which crisps the edges and lends a deep umami flavor, so much so that this tofu could almost be mistaken for seasoned ground beef. A swipe of avocado mayo, loosened with lime juice and electrified with zest, adds richness and tang, and quite literally holds the tacos together. Choose your mayonnaise and tortillas wisely and the whole dish is vegan."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour; Total Time: 1-1/4 hours; Yield: 8 to 10 tacos
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1026900-crispy-tofu-tacos. While you're at it, sign up for The New York Time cooking enewsletter, if you haven't already. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
2 (14- to 16-ounce) blocks firm tofu
1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne (the lower end is mild; the higher end tingly but not spicy)
Salt and black pepper
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 ripe avocados
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (vegan, if desired)
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime zest and 3 tablespoons juice
8 flour or 10 corn tortillas, warmed
Minced red onion, thinly sliced radishes and chopped cilantro, for serving
Preparation
Heat the oven to 400 degrees.
Prepare your tofu: Drain it, squeezing out any excess moisture over the sink (your tofu may break into chunks). Coarsely grate the drained tofu onto two large (11-by-17-inch), foil-lined sheet pans. (The tofu will crumble chaotically, and that is fine!) Drizzle the tofu in each pan with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. In a small bowl, mix the cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper; sprinkle half the seasonings over each pan and toss to coat. Spread the mixture in an even layer.
Roast the tofu, stirring halfway through and rotating the pans, until the tofu sizzles, darkens and crisps, 30 to 35 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix together the tomato paste with the remaining 3 tablespoons oil. Drizzle the mixture over the tofu, adding half to each pan, then toss to combine, spread into an even layer and roast again until the tofu audibly crackles and develops a slight crunch, 10 to 15 minutes.
While the tofu roasts, prepare the avocado cream: In a small food processor (or blender), blend the avocados, mayo, lime zest and juice until creamy; season generously with salt.
Swipe the warmed tortillas with the avocado cream, then top with tofu mixture, red onion, radishes and cilantro. Serve immediately.
AMERICAN BBQ TACOS
This is from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “For authentic Southern flavor, top these tacos with prepared coleslaw instead of shredded lettuce.” Yield: Serves 4.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
BBQ Sauce
1 1/2 Tbs. ketchup
1 Tbs. vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. honey
1/8 tsp. hot sauce, or more to taste
Tacos
1 1/2 Tbs. vegetable oil
1 cup sliced button mushrooms
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1 cup soy crumbles, such as Lightlife Gimme Lean
4 6-inch corn or flour tortillas, warmed
2 Tbs. chopped red onion
1/3 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup shredded Romaine lettuce
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 Tbs. pickle relish, optional
Instructions:
To make BBQ Sauce: Combine all ingredients in bowl.
To make Tacos: Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms, bell pepper, and carrots, and cook 3 minutes, or until vegetables are softened, stirring halfway through. Add soy crumbles and 2 Tbs. BBQ Sauce. Cook 8 minutes, or until soy crumbles are browned.
Fill tortillas with soy crumble mixture. Top with red onion, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, and relish, if desired. Serve with BBQ Sauce.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 178; Protein: 12 g; Total Fat: 10 g; Saturated Fat: 3.5 g; Carbohydrates: 10 g; Cholesterol: 15 mg; Sodium: 409 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 4 g
EDAMAME TACOS WITH PEANUT SAUCE
This yummy recipe comes from Alissa, whose blog, Connoisseurus Veg, looks really fantastic.
Alissa wrote, “These crunchy edamame tacos are filled with a blend of tender cilantro-lime seasoned soybeans, fresh greens and Thai peanut sauce,” adding, “Mexican-Thai-Japanese fusion at its finest.”
Serves 4; Prep Times: 5 min; Cook Time: 10 min; Total Time: 15.
To view this on Alissa’s blog, click here.
Ingredients
For Peanut Sauce
1/4 cup natural peanut butter
1 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tbsp. maple syrup or agave
1-2 tbsp. water
For the Edamame Tacos
1 tbsp. canola oil (or other neutral-flavored vegetable oil)
1 medium onion, diced
2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 cups cooked, shelled edamame
1 1/2 tbsp. lime juice
1/4 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. finely chopped fresh cilantro
2 scallions, chopped
about 2 cups baby spinach, arugula or spring mix
8 taco shells, preferably homemade
Instructions
Make the Peanut Sauce
Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl, adding as much water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
Make the Edamame Tacos
Heat oil in medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and edamame. Continue to sauté until edamame begin to brown in spots, about another 5 minutes.
Add lime juice and salt. Sauté another 30 seconds and remove from heat.
Add cilantro and scallions. Mix well.
Divide mixture among taco shells and top with greens and peanut sauce.
ZUCCHINI AND CRIMINI TACO
I originally found this at Oh My Veggies. The site has a mess of taco recipes from different places, which can be found http://ohmyveggies.com/vegetarian-taco-recipes/>here.
From A Spicy Perspective at http://www.aspicyperspective.com/taco-recipe/. YIELD: 8-10 tacos; PREP TIME: 20 minutes; COOK TIME: 15 minutes
Ingredients
1 large onion, peeled, quartered and sliced thin
1 1/2 lbs. crimini mushrooms, sliced thin
2 zucchini, sliced thin
2 summer squash sliced thin
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 Tb. butter
1 Tb. cuban seasoning (McCormick makes a good one)
2 tsp. cumin
1/4 chipotle chili powder
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups crumbled California panela cheese (or queso fresco)
1 package corn tortillas
Directions:
Chop the veggies and leave in separate piles. Mix the salt and spices in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over all the veggies.
Place 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet and heat to hight heat. Once the butter is melted, add the onions and garlic. Saute' for 1-2 minutes until just barely soft. Remove from the skillet and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter is melted, add the mushrooms and saute' and stir until brown and cooked through, about 5-8 minutes. Remove and add the last tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Add the zucchini and summer squash to the skillet. Saute' and stir for 2-3 minutes until golden, but just barley cooked through and still firm.
To serve, place a tortilla on a plate (you can double them up for extra stability) and load it with veggies. Top each taco with a generous sprinkling of crumbled panela cheese. Serve warm.
These days, you don't need the same old beef-lettuce-tomatos-and-cheese tacos to enjoy Taco Tuesday. In fact, you don't even need meat at all. Today's six taco recipes (including Edamame Tacos with Peanut Sauce and Crispy Tofu Tacos) help prove that point. Enjoy!
SPICY MOROCCAN CHICKPEA TACOS
This one, from Vegetarian Times, begins, "For a switch from corn or flour tortillas, try these tacos wrapped in small, warmed whole pita rounds." Yield: Serves 4.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 small onion, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (1 cup)
1 6-oz. pkg. chicken-style vegetarian strips, such as Lightlife Smart Strips
1 tsp. fennel seeds
1/2 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed, drained, and lightly mashed with fork
2 small carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch rounds (1/2 cup)
1/4 cup golden raisins
1 Tbs. harissa
1/3 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, and cook 3 minutes, or until softened. Add chicken-style strips and fennel seeds, and cook 2 minutes. Stir in chickpeas, carrots, raisins, harissa, and 1/3 cup water. Cook 1 minute, or until sauce thickens slightly but carrots remain crisp. Stir in tomatoes, and immediately remove from heat. Fill tortillas with chickpea mixture, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 269; Protein: 12 g; Total Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 37 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 388 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 10 g
CRISPY POTATO TACOS
This is from Hetty Lui McKinnon in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this, Hetty wrote, "Potato tacos, or tacos de papa, as they are known in Mexico, make the perfect meal for those times when you find yourself with an excess of potatoes and a package of tortillas on hand. Tortillas are an endlessly versatile pantry item. In this recipe, adapted from “Tenderheart” by Hetty Lui McKinnon (Alfred A. Knopf, 2023), they are stuffed with potato and cheese for a deeply satisfying meal or light snack. Cooking the potatoes whole, skin intact, prevents them from absorbing too much water, and the skin also adds a nice texture to the filling. Shortcuts are always available: If you’ve got leftover mashed potatoes, you can use them and skip the first step."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour; Total Time: 1-1/4 hours; Yield: 4 servings
This was featured in "4 Easy Dishes That Embrace Everyday Vegeatables," and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024397-crispy-potato-tacos. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
For the Tacos
Sea salt
1-1/2 pounds potatoes (any variety), scrubbed and cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
1-1/2 cups grated Cheddar
Handful of cilantro, leaves and stems finely chopped
1 small garlic clove, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
16 to 18 corn tortillas
Neutral oil, as needed
Any combination of sliced lettuce or cabbage, very finely sliced red onion or sour cream (all optional), for serving
For the Spicy Red Salsa
3 tomatoes (about 1 pound), chopped
1/2 red onion, roughly chopped
Small handful of cilantro, leaves and stems roughly chopped
1 fresh serrano or Fresno chile (seeded, if you prefer less spice)
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
Sea salt
3/4 cup vegetable stock
Preparation
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender. (Check them by inserting a fork or knife into the largest potato piece. If it goes in and out easily, the potato is ready.) Drain and allow to cool for a few minutes.
Make the spicy red salsa: Place tomatoes, onion, cilantro, chile, garlic, cumin, oregano, sugar and 1 teaspoon salt into a blender or food processor and blitz until completely smooth. Pour the purée into a saucepan, add the vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until darker in color and slightly thickened, while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
Place the cooled potatoes in a bowl and roughly mash them. (It does not have to be smooth; a chunky texture is great.) Add the Cheddar, cilantro, garlic, cumin, paprika and 1 teaspoon sea salt and mix to combine.
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and, working in batches, add the corn tortillas and heat until soft and pliable. Remove from the pan and cover the tortillas with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm. Fill each warmed tortilla with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture, then fold in half and press down lightly.
In the same skillet, add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan and warm over medium-high heat. Place three or four tacos in the oil, pressing down lightly with a spatula so that the edges are in the oil, and fry for 1 to 2 minutes, until golden and crispy. Flip them over and repeat on the other side. Repeat with the remaining tacos.
Serve the tacos with the spicy red salsa and any of the optional serving suggestions. (The potatoes can be cooked and mashed 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The salsa can be made 2 days ahead and kept in the fridge. For freezing info, see Tip.)
Tip
You can freeze these assembled tacos by wrapping them tightly and storing in a freezer bag or airtight container. To cook, there is no need to thaw; you can fry them straight from frozen.
CRISPY TOFU TACOS
This is from Alexa Weibel in The New York Time cooking enewsletter. For this yumminess, Alexa wrote, "There are plenty of crispy tofu recipes, but few truly deliver on the promise, since tofu has a tendency to steam because of its high moisture content. But time can do the trick in the oven, creating brittle edges and a chewy texture with little effort. Squeeze out as much excess liquid as you can from your block of tofu, grate it coarsely, season it fearlessly, then roast it until sizzling. The key step is to drizzle the tofu with a combination of olive oil and tomato paste toward the end of cooking, which crisps the edges and lends a deep umami flavor, so much so that this tofu could almost be mistaken for seasoned ground beef. A swipe of avocado mayo, loosened with lime juice and electrified with zest, adds richness and tang, and quite literally holds the tacos together. Choose your mayonnaise and tortillas wisely and the whole dish is vegan."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour; Total Time: 1-1/4 hours; Yield: 8 to 10 tacos
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1026900-crispy-tofu-tacos. While you're at it, sign up for The New York Time cooking enewsletter, if you haven't already. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
2 (14- to 16-ounce) blocks firm tofu
1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne (the lower end is mild; the higher end tingly but not spicy)
Salt and black pepper
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 ripe avocados
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (vegan, if desired)
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime zest and 3 tablespoons juice
8 flour or 10 corn tortillas, warmed
Minced red onion, thinly sliced radishes and chopped cilantro, for serving
Preparation
Heat the oven to 400 degrees.
Prepare your tofu: Drain it, squeezing out any excess moisture over the sink (your tofu may break into chunks). Coarsely grate the drained tofu onto two large (11-by-17-inch), foil-lined sheet pans. (The tofu will crumble chaotically, and that is fine!) Drizzle the tofu in each pan with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. In a small bowl, mix the cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper; sprinkle half the seasonings over each pan and toss to coat. Spread the mixture in an even layer.
Roast the tofu, stirring halfway through and rotating the pans, until the tofu sizzles, darkens and crisps, 30 to 35 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix together the tomato paste with the remaining 3 tablespoons oil. Drizzle the mixture over the tofu, adding half to each pan, then toss to combine, spread into an even layer and roast again until the tofu audibly crackles and develops a slight crunch, 10 to 15 minutes.
While the tofu roasts, prepare the avocado cream: In a small food processor (or blender), blend the avocados, mayo, lime zest and juice until creamy; season generously with salt.
Swipe the warmed tortillas with the avocado cream, then top with tofu mixture, red onion, radishes and cilantro. Serve immediately.
AMERICAN BBQ TACOS
This is from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “For authentic Southern flavor, top these tacos with prepared coleslaw instead of shredded lettuce.” Yield: Serves 4.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
BBQ Sauce
1 1/2 Tbs. ketchup
1 Tbs. vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. honey
1/8 tsp. hot sauce, or more to taste
Tacos
1 1/2 Tbs. vegetable oil
1 cup sliced button mushrooms
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1 cup soy crumbles, such as Lightlife Gimme Lean
4 6-inch corn or flour tortillas, warmed
2 Tbs. chopped red onion
1/3 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup shredded Romaine lettuce
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 Tbs. pickle relish, optional
Instructions:
To make BBQ Sauce: Combine all ingredients in bowl.
To make Tacos: Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms, bell pepper, and carrots, and cook 3 minutes, or until vegetables are softened, stirring halfway through. Add soy crumbles and 2 Tbs. BBQ Sauce. Cook 8 minutes, or until soy crumbles are browned.
Fill tortillas with soy crumble mixture. Top with red onion, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, and relish, if desired. Serve with BBQ Sauce.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 178; Protein: 12 g; Total Fat: 10 g; Saturated Fat: 3.5 g; Carbohydrates: 10 g; Cholesterol: 15 mg; Sodium: 409 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 4 g
EDAMAME TACOS WITH PEANUT SAUCE
This yummy recipe comes from Alissa, whose blog, Connoisseurus Veg, looks really fantastic.
Alissa wrote, “These crunchy edamame tacos are filled with a blend of tender cilantro-lime seasoned soybeans, fresh greens and Thai peanut sauce,” adding, “Mexican-Thai-Japanese fusion at its finest.”
Serves 4; Prep Times: 5 min; Cook Time: 10 min; Total Time: 15.
To view this on Alissa’s blog, click here.
Ingredients
For Peanut Sauce
1/4 cup natural peanut butter
1 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tbsp. maple syrup or agave
1-2 tbsp. water
For the Edamame Tacos
1 tbsp. canola oil (or other neutral-flavored vegetable oil)
1 medium onion, diced
2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 cups cooked, shelled edamame
1 1/2 tbsp. lime juice
1/4 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. finely chopped fresh cilantro
2 scallions, chopped
about 2 cups baby spinach, arugula or spring mix
8 taco shells, preferably homemade
Instructions
Make the Peanut Sauce
Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl, adding as much water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
Make the Edamame Tacos
Heat oil in medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and edamame. Continue to sauté until edamame begin to brown in spots, about another 5 minutes.
Add lime juice and salt. Sauté another 30 seconds and remove from heat.
Add cilantro and scallions. Mix well.
Divide mixture among taco shells and top with greens and peanut sauce.
ZUCCHINI AND CRIMINI TACO
I originally found this at Oh My Veggies. The site has a mess of taco recipes from different places, which can be found http://ohmyveggies.com/vegetarian-taco-recipes/>here.
From A Spicy Perspective at http://www.aspicyperspective.com/taco-recipe/. YIELD: 8-10 tacos; PREP TIME: 20 minutes; COOK TIME: 15 minutes
Ingredients
1 large onion, peeled, quartered and sliced thin
1 1/2 lbs. crimini mushrooms, sliced thin
2 zucchini, sliced thin
2 summer squash sliced thin
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 Tb. butter
1 Tb. cuban seasoning (McCormick makes a good one)
2 tsp. cumin
1/4 chipotle chili powder
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups crumbled California panela cheese (or queso fresco)
1 package corn tortillas
Directions:
Chop the veggies and leave in separate piles. Mix the salt and spices in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over all the veggies.
Place 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet and heat to hight heat. Once the butter is melted, add the onions and garlic. Saute' for 1-2 minutes until just barely soft. Remove from the skillet and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter is melted, add the mushrooms and saute' and stir until brown and cooked through, about 5-8 minutes. Remove and add the last tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Add the zucchini and summer squash to the skillet. Saute' and stir for 2-3 minutes until golden, but just barley cooked through and still firm.
To serve, place a tortilla on a plate (you can double them up for extra stability) and load it with veggies. Top each taco with a generous sprinkling of crumbled panela cheese. Serve warm.
Monday, June 30, 2025
Monday Recipes
It's Monday, time to get the week started. Here are six yummy vegetarian recipes to help with that, including Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers and Vegan Reuben Burgers. Enjoy!
SUCCOTASH
This is from Farideh Sadeghin in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Farideh wrote, "Typically a combination of corn, lima beans and other vegetables, succotash was first introduced to colonial immigrants in the 17th century by Native Americans. The name succotash is derived from the Narragansett word “msickquatash,” which refers to corn (and a variety of other ingredients) cooked together in a pot. Using frozen corn and lima beans that have been defrosted make this recipe incredibly simple and evergreen, but opt for fresh versions when in season. Cook the vegetables in stages, starting with the longer-cooking ones, then toss in a tablespoon of butter when they’re all cooked for a layer of silkiness. To keep the tomatoes crisp, remove the pan from the heat before adding them, but if you want them a bit softer, toss the tomatoes in with the corn and lima beans. This dish easily adapts to preference and availability."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Yield: 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1025438-succotash. While you're at it, please consider signing up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium Vidalia onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and finely chopped
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound frozen corn kernels, defrosted, or 6 ears corn, husked, kernels removed
1 pound frozen lima beans, defrosted
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tablespoon roughly chopped parsley
Salt and pepper
Preparation
Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter with the oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the onion and cook until soft, stirring occasionally, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the bell pepper and cook until soft, about 3 minutes, then stir in the garlic powder, paprika and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in the corn and lima beans. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re heated through, about 5 minutes. Add the remaining butter and stir until melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the tomatoes and parsley. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
CHIPOTLE ASPARAGUS QUESADILLAS
This comes from the April/May 2014 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 34. It begins, “Canned chipotles in adobo sauce lend mellow, smoky heat to quesadillas. Leftover chipotles (there are usually four or five in a can) can be wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen for future use.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Quesadillas
1 lb. asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (2 cups)
1 red bell pepper, sliced (1 cup)
1 medium onion, sliced (1 cup)
1-1/2 tsp. olive oil or vegetable oil
1 tsp. dried oregano
4 8-inch sprouted-grain tortillas
Chipotle Spread
3 Tbs. vegan mayonnaise
2 tsp. minced, drained chipotles in adobo sauce
1 Tbs. lime or lemon juice
Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F.
To make Quesadillas: Toss together asparagus, bell pepper, onion, oil, and oregano in large bowl. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Spread on large baking sheet, and roast 10 to 12 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and beginning to brown, stirring once or twice.
Meanwhile, to make Chipotle Spread: blend all ingredients in blender or food processor until smooth.
Spread 1-1/2 tsp. Chipotle Spread on one side of each tortilla, spreading all the way out to edges. Top with 2/3 cup filling on one half of each tortilla, then fold over tortillas, pressing edges together to enclose filling and form half-moons.
Coat large skillet with cooking spray, and heat over medium heat. Cook each quesadilla in skillet 2 to 3 minutes, turning once.
nutritional information Per Quesadilla: Calories: 273; Protein: 8 g; Total Fat: 13 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 32 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 235 mg; Fiber: 8 g; Sugar: 3 g; Vegan
LOUISIANA GREENS AND "SAUSAGE"
This is from the June 2004 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 33. It begins, "A spicy dish with great flavor and texture, this greens mixture contains a delicious potlikker, which is the vitamin- and mineral-rich broth that comes from cooking down the greens." Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/louisiana-greens-and-sausage/.
Ingredients
2 tsp. olive oil
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium-sized onion, coarsely chopped
1 14-oz. bulk-style soy "sausage"
16 oz. mixed greens, such as mustard, collard, turnip and spinach
2 1/2 Tbs. red wine vinegar
1/3 cup white wine or vegetable stock
2 cups vegetarian "chicken" stock, boiling
3/4 cup tomato sauce
1/2 Tbs. dried thyme
Preparation
Heat oil and crushed pepper over medium-high heat in a very large saucepan or stockpot for 1 minute. Add garlic and onions. Cook for 2 minutes, and add soy “sausage,” stirring and breaking apart with a large spoon. Cook mixture for 7 minutes, stirring frequently until browned. Add greens, reduce heat to medium-low and cook mixture, covered, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes, or until greens cook down. Add vinegar, wine, stock and tomato sauce. Reduce heat to low.
Cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Add thyme, and cook 5 minutes longer, or until greens are tender, stirring occasionally.
VEGAN REUBEN BURGERS
Recently, I was looking through old folders on my computer, seeing what I could delete, what to save, that sort of thing. We all need to do that periodically, right?
I stumbled across one folder that read "recipes from different sources" that had another folder inside called "more recipes from online." (Okay, you with me so far?) One of those recipes was labeled "How to Make Vegan Reuben Burgers (Recipe)" that had been posted in the Broward Palm Beach New Times waaaay back on November 7, 2014. Yikes!
The article (with recipe) was posted by Hannah Sentenac. (Sorry for the delay in posting this, Hannah!) The article starts off, "I was putting ketchup on some breakfast potatoes the other day when I noticed an intriguing recipe staring at me from the back of the Heinz bottle: Reuben Burgers.
"Needless to say, they weren't vegan. Nor were they healthy. Nonetheless, I was inspired to veganize them, and the end result was magically delicious. So delicious, in fact, that I knew I had to share."
And the recipe? Yum
You can view this online at https://www.browardpalmbeach.com/restaurants/how-to-make-vegan-reuben-burgers-recipe-6905451.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons sauerkraut
2 slices of rye bread (toasted)
2 slices Creamy Original Field Roast Chao Cheese (or dairy-free cheese of choice)
1/3 package Trader Joe's Beefless Ground Beef (or meatless crumbles of choice)
2 TBS Tofutti Sour Cream
2 TBS Heinz ketchup
Instructions:
Heat up the beefless beef in a skillet over medium heat for two or three minutes. Add the Tofutti Sour Cream and the Heinz Ketchup and stir until mixed.
Remove from heat and spoon mixture over pre-toasted slice of rye bread.
Top with Chao cheese and allow to melt (you can also pop it in the microwave for a few seconds -- Chao cheese is super melty). Then, spoon sauerkraut on top.
Top with remaining slice of rye bread. Cut in half. Eat. NOM NOM NOM.
LENTIL LOAF WITH SMOKED PAPRIKA GLAZE [Vegan, Gluten-Free]
This is from Lee Khatchadourian-Reese on One Green Planet. Lee wrote, "Flavorful, tender, and moist without being sticky, this vegan lentil meatloaf is super tasty. The smoked paprika glaze adds a really nice touch. This might be your favorite vegan meatloaf yet. It's mostly made of lentils, oats, potatoes, celery, and tomato sauce. All you have to do is combine the ingredients and bake it in the oven––so easy! This vegan lentil meatloaf is great to serve at family dinner with a side of veggies and potatoes! Or meal prep it for your week!"
To view this online, go to https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/lentil-meat-loaf-with-smoked-paprika-glaze/. Serves 5-6.
Ingredients
For the Loaf:
2 cups cooked lentils
1 cup shredded potato (about 1 medium potato)
1 cup finely chopped celery
1 small finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup gluten-free quick oats
1/2 cup parsley
1 cup tomato sauce
1 tablespoon flax meal
2 tablespoons warm water
1 tablespoon thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon rosemary, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Glaze:
2 tablespoons ketchup
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix the flax meal in the warm water and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat and add the onion and celery. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until starting to get very soft. Add the garlic and cook a minute or two longer. Remove from the heat.
In a large bowl, combine all of the loaf ingredients including the flax meal and water mixture into a large bowl. Re-season with salt and pepper and stir until well mixed.
Turn the meatloaf mixture into a lightly greased loaf pan.
In a small bowl mix the ketchup with the smoked paprika and brush the top of the loaf.
Bake at 350°F for 50 minutes.
Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes to cool before removing from the pan.
VEGETARIAN STUFFED PEPPERS
This recipe was posted by DWYATT on AllRecipes, and begins, "This was the first vegetarian recipe I ever made--green peppers stuffed with a mixture of brown rice, nuts, dried cranberries, tofu and cheese. Substitute soy cheese for the Parmesan to create a vegan delight."
Prep: 10 minutes; Cook: 1 hour 10 minutes; Ready In: 1 hour 20 minutes
View this online here.
Note: If you're like me and don't have cooking sherry around, feel free to replace it with with alcohol-free cooking sherry (if there is such a thing) or 3 tablespoons of water. Personally, it's been decades since I've had cooking wine/sherry/etc in my house, as well as non-cooking (drinking) alcohol. When I want to celebrate, say at New Year's, etc., I've found that there are plenty of non-alcoholic sparkling juices on the market.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups brown rice
6 large green bell peppers
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons cooking sherry
1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 cups extra firm tofu
1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups tomato sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a saucepan bring 3 cups water to a boil. Stir in rice. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, core and seed green peppers, leaving bottoms intact. Place peppers in a microwavable dish with about 1/2 inch of water in the bottom. Microwave on high for 6 minutes.
In a small frying pan bring soy sauce, wine and Worcestershire sauce to a simmer. Add tofu and simmer until the liquid is absorbed. Combine rice (after it has cooled), tofu, cranberries, nuts, cheese, salt and pepper; mix and pack firmly into peppers. Return peppers to the dish you first microwaved them in, and bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until lightly browned on top.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over low heat, combine tomato sauce and brown sugar; heat until hot throughout. Spoon sauce over each serving.
SUCCOTASH
This is from Farideh Sadeghin in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Farideh wrote, "Typically a combination of corn, lima beans and other vegetables, succotash was first introduced to colonial immigrants in the 17th century by Native Americans. The name succotash is derived from the Narragansett word “msickquatash,” which refers to corn (and a variety of other ingredients) cooked together in a pot. Using frozen corn and lima beans that have been defrosted make this recipe incredibly simple and evergreen, but opt for fresh versions when in season. Cook the vegetables in stages, starting with the longer-cooking ones, then toss in a tablespoon of butter when they’re all cooked for a layer of silkiness. To keep the tomatoes crisp, remove the pan from the heat before adding them, but if you want them a bit softer, toss the tomatoes in with the corn and lima beans. This dish easily adapts to preference and availability."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Yield: 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1025438-succotash. While you're at it, please consider signing up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium Vidalia onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and finely chopped
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound frozen corn kernels, defrosted, or 6 ears corn, husked, kernels removed
1 pound frozen lima beans, defrosted
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tablespoon roughly chopped parsley
Salt and pepper
Preparation
Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter with the oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the onion and cook until soft, stirring occasionally, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the bell pepper and cook until soft, about 3 minutes, then stir in the garlic powder, paprika and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in the corn and lima beans. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re heated through, about 5 minutes. Add the remaining butter and stir until melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the tomatoes and parsley. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
CHIPOTLE ASPARAGUS QUESADILLAS
This comes from the April/May 2014 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 34. It begins, “Canned chipotles in adobo sauce lend mellow, smoky heat to quesadillas. Leftover chipotles (there are usually four or five in a can) can be wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen for future use.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Quesadillas
1 lb. asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (2 cups)
1 red bell pepper, sliced (1 cup)
1 medium onion, sliced (1 cup)
1-1/2 tsp. olive oil or vegetable oil
1 tsp. dried oregano
4 8-inch sprouted-grain tortillas
Chipotle Spread
3 Tbs. vegan mayonnaise
2 tsp. minced, drained chipotles in adobo sauce
1 Tbs. lime or lemon juice
Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F.
To make Quesadillas: Toss together asparagus, bell pepper, onion, oil, and oregano in large bowl. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Spread on large baking sheet, and roast 10 to 12 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and beginning to brown, stirring once or twice.
Meanwhile, to make Chipotle Spread: blend all ingredients in blender or food processor until smooth.
Spread 1-1/2 tsp. Chipotle Spread on one side of each tortilla, spreading all the way out to edges. Top with 2/3 cup filling on one half of each tortilla, then fold over tortillas, pressing edges together to enclose filling and form half-moons.
Coat large skillet with cooking spray, and heat over medium heat. Cook each quesadilla in skillet 2 to 3 minutes, turning once.
nutritional information Per Quesadilla: Calories: 273; Protein: 8 g; Total Fat: 13 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 32 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 235 mg; Fiber: 8 g; Sugar: 3 g; Vegan
LOUISIANA GREENS AND "SAUSAGE"
This is from the June 2004 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 33. It begins, "A spicy dish with great flavor and texture, this greens mixture contains a delicious potlikker, which is the vitamin- and mineral-rich broth that comes from cooking down the greens." Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/louisiana-greens-and-sausage/.
Ingredients
2 tsp. olive oil
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium-sized onion, coarsely chopped
1 14-oz. bulk-style soy "sausage"
16 oz. mixed greens, such as mustard, collard, turnip and spinach
2 1/2 Tbs. red wine vinegar
1/3 cup white wine or vegetable stock
2 cups vegetarian "chicken" stock, boiling
3/4 cup tomato sauce
1/2 Tbs. dried thyme
Preparation
Heat oil and crushed pepper over medium-high heat in a very large saucepan or stockpot for 1 minute. Add garlic and onions. Cook for 2 minutes, and add soy “sausage,” stirring and breaking apart with a large spoon. Cook mixture for 7 minutes, stirring frequently until browned. Add greens, reduce heat to medium-low and cook mixture, covered, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes, or until greens cook down. Add vinegar, wine, stock and tomato sauce. Reduce heat to low.
Cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Add thyme, and cook 5 minutes longer, or until greens are tender, stirring occasionally.
VEGAN REUBEN BURGERS
Recently, I was looking through old folders on my computer, seeing what I could delete, what to save, that sort of thing. We all need to do that periodically, right?
I stumbled across one folder that read "recipes from different sources" that had another folder inside called "more recipes from online." (Okay, you with me so far?) One of those recipes was labeled "How to Make Vegan Reuben Burgers (Recipe)" that had been posted in the Broward Palm Beach New Times waaaay back on November 7, 2014. Yikes!
The article (with recipe) was posted by Hannah Sentenac. (Sorry for the delay in posting this, Hannah!) The article starts off, "I was putting ketchup on some breakfast potatoes the other day when I noticed an intriguing recipe staring at me from the back of the Heinz bottle: Reuben Burgers.
"Needless to say, they weren't vegan. Nor were they healthy. Nonetheless, I was inspired to veganize them, and the end result was magically delicious. So delicious, in fact, that I knew I had to share."
And the recipe? Yum
You can view this online at https://www.browardpalmbeach.com/restaurants/how-to-make-vegan-reuben-burgers-recipe-6905451.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons sauerkraut
2 slices of rye bread (toasted)
2 slices Creamy Original Field Roast Chao Cheese (or dairy-free cheese of choice)
1/3 package Trader Joe's Beefless Ground Beef (or meatless crumbles of choice)
2 TBS Tofutti Sour Cream
2 TBS Heinz ketchup
Instructions:
Heat up the beefless beef in a skillet over medium heat for two or three minutes. Add the Tofutti Sour Cream and the Heinz Ketchup and stir until mixed.
Remove from heat and spoon mixture over pre-toasted slice of rye bread.
Top with Chao cheese and allow to melt (you can also pop it in the microwave for a few seconds -- Chao cheese is super melty). Then, spoon sauerkraut on top.
Top with remaining slice of rye bread. Cut in half. Eat. NOM NOM NOM.
LENTIL LOAF WITH SMOKED PAPRIKA GLAZE [Vegan, Gluten-Free]
This is from Lee Khatchadourian-Reese on One Green Planet. Lee wrote, "Flavorful, tender, and moist without being sticky, this vegan lentil meatloaf is super tasty. The smoked paprika glaze adds a really nice touch. This might be your favorite vegan meatloaf yet. It's mostly made of lentils, oats, potatoes, celery, and tomato sauce. All you have to do is combine the ingredients and bake it in the oven––so easy! This vegan lentil meatloaf is great to serve at family dinner with a side of veggies and potatoes! Or meal prep it for your week!"
To view this online, go to https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/lentil-meat-loaf-with-smoked-paprika-glaze/. Serves 5-6.
Ingredients
For the Loaf:
2 cups cooked lentils
1 cup shredded potato (about 1 medium potato)
1 cup finely chopped celery
1 small finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup gluten-free quick oats
1/2 cup parsley
1 cup tomato sauce
1 tablespoon flax meal
2 tablespoons warm water
1 tablespoon thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon rosemary, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Glaze:
2 tablespoons ketchup
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix the flax meal in the warm water and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat and add the onion and celery. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until starting to get very soft. Add the garlic and cook a minute or two longer. Remove from the heat.
In a large bowl, combine all of the loaf ingredients including the flax meal and water mixture into a large bowl. Re-season with salt and pepper and stir until well mixed.
Turn the meatloaf mixture into a lightly greased loaf pan.
In a small bowl mix the ketchup with the smoked paprika and brush the top of the loaf.
Bake at 350°F for 50 minutes.
Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes to cool before removing from the pan.
VEGETARIAN STUFFED PEPPERS
This recipe was posted by DWYATT on AllRecipes, and begins, "This was the first vegetarian recipe I ever made--green peppers stuffed with a mixture of brown rice, nuts, dried cranberries, tofu and cheese. Substitute soy cheese for the Parmesan to create a vegan delight."
Prep: 10 minutes; Cook: 1 hour 10 minutes; Ready In: 1 hour 20 minutes
View this online here.
Note: If you're like me and don't have cooking sherry around, feel free to replace it with with alcohol-free cooking sherry (if there is such a thing) or 3 tablespoons of water. Personally, it's been decades since I've had cooking wine/sherry/etc in my house, as well as non-cooking (drinking) alcohol. When I want to celebrate, say at New Year's, etc., I've found that there are plenty of non-alcoholic sparkling juices on the market.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups brown rice
6 large green bell peppers
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons cooking sherry
1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 cups extra firm tofu
1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups tomato sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a saucepan bring 3 cups water to a boil. Stir in rice. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, core and seed green peppers, leaving bottoms intact. Place peppers in a microwavable dish with about 1/2 inch of water in the bottom. Microwave on high for 6 minutes.
In a small frying pan bring soy sauce, wine and Worcestershire sauce to a simmer. Add tofu and simmer until the liquid is absorbed. Combine rice (after it has cooled), tofu, cranberries, nuts, cheese, salt and pepper; mix and pack firmly into peppers. Return peppers to the dish you first microwaved them in, and bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until lightly browned on top.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over low heat, combine tomato sauce and brown sugar; heat until hot throughout. Spoon sauce over each serving.
Friday, June 27, 2025
Friday Recipes
It's finally Friday. Here are six vegetarian recipes to help you through the weekend, including Easy Vegan Tempeh Chili and Easy Breaded Tofu Nuggets. Enjoy!
SIMPLE VEGETARIAN SPINACH LASAGNA
This is from Vicki Shata Retelny, RDN, at VeryWellFit. She wrote, “There's nothing like lasagna to soothe a craving for a creamy, dreamy meal. With a foundation of vitamin C-rich tomato sauce, which is loaded with the carotenoid lycopene, this Italian classic takes on a healthy bend with a good dose veggies nestled in its layers.
“Chock full of leafy green spinach, this dish is good for your brain health, as eating a serving of veggies each day has shown to fend off cognitive decline. Spinach is also loaded with iron and calcium for a total body wellness boost.“
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 65 minutes; Servings: 9 (1 cup each)
To view this online, go to https://www.verywellfit.com/vegetarian-spinach-lasagna-4144632.
Ingredients
1 package no-boil lasagna noodles
2 28-ounce cans tomato sauce
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon oregano
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 15-ounce container part-skim ricotta cheese
1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, grated
3 cups raw baby spinach leaves
Preparation
Preheat the oven the 350F.
On the stovetop over medium heat, pour the tomato sauce into a saucepan. Add salt, oregano, and garlic. Bring to a light boil, lower the heat, and simmer for a few minutes. Stir occasionally.
On the bottom of a 9x13 pan put a layer of tomato sauce. Place a layer of noodles on top, covering the bottom of the pan. Spread ricotta cheese on top of the noodles, top with spinach, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and coat with a small ladle full of sauce. Repeat the layers until you get to the top of the pan. Sprinkle the final layer with mozzarella cheese.
Place in the oven and bake for 45 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is golden brown on top.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a 10 minutes before serving.
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
Make this dish higher in fiber with whole wheat noodles, although they may only be available in the boil variety. Add other vegetables such a sliced carrots, zucchini, or eggplant. For an alternative green, use baby kale or arugula. Spread pesto between the layers or incorporate it into the tomato sauce for a rich, nutty flavor.
If you want to add meat, add cooked, diced chicken breast or ground turkey to the sauce. For a non-dairy twist, use vegan cheese in lieu of ricotta and mozzarella cheese.
Cooking and Serving Tips
To save time use no-boil lasagna noodles—they're quick and easy to assemble. Plus, the part-skim ricotta cheese and mozzarella reduce the fat but still offer good-quality protein.
This dish can be assembled and placed, uncooked and covered, in the refrigerator overnight. Simply heat and serve the next day. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer in an airtight container.
EASY VEGAN TEMPEH CHILI
This is from OnTrackDiabetes, a site with some good information for diabetics and their families.
Servings: 6; Prep time: 10 minutes; Cook time: 30 minutes; Total: 40 minutes
You can view this at https://www.ontrackdiabetes.com/recipes/easy-vegan-tempeh-chili.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
8 ounces tempeh
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
1/2 orange bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 stalk of celery, chopped
1 15-ounce can of organic pinto beans (undrained)
1 15-ounce can of organic kidney beans (drained)
2 15-ounce cans of fire-roasted diced tomatoes (undrained)
3/4 cup of water
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne (or to taste)
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large (6-quart) saucepan on medium heat.
Remove tempeh from the package and crumble it into saucepan. Brown for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add chopped onion, bell peppers and celery to saucepan. Stir frequently for about 5 minutes.
Add beans (1 drained and 1 undrained), tomatoes, water and remaining seasonings. Stir well to combine.
Simmer on low heat for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until peppers are cooked yet still firm.
Nutrition Information Per Serving: 330 calories (33% calories from fat), 18 g protein, 12 g total fat (2 g saturated fat), 38 g carbohydrates, 12 g fiber, 0 mg cholesterol, 767 mg sodium
SUGAR SNAP PEAS AND CARROTS
Recipe Yield: Makes 4 servings.
Source: AICR
Recipe and image appear courtesy of American Institute for Cancer Research.
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/sugar-snap-peas-and-carrots.
Ingredients
1 tsp. canola oil
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 tsp. grated or minced ginger
8 oz. sugar snap peas
3 baby carrots, cut lengthwise in 8 strips
3 Tbsp. vegetable broth, or water
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 large basil leaves, cut crosswise in thin strips
Directions
Heat oil in a medium non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Saute garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add peas and carrots to the pan, stirring to coat them with oil. Add broth or water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender-crisp, about 4 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix in basil and serve.
Notes:
Additional Info: 2 g. dietary fiber
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 47; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 109 mg; Protein: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 Vegetable
EASY BREADED TOFU NUGGETS
This is from Jolinda Hackett, who wrote for The Spruce Eats. For this recipe, Jolinda wrote, “Fool your kids with a meat-free tofu chicken nugget dinner, reminiscent of the favorite finger food they love to dip in ketchup, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.
“In this recipe, extra-firm tofu is coated with a seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture. Then, just like chicken, it's baked or fried to a crispy, addicting perfection.
“If you're squeamish about cooking with tofu, try this nugget recipe before you shun it, as the flavors mimic the taste of real chicken. Just make sure to follow the directions carefully, taking care to press the tofu before cooking for better consistency and taste. Then, decide on a cooking medium—for all-out flavor, go fried or for a low-fat preparation, go baked. Whatever way you choose, tofu (not) chicken nuggets make a perfect snack or dinner for picky kids and vegan eaters alike.
“Like most tofu recipes, this one will taste best if you press the tofu first. This allows the tofu to expel additional moisture so that it can absorb the seasonings for better flavor. It also helps the tofu retain its shape during the cooking process.”
Total: 70 mins; Prep: 45 mins; Cook: 25 mins; Yield: 4 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 block tofu (firm or extra-firm, well pressed)
1/3 cup soy milk (or another non-dairy milk substitute)
2 tablespoons mustard
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley (or Italian seasoning)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons high-heat vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
Directions
Note: while there are multiple steps to this recipe, these vegan nuggets are broken down into workable categories to help you better plan for preparation and baking.
Press the Tofu
Gather the ingredients.
Remove the tofu from its package.
Pat the block of tofu dry and place it in between two layers of paper towels.
Place a small cutting board (or flat-surfaced item) and a weight— like a pot or a brick—on top of the tofu.
Let the tofu sit for 30 minutes, replacing the paper towels when they become saturated.
Prep the Tofu
Once your tofu is pressed, slice it into 1-inch cubes or nuggets (about the size of a frozen chicken nugget).
In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the soy milk, mustard, nutritional yeast, and spices until smooth.
Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.
Pan-Fry the Tofu
Heat the oil in a frying pan on medium-high heat.
Take one piece of tofu and dip it in the liquid mixture. Then carefully dip it in the breadcrumbs until well coated.
Add it to the pan and repeat the process.
Fry the pieces of tofu, turning them often, until golden brown on all sides.
Serve and enjoy!
Bake the Tofu
For a low-fat alternative cooking method, bake your tofu nuggets on a prepared baking sheet.
Preheat your oven to 350 F and then bake the tofu for 25 minutes, turning once, until golden brown.
Serve your vegetarian tofu nuggets with ketchup, barbecue sauce, or Sriracha hot sauce and enjoy.
FRESH STRAWBERRY PIE
This is from Samantha Seneviratne in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Samantha wrote, “This pie is a celebration of perfectly ripe, summertime strawberries. Only two cups of the berries are cooked down into a quick jam, which holds the rest of the fruit together for a delightfully fresh pie. With a crunchy shortbread crust and a cloud of freshly whipped cream, it’s reminiscent of strawberry shortcake — but maybe even better.”
Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Time: 45 minutes, plus chilling
https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019379-fresh-strawberry-pie
Ingredients
For the Crust
10 2/3 ounces shortbread cookies (2 5.3-ounce packages)
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
2 1/2 pounds strawberries (about 8 to 10 cups), hulled
1/3 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons strawberry preserves
1/4 cup cornstarch
Pinch of kosher salt
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Topping
1 cup cold heavy cream
1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
Preparation
Prepare crust: Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor, combine shortbread cookies, sugar, flour and salt and blend until you have fine crumbs. Transfer crumbs to a medium mixing bowl. Add butter and mix with a fork until crumbs are evenly moistened. Tip crumbs into a standard 9-inch pie plate and press them in an even layer on the bottom and up the sides of the plate. Bake until golden brown and set, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Prepare filling: Cut each of the strawberries in quarters or eighths, if they are large. Transfer 2 cups berries to a small saucepan and crush completely with a potato masher. Set aside the remaining berries in a large bowl. Add the sugar, preserves, cornstarch, 1 tablespoon water and salt to the saucepan.
Bring strawberry mixture to a boil over medium heat and then cook it an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add strawberry mixture and lemon juice to the strawberries in the bowl and stir to combine. Transfer to the prepared crust and gently tap it down into an even layer. Transfer to the fridge to set for at least 4 hours.
Just before serving, whip cream, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla, if using, to soft peaks. Top pie with whipped cream.
JOLLOF RICE
This is from Yewande Komolafe in the The New York Times cooking email. Yewande wrote, “A successful batch of jollof rice requires a few key ingredients (tomatoes, peppers, onions, a few herbs, spices and some stock) and a perfect sauce-to-rice ratio, so the cooked grains remain separate. I have found that the best, no-fuss way to do this is in the oven. Jollof is typically made with long-grain rice, though in Nigeria, parboiled rice is the norm. Most jollof is prepared over an open flame or on a stovetop. Missing from this oven version is the slightly smoky flavor you get from the little bits of rice that have browned on the bottom of your pan, but that’s nothing a pinch of smoked paprika can’t fix. Serve with braised goat or other stewed meats, and a side of fried plantains.”
Note: Okay, this is me writing. Obviously, for this blog, I'm adding that, if you're a vegetarian (like I am), you might not be serving this with any meat. But that said, it would be fantastic with any vegetarian stews or chilis, anything that you might otherwise serve over noddles, rice, crackers, etc.
Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Time: 1 1/2 hours
This was featured in “Yewande Komolafe’s 10 Essential Nigerian Recipes” and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020288-jollof-rice.
Ingredients
For the Obe Ata:
1 (14-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes with their juices
1 medium red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and roughly chopped
1/2 medium red onion, peeled and roughly chopped
4 garlic cloves, peeled
1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
1 red habanero chile, stemmed
2 tablespoons canola or other neutral oil
For the Jollof Rice:
1/2 cup canola or other neutral oil
2 medium red onions, peeled, halved and thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
3 cups parboiled long-grain rice (such as Carolina Gold or Uncle Ben’s Original), basmati or jasmine rice (about 1 1/4 pounds)
5 fresh thyme sprigs
1 fresh bay leaf
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups beef, chicken or vegetable stock
Preparation
Prepare the obe ata: Working in batches if needed, combine all the obe ata ingredients except the canola oil in a blender and purée on high until smooth. The liquid from the can of tomatoes should suffice, but you can add up to 1/4 cup of water if necessary to get the purée going. (You should have about 3 cups of purée.)
Heat the 2 tablespoons canola oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high. Add the purée and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium, cover and simmer until the sauce is slightly reduced by about a third of its original volume, 18 to 20 minutes. (It should make about 2 cups. Obe ata can be cooled and refrigerated for up to 2 weeks, or frozen for up to 1 month.)
Prepare the rice: Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Heat the 1/2 cup canola oil in a large Dutch oven over medium until shimmering, about 1 minute. Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove half the onions to a plate and set aside. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste, turmeric and smoked paprika, if using, and toast, stirring occasionally, until turmeric is fragrant and tomato paste has deepened to a dark red color, about 2 minutes.
Stir in the obe ata sauce and bring to a simmer over medium heat. The habanero oils love to disperse in the air, so you may want to turn on your stovetop fan or open a window while simmering the obe ata. Stir in the rice, thyme and bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the stock and cover with a lid. Transfer the pot to the oven and cook until rice is just tender, 35 minutes.
Remove the pot from the oven and let sit, covered (no peeking) for 15 minutes. Uncover, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the reserved sautéed onions. Adjust seasoning, if necessary, and discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Serve warm.
SIMPLE VEGETARIAN SPINACH LASAGNA
This is from Vicki Shata Retelny, RDN, at VeryWellFit. She wrote, “There's nothing like lasagna to soothe a craving for a creamy, dreamy meal. With a foundation of vitamin C-rich tomato sauce, which is loaded with the carotenoid lycopene, this Italian classic takes on a healthy bend with a good dose veggies nestled in its layers.
“Chock full of leafy green spinach, this dish is good for your brain health, as eating a serving of veggies each day has shown to fend off cognitive decline. Spinach is also loaded with iron and calcium for a total body wellness boost.“
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 65 minutes; Servings: 9 (1 cup each)
To view this online, go to https://www.verywellfit.com/vegetarian-spinach-lasagna-4144632.
Ingredients
1 package no-boil lasagna noodles
2 28-ounce cans tomato sauce
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon oregano
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 15-ounce container part-skim ricotta cheese
1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, grated
3 cups raw baby spinach leaves
Preparation
Preheat the oven the 350F.
On the stovetop over medium heat, pour the tomato sauce into a saucepan. Add salt, oregano, and garlic. Bring to a light boil, lower the heat, and simmer for a few minutes. Stir occasionally.
On the bottom of a 9x13 pan put a layer of tomato sauce. Place a layer of noodles on top, covering the bottom of the pan. Spread ricotta cheese on top of the noodles, top with spinach, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and coat with a small ladle full of sauce. Repeat the layers until you get to the top of the pan. Sprinkle the final layer with mozzarella cheese.
Place in the oven and bake for 45 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is golden brown on top.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a 10 minutes before serving.
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
Make this dish higher in fiber with whole wheat noodles, although they may only be available in the boil variety. Add other vegetables such a sliced carrots, zucchini, or eggplant. For an alternative green, use baby kale or arugula. Spread pesto between the layers or incorporate it into the tomato sauce for a rich, nutty flavor.
If you want to add meat, add cooked, diced chicken breast or ground turkey to the sauce. For a non-dairy twist, use vegan cheese in lieu of ricotta and mozzarella cheese.
Cooking and Serving Tips
To save time use no-boil lasagna noodles—they're quick and easy to assemble. Plus, the part-skim ricotta cheese and mozzarella reduce the fat but still offer good-quality protein.
This dish can be assembled and placed, uncooked and covered, in the refrigerator overnight. Simply heat and serve the next day. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer in an airtight container.
EASY VEGAN TEMPEH CHILI
This is from OnTrackDiabetes, a site with some good information for diabetics and their families.
Servings: 6; Prep time: 10 minutes; Cook time: 30 minutes; Total: 40 minutes
You can view this at https://www.ontrackdiabetes.com/recipes/easy-vegan-tempeh-chili.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
8 ounces tempeh
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
1/2 orange bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 stalk of celery, chopped
1 15-ounce can of organic pinto beans (undrained)
1 15-ounce can of organic kidney beans (drained)
2 15-ounce cans of fire-roasted diced tomatoes (undrained)
3/4 cup of water
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne (or to taste)
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large (6-quart) saucepan on medium heat.
Remove tempeh from the package and crumble it into saucepan. Brown for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add chopped onion, bell peppers and celery to saucepan. Stir frequently for about 5 minutes.
Add beans (1 drained and 1 undrained), tomatoes, water and remaining seasonings. Stir well to combine.
Simmer on low heat for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until peppers are cooked yet still firm.
Nutrition Information Per Serving: 330 calories (33% calories from fat), 18 g protein, 12 g total fat (2 g saturated fat), 38 g carbohydrates, 12 g fiber, 0 mg cholesterol, 767 mg sodium
SUGAR SNAP PEAS AND CARROTS
Recipe Yield: Makes 4 servings.
Source: AICR
Recipe and image appear courtesy of American Institute for Cancer Research.
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/sugar-snap-peas-and-carrots.
Ingredients
1 tsp. canola oil
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 tsp. grated or minced ginger
8 oz. sugar snap peas
3 baby carrots, cut lengthwise in 8 strips
3 Tbsp. vegetable broth, or water
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 large basil leaves, cut crosswise in thin strips
Directions
Heat oil in a medium non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Saute garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add peas and carrots to the pan, stirring to coat them with oil. Add broth or water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender-crisp, about 4 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix in basil and serve.
Notes:
Additional Info: 2 g. dietary fiber
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 47; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 109 mg; Protein: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 Vegetable
EASY BREADED TOFU NUGGETS
This is from Jolinda Hackett, who wrote for The Spruce Eats. For this recipe, Jolinda wrote, “Fool your kids with a meat-free tofu chicken nugget dinner, reminiscent of the favorite finger food they love to dip in ketchup, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.
“In this recipe, extra-firm tofu is coated with a seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture. Then, just like chicken, it's baked or fried to a crispy, addicting perfection.
“If you're squeamish about cooking with tofu, try this nugget recipe before you shun it, as the flavors mimic the taste of real chicken. Just make sure to follow the directions carefully, taking care to press the tofu before cooking for better consistency and taste. Then, decide on a cooking medium—for all-out flavor, go fried or for a low-fat preparation, go baked. Whatever way you choose, tofu (not) chicken nuggets make a perfect snack or dinner for picky kids and vegan eaters alike.
“Like most tofu recipes, this one will taste best if you press the tofu first. This allows the tofu to expel additional moisture so that it can absorb the seasonings for better flavor. It also helps the tofu retain its shape during the cooking process.”
Total: 70 mins; Prep: 45 mins; Cook: 25 mins; Yield: 4 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 block tofu (firm or extra-firm, well pressed)
1/3 cup soy milk (or another non-dairy milk substitute)
2 tablespoons mustard
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley (or Italian seasoning)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons high-heat vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
Directions
Note: while there are multiple steps to this recipe, these vegan nuggets are broken down into workable categories to help you better plan for preparation and baking.
Press the Tofu
Gather the ingredients.
Remove the tofu from its package.
Pat the block of tofu dry and place it in between two layers of paper towels.
Place a small cutting board (or flat-surfaced item) and a weight— like a pot or a brick—on top of the tofu.
Let the tofu sit for 30 minutes, replacing the paper towels when they become saturated.
Prep the Tofu
Once your tofu is pressed, slice it into 1-inch cubes or nuggets (about the size of a frozen chicken nugget).
In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the soy milk, mustard, nutritional yeast, and spices until smooth.
Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.
Pan-Fry the Tofu
Heat the oil in a frying pan on medium-high heat.
Take one piece of tofu and dip it in the liquid mixture. Then carefully dip it in the breadcrumbs until well coated.
Add it to the pan and repeat the process.
Fry the pieces of tofu, turning them often, until golden brown on all sides.
Serve and enjoy!
Bake the Tofu
For a low-fat alternative cooking method, bake your tofu nuggets on a prepared baking sheet.
Preheat your oven to 350 F and then bake the tofu for 25 minutes, turning once, until golden brown.
Serve your vegetarian tofu nuggets with ketchup, barbecue sauce, or Sriracha hot sauce and enjoy.
FRESH STRAWBERRY PIE
This is from Samantha Seneviratne in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Samantha wrote, “This pie is a celebration of perfectly ripe, summertime strawberries. Only two cups of the berries are cooked down into a quick jam, which holds the rest of the fruit together for a delightfully fresh pie. With a crunchy shortbread crust and a cloud of freshly whipped cream, it’s reminiscent of strawberry shortcake — but maybe even better.”
Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Time: 45 minutes, plus chilling
https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019379-fresh-strawberry-pie
Ingredients
For the Crust
10 2/3 ounces shortbread cookies (2 5.3-ounce packages)
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
2 1/2 pounds strawberries (about 8 to 10 cups), hulled
1/3 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons strawberry preserves
1/4 cup cornstarch
Pinch of kosher salt
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Topping
1 cup cold heavy cream
1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
Preparation
Prepare crust: Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor, combine shortbread cookies, sugar, flour and salt and blend until you have fine crumbs. Transfer crumbs to a medium mixing bowl. Add butter and mix with a fork until crumbs are evenly moistened. Tip crumbs into a standard 9-inch pie plate and press them in an even layer on the bottom and up the sides of the plate. Bake until golden brown and set, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Prepare filling: Cut each of the strawberries in quarters or eighths, if they are large. Transfer 2 cups berries to a small saucepan and crush completely with a potato masher. Set aside the remaining berries in a large bowl. Add the sugar, preserves, cornstarch, 1 tablespoon water and salt to the saucepan.
Bring strawberry mixture to a boil over medium heat and then cook it an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add strawberry mixture and lemon juice to the strawberries in the bowl and stir to combine. Transfer to the prepared crust and gently tap it down into an even layer. Transfer to the fridge to set for at least 4 hours.
Just before serving, whip cream, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla, if using, to soft peaks. Top pie with whipped cream.
JOLLOF RICE
This is from Yewande Komolafe in the The New York Times cooking email. Yewande wrote, “A successful batch of jollof rice requires a few key ingredients (tomatoes, peppers, onions, a few herbs, spices and some stock) and a perfect sauce-to-rice ratio, so the cooked grains remain separate. I have found that the best, no-fuss way to do this is in the oven. Jollof is typically made with long-grain rice, though in Nigeria, parboiled rice is the norm. Most jollof is prepared over an open flame or on a stovetop. Missing from this oven version is the slightly smoky flavor you get from the little bits of rice that have browned on the bottom of your pan, but that’s nothing a pinch of smoked paprika can’t fix. Serve with braised goat or other stewed meats, and a side of fried plantains.”
Note: Okay, this is me writing. Obviously, for this blog, I'm adding that, if you're a vegetarian (like I am), you might not be serving this with any meat. But that said, it would be fantastic with any vegetarian stews or chilis, anything that you might otherwise serve over noddles, rice, crackers, etc.
Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Time: 1 1/2 hours
This was featured in “Yewande Komolafe’s 10 Essential Nigerian Recipes” and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020288-jollof-rice.
Ingredients
For the Obe Ata:
1 (14-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes with their juices
1 medium red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and roughly chopped
1/2 medium red onion, peeled and roughly chopped
4 garlic cloves, peeled
1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
1 red habanero chile, stemmed
2 tablespoons canola or other neutral oil
For the Jollof Rice:
1/2 cup canola or other neutral oil
2 medium red onions, peeled, halved and thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
3 cups parboiled long-grain rice (such as Carolina Gold or Uncle Ben’s Original), basmati or jasmine rice (about 1 1/4 pounds)
5 fresh thyme sprigs
1 fresh bay leaf
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups beef, chicken or vegetable stock
Preparation
Prepare the obe ata: Working in batches if needed, combine all the obe ata ingredients except the canola oil in a blender and purée on high until smooth. The liquid from the can of tomatoes should suffice, but you can add up to 1/4 cup of water if necessary to get the purée going. (You should have about 3 cups of purée.)
Heat the 2 tablespoons canola oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high. Add the purée and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium, cover and simmer until the sauce is slightly reduced by about a third of its original volume, 18 to 20 minutes. (It should make about 2 cups. Obe ata can be cooled and refrigerated for up to 2 weeks, or frozen for up to 1 month.)
Prepare the rice: Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Heat the 1/2 cup canola oil in a large Dutch oven over medium until shimmering, about 1 minute. Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove half the onions to a plate and set aside. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste, turmeric and smoked paprika, if using, and toast, stirring occasionally, until turmeric is fragrant and tomato paste has deepened to a dark red color, about 2 minutes.
Stir in the obe ata sauce and bring to a simmer over medium heat. The habanero oils love to disperse in the air, so you may want to turn on your stovetop fan or open a window while simmering the obe ata. Stir in the rice, thyme and bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the stock and cover with a lid. Transfer the pot to the oven and cook until rice is just tender, 35 minutes.
Remove the pot from the oven and let sit, covered (no peeking) for 15 minutes. Uncover, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the reserved sautéed onions. Adjust seasoning, if necessary, and discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Serve warm.
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Breakfast
If you've followed this blog for a while, you're probably aware that when I was a kid, my mom had rules about meals. Dinner (our late meal, otherwise known as supper, unless it was Sunday or a holiday) was meat, starch (potatoes or rice) and a veggie. Eggs or cereal for breakfast. And breakfast was never eaten in place of dinner.
Fortunately, she did ease up on that last rule in her later years.
There were times, though, when I'd really want breakfast for dinner. Our next-door neighbors would frequently have breakfast for Thursday night dinner. This served two purposes: it got rid of the last of that week's cereal, since most dads in our neighborhood got paid on Fridays, making Friday grocery day, and the cereal would be replaced. Also, it meant their mom didn't have to worry about fixing anything fancy.
"Can't we have cereal for dinner?" I'd whine to Mom, especially if she was planning to make liver and onions.
"No, that's breakfast food," she'd answer.
Mom
Well, to all of us who occasionally want breakfast for dinner, here are six breakfast recipes to help you (and me) along, including Cocoa Pancakes, a nice Spanish Omelet, and Parisian-Style Sweet Crepes. Enjoy!
MAKE-AHEAD EGG, SPINACH AND FETA WRAPS
This is from Naz Deravian in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Naz wrote, "Packed with protein, enough baby spinach to make Popeye proud, and punchy umami from sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese, these wraps are ideal for make-ahead breakfasts. Feel free to customize by adding herbs like dill, parsley or cilantro, or a small handful of chopped roasted red peppers or pitted olives. The frittata-like egg mixture is baked in the oven in a baking pan and sliced into rectangles to fit easily on lavash wraps or burrito-size flour tortillas. If you don’t want to make wraps, you can simply serve the tender frittata by itself."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 55 minutes; Yield: 5 wraps
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1026810-make-ahead-egg-spinach-and-feta-wraps. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up forThe New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
Cooking spray or neutral oil, as needed
1/4 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, plus 3 tablespoons oil from the jar (see Tip)
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) and black pepper
5 to 6 ounces baby spinach (5 to 6 cups packed)
10 large eggs
1/2 cup/3 ounces crumbled feta
5 lavash wraps (about 10-by-12 inches) or burrito-size flour tortillas, at room temperature (see Tip)
Cream cheese, fresh goat cheese or flavored soft cheese, such as Boursin, optional
Preparation
Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with cooking spray, making sure to spray the sides well. (Alternately, you can lightly brush with neutral oil.) Line the baking pan with parchment paper with overhang on at least two sides and spray the parchment paper with oil. Heat the oven to 375 degrees with the rack in the center position.
In a large skillet, heat the sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle with a little salt, add the sundried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the spinach, in batches if necessary, and cook, stirring frequently, just until wilted. (You don’t want the spinach to release any liquid.) Season with salt and pepper, keeping in mind you will also season the eggs. Remove from the heat.
Add the eggs to a large bowl, season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and beat with a whisk or a fork until combined. Add the spinach mixture to the eggs and mix to combine. (Wipe out the skillet and set aside.) Transfer the egg mixture to the baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Top with the feta cheese and bake until the eggs are fully set and the cheese is melted, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 2 minutes.
Slide the frittata onto the cutting board. Slice the frittata widthwise into 5 equal rectangles (each about 2-1/2 inches wide). Place a lavash wrap on a work surface and spread with cream cheese, if using. Place a slice of frittata on the lavash, leaving a 2-inch border from the bottom. Bring the sides of the lavash in and then fold up the bottom, rolling up the lavash like a flat burrito. Repeat with the remaining lavash and frittata.
Heat the same skillet over medium. Spray each lavash wrap lightly with oil on both sides. Place seam side down on the pan and cook until the lavash is warmed through and slightly golden on each side, 3 to 4 minutes per side. (Take care not to cook too long so the lavash doesn’t get crispy.) Slice in half, on the diagonal if you like, and serve. (To make ahead, wrap the pan-cooked egg wraps in foil and keep in the fridge for 3 days, or the freezer for 3 months. Reheat in the microwave, in a skillet over low heat, or in the oven at 350 degrees.)
Tips
Instead of sun-dried tomato oil, you can substitute olive oil.
Cold lavash is harder to wrap and can tear, so be sure to take the lavash out of the fridge for a few minutes before wrapping.
BLACK BEAN BREAKFAST BURRITO WITH PLANTAINS AND MANGO SALSA
This comes from the March 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 36. It begins, “Ripe plantains have a starchy consistency like potatoes, but with more fiber.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 cups sliced ripe plantains (2 medium)
1 lime, juiced and zest grated (2 Tbs. juice and 1 tsp. zest)
1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup prepared mango salsa, plus more for serving, optional
4 8-inch flour tortillas, warmed
Directions
Combine plantains, lime juice, and 1/2 cup water in small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, cover pan, and simmer 20 minutes, or until plantains are very soft. Mash with fork or potato masher, and stir in lime zest. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Combine beans and salsa in small saucepan; warm over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Spread heaping 1/4 cup plantains on bottom half of each tortilla, leaving 2-inch border. Top with 1/2 cup bean mixture. Fold sides of tortilla over filling, then roll from bottom up. Serve with additional salsa, if using.
nutritional information Per Burrito: Calories: 349; Protein: 11 g; Total Fat: 4 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 72 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 779 mg; Fiber: 9 g; Sugar: 18 g; Vegan
PARISIAN-STYLE SWEET CREPES
This is from the September, 2009 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “Cafés and brasseries in the French capital sell passersby sweet crêpes slathered in butter, jam, chestnut purée, and (VT favorite) Nutella. The experience is easy to re-create at home for breakfast, Sunday supper, or a snack.”
This recipe makes 8 servings, and can be found online at https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/parisian-style-sweet-crepes.
Ingredients
Crêpes
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 cup low-fat milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Fillings (optional)Nutella
peanut butter
butter
jam
chestnut purée
Preparation
Whisk together flour, sugar, and salt in bowl. Whisk in egg; mixture will be shaggy. Whisk in milk 1/4 cup at a time. Whisk in vanilla. Cover, and chill 30 minutes, or overnight.
Whisk 1/4 to 1/2 cup water into batter to thin. Lightly grease 9-inch nonstick skillet with canola oil. Heat skillet over medium-high heat.
Pour 1/4 cup batter into hot skillet, tilting pan to swirl batter so it coats bottom of pan. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, or until edges begin to brown and center is dry. Flip; cook 30 seconds to 1 minute more.
Transfer crêpe to plate, and repeat with remaining batter. To serve crêpes: Reheat 1 minute in lightly greased skillet. Spread with desired fillings, fold into quarters, and serve.
SPANISH OMELET
POINTS® value | 5
Servings | 1
Preparation Time | 8 min
Cooking Time | 10 min
Ingredients
2 1/2 cup spinach, coarsely chopped (do not dry)
2 large egg(s)
2 tsp grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp olive oil
Directions
In a medium saucepan, cook spinach with just the water that clings to it until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Drain well, squeezing out all liquid. Cool, then chop finely.
In a medium bowl, combine eggs, cheese, salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon water.
In a small nonstick skillet, heat oil. Pour egg mixture into pan; reduce heat and cook until base is set and top is still a little creamy, about 2 minutes.
Sprinkle spinach over one half of eggs; fold omelet in half and cook until eggs are completely set, about 1 minute longer. Serve at once.
COCOA PANCAKES
This comes from Vegetarian Times (May 2005 issue, page 95), in an article featuring Inn Serendipity in Browntown, WI. The recipes begins, "Not only does Inn Serendipity in Browntown, WI feature hearty vegetarian breakfasts (and bedside cordials in the evening), but the owners try to meet any special dietary needs, especially those of vegans. Their vegan cocoa pancakes are among the recipes most requested by vegan and nonvegan visitors. This recipe makes 18 to 20 pancakes—and they can be prepared in just 30 minutes or less!" Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/cocoa-pancakes/.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 Tbs. granulated sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups chocolate soymilk
1 Tbs. vegetable oil
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup carob chips
Preparation
Sift flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt into mixing bowl. Whisk in chocolate soymilk and oil until just combined. Stir in vanilla extract. Let batter sit 5 minutes before cooking.
Spray large nonstick skillet or griddle with cooking spray, and heat over medium heat. When hot, ladle on 1/4 cup batter for each pancake. Sprinkle pancakes with several carob chips. Cook 2 minutes, and turn when tops begin to bubble and edges start to look dry. Cook 2 minutes more, and remove to plate. Serve with maple syrup or vanilla soy yogurt and fresh fruit.
JIFFY CORN MUFFIN MIX PANCAKES
This is from Sara Bir, a senior editor at Simply Recipes. Sara wrote, "I have strong feelings about what makes pancakes good, so it’s surprising that the best cornmeal pancakes I’ve ever had came from a mix. They couldn’t be easier to make, and of course, I found out about them from my mom.
"Mom started making Jiffy corn muffin mix pancakes long after I’d grown up and left home, but she served them a few times when I was around for holidays and visits. Recently, while researching corn pudding—some versions of which rely on Jiffy corn muffin mix—I remembered mom’s pancakes and decided to make them myself."
To read the rest of what Sara wrote, as well as seeing this online, go to https://www.simplyrecipes.com/moms-jiffy-corn-muffin-mix-pancakes-recipe-8384425.
This recipe makes 8 to 10 pancakes.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 egg
1 (8.5)-ounce box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
1/4 cup milk, plus more as needed
Butter and maple syrup or apple butter for serving
Directions
Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter. I do this on the griddle I’ll be using to cook the pancakes (you can brown the butter if you like). Set aside to cool a bit.
Meanwhile, beat an egg (any size will do) in a medium bowl. Add the corn muffin mix and 1/2 cup milk and stir just until combined. Then stir in the melted butter; do not wipe off the griddle or skillet. It’s okay if the mix has some lumps. If it’s quite thick, add a tablespoon or two more milk.
Return the skillet or griddle to the burner and heat over medium heat until a few droplets of water flicked from your hand sizzle and dance on the griddle. For each pancake, pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle. The pancakes are delicate and easier to handle when they are smaller, so resist the temptation to make them larger.
Cook the pancakes for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side, flipping once the edges begin to dry out and bubbles appear in the center. Then cook a few minutes on the other side until lightly golden brown.
Repeat, griddling the pancakes until all of the batter is used up. I find the batter thickens as it sits and I need to add more milk bit by bit as I make my way through the bowl. You’ll probably need to gradually turn the heat down to medium-low as you cook subsequent pancakes. My griddle is very well-seasoned and I don’t grease it in between batches, but you may need to keep your pancakes from sticking.
Serve hot, with whatever accouterments you like.
Simple Tip!
I keep the pancakes warm on a baking sheet in a 180°F oven for up to 30 minutes.
Fortunately, she did ease up on that last rule in her later years.
There were times, though, when I'd really want breakfast for dinner. Our next-door neighbors would frequently have breakfast for Thursday night dinner. This served two purposes: it got rid of the last of that week's cereal, since most dads in our neighborhood got paid on Fridays, making Friday grocery day, and the cereal would be replaced. Also, it meant their mom didn't have to worry about fixing anything fancy.
"Can't we have cereal for dinner?" I'd whine to Mom, especially if she was planning to make liver and onions.
"No, that's breakfast food," she'd answer.
Mom
Well, to all of us who occasionally want breakfast for dinner, here are six breakfast recipes to help you (and me) along, including Cocoa Pancakes, a nice Spanish Omelet, and Parisian-Style Sweet Crepes. Enjoy!
MAKE-AHEAD EGG, SPINACH AND FETA WRAPS
This is from Naz Deravian in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Naz wrote, "Packed with protein, enough baby spinach to make Popeye proud, and punchy umami from sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese, these wraps are ideal for make-ahead breakfasts. Feel free to customize by adding herbs like dill, parsley or cilantro, or a small handful of chopped roasted red peppers or pitted olives. The frittata-like egg mixture is baked in the oven in a baking pan and sliced into rectangles to fit easily on lavash wraps or burrito-size flour tortillas. If you don’t want to make wraps, you can simply serve the tender frittata by itself."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 55 minutes; Yield: 5 wraps
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1026810-make-ahead-egg-spinach-and-feta-wraps. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up forThe New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
Cooking spray or neutral oil, as needed
1/4 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, plus 3 tablespoons oil from the jar (see Tip)
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) and black pepper
5 to 6 ounces baby spinach (5 to 6 cups packed)
10 large eggs
1/2 cup/3 ounces crumbled feta
5 lavash wraps (about 10-by-12 inches) or burrito-size flour tortillas, at room temperature (see Tip)
Cream cheese, fresh goat cheese or flavored soft cheese, such as Boursin, optional
Preparation
Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with cooking spray, making sure to spray the sides well. (Alternately, you can lightly brush with neutral oil.) Line the baking pan with parchment paper with overhang on at least two sides and spray the parchment paper with oil. Heat the oven to 375 degrees with the rack in the center position.
In a large skillet, heat the sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle with a little salt, add the sundried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the spinach, in batches if necessary, and cook, stirring frequently, just until wilted. (You don’t want the spinach to release any liquid.) Season with salt and pepper, keeping in mind you will also season the eggs. Remove from the heat.
Add the eggs to a large bowl, season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and beat with a whisk or a fork until combined. Add the spinach mixture to the eggs and mix to combine. (Wipe out the skillet and set aside.) Transfer the egg mixture to the baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Top with the feta cheese and bake until the eggs are fully set and the cheese is melted, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 2 minutes.
Slide the frittata onto the cutting board. Slice the frittata widthwise into 5 equal rectangles (each about 2-1/2 inches wide). Place a lavash wrap on a work surface and spread with cream cheese, if using. Place a slice of frittata on the lavash, leaving a 2-inch border from the bottom. Bring the sides of the lavash in and then fold up the bottom, rolling up the lavash like a flat burrito. Repeat with the remaining lavash and frittata.
Heat the same skillet over medium. Spray each lavash wrap lightly with oil on both sides. Place seam side down on the pan and cook until the lavash is warmed through and slightly golden on each side, 3 to 4 minutes per side. (Take care not to cook too long so the lavash doesn’t get crispy.) Slice in half, on the diagonal if you like, and serve. (To make ahead, wrap the pan-cooked egg wraps in foil and keep in the fridge for 3 days, or the freezer for 3 months. Reheat in the microwave, in a skillet over low heat, or in the oven at 350 degrees.)
Tips
Instead of sun-dried tomato oil, you can substitute olive oil.
Cold lavash is harder to wrap and can tear, so be sure to take the lavash out of the fridge for a few minutes before wrapping.
BLACK BEAN BREAKFAST BURRITO WITH PLANTAINS AND MANGO SALSA
This comes from the March 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 36. It begins, “Ripe plantains have a starchy consistency like potatoes, but with more fiber.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 cups sliced ripe plantains (2 medium)
1 lime, juiced and zest grated (2 Tbs. juice and 1 tsp. zest)
1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup prepared mango salsa, plus more for serving, optional
4 8-inch flour tortillas, warmed
Directions
Combine plantains, lime juice, and 1/2 cup water in small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, cover pan, and simmer 20 minutes, or until plantains are very soft. Mash with fork or potato masher, and stir in lime zest. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Combine beans and salsa in small saucepan; warm over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Spread heaping 1/4 cup plantains on bottom half of each tortilla, leaving 2-inch border. Top with 1/2 cup bean mixture. Fold sides of tortilla over filling, then roll from bottom up. Serve with additional salsa, if using.
nutritional information Per Burrito: Calories: 349; Protein: 11 g; Total Fat: 4 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 72 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 779 mg; Fiber: 9 g; Sugar: 18 g; Vegan
PARISIAN-STYLE SWEET CREPES
This is from the September, 2009 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “Cafés and brasseries in the French capital sell passersby sweet crêpes slathered in butter, jam, chestnut purée, and (VT favorite) Nutella. The experience is easy to re-create at home for breakfast, Sunday supper, or a snack.”
This recipe makes 8 servings, and can be found online at https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/parisian-style-sweet-crepes.
Ingredients
Crêpes
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 cup low-fat milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Fillings (optional)Nutella
peanut butter
butter
jam
chestnut purée
Preparation
Whisk together flour, sugar, and salt in bowl. Whisk in egg; mixture will be shaggy. Whisk in milk 1/4 cup at a time. Whisk in vanilla. Cover, and chill 30 minutes, or overnight.
Whisk 1/4 to 1/2 cup water into batter to thin. Lightly grease 9-inch nonstick skillet with canola oil. Heat skillet over medium-high heat.
Pour 1/4 cup batter into hot skillet, tilting pan to swirl batter so it coats bottom of pan. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, or until edges begin to brown and center is dry. Flip; cook 30 seconds to 1 minute more.
Transfer crêpe to plate, and repeat with remaining batter. To serve crêpes: Reheat 1 minute in lightly greased skillet. Spread with desired fillings, fold into quarters, and serve.
SPANISH OMELET
POINTS® value | 5
Servings | 1
Preparation Time | 8 min
Cooking Time | 10 min
Ingredients
2 1/2 cup spinach, coarsely chopped (do not dry)
2 large egg(s)
2 tsp grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp olive oil
Directions
In a medium saucepan, cook spinach with just the water that clings to it until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Drain well, squeezing out all liquid. Cool, then chop finely.
In a medium bowl, combine eggs, cheese, salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon water.
In a small nonstick skillet, heat oil. Pour egg mixture into pan; reduce heat and cook until base is set and top is still a little creamy, about 2 minutes.
Sprinkle spinach over one half of eggs; fold omelet in half and cook until eggs are completely set, about 1 minute longer. Serve at once.
COCOA PANCAKES
This comes from Vegetarian Times (May 2005 issue, page 95), in an article featuring Inn Serendipity in Browntown, WI. The recipes begins, "Not only does Inn Serendipity in Browntown, WI feature hearty vegetarian breakfasts (and bedside cordials in the evening), but the owners try to meet any special dietary needs, especially those of vegans. Their vegan cocoa pancakes are among the recipes most requested by vegan and nonvegan visitors. This recipe makes 18 to 20 pancakes—and they can be prepared in just 30 minutes or less!" Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/cocoa-pancakes/.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 Tbs. granulated sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups chocolate soymilk
1 Tbs. vegetable oil
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup carob chips
Preparation
Sift flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt into mixing bowl. Whisk in chocolate soymilk and oil until just combined. Stir in vanilla extract. Let batter sit 5 minutes before cooking.
Spray large nonstick skillet or griddle with cooking spray, and heat over medium heat. When hot, ladle on 1/4 cup batter for each pancake. Sprinkle pancakes with several carob chips. Cook 2 minutes, and turn when tops begin to bubble and edges start to look dry. Cook 2 minutes more, and remove to plate. Serve with maple syrup or vanilla soy yogurt and fresh fruit.
JIFFY CORN MUFFIN MIX PANCAKES
This is from Sara Bir, a senior editor at Simply Recipes. Sara wrote, "I have strong feelings about what makes pancakes good, so it’s surprising that the best cornmeal pancakes I’ve ever had came from a mix. They couldn’t be easier to make, and of course, I found out about them from my mom.
"Mom started making Jiffy corn muffin mix pancakes long after I’d grown up and left home, but she served them a few times when I was around for holidays and visits. Recently, while researching corn pudding—some versions of which rely on Jiffy corn muffin mix—I remembered mom’s pancakes and decided to make them myself."
To read the rest of what Sara wrote, as well as seeing this online, go to https://www.simplyrecipes.com/moms-jiffy-corn-muffin-mix-pancakes-recipe-8384425.
This recipe makes 8 to 10 pancakes.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 egg
1 (8.5)-ounce box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
1/4 cup milk, plus more as needed
Butter and maple syrup or apple butter for serving
Directions
Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter. I do this on the griddle I’ll be using to cook the pancakes (you can brown the butter if you like). Set aside to cool a bit.
Meanwhile, beat an egg (any size will do) in a medium bowl. Add the corn muffin mix and 1/2 cup milk and stir just until combined. Then stir in the melted butter; do not wipe off the griddle or skillet. It’s okay if the mix has some lumps. If it’s quite thick, add a tablespoon or two more milk.
Return the skillet or griddle to the burner and heat over medium heat until a few droplets of water flicked from your hand sizzle and dance on the griddle. For each pancake, pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle. The pancakes are delicate and easier to handle when they are smaller, so resist the temptation to make them larger.
Cook the pancakes for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side, flipping once the edges begin to dry out and bubbles appear in the center. Then cook a few minutes on the other side until lightly golden brown.
Repeat, griddling the pancakes until all of the batter is used up. I find the batter thickens as it sits and I need to add more milk bit by bit as I make my way through the bowl. You’ll probably need to gradually turn the heat down to medium-low as you cook subsequent pancakes. My griddle is very well-seasoned and I don’t grease it in between batches, but you may need to keep your pancakes from sticking.
Serve hot, with whatever accouterments you like.
Simple Tip!
I keep the pancakes warm on a baking sheet in a 180°F oven for up to 30 minutes.
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Soup
If you tend to enjoy homemade soup, today's post is sure to please. Check out the Slow-Cooker Vegetable Minestrone Soup, the Vegan French Onion Soup, and the rest of today's yumminess. Enjoy!
PUMPKIN SOUP
This is from Lidey Heuck in i>The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Lidey wrote, "This recipe turns canned pumpkin purée into a sublimely creamy, aromatic soup that makes for an elegant first course or a satisfying lunch on a cold day. While the combination of pumpkin and fall spices can easily veer in the direction of dessert, the addition of fresh rosemary, garlic, caramelized onions and curry powder plants this soup firmly in the savory camp. Finally, to make this recipe vegan, substitute olive oil for the butter, full-fat coconut milk for the heavy cream, and vegetable broth for the chicken broth. If time and availability allow, consider roasting your own sugar pumpkin for this recipe: The soup will have a deeper, more complex flavor (see Tip)."
Total Time: 50 minutes; Yield: 6 servings
This was featured in "This Is Not Your Average Pumpkin Soup," and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021618-pumpkin-soup. While you're at it, sign up for i>The New York Times cooking enewsletter, if you haven't already. Loads of great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 medium yellow onions, halved and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh rosemary (or 2 teaspoons dried rosemary)
2 tablespoons maple syrup
4 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup fresh apple cider (or 3/4 cup apple juice)
4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, plus more as needed
2 (15-ounce) cans pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling), or 3 cups homemade pumpkin purée (see Tip)
1 teaspoon mild curry powder
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus more for serving
Pinch of ground cloves
1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more as needed
1/3 cup heavy cream, plus more for serving
For the Fried Sage Topping (optional)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 fresh sage leaves
Preparation
In a large Dutch oven or other heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and rosemary and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are lightly caramelized, about 15 to 20 minutes. If the onions begin browning too quickly, turn the heat to low.
Add the maple syrup and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions have darkened in color, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the cider and cook, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan, until the liquid is reduced by about half.
Add the broth, pumpkin purée, curry powder, nutmeg, cloves, salt and pepper, stir to combine, and bring to a boil. Turn the heat to medium-low and cook at a full simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent scorching.
Working in batches, purée the soup in a blender or food processor and return to the pot (or use an immersion blender). Bring back to a simmer over medium heat, then turn off the heat and stir in the cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste and add more broth if the soup is too thick.
To make the optional fried sage topping, melt the butter in a small or medium skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the sage leaves and fry until just crisp, 1 to 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon or a fork, transfer the sage leaves to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the butter left behind in the pan.
To serve, spoon the soup into individual bowls. Top each serving with 2 fried sage leaves and a drizzle of the reserved butter (if using), or a swirl of cream and pinch of nutmeg. Serve hot.
Tip
To make your own pumpkin purée, heat oven to 425 degrees. Trim the stem from a 4- to 5-pound sugar or “pie” pumpkin, then cut the pumpkin in half through the stem. Scoop out the pulp and seeds and discard. (Or rinse and dry the seeds, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and roast on a sheet pan in 375-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes.) Carefully slice the pumpkin into 1-1/2-inch-thick wedges. Place the wedges on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper, drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pumpkin flesh is very tender when pierced with a fork. Set aside until cool enough to handle, then spoon the flesh into a large bowl, discarding the skins. Mash with a fork until mostly smooth.
HERBED CARROT SOUP
From the December 2005 issue of Runner's World; reprinted from HerbWise: Growing, Cooking, WellBeing, by Bruce Burnett
Ingredients
2 pounds of carrots, chopped
1 large onion, diced
6 sprigs of fresh parsley, 3 sprigs of fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 6 six black peppercorns, bundled together so that they can be easily removed after cooking
2 cloves garlic, crushed
4 Tbs of butter
6 C of vegetable stock
Freshly grated mace or nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Lightly sauté the onion and garlic in the butter. Add the stock and carrots and simmer for about 15 minutes. Add the bundle of herbs and continue to simmer for another 20 minutes. Remove the herbs, allow the soup to cool, and put it through the blender in batches. Reheat the soup over low heat while adding the mace or nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste. Serve with some fresh, homemade bread and garnish with some fresh parsley and a little chopped fresh thyme.
Note: The original recipe called for vegetable or chicken stock.
CARAMELIZED TOMATO AND SHALLOT SOUP
This is from Lidey Heuck in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Lidey wrote, "Fresh tomato soup is a treat best enjoyed with juicy, end-of-season tomatoes, but this versatile recipe is delicious all year long. Both the shallots and tomatoes are caramelized along with tomato paste, which gives the soup deeper flavor. Take your time and let the tomatoes reduce, because the more they caramelize, the more delicious the soup will be. While this recipe does take a little bit of time, it’s mostly hands-off simmering. Make it when the weather turns cool and a big pot of soup simmering on the stove sounds just right."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour; Total Time: 1-1/4 hours; Yield: 4 to 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1025808-caramelized-tomato-and-shallot-soup. While you're at it, if you haven't signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter yet, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for garnishing
1 pound shallots, halved and thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
3 pounds tomatoes, cored and chopped (about 6 cups)
Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) and black pepper
3 large garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/2 packed cup fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnishing
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
Preparation
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally and adjusting the heat if they begin getting crispy at the edges, until caramelized and jammy, 20 to 25 minutes.
Meanwhile, place the chopped tomatoes in a colander set over a large bowl. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, toss and set aside, re-tossing occasionally to encourage the tomatoes to release as much liquid as possible.
When the shallots are caramelized, stir the tomatoes into the pot along with the garlic and the sugar. (Reserve the tomato liquid in the bowl for use in Step 6.)
Cook over medium heat, stirring often and scraping the bottom of the pot, until most of the tomato juices released in the pan have concentrated and the mixture is beginning to brown on the bottom of the pan, about 20 minutes.
Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring often, until the mixture is caramelized and thick and there are brown spots on the bottom of the pan, 5 to 10 minutes.
Pour the reserved tomato liquid into a large measuring cup and add enough water to total 3 cups. Pour the liquid into the pot, then stir in the basil, season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and again scrape any caramelized bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer, then use an immersion blender to purée the soup to your desired thickness.
Stir in the cream, if using, and season with pepper and salt. Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh basil.
BLACK BEAN AND SALSA SOUP
This is from allrecipes, and was submitted by someone named Maryanne. Maryanne wrote, "This soup is one of those last minute things I tossed together one night. It's very simple and it takes about 5 minutes to put together."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Servings: 4; Yield: 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/14132/black-bean-and-salsa-soup/.
Ingredients
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1-1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup chunky salsa
1 teaspoon ground cumin
4 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion
Directions
In an electric food processor or blender, combine beans, broth, salsa, and cumin. Blend until fairly smooth.
Heat the bean mixture in a saucepan over medium heat until thoroughly heated.
Ladle soup into 4 individual bowls, and top each bowl with 1 tablespoon of the sour cream and 1/2 tablespoon green onion.
VEGAN FRENCH ONION SOUP
When I was growing up, my dad used to make French Onion Soup. This was usually done on Sundays, frequently when my grandparents were visiting, and especially around holidays. So, of course, I had to check out this recipe.
This absolute yumminess is from Nicole, creator of Oh My Veggies. (Hint: If you've never visited Oh My Veggies, I highly recommend visiting. Great site!
Anyway, this recipe begins, "This Vegan French Onion Soup is comfort food at its finest. Tender onions are simmered in a savory broth, topped with cheesy toast, and baked to perfection."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 50 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour; Servings: 4
To view this online, go to https://ohmyveggies.com/vegan-french-onion-soup/. While you're at it, you might want to sign up for emails from the site. Also, Nicole has a couple of cookbooks for sale (Weeknight One-Pot Vegan Cooking; Vegan Christmas Cookbook), and you can see about buying them when you visit the site. (I plan to buy 'em after Christmas.)
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
4 yellow onions thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic minced
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs of thyme
1-1/2 cups white wine such as Chardonnay
6 cups vegetable broth
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
4 slices baguette
1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese shreds
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C, or gas mark 4).
Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook slowly for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring often, until they are lightly caramelized. Add the garlic, bay leaves and thyme. Cook for 1 minute. Add the white wine and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until slightly reduced. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
Add the balsamic vinegar and stir. Remove the bay leaves. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
Spoon the soup into four ovenproof serving dishes. Top each bowl with a slice of baguette, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup (30 g) of the vegan cheese shreds. Place the bowls in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, until the vegan cheese is melted and the baguette is slightly toasted.
SLOW-COOKER VEGETABLE MINESTRONE SOUP
This is from Eating Well. It begins, "A winter classic, this crock pot version of minestrone is heavy on the vegetables and light on the pasta, keeping carbs in check while providing plenty of flavor."
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Additional Time: 6 hours; Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/269114/slow-cooker-vegetable-minestrone-soup/.
Ingredients
4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 small red onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
2 (15 ounce) cans no-sodium-added red kidney beans, rinsed
2 (15 ounce) cans no-sodium-added diced tomatoes, undrained
6 cups no-sodium-added vegetable broth, such as Kitchen Basics
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1 large zucchini, chopped
4 ounces whole-wheat pasta elbows or other small pasta (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Combine carrots, celery, onion, garlic, green beans, kidney beans, tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper in a 6- to 8-qt. slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours.
Stir in zucchini, pasta, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover and cook on Low until the pasta is tender, 15 to 20 minutes more. Serve immediately, topping each serving with about 1-1/2 tablespoons Parmesan.
Tips
Equipment: 6- to 8-qt. slow cooker
PUMPKIN SOUP
This is from Lidey Heuck in i>The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Lidey wrote, "This recipe turns canned pumpkin purée into a sublimely creamy, aromatic soup that makes for an elegant first course or a satisfying lunch on a cold day. While the combination of pumpkin and fall spices can easily veer in the direction of dessert, the addition of fresh rosemary, garlic, caramelized onions and curry powder plants this soup firmly in the savory camp. Finally, to make this recipe vegan, substitute olive oil for the butter, full-fat coconut milk for the heavy cream, and vegetable broth for the chicken broth. If time and availability allow, consider roasting your own sugar pumpkin for this recipe: The soup will have a deeper, more complex flavor (see Tip)."
Total Time: 50 minutes; Yield: 6 servings
This was featured in "This Is Not Your Average Pumpkin Soup," and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021618-pumpkin-soup. While you're at it, sign up for i>The New York Times cooking enewsletter, if you haven't already. Loads of great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 medium yellow onions, halved and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh rosemary (or 2 teaspoons dried rosemary)
2 tablespoons maple syrup
4 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup fresh apple cider (or 3/4 cup apple juice)
4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, plus more as needed
2 (15-ounce) cans pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling), or 3 cups homemade pumpkin purée (see Tip)
1 teaspoon mild curry powder
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus more for serving
Pinch of ground cloves
1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more as needed
1/3 cup heavy cream, plus more for serving
For the Fried Sage Topping (optional)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 fresh sage leaves
Preparation
In a large Dutch oven or other heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and rosemary and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are lightly caramelized, about 15 to 20 minutes. If the onions begin browning too quickly, turn the heat to low.
Add the maple syrup and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions have darkened in color, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the cider and cook, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan, until the liquid is reduced by about half.
Add the broth, pumpkin purée, curry powder, nutmeg, cloves, salt and pepper, stir to combine, and bring to a boil. Turn the heat to medium-low and cook at a full simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent scorching.
Working in batches, purée the soup in a blender or food processor and return to the pot (or use an immersion blender). Bring back to a simmer over medium heat, then turn off the heat and stir in the cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste and add more broth if the soup is too thick.
To make the optional fried sage topping, melt the butter in a small or medium skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the sage leaves and fry until just crisp, 1 to 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon or a fork, transfer the sage leaves to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the butter left behind in the pan.
To serve, spoon the soup into individual bowls. Top each serving with 2 fried sage leaves and a drizzle of the reserved butter (if using), or a swirl of cream and pinch of nutmeg. Serve hot.
Tip
To make your own pumpkin purée, heat oven to 425 degrees. Trim the stem from a 4- to 5-pound sugar or “pie” pumpkin, then cut the pumpkin in half through the stem. Scoop out the pulp and seeds and discard. (Or rinse and dry the seeds, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and roast on a sheet pan in 375-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes.) Carefully slice the pumpkin into 1-1/2-inch-thick wedges. Place the wedges on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper, drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pumpkin flesh is very tender when pierced with a fork. Set aside until cool enough to handle, then spoon the flesh into a large bowl, discarding the skins. Mash with a fork until mostly smooth.
HERBED CARROT SOUP
From the December 2005 issue of Runner's World; reprinted from HerbWise: Growing, Cooking, WellBeing, by Bruce Burnett
Ingredients
2 pounds of carrots, chopped
1 large onion, diced
6 sprigs of fresh parsley, 3 sprigs of fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 6 six black peppercorns, bundled together so that they can be easily removed after cooking
2 cloves garlic, crushed
4 Tbs of butter
6 C of vegetable stock
Freshly grated mace or nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Lightly sauté the onion and garlic in the butter. Add the stock and carrots and simmer for about 15 minutes. Add the bundle of herbs and continue to simmer for another 20 minutes. Remove the herbs, allow the soup to cool, and put it through the blender in batches. Reheat the soup over low heat while adding the mace or nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste. Serve with some fresh, homemade bread and garnish with some fresh parsley and a little chopped fresh thyme.
Note: The original recipe called for vegetable or chicken stock.
CARAMELIZED TOMATO AND SHALLOT SOUP
This is from Lidey Heuck in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Lidey wrote, "Fresh tomato soup is a treat best enjoyed with juicy, end-of-season tomatoes, but this versatile recipe is delicious all year long. Both the shallots and tomatoes are caramelized along with tomato paste, which gives the soup deeper flavor. Take your time and let the tomatoes reduce, because the more they caramelize, the more delicious the soup will be. While this recipe does take a little bit of time, it’s mostly hands-off simmering. Make it when the weather turns cool and a big pot of soup simmering on the stove sounds just right."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour; Total Time: 1-1/4 hours; Yield: 4 to 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1025808-caramelized-tomato-and-shallot-soup. While you're at it, if you haven't signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter yet, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for garnishing
1 pound shallots, halved and thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
3 pounds tomatoes, cored and chopped (about 6 cups)
Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) and black pepper
3 large garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/2 packed cup fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnishing
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
Preparation
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally and adjusting the heat if they begin getting crispy at the edges, until caramelized and jammy, 20 to 25 minutes.
Meanwhile, place the chopped tomatoes in a colander set over a large bowl. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, toss and set aside, re-tossing occasionally to encourage the tomatoes to release as much liquid as possible.
When the shallots are caramelized, stir the tomatoes into the pot along with the garlic and the sugar. (Reserve the tomato liquid in the bowl for use in Step 6.)
Cook over medium heat, stirring often and scraping the bottom of the pot, until most of the tomato juices released in the pan have concentrated and the mixture is beginning to brown on the bottom of the pan, about 20 minutes.
Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring often, until the mixture is caramelized and thick and there are brown spots on the bottom of the pan, 5 to 10 minutes.
Pour the reserved tomato liquid into a large measuring cup and add enough water to total 3 cups. Pour the liquid into the pot, then stir in the basil, season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and again scrape any caramelized bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer, then use an immersion blender to purée the soup to your desired thickness.
Stir in the cream, if using, and season with pepper and salt. Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh basil.
BLACK BEAN AND SALSA SOUP
This is from allrecipes, and was submitted by someone named Maryanne. Maryanne wrote, "This soup is one of those last minute things I tossed together one night. It's very simple and it takes about 5 minutes to put together."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Servings: 4; Yield: 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/14132/black-bean-and-salsa-soup/.
Ingredients
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1-1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup chunky salsa
1 teaspoon ground cumin
4 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion
Directions
In an electric food processor or blender, combine beans, broth, salsa, and cumin. Blend until fairly smooth.
Heat the bean mixture in a saucepan over medium heat until thoroughly heated.
Ladle soup into 4 individual bowls, and top each bowl with 1 tablespoon of the sour cream and 1/2 tablespoon green onion.
VEGAN FRENCH ONION SOUP
When I was growing up, my dad used to make French Onion Soup. This was usually done on Sundays, frequently when my grandparents were visiting, and especially around holidays. So, of course, I had to check out this recipe.
This absolute yumminess is from Nicole, creator of Oh My Veggies. (Hint: If you've never visited Oh My Veggies, I highly recommend visiting. Great site!
Anyway, this recipe begins, "This Vegan French Onion Soup is comfort food at its finest. Tender onions are simmered in a savory broth, topped with cheesy toast, and baked to perfection."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 50 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour; Servings: 4
To view this online, go to https://ohmyveggies.com/vegan-french-onion-soup/. While you're at it, you might want to sign up for emails from the site. Also, Nicole has a couple of cookbooks for sale (Weeknight One-Pot Vegan Cooking; Vegan Christmas Cookbook), and you can see about buying them when you visit the site. (I plan to buy 'em after Christmas.)
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
4 yellow onions thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic minced
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs of thyme
1-1/2 cups white wine such as Chardonnay
6 cups vegetable broth
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
4 slices baguette
1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese shreds
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C, or gas mark 4).
Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook slowly for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring often, until they are lightly caramelized. Add the garlic, bay leaves and thyme. Cook for 1 minute. Add the white wine and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until slightly reduced. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
Add the balsamic vinegar and stir. Remove the bay leaves. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
Spoon the soup into four ovenproof serving dishes. Top each bowl with a slice of baguette, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup (30 g) of the vegan cheese shreds. Place the bowls in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, until the vegan cheese is melted and the baguette is slightly toasted.
SLOW-COOKER VEGETABLE MINESTRONE SOUP
This is from Eating Well. It begins, "A winter classic, this crock pot version of minestrone is heavy on the vegetables and light on the pasta, keeping carbs in check while providing plenty of flavor."
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Additional Time: 6 hours; Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/269114/slow-cooker-vegetable-minestrone-soup/.
Ingredients
4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 small red onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
2 (15 ounce) cans no-sodium-added red kidney beans, rinsed
2 (15 ounce) cans no-sodium-added diced tomatoes, undrained
6 cups no-sodium-added vegetable broth, such as Kitchen Basics
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1 large zucchini, chopped
4 ounces whole-wheat pasta elbows or other small pasta (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Combine carrots, celery, onion, garlic, green beans, kidney beans, tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper in a 6- to 8-qt. slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours.
Stir in zucchini, pasta, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover and cook on Low until the pasta is tender, 15 to 20 minutes more. Serve immediately, topping each serving with about 1-1/2 tablespoons Parmesan.
Tips
Equipment: 6- to 8-qt. slow cooker
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Double-Post Tuesday
Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Today's offerings include Vegetable Shepherd's Pie and Orange Ricotta Bars. Enjoy!
KATHARINE HEPBURN'S BROWNIES
This was in New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. It begins, “Much like its author, this recipe is a no-fuss classic. It calls for just 1/4 cup of flour, which yields an incredibly rich and gooey brownie, and it's super easy to make. So easy, in fact, that baking a batch of these might just become part of your weekend routine.” Time: about 45 minutes; makes 12 brownies
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
1 cup chopped or broken-up walnuts or pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of salt
Preparation
Heat oven to 325 degrees.
Melt butter in saucepan with cocoa and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a large bowl. Whisk in eggs, one at a time. Stir in vanilla.
In a separate bowl, combine sugar, flour, nuts and salt. Add to the cocoa-butter mixture. Stir until just combined.
Pour into a greased 8 x 8-inch-square pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Do not overbake; the brownies should be gooey. Let cool, then cut into bars.
NO CHURN ICE CREAM
This comes from GE Appliances’ email list. It begins, “No one will believe that this ultra-creamy ice cream is so easy to make. No fancy ice cream machine required.”
12 servings (6 cups total)
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch fine sea salt
2 cups heavy cream, chilled
Directions:
In a small bowl, whisk the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla and salt until thoroughly combined; set aside.
In a large metal bowl, whip the cream with a hand mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes. Fold about 1 cup of the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture with a rubber spatula until combined, then fold the lightened mixture into the whipped cream until well blended.
Pour into a chilled 9-by-5-by-3-inch metal loaf pan, cover with plastic wrap and freeze until solid and scoopable, about 3-4 hours.
Chef’s Notes:
For best results, chill both the metal bowl and loaf pan before starting this recipe.
Try adding in additional ingredients after the ice cream has set for a few hours. Crushed up chocolate sandwich cookies, toasted nuts or chopped up candy bars are all great additions. Stir them in and place the ice cream back in the freezer until firm.
VEGETABLE SHEPHERD'S PIE
This came from the Food Network's Magazine several years ago.
Prep Time: 25 min; Cook Time: 41 min; Level: Easy; Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
6 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 large carrots, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
2 stalks celery, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
1 bunch baby turnips, halved or quartered if large
6 cloves garlic, minced
Freshly ground pepper
1/2 bunch fresh parsley, leaves chopped (stems reserved)
1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 cup chopped veggie burgers or vegetarian protein crumbles
2/3 cup milk or half-and-half
Grated parmesan cheese, for sprinkling (optional)
Directions
Preheat the broiler. Cover the potatoes with water in a pot; season with salt, cover and boil until the potatoes are fork-tender, 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a stovetop casserole dish or shallow enamel pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, turnips and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the vegetables brown, 8 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups cooking liquid from the potatoes to the casserole dish. Lower the heat and scrape up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Tie the parsley stems with twine and add to the casserole. Cover and simmer until the vegetables are tender, 8 minutes. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons butter and the chopped veggie burgers and warm through, 5 minutes. Remove the parsley stems and stir in the chopped parsley. Keep warm.
Drain the potatoes and mash with the remaining 3 tablespoons butter and the milk; season with salt and pepper and spoon over the casserole. Sprinkle with parmesan, if desired. Broil until golden brown, 5 minutes.
Per serving: Calories 558; Fat 24 g (Saturated 11 g); Cholesterol 42 mg; Sodium 656 mg; Carbohydrate 68 g; Fiber 9 g; Protein 17 g
EASY WHOLE WHEAT VEGETARIAN SPINACH LASAGNA
This is from Jolinda Hackett on The Spruce Eats. Jolinda wrote, “Easy whole wheat vegetarian lasagna with spinach baked in the oven with three kinds of cheeses. What's not to love? This is the perfect classic spinach lasagna recipe for the whole family!
“Make your vegetarian lasagna just a bit healthier by using this recipe, which calls for whole wheat lasagna noodles and spinach. Even though it uses whole wheat noodles, this Italian spinach lasagna is incredibly rich and creamy as it uses plenty of mozzarella, Parmesan, and low-fat cottage cheese. Of course, you don't have to use whole wheat lasagna noodles if you prefer the regular kind.
“This spinach lasagna recipe is courtesy of the Wheat Foods Council.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 75 minutes; Total Time: 90 minutes; Yield: 10 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 8-ounce package whole wheat lasagne noodles, cooked slightly (al dente)
1 9-ounce package frozen raw spinach (well thawed and drained)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 eggs
3 cups low-fat cottage cheese
3 cups pre-made or store-bought pasta sauce
3 cups grated low-moisture part skim mozzarella cheese
Directions
Pre-heat the oven to 325 degrees F.
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the eggs then add the cottage cheese and Parmesan cheese. Spray a 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a homemade olive oil spray.
Put one layer of the slightly cooked lasagna noodles flat across the bottom of the baking dish. Add about half of the spinach, pressing down lightly and evenly over the noodles. Top with another layer of lasagna noodles. Top this layer of noodles with the cottage cheese mixture then add the remaining spinach. Then add the last of the lasagna noodles laid evenly on top of spinach.
Once you've layered everything, spread the pasta sauce evenly over the top and sprinkle the whole thing with mozzarella cheese. Press down lightly.
Cover baking dish with foil, using foil sprayed with cooking spray and keeping foil off the center of the lasagna. Secure sides tightly over baking dish.
Bake about 1 hour 15 minutes in oven. To lightly brown the top, remove foil for a few minutes at the end of baking time.
Allow to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving): 282 Calories; 12g Fat; 23g Carbs; 19g Protein
JALAPENO BROCCOLI
Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 to 5 servings
Source: America's Everyday Diabetes Cookbook
Book Title: America's Everyday Diabetes Cookbook
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/jalapeno-broccoli
Ingredients
1 teaspoon salt, optional
1 head broccoli, trimmed and separated into spears
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
2 fresh jalapeno peppers, thinly sliced (with or without seeds, depending on desired hotness)
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
Few sprigs fresh coriander or parsley, chopped
Directions
Bring a pot of water to the boil and add optional salt. Add the broccoli spears and boil over high heat for 3 to 5 minutes (depending on desired tenderness).
Drain and transfer broccoli to bowl of ice cold water for 30 seconds. Drain and lay out the cooked spears decoratively on a presentation plate. Drizzle evenly with balsamic vinegar.
In a small frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat for 30 seconds. Add sliced jalapeno peppers (with seeds, if using) and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
Take peppers with all the oil from the pan, and distribute evenly over the broccoli. Garnish with pine nuts and herbs.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 142; Fat: 9 g; Fiber: 6 g; Sodium: 206 mg; Protein: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 14 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Vegetable, 1/2 Lean Meat, 1-1/2 Fat
ORANGE RICOTTA BARS
This is from Michelle Stark, food editor for the Tampa Bay Times. She also has her own site, Stark From Scratch.
Makes about 12 bars.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 ounces ricotta cheese
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Zest from 1 orange (save a pinch for the glaze)
Juice from half of that orange
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the glaze:
2 tablespoons milk
Pinch of orange zest
1 cup confectioners' sugar, more if needed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Fresh mint, for garnish
Orange slices, for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a square baking pan (I used a 9- by 9-inch pan) with cooking spray.
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl; should take between 20 and 30 seconds. Add to a large mixing bowl. Add the sugar, orange zest and juice, and mix. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk until the batter is smooth.
Add in the flour, baking powder and salt, and gently mix until everything is incorporated. Pour batter into the pan and bake for 40 minutes. You can start checking after 30-35 minutes, but mine took the full 40. The bars will be slightly brown around the edges, but don't let them get too brown. Make sure a toothpick or knife inserted into the center of the bars comes out clean.
Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, gently run a knife or spatula around the edge of the pan to loosen bars, then flip pan over carefully so the bars wiggle out. Let bars cool on a baking rack for another 15 to 30 minutes, or until cool to the touch.
Meanwhile, make the glaze: Mix all glaze ingredients in a small bowl, whisking to thoroughly combine. If very thin, add more confectioners' sugar. You want it somewhat runny; it won't be thick like frosting.
When the bars are cool, cut into 10 to 12 squares. Gently spread about 1 tablespoon of glaze on each square (it will be drippy; that's okay). Top each one with a fresh mint sprig and orange slice. Serve immediately, or refrigerate but let come to room temperature before serving.
KATHARINE HEPBURN'S BROWNIES
This was in New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. It begins, “Much like its author, this recipe is a no-fuss classic. It calls for just 1/4 cup of flour, which yields an incredibly rich and gooey brownie, and it's super easy to make. So easy, in fact, that baking a batch of these might just become part of your weekend routine.” Time: about 45 minutes; makes 12 brownies
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
1 cup chopped or broken-up walnuts or pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of salt
Preparation
Heat oven to 325 degrees.
Melt butter in saucepan with cocoa and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a large bowl. Whisk in eggs, one at a time. Stir in vanilla.
In a separate bowl, combine sugar, flour, nuts and salt. Add to the cocoa-butter mixture. Stir until just combined.
Pour into a greased 8 x 8-inch-square pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Do not overbake; the brownies should be gooey. Let cool, then cut into bars.
NO CHURN ICE CREAM
This comes from GE Appliances’ email list. It begins, “No one will believe that this ultra-creamy ice cream is so easy to make. No fancy ice cream machine required.”
12 servings (6 cups total)
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch fine sea salt
2 cups heavy cream, chilled
Directions:
In a small bowl, whisk the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla and salt until thoroughly combined; set aside.
In a large metal bowl, whip the cream with a hand mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes. Fold about 1 cup of the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture with a rubber spatula until combined, then fold the lightened mixture into the whipped cream until well blended.
Pour into a chilled 9-by-5-by-3-inch metal loaf pan, cover with plastic wrap and freeze until solid and scoopable, about 3-4 hours.
Chef’s Notes:
For best results, chill both the metal bowl and loaf pan before starting this recipe.
Try adding in additional ingredients after the ice cream has set for a few hours. Crushed up chocolate sandwich cookies, toasted nuts or chopped up candy bars are all great additions. Stir them in and place the ice cream back in the freezer until firm.
VEGETABLE SHEPHERD'S PIE
This came from the Food Network's Magazine several years ago.
Prep Time: 25 min; Cook Time: 41 min; Level: Easy; Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
6 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 large carrots, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
2 stalks celery, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
1 bunch baby turnips, halved or quartered if large
6 cloves garlic, minced
Freshly ground pepper
1/2 bunch fresh parsley, leaves chopped (stems reserved)
1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 cup chopped veggie burgers or vegetarian protein crumbles
2/3 cup milk or half-and-half
Grated parmesan cheese, for sprinkling (optional)
Directions
Preheat the broiler. Cover the potatoes with water in a pot; season with salt, cover and boil until the potatoes are fork-tender, 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a stovetop casserole dish or shallow enamel pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, turnips and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the vegetables brown, 8 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups cooking liquid from the potatoes to the casserole dish. Lower the heat and scrape up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Tie the parsley stems with twine and add to the casserole. Cover and simmer until the vegetables are tender, 8 minutes. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons butter and the chopped veggie burgers and warm through, 5 minutes. Remove the parsley stems and stir in the chopped parsley. Keep warm.
Drain the potatoes and mash with the remaining 3 tablespoons butter and the milk; season with salt and pepper and spoon over the casserole. Sprinkle with parmesan, if desired. Broil until golden brown, 5 minutes.
Per serving: Calories 558; Fat 24 g (Saturated 11 g); Cholesterol 42 mg; Sodium 656 mg; Carbohydrate 68 g; Fiber 9 g; Protein 17 g
EASY WHOLE WHEAT VEGETARIAN SPINACH LASAGNA
This is from Jolinda Hackett on The Spruce Eats. Jolinda wrote, “Easy whole wheat vegetarian lasagna with spinach baked in the oven with three kinds of cheeses. What's not to love? This is the perfect classic spinach lasagna recipe for the whole family!
“Make your vegetarian lasagna just a bit healthier by using this recipe, which calls for whole wheat lasagna noodles and spinach. Even though it uses whole wheat noodles, this Italian spinach lasagna is incredibly rich and creamy as it uses plenty of mozzarella, Parmesan, and low-fat cottage cheese. Of course, you don't have to use whole wheat lasagna noodles if you prefer the regular kind.
“This spinach lasagna recipe is courtesy of the Wheat Foods Council.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 75 minutes; Total Time: 90 minutes; Yield: 10 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 8-ounce package whole wheat lasagne noodles, cooked slightly (al dente)
1 9-ounce package frozen raw spinach (well thawed and drained)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 eggs
3 cups low-fat cottage cheese
3 cups pre-made or store-bought pasta sauce
3 cups grated low-moisture part skim mozzarella cheese
Directions
Pre-heat the oven to 325 degrees F.
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the eggs then add the cottage cheese and Parmesan cheese. Spray a 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a homemade olive oil spray.
Put one layer of the slightly cooked lasagna noodles flat across the bottom of the baking dish. Add about half of the spinach, pressing down lightly and evenly over the noodles. Top with another layer of lasagna noodles. Top this layer of noodles with the cottage cheese mixture then add the remaining spinach. Then add the last of the lasagna noodles laid evenly on top of spinach.
Once you've layered everything, spread the pasta sauce evenly over the top and sprinkle the whole thing with mozzarella cheese. Press down lightly.
Cover baking dish with foil, using foil sprayed with cooking spray and keeping foil off the center of the lasagna. Secure sides tightly over baking dish.
Bake about 1 hour 15 minutes in oven. To lightly brown the top, remove foil for a few minutes at the end of baking time.
Allow to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving): 282 Calories; 12g Fat; 23g Carbs; 19g Protein
JALAPENO BROCCOLI
Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 to 5 servings
Source: America's Everyday Diabetes Cookbook
Book Title: America's Everyday Diabetes Cookbook
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/jalapeno-broccoli
Ingredients
1 teaspoon salt, optional
1 head broccoli, trimmed and separated into spears
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
2 fresh jalapeno peppers, thinly sliced (with or without seeds, depending on desired hotness)
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
Few sprigs fresh coriander or parsley, chopped
Directions
Bring a pot of water to the boil and add optional salt. Add the broccoli spears and boil over high heat for 3 to 5 minutes (depending on desired tenderness).
Drain and transfer broccoli to bowl of ice cold water for 30 seconds. Drain and lay out the cooked spears decoratively on a presentation plate. Drizzle evenly with balsamic vinegar.
In a small frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat for 30 seconds. Add sliced jalapeno peppers (with seeds, if using) and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
Take peppers with all the oil from the pan, and distribute evenly over the broccoli. Garnish with pine nuts and herbs.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 142; Fat: 9 g; Fiber: 6 g; Sodium: 206 mg; Protein: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 14 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Vegetable, 1/2 Lean Meat, 1-1/2 Fat
ORANGE RICOTTA BARS
This is from Michelle Stark, food editor for the Tampa Bay Times. She also has her own site, Stark From Scratch.
Makes about 12 bars.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 ounces ricotta cheese
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Zest from 1 orange (save a pinch for the glaze)
Juice from half of that orange
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the glaze:
2 tablespoons milk
Pinch of orange zest
1 cup confectioners' sugar, more if needed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Fresh mint, for garnish
Orange slices, for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a square baking pan (I used a 9- by 9-inch pan) with cooking spray.
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl; should take between 20 and 30 seconds. Add to a large mixing bowl. Add the sugar, orange zest and juice, and mix. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk until the batter is smooth.
Add in the flour, baking powder and salt, and gently mix until everything is incorporated. Pour batter into the pan and bake for 40 minutes. You can start checking after 30-35 minutes, but mine took the full 40. The bars will be slightly brown around the edges, but don't let them get too brown. Make sure a toothpick or knife inserted into the center of the bars comes out clean.
Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, gently run a knife or spatula around the edge of the pan to loosen bars, then flip pan over carefully so the bars wiggle out. Let bars cool on a baking rack for another 15 to 30 minutes, or until cool to the touch.
Meanwhile, make the glaze: Mix all glaze ingredients in a small bowl, whisking to thoroughly combine. If very thin, add more confectioners' sugar. You want it somewhat runny; it won't be thick like frosting.
When the bars are cool, cut into 10 to 12 squares. Gently spread about 1 tablespoon of glaze on each square (it will be drippy; that's okay). Top each one with a fresh mint sprig and orange slice. Serve immediately, or refrigerate but let come to room temperature before serving.
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