It's finally Friday. (Yay!) Here are six yummy recipes to help you through the weekend, including Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes, Basil, and Roasted Garlic, Vegan Lasagna, and Creamy Lemonade Pie (to sweeten the weekend just a little). Enjoy!
SPINACH-ZUCCHINI SOUP
This was in the September 2009 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 51. It begins, “This light soup is full of sunny flavors like lemon, zucchini, and mint.” Makes 6 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 1/2 Tbs. olive oil
1 large onion, diced (2 cups)
1 medium zucchini, cut into 3/4-inch pieces (2 cups)
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 1/2 cups cooked white beans, such as cannellini, or 1 15-oz. can white beans, rinsed and drained
4 cups baby spinach (4 oz.)
2 Tbs. lemon juice
2 tsp. grated lemon zest
4 tsp. finely chopped mint leaves
Preparation
Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion 3 to 5 minutes, or until translucent. Add zucchini, and cook 8 minutes more, or until vegetables are well browned. Add vegetable broth and 2 cups water, and bring to a boil. Stir in beans and spinach, and return to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 5 minutes, or until spinach is wilted. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and mint. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 4 Servings. 1 Serving size = 1 cup. 1 cup fettuccine alfredo provides a 1/2 serving of Benecol®
Ingredients
2 tbsp. Benecol® Regular spread
4 to 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 1/4 cups skim milk
3 tbsp flour
4 ounces fat free cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
4 cups hot cooked fettuccine noodles (about 1/2 pound uncooked)
Directions
Heat Benecol & garlic slowly over low heat, 5 to 7 minutes, allowing full flavor of garlic to be released into Benecol.
Meanwhile, combine milk, flour, cream cheese, & Parmesan cheese in blender; then puree until smooth.
Add pureed mixture to Benecol® and garlic. Increase heat to medium-low and whisk continuously until mixture has thickened. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Toss with fettuccine noodles.
PASTA WITH FRESH TOMATOES, BASIL AND ROASTED GARLIC
This was on page 37 of the August 1998 issue of Vegetarian Times, and posted online on May 1, 2017. It begins, “Our pasta dish can be as simple as the one presented here, or modified by adding diced avocado, chopped red onion, sliced black olives and chopped roasted peppers. Since pasta is not the best source of protein, this dish should be joined by a first-course that includes legumes, such as the Chickpea-Stuffed Mushrooms (p. 35, August 1998).” Makes 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
10 cloves garlic
3/4 lb. ripe plum tomatoes
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
1 Tbs. capers
1 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
1/2 lb. rice pasta or whole-wheat pasta
Preparation
Place unpeeled garlic cloves in small baking dish and roast until soft and lightly colored, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove each clove as it is done. When cool enough to handle, peel and smash gently with flat side of knife.
Dice tomatoes and place in large bowl, retaining juices. You should have about 2 cups of tomatoes. Add roasted garlic, basil, capers, oil and vinegar. Let stand at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. When water boils, add pasta and stir to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain well and add to tomato mixture. Toss to mix and coat. Serve warm or at room temperature.
CREAMY LEMONADE PIE
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
1 (5 oz) can evaporated milk
1 (3.4 oz) pkg. instant lemon pudding mix
2 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese softened
3/4 C. lemonade concentrate
1 graham cracker crust
Directions
In mixing bowl combine milk & pudding mix; beat on low speed for 2 minutes. In another mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until light & fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually beat in lemonade concentrate. Gradually beat in pudding mixture. Pour into crust. Cover & refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
THE ULTIMATE VEGGIE BURGER
This comes from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “You make a veggie burger because you want the hamburger experience without the meat. This one delivers. It’s got a firm, beefy texture that takes on the char and smoke of the grill, but is adaptable enough to cook inside on your stove. The enemy of a veggie burger is mushiness, which stems from a high moisture content. To combat that, the very watery ingredients – mushrooms, tofu, beans and beets – are roasted to both dehydrate them somewhat and intensify their flavors. Yes, the ingredient list here is long; you need a diverse lot to make a good veggie burger. And each one adds something in terms of flavor and/or texture. Garnish this any way you like, and don’t forget to toast the buns.” Yield: 6 burger.
This was featured in “The Ultimate Veggie Burger”, and can be found online here.
Also, there are two guides that went with this recipe that you might want to check out. The first is “How to Cook Beans”, and the second is “How to Grill”. Enjoy!
Ingredients
4 ounces extra-firm tofu, drained
Olive oil
1/2 pound cremini mushrooms, trimmed and sliced
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, more as needed
Black pepper, as needed
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 medium beet, peeled and coarsely grated (3/4 cup)
3/4 cup tamari almonds or cashews
1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
2 ounces Cotija cheese or queso blanco, crumbled or grated (about 1/2 cup)
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 scallions, sliced
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3/4 teaspoon dulce pimentón or sweet smoked paprika
4 ounces tempeh, crumbled
1/2 cup cooked brown rice
Preparation
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Slice tofu into 1/4-inch-thick slabs and pat dry with paper towel. Arrange tofu on one half of a rimmed baking sheet; brush both sides with oil. Spread mushrooms on the other half of the baking sheet; toss with 2 tablespoons oil and salt and pepper.
On a second rimmed baking sheet, toss beans and grated beet with 1 tablespoon oil and salt and pepper, then spread the mixture into one layer.
Transfer both baking sheets to the oven. Roast bean-beet mixture, tossing occasionally, until beans begin to split and beets are tender and golden, about 15 minutes. Roast mushrooms and tofu until golden and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 25 minutes. Let everything cool.
Place nuts in a food processor and pulse until coarsely ground. Add cooled bean-beet mixture, mushrooms, tofu, panko, cheese, eggs, mayonnaise, scallion, garlic, pimentón and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Pulse until ingredients are just combined. Pulse in tempeh and rice but do not overprocess. You want small chunks, not a smooth mixture. Scrape mixture into a bowl and chill at least 2 hours or up to 5 days (you can also freeze the burger mix).
When you are ready to make the burgers, divide mixture into 6 equal portions and form each portion into a patty about 1 inch thick. Return to the fridge until just before grilling. They grill better when they start out cold.
Heat the grill. Cook the burgers over a low fire until they are charred on both sides and firm when you press on them, 4 to 6 minutes per side. If they start to burn before they firm up, move them to the sides of the grill to finish cooking over indirect heat. Alternatively, you can cook these on a grill pan or in a skillet over low heat.
VEGAN LASAGNA
This comes from Lena Abraham on Delish, and begins, “A lasagna you can feel good about.”
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 10-12
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Lasagna
1 box lasagna noodles
1 (14-oz) package firm tofu, drained
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp. dried oregano, divided
1 (8-oz) package baby bella mushrooms, sliced
2 (10-oz) packages frozen spinach, thawed and drained of excess liquid
For the White Sauce
1/4 c. olive oil
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
2 1/2 c. almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)
2 tbsp. nutritional yeast
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 c. marinara
3 tomatoes, thinly sliced
1/4 c. thinly sliced basil, for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 350º. Bring a large pot of salted boiling water to a boil and cook lasagna noodles until al dente. Drain.
Wrap tofu in a clean kitchen cloth or paper towels and place on a large plate. Place a pan or heavy plate on top of tofu in order to press out as much liquid as possible. Let sit for at least 30 minutes. When drained, crumble with two forks and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and garlic and season with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp oregano. Add mushrooms and cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in thawed and drained spinach until completely combined. Remove from heat and set aside vegetables.
Wipe out skillet and return to medium heat to make white sauce: Add olive oil and heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add flour and whisk to combine. Cook until lightly golden and nutty, 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in nut milk until smooth. Stir in nutritional yeast and garlic powder and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook until thickened, 8 to 10 minutes.
Build lasagna: In a large baking dish, spoon 1/4 c marinara into an even layer, then add a layer of noodles. Top with an even layer of vegetable mixture, tofu, marinara, and white sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending in marinara. Add a single layer of tomato rounds and season with salt, pepper and remaining oregano.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until tomatoes are cooked and lasagna is heated through. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with basil and serve.
Friday, March 15, 2024
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Breakfast
When I was a kid, two of my friends – siblings – lived next door. I'd frequently run over to their house about 30-seconds before my mom would want me to set the table for dinner. (I may have timed it that way on purpose...)
Thursday evenings at their house was usually reserved for breakfast-for-dinner night: their dad was going to get paid the next day, the parents would take the family grocery shopping, and it was time to get rid of the extra half-empty cereal boxes, toaster waffles, etc. So the kids would be sitting around the table with boxes of cereal, a carton of milk, just chowing down on breakfast-for-dinner.
"Why can't we have breakfast for dinner?" I'd ask Mom when I got home. (This was frequently asked with a slight whine, especially if Mom had cooked fried liver for dinner.)
But no such luck.
These days, it's a little more permissible to have breakfast for dinner. To that end, here are six breakfast recipes to try out for dinner – or for breakfast – including Raspberry Cream Cheese French Toast, Broccoli Frittata, and Eggs in a Pepper. Enjoy!
Mom and Dad
CINNAMON-APPLE FRENCH TOAST
This vegan recipe, from page 38 of the October 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times, starts off, “Tart apples like Pippin, Empire, Winesap and Granny Smith retain their shapes when cooked, so choose them for this recipe.” Serves 6 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
Apple Topping
4 large tart, firm apples, peeled, cored and sliced
3 Tbs. sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
French Toast
2 cups plain or vanilla soymilk
1/2 cup apple butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
12 slices soft-crust French bread, sliced 1/2 inch thick
To make Topping: Coat nonstick skillet with cooking spray, and heat over medium-high heat. Saute apples 5 to 7 minutes, or until softened. Reduce heat to medium. Add sugar and cinnamon, and cook 5 to 10 minutes more, or until tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in lemon juice, and remove from heat.
To make French Toast: Blend soymilk, apple butter, vanilla, cinnamon and salt in blender until smooth. Pour into shallow bowl.
Coat nonstick skillet with cooking spray, and heat over medium heat. Dip bread slices into batter, coating evenly. Cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned. Place 2 slices bread on each plate, and divide topping among servings.
Per serving: 273 cal; 6 g protein; 1.5 g total fat (0.5 g sat. fat); 55 g carb; 0 mg chol; 345 mg sodium; 3 g fiber; 25 g sugars
EGGS IN A PEPPER
This is from Chef Lizzie at AllRecipes, and begins, "This recipe is paleo and a super easy way to eat your eggs! Can also top with cheese or even a slice of bread."
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 10 minutes; Yield: 1 serving
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/244281/egg-in-a-pepper/.
Ingredients
1 large egg
1 (1/4 inch thick) ring bell pepper
salt and ground black pepper to taste
Directions
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place bell pepper ring in the hot skillet. Crack egg into bell pepper ring; cook until bottom holds together and corners are browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cook until desired doneness is reached, 2 to 3 minutes more; season with salt and ground black pepper.
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
CHICKPEA AND CHERRY FRITTATA
This is from the February 2014 issue of Runner’s World. It begins, “All runners (not just diabetics) benefit from the abundant carbs, protein, and antioxidants in this tasty dish. ‘It's big and bold-flavored,’ says (Sam) Talbot,” a runner, surfer, and type 1 diabetic who “makes this dish for a hearty pick-me-up breakfast after a morning workout.” Serves 4 to 6.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
8 eggs, lightly whisked
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 cup chopped fresh cherries or 1/2 cup chopped dried cherries
4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons agave nectar or honey
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup loosely packed, torn fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix the eggs, chickpeas, cherries, goat cheese, almond milk, thyme, agave nectar, and cream of tartar. In a medium ovenproof skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and cook for 2 minutes without stirring. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake till the eggs are puffed and set in the middle, about 20 minutes. Let the frittata cool for 5 to 10 minutes. With a rubber spatula, gently work the frittata out of the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Cut the frittata into wedges and serve garnished with the mint. Serves four to six.
Nutrition Information: Calories Per Serving: 395; Carbs: 25 g; Fiber: 4 g; Protein: 22 g; Fat: 22 g
RASPBERRY CREAM CHEESE FRENCH TOAST
This comes from Vegetarian Times (May 2005 issue, page 95), in an article featuring Inn Serendipity in Browntown, WI. The recipes begins, "If raspberries are not available, you can substitute blueberries. Note: You must start this dish one day ahead." Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/raspberry-cream-cheese-french-toast/.
Ingredients
French Toast
12 slices bread, preferably raisin bread
4 oz. low-fat cream cheese
2 large eggs
2 cups low-fat milk
1/4 cup maple syrup
8 oz. raspberries
Raspberry sauce
1 cup granulated sugar
2 Tbs. cornstarch
8 oz. raspberries
Preparation
To make French Toast: Grease 9×13-inch baking dish. Place 6 slices bread evenly on bottom of pan, and dot with half of cream cheese. Layer remaining 6 slices on top, and dot with remaining cream cheese.
Whisk together eggs, milk, syrup and raspberries in mixing bowl. Pour egg mixture over bread. Cover baking dish with foil, and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 350F.
Bake bread 1/2 hour covered; remove foil, and bake 30 minutes more, or until bread begins to puff up and brown.
To make Raspberry Sauce: Combine sugar, cornstarch and 1 cup water in saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, and cook 3 minutes, or until thickened. Whisk in raspberries, and cook 3 minutes more, or until sauce has thickened again. Serve French Toast with Raspberry Sauce.
BROCCOLI FRITTATA
Yield: 4 Servings
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/692.shtml
Ingredients
1/2 cup non-fat cottage cheese
1/2 tsp dried dill
2 cup fat-free egg substitute
2 cups frozen chopped broccoli
1 tsp olive oil
2 tsp margarine
1 large onion, diced
Directions
Mix cottage cheese and egg substitute together; set aside.
In large non-stick frying pan over medium heat, saute onions in oil for 5 minutes, or until soft.
Add broccoli and dill; saute for 5 minutes, or until broccoli mixture softens. Set vegetable aside.
Wipe out frying pan. Add 1 tsp. margarine and swirl the pan to distribute it. Add half of the vegetable mixture, and then add half of the egg mixture; lift and rotate pan so that eggs are evenly distributed.
As eggs set around the edges, lift them to allow uncooked portions to flow underneath. Turn heat to low, cover the pan, and cook until top is set.
Invert onto a serving plate and cut into wedges.
Repeat with remaining 1 tsp. margarine, vegetable mixture, and egg mixture.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 150; Calories from Fat: 30; Protein: 19 g; Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 390 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Saturated Fat: 0 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Sugars: 6 g; Carbohydrates: 12 g; Exchanges: 1 Vegetable; 2 Meat; 1 Fat
Thursday evenings at their house was usually reserved for breakfast-for-dinner night: their dad was going to get paid the next day, the parents would take the family grocery shopping, and it was time to get rid of the extra half-empty cereal boxes, toaster waffles, etc. So the kids would be sitting around the table with boxes of cereal, a carton of milk, just chowing down on breakfast-for-dinner.
"Why can't we have breakfast for dinner?" I'd ask Mom when I got home. (This was frequently asked with a slight whine, especially if Mom had cooked fried liver for dinner.)
But no such luck.
These days, it's a little more permissible to have breakfast for dinner. To that end, here are six breakfast recipes to try out for dinner – or for breakfast – including Raspberry Cream Cheese French Toast, Broccoli Frittata, and Eggs in a Pepper. Enjoy!
Mom and Dad
CINNAMON-APPLE FRENCH TOAST
This vegan recipe, from page 38 of the October 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times, starts off, “Tart apples like Pippin, Empire, Winesap and Granny Smith retain their shapes when cooked, so choose them for this recipe.” Serves 6 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
Apple Topping
4 large tart, firm apples, peeled, cored and sliced
3 Tbs. sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
French Toast
2 cups plain or vanilla soymilk
1/2 cup apple butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
12 slices soft-crust French bread, sliced 1/2 inch thick
To make Topping: Coat nonstick skillet with cooking spray, and heat over medium-high heat. Saute apples 5 to 7 minutes, or until softened. Reduce heat to medium. Add sugar and cinnamon, and cook 5 to 10 minutes more, or until tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in lemon juice, and remove from heat.
To make French Toast: Blend soymilk, apple butter, vanilla, cinnamon and salt in blender until smooth. Pour into shallow bowl.
Coat nonstick skillet with cooking spray, and heat over medium heat. Dip bread slices into batter, coating evenly. Cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned. Place 2 slices bread on each plate, and divide topping among servings.
Per serving: 273 cal; 6 g protein; 1.5 g total fat (0.5 g sat. fat); 55 g carb; 0 mg chol; 345 mg sodium; 3 g fiber; 25 g sugars
EGGS IN A PEPPER
This is from Chef Lizzie at AllRecipes, and begins, "This recipe is paleo and a super easy way to eat your eggs! Can also top with cheese or even a slice of bread."
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 10 minutes; Yield: 1 serving
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/244281/egg-in-a-pepper/.
Ingredients
1 large egg
1 (1/4 inch thick) ring bell pepper
salt and ground black pepper to taste
Directions
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place bell pepper ring in the hot skillet. Crack egg into bell pepper ring; cook until bottom holds together and corners are browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cook until desired doneness is reached, 2 to 3 minutes more; season with salt and ground black pepper.
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
CHICKPEA AND CHERRY FRITTATA
This is from the February 2014 issue of Runner’s World. It begins, “All runners (not just diabetics) benefit from the abundant carbs, protein, and antioxidants in this tasty dish. ‘It's big and bold-flavored,’ says (Sam) Talbot,” a runner, surfer, and type 1 diabetic who “makes this dish for a hearty pick-me-up breakfast after a morning workout.” Serves 4 to 6.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
8 eggs, lightly whisked
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 cup chopped fresh cherries or 1/2 cup chopped dried cherries
4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons agave nectar or honey
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup loosely packed, torn fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix the eggs, chickpeas, cherries, goat cheese, almond milk, thyme, agave nectar, and cream of tartar. In a medium ovenproof skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and cook for 2 minutes without stirring. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake till the eggs are puffed and set in the middle, about 20 minutes. Let the frittata cool for 5 to 10 minutes. With a rubber spatula, gently work the frittata out of the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Cut the frittata into wedges and serve garnished with the mint. Serves four to six.
Nutrition Information: Calories Per Serving: 395; Carbs: 25 g; Fiber: 4 g; Protein: 22 g; Fat: 22 g
RASPBERRY CREAM CHEESE FRENCH TOAST
This comes from Vegetarian Times (May 2005 issue, page 95), in an article featuring Inn Serendipity in Browntown, WI. The recipes begins, "If raspberries are not available, you can substitute blueberries. Note: You must start this dish one day ahead." Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/raspberry-cream-cheese-french-toast/.
Ingredients
French Toast
12 slices bread, preferably raisin bread
4 oz. low-fat cream cheese
2 large eggs
2 cups low-fat milk
1/4 cup maple syrup
8 oz. raspberries
Raspberry sauce
1 cup granulated sugar
2 Tbs. cornstarch
8 oz. raspberries
Preparation
To make French Toast: Grease 9×13-inch baking dish. Place 6 slices bread evenly on bottom of pan, and dot with half of cream cheese. Layer remaining 6 slices on top, and dot with remaining cream cheese.
Whisk together eggs, milk, syrup and raspberries in mixing bowl. Pour egg mixture over bread. Cover baking dish with foil, and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 350F.
Bake bread 1/2 hour covered; remove foil, and bake 30 minutes more, or until bread begins to puff up and brown.
To make Raspberry Sauce: Combine sugar, cornstarch and 1 cup water in saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, and cook 3 minutes, or until thickened. Whisk in raspberries, and cook 3 minutes more, or until sauce has thickened again. Serve French Toast with Raspberry Sauce.
BROCCOLI FRITTATA
Yield: 4 Servings
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/692.shtml
Ingredients
1/2 cup non-fat cottage cheese
1/2 tsp dried dill
2 cup fat-free egg substitute
2 cups frozen chopped broccoli
1 tsp olive oil
2 tsp margarine
1 large onion, diced
Directions
Mix cottage cheese and egg substitute together; set aside.
In large non-stick frying pan over medium heat, saute onions in oil for 5 minutes, or until soft.
Add broccoli and dill; saute for 5 minutes, or until broccoli mixture softens. Set vegetable aside.
Wipe out frying pan. Add 1 tsp. margarine and swirl the pan to distribute it. Add half of the vegetable mixture, and then add half of the egg mixture; lift and rotate pan so that eggs are evenly distributed.
As eggs set around the edges, lift them to allow uncooked portions to flow underneath. Turn heat to low, cover the pan, and cook until top is set.
Invert onto a serving plate and cut into wedges.
Repeat with remaining 1 tsp. margarine, vegetable mixture, and egg mixture.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 150; Calories from Fat: 30; Protein: 19 g; Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 390 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Saturated Fat: 0 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Sugars: 6 g; Carbohydrates: 12 g; Exchanges: 1 Vegetable; 2 Meat; 1 Fat
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Tofu
Tofu is one of those under-appreciated foods. While it tends to be bland and has a weird texture, it works well in many recipes. Check out today's six tofu recipes, including Crispy Tofu with Cashews and Blistered Snap Peas and Grilled Jerk Tofu and Plantains With Mango Salsa. Enjoy!
VEGETABLE PANCIT [VEGAN]
This is from Meatless Monday in a OneGreenPlanet enewsletter. It begins, "Pancit is a traditional Filipino dish made with rice noodles. While pancit dishes often feature meat, this vegetable version is a light and healthy take that’s a perfect fit for healthy eating resolutions."
This is Dairy Free and Serves 8
To view this online, go to https://www.onegreenplanet.org/recipe/vegetable-pancit-vegan/. The recipe also ends with, "This recipe comes to us from Christin, the Veggie Chick."
Ingredients
8 ounces rice noodles
3 teaspoons sesame oil, divided
1 package (15 ounce) extra firm tofu, drained and cut into 1 inch pieces and pressed with paper towel to remove all moisture
1 white onion, peeled and diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 large carrots, grated (about 1 cup)
3-4 cups chopped green cabbage (about 1/2 head)
2 cups baby broccoli florets
2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon dried ground ginger)
1 veggie bouillon cube
3/4 cup vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon ground sea salt
Directions
Place the rice noodles in a large bowl; cover with warm water and let sit. When the noodles are soft, after about 20 minutes, drain and set noodles aside.
Heat 2 teaspoons sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and sauté until browned, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the tofu from the wok. Reduce heat to medium.
Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to the wok. Sauté the onion and garlic for 2 minutes or until onion is translucent. Add the carrots, cabbage and broccoli. Stir fry until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
Add the tamari, ginger, veggie bouillon cube, vegetable broth and sea salt. Stir until the bouillon cube is dissolved. Add the cooked tofu, rice noodles and stir to combine. Remove from heat. Serves 8. Best served immediately. Stays fresh in the fridge for 1 day.
GRILLED JERK TOFU AND PLANTAINS WITH MANGO SALSA
This is from Chrissy Tracey at the Epicurious website.
For this yumminess, Chrissy wrote, "I was inspired to create this jerk tofu recipe after countless visits to Jamaica where I found myself inhaling the aromas of jerk meats prepared by family and other islanders. Jerk chicken, a classic Jamaican dish my family members on the island still eat regularly, is known for its spice-forward combination of many herbs and aromatics, including scallions, onion, garlic, brown sugar, Scotch bonnet peppers, and most important, allspice—the calling card of many Jamaican dishes. Growing up in a Jamaican vegetarian household, my mother would often use jerk spice to uplift the flavors of vegetables.
"Tofu is the perfect canvas for reflecting other flavors. Extra-firm tofu is ideal since it holds together well on the grill after getting pressed and marinated in homemade jerk sauce. If you can plan ahead, freezing tofu is the best way to improve texture and allow it to more readily soak up flavorful marinades. If you have time, drain the tofu and press it just after you buy it, then freeze in a resealable plastic bag. Thaw at room temperature before marinating. (Read more about why this works here.) Homemade mango salsa and grilled sweet plantains balance out the heat of the dish and provide a well-rounded taste of the island."
Active Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours; Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/grilled-jerk-tofu-plantains-mango-salsa-vegan.
Ingredients
Tofu
2 14-oz. blocks extra-firm tofu, drained
2 small red onions, coarsely chopped
10 scallions, cut into 2" pieces
12 garlic cloves
4–6 Scotch bonnet or habanero chiles, seeds removed, or 1–2 tsp. Scotch bonnet chile powder
12 sprigs thyme, leaves picked
2 1" pieces ginger, peeled
16–20 allspice berries or 2 Tbsp. ground allspice
2/3 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. browning sauce (preferably Grace; optional)
1 Tbsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1-1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt
1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 cup avocado oil or vegetable oil
Salsa
Juice of 1 lime
1 Scotch bonnet chile or jalapeño, seeds removed
2 cups coarsely chopped ripe mango
2/3 cup coarsely chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup coarsely chopped red onion
2 Tbsp. coarsely chopped cilantro
2 tsp. agave nectar or honey (optional)
1/2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt, plus more
Plantains and assembly
1/4 cup avocado oil or vegetable oil, plus more for grill
2/3 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1/2 tsp. Morton kosher salt
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
4 very ripe (almost black) plantains, halved lengthwise
Thinly sliced scallions and lime wedges (for serving)
Directions
Tofu
Wrap tofu in 2 layers of paper towel, place on a rimmed baking sheet, and weigh down with something heavy (large cans or a small cast-iron skillet work well). Let sit 30 minutes. (Alternatively, press tofu in a tofu press 15–30 minutes.)
Meanwhile, process red onions, scallions, garlic, chiles, thyme, ginger, allspice, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, lime juice, browning sauce (if using), black pepper, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a food processor or blender to a coarse purée. With motor running, stream in oil and process to a fine purée. Transfer jerk sauce to a bowl.
Unwrap tofu and cut each block crosswise into 6 slices. Pour 1 cup jerk sauce into a baking dish, then add tofu slices and turn to coat. Set remaining jerk sauce aside for brushing and serving. Cover and chill tofu at least 30 minutes and up to 1 day.
Do ahead: Jerk sauce can be made 3 weeks ahead. Cover and chill.
Salsa
Pulse lime juice, chile, mango, bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, agave (if using), and 1/2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt in a food processor just until coarsely chopped, 5–10 pulses. Taste salsa and season with more salt if needed. Transfer to a bowl; cover and chill until ready to serve.
Plantains and assembly
Prepare a grill for medium-high heat; lightly oil grate. Arrange tofu on grate, cover, and grill, brushing with reserved jerk sauce as you turn tofu, until lightly browned and grill marks appear, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and brush with additional sauce, if desired.
Meanwhile, mix brown sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper, and remaining 1/4 cup oil in a small bowl. Brush cut sides of plantains generously with mixture.
Arrange plantains, cut side down, on grate, cover, and grill, brushing all over with brown sugar mixture as you turn, until deep golden and grill marks appear, about 7 minutes per side. Transfer plantains to plates with tofu.
Top tofu and plantains with scallions and serve with salsa and lime wedges.
SMOKED TOFU FARFALLE CASSEROLE
This was on the Vegetarian Times web site, and begins, "Here's a new twist on old-fashioned tuna noodle casserole." Serves 6
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/smoked-tofu-farfalle-casserole/.
Ingredients
4 tsp. olive oil
1 small yellow bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 1/2 cups frozen baby peas
3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 Tbs.)
2 1/2 tsp. minced fresh thyme
8 oz. farfalle pasta (bows)
1 3/4 cups low-fat milk
3 Tbs. all-purpose flour
3 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, grated (about 3/4 cup)
6 oz. smoked tofu, diced
3 Tbs. Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
Preparation
Preheat oven to 425F. Heat 1 tsp. oil in 6-qt. Dutch oven over medium heat. Add bell pepper, and cook, stirring often, 3 minutes. Stir in frozen peas, garlic and thyme, and cook, stirring often, 2 minutes more. Transfer to bowl and set aside.
Wipe out Dutch oven; fill with water, and bring to a boil. Add pasta, and cook about 4 minutes, or until just al dente. Drain and transfer to clean bowl. Drizzle with 2 tsp. olive oil, and toss to coat. Return Dutch oven to stove.
Heat 1 1/2 cups milk in Dutch oven over medium heat until almost simmering. Whisk together remaining 1/4 cup milk with flour in small bowl, then whisk into hot milk. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, 2 minutes, or until sauce thickens and bubbles. Remove from heat, and stir in cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add pasta, bell pepper mixture and tofu, and stir to combine.
Mix breadcrumbs with remaining 1 tsp. oil in small bowl; sprinkle over casserole. Bake uncovered, 20 minutes, or until golden. Serve hot.
SUPERIORITY BURGER'S CRISPY FRIED TOFU SANDWICH
This is from Brooks Headley and adapted by Alexa Weibel at The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Alexa wrote, "Ranging from silken and creamy to firm and chewy, tofu comes in many forms and is prized around the world for its versatility. In this recipe, which is adapted from the “Superiority Burger Cookbook” (W.W. Norton & Company, 2018) by chef Brooks Headley, extra-firm tofu is pressed, marinated, breaded and fried, to make the “tofu-fried tofu” sandwich at Superiority Burger, his popular vegetarian restaurant in New York City. To achieve a dense tofu patty with plenty of flavor and bite, Mr. Headley starts with extra-firm tofu, presses out any excess liquid, then marinates it in a spicy pickle juice brine. It’s then double-battered and deep-fried until crisp. This sandwich is best enjoyed on a sunlit stoop in the East Village, just steps outside Superiority Burger, but it’s also achievable in any home kitchen."
Time: 45 minutes, plus marinating; Yield: 6 sandwiches
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021237-superiority-burgers-crispy-fried-tofu-sandwich. (And while you're at it, if you haven't signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend it. Great recipes, lots of info. I love the site, and hope you will, too.)
Ingredients
For the Marinated Tofu
1 (14-ounce) package extra-firm tofu, drained
1-1/2 cups pickle juice
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon gochugaru or red-pepper flakes
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil or other neutral oil
For the Fried Tofu
1/2 cup Dijon mustard
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
1 teaspoon black pepper
Grapeseed oil or other neutral oil, for frying
For Assembly
6 potato buns or other soft rolls
Vegan mayonnaise and hot sauce, as needed
Thinly shredded green cabbage and dill pickles, for serving
Preparation
Prepare the marinated tofu: Line a baking sheet with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Cut the tofu crosswise into two rectangles that are each about 2-1/2 inches wide and 4 inches long. Slice each rectangle into three 1/2-inch thick slabs and arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet. Cover the sliced tofu with more towels and gently press each piece to extract some of the moisture.
In a large bowl, combine the pickle juice, hot sauce, mustard and gochugaru.
Heat the grapeseed oil in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over high heat until shimmering. Sear the tofu to form a golden-brown crust, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Immediately drop the hot tofu into the pickle juice mixture. Refrigerate and let the tofu marinate for at least a few hours, or even overnight.
Prepare the fried tofu: In a medium shallow bowl, stir the mustard with 1/4 cup water until it’s the consistency of heavy cream and set aside. In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, spices, salt and pepper.
In a Dutch oven or sturdy pot, heat 2 inches of grapeseed oil over medium heat and set a wire rack on top of a baking sheet. Remove the tofu from the brine and pat dry. Dip the tofu in the mustard mixture, turning until coated all over, then the flour mixture; dip it again in the mustard then flour until twice coated. When the oil temperature reaches 350 degrees, carefully place the battered tofu into the hot oil and fry, flipping as needed, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer the fried tofu to the wire rack and sprinkle with a little salt.
To serve, toast the buns and spread generously with mayo and dot with hot sauce, if desired. Top with fried tofu, cabbage and dill pickles, and eat immediately.
CRISPY TOFU WITH CASHEWS AND BLISTERED SNAP PEAS
This is from Yewande Komolafe on The New York Times cooking newsletter. Yewande wrote, "A ginger and coconut milk reduction can coat pretty much anything that browns nicely on its own. Here, it’s pieces of pan-seared tofu, but small morsels of chicken and pork will work just as well. The soy and the teaspoons of molasses give the sauce a little caramelization, and a little shine and gloss. For a fresh side, add some blistered snap peas, tossed with sliced scallions, a little mint and a splash of rice vinegar. Snow peas, green beans, broccoli or asparagus? If it’s fresh and green, it’ll work just fine."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes
This was featured in "This One-Pan Meal Shows Just How Joyful Tofu Can Be", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021200-crispy-tofu-with-cashews-and-blistered-snap-peas.
Ingredients
1 (14-ounce) block firm or extra-firm tofu, drained
3 tablespoons neutral oil, such as grapeseed, vegetable or canola, plus more as needed
Kosher salt and black pepper
3/4 pound snap peas, trimmed
1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated (about 2 tablespoons)
2 garlic cloves, grated
1 (13-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk (light or full-fat)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons molasses, dark brown sugar or honey
1/2 cup toasted cashews
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
4 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced
1/4 cup mint leaves, torn if large
1/2 to 1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes (optional)
Rice or any steamed grain, for serving
Preparation
Slice the tofu in half horizontally, and leave on paper towels to dry any excess liquid.
In a medium skillet or cast-iron pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high until it shimmers. Season both sides of the tofu with salt and black pepper, place in the pan and sear without moving until tofu is browned and golden on both sides, turning once halfway through, about 8 minutes total. Move the tofu to a plate.
Add 1 tablespoon oil to the pan, and add the snap peas. Cook, stirring occasionally, until blistered and just tender, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and move to a bowl.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, add the ginger and garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce and molasses. Simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce reduces and its color deepens to a dark brown, about 6 to 8 minutes. It should coat a spoon without running right off. Stir in the cashews, break the tofu into 1-inch pieces and toss in the pan to coat with sauce. Remove from heat, and taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
Toss the snap peas with the rice vinegar, scallions, mint and red-pepper flakes, if using. Divide among plates, along with the tofu and cashews. Serve with rice or any steamed grain.
SPICY TOFU WITH VEGETABLES
This is from Taste For Life. Prep Time: 25 minutes; Makes 4 servings. Recipe Source: Complete Book of Thai Cooking, by Linda Stephen
To view this online, go to https://tasteforlife.com/healthy-recipes/veggie/spicy-tofu-with-vegetables.
Ingredients
3 Tbsp vegetable oil, divided
12 oz firm tofu, patted dry, cut in 1/2-inch cubes
3 shallots, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 carrot, cut in matchstick pieces
1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and cut in thin strips
1 C sliced asparagus or green beans, cut in 1-inch pieces
2 Tbsp soy sauce
2 Tbsp lime juice
2 1/2 tsp fresh red chilies, chopped
2 tsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp black pepper
Directions
Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil. Add tofu and stir-fry for 4 minutes, turning carefully, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and reserve.
Add remaining oil to wok. Add shallots and garlic. Stir-fry for 1 minute.
Add carrot, red pepper, and asparagus or green beans. Stir-fry for 2 minutes.
Add soy sauce, lime juice, chilies, sugar, and pepper. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
Return tofu to wok. Cook for 1 minute, or until combined and heated through.
VEGETABLE PANCIT [VEGAN]
This is from Meatless Monday in a OneGreenPlanet enewsletter. It begins, "Pancit is a traditional Filipino dish made with rice noodles. While pancit dishes often feature meat, this vegetable version is a light and healthy take that’s a perfect fit for healthy eating resolutions."
This is Dairy Free and Serves 8
To view this online, go to https://www.onegreenplanet.org/recipe/vegetable-pancit-vegan/. The recipe also ends with, "This recipe comes to us from Christin, the Veggie Chick."
Ingredients
8 ounces rice noodles
3 teaspoons sesame oil, divided
1 package (15 ounce) extra firm tofu, drained and cut into 1 inch pieces and pressed with paper towel to remove all moisture
1 white onion, peeled and diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 large carrots, grated (about 1 cup)
3-4 cups chopped green cabbage (about 1/2 head)
2 cups baby broccoli florets
2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon dried ground ginger)
1 veggie bouillon cube
3/4 cup vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon ground sea salt
Directions
Place the rice noodles in a large bowl; cover with warm water and let sit. When the noodles are soft, after about 20 minutes, drain and set noodles aside.
Heat 2 teaspoons sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and sauté until browned, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the tofu from the wok. Reduce heat to medium.
Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to the wok. Sauté the onion and garlic for 2 minutes or until onion is translucent. Add the carrots, cabbage and broccoli. Stir fry until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
Add the tamari, ginger, veggie bouillon cube, vegetable broth and sea salt. Stir until the bouillon cube is dissolved. Add the cooked tofu, rice noodles and stir to combine. Remove from heat. Serves 8. Best served immediately. Stays fresh in the fridge for 1 day.
GRILLED JERK TOFU AND PLANTAINS WITH MANGO SALSA
This is from Chrissy Tracey at the Epicurious website.
For this yumminess, Chrissy wrote, "I was inspired to create this jerk tofu recipe after countless visits to Jamaica where I found myself inhaling the aromas of jerk meats prepared by family and other islanders. Jerk chicken, a classic Jamaican dish my family members on the island still eat regularly, is known for its spice-forward combination of many herbs and aromatics, including scallions, onion, garlic, brown sugar, Scotch bonnet peppers, and most important, allspice—the calling card of many Jamaican dishes. Growing up in a Jamaican vegetarian household, my mother would often use jerk spice to uplift the flavors of vegetables.
"Tofu is the perfect canvas for reflecting other flavors. Extra-firm tofu is ideal since it holds together well on the grill after getting pressed and marinated in homemade jerk sauce. If you can plan ahead, freezing tofu is the best way to improve texture and allow it to more readily soak up flavorful marinades. If you have time, drain the tofu and press it just after you buy it, then freeze in a resealable plastic bag. Thaw at room temperature before marinating. (Read more about why this works here.) Homemade mango salsa and grilled sweet plantains balance out the heat of the dish and provide a well-rounded taste of the island."
Active Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours; Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/grilled-jerk-tofu-plantains-mango-salsa-vegan.
Ingredients
Tofu
2 14-oz. blocks extra-firm tofu, drained
2 small red onions, coarsely chopped
10 scallions, cut into 2" pieces
12 garlic cloves
4–6 Scotch bonnet or habanero chiles, seeds removed, or 1–2 tsp. Scotch bonnet chile powder
12 sprigs thyme, leaves picked
2 1" pieces ginger, peeled
16–20 allspice berries or 2 Tbsp. ground allspice
2/3 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. browning sauce (preferably Grace; optional)
1 Tbsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1-1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt
1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 cup avocado oil or vegetable oil
Salsa
Juice of 1 lime
1 Scotch bonnet chile or jalapeño, seeds removed
2 cups coarsely chopped ripe mango
2/3 cup coarsely chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup coarsely chopped red onion
2 Tbsp. coarsely chopped cilantro
2 tsp. agave nectar or honey (optional)
1/2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt, plus more
Plantains and assembly
1/4 cup avocado oil or vegetable oil, plus more for grill
2/3 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1/2 tsp. Morton kosher salt
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
4 very ripe (almost black) plantains, halved lengthwise
Thinly sliced scallions and lime wedges (for serving)
Directions
Tofu
Wrap tofu in 2 layers of paper towel, place on a rimmed baking sheet, and weigh down with something heavy (large cans or a small cast-iron skillet work well). Let sit 30 minutes. (Alternatively, press tofu in a tofu press 15–30 minutes.)
Meanwhile, process red onions, scallions, garlic, chiles, thyme, ginger, allspice, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, lime juice, browning sauce (if using), black pepper, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a food processor or blender to a coarse purée. With motor running, stream in oil and process to a fine purée. Transfer jerk sauce to a bowl.
Unwrap tofu and cut each block crosswise into 6 slices. Pour 1 cup jerk sauce into a baking dish, then add tofu slices and turn to coat. Set remaining jerk sauce aside for brushing and serving. Cover and chill tofu at least 30 minutes and up to 1 day.
Do ahead: Jerk sauce can be made 3 weeks ahead. Cover and chill.
Salsa
Pulse lime juice, chile, mango, bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, agave (if using), and 1/2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt in a food processor just until coarsely chopped, 5–10 pulses. Taste salsa and season with more salt if needed. Transfer to a bowl; cover and chill until ready to serve.
Plantains and assembly
Prepare a grill for medium-high heat; lightly oil grate. Arrange tofu on grate, cover, and grill, brushing with reserved jerk sauce as you turn tofu, until lightly browned and grill marks appear, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and brush with additional sauce, if desired.
Meanwhile, mix brown sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper, and remaining 1/4 cup oil in a small bowl. Brush cut sides of plantains generously with mixture.
Arrange plantains, cut side down, on grate, cover, and grill, brushing all over with brown sugar mixture as you turn, until deep golden and grill marks appear, about 7 minutes per side. Transfer plantains to plates with tofu.
Top tofu and plantains with scallions and serve with salsa and lime wedges.
SMOKED TOFU FARFALLE CASSEROLE
This was on the Vegetarian Times web site, and begins, "Here's a new twist on old-fashioned tuna noodle casserole." Serves 6
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/smoked-tofu-farfalle-casserole/.
Ingredients
4 tsp. olive oil
1 small yellow bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 1/2 cups frozen baby peas
3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 Tbs.)
2 1/2 tsp. minced fresh thyme
8 oz. farfalle pasta (bows)
1 3/4 cups low-fat milk
3 Tbs. all-purpose flour
3 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, grated (about 3/4 cup)
6 oz. smoked tofu, diced
3 Tbs. Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
Preparation
Preheat oven to 425F. Heat 1 tsp. oil in 6-qt. Dutch oven over medium heat. Add bell pepper, and cook, stirring often, 3 minutes. Stir in frozen peas, garlic and thyme, and cook, stirring often, 2 minutes more. Transfer to bowl and set aside.
Wipe out Dutch oven; fill with water, and bring to a boil. Add pasta, and cook about 4 minutes, or until just al dente. Drain and transfer to clean bowl. Drizzle with 2 tsp. olive oil, and toss to coat. Return Dutch oven to stove.
Heat 1 1/2 cups milk in Dutch oven over medium heat until almost simmering. Whisk together remaining 1/4 cup milk with flour in small bowl, then whisk into hot milk. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, 2 minutes, or until sauce thickens and bubbles. Remove from heat, and stir in cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add pasta, bell pepper mixture and tofu, and stir to combine.
Mix breadcrumbs with remaining 1 tsp. oil in small bowl; sprinkle over casserole. Bake uncovered, 20 minutes, or until golden. Serve hot.
SUPERIORITY BURGER'S CRISPY FRIED TOFU SANDWICH
This is from Brooks Headley and adapted by Alexa Weibel at The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Alexa wrote, "Ranging from silken and creamy to firm and chewy, tofu comes in many forms and is prized around the world for its versatility. In this recipe, which is adapted from the “Superiority Burger Cookbook” (W.W. Norton & Company, 2018) by chef Brooks Headley, extra-firm tofu is pressed, marinated, breaded and fried, to make the “tofu-fried tofu” sandwich at Superiority Burger, his popular vegetarian restaurant in New York City. To achieve a dense tofu patty with plenty of flavor and bite, Mr. Headley starts with extra-firm tofu, presses out any excess liquid, then marinates it in a spicy pickle juice brine. It’s then double-battered and deep-fried until crisp. This sandwich is best enjoyed on a sunlit stoop in the East Village, just steps outside Superiority Burger, but it’s also achievable in any home kitchen."
Time: 45 minutes, plus marinating; Yield: 6 sandwiches
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021237-superiority-burgers-crispy-fried-tofu-sandwich. (And while you're at it, if you haven't signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend it. Great recipes, lots of info. I love the site, and hope you will, too.)
Ingredients
For the Marinated Tofu
1 (14-ounce) package extra-firm tofu, drained
1-1/2 cups pickle juice
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon gochugaru or red-pepper flakes
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil or other neutral oil
For the Fried Tofu
1/2 cup Dijon mustard
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
1 teaspoon black pepper
Grapeseed oil or other neutral oil, for frying
For Assembly
6 potato buns or other soft rolls
Vegan mayonnaise and hot sauce, as needed
Thinly shredded green cabbage and dill pickles, for serving
Preparation
Prepare the marinated tofu: Line a baking sheet with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Cut the tofu crosswise into two rectangles that are each about 2-1/2 inches wide and 4 inches long. Slice each rectangle into three 1/2-inch thick slabs and arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet. Cover the sliced tofu with more towels and gently press each piece to extract some of the moisture.
In a large bowl, combine the pickle juice, hot sauce, mustard and gochugaru.
Heat the grapeseed oil in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over high heat until shimmering. Sear the tofu to form a golden-brown crust, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Immediately drop the hot tofu into the pickle juice mixture. Refrigerate and let the tofu marinate for at least a few hours, or even overnight.
Prepare the fried tofu: In a medium shallow bowl, stir the mustard with 1/4 cup water until it’s the consistency of heavy cream and set aside. In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, spices, salt and pepper.
In a Dutch oven or sturdy pot, heat 2 inches of grapeseed oil over medium heat and set a wire rack on top of a baking sheet. Remove the tofu from the brine and pat dry. Dip the tofu in the mustard mixture, turning until coated all over, then the flour mixture; dip it again in the mustard then flour until twice coated. When the oil temperature reaches 350 degrees, carefully place the battered tofu into the hot oil and fry, flipping as needed, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer the fried tofu to the wire rack and sprinkle with a little salt.
To serve, toast the buns and spread generously with mayo and dot with hot sauce, if desired. Top with fried tofu, cabbage and dill pickles, and eat immediately.
CRISPY TOFU WITH CASHEWS AND BLISTERED SNAP PEAS
This is from Yewande Komolafe on The New York Times cooking newsletter. Yewande wrote, "A ginger and coconut milk reduction can coat pretty much anything that browns nicely on its own. Here, it’s pieces of pan-seared tofu, but small morsels of chicken and pork will work just as well. The soy and the teaspoons of molasses give the sauce a little caramelization, and a little shine and gloss. For a fresh side, add some blistered snap peas, tossed with sliced scallions, a little mint and a splash of rice vinegar. Snow peas, green beans, broccoli or asparagus? If it’s fresh and green, it’ll work just fine."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes
This was featured in "This One-Pan Meal Shows Just How Joyful Tofu Can Be", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021200-crispy-tofu-with-cashews-and-blistered-snap-peas.
Ingredients
1 (14-ounce) block firm or extra-firm tofu, drained
3 tablespoons neutral oil, such as grapeseed, vegetable or canola, plus more as needed
Kosher salt and black pepper
3/4 pound snap peas, trimmed
1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated (about 2 tablespoons)
2 garlic cloves, grated
1 (13-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk (light or full-fat)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons molasses, dark brown sugar or honey
1/2 cup toasted cashews
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
4 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced
1/4 cup mint leaves, torn if large
1/2 to 1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes (optional)
Rice or any steamed grain, for serving
Preparation
Slice the tofu in half horizontally, and leave on paper towels to dry any excess liquid.
In a medium skillet or cast-iron pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high until it shimmers. Season both sides of the tofu with salt and black pepper, place in the pan and sear without moving until tofu is browned and golden on both sides, turning once halfway through, about 8 minutes total. Move the tofu to a plate.
Add 1 tablespoon oil to the pan, and add the snap peas. Cook, stirring occasionally, until blistered and just tender, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and move to a bowl.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, add the ginger and garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce and molasses. Simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce reduces and its color deepens to a dark brown, about 6 to 8 minutes. It should coat a spoon without running right off. Stir in the cashews, break the tofu into 1-inch pieces and toss in the pan to coat with sauce. Remove from heat, and taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
Toss the snap peas with the rice vinegar, scallions, mint and red-pepper flakes, if using. Divide among plates, along with the tofu and cashews. Serve with rice or any steamed grain.
SPICY TOFU WITH VEGETABLES
This is from Taste For Life. Prep Time: 25 minutes; Makes 4 servings. Recipe Source: Complete Book of Thai Cooking, by Linda Stephen
To view this online, go to https://tasteforlife.com/healthy-recipes/veggie/spicy-tofu-with-vegetables.
Ingredients
3 Tbsp vegetable oil, divided
12 oz firm tofu, patted dry, cut in 1/2-inch cubes
3 shallots, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 carrot, cut in matchstick pieces
1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and cut in thin strips
1 C sliced asparagus or green beans, cut in 1-inch pieces
2 Tbsp soy sauce
2 Tbsp lime juice
2 1/2 tsp fresh red chilies, chopped
2 tsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp black pepper
Directions
Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil. Add tofu and stir-fry for 4 minutes, turning carefully, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and reserve.
Add remaining oil to wok. Add shallots and garlic. Stir-fry for 1 minute.
Add carrot, red pepper, and asparagus or green beans. Stir-fry for 2 minutes.
Add soy sauce, lime juice, chilies, sugar, and pepper. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
Return tofu to wok. Cook for 1 minute, or until combined and heated through.
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Double-Post Tuesday
Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Today's offerings include Baked Risotto With Greens and Peas and Kale Lasagna Diavolo. Enjoy!
GRILLED TOFU
This comes from Kay Chun in The New York Times cooking newsletter. Kay wrote, "Pouring hot marinade over tofu slices encourages faster absorption of flavors, eliminating the need to marinate overnight. In a pinch, this method yields tasty results in three hours, but the recommended six hours deliver a much more complex, richer flavored tofu. Grilled, it makes a versatile side dish and is delicious warm or at room temperature. Pair it with steamed rice and a simple green salad, or turn the tofu into satisfying vegetarian sandwiches by tucking it into pita bread with lettuce and avocado."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 20 minutes, plus 6 hours' marinating
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022297-grilled-tofu.
Ingredients
1 (14-ounce) block extra-firm tofu, sliced crosswise into eight equal slices (about 1/2-inch thick)
2 tablespoons safflower or canola oil, plus more for greasing grates
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped scallions
Preparation
Arrange sliced tofu in a single layer on a paper towel-lined plate. Press top with more paper towels to remove excess water. Arrange tofu in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, or any shallow dish that can hold the tofu in one layer.
In a small saucepan, combine oil, garlic and ginger over medium; bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant, 2 minutes. Add soy sauce, sugar, pepper and 1/4 cup water, and cook, stirring to dissolve the sugar, about 2 minutes.
Pour hot marinade over tofu. Gently turn tofu slices to evenly coat, then cover dish tightly with plastic wrap to seal in heat. Refrigerate for 6 hours (or up to 8 hours), flipping tofu slices halfway through.
Heat grill to medium and grease grates well (or heat a cast-iron grill pan over medium and lightly grease). Grill tofu over direct heat until golden and caramelized, about 3 minutes per side.
Meanwhile, transfer marinade to a small saucepan over medium and warm through, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in scallions.
Transfer tofu to a serving plate and spoon over the sauce. Serve warm.
BLUEBERRY CRUMBLE
This is from the Food Network. Prep Time: 20 minutes; Inactive: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour; Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/blueberry-crumble-recipe-1956497.
Ingredients
Filling:
1 teaspoon unsalted butter, softened
2 pints blueberries, or any other berry
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup apple cider or orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Streusel Topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
1/2 cup toasted oats
1/2 cup chopped, toasted almonds
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly butter an 8-inch square baking dish.
For the filling: In a bowl, add the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, cider, and vanilla, Carefully mix the ingredients together with a spatula, leaving the blueberries whole. Set aside while you assemble the topping.
For the topping: In the bowl of a mixer, add the flour, sugars, and butter. Using the paddle attachment, incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks mealy or crumbly. (This can be done by hand.) Stir in the oats and nuts.
Pour the filling into an 8-inch square baking dish and evenly distribute the topping over the fruit. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling. Cool slightly and serve warm.
KALE LASAGNA DIAVOLO
This was in the January/February 2011 issue of Vegetarian Times (page 79), and begins, "Warm up a winter evening with a spicy lasagna that gets hearty texture from chopped kale. Goat cheese mashed into traditional ricotta gives it a flavorful tang."
Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/kale-lasagna-diavolo/.
Ingredients
1 tsp. olive oil, plus more for oiling pan
1 8-oz. bunch kale, stems removed
1 15-oz. pkg. fat-free ricotta cheese
4 oz. chevre or soft goat cheese, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
2 cups prepared tomato puree
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
6 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained, or 6 no-cook lasagna noodles
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation
Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat 8-inch square baking pan with oil.
Cook kale in large pot of boiling salted water 2 minutes. Drain, and rinse under cold water until cool enough to handle. Thoroughly wring out kale, then chop. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and set aside.
Mash together ricotta and chèvre in bowl, and set aside.
Heat 1 tsp. oil in small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic, and cook 15 seconds, or until fragrant. Add tomato purée and red pepper flakes; simmer 5 minutes, or until thickened.
Spread 1/4 cup sauce in prepared baking pan. Place 2 lasagna noodles on top of sauce. Top with half of cheese mixture, half of kale, and 1/3 cup sauce. Top with two more noodles, remaining cheese, and remaining kale. Top with remaining lasagna noodles, and cover with remaining sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan, and bake 40 minutes, or until cheese has melted and lasagna is bubbly.
RED LENTIL SOUP WITH LEMON
This comes from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “This is a lentil soup that defies expectations of what lentil soup can be. It is light, spicy and a bold red color (no murky brown here): a revelatory dish that takes less than an hour to make. The cooking is painless. Sauté onion and garlic in oil, then stir in tomato paste, cumin and chile powder and cook a few minutes more to intensify flavor. Add broth, water, red lentils (which cook faster than their green or black counterparts) and diced carrot, and simmer for 30 minutes. Purée half the mixture and return it to the pot for a soup that strikes the balance between chunky and pleasingly smooth. A hit of lemon juice adds an up note that offsets the deep cumin and chile flavors.”
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 45 minutes.
This was featured in “A Lentil Soup to Make You Stop, Taste and Savor”, and can be viewed online here.
The Times has two more links with this recipe that come in handy: “How to Make Soup,” a guide by Samin Nosrat and “How to Cook Beans,” a guide by Melissa Clark. Both of these are extremely helpful when making homemade soup and/or cooking beans. I highly recommend both.
Note: This recipe originally called for 1 quart chicken or vegetable broth. For obvious reasons, I've limited it to the veggie broth.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil, more for drizzling
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Pinch of ground chile powder or cayenne, more to taste
1 quart vegetable broth
2 cups water
1 cup red lentils
1 large carrot, peeled and diced
Juice of 1/2 lemon, more to taste
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Preparation
In a large pot, heat 3 tablespoons oil over high heat until hot and shimmering. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until golden, about 4 minutes.
Stir in tomato paste, cumin, salt, black pepper and chili powder or cayenne, and sauté for 2 minutes longer.
Add broth, 2 cups water, lentils and carrot. Bring to a simmer, then partially cover pot and turn heat to medium-low. Simmer until lentils are soft, about 30 minutes. Taste and add salt if necessary.
Using an immersion or regular blender or a food processor, purée half the soup then add it back to pot. Soup should be somewhat chunky.
Reheat soup if necessary, then stir in lemon juice and cilantro. Serve soup drizzled with good olive oil and dusted lightly with chili powder if desired.
BAKED RISOTTO WITH GREENS AND PEAS
This comes from Kay Chun on The New York Times cooking site. Kay wrote, "This easy baked risotto eliminates the constant stirring required in traditional risotto recipes. It’s laden with vegetables, namely kale and spinach, but other leafy greens like Swiss chard or collard greens would work equally well. If you happen to have some extra asparagus, sub it in for the peas. This risotto makes a great starter or side dish, but you can also turn it into a vegetarian main course by using vegetable or mushroom stock in place of the chicken broth, and topping it with sautéed mushrooms, a fried egg or crispy tofu slices. Leftovers can be refrigerated for two days and reheated with more broth, or repurposed into crunchy rice cakes or arancini. Simply form into patties or balls, coat in bread crumbs and shallow-fry until golden and crunchy."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021287-baked-risotto-with-greens-and-peas.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 cup Arborio rice (about 7 ounces)
Kosher salt and black pepper
4 ounces green or lacinato kale (about 1/3 bunch), stems separated and thinly sliced, leaves stacked and cut into 1/4-inch-thick ribbons (about 4 packed cups)
3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
4 ounces baby spinach (about 4 packed cups)
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
3/4 cup grated Parmesan (3 ounces), plus more for garnish
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Preparation
Heat oven to 375 degrees. In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and stir until fragrant, 1 minute. Add rice, season with salt and pepper, and stir until coated in oil and lightly toasted, 2 minutes.
Add kale, season with salt and pepper, and stir until wilted, 30 seconds. Add broth and bring to a boil over high heat.
Cover and bake until almost all of the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
Stir in spinach and peas until spinach is wilted. Add Parmesan, butter and lemon juice, and stir until well blended and saucy. (Liquid will continue to absorb as risotto sits.) Season with salt and pepper. Serve in bowls and top with more Parmesan.
AL ROKER'S VEGETABLE LASAGNA
This yumminess is from Al Roker on the Today Show site. It begins, "This vegetarian lasagna, which is bubbling with gooey cheese, is a delicious way to sneak lots of vegetable servings into dinner."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
To view this online, go to https://www.today.com/recipes/al-roker-s-vegetable-lasagna-t108791.
Ingredients
Sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 zucchini, medium dice
1 small yellow squash, medium dice
1 medium yellow onion, medium dice
1 medium red bell pepper, medium dice
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups marinara sauce
3 tablespoons chopped basil
1 pinch red pepper flakes
Lasagna
32 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
2 eggs
1 pound dry lasagna noodles, cooked according to packaging
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella
Preparation
For the sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Add zucchini, squash, onion and red peppers. Season with salt and sauté vegetables until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional minute. Pour in marinara sauce and chopped basil. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook sauce for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
For the lasagna:
While sauce is cooking, mix together ricotta cheese and egg until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, assemble the lasagna: Spoon vegetable sauce on bottom, cover with noodles in a single layer, spread a layer of the ricotta mixture and sprinkle some Parmesan. Repeat until the lasagna is fully built, finishing by covering the top with the shredded mozzarella.
Cover lasagna with aluminum foil. Bake in a 400°F oven, covered, for 40 minutes, then remove foil and cook for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese turns golden brown.
Once cooked, let lasagna sit for 8-10 minutes before cutting and serving.
GRILLED TOFU
This comes from Kay Chun in The New York Times cooking newsletter. Kay wrote, "Pouring hot marinade over tofu slices encourages faster absorption of flavors, eliminating the need to marinate overnight. In a pinch, this method yields tasty results in three hours, but the recommended six hours deliver a much more complex, richer flavored tofu. Grilled, it makes a versatile side dish and is delicious warm or at room temperature. Pair it with steamed rice and a simple green salad, or turn the tofu into satisfying vegetarian sandwiches by tucking it into pita bread with lettuce and avocado."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 20 minutes, plus 6 hours' marinating
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022297-grilled-tofu.
Ingredients
1 (14-ounce) block extra-firm tofu, sliced crosswise into eight equal slices (about 1/2-inch thick)
2 tablespoons safflower or canola oil, plus more for greasing grates
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped scallions
Preparation
Arrange sliced tofu in a single layer on a paper towel-lined plate. Press top with more paper towels to remove excess water. Arrange tofu in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, or any shallow dish that can hold the tofu in one layer.
In a small saucepan, combine oil, garlic and ginger over medium; bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant, 2 minutes. Add soy sauce, sugar, pepper and 1/4 cup water, and cook, stirring to dissolve the sugar, about 2 minutes.
Pour hot marinade over tofu. Gently turn tofu slices to evenly coat, then cover dish tightly with plastic wrap to seal in heat. Refrigerate for 6 hours (or up to 8 hours), flipping tofu slices halfway through.
Heat grill to medium and grease grates well (or heat a cast-iron grill pan over medium and lightly grease). Grill tofu over direct heat until golden and caramelized, about 3 minutes per side.
Meanwhile, transfer marinade to a small saucepan over medium and warm through, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in scallions.
Transfer tofu to a serving plate and spoon over the sauce. Serve warm.
BLUEBERRY CRUMBLE
This is from the Food Network. Prep Time: 20 minutes; Inactive: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour; Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/blueberry-crumble-recipe-1956497.
Ingredients
Filling:
1 teaspoon unsalted butter, softened
2 pints blueberries, or any other berry
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup apple cider or orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Streusel Topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
1/2 cup toasted oats
1/2 cup chopped, toasted almonds
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly butter an 8-inch square baking dish.
For the filling: In a bowl, add the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, cider, and vanilla, Carefully mix the ingredients together with a spatula, leaving the blueberries whole. Set aside while you assemble the topping.
For the topping: In the bowl of a mixer, add the flour, sugars, and butter. Using the paddle attachment, incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks mealy or crumbly. (This can be done by hand.) Stir in the oats and nuts.
Pour the filling into an 8-inch square baking dish and evenly distribute the topping over the fruit. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling. Cool slightly and serve warm.
KALE LASAGNA DIAVOLO
This was in the January/February 2011 issue of Vegetarian Times (page 79), and begins, "Warm up a winter evening with a spicy lasagna that gets hearty texture from chopped kale. Goat cheese mashed into traditional ricotta gives it a flavorful tang."
Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/kale-lasagna-diavolo/.
Ingredients
1 tsp. olive oil, plus more for oiling pan
1 8-oz. bunch kale, stems removed
1 15-oz. pkg. fat-free ricotta cheese
4 oz. chevre or soft goat cheese, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
2 cups prepared tomato puree
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
6 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained, or 6 no-cook lasagna noodles
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation
Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat 8-inch square baking pan with oil.
Cook kale in large pot of boiling salted water 2 minutes. Drain, and rinse under cold water until cool enough to handle. Thoroughly wring out kale, then chop. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and set aside.
Mash together ricotta and chèvre in bowl, and set aside.
Heat 1 tsp. oil in small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic, and cook 15 seconds, or until fragrant. Add tomato purée and red pepper flakes; simmer 5 minutes, or until thickened.
Spread 1/4 cup sauce in prepared baking pan. Place 2 lasagna noodles on top of sauce. Top with half of cheese mixture, half of kale, and 1/3 cup sauce. Top with two more noodles, remaining cheese, and remaining kale. Top with remaining lasagna noodles, and cover with remaining sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan, and bake 40 minutes, or until cheese has melted and lasagna is bubbly.
RED LENTIL SOUP WITH LEMON
This comes from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “This is a lentil soup that defies expectations of what lentil soup can be. It is light, spicy and a bold red color (no murky brown here): a revelatory dish that takes less than an hour to make. The cooking is painless. Sauté onion and garlic in oil, then stir in tomato paste, cumin and chile powder and cook a few minutes more to intensify flavor. Add broth, water, red lentils (which cook faster than their green or black counterparts) and diced carrot, and simmer for 30 minutes. Purée half the mixture and return it to the pot for a soup that strikes the balance between chunky and pleasingly smooth. A hit of lemon juice adds an up note that offsets the deep cumin and chile flavors.”
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 45 minutes.
This was featured in “A Lentil Soup to Make You Stop, Taste and Savor”, and can be viewed online here.
The Times has two more links with this recipe that come in handy: “How to Make Soup,” a guide by Samin Nosrat and “How to Cook Beans,” a guide by Melissa Clark. Both of these are extremely helpful when making homemade soup and/or cooking beans. I highly recommend both.
Note: This recipe originally called for 1 quart chicken or vegetable broth. For obvious reasons, I've limited it to the veggie broth.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil, more for drizzling
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Pinch of ground chile powder or cayenne, more to taste
1 quart vegetable broth
2 cups water
1 cup red lentils
1 large carrot, peeled and diced
Juice of 1/2 lemon, more to taste
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Preparation
In a large pot, heat 3 tablespoons oil over high heat until hot and shimmering. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until golden, about 4 minutes.
Stir in tomato paste, cumin, salt, black pepper and chili powder or cayenne, and sauté for 2 minutes longer.
Add broth, 2 cups water, lentils and carrot. Bring to a simmer, then partially cover pot and turn heat to medium-low. Simmer until lentils are soft, about 30 minutes. Taste and add salt if necessary.
Using an immersion or regular blender or a food processor, purée half the soup then add it back to pot. Soup should be somewhat chunky.
Reheat soup if necessary, then stir in lemon juice and cilantro. Serve soup drizzled with good olive oil and dusted lightly with chili powder if desired.
BAKED RISOTTO WITH GREENS AND PEAS
This comes from Kay Chun on The New York Times cooking site. Kay wrote, "This easy baked risotto eliminates the constant stirring required in traditional risotto recipes. It’s laden with vegetables, namely kale and spinach, but other leafy greens like Swiss chard or collard greens would work equally well. If you happen to have some extra asparagus, sub it in for the peas. This risotto makes a great starter or side dish, but you can also turn it into a vegetarian main course by using vegetable or mushroom stock in place of the chicken broth, and topping it with sautéed mushrooms, a fried egg or crispy tofu slices. Leftovers can be refrigerated for two days and reheated with more broth, or repurposed into crunchy rice cakes or arancini. Simply form into patties or balls, coat in bread crumbs and shallow-fry until golden and crunchy."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021287-baked-risotto-with-greens-and-peas.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 cup Arborio rice (about 7 ounces)
Kosher salt and black pepper
4 ounces green or lacinato kale (about 1/3 bunch), stems separated and thinly sliced, leaves stacked and cut into 1/4-inch-thick ribbons (about 4 packed cups)
3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
4 ounces baby spinach (about 4 packed cups)
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
3/4 cup grated Parmesan (3 ounces), plus more for garnish
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Preparation
Heat oven to 375 degrees. In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and stir until fragrant, 1 minute. Add rice, season with salt and pepper, and stir until coated in oil and lightly toasted, 2 minutes.
Add kale, season with salt and pepper, and stir until wilted, 30 seconds. Add broth and bring to a boil over high heat.
Cover and bake until almost all of the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
Stir in spinach and peas until spinach is wilted. Add Parmesan, butter and lemon juice, and stir until well blended and saucy. (Liquid will continue to absorb as risotto sits.) Season with salt and pepper. Serve in bowls and top with more Parmesan.
AL ROKER'S VEGETABLE LASAGNA
This yumminess is from Al Roker on the Today Show site. It begins, "This vegetarian lasagna, which is bubbling with gooey cheese, is a delicious way to sneak lots of vegetable servings into dinner."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
To view this online, go to https://www.today.com/recipes/al-roker-s-vegetable-lasagna-t108791.
Ingredients
Sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 zucchini, medium dice
1 small yellow squash, medium dice
1 medium yellow onion, medium dice
1 medium red bell pepper, medium dice
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups marinara sauce
3 tablespoons chopped basil
1 pinch red pepper flakes
Lasagna
32 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
2 eggs
1 pound dry lasagna noodles, cooked according to packaging
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella
Preparation
For the sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Add zucchini, squash, onion and red peppers. Season with salt and sauté vegetables until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional minute. Pour in marinara sauce and chopped basil. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook sauce for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
For the lasagna:
While sauce is cooking, mix together ricotta cheese and egg until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, assemble the lasagna: Spoon vegetable sauce on bottom, cover with noodles in a single layer, spread a layer of the ricotta mixture and sprinkle some Parmesan. Repeat until the lasagna is fully built, finishing by covering the top with the shredded mozzarella.
Cover lasagna with aluminum foil. Bake in a 400°F oven, covered, for 40 minutes, then remove foil and cook for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese turns golden brown.
Once cooked, let lasagna sit for 8-10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Taco Tuesday
It's time for another Taco Tuesday. Today's offerings include Mexican Street Tacos and Bold Ranch Impossible™ Tacos. Enjoy!
STAND 'N STUFF BREAKFAST TACOS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Tacos for breakfast? Absolutely! The Old El Paso® Stand 'n Stuff soft taco shells make the perfect vessel to hold your breakfast favorites."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/stand-n-stuff-breakfast-tacos.
Ingredients
6 eggs
1/4 cup half-and-half
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons butter
1 can (15 oz) Progresso™ black beans, drained, rinsed
4 medium green onions, sliced (1/2 cup)
6 Old El Paso™ Soft Tortilla Bowls
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz)
1/3 cup Old El Paso™ Thick 'n Chunky salsa
1 avocado, pitted, peeled and diced
1/3 cup sour cream
Preparation
In large bowl, beat eggs with whisk. Add half-and-half and salt; beat well. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add egg mixture; cook about 7 minutes, scraping cooked eggs up from bottom of skillet occasionally, until mixture is firm but still moist. Gently fold in beans and green onions, stirring to combine.
Heat tortillas as directed on package. Divide egg mixture evenly among tortillas. Top with Toppings. If desired, garnish with dark green tops of green onions.
Expert Tips
Complete this fabulous meal with a delicious fresh fruit salad.
CHARD AND SWEET CORN TACOS
This is from Martha Rose Shulman on The New York Times cooking site. Martha wrote, "These sweet and spicy tacos can be filled with chard of any color, or other greens like beet greens or amaranth. I used Swiss chard for these tacos, but other greens like beet greens or amaranth will work. I don’t recommend strong-tasting cruciferous greens like kale, though. You can use green chard, red chard or rainbow, and do include the stalks if they’re nice and wide. Don’t skimp on the garlic. As for the salsa, you can choose between fresh or cooked tomato salsa, or use a salsa verde made with tomatillos. They all work well. A quarter cup of filling is plenty for each taco."
Yield: 8 tacos, serving 4; Time: 15 to 20 minutes
This was featured in "Vegetarian Taco Night", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016744-chard-and-sweet-corn-tacos.
Ingredients
1 generous bunch Swiss chard (about 3/4 pound)
Salt to taste
1 medium white, red or yellow onion, sliced
3 large garlic cloves, minced
Kernels from 2 ears sweet corn
Freshly ground pepper
8 warm corn tortillas
1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta (but not too salty a feta)
Salsa of your choice
Preparation
Bring a large pot of water to a boil while you stem chard and wash leaves in 2 rinses of water. Rinse stalks and dice them if they are wide and not stringy.
When water in pot comes to a boil, salt generously and add chard leaves. Blanch for a minute, then transfer to a bowl of cold water and drain. Take chard up by the handful and squeeze out excess water, then cut into 1/2-inch wide strips. Set aside.
Heat oil over medium heat in a large, heavy skillet and add onion. Cook, stirring often, until onions are tender and beginning to color, about 8 minutes, and add a generous pinch of salt, the garlic, diced chard stalks and corn kernels. Continue to cook, stirring often, until corn is just tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in chard and cook, stirring, for another minute or two, until ingredients are combined nicely and chard is tender but still bright. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
Heat tortillas. Top with vegetables, a sprinkling of cheese and a spoonful of salsa.
Tip
Advance preparation: The filling will keep for a day in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet.
VEGETARIAN TOFU TACOS
This comes from Laurel Randolph in the Spruce Eats. For this recipe, Laurel wrote, "Tofu is an extremely versatile ingredient and a great way to cut a little meat out of your diet. If you haven't been won over to the soy side yet, these tacos could be the dish that sways you. Firm tofu is broken up and cooked with fragrant spices, and ends up mimicking ground beef and scrambled eggs at the same time. Melty cheese, crunchy slaw, and tangy salsa verde lend the tacos texture and bright flavors. If you're vegan, simply leave out the cheese or swap it for a vegan alternative.
"If you're eating these tacos for brunch, serve with breakfast potatoes and fresh fruit. If you're eating them for dinner, serve with guacamole or bean dip and chips. They're also delicious as hard-shelled tacos if you like your tacos extra crunchy."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Servings: 4 to 6; Yield: 8 to 10 tacos
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/tofu-tacos-4142107.
Ingredients
14 ounces tofu, firm, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cups coleslaw mix
3 scallions, spring onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon cilantro, packed, fresh, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon canola or grapeseed oil
1 small onion, diced
1 small bell pepper, diced
1 small jalapeño, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika, smoked
10 small corn tortillas, or 8 medium tortillas, corn or flour
1 cup cheese, Monterey, shredded
1/2 cup salsa verde
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
Place tofu in a single layer on a double layer of paper towels and top with another double layer of paper towels. Place a heavy pan on top to press moisture out of the tofu. Let sit for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the slaw. Combine the cabbage slaw mix, spring onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt and toss well.
Add canola or grapeseed oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Once hot, add onion and bell pepper and sauté for 3 minutes. Add jalapeño and garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
Add tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika and cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant and evenly distributed.
Add tofu a handful at a time, squeezing and breaking up the tofu with your hands as you add it to the pan. Stir well and season with salt and pepper.
Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, and seasoning as needed. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a tablespoon of water. You want the mixture to resemble a chunky ground beef taco mix in wetness and texture. Remove from the heat.
Warm the tortillas in the oven (covered on low heat) or in a skillet in batches. Add a sprinkle of cheese followed by the tofu mixture, salsa verde, and slaw. Serve immediately.
BOLD RANCH IMPOSSIBLE™ TACOS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Meatless Monday just got a new favorite recipe with our Bold Ranch Impossible™ Tacos. The Impossible™ Burger filling is made from plants, and Old El Paso™ Bold Ranch Stand ‘N Stuff™ Taco Shells bring a blast of flavor to every bite. Shake up your taco night, top the tacos with shredded cheese, crisp lettuce, tomatoes, onions and Old El Paso™ Crema Mexicana. The only thing that's impossible about these tacos, is how impossible it is not to love them."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 5 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/bold-ranch-impossible-tacos.
Ingredients
1 package (12 Oz) Impossible™ Burger
2/3 cup water
1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix
1 package (10 count) Old El Paso™ Bold Ranch Stand ‘N Stuff™ Taco Shells, heated as directed on package
1 1/4 cups Old El Paso™ Shredded 3 Pepper Cheese Blend (5 oz)
1 1/4 cups shredded romaine lettuce
1/2 cup chopped plum (Roma) tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/3 cup Old El Paso™ Crema Mexicana
Preparation
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook Impossible™ Burger over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until crumbles are browned and cooked through.
Stir in water and taco seasoning mix; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
Divide taco filling among heated taco shells. Top with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and green onions. Top with crema.
Expert Tips
For a slightly sweeter and milder taste, chop up red onions instead of yellow. They'll add color and a mild flavor. If you use raw onions, they'll also add a sharp crunch to your Bold Ranch Impossible™ Tacos.
Drizzle Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Sauce on top of these Impossible™ Burger meat tacos. Or if you want more heat, try Old El Paso™ Medium Taco Sauce.
Try Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican 4 Cheese Blend instead of Old El Paso™ Shredded 3 Pepper Cheese Blend for a different flavor twist on the Impossible™ Burger taco.
Add a fresh squeeze of lime for a bright burst of flavor.
MEXICAN STREET TACOS
This comes from Chungah and her wonderful site, Damn Delicious. If you've never run across this site, I highly reecommend checking it out. Seriously. Go ahead, I'll wait…
Okay, so starts off with the disclaimer, "Easy, quick, authentic carne asada street tacos you can now make right at home! Top with onion, cilantro + fresh lime juice! SO GOOD!"
Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Yield: 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://damndelicious.net/2019/04/18/mexican-street-tacos/. If you're like me, you'll also enjoy the intro to the recipe. Check it out!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 1/2 pounds skirt steak, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
12 mini flour tortillas, warmed
3/4 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 lime, cut into wedges
Directions
In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, lime juice, 1 tablespoon canola oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin and oregano.
In a gallon size Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine soy sauce mixture and steak; marinate for at least 1 hour up to 4 hours, turning the bag occasionally.
Heat remaining 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add steak and marinade, and cook, stirring often, until steak has browned and marinade has reduced, about 5-6 minutes, or until desired doneness.
Serve steak in tortillas, topped with onion, cilantro and lime.
INDIAN DAL TACOS
This is from Vegetarian Times. It begins, "Yellow lentils or dal can be found in Indian markets, but orange or brown lentils can also be used here. To make your own Greek-style yogurt, place 2/3 cup low-fat plain yogurt in a paper-towel-lined fine-mesh strainer and set over a bowl. Let stand 12 to 15 minutes, then discard liquid and use yogurt."
Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/indian-dal-tacos/.
Ingredients
1/2 cup diced onion
3/4 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. plus 1/8 tsp. turmeric
1/2 tsp. plus 1/8 tsp. salt, divided
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
2/3 cup yellow split lentils, sorted, rinsed, and drained
1/2 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt
1/3 cup diced cucumber
1 Tbs. freshly chopped mint
4 6-inch corn or flour tortillas, warmed
1 cup thinly sliced fresh spinach
1 cup mung bean sprouts
Preparation
Heat nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, and coat with cooking spray. Add onion, and cook 5 minutes, or until softened and starting to brown. Stir in cumin, turmeric, 1/2 tsp. salt, and pepper. Add lentils and 2 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 40 minutes, or until lentils are cooked but still hold their shape. There will be 1 to 2 Tbs. liquid left in pan.
Meanwhile, combine yogurt, cucumber, mint, and remaining 1/8 tsp. salt in bowl.
Fill tortillas with spinach, bean sprouts, and lentil mixture. Drizzle with yogurt mixture or serve on side.
STAND 'N STUFF BREAKFAST TACOS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Tacos for breakfast? Absolutely! The Old El Paso® Stand 'n Stuff soft taco shells make the perfect vessel to hold your breakfast favorites."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/stand-n-stuff-breakfast-tacos.
Ingredients
6 eggs
1/4 cup half-and-half
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons butter
1 can (15 oz) Progresso™ black beans, drained, rinsed
4 medium green onions, sliced (1/2 cup)
6 Old El Paso™ Soft Tortilla Bowls
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz)
1/3 cup Old El Paso™ Thick 'n Chunky salsa
1 avocado, pitted, peeled and diced
1/3 cup sour cream
Preparation
In large bowl, beat eggs with whisk. Add half-and-half and salt; beat well. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add egg mixture; cook about 7 minutes, scraping cooked eggs up from bottom of skillet occasionally, until mixture is firm but still moist. Gently fold in beans and green onions, stirring to combine.
Heat tortillas as directed on package. Divide egg mixture evenly among tortillas. Top with Toppings. If desired, garnish with dark green tops of green onions.
Expert Tips
Complete this fabulous meal with a delicious fresh fruit salad.
CHARD AND SWEET CORN TACOS
This is from Martha Rose Shulman on The New York Times cooking site. Martha wrote, "These sweet and spicy tacos can be filled with chard of any color, or other greens like beet greens or amaranth. I used Swiss chard for these tacos, but other greens like beet greens or amaranth will work. I don’t recommend strong-tasting cruciferous greens like kale, though. You can use green chard, red chard or rainbow, and do include the stalks if they’re nice and wide. Don’t skimp on the garlic. As for the salsa, you can choose between fresh or cooked tomato salsa, or use a salsa verde made with tomatillos. They all work well. A quarter cup of filling is plenty for each taco."
Yield: 8 tacos, serving 4; Time: 15 to 20 minutes
This was featured in "Vegetarian Taco Night", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016744-chard-and-sweet-corn-tacos.
Ingredients
1 generous bunch Swiss chard (about 3/4 pound)
Salt to taste
1 medium white, red or yellow onion, sliced
3 large garlic cloves, minced
Kernels from 2 ears sweet corn
Freshly ground pepper
8 warm corn tortillas
1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta (but not too salty a feta)
Salsa of your choice
Preparation
Bring a large pot of water to a boil while you stem chard and wash leaves in 2 rinses of water. Rinse stalks and dice them if they are wide and not stringy.
When water in pot comes to a boil, salt generously and add chard leaves. Blanch for a minute, then transfer to a bowl of cold water and drain. Take chard up by the handful and squeeze out excess water, then cut into 1/2-inch wide strips. Set aside.
Heat oil over medium heat in a large, heavy skillet and add onion. Cook, stirring often, until onions are tender and beginning to color, about 8 minutes, and add a generous pinch of salt, the garlic, diced chard stalks and corn kernels. Continue to cook, stirring often, until corn is just tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in chard and cook, stirring, for another minute or two, until ingredients are combined nicely and chard is tender but still bright. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
Heat tortillas. Top with vegetables, a sprinkling of cheese and a spoonful of salsa.
Tip
Advance preparation: The filling will keep for a day in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet.
VEGETARIAN TOFU TACOS
This comes from Laurel Randolph in the Spruce Eats. For this recipe, Laurel wrote, "Tofu is an extremely versatile ingredient and a great way to cut a little meat out of your diet. If you haven't been won over to the soy side yet, these tacos could be the dish that sways you. Firm tofu is broken up and cooked with fragrant spices, and ends up mimicking ground beef and scrambled eggs at the same time. Melty cheese, crunchy slaw, and tangy salsa verde lend the tacos texture and bright flavors. If you're vegan, simply leave out the cheese or swap it for a vegan alternative.
"If you're eating these tacos for brunch, serve with breakfast potatoes and fresh fruit. If you're eating them for dinner, serve with guacamole or bean dip and chips. They're also delicious as hard-shelled tacos if you like your tacos extra crunchy."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Servings: 4 to 6; Yield: 8 to 10 tacos
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/tofu-tacos-4142107.
Ingredients
14 ounces tofu, firm, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cups coleslaw mix
3 scallions, spring onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon cilantro, packed, fresh, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon canola or grapeseed oil
1 small onion, diced
1 small bell pepper, diced
1 small jalapeño, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika, smoked
10 small corn tortillas, or 8 medium tortillas, corn or flour
1 cup cheese, Monterey, shredded
1/2 cup salsa verde
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
Place tofu in a single layer on a double layer of paper towels and top with another double layer of paper towels. Place a heavy pan on top to press moisture out of the tofu. Let sit for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the slaw. Combine the cabbage slaw mix, spring onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt and toss well.
Add canola or grapeseed oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Once hot, add onion and bell pepper and sauté for 3 minutes. Add jalapeño and garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
Add tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika and cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant and evenly distributed.
Add tofu a handful at a time, squeezing and breaking up the tofu with your hands as you add it to the pan. Stir well and season with salt and pepper.
Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, and seasoning as needed. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a tablespoon of water. You want the mixture to resemble a chunky ground beef taco mix in wetness and texture. Remove from the heat.
Warm the tortillas in the oven (covered on low heat) or in a skillet in batches. Add a sprinkle of cheese followed by the tofu mixture, salsa verde, and slaw. Serve immediately.
BOLD RANCH IMPOSSIBLE™ TACOS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Meatless Monday just got a new favorite recipe with our Bold Ranch Impossible™ Tacos. The Impossible™ Burger filling is made from plants, and Old El Paso™ Bold Ranch Stand ‘N Stuff™ Taco Shells bring a blast of flavor to every bite. Shake up your taco night, top the tacos with shredded cheese, crisp lettuce, tomatoes, onions and Old El Paso™ Crema Mexicana. The only thing that's impossible about these tacos, is how impossible it is not to love them."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 5 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/bold-ranch-impossible-tacos.
Ingredients
1 package (12 Oz) Impossible™ Burger
2/3 cup water
1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix
1 package (10 count) Old El Paso™ Bold Ranch Stand ‘N Stuff™ Taco Shells, heated as directed on package
1 1/4 cups Old El Paso™ Shredded 3 Pepper Cheese Blend (5 oz)
1 1/4 cups shredded romaine lettuce
1/2 cup chopped plum (Roma) tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/3 cup Old El Paso™ Crema Mexicana
Preparation
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook Impossible™ Burger over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until crumbles are browned and cooked through.
Stir in water and taco seasoning mix; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
Divide taco filling among heated taco shells. Top with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and green onions. Top with crema.
Expert Tips
For a slightly sweeter and milder taste, chop up red onions instead of yellow. They'll add color and a mild flavor. If you use raw onions, they'll also add a sharp crunch to your Bold Ranch Impossible™ Tacos.
Drizzle Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Sauce on top of these Impossible™ Burger meat tacos. Or if you want more heat, try Old El Paso™ Medium Taco Sauce.
Try Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican 4 Cheese Blend instead of Old El Paso™ Shredded 3 Pepper Cheese Blend for a different flavor twist on the Impossible™ Burger taco.
Add a fresh squeeze of lime for a bright burst of flavor.
MEXICAN STREET TACOS
This comes from Chungah and her wonderful site, Damn Delicious. If you've never run across this site, I highly reecommend checking it out. Seriously. Go ahead, I'll wait…
Okay, so starts off with the disclaimer, "Easy, quick, authentic carne asada street tacos you can now make right at home! Top with onion, cilantro + fresh lime juice! SO GOOD!"
Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Yield: 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://damndelicious.net/2019/04/18/mexican-street-tacos/. If you're like me, you'll also enjoy the intro to the recipe. Check it out!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 1/2 pounds skirt steak, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
12 mini flour tortillas, warmed
3/4 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 lime, cut into wedges
Directions
In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, lime juice, 1 tablespoon canola oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin and oregano.
In a gallon size Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine soy sauce mixture and steak; marinate for at least 1 hour up to 4 hours, turning the bag occasionally.
Heat remaining 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add steak and marinade, and cook, stirring often, until steak has browned and marinade has reduced, about 5-6 minutes, or until desired doneness.
Serve steak in tortillas, topped with onion, cilantro and lime.
INDIAN DAL TACOS
This is from Vegetarian Times. It begins, "Yellow lentils or dal can be found in Indian markets, but orange or brown lentils can also be used here. To make your own Greek-style yogurt, place 2/3 cup low-fat plain yogurt in a paper-towel-lined fine-mesh strainer and set over a bowl. Let stand 12 to 15 minutes, then discard liquid and use yogurt."
Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/indian-dal-tacos/.
Ingredients
1/2 cup diced onion
3/4 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. plus 1/8 tsp. turmeric
1/2 tsp. plus 1/8 tsp. salt, divided
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
2/3 cup yellow split lentils, sorted, rinsed, and drained
1/2 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt
1/3 cup diced cucumber
1 Tbs. freshly chopped mint
4 6-inch corn or flour tortillas, warmed
1 cup thinly sliced fresh spinach
1 cup mung bean sprouts
Preparation
Heat nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, and coat with cooking spray. Add onion, and cook 5 minutes, or until softened and starting to brown. Stir in cumin, turmeric, 1/2 tsp. salt, and pepper. Add lentils and 2 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 40 minutes, or until lentils are cooked but still hold their shape. There will be 1 to 2 Tbs. liquid left in pan.
Meanwhile, combine yogurt, cucumber, mint, and remaining 1/8 tsp. salt in bowl.
Fill tortillas with spinach, bean sprouts, and lentil mixture. Drizzle with yogurt mixture or serve on side.
Monday, March 11, 2024
Monday Recipes
It's Monday, the beginning of another week. Here are six yummy vegetarian recipes to get the week off to a good start, including Lucali Salad, Stuffed Peppers, and Strawberry-Rhubarb Dump Cake (because dessert is a good thing, right?). Enjoy!
ZUCCHINI CASSEROLE
This is from VeryWellFit, and begins, "Vegetable casseroles are a great way to enjoy fresh produce from the farmers market or make use of a bumper crop. But they can also be loaded with cream and cheese making for a very heavy and high-caloric dish.
"To make this zucchini casserole recipe healthier, instead of adding cream to the sauce it is enriched with tomatoes, onion, garlic, and herbs. The zucchini is then topped with just a bit of cheese. You may notice the absence of breadcrumbs, which also helps cut down on the calories. To compensate for the breadcrumbs' job of soaking up some of the liquid the vegetables exude during cooking, this recipe calls for starting the casserole on a higher heat to dry it out a bit, and then adding the last of the cheese on the top (otherwise it gets too brown or could even burn).
"This zucchini casserole recipe works well with any kind of zucchini or green summer squash, including a combination of squashes."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 40 minutes; Servings: 8
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/3 cup onion (chopped, about 1/2 of a medium onion)
3 cloves garlic (chopped)
3/4 pound tomatoes (fresh or canned—about a 1-pound can of whole tomatoes, drained)
1 teaspoon Italian herbs (or oregano)
Salt and pepper
1 pound zucchini (approximately 2 medium)
1 cup Italian cheese mixture (grated, packaged, or your own mix including mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone)
Preparation
Heat oven to 400 F.
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan. Sauté the onion in the oil for 2 to 3 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for another 30 to 60 seconds, until the garlic is fragrant.
Cut each tomato into 3 to 5 pieces and add to the oil, along with the herbs, salt, and pepper.
Cook over medium heat until the liquid is mostly gone (but not dry), stirring occasionally—you should end up without about 1 cup of the mixture. This should take about 5 to 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, cut the zucchini into slices approximately 1/4 inch thick. These can be either round slices, or lengthwise. Take the largest slices and line the bottom of a 9x9-inch or 8x8-inch pan, or a similarly-sized round pan.
Spread about 1/4 of the tomatoes on top of the zucchini (don't even try to spread evenly; it won't work), followed by 1/4 cup of the cheese.
Continue layering the sauce, zucchini, and cheese. It should come out to 4 layers, but if it only makes 3, just try to divide things relatively evenly. Don't put the final layer of cheese on yet.
Bake for 20 minutes. Top with the rest of the cheese, and lower the temperature to 375F. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown.
Ingredient Substitutions and Cooking Tips
If you'd like to cut down on the fat even more, substitute low-fat or fat-free cheese. Just keep in mind that when you remove the fat, you also lessen the cheeses' melt-ability.
LAYERED VEGETABLE TORTE
This is from Mark Bittman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Mark wrote, "Getting this vegetable torte right takes a little time. You really must grill (or pan-grill) or roast all the vegetables well — they have to become quite tender — before assembling the torte. Ultimately, you want the vegetables to almost melt together. Grilling is the technique of choice because it gives the vegetables a hint of smokiness."
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 1 hour
This was featured in "A Vegetable Torte Starts at the Grill", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1013213-layered-vegetable-torte.
Ingredients
1 large eggplant, cut into 1/4-inch slices
4 medium zucchini or yellow squash, cut into 1/4-inch slices
2 portobello mushrooms, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, or more as needed
Salt
freshly ground black pepper
2 plum tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch slices
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/2 cup bread crumbs, preferably fresh
Preparation
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Put a grill pan over medium-high heat, or prepare a grill; the heat should be medium-high, and the rack about 4 inches from flame. Brush eggplant, zucchini and mushrooms lightly with half the oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper; if roasting, grease 2 baking sheets with oil. Roast or grill vegetables on both sides until soft.
Coat bottom and sides of 8-inch springform pan with oil. Layer a third of the eggplant slices into bottom of the pan, then layer in half the zucchini, mushrooms, tomato, garlic and basil, sprinkling each layer with a bit of salt and pepper. Repeat layers until all vegetable are used. Press the top with a spatula or spoon to make the torte as compact as possible. Sprinkle top with Parmesan and bread crumbs, and drizzle with about 1 tablespoon oil.
Bake torte in oven until hot throughout and browned on top, about 30 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before removing outer ring of pan, then let cool for another 10 minutes before cutting into wedges.
LUCALI SALAD
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking newsletter. Sam wrote, "Mark Iacono sometimes serves a version of this salad at Lucali, his candlelit church of pizza in Brooklyn. It’s what he calls a “bottom of the bowl” salad, reminiscent of what’s left after a long Sunday dinner with family, with tomatoes, black olives and red onion deeply marinated in a vinegar-heavy dressing. He layers these above and below cold, crisp lettuce, adds a final drizzle of dressing and serves the salad with a meatball on top of it. But it goes as well plain alongside a pizza or under a sausage that’s been simmered in sauce, with stuffed shells or lasagna or eggplant Parm. You don’t need fancy tomatoes or lettuce with bona fides, just strong vinaigrette and enough time to allow the tomatoes to bleed out in it before you assemble the salad and serve."
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 40 minutes
This was featured in "Most House Salads Are Terrible. Make Yours Shockingly Superb.", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019208-lucali-salad.
Ingredients
For the salad:
5 smallish tomatoes, halved and cut into fifths
1/2 smallish red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
1 rib celery with leaves, ideally from the heart, chopped
18 canned, pitted black olives, plus 2 tablespoons olive brine
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
1/3 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon red-wine vinegar
1 head iceberg lettuce, outer leaves and brown bits removed, roughly torn
For the dressing:
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup red-wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
Preparation
Combine the tomatoes, red onion and celery in a large bowl. Add the olives, bruising each slightly between finger and thumb, and the olive brine.
Add the salt, peppers, olive oil and red-wine vinegar to the bowl, and mix gently with your hands or a wooden spoon. Cover with plastic wrap, and place in refrigerator for a minimum of 20 minutes and up to 2 hours.
Wash and dry the lettuce, then put in a bowl, cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the salad.
Make the dressing. There will be a lot left over, which you can cover and store in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks. Combine the olive oil, red-wine vinegar, salt, black pepper and lemon pepper in a jar or large bowl. Cover the jar, and shake until emulsified, or use a whisk to achieve the same result in the bowl. Set aside.
Assemble the salad. Spoon onto a large platter enough of the tomato mixture and accumulated juices to cover its bottom. Arrange some of the iceberg across the top of the tomatoes, and drizzle a little dressing over it. Add some more of the tomato mixture, then another round of the iceberg. Drizzle with some more of the dressing, and then repeat. Serve immediately, so the lettuce does not wilt, either with Italian bread or topped with meatballs, perhaps alongside spaghetti or pizza.
SUMMER VEGETABLE CHILI
This is from the Food Network.
Prep Time: 14 minutes; Cook Time: 26 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/summer-vegetable-chili-recipe-2112338.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium red onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 poblano chile pepper, seeded and diced
2 portobello mushrooms, stemmed and chopped
2 cups frozen corn (preferably fire-roasted), thawed
2 14-ounce cans no-salt-added pinto beans
1 14-ounce can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream and/or torn fresh cilantro, for topping (optional)
8 corn tortillas, warmed
Directions
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add all but a few tablespoons of the chopped red onion. Stir in the garlic, chili powder and cumin and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the poblano, mushrooms and corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, about 3 more minutes. Add the beans, tomatoes, 1 1/2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then stir and reduce the heat to medium. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the chili is thick, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Divide the chili among bowls. Top with the cheese, sour cream and/or cilantro; sprinkle with the reserved red onion. Serve with the tortillas.
STUFFED PEPPERS
Recipe Yield: Servings: 8
Source: The New American Heart Association Cookbook
Book Title: The New American Heart Association Cookbook
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/stuffed-peppers.
Ingredients
4 large bell peppers, any color or combination
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 medium tomatoes, chopped (about 1-1/2 cups)
1 medium crookneck squash, diced (about 2 cups)
1 medium zucchini, diced (about 2 cups)
1/2 cup diced onion (1 medium)
2 medium cloves garlic, minced, or 1 tsp bottled minced garlic
2 cups cooked brown rice (1/2 to 2/3 cup uncooked)
1/2 cup grated fat-free or low-fat Cheddar cheese (2 ounces)
1/4 cup sliced water chestnuts (2 ounces)
1 cup no-salt-added tomato juice
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Cut peppers in half lengthwise, removing stems, ribs, and seeds. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, swirling to coat bottom. Saute tomatoes, crookneck squash, zucchini, onion, and garlic until zucchini is tender-crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Don't overcook.
In a medium bowl, combine rice, cheese, and water chestnuts. Gently stir into skillet. Stuff pepper halves with vegetable mixture. Place in 9-inch round or square casserole dish, then carefully pour tomato juice around peppers. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 119; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 68 mg; Cholesterol: 1 mg; Protein: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 23 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 Bread/Starch, 1/2 Low-Fat Milk, 2 Vegetable
STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB DUMP CAKE
This yumminess comes from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Made with only six ingredients and the help of Betty Crocker™ cake mix, this dump dessert is weeknight- and crowd-friendly!"
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Servings: 12
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
6 cups sliced strawberries
2 cups sliced rhubarb
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 box Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ yellow cake mix
10 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions
Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with cooking spray.
In large bowl, toss strawberries, rhubarb, sugar and cornstarch; spread evenly in baking dish. Top with cake mix, and pour melted butter over top, making sure to cover top with butter as much as you can.
Bake about 1 hour or until bubbly and topping is browned. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Expert Tips
May use fresh or frozen fruit. If using frozen, do not thaw before using.
Make sure to spread out cake mix so there are no large mounds on top of cake.
ZUCCHINI CASSEROLE
This is from VeryWellFit, and begins, "Vegetable casseroles are a great way to enjoy fresh produce from the farmers market or make use of a bumper crop. But they can also be loaded with cream and cheese making for a very heavy and high-caloric dish.
"To make this zucchini casserole recipe healthier, instead of adding cream to the sauce it is enriched with tomatoes, onion, garlic, and herbs. The zucchini is then topped with just a bit of cheese. You may notice the absence of breadcrumbs, which also helps cut down on the calories. To compensate for the breadcrumbs' job of soaking up some of the liquid the vegetables exude during cooking, this recipe calls for starting the casserole on a higher heat to dry it out a bit, and then adding the last of the cheese on the top (otherwise it gets too brown or could even burn).
"This zucchini casserole recipe works well with any kind of zucchini or green summer squash, including a combination of squashes."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 40 minutes; Servings: 8
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/3 cup onion (chopped, about 1/2 of a medium onion)
3 cloves garlic (chopped)
3/4 pound tomatoes (fresh or canned—about a 1-pound can of whole tomatoes, drained)
1 teaspoon Italian herbs (or oregano)
Salt and pepper
1 pound zucchini (approximately 2 medium)
1 cup Italian cheese mixture (grated, packaged, or your own mix including mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone)
Preparation
Heat oven to 400 F.
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan. Sauté the onion in the oil for 2 to 3 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for another 30 to 60 seconds, until the garlic is fragrant.
Cut each tomato into 3 to 5 pieces and add to the oil, along with the herbs, salt, and pepper.
Cook over medium heat until the liquid is mostly gone (but not dry), stirring occasionally—you should end up without about 1 cup of the mixture. This should take about 5 to 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, cut the zucchini into slices approximately 1/4 inch thick. These can be either round slices, or lengthwise. Take the largest slices and line the bottom of a 9x9-inch or 8x8-inch pan, or a similarly-sized round pan.
Spread about 1/4 of the tomatoes on top of the zucchini (don't even try to spread evenly; it won't work), followed by 1/4 cup of the cheese.
Continue layering the sauce, zucchini, and cheese. It should come out to 4 layers, but if it only makes 3, just try to divide things relatively evenly. Don't put the final layer of cheese on yet.
Bake for 20 minutes. Top with the rest of the cheese, and lower the temperature to 375F. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown.
Ingredient Substitutions and Cooking Tips
If you'd like to cut down on the fat even more, substitute low-fat or fat-free cheese. Just keep in mind that when you remove the fat, you also lessen the cheeses' melt-ability.
LAYERED VEGETABLE TORTE
This is from Mark Bittman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Mark wrote, "Getting this vegetable torte right takes a little time. You really must grill (or pan-grill) or roast all the vegetables well — they have to become quite tender — before assembling the torte. Ultimately, you want the vegetables to almost melt together. Grilling is the technique of choice because it gives the vegetables a hint of smokiness."
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 1 hour
This was featured in "A Vegetable Torte Starts at the Grill", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1013213-layered-vegetable-torte.
Ingredients
1 large eggplant, cut into 1/4-inch slices
4 medium zucchini or yellow squash, cut into 1/4-inch slices
2 portobello mushrooms, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, or more as needed
Salt
freshly ground black pepper
2 plum tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch slices
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/2 cup bread crumbs, preferably fresh
Preparation
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Put a grill pan over medium-high heat, or prepare a grill; the heat should be medium-high, and the rack about 4 inches from flame. Brush eggplant, zucchini and mushrooms lightly with half the oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper; if roasting, grease 2 baking sheets with oil. Roast or grill vegetables on both sides until soft.
Coat bottom and sides of 8-inch springform pan with oil. Layer a third of the eggplant slices into bottom of the pan, then layer in half the zucchini, mushrooms, tomato, garlic and basil, sprinkling each layer with a bit of salt and pepper. Repeat layers until all vegetable are used. Press the top with a spatula or spoon to make the torte as compact as possible. Sprinkle top with Parmesan and bread crumbs, and drizzle with about 1 tablespoon oil.
Bake torte in oven until hot throughout and browned on top, about 30 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before removing outer ring of pan, then let cool for another 10 minutes before cutting into wedges.
LUCALI SALAD
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking newsletter. Sam wrote, "Mark Iacono sometimes serves a version of this salad at Lucali, his candlelit church of pizza in Brooklyn. It’s what he calls a “bottom of the bowl” salad, reminiscent of what’s left after a long Sunday dinner with family, with tomatoes, black olives and red onion deeply marinated in a vinegar-heavy dressing. He layers these above and below cold, crisp lettuce, adds a final drizzle of dressing and serves the salad with a meatball on top of it. But it goes as well plain alongside a pizza or under a sausage that’s been simmered in sauce, with stuffed shells or lasagna or eggplant Parm. You don’t need fancy tomatoes or lettuce with bona fides, just strong vinaigrette and enough time to allow the tomatoes to bleed out in it before you assemble the salad and serve."
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 40 minutes
This was featured in "Most House Salads Are Terrible. Make Yours Shockingly Superb.", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019208-lucali-salad.
Ingredients
For the salad:
5 smallish tomatoes, halved and cut into fifths
1/2 smallish red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
1 rib celery with leaves, ideally from the heart, chopped
18 canned, pitted black olives, plus 2 tablespoons olive brine
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
1/3 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon red-wine vinegar
1 head iceberg lettuce, outer leaves and brown bits removed, roughly torn
For the dressing:
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup red-wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
Preparation
Combine the tomatoes, red onion and celery in a large bowl. Add the olives, bruising each slightly between finger and thumb, and the olive brine.
Add the salt, peppers, olive oil and red-wine vinegar to the bowl, and mix gently with your hands or a wooden spoon. Cover with plastic wrap, and place in refrigerator for a minimum of 20 minutes and up to 2 hours.
Wash and dry the lettuce, then put in a bowl, cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the salad.
Make the dressing. There will be a lot left over, which you can cover and store in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks. Combine the olive oil, red-wine vinegar, salt, black pepper and lemon pepper in a jar or large bowl. Cover the jar, and shake until emulsified, or use a whisk to achieve the same result in the bowl. Set aside.
Assemble the salad. Spoon onto a large platter enough of the tomato mixture and accumulated juices to cover its bottom. Arrange some of the iceberg across the top of the tomatoes, and drizzle a little dressing over it. Add some more of the tomato mixture, then another round of the iceberg. Drizzle with some more of the dressing, and then repeat. Serve immediately, so the lettuce does not wilt, either with Italian bread or topped with meatballs, perhaps alongside spaghetti or pizza.
SUMMER VEGETABLE CHILI
This is from the Food Network.
Prep Time: 14 minutes; Cook Time: 26 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/summer-vegetable-chili-recipe-2112338.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium red onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 poblano chile pepper, seeded and diced
2 portobello mushrooms, stemmed and chopped
2 cups frozen corn (preferably fire-roasted), thawed
2 14-ounce cans no-salt-added pinto beans
1 14-ounce can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream and/or torn fresh cilantro, for topping (optional)
8 corn tortillas, warmed
Directions
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add all but a few tablespoons of the chopped red onion. Stir in the garlic, chili powder and cumin and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the poblano, mushrooms and corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, about 3 more minutes. Add the beans, tomatoes, 1 1/2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then stir and reduce the heat to medium. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the chili is thick, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Divide the chili among bowls. Top with the cheese, sour cream and/or cilantro; sprinkle with the reserved red onion. Serve with the tortillas.
STUFFED PEPPERS
Recipe Yield: Servings: 8
Source: The New American Heart Association Cookbook
Book Title: The New American Heart Association Cookbook
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/stuffed-peppers.
Ingredients
4 large bell peppers, any color or combination
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 medium tomatoes, chopped (about 1-1/2 cups)
1 medium crookneck squash, diced (about 2 cups)
1 medium zucchini, diced (about 2 cups)
1/2 cup diced onion (1 medium)
2 medium cloves garlic, minced, or 1 tsp bottled minced garlic
2 cups cooked brown rice (1/2 to 2/3 cup uncooked)
1/2 cup grated fat-free or low-fat Cheddar cheese (2 ounces)
1/4 cup sliced water chestnuts (2 ounces)
1 cup no-salt-added tomato juice
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Cut peppers in half lengthwise, removing stems, ribs, and seeds. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, swirling to coat bottom. Saute tomatoes, crookneck squash, zucchini, onion, and garlic until zucchini is tender-crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Don't overcook.
In a medium bowl, combine rice, cheese, and water chestnuts. Gently stir into skillet. Stuff pepper halves with vegetable mixture. Place in 9-inch round or square casserole dish, then carefully pour tomato juice around peppers. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 119; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 68 mg; Cholesterol: 1 mg; Protein: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 23 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 Bread/Starch, 1/2 Low-Fat Milk, 2 Vegetable
STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB DUMP CAKE
This yumminess comes from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Made with only six ingredients and the help of Betty Crocker™ cake mix, this dump dessert is weeknight- and crowd-friendly!"
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Servings: 12
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
6 cups sliced strawberries
2 cups sliced rhubarb
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 box Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ yellow cake mix
10 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions
Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with cooking spray.
In large bowl, toss strawberries, rhubarb, sugar and cornstarch; spread evenly in baking dish. Top with cake mix, and pour melted butter over top, making sure to cover top with butter as much as you can.
Bake about 1 hour or until bubbly and topping is browned. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Expert Tips
May use fresh or frozen fruit. If using frozen, do not thaw before using.
Make sure to spread out cake mix so there are no large mounds on top of cake.
Friday, March 8, 2024
Friday Recipes
It's finally Friday. Yay! If you're like me, you probably have a zillion things to get done over the weekend. And, if you're also like me, half of those things will still be waiting to get done when the weekend is over. Sound familiar?
One thing we do need to do, though, is eat. To that end, here are six vegetarian recipes to help you through the weekend, including Comforting Chili (a vegan recipe from One Green Planet) and Winter Vegetable Medley with Paella-Style Orzo. Enjoy!
ITALIAN WHITE BEAN AND KALE SOUP
This recipe is from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “Add a slice of crusty bread and a tossed salad to this soup for a quick, satisfying cold-weather meal.
“To make the soup without the Slow-Roasted Tomatoes, simply substitute two 15-ounce cans whole tomatoes for the slow-roasted tomatoes and water used.”
View this online at https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/italian-white-bean-and-kale-soup-recipe/.
Servings 4
Ingredients
10 thawed Slow-Roasted Tomatoes (1 cup)
1 Tbs. olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 large onion, finely chopped (2 cups)
6 oz. lacinato kale, coarsely chopped
1 cup cooked white beans
Directions
Blend tomatoes with 2 cups water in blender or food processor until smooth (you should have about 3 cups); set aside.
Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté 5 to 7 minutes, or until translucent. Add tomato purée and 4 more cups water, cover, and simmer 10 minutes. Add kale and white beans; cook 10 minutes more, or until kale is tender. Serve drizzled with oil.
STAND 'N STUFF BREAKFAST TACOS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Tacos for breakfast? Absolutely! The Old El Paso® Stand 'n Stuff soft taco shells make the perfect vessel to hold your breakfast favorites."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/stand-n-stuff-breakfast-tacos.
Ingredients
6 eggs
1/4 cup half-and-half
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons butter
1 can (15 oz) Progresso™ black beans, drained, rinsed
4 medium green onions, sliced (1/2 cup)
6 Old El Paso™ Soft Tortilla Bowls
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz)
1/3 cup Old El Paso™ Thick 'n Chunky salsa
1 avocado, pitted, peeled and diced
1/3 cup sour cream
Preparation
In large bowl, beat eggs with whisk. Add half-and-half and salt; beat well. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add egg mixture; cook about 7 minutes, scraping cooked eggs up from bottom of skillet occasionally, until mixture is firm but still moist. Gently fold in beans and green onions, stirring to combine.
Heat tortillas as directed on package. Divide egg mixture evenly among tortillas. Top with Toppings. If desired, garnish with dark green tops of green onions.
Expert Tips
Complete this fabulous meal with a delicious fresh fruit salad.
COMFORTING CHILI [VEGAN]
This is from Jeunesse Pouchet on One Green Planet. She wrote, "Sometimes we just need a warm, comforting and hearty bowl of Chili, especially for those cozy rainy days. And this Chili is all of the above! Better yet, it's quick and simple to make. Accompanied with pickled cabbage, grilled plantain, and a dollop of vegan sour cream. This bowl of goodness is packed with flavor and healthy ingredients."
This dairy free recipe serves 2, and can be found online at https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/comforting-chili-vegan/.
Ingredients
For the Chili:
2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 cans black beans, drained
1/2 cup whole corn kernels
2/3 cup pumpkin (medium), diced
2 Tomatoes medium, diced
1/4 Cup Onion (small), diced
2 tablespoons garlic, finely diced or minced
2 tablespoons chive or cilantro, chopped
2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon roasted Geera or cumin
1 1/2 - 2 Cups water
For The Pickled Cabbage
2 cups purple cabbage, diced or shredded
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (adjust quantity to taste)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
For The Grilled Plantain:
1 Plantain medium ripe, sliced
2 tablespoons coconut oil
For The Sour Cream:
1/4 cup vegan mayo
1 tablespoon fresh chive, chopped
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Preparation
For the Chili:
Add the coconut oil to a pot and place on medium heat.
Then add the diced onion, garlic, chive, apple cider, paprika, chili, salt, onion powder, garlic powder and geera. Stir and saute for a minute until fragrant.
Toss in the tomatoes and pumpkin, then stir and saute for another minute.
Add the black bans and corn kernels and stir to combine. Then pour in the water and partially cover. Cook for approximately 20-22 minutes until the chili has reduced and thickened. Remove from heat.
For The Pickled Cabbage
Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl and toss to combine. Set aside to marinate until ready to serve.
For The Grilled Plantain:
Using a pan, place on medium heat and coat with the coconut oil.
Place the plantain slices on the heated pan and grill each side until golden brown. You can reduce or turn up the heat to suit.
For The Sour Cream:
Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl and stir to combine.
ITALIAN GRILLED STUFFED PEPPERS
This comes from Kraft and begins, “Discover these Italian Grilled Stuffed Peppers and bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen! These grilled stuffed peppers are delicious!”
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Servings: 6 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1-3/4 cups water, divided
1-1/2 cups instant brown rice, uncooked
2 cups frozen BOCA Veggie Ground Crumbles
1 small zucchini, chopped
1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
1-1/2 cups OLIVO by CLASSICO Traditional Pasta Sauce, divided
1-1/2 cups KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided
1 large each red, yellow and green pepper, cut lengthwise in half, seeded
Directions
Heat grill to medium-high heat.
Bring 1-1/2 cups water to boil in medium saucepan. Add rice; cover. Simmer 5 min. Remove from heat; let stand 5 min. Stir in crumbles, zucchini, seasoning and 1 cup each pasta sauce and cheese; spoon into peppers.
Place each filled pepper half on center of 12-inch-square sheet heavy-duty foil. Top with remaining sauce and cheese. Bring up foil sides. Spoon 1 Tbsp. of the remaining water onto bottom of each foil packet. Double fold top and ends to seal packets, leaving room for heat circulation inside.
Grill 20 to 25 min. or until peppers are crisp-tender and filling is heated through (160ºF).
WINTER VEGETABLE MEDLEY WITH PAELLA-STYLE ORZO
This recipe, from Vegetarian Times, begins, "Good-quality saffron is the key to this dish." Makes 4 servings
This can be viewed online at https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/winter-vegetable-medley-with-paella-style-orzo/.
Ingredients
2 3/4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. saffron threads
1 14.5-oz. can fire-roasted whole tomatoes, drained, liquid reserved, and tomatoes halved
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 16 pieces
1 cup orzo pasta
1/4 cup frozen peas
2 cups large cauliflower florets
8 green onions, each cut into thirds
1 cup large broccoli florets
Directions
Bring broth to a simmer in saucepan. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, saffron, and tomato liquid. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and keep hot.
Coat large skillet or 8-qt. Dutch oven with cooking spray, add oil, and heat over high heat. Add tomatoes, sear 2 to 3 minutes, or until browned and dry, and transfer to plate. Add bell pepper, sear 2 to 3 minutes, and transfer to same plate.
Sprinkle orzo into skillet, and stir 30 seconds. Stir in broth and peas, and reduce heat to medium. Arrange cauliflower florets on top of orzo in pot. Arrange green onions, tomatoes, and bell pepper pieces around cauliflower; cover, and simmer without stirring, 11 minutes. Scatter broccoli over vegetables, remove pot from heat, and let stand, covered, 10 minutes, or until orzo has absorbed all liquid and broccoli is crisp-tender.
BROCCOLI AND CHEESE CRUSTLESS QUICHE
This is from the May 2005 issue of Vegetarian Times (page 42). It is in an article titled Calci-yum!, and begins, "Enjoy this no-crust savory custard pie with a salad for lunch or dinner. For a variation, substitute 5 cups spinach for the broccoli. Serve with warm whole-grain bread."
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/broccoli-and-cheese-crustless-quiche/. Makes 6 servings
Ingredients
2 tsp. olive oil
1/2 cup thinly sliced onion
1 clove garlic, minced
5 cups broccoli florets
1 1/4 cups 1% milk
1 cup shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
4 large egg whites, lightly beaten
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 Tbs. grated fresh Parmesan cheese
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350F. Spray 9-inch pie pan with cooking spray.
Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook, stirring often, 1 1/2 minutes. Add broccoli, and cook, stirring often, 1 minute. Spread mixture in pie pan.
Combine milk, cheese, mustard, egg whites, eggs, salt, pepper and nutmeg in large bowl. Pour over broccoli mixture; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake 40 minutes, or until top is golden and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
One thing we do need to do, though, is eat. To that end, here are six vegetarian recipes to help you through the weekend, including Comforting Chili (a vegan recipe from One Green Planet) and Winter Vegetable Medley with Paella-Style Orzo. Enjoy!
ITALIAN WHITE BEAN AND KALE SOUP
This recipe is from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “Add a slice of crusty bread and a tossed salad to this soup for a quick, satisfying cold-weather meal.
“To make the soup without the Slow-Roasted Tomatoes, simply substitute two 15-ounce cans whole tomatoes for the slow-roasted tomatoes and water used.”
View this online at https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/italian-white-bean-and-kale-soup-recipe/.
Servings 4
Ingredients
10 thawed Slow-Roasted Tomatoes (1 cup)
1 Tbs. olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 large onion, finely chopped (2 cups)
6 oz. lacinato kale, coarsely chopped
1 cup cooked white beans
Directions
Blend tomatoes with 2 cups water in blender or food processor until smooth (you should have about 3 cups); set aside.
Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté 5 to 7 minutes, or until translucent. Add tomato purée and 4 more cups water, cover, and simmer 10 minutes. Add kale and white beans; cook 10 minutes more, or until kale is tender. Serve drizzled with oil.
STAND 'N STUFF BREAKFAST TACOS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Tacos for breakfast? Absolutely! The Old El Paso® Stand 'n Stuff soft taco shells make the perfect vessel to hold your breakfast favorites."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/stand-n-stuff-breakfast-tacos.
Ingredients
6 eggs
1/4 cup half-and-half
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons butter
1 can (15 oz) Progresso™ black beans, drained, rinsed
4 medium green onions, sliced (1/2 cup)
6 Old El Paso™ Soft Tortilla Bowls
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz)
1/3 cup Old El Paso™ Thick 'n Chunky salsa
1 avocado, pitted, peeled and diced
1/3 cup sour cream
Preparation
In large bowl, beat eggs with whisk. Add half-and-half and salt; beat well. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add egg mixture; cook about 7 minutes, scraping cooked eggs up from bottom of skillet occasionally, until mixture is firm but still moist. Gently fold in beans and green onions, stirring to combine.
Heat tortillas as directed on package. Divide egg mixture evenly among tortillas. Top with Toppings. If desired, garnish with dark green tops of green onions.
Expert Tips
Complete this fabulous meal with a delicious fresh fruit salad.
COMFORTING CHILI [VEGAN]
This is from Jeunesse Pouchet on One Green Planet. She wrote, "Sometimes we just need a warm, comforting and hearty bowl of Chili, especially for those cozy rainy days. And this Chili is all of the above! Better yet, it's quick and simple to make. Accompanied with pickled cabbage, grilled plantain, and a dollop of vegan sour cream. This bowl of goodness is packed with flavor and healthy ingredients."
This dairy free recipe serves 2, and can be found online at https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/comforting-chili-vegan/.
Ingredients
For the Chili:
2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 cans black beans, drained
1/2 cup whole corn kernels
2/3 cup pumpkin (medium), diced
2 Tomatoes medium, diced
1/4 Cup Onion (small), diced
2 tablespoons garlic, finely diced or minced
2 tablespoons chive or cilantro, chopped
2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon roasted Geera or cumin
1 1/2 - 2 Cups water
For The Pickled Cabbage
2 cups purple cabbage, diced or shredded
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (adjust quantity to taste)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
For The Grilled Plantain:
1 Plantain medium ripe, sliced
2 tablespoons coconut oil
For The Sour Cream:
1/4 cup vegan mayo
1 tablespoon fresh chive, chopped
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Preparation
For the Chili:
Add the coconut oil to a pot and place on medium heat.
Then add the diced onion, garlic, chive, apple cider, paprika, chili, salt, onion powder, garlic powder and geera. Stir and saute for a minute until fragrant.
Toss in the tomatoes and pumpkin, then stir and saute for another minute.
Add the black bans and corn kernels and stir to combine. Then pour in the water and partially cover. Cook for approximately 20-22 minutes until the chili has reduced and thickened. Remove from heat.
For The Pickled Cabbage
Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl and toss to combine. Set aside to marinate until ready to serve.
For The Grilled Plantain:
Using a pan, place on medium heat and coat with the coconut oil.
Place the plantain slices on the heated pan and grill each side until golden brown. You can reduce or turn up the heat to suit.
For The Sour Cream:
Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl and stir to combine.
ITALIAN GRILLED STUFFED PEPPERS
This comes from Kraft and begins, “Discover these Italian Grilled Stuffed Peppers and bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen! These grilled stuffed peppers are delicious!”
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Servings: 6 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1-3/4 cups water, divided
1-1/2 cups instant brown rice, uncooked
2 cups frozen BOCA Veggie Ground Crumbles
1 small zucchini, chopped
1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
1-1/2 cups OLIVO by CLASSICO Traditional Pasta Sauce, divided
1-1/2 cups KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided
1 large each red, yellow and green pepper, cut lengthwise in half, seeded
Directions
Heat grill to medium-high heat.
Bring 1-1/2 cups water to boil in medium saucepan. Add rice; cover. Simmer 5 min. Remove from heat; let stand 5 min. Stir in crumbles, zucchini, seasoning and 1 cup each pasta sauce and cheese; spoon into peppers.
Place each filled pepper half on center of 12-inch-square sheet heavy-duty foil. Top with remaining sauce and cheese. Bring up foil sides. Spoon 1 Tbsp. of the remaining water onto bottom of each foil packet. Double fold top and ends to seal packets, leaving room for heat circulation inside.
Grill 20 to 25 min. or until peppers are crisp-tender and filling is heated through (160ºF).
WINTER VEGETABLE MEDLEY WITH PAELLA-STYLE ORZO
This recipe, from Vegetarian Times, begins, "Good-quality saffron is the key to this dish." Makes 4 servings
This can be viewed online at https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/winter-vegetable-medley-with-paella-style-orzo/.
Ingredients
2 3/4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. saffron threads
1 14.5-oz. can fire-roasted whole tomatoes, drained, liquid reserved, and tomatoes halved
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 16 pieces
1 cup orzo pasta
1/4 cup frozen peas
2 cups large cauliflower florets
8 green onions, each cut into thirds
1 cup large broccoli florets
Directions
Bring broth to a simmer in saucepan. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, saffron, and tomato liquid. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and keep hot.
Coat large skillet or 8-qt. Dutch oven with cooking spray, add oil, and heat over high heat. Add tomatoes, sear 2 to 3 minutes, or until browned and dry, and transfer to plate. Add bell pepper, sear 2 to 3 minutes, and transfer to same plate.
Sprinkle orzo into skillet, and stir 30 seconds. Stir in broth and peas, and reduce heat to medium. Arrange cauliflower florets on top of orzo in pot. Arrange green onions, tomatoes, and bell pepper pieces around cauliflower; cover, and simmer without stirring, 11 minutes. Scatter broccoli over vegetables, remove pot from heat, and let stand, covered, 10 minutes, or until orzo has absorbed all liquid and broccoli is crisp-tender.
BROCCOLI AND CHEESE CRUSTLESS QUICHE
This is from the May 2005 issue of Vegetarian Times (page 42). It is in an article titled Calci-yum!, and begins, "Enjoy this no-crust savory custard pie with a salad for lunch or dinner. For a variation, substitute 5 cups spinach for the broccoli. Serve with warm whole-grain bread."
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/broccoli-and-cheese-crustless-quiche/. Makes 6 servings
Ingredients
2 tsp. olive oil
1/2 cup thinly sliced onion
1 clove garlic, minced
5 cups broccoli florets
1 1/4 cups 1% milk
1 cup shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
4 large egg whites, lightly beaten
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 Tbs. grated fresh Parmesan cheese
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350F. Spray 9-inch pie pan with cooking spray.
Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook, stirring often, 1 1/2 minutes. Add broccoli, and cook, stirring often, 1 minute. Spread mixture in pie pan.
Combine milk, cheese, mustard, egg whites, eggs, salt, pepper and nutmeg in large bowl. Pour over broccoli mixture; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake 40 minutes, or until top is golden and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
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