Xtreme Potato Leek Soup (GF V Oil-free)

I first made this soup on a cold Hallow's eve! It was a blessing then, and an absolute joy the second time with fresh bread and coconut bacon. Give it a try with family and friends!

Serves: 4-6 | Time: 55 minutes

2 lbs gold potatoes

3 leeks, chopped

1 can white beans

4 cups veggie broth

2-4 cloves of garlic

10 drops liquid smoke

2 tsp hand-ground rosemary

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp pepper

3 bay leaves

Sea salt, to taste

Coconut bacon, opt

Wash the leeks and add to a pot with enough water to cover the bottom. Cover and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Halfway through add the garlic.

Meanwhile, chop your potatoes.

Blend the leeks and garlic with four cups of vegetable broth.

Pour into the pot and add the diced potatoes, bay leaves, and herbs.

Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 45 minutes or until potatoes fall apart when pressed with a spoon.

Drain and rinse the beans. Remove bay leaves. Add beans, pepper, and salt to taste. I also like a squeeze of lemon juice.

The consistency is up to you. I just hand mashed the potatoes with a spoon and left some chunks. Some people like to blend it to a cream.

Top with better than bacon and serve with bread!

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Mushroom Stroganoff

I love hearty, creamy dishes in fall but you can only eat so much soup. That's why I like this meal - it combines those great elements with the convenience of a pasta dish. It's also a revamp of a classic! It was met with approval by my vegetarian and animal eating friends alike. Give it a go!

Serves: 4 | Time: 25 minutes

3/4 lb organic spaghetti
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 tbs extra virgin olive oil
1/2 yellow onion, diced
3 tsp minced garlic
Parsley, optional

Sauce ingredients:
1/3 cup white wine, optional
1 tsp mesquite liquid smoke
2 tbs Worcestershire sauce*
3/4 cup raw cashews
1/2 block firm tofu
1 cup very hot water
1/2 can tomato paste
1 cube no beef bouillon
1 tbs dijon mustard
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp pepper
Salt, to taste

* make sure there is no fish! some are certified vegan, like Annie's or Edward and Sons

Fill a large pot with water and a generous teaspoon of coarse salt. Cover over high heat.
Chop your veggies.
In a large sauce or saute pan, add your oil over medium heat. Cook the onion until translucent, stirring frequently. Add your garlic until fragrant. Add water as necessary, to prevent sticking. Reduce heat and cover.
In a blender or food processor, add all the sauce ingredients. Blend until smooth, adding more liquid to desired consistency. I prefer a thick sauce!
Pour into the pan and stir until combined. I added some freshly ground sage and rosemary, as my personal preference.
Add spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package directions (10 minutes for al dente, for mine).
Taste the sauce and make any final adjustments.
Drain the spaghetti. If it tastes salty, rinse with hot water. Return to the pot and add a little coconut oil if you won't be serving immediately or want to prevent sticking during storage.
I like serving this dish with bread to sop up extra sauce!

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Rawrific Herbed Corn Wraps (GF Vegan)

The organic corn was on sale at Sprouts and I had cobs coming out of my ears! ;p

Yields: three 10x14” wraps

Prep: 20 min | Dry time: 10hr

5 ears of fresh corn

4+ tbs tomato paste

1 tsp dry Italian herbs

½ tsp ground flaxseed

½ tsp psyllium powder

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp turmeric

¼ tsp real salt

⅛ tsp pepper

Cut the kernels off the cobs into a large mixing bowl. Add to a food processor with the tomato paste (sundried tomatoes also work beautifully) and blend on high for half a minute. You might need to scrape down once and pulse a few times.

Pour back into the bowl and stir in the flaxmeal, psyllium powder, and herbs. You could also add them to the food processor in the last few seconds of blending.

Let rest for 5 minutes. Spread thinly onto three dehydrator sheets (this is a delicate, somewhat lengthy process for me). Dry for 10 hours at 120F. Let cool before storing or enjoy right away!

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Quick Cabbage Soup + Sumo Fries (Courtesy of my BF)

It's getting cold and that calls for warming recipes. This soup is very simple and satisfying. The veggies and grains give a pleasant texture while the delicate, complex broth holds everything up.

Quick Cabbage Soup

Serves: 4 | Time: 30 min

1/2 head cabbage, shredded
8 cups homemade veg broth
1 black parsnip, thinly sliced
2 colorful bell peppers, diced
1 cup precooked millet or rice
1 inch ginger, finely diced
1/2 cup unpacked cilantro
1/2 large lemon, juiced
1 tbs ground turmeric
1 tsp chili flakes

In a large stock pot over medium heat, add your vegetable broth and spices. Cover and bring to a rolling boil. Meanwhile chop the ginger and vegetables. When ready, add the remaining ingredients and cover. Cook for 20-25 minutes at a soft boil, stirring occasionally.
Add the millet, lemon juice, and cilantro. Stir and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Sumo Fries

Serves: 2-3 | Time: 3 hours

Basic recipe:
2 cups corn meal or grits
6 cups water
1/2 tsp salt
Extras:
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne

In a large pot, add 6 cups of water. Cover and put over a high heat. Pour the corn meal into a measuring cup and add the salt or spices to a small bowl. Get a whisk ready, as well as an oven mitten.
When the water is boiling, pour in the grits slowly while stirring. Cook for 5 minutes, adding the spices halfway through and turn the heat down to low. The polenta will thicken and when the bubbles pop you may get splashed - this is why the oven mitten comes in handy.
Pour into a large glass, or ceramic pan. Long, shallow pans work best.
Refrigerate for 2-8 hours.
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 425F. Turn the polenta out over a cutting board and cut into your desired shape. I like to make "fries."
Line two large baking trays with Silpat mats. Lay out the chips Bake for 30-45 minutes. Serve with soup, greens, and more!

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5 Minute Summer Salad (GF Vegan, Raw option)

It's 95F today and I don't want to cook! Need something refreshing, but not too low calorie? This recipe is sure to please.

Serves: 1-2 | Time: 5 minutes

2 cups White Beans*
3 large Carrots
2 Gala Apples
1 hefty Cucumber
1/4 cup homemade Salsa
1 tbs Sunflower Seeds (optional)

* I buy dried beans in bulk and make big batches every weekend. Rinse canned beans well, if using.

Finely chop your fruits and vegetables. Add to a large serving bowl, then stir in the beans and salsa. Top with sunflower and fresh herbs, if desired. To keep it raw, swap the beans for sprouts.
Enjoy :)

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Farmer's market cucumbers until mine grow

As you can see, I am very patient when it comes to finely dicing things...

10 Minute Mediterranean Salad (HCLF Vegan)

Serves: 1-2 | Time: 10 minutes

1 cup Israeli Couscous
1.25 cups Veggie Broth
1 tbs chopped Basil
1/2 tsp Turmeric
1/2 tsp Cumin

3 cups chopped Kale Salad Mix*
1 cup precooked Blackeyed Peas
1 cup frozen Peas & Carrots
1 tbs natural Peanut Butter**
1 tbs fresh Lemon Juice
1-2 tbs filtered Water
1 tsp Red Curry Paste

* I buy this from Costco. Trader Joe's also sells an identical product called Cruciferous Crunch Collection
** Make sure the only ingredient is peanuts

In a small to medium-sized pot, add your veggie broth and spices. Cover and set on high heat to boil. Meanwhile, chop your basil. When the water is boiling, add your couscous and basil. Stir and turn heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 8-10 minutes (until water is absorbed).
Meanwhile, in a medium pot or large saucepan add the frozen peas and carrots (can be thawed/defrosted first, but you will need to add a little more water if you do this). Cook, covered, for 5-8 minutes on medium.
Meanwhile, grab a small bowl and whisk together the peanut butter, lemon juice, red curry paste and water. Stir this sauce into the vegetable mix. Add your beans in the last few minutes of cooking.
In a large serving bowl, spoon the spiced couscous and top with the veggie mixture. Enjoy :)

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Peach Banana Bliss Soft Serve (Raw Vegan)

Serves: 1-2

5 frozen Bananas
2 ripe Peaches
1 cup Water

You can omit the water if you have a Vitamix or want a thicker blend but I found it helpful when blending the peaches. You want to make sure to blend the peaches prior to adding the bananas so that the peel gets shredded.
Make sure your bananas are spotty before you freeze them! Mine were ultra ripe and sweet. I broke them into chunks and froze them for about 20 hours. You can let them defrost for an hour if your blender isn't that strong, but then it might get a little too soft.
Make sure your peaches are soft and juicy! Mine were fresh and room temperature.
This will give you good vibes all day!
Enjoy :)

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"Ease Into Raw" Savory Garden Zoodles (GF Vegan)

My parents are not vegans or raw foodists, but they are trying to eat mostly plant-based and enjoy the meals I make for dinner. However, they rarely eat raw fruits and vegetables which is vital for health. I decided to ease them in by making pasta! This provides the warmth and heartiness of a cooked dish with the refreshing lightness of a raw meal.

Serves: 3 | Time: 35 minutes

4-5 medium Zucchini
2 1/2 cups Tomato Sauce
1 1/2 cups Diced Tomatoes
3/4 lb raw Kale, destemed
1 1/2 cups fresh Green Peas
1 cup cooked Lima Beans
1 cup cooked Chickpeas
3 large Carrots, chopped
1/2 Red Onion, diced
2 Celery Stalks, diced
1 Lemon, squeezed
1 cup Vegetable Broth
1 tbs Italian Seasoning
1 tsp Celery Seeds
1 tsp ground Cumin
1 tsp ground Turmeric
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Paprika
1/4 tsp Cayenne
Dash of Pink Salt
Dash of Black Pepper
Optional: Cherry Tomatoes

To begin, spiralize your zucchini or any summer squash. Add to a large mixing bowl and squeeze half of your lemon on top. Toss and set aside.

Destem your kale and chop (if  necessary). Add to a steamer and cook for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, chop your veggies.

To a large saucepan, add half of your veggie broth and turn the heat to medium. When small bubbles appear, add your onion and cook for a few minutes. When fragrant, add the rest of your vegetables and simmer for 5 minutes.
When the liquid begins to evaporate, add the rest of your vegetable broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and spices. Let simmer for 10 minutes with the lid on.

When your kale is done, squeeze the rest of your lemon on top and stir it into your veggie tomato sauce with your beans.
Pour over zoodles, toss and serve in large bowls. Garnish with cherry tomatoes, if desired. Enjoy! :)


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Spicy Fruity Salad (Vegan, GF, Raw Option)

Hey lovelies! I adapted a chutney recipe into this amazing salad that I just have to share. It is sweet, spicy, refreshing, satisfying, and pretty simple.

Serves: 1-2 | Inactive time: 8+ hours | Active time: 30 minutes

3 cups Chickpeas, soaked and cooked (302g)
1 Cucumber, sliced (320g)
1 orange Capsicum, diced (200g)
1/2 Mango, chopped (123g)
1 Apple, chopped (183g)
2 stalks Celery, chopped (92g)
1 large Carrot, diced (70g)
7 Dates, chopped (70g)
3-4 tbs Tomato Paste
Juice of 1/2 Lemon
1/4 cup of fruit juice*
2 tsp Curry powder
1 tsp Cayenne
1/2 tsp Paprika
1/2 tsp Coriander

* I used organic cold-pressed orange mango juice

I soaked my chickpeas for 48 hours with intermittent rinses. Some of them sprouted but this is just a personal preference. A minimal soak of 8 hours is recommended and the cook time should be 30 minutes either way. If you want them raw, opt for at least 24 hours of soaking.
After I prepared the chickpeas, I let them chill in the fridge while I chopped the rest of the ingredients.
Then I made my dressing, which was tomato paste mixed with fruit juice. You can add some of the spices to this.
In a large mixing or serving bowl, add all your chopped ingredients plus chickpeas and toss. Then sprinkle with spices, drizzle on your dressing, and squeeze on the lemon juice. Toss or gently stir again.

Note: Always adjust spices to your preference. Add half the cayenne and taste test before adding the rest, for example.

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Veggie Supreme Pizza (Vegan, GF-option, Low-fat, Low-Sodium)

A supremely stacked pizza for one or two tummies!

Prep time: 1h 15 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes

Dough:

3 cups of Flour

1 packet of Active Dry Yeast

1 tbs of Coconut Sugar

1.25 cups of warm Water

Optional add-ins:

1 tbs minced dry onion

1 tbs dried Italian herbs

Toppings:

1 medium-sized can of Tomato paste

1 small Onion, chopped

2 cloves of Garlic, minced
1 stalk of Celery, chopped

1 small Zucchini, sliced

1 large Carrot, diced
1 Apple, chopped

1 ear of Sweet Corn
Handful of Mushrooms
Handful of Grape Tomatoes
1/4 head of Cauliflower
1/4 head of Broccoli
1/2 Avocado, mashed
10 sprigs of Cilantro

1 tsp of Cumin powder

1/4 tsp of Cayenne

To make the pizza dough I mixed equal amounts of corn, white wheat, and bread flour in a mixing bowl. In a measuring cup I added warm water, then stirred in the sugar and yeast. Let it activate for 5 minutes until foamy. Make a well in the flour bowl and pour in the liquid mixture. Combine by stirring with a wooden spoon. Oil your hands and knead for about 5 minutes. Return to bowl and cover with a wet tea towel in a warm place and let rise for 1 hour minimum.

Preheat oven to 400F. Punch down your dough and knead it a few more times. Toss the dough to stretch it, then roll it out with a pin. This may require a light dusting of flour. Sprinkle corn meal onto a pizza stone and finish shaping your pizza dough. Place in oven for 10 minutes to partially bake.

Meanwhile, in a small pan, mix your tomato paste with water to desired consistency. Add cumin, cayenne, and half your cilantro. Stir occasionally over a medium heat. Add your minced garlic and half the chopped onions to your sauce. While this warms, wash and chop your toppings. I used whatever I had in the fridge. Use as many or as little of your favorite veggies, but if you come for dinner here you have to go big or go home ;)

Remove the pizza base from the oven. Mash your avocado and smear it on the pizza, then cover it with sauce. Sprinkle on onion, apple, corn, mushrooms, and cilantro. Then add your carrot, zucchini, tomatoes, cauliflower and broccoli. Stack it high!

Return to oven for 15-25 minutes. The cooking time depends on how firm or soft you like your veggies. I love a nice crunch but some people prefer softer vegetables. One easy way to achieve this is to pre-cook them in a microwave or sauté pan, but who has time for that? :P

Let cool for 5 minutes, slice, and serve :)

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Here are photos from the first time I made this pizza. I have since perfected/updated the above recipe for maximum enjoyment and simplicity!

Celebration Smoothie (Raw Vegan, GF)

Let's celebrate the end of an amazing year the right way! No alcohol in this delightful beverage ;)

Yields: 9 cups

226g baby Spinach
16.9 oz Aloe Vera juice
Handful of Wheatgrass (optional)
1 whole golden Pineapple (500g)
400g frozen Strawberries (about 20)
1 whole frozen or fresh Mango (220g)
1/2 inch fresh Turmeric root

Blend in Vitamix. Enjoy!

Nutrition: Calories 670, Fat 3g, Carbs 168g (120g Sugar, 24g Fiber), Protein 13g, Vitamin A 170%, Vitamin B6 105%, Vitamin C 720%, Vitamin E 52%, Vitamin K 1236%, Calcium 42%, Magnesium 108%, Manganese 500%, Iron 65%, Potassium 72%, Zinc 40%

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Clean Green Smoothie (GF Raw Vegan Powerhouse)

This smoothie is a great way to get in your greens with the star sweetness of pear and the toothsome nature of dried figs. Ultra delicious!

Yields: 7 cups

Baby Spinach (282g)

Golden Pineapple (400g)

1 D'anjou Pear (200g)

2 dried Turkish Figs (50g)

3 spotty Bananas (420g)

2 cups filtered Water

In Vitamix, pack in spinach and add water. Blend on high until liquified. Add pineapple and pear; blend until incorporated. Add bananas and figs, then blend on variable to leave some texture.

Drink up! Every sip is magic :)

Nutrition: Calories 897, Fat 3.6g, Carbs 222g, Protein 17.5g, Fiber 34g, Calcium 458mg (46% DV), Iron 11.5mg (64%), Potassium 4121mg (88%), Zinc 3mg (39%), Magnesium 434mg (140%), Manganese 8mg (430%)

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Sweet'n'Spicy Veggie Pasta (Raw Vegan, Low-fat)

1.1 pound Kale (500g)

2 medium Zucchini (545g)

Handful baby Carrots (150g)

Handful white Mushrooms (100g)

1/2 Red Bell Pepper (100g)

1/2 Yellow Capsicum (100g)

1 pitted Mango (150g)

1 Lemon, juiced (1/4 cup)

4 ounces Orange Juice

1 tbs red Chili paste*

1 inch fresh Turmeric**

1 inch peeled Ginger

1/4 cup fresh Cilantro

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

1/2 tsp Paprika

1/2 tsp Cumin

1 Medjool date

* 1 tsp of paste = 2 tsp of powder = 1 dried chili

** equals 2 tsp of powder

Wash and spin dry your kale. Cut or rip into bite-sized pieces. Squeeze lemon juice over kale. Massage for 2-4 minutes. Let sit. If you do not like raw kale, my mother steamed half for 10 minutes and it came out well.

Wash your zucchini. Chop off ends. Place into spiralizer and cut into ribbons or noodles. If you do not have a spiralizer, try a mandolin!

In the Vitamix, add all other ingredients. Blend for 1 minute, using the tamping rod to help. The sauce packs a punch, so use less chili if you don't like too much heat.

In a large bowl, add half of the zucchini, half of the kale, and as much sauce as you like.

Dig in :)

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Unconventional Rice Pudding (V, Allergen-free)

Here is an example of a cooked dinner on the Raw till 4 (80/10/10) lifestyle. I eat all this. But if you can't go big, you can share ;)

Serves: 1-3 | Time: 40 minutes

1 cup dry basmati or jasmine rice
1 cup light vanilla almond milk
1/2 cup golden raisins, soaked
1.5 limes, squeezed of juice
4 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground turmeric
2 tsp maple syrup

Rinse and soak rice for 30 minutes. Drain. Bring lots of water to boil in a pot (I eyeballed how much liquid because I do this a lot). Add turmeric and lime juice.
Add rice and boil for 6 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, soak your raisins. Drain rice and raisins. Return to pot, on lowest heat, and add milk. Stir in cinnamon. Add your maple syrup.
You can leave it milky or let the rice absorb it.

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:)

Raw Veggie Tacos (Vegan, Allergen-free)

Yields: 12+ tacos | Serves: 1-2 | Time: 15 minutes

1 head of romaine
1 medium big carrot
1 large gala apple
3 celery stalks
1/3 yellow capsicum
14 green beans
10 mushroom slices
1/4 red onion
6 dates, soaked
1 tsp chili paste
1 tsp lemon juice
1/4 cup orange juice
1/3 cup homemade hummus

Chop all ingredients, finely. Add to a mixing bowl and pour in lemon juice and hummus. Toss.
In a blender, add orange juice and dates. Blend. Pour over veggies. Add chili paste. Toss.
Optional: Chill for 1 hour to allow flavors time to mature and marinade.
Spoon into leaves, hold like tacos, and munch!

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