Zoodles and Savory Sauce (GF Raw Vegan)

I know it's cold but sometimes you just don't want to cook! Especially if you just did your meal prep for the week. So eat raw!

Serves: 2-3


4 zucchini, spiralized

Savory sauce:
1-2 medium zucchini
2 handfuls whole cilantro
Handful strawberries w/ tops
Handful soaked sundried tomatoes
Handful sliced bella mushrooms
1/2 avocado (would use more)
1 orange bell pepper
1 big celery stalk
2 green onions
1/2 inch ginger
Juice of a lemon

Add all the sauce ingredients to your high-powered blender and using the tamper add just enough water to blend. Water will be released by the zoodles and will thin the sauce. Ignore that it looks like swamp goo!

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Double Chocolate Muffin Tops (GF Vegan, oil-free, refined sugar free)

My mom told me she was craving chocolate so I decided to indulge her with a delicious yet nutrient-dense dessert. These muffin tops are allergy-friendly, fudge-y, and have a light molasses flavor. These beat Vita Tops any day! They're even picky 3-year-old approved ;)

Double Chocolate Muffin Tops (GF Vegan, oil-free, refined sugar free)

Yields: 12 | Time: 1 hour

Dry:

3/4 cup oat flour

3/4 cup almond flour

1/4 cup cocoa powder

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp pink salt

Wet:

1 cup date paste (7 large medjools *175g* and 1/4 cup+ water)

1 flax egg (1 heaping tbs golden flaxmeal + 3 tbs water)

1/4 cup blackstrap molasses*

1/2 cup plain applesauce

1/4 cup plain plant milk

2 tbs coconut sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup chocolate chunks**

* If you don't like the taste of molasses, date syrup is a nutritious alternative

** I recommend Enjoy Life brand

Mix the flaxmeal and water in a small bowl. Add the dates to a small bowl of water to soak. Wait 10 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350F/177C.

Pit the dates and add to a small food processor with water. Blend until smooth.

Sift all the dry ingredients into a mixing bowl.

In another bowl, mix all the wet ingredients gently with a spoon.

Pour in half of the dry ingredients, fold, pour in the rest and fold again until incorporated.

Add a tablespoon of batter into each muffin mold (use a silicone tin so there's no sticking).

Add six chocolate chunks to each muffin and top with the remaining batter.

Bake for 26-28 minutes depending on how fudge-y you want them.

Remove from the oven and let cool/rest for 20 minutes.

Squeeze the molds gently from underneath before popping the muffins out.

Serve with a tall glass of cold plant milk!

Enjoy :)

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Nutrition facts (per muffin):

Calories: 160

Fat: 5.8

Sat: .5g

Protein: 3.5g

Carbs: 26g
  Fiber: 4g

Manganese 29% DV
Magnesium 12% DV

Potassium 14% DV

Copper 14% DV
Calcium 9% DV

Iron 12% DV
Selenium 5% DV

Update: Since these were such a big hit I decided to make them again but I realized halfway through I was out of dairy-free baking chips. Using my quick thinking I threw in some peanuts instead and they were fab! Good for those lovers of chocolate and peanut flavors together - but who isn't?

Banana Date Muffins (GF Vegan, soy free, oil free)

Ever find yourself with a lot of ripe bananas? Sure, you could freeze them and make ice cream or a smoothie, but why not do what mom did? Make banana bread! Minus the eggs, milk, and who knows what else ;)

Yields: 14 muffins or 12 muffins and 2 ramekins | Time: 40 min

1/2 cup buckwheat flour*

1/2 cup coconut flour

1/2 cup millet flour

1/4 cup brown rice flour

1 tbs baking powder

2 tsp ceylon cinnamon

4 very ripe bananas, mashed

1 cup plain applesauce

1/2 cup plant milk

1/4 cup + 2 tbs water

8 pitted medjool dates

2 tsp vanilla extract

* I buy coconut and brown rice flour, but it is healthier to mill your own. I have a coffee grinder that I use to make millet, buckwheat, teff, and other flours.

Preheat the oven to 400F/205C

Sift together the dry ingredients in a bowl. In a small food processor, add the dates and water. Blend until smooth. In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas and add all the wet ingredients. Stir. Add half the dry ingredients to the wet, stir, and repeat. Stir well as the mix will be thick.

In a silicone muffin tray, spoon in the mix. I filled them almost completely because gf banana muffins don't rise as much as others. Brush two ramekins with coconut oil and add the remaining batter.

Bake for 30-32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool (about 30 minutes) before removing.

Enjoy with a refreshing glass of plant milk!

Adapted from:

http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2006/01/banana-date-walnut-muffins.html

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Coconut Carrot Curry (GF Vegan)

For those that need a good soup to warm up with this cold weather, try this creamy curry full of vitamins and warming spices.

Serves: 2-4 | Time: 40 min

13 med-large carrots
1/2-3/4 onion, chopped
1 can light coconut milk
2 cups vegetable broth
2 stalks of celery with leaves
2 large roasted red peppers
3 dried bay leaves
1/2 tsp celery seeds
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp nigella sativa
2 inches organic ginger
1/2 tsp green curry paste
1/2 tsp TJ dry chili paste
1/4 tsp tamarind
1 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp garam masala

Grab a large pot and place over medium heat. Add just enough water to cover the bottom. When it begins to sizzle, add the bay leaves, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and nigella sativa (black cumin/kalonji). Temper for a few minutes and make sure the seeds pop. Add the veggie stock and cover.

Wash and peel (if necessary) your carrots. Dice roughly. Chop your onion as well. Mince your ginger. My mom is not a fan of how ginger tastes and my dad doesn't like the little strings you get from it sometimes. My trick is to place the ginger inside a tea leaf steeping spoon and place it in the broth for 5 minutes as it heats up. I then toss half the ginger and keep the rest. You can modify this however you want.

Now add the carrots and onions to your pot and cook for 20 minutes. We're not using a lot of stock because I don't want the end soup to be too thin and I don't want the taste of the coconut to be overwhelmed. However, you can add more liquid towards the end if you prefer it thinner.

Make sure the carrots are soft enough to blend. Remove the bay leaves and add the coconut milk, roasted red peppers, and spice pastes. I enjoy spicy food - not too spicy, but I don't mind a little burn - but if you don't then omit the chili paste. I'm using a stick blender because I'm too lazy to transfer to and from a food processor. Blend until relatively smooth (or leave it a tad chunky if you prefer). Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, mince the celery. I like to add this towards the end to add a little texture to the soup. If you want a smooth soup then you'll want to add this before blending. Add the remaining spices and cook for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust spices accordingly. I didn't use too much curry powder because I want to be able to taste all the different components of the soup.

Spoon into bowls and allow to cool a bit before enjoying. Sprinkle with the celery leaves from an extra treat! This soup is perfect served with flatbreads or over basmati rice.

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Blueberry Banana Teff Porridge (GF Vegan)

I've found a new breakfast option that's perfect for that winter weather! Personally I love a warm bowl of porridge when it's cold outside, and it's a lot cheaper than a fruit-centered meal.
This recipe features teff. The world's smallest, mineral-rich grain. I ordered a bunch to make injera (shown here) and now I'm experimenting with other recipes.
There are many variations for this teff porridge, but here are two of my favorites.

Serves: 1 | Time: 20 minutes

Blueberry Banana

3/4 cup unsweetened plant milk
3/4 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup whole grain teff
1/2 cup filtered water
1 tbs maple syrup*

2 small bananas, sliced
10 pecan halves, chopped
1 tbs raw hemp hearts

* make sure it's pure

In a medium sized pot, mix together the teff, plant milk, water, and maple syrup. Place over a medium heat, covered, and stir every 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, chop the bananas and ready your toppings. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, stir in the blueberries.
When thick, pour the porridge into a bowl. If you like a thinner consistency, 15 minutes should be an adequate cooking time. Top with your goodies. Enjoy!


Red, White & Blue

3/4 cup unsweetened plant milk
1/2 cup whole grain teff
1/2 cup filtered water
1 tbs maple syrup

6 raw pecans/walnuts
1 tbs raw hemp hearts
1 med banana, sliced
4 strawberries, sliced
10 blueberries

Follow the above instructions, using your brain to make the necessary changes/additions ;)

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Carrot Cake/Banana Bread Fusion! (GF Vegan, oil free, refined sugar free)

Carrot Cake Batter

90g large carrots
60g medjool dates
3 large ripe bananas
1 tbs ceylon cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla powder/extract

Soak your dates for 5 minutes while peeling the bananas and carrots. In a food processor, blitz the carrots to a fine mince. Pit the dates and add to the food processor with your bananas, cinnamon, vanilla, and blend until smooth. You can easily make this a smoothie by adding some coconut water, orange juice, water, or non-dairy milk.


Carrot Cake/Banana Bread Baby
Serves: 2-4 | Time: 1 hour

2 cups Carrot Cake Batter
1 cup gluten-free flour*
1/4 cup organic raisins
1.5 tsp raw coconut sugar
1.5 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/3 cup water

* I used oat flour but brown rice also works well

Preheat your oven to 375F.
In a small mixing bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Scoop up two cups of the batter with a measuring cup and mix it in with a fork.
Add your water and fold into the batter until the consistency is cake-like.
Add half of your batter to an un-greased 8x8 ceramic or glass dish lined with parchment/baking paper. Sprinkle the raisins in. Add the rest of the batter and smooth with a spatula if necessary.
Sprinkle the coconut sugar on top. Place in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Turn off the heat, crack the door, and let cool before cutting.
It is normal for the cake to be somewhat moist and dense, which is typical of a banana bread.

Enjoy :)

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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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Veatballs + Corn Spaghetti Review (GF Vegan, soy free, oil free)

These Italian style veatballs pair well with various sauces and are simple to make. Plus they're packed with nutrients! I hope you enjoy them as much as my family did :)

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 45 min | Makes: 14 veatballs

1 cup cooked black rice

1/2 cup cooked millet

1/4 cup gf rolled oats

1/3 cup chopped pecans*

1/4 cup organic corn meal**

1 heaping tsp Italian seasoning

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp sweet paprika

1/4 tsp mustard powder

1/4 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp sea salt

2 tbs vegan cheese

2 tbs fresh lemon juice

2 tbs pure maple syrup

1 tbs + 1 tsp tamari***

1 tbs veggie broth

* If you have a nut allergy, you can use 1/3 cup of sunflower seeds instead.

** If you don't have corn meal, you can use brown rice or chickpea flour. Any flour works if you're not gf!

*** I buy low sodium Tamari because it's GF, but you can use soy sauce if you don't mind, or make your own vegan version of this sauce.

Cook your rice and millet, if you don't have day old grains in the fridge. In a pot, add all of your ingredients except the maple syrup, vegan cheese, and corn meal. Stir over a medium-low heat for 5 minutes until the spices are well combined.

Preheat your oven to 400F. Add the heated mixture to a large food processor, then sprinkle in the corn meal and vegan cheese. Pulse blend a few times. On a low speed, turn the machine on as you pour in the maple syrup. Don't overmix - you should be able to tell when it is beginning to come together.

Line a medium-sized baking sheet with a Silpat mat. Remove the blade from your food processor and get a spatula ready. Spray your hands lightly with water and begin to form your meatballs. They should be about 1.5-2 inches in diameter. If they are too small, they will not stay as moist.

Bake for 15 minutes, turning halfway through if you desire a more even browning (they will cook through either way). Turn off the oven and crack the door, letting the balls rest for 10 minutes. This is the perfect time to cook your spaghetti!

I recently bought 10 pounds of Heartland GF spaghetti and am very impressed by the texture. Most gluten free pastas stick together or fall apart, but this one cooked up very nicely and tasted good too.

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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...

Creamy Basil Spaghetti Squash Sauce (GF Vegan)

Serves: 3 | Time: 50 minutes

1 large Spaghetti Squash

1 can Great Northern Beans

2 heaping tsp Tomato Paste

1 heaping tsp raw Tahini

3 tbs filtered Water

6-8 small Basil leaves

1/2 tsp Garlic Powder

1/2 tsp Onion Powder

1/4 tsp Black Pepper
1/4 tsp Paprika

Basil to garnish

Preheat the oven to 375F. Cut the squash in half and remove the seeds. Place the squash face-side down in a large glass dish with enough water to cover the bottom. Bake 40-45 minutes or until soft. Test with a fork after 35 minutes.

Scoop the squash out of the skin and add to a powerful blender or food processor (you may need to do two batches). Blend until smooth, using the water to help, and a tamping rod.

Drain and rinse the beans. Add them to your squash puree with the tahini and blend until smooth.
Add the spices and herbs and pulse a few times.
Ladle onto meatless balls, gnocchi, veggies, lentil-loaf and more! It also makes for an amazing soup as is. Serve with ribbons of basil for extra flavor :)

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Quickie Recipe: Spicy Polenta Bowl (GF Vegan)

Serves: 1 | Prep time: 2+ hours | Active time: 1 hour

1 cup yellow Cornmeal

2 1/2 cups + 1 cup Water

1/2 cup Black Beans, dry

1 can Tomato Paste (6oz)

1 try of Mushrooms, diced (50g)

1 red Capsicum, roasted & diced
3 tbs Nutritional Yeast (optional)

1 tsp Cayenne powder

1/2 tsp Turmeric
1/2 tsp Cumin

Rinse and soak black beans overnight, or for 2 hours minimum. Drain and add to a small pot, fill with water, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 1 hour or until tender.
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425F. Chop your mushrooms and set aside. Destem and deseed your pepper, then wrap in aluminum foil. Roast for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small pot, add one cup of water and your tomato paste. Whisk until smooth and add spices. Add your mushrooms and pepper; leave to simmer for 15 minutes.
In a medium pot, add 2 1/2 cups of water. Bring to a boil and then whisk in your cornmeal. Add nutritional yeast, if desired. Stir briskly to keep smooth and allow to thicken over 5 minutes. If you like a thinner polenta, add more water.
Drain your beans and stir them into the tomato veggie sauce. Pour polenta into a bowl and top with the mix.
Enjoy :)

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5-Star Carrot Soup (GF Vegan)

I'm not one to brag, but this soup deserves it! I made this in an attempt to recreate a restaurant experience I had and it was definitely successful.

Serves: 1-2 | Time: 1 hour

10 large Carrots (580g)
1 Sweet Potato (250g)
1 orange Capsicum (50g)
2/3 cup Coconut Meat
3/4 cup filtered Water
1 tsp Coconut Aminos
1 tsp Curry powder
1 tsp Chili powder
1 tsp Turmeric
1 inch Ginger (optional)
Carrot leaves (optional)

Preheat oven to 425F.
Set water to boil in a steaming colander. Peel carrots, if not organic, and chop in half. Add to steamer basket and set a timer for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, destem and deseed your pepper. Drizzle liquid aminos inside and wrap in aluminum foil. Roast in oven for 15 minutes.
Open a young thai coconut and scrape out the meat. You should have more than needed. It can be used as is, or you can simmer it for 15 minutes with 1/4 cup water.
Peel and chop your sweet potato into cubes. Add to a ceramic dish with enough water to cover the bottom. Attach lid and microwave for 4-6 minutes.
To your blender, add: water, spices, coconut meat, the sweet potato and its water, the pepper and its juices, and your steamed carrots.
Puree or blend until smooth (leave chunks if desired).
Serve with the carrot leaves (if organic) for a carrot-y kick!
Enjoy :)

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Greenery Bowl (GF Raw Vegan)

Serves: 1 | Active time: 15 minutes | Chill time: 1 hour

1 Cucumber, quartered (230g)
2 large Carrots, shredded (75g)
1 Apple, chopped (105g)
1 Avocado, whipped (102g)
7 Medjool dates, torn (100g)
Fresh Mixed Sprouts* (20g)
1/4 cup Orange Juice
1/2 Lime, juiced
1/2 tsp Turmeric
1/2 tsp Cayenne
1/2 tsp Cumin

* I used fenugreek, cabbage and alfalfa but whatever your favorites are will work

Chop all ingredients. Make sure to peel if not organic! Add to a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Half and deseed your avocado, then scoop the flesh into a small bowl. Add lime juice and spices. Mash with a fork until creamy and add to salad with orange juice. Toss.
Let marinate for 1 hour. Enjoy :)

PS: I just watched a video on Youtube by Happy Healthy Vegan about food combining. Like me, they do not have any digestive issues when mixing overt fats with sweet fruits. Some people reactive negatively to this combination, usually with stomach aches and gas. Just thought I'd mention it, in case anyone's worried!

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Fiesta Rice Bowl (V, GF, Winner Dinner)

1 cup dry Basmati or Jasmine Rice
3/4 cup Refried or Pinto Beans
1 bunch of Hearts of Romaine
1 Yukon Gold or Sweet Potato
1 red Capsicum/Bell Pepper
2 ears Yellow Corn or can
1 cup of spicy Salsa
1/2 medium Onion
Juice of 1/2 Lime
1/2 cup of Water
1 tbs Turmeric
1 tsp Cayenne
1 tsp Cumin

Soak rice for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, chop your veggies. Make sure the potato is cubed small so it cooks quicker.
In a large non-stick pan, add the potato and a small amount of water. Cover and steam for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add your onions and salsa and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.
Add the rest of your veggies to the pan. Stir and simmer until slightly soft. Add lime juice and remove from heat.
Bring a medium pot of water to boil. Add the rice and boil for 6 minutes. Drain. Set aside.
In a small pot add your refried beans, spices, and water to desired consistency. Stir over medium heat for 5 minutes.
In a large serving or salad bowl, chop your romaine. Pour rice on top and fluff. Add your veggies and refried beans. Toss now or mix as you eat (I prefer the latter).
Enjoy :)

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Quick Recipe: Beet Hummus (Vegan, GF)

A few people have been requesting the recipe for this beet hummus I shared on my Instagram. I often whip quick things up without measuring for myself, but here are the ingredients to my best estimation.

150g Chickpeas, soaked
2 cloves roasted Garlic
1 small Shallot
1 oz Beet Juice
1 tsp Maple Syrup
1 tsp ground Cumin
1 tsp sweet Paprika
1/2 tsp Cayenne
Half a Lemon, juiced
Water to desired consistency

Soak your chickpeas for 8-12 hours (or more). Drain and add to a small pot of water. Bring to a boil. Cook for 30 minutes or until soft. Strain.
Add all ingredients to a food processor. Hot chickpeas and water helps everything blend smoother.
Adjust spices to your desires. Enjoy :)

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Napa Cabbage Salad with Creamy Edamame Dressing (V, GF, Foodgasm)

This post is really all about the dressing. It is the most refreshing and delicious I have ever had. It is creamy and tangy...perfect balanced between acidity and sweetness. Give it a try!

Serves: 2 | Yields: 3 cups | Time: 15 minutes

1 head of Napa Cabbage
1 package Edamame, shelled (150g)*
1 can Sweet Corn (drain and reserve liquid)
1 tbs Apple Cider Vinegar
15g fresh Cilantro/Coriander
6 oz Water (liquid from corn)
50g Dulse or Sea Kelp flakes
1 tbs Nutritional Yeast flakes
1 tsp Onion Powder
1 tsp Paprika
Juice of 1 Lime
Juice of 1/2 Lemon
Optional: dash of coriander, cumin, cayenne, turmeric

* life is easier if you buy pre-shelled - salted or not is your choice

I followed the package directions and microwaved the edamame for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, chop your cabbage and fill two large bowls.
When the edamame is done, rinse with water to cool. Add everything except the cilantro and lemon juice to a blender or food processor. Puree.
Taste and add spices or salt if desired. Add in the cilantro and pulse a few times.
Pour half into each bowl. Toss with salad spoons and squeeze the lemon on top.
This salad was so simple and addictive. If you want to get fancy, try adding orange slices or pomegranate seeds. Enjoy :)

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