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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BBQ Sauce and Two Stellar BBQ Recipes (GF, low fat)

This BBQ sauce is a healthier alternative to store bought ones out there, it's easy to whip up, and it is also guaranteed to be vegan. It can be enjoyed on burgers, for dipping, and much more.

For the sauce, you'll need:

1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

3/4 cup of filtered water

3 tbs raw coconut sugar

1 tbs Worcestershire sauce*

2 tsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp thai red chili sauce

1/2 tsp garam masala

1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder

3 drops liquid smoke

* I buy this vegan one but there are also options on Amazon

Combine all the ingredients in a medium-sized pot and whisk. Cover and turn heat to medium low, simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken over time.

Sloppy Joes

Serves: 2-3 | Time: 30-45 min

To make the sloppy joes you'll need to freeze a package of firm tofu overnight. Let it thaw during the day and then cut open the package. Drain over the sink, squeezing out as much moisture as you can. The tofu will be very spongy and the water should come out readily (no need to press). You can use a sieve to catch any crumbles.

Over a pot, tear the block of tofu into bite-sized pieces, almost like scrambled eggs. If the middle is still frozen then microwave for 30 seconds.

Pour the sauce over the tofu and stir gently until well coated. Let sit for 15-30 minutes to marinade.

Turn heat to medium and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve on warm Ezekiel english muffins or homemade buns with lettuce, pickles, and cheese.

Hawaiian BBQ Pizza

Makes: 16" pizza | Time: 2 hours

For this pizza, I made the BBQ sauce above, the only difference being I replaced the water with pineapple juice. As for a base, I used Bob's Redmill GF Pizza Crust. However, you can use whichever recipe you like for pizza dough.

Toppings:

1/3 cup baby bella 'shrooms, sliced

3 roasted sweet peppers, sliced

1/2 vidalia onion, thinly sliced
1-2 green chilies, coined

1/2 cup pineapple tidbits
1/4 cup cilantro (optional)
1/4 cup water (or more)
1 tbs raw coconut sugar
1 tsp garlic powder

Chop all of your toppings. After you prepare the dough, bake it on a pizza pan for 10 minutes at 425F.
In a large, non-stick skillet over a medium heat add the onions. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Add some water if things are looking dry. Sprinkle the coconut sugar on top and stir. Cook for a few more minutes.
Top the pizza with BBQ sauce and caramelized onions. If using cilantro, sprinkle it onto the sauce. Add the green chilies, sweet peppers, and pineapple.
To your pan, add the mushrooms with the remaining water and garlic powder. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Sauté for a few minutes, stirring regularly, as the mushrooms begin to brown. Add to the pizza.
Bake the pizza for 25 minutes. To add a nice golden color, finish it off with the broiler.

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Homemade Pita Bread

Homemade Pita Bread

Yields: 6 pitas | Total time: 2h 10m

Ingredients:
1 cup warm water
2.5 tsp pizza or active dry yeast
1.25 cups all-purpose unbleached flour

1.5 cups whole wheat or bread flour

1 tsp fine sea salt

1 tsp raw cane sugar

2 tsp dried Italian herbs
2 tsp EVOO (optional)

Equipment:

Mixing bowl

Rolling pin

Clean board

Shallow bowl

Silicone tongs

Baking sheet or stone

Instructions:

In a glass measuring cup, add one cup of warm water and 2.5 tsp of yeast. Stir and let rest for 5 minutes.

In a mixing bowl, add your flours, herbs, sugar and spice. Make a well in the middle.

Pour the yeasty water into the mixing bowl and stir with an oiled wooden spoon. A shaggy dough will form.

Turn out onto a clean board and oil your hands. Knead the dough for 5 minutes. It will come together very nicely.

Transform to an oiled bowl and cover with a cloth. Place in a warm oven or spot for 1.5 hours.

When risen, set your oven to 450F. Add a rectangular pizza stone beforehand, if using, otherwise wait to use a baking sheet.

On a lightly floured surface, turn out your dough and knead a few times. Tear the dough into six even pieces and roll quickly into balls. Sprinkle a little all-purpose flour into your shallow bowl. Flatten each ball slightly and dip both sides into the flour.

Use a rolling pin to make six 8-inch circle about 1/3 inch thick. It is possible to cook some while rolling the rest. Bake two at a time for 3.5 minutes on a hot pizza stone (or baking tray). There is no need to flip. It's awesome to watch them puff up!

I have a gas stove, so as they came out, I held them over the flame for 15-30 seconds on each side to get a nice color. Store them in a tortilla basket or pot so they stay warm as the rest cook.

Serve with baba ganoush and hummus or stuff with Israeli salad and couscous. There are many ways to enjoy these simple, delicious pita breads!

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Foolproof Coconut Rice (GF Vegan)

I'm one of those people that loves a plain bowl of basmati rice, but my parents really enjoy when it's flavored so I made this recipe with some leftover coconut milk. It was a hit!

If you want less starchy or non-sticky rice, the technique used here will produce perfectly separate rice grains.

Let's dive in with love!

Serves: 2-3 | Time: 45 minutes

1 cup Basmati Rice
1 cup Coconut Milk
3/4 cup Veggie Broth
1.5 tsp Coconut Sugar
Dash Cayenne (optional)

In a pot, add the coconut milk and veggie broth. Light or full fat coconut milk should work for this recipe.
Rinse and scrub your rice in warm water for a minute or two. Strain and shake off excess water. Add to the pot, stir and let soak for 20 minutes.
Stir your sugar and spice into the rice. Turn the heat to high and bring to a simmer (cover to quicken this process). When simmering, turn the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice sit for 10 minutes. Do NOT remove the lid. The steam will finish cooking your rice and make it super fluffy.
After 10 minutes, remove the lid and stir your rice. Holy cow! The coconut milk makes it almost "buttery."

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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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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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