Brown Rice Pilaf with Sautéed Veggies & Tahini Sauce

In this recipe I incorporated many of the different whole food groups (grains, legumes, vegetables, nuts and seeds) into one dish.  It’s hearty, tasty–and satisfying! Ingredients 2 cups cooked short-grain brown rice* 3 tablespoons olive oil or your favorite cooking oil 1–2 tablespoons chopped or minced garlic 1 cup chopped onions 1/2 cup cooked black…

White Bean & Spinach Soup

“Foods for the Blues” was the theme for this recipe. Winter brings short days and chilly temperatures; this may affect our moods and energy levels. Certain foods can help diminish the winter blues and boost your energy.  Many of the ingredients in this dish are recommended for the cold winter months. It’s an easy recipe, yet…

“Cheesy” Cauliflower Soup

I often use nutritional yeast as a vegan cheese substitute because of its cheesy taste. It is not active, so does not promote yeast growth in the body. Nutritional yeast is a complete protein containing all of the essential amino acids. It’s an easy way to add extra protein to your dishes and extra flavor…

Lentils with Caramelized Cabbage & Onions

I wanted to create a new lentil recipe–something other than another lentil soup (which I often prepare). During the summer I made a few lentil salads, but now that the weather is cooler I decided to try something new. Rather than make a cool salad with lentils, I prepared a warm lentil dish. French lentils, (small) brown…

Tomato Vegetable Soup

Tomato soup is a childhood favorite (yes—the kind from a can). This recipe is definitely a healthier version. The kale, quinoa and nutritional yeast add extra fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals to the dish. It’s chock-full of nourishment! Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil ½ cup chopped onions (1 small onion) 2 tablespoons minced fresh…

Artichoke Pesto

Some years ago I tasted artichoke pesto for the first time. I loved it! I looked at the list of ingredients and decided to try to recreate the dish. I attempted to make a vegan version as well, though the original recipe was made with Parmesan cheese. You can try it either way; they are…

Corn Chowder

Creamy chowders are all all-time favorite! This recipe is a lighter, healthier chowder, yet it is still quite tasty. Now that the cooler weather is upon us, I’m breaking out my favorite soup recipes. This one got great reviews. Comfort food without the guilt. Ingredients  2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (or your favorite cooking oil)…

Chickpeas & Kale with Spicy Peanut Sauce

I have often shied away from using legumes that require overnight soaking and hours of cooking–though I do believe this is a healthier choice than canned legumes (beans). I like to provide ways to save time when creating my recipes, but this time I decided to use dry chickpeas as they are on sale this…

Chickpea Flour-Kale Bites

Another chickpea flour-inspired recipe! This is a variation of an Indian dish known as kothimbir vadi–a popular Maharashtrian street food. Years ago I used to make this dish during my ashram days–a time when I experimented with quite a few traditional Indian creations. I had forgotten about this recipe until recently. I’ve been enjoying showing…

Pasta Bolognese

This is a basic marinara recipe with added vegetable protein for a more substantial and “meaty” sauce.  It’s easy to prepare, but still quite enjoyable. There are only a few ingredients, so it’s important that they are all good quality. Ingredients 1 (16-ounce) package pasta (regular or gluten-free) 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons…

Tofu with Peanut Sauce

The first time I tried Thai food, I fell in love. Since then I have created a few recipes to emulate the dishes I have come to love. Ingredients 2 (14–16-ounce) blocks of extra-firm tofu, cut into ½–1-inch cubes and baked* 4 tablespoons liquid aminos or soy sauce (for baking) 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil…

Cajun Quinoa

This recipe is a variation of my Cajun Quinoa Salad. Now that the weather is cooler,  I am more inclined to prepare warm dishes (rather than salads). To stay true to its name, “Cajun”, I added the Cajun holy trinity, which consists of celery, peppers, and onions. The nutritional yeast gives the dish extra flavor–and protein. This…