Category: Vegetarian

Sapna1 Comment

Italian Stuffed Artichoke with a Garlic Cayenne Dip

Artichokes are abundant everywhere you go these days.  My favorite are the ones from our local Farmer’s Market.  You can taste the fresh quality and they are so much easier to cook than the store bought ones.

When I first starting eating these, my roommate in college introduced me to dipping them in butter.  While they tasted good dipped in butter, I can only imagine all of the calories and cholesterol my body was ingesting.  So I started using yogurt as a dipping base instead and I love it.  The yogurt dip is so easy to change the flavor profile and I can keep it as simple or complex as I am in the mood for.  This particular recipe, I kept it on the simple side with a little roasted garlic, cayenne, and salt mixed into the yogurt.

The traditional way of eating artichokes is by steaming them.  I could (and actually have) eaten many whole artichokes all by myself.  The husband used to eat them but eventually tired of steamed artichokes and stopped.  I really wanted to him to share my love for artichokes so I’ve been trying many other ways to cook them.  I’ve roasted (and burnt) them in the oven, stuffed them with various fillings that just didn’t hit the spot before I created this recipe.

All I can say is, you have got to try it!  Oh man am I excited to share this stuffed artichoke recipe.  Here are a couple of tips though when you are making these artichokes:

  • Get fresh artichokes from your local Farmer’s Market.  Trust me it makes a difference.  The time spent cooking, the quality in taste, and the ease of prepping the artichokes are worth it!
  • When you are prepping your artichoke, slice off the top quarter of the vegetable and make sure you trim off the ends of each leaf.  Using your hands, gently push apart the leaves to create a wider space in the center for the heart to hold more of the stuffing.
  • Put some muscle into removing the choke.  Having stretched the artichoke to be able to hold the filling, it will be easier to remove the choke and the hair-like filaments.


Well….. what is the stuffing?  Oh man, the most delicious and easiest to make.  I used:
red onion (the color comes out so pretty)
bread crumbs (a combination of Italian seasoned and panko)
garlic (of course!)
lemon juice
vegetable broth (though you could replace it with white wine – the taste would still be excellent)
Parmesan cheese
a hint of pepper

Because I am stuffing the artichoke, I also did a 2 step cook.  First, I par-steamed the artichoke while I made the stuffing, then I baked it all in the oven to finish cooking the artichoke and get that glorious color on the Parmesan cheese.

I really hope you get a chance to try this recipe out as it has become one of my favorites already!

From my kitchen to yours, I hope you enjoy this Italian Stuffed Artichoke with a Garlic Cayenne Dip.

Italian Stuffed Artichoke with a Garlic Cayenne Dip

Italian Stuffed Artichoke with a Garlic Cayenne Dip
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Sapna
June 18, 2021
by Sapna
Category Vegetarian
Persons
2
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Artichoke:

  • 1 medium artichokes, trimmed and top 1/4 cut off
  • 1/4 plus 1 Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ cup plus 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 c purple onion, finely chopped
  • 3 Tbsp garlic, minced
  • 3 Tbsp vegetable broth
  • 1 c Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 2 Tbsp fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • freshly ground black pepper

For the Garlic Cayenne Dip:

  • 1/3 c plain yogurt
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Fill a steamer pot with a 4 inches of water, and place a steamer basket on top. Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil. Turn the heat to low and let it simmer.
  2. Drizzle 1 Tbsp of the lemon juice in the steamer pot.
  3. Place the artichoke, stem-end up, in the steamer basket, cover, and steam until it is tender, about 15 minutes.
  4. Check for doneness by pulling off an outer leaf — it should come off fairly easily. Set them aside to cool.
  5. While the artichokes are steaming, preheat the oven to 375°F.
  6. Melt the butter in a large sauté pan over low-medium heat. Let it simmer until it begins to brown, about 3 minutes.
  7. Add the onions and garlic and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Pour in the remaining lemon juice and the vegetable broth. Stir and let this simmer on low heat for about 4 minutes.
  8. Add the bread crumbs, panko and parsley, mix well.
  9. Remove from heat and season to taste with pepper and set aside to cool.
  10. Place the artichoke, sitting on its base, in a baking dish.
  11. Use a spoon and/or your hands to carefully fill the center of each artichoke with the stuffing -- fill it to maximum capacity! (If you think there's too much stuffing, don't worry just pack it in.) Then fill all of the spaces between the leaves as much as possible. Sprinkle the top of each one with 1 tablespoon of the Parmesan.
  12. Meanwhile, placet the garlic cloves in a double lined foil. Drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil. Wrap into a ball.
  13. Place the garlic and stuffed artichoke in the oven and bake until the breadcrumbs are golden and the cheese has melted, approximately 12-15 minutes.
  14. Remove from oven and let artichoke cool for a few minutes.
  15. In a bowl, whip yogurt to a smooth, creamy consistency.
  16. Add in the roasted garlic and mash into the yogurt. Add in the salt and cayenne pepper and mix well.
  17. Serve the whole artichoke with the garlic cayenne dip for presentation. Slice in half to make 2 servings.

Tags

Artichoke,
Eat your colors,
Farmers Market,
fresh,
Healthy,
Italian,
Stuffed,
vegetarian
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Sapna3 Comments

Farmer’s Market Crudites Platter with Hummus Two Ways

One of my favorite times of the year is the spring when the Farmer’s Market starts to get bigger with more and more farmers who start to bring a larger variety of produce and goodies.  I’ve mentioned in the past that I like to make a menu for the week (more so my kids don’t complain they want something else than what is served), but what I haven’t mentioned is how I love going to the Farmer’s Market to do my weekly produce shopping.  Sometimes, I will even tailor some of my dishes to include produce I find at the Market.

Recently, I partnered with our local Farmer’s Market (Danville Farmer’s Market) and I will be creating recipes for them a few times a month in the hopes that I can bring awareness to locally farmed produce at all of our farmer’s market.  Having fresh, organic produce and supporting the local farms is a win-win.

This Spring Crudites Platter is so beautiful, we all had a bit of hard time digging in.  No one wanted to mess it up.  Ah well, our stomachs won that round.  The beauty of this platter is that you are not restricted to the same produce I picked up.  Pick up what your farmer’s market has, just make it colorful.

Here is what I used:

  • Purple Cauliflower (chop these into big chunks)
  • Rainbow Baby Carrots (trim the stems off and save to make pesto – be sustainable!)
  • Radishes
  • Watermelon Radishes (slice these a little thick into rounds to give a beautiful effect)
  • Snap Peas
  • Cucumbers (I sliced these on the diagonal for aesthetics.  Feel free to slice into rounds or sticks to make them easier to serve)
  • Cherry Tomatoes

As for the hummus, I chose purple sweet potato and red beets to be the base of each hummus.  For the Red Beets, I roasted it with garlic, then pulsed it with a little tahini and a few other ingredients.  This is by far one of my favorite variations on hummus.  Paired with all that beautiful produce, it’s perfect!

For the Purple Sweet Potato, I baked it in the oven then pulsed it with tahini as well.  Though the idea behind both hummus’ are the same, the flavor profile differ vastly.  Yet both are addicting.

I hope you have a chance to make a beautiful Spring Crudites Platter like this for your next gathering.  I promise you will love it.

Try it out and let me know what you think!

Spring Crudites Platter with Hummus Two Ways

Spring Crudites Platter with Hummus Two Ways
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Sapna
June 3, 2021
by Sapna
Category Appetizers Vegetarian
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Wait Time
5 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes

Ingredients

For the Crudites:

  • 1 lb rainbow baby carrots, stems trimmed, scrubbed and peeled
  • 1 watermelon radish, peeled and sliced into thick rounds
  • 1 lb snap peas
  • 1 head purple cauliflower, cut into large florets
  • 1 bunch radishes, washed and stems trimmed
  • 3-4 baby cucumbers, sliced into sticks or thick rounds
  • 12 oz cherry tomatoes

For the Purple Sweet Potato Hummus:

  • 2 large purple sweet potatoes, scrubbed, keep peel on
  • 1/2 c canned chickpeas
  • 1/4 c tahini
  • 1/3 c aquafaba
  • 6 cloves garlic**
  • 2 Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1/2 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper

For the Roasted Beet and Garlic Hummus:

  • 2 large beets, peeled
  • 1 14.5 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed, reserve liquid
  • 1/4 c tahini
  • 3 Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 6 cloves garlic**
  • 1/3 c Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Place sweet potatoes, beets, and garlic in individual foil sheets. Drizzle beets and garlic with olive oil. Wrap each food tightly into a ball and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 40 minutes.
  3. Remove and let cool before opening the foil wraps.

For the Sweet Potato Hummus:

  1. Remove foil wrap and peel skin. Chop into rough chunks and add to food processor. Add roasted garlic cloves and the rest of the ingredients. Blend until smooth (about 2-3 minutes).
  2. Transfer to a bowl and garnish with parsley, a drizzle of oil, and/or roasted chickpeas.

For the Roasted Beet and Garlic Hummus:

  1. Remove beets from foil and chop into rought chunks.
  2. Add into food processor with roasted garlic and the remaining ingredients.
  3. Blend until smooth (about 2-3 minutes)
  4. Transfer to a bowl and garnish with roasted chickpeas, toasted sesame seeds, and/or a drizzle of olive oil.

To Assemble the Crudites platter:

  1. Place the bowls of the hummus in the center of the platter. Add the larger veggies first, i.e. cauliflower and carrots.
  2. Fill in with medium sized veggies, i.e. cucumbers and snap peas.
  3. Add the smaller veggies, i.e. radishes and cherry tomatoes.
  4. Finally garnish with watermelon radish slices and edible flowers if you have any.
  5. Enjoy!

Notes

**Note:  I used a whole bulb of garlic and divided between the two hummus dips as I knew I was making them at the same time (and a little extra garlic is always appreciated).  If you are making only one hummus dip, follow the instructions of roasting cloves instead of the whole bulb.  


Tags

Appetizers,
Clean Eating,
dairy free,
Eat a Rainbow,
Eat your colors,
Fiber,
Gluten Free,
Healthy,
heart healthy,
Kid Friendly,
make ahead,
Protein,
Raw Foods,
Sustainable,
Vegan,
vegetarian,
Veggies
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Here are the tools I used for this recipe:

If you are looking for more delicious recipes, check these out:
Roasted Masala Chickpeas
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Spicy Garlic Hummus
Crispy Chickpeas and Sweet Potato Tacos

Sapna1 Comment

Couscous Arancini

I first learned what arancini is when I was watching Giada on Food Network.  Man they looked delicious.  Rice and cheese mixed together, battered, and fried.  I don’t think you can go wrong.  I love the salty and creamy and cheesy combination.  Oh I can go on and on!

Well, seeing it on tv and actually trying them are two different things.  The first time I tried it was on a date with the husband.  Oh.My.God!  All I wanted was to eat these delicious arancini for every course!  Seeing them on tv, then actually eating them are two different things, and I’ll tell you what.  Eating is absolutely much better for this case!

I’ve made quite a few attempts over the years to make these.  Initially, they melted as I was trying to fry them.  Then the seasoning was off, and each try I missed something until finally, I was able to make a delicious batch!  I’m so glad this was one project I didn’t abandon!

About a month ago, we had leftover pearl couscous (it seems we always do).  I wanted to upcycle it and have the girls eat it in a different way and instantly I thought of arancini.  It was a long shot but in my mind, I thought, hey, a leftover grain that could potentially bind with cheese.  All I had to do was season it correctly.   Results?  The kids want me to make this for them everyday!  Let’s not get carried away though.  I did make quite a few and had to really work on distracting the girls with other foods because they are just as in love with arancini as I am!

Try these out for appetizers, make them a little larger and have them for a main course, make them bite sized and serve them for parties.  I served them with warm marinara sauce and a sprinkle of chopped basil and for me, that was the perfect pairing.

From my kitchen to yours, I hope you enjoy these decadent Couscous Arancini!

Couscous Arancini

Couscous Arancini
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Sapna
February 8, 2021
by Sapna
Category Appetizers Vegetarian
Persons
12
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Wait Time
2 hours
Total Time
40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 c Pearl Couscous
  • 1 1/4 c water
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 c herbed bread crumbs
  • 1/3 c shredded mozzarella
  • 15-20 pearl mozzarella balls
  • salt and pepper to season
  • 2-3 Tbsp Basil, chopped in strips
  • Oil for frying

Instructions

To make the Couscous:

  1. Combine the couscous, water, and salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until all of the water has evaporated.
  2. Remove from heat and cover for 5 minutes.
  3. Spread the couscous onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
  4. In a bowl, combine the couscous, shredded mozzarella, bread crumbs, and salt and pepper. Mix well.
  5. Once the mixture is ready, shape into spheres. Make an indent into each arancini and stuff with 1-2 pearl mozzarella. Close the seam and roll well so that the mozzarella doesn't seep out when frying.
  6. In a heavy bottomed pan, add oil to cover about 1/2 inch in the pot. Heat the oil to 350 degrees.
  7. Add the arancini in batches into the oil and fry for about 4 minutes or until golden brown on all sides.
  8. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towel.

To assemble:

  1. Warm up 1/4 c marinara in a small saucepan. Add a little on the bottom of a plate, then top with warm Couscous Arancini.
  2. Garnish with freshly chopped basil.
  3. Serve warm.

Notes

**You can use day old couscous to make this recipe.  Just warm it up a little and follow the rest of the steps to combine the arancini mixture. 


Tags

Appetizers,
Cheesy,
Couscous Arancini,
Italian Fusion,
Valentines Day
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SapnaLeave a comment

Mexican Rice with Black Beans

When I was in college, I used to buy the boxes of Spanish/Mexican Rice with the seasoning packets in them so all you had to do was follow the instructions.  As a carb lover (and with a better metabolism than I do now), there were days that I could polish off a whole box of rice for a meal.  I know it says serves 2 or 4 or however many.  It didn’t matter.  I love my rice and carbs.  No judgement please.

Anyways, over the years, I started experimenting on my own as I became more familiar in the kitchen besides using boxed “instant” foods.  As I did, I learned what I liked, what I didn’t, and how to change that.  One of my “ah-ha” moments was when I didn’t have any tomato sauce to add and the closest thing to a tomato based product I had in my tiny apartment was a jar of salsa.  My rice was already cooking so I decided, why not.  It was the.best.decision.ever!

The flavor that jar of salsa added was unbelievable!  I’ve changed around a few ingredients since then but that jar of salsa has been an unwavering element in this recipe.

The changes I made?  I substituted brown rice in place of white.  Sure it takes longer to cook but you can put together this dish in the instant pot in half the time, or just let it simmer over the stove top with a timer.  When it’s this good, it’s worth the wait!  Additionally, you get more fiber, magnesium, and quite a few other vitamins and minerals compared to white rice.  If I’m going to eat rice, I’m going to make it count!

The other major change I did was to add black beans to this dish.  Check out these amazing benefits of black beans:

  • Combined with rice, black beans help make this dish a complete protein which is important for those who are on a vegetarian or vegan diet
  • 1 cup of black beans provides approximately:
    • 15 gm protein
    • 15 gm fiber
    • 64% DRI Folate
    • 20% DRI Iron

Have leftovers?  No worries.  I used them to make bean and rice burritos for the kiddos and they loved it!  I love upcycling my foods!

From my kitchen to yours, I hope you enjoy this delicious plate of Mexican Rice and Beans!

Mexican Rice with Black Beans

Mexican Rice with Black Beans
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0 ratings
Sapna
January 25, 2021
by Sapna
Category Vegetarian
Persons
6
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Wait Time
10 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 - 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup long grain brown rice
  • 1 ½ c vegetable broth
  • ¾ c jarred salsa
  • 2 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil

Instructions

  1. Heat a larger, wide saute pan on medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it warm up.
  2. Add the onions and bell peppers and sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes. Add in the garlic and jalapeño and cook for 30 seconds to let the flavors bloom.
  3. Add rice, broth, salsa, cumin and paprika. Stir, then bring to a boil, lower heat, cover and simmer for about 40 minutes until the rice is cooked.
  4. Once the rice is cooked, stir in the drained/rinsed beans. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes covered.
  5. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot as a main or side dish

Notes

**For the Instant Pot: Follow the above instructions to step 3, then cover the instant pot, set on Pressure Cook mode for 24 minutes.  Once the timer goes off, NPR (natural pressure release) for 5 minutes, then change the valve to vent and let out any remaining steam before opening the instant pot. Stir in the black beans and cover lid loosely for another 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
 

Tags

Brown rice,
Complete Protein,
nutrient dense,
salsa,
Vegan,
vegetarian
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Here are the tools I used (I’ve made this both in the Instant Pot and over the stove so I’m including both types of vessels below):

 

Sapna3 Comments

Middle Eastern Vegan Protein Bowl

Looking for a healthy way to get protein without compromising flavor?  Well, you’ve come to the right place.  This Vegan Protein Bowl has hints of spicy, tangy, herby, and definitely brings a Middle Eastern vibe in each bite!

Simple to make and ready in just 30 minutes, you have got to try this delicious bowl.  So let me tell you a little bit about the ingredients I chose.  For my grain, I used quinoa because it packs more of a protein punch but you can definitely use any other grain.  Bulgur or Farro would be excellent substitutes to keep in line with the Middle Eastern food theme.

For added protein and crunch, I used garbanzo beans.  I love snacking on these so I actually made double the amount and the girls ended up eating most of them!

As to the veggies, I used a few different ones as I wanted to get the colors in.  To give it some warmth, I roasted the cauliflower with the garbanzos and to keep a cool factor, I made a salad of tomatoes, avocados, cucumbers, and fresh herbs.

So it’s not just what ingredients I use but how much nutrition this delicious bowl provides.  In addition to almost 20 gm of protein, you are also getting:

  • Half of your daily recommended intake (DRI) of Fiber
  • 40% of DRI Iron
  • More than the recommended intake of Folic Acid
  • Meeting at least 20-50% of most of your Vitamins and Minerals DRI

The best part of making this recipe is that even though there are several different steps and techniques, you can multitask and get them all done at once without chaos in the kitchen!   Roast your veggies, while your quinoa cooks and you are making the Avocado Salsa!  So simple and easy!

Last but not least, I added a hummus dressing to pull it altogether.  I love making my own dressings and there is no way I would leave one out of a bowl this delicious.  And to be honest, I really think the hummus dressing really marries all the flavors together so perfectly.  So what are you waiting for?!  Try this recipe out and let me know what you think.  Leave a comment below, give it a star rating, or tag me on Facebook or Instagram!

From my kitchen to yours, I really hope you enjoy this delicious Middle Eastern Vegan Protein Bowl!

Middle Eastern Vegan Protein Bowl

Middle Eastern Vegan Protein Bowl
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0 ratings
Sapna
January 6, 2021
by Sapna
Category Vegetarian
Persons
4
Serving Size
1 Bowl
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 c quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 c water
  • 1 14-oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 2 c cauliflower florets
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 c cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 2 Persian cucumbers, chopped
  • 1 avocado, chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, chopped
  • 1/4 c fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/4 c fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 1 lemon, half juiced and the other half cut in wedges
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 2 1/2 tsp salt, divided
  • 2 tsp black pepper, divided
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger

For the Hummus dressing:

  • 1/2 c garlic hummus
  • 1 Tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 2 Tbsp water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Make your spice blend by combining cumin, paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, turmeric, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ginger in a bowl. Mix well to make sure all the spices are well incorporated. Set Aside.
  3. In a bowl, add cauliflower, 1 Tbsp Olive Oil and half of the spice blend. Toss well to make sure all of the florets are coated evenly. Transfer to one side of a baking sheet lined with a silicone mate or parchment paper.
  4. In the same bowl, add the garbanzo beans, 1 Tbsp Olive Oil, and the remaining half of the spice blend. Toss well to make sure all of the beans are coated evenly. Transfer to the other side of the same baking sheet used for the cauliflower. Bake for 30 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, in a medium sized saucepan, combine the water, 1/2 tsp salt, and rinsed quinoa. Bring to a boil on high heat, then lower the heat to medium high and cook for 15 minutes or until the water has evaporated. Remove from heat and cover to steam.
  6. While the quinoa is cooking, in a bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, red onions, parsley, and mint. Add to this the remaining 1 Tbsp of Olive Oil, juice of half a lemon, the remaining 1 tsp salt, and remaining 1 tsp black pepper. Toss well to combine. Set aside.
  7. For the hummus dressing, in an air tight jar, combine the hummus, dijon mustard, lemon juice and water. Seal the lid and shake vigorously to combine. If you prefer a thinner dressing, add water 1 Tbsp at a time and shake until you have your desired consistency.

To assemble:

  1. Divide the quinoa evenly into 4 bowls. Add about 1 cup of the avocado salsa, 1/4 of the cauliflower and 1/4 of the garbanzos in each bowl. Top off with the hummus dressing.
  2. Serve warm!

Tags

Clean Eating,
Eat a Rainbow,
Gluten Free,
Healthy,
Kid Friendly,
Middle Eastern flavors,
Protein,
Quick and Easy,
Vegan,
vegetarian,
weeknight meals
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Sapna8 Comments

Herb Roasted Acorn Squash with Pomegranates and Pistachios

my foodgawker gallery

This fall and winter season I have been obsessed with acorn squash and pomegranates.  It only made sense that I find a way to combine the two together.  The girls love the rainbow shape this takes on when cut so I wanted to create something fun for them too.

The great thing about acorn squash is that it is a little sweet naturally but it will still take on any flavor you give it.  If you haven’t tried them yet, I made some Fire Roasted Poblano Tacos recently with acorn squash part of the filling.  It took on the spices really well so I wanted to go on the opposite spectrum this time and season it with something a little more mild.

I chose mostly fresh herbs that would bring out the more earthy flavors.  To help give it a little crust, I also added a little Parmesan.

Anyways, here are a few fun nutrition facts about acorn squash:

  • A nutrient dense food, acorn squash is loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber yet is comparatively low in saturated fat, sugar and salt.
  • Great source of phytonutrients, particularly carotenoids which have antioxidant properties.
  • Acorn squash is a starchy fruit, however, because it is so nutrient dense, there’s a good balance to eating this squash. The high fiber content slows down digestion which helps you stay full longer and slows down the release of glucose in your blood.  This process helps in maintaining weight and stabilizing your blood sugar.

So now that you know about my favorite squash this season, let’s move on to my favorite fruit of the season.

Pomegranates!

  • Pomegranates are known as one of the healthiest fruits on Earth!
  • High in fiber (7gms in 1 cup of arils), they also contain an impressive amount of protein (3gm in 1 cup of arils), and 16% of DRI of Folate (also in 1 cup of arils)
  • A great source of antioxidants which help with anti-inflammatory properties.
  • they improve exercise performance by delaying fatigue and increasing blood flow.

Basically, this is one healthy dish that you can have this winter season and enjoy every bite of it!  Try it out and tag me on Instagram @bitofspice146.

From my kitchen to yours, I hope you enjoy this delicious Herb Roasted Acorn Squash with Pomegranates and Pistachios.

Herb Roasted Acorn Squash with Pomegranates and Pistachios

Herb Roasted Acorn Squash with Pomegranates and Pistachios
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Sapna
December 15, 2020
by Sapna
Category Appetizers Vegetarian
Persons
4
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 med acorn squash, de-seeded and sliced in 1" half moons
  • 1/2 c shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 Tbsp fresh Thyme
  • 1 Tbsp fresh Rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh Marjoram, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried Basil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil

To garnish:

  • 1/4 c pomegranate arils
  • 2 Tbsp pistachios

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
  2. In a bowl, mix together thyme, rosemary, marjoram, basil, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and oil. Add in the squash and toss well to evenly coat each piece.
  3. Line on the baking sheet and use any remaining mixture to top off the acorn squash.
  4. Bake for 22-25 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, on medium heat, dry roast the pistachios until they release a nutty aroma and are lightly golden.
  6. When the squash is baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes.
  7. Transfer to a platter and garnish with toasted pistachios and pomegranate arils.
  8. Serve warm.

Notes

** I have added a minute amount of salt as the Parmesan cheese is already salty.  If you want to make this vegan, omit the Parmesan cheese and increase the amount of salt to 3/4 tsp. 

** Cutting squash can be tricky as they have a very hard exterior.  Slice off the bottom of the squash and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes to soften it before chopping to make the process easier.  

**Make it Sustainable.  Save the seeds, wash them and dry them out.  You can plant your own acorn squash or roast them with spices and have a healthy snack! 


Tags

30 minute meals,
Acorn Squash,
Appetizers,
Clean Eating,
Eat a Rainbow,
Eat your colors,
Gluten Free,
Healthy,
High Fiber,
Kid Friendly,
nutrient dense,
Pomegranates,
Quick and Easy,
Sustainable,
vegetarian,
Winter Foods
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Sapna4 Comments

Tinseltown Tostadas

I think hands down, these are one of my favorite holiday foods.  I’ve had so many and I don’t think I can tire of them.  Snacking is one of my favorite activities.  These delicious tostadas make it so much easier as they are low in calorie, healthy, and guilt-free.

High in fiber, antioxidants, a good source of protein, and rich in vitamins and minerals, these delicious Tinseltown Tostadas definitely pack a punch!

Between the Serrano peppers and the watermelon radish, there were some strong flavors.  I knew I wanted to use the pomegranate arils to give it a sweet note (and make it look pretty).

But it needed depth so I played around with a few options before settling on the hummus and avocado.  And yet the radish was still giving off a bit of a pungent taste and therein comes the smear of pesto.

There are so many random flavors that they work despite wanting to prove the opposite.

Make these delicious Tinseltown Tostadas this holiday season and you won’t be able to stop eating them.  From my kitchen to yours, I hope you enjoy them!

Tinseltown Tostadas

Tinseltown Tostadas
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Sapna
December 11, 2020
by Sapna
Category Appetizers Vegetarian
Prep Time
15 minutes
Total Time
15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 watermelon radish , washed and trimmed
  • 2 Tbsp pesto
  • 1/3 c hummus
  • 1 avocado, diced into small chunks
  • 2 Serrano peppers, sliced (remove seeds for a less spicy option)
  • 1/4 c pomegranate arils

Instructions

  1. Using a mandolin, thinly slice the watermelon radish to the thickness of a penny.
  2. Arrange the radishes in a platter.
  3. Using a small spoon, smear a little of the pesto across the middle of the radish.
  4. Drop about a 1/2 tsp dollop of hummus on top of the pesto.
  5. Add a couple of small chunks on top of the hummus.
  6. Top off with a slice of Serrano pepper
  7. Garnish with pomegranate arils
  8. Serve right away

Tags

Appetizers,
Clean Eating,
Eat a Rainbow,
Eat your colors,
Gluten Free,
Holiday flavors,
Keto,
party food,
Vegan,
Watermelon Radish
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Sapna11 Comments

Fire Roasted Poblano Tacos

We are a taco loving family.  I started the kids out simple with the basic filling of either ground meat or refried beans and some veggies and lots of cheese.  Though we love the basics, which often times provide a sense of comfort and nostalgia, I wanted to try something new.

Definitely no beans or meat.

I know, but trust me!  This is amazing!  You want to know why I say this?  I had to make it 5 times before I was able to get a single photo of it taken.  The first time I made it, these tacos flew so fast, I didn’t even realize what happened.  This also happened the second, third, and fourth time.  The fifth time, I made it well in advance so no one could get into them and I could actually take a photo to share with you my enthusiasm around these tacos.

So, I fire roasted the poblanos to give it a more earthy, smoky flavor.  If you don’t have a gas stove, you can totally do this on your BBQ grill or even in the oven.  You will still get that amazing smoky flavor, I promise!

Instead of beans or meat, I chose to use acorn squash to roast with ancho chili and chipotle powder.  These peppers give it a kick without making it too spicy and also enhance that smoky flavor, especially from the chipotle pepper powder.

I’m not done though!  Making this go one step further, I made a Habanero Crema with avocados, roasted garlic and a little yogurt to balance out the habaneros.

Serve it with microgreens instead of lettuce or cabbage, and top it off with a little salsa verde, and you have what I think is one of the most amazing tacos of the year!

Seriously, I’m just going to stop now and give you the recipe.  You really have to try it.

From my kitchen to yours, I hope you enjoy these delicious Fire Roasted Poblano Tacos.

Fire Roasted Poblano Tacos

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Sapna
December 8, 2020
by Sapna
Cuisine Mexican
Category Vegetarian
Persons
15
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes

Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • 4 poblano peppers
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 medium acorn squash, peeled, de-seeded, cubed
  • 1 c fresh corn
  • 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt, divided
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 tsp ancho chili
  • 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 15 flour street tacos
  • 1 c rainbow microgreens
  • 1/4 c feta crumbles
  • Lime wedges to garnish

For the Habanero Crema:

  • 4 habanero chilis, stems removed (remove seeds and ribs to cut down on spice)
  • 8 cloves garlic, whole
  • Juice of 1 Lime
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 avocado
  • 1/2 c yogurt
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 tsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Double line aluminum foil and add the 8 whole garlic cloves for the crema. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Fold the pieces of foil in to cover the garlic cloves and create a ball. Place on one side of the baking sheet.
  3. On the other side of the baking sheet, line the acorn squash, drizzle it with 1 Tbsp olive oil, season with ancho chili powder, chipotle chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, and 1 tsp salt. Massage gently to make sure each cube is coated.
  4. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, lightly coat the poblanos with 1 Tbsp olive oil. Turn the stove on to high flame and roast the poblanos to get a nice black char. When they are done, place in a paper bag for 2-3 minutes to steam them.
  6. Take them out of the paper bag and with a paper towel, gently rub the charred skin off. It's ok if there are some remnants. This will just enhance the flavor. Slice the poblanos into strips, including the seeds. Set these aside to use later.
  7. On medium flame, heat the remaining 1 Tbsp oil and add the onions and salt. Cook for 10 minutes, or until golden brown in color.
  8. Add in the minced garlic and oregano and saute for another minute.
  9. Add corn and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  10. Add in the poblano peppers, remaining 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper. Mix well and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  11. When the acorn squash is done, add into the Poblano filling.
  12. Mix then set aside.

For the Habanero Crema:

  1. In a blender, add the roasted garlic, habanero, lime juice, avocado, yogurt, salt and pepper. Blend into a thick crema. If it is too thick, Add 1 Tbsp water at a time to thin it out.

To Assemble:

  1. Warm street taco tortillas over the stove
  2. Spread about 1 Tbsp of the Habanero Crema on the tortilla
  3. Add a handful of microgreens then top with the poblano filling.
  4. Sprinkle a little feta crumble over the top
  5. Drizzle with salsa verde
  6. Add a lime wedge to the side and serve right away.

Tags

Clean Eating,
Eat your colors,
Mexican Flavors,
Peppers,
Poblanos,
Smoky foods,
Squash,
Street Tacos,
Vegan,
vegetarian
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Sapna3 Comments

Tandoori Gobi (Cauliflower) Zucchini Boats

I’ve made zucchini boats a few times so far.  Each time has been to use up leftovers from our Skinny Skillet Enchilada the previous night.  They turn out really good and Sanaya loves them but it’s the same flavor profile so as much as I love it, I still crave something a little different.

I knew I wanted to create a different filling and haven’t done much with Indian food lately so I played around with my options.  I kept circling back to this one idea of Tandoori Gobi as the stuffing.  I’m not sure where I thought of it but it wouldn’t go away so I decided, ok, let’s give it a try.

I have a great Tandoori marinade recipe that I have been using with chicken so I decided, to use the same for the cauliflower.  I treated the cauliflower as the chicken substitute and marinated it overnight also.

The cooking part was a little tricky as I didn’t want a soggy Zucchini Boat and the marinade definitely looked like it would promise a lot of liquid.  Simple trick, I baked them separately, then stuffed the zucchini with the cauliflower and broiled it on high for 5 minutes to get a good char.  Can I just say, Oh so delicious!

Also, please don’t throw out the flesh of the zucchini when you scoop it out to create the cavity for the cauliflower.  Let’s be sustainable here and make some Zucchini Bread out of it!

One more thing I love about this recipe is that it is totally a weeknight meal.  So the time on the recipe card may be a little daunting, but it’s the ease of it.  And most of the time you spend is waiting for the flavors to marinate.  It really takes maybe 15 minutes to put the marinade together, then the next day, 5 minutes to shell out the Zucchini and the rest of the time, you are waiting for it to finish baking.  Honestly, it can’t get any easier for a weeknight meal.

Serve this delicious boat with a cooling Mint-y Pomegranate Raita to finish it off.

From my kitchen to yours, we hope these Tandoori Gobi Zucchini Boats rock your world!

Tandoori Gobi (Cauliflower) Zucchini Boats

Tandoori Gobi (Cauliflower) Zucchini Boats
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Sapna
December 7, 2020
by Sapna
Cuisine Indian Fusion
Category Indian Vegetarian
Persons
4
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Wait Time
8 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whip yogurt to a creamy texture.
  2. Add in the lemon juice, ginger, garlic, cayenne pepper, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Mix well to combine all of the spices.
  4. Toss in the cauliflower florets and stir to make sure each floret is coated completely.
  5. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours and preferably, overnight.
  6. When you are ready to bake, preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  7. Trim ends of zucchini and slice in half. Scoop out flesh and save to make Zucchini Bread.
  8. Rub oil over all 4 Zucchini boats, then season with the remaining 1 tsp salt and 3/4 tsp black pepper.
  9. Bake separately but at the same time, the cauliflower and zucchini boats for 30 minutes.
  10. Remove from oven and stuff the Zucchini Boats with the Tandoori Gobi.
  11. Broil on high for 5 minutes or until you get a slight char on the cauliflower.
  12. Remove from oven and sprinkle chaat masala over the the boats.
  13. Serve hot with your favorite raita!

Notes

**Bake the cauliflower and zucchini boats in separate baking sheets if possible.  When you stuff the boats and return the baking sheet to the oven to broil, the remnants of the tandoori paste will burn on the pan if you are using the same pan.

Tags

Eat a Rainbow,
Eat your colors,
Gluten Free,
Indian Fusion,
Keto,
Meatless Monday,
Prep ahead,
Sustainable,
Tandoori Nights,
vegetarian
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SapnaLeave a comment

Ratatouille

The year was 2013, I had been married only a couple of months and was hosting this grand Thanksgiving for my in-laws.  My mother-in-law is vegetarian as am I and so I wanted something special for a veggie dish at the table instead of roasted veggies.

No offense to roasted veggies, I love them.  In fact I eat them all the time and therein lies the problem.  I wanted something “fancy”, something different that I don’t have on any given night.

So I scoured the internet and landed upon this gorgeous picture of Ratatouille and thought, I can make this!   And I did.  It didn’t look so pretty but hey, that’s ok, I hoped it would taste delicious though.  It was bland.  There literally was no flavor profile to it and safe to say, both my mother-in-law and I were disappointed.

She was nice enough to pretend it was good but I couldn’t even do that!

So ever since, I’ve been on a mission to create a Ratatouille that has layers and dimensions of flavor.  Safe to say, I think I found it!

Here’s the secret!

  1. Make a sauce that keeps everyone wanting to lick it off the plate
  2. Season the top of the veggies and not just with salt and pepper!  With actual herbs!
  3. Make enough sauce so that veggies are half drenched in it and the rest will cook in the steam of the boiling sauce in the oven.

I have been playing with the recipe for a while now and when I made the final version, I was satisfied aesthetically.  The question was, would my girls eat the eggplant in it?

Recently, they’ve become very finicky eaters and it can be a real struggle to feed them even their favorite foods sometimes.  But they both ate all the veggies and I couldn’t have been a prouder Mama!

Try this out for your next Holiday dinner, weeknight surprise, or Sunday dinner.  It’s easy to make ahead, stores in the fridge and freezer well and is fairly simple to make!

From my kitchen to yours, I hope you enjoy this delicious Ratatouille!

Ratatouille

Ratatouille
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Sapna
November 23, 2020
by Sapna
Cuisine French
Category Entree Vegetarian
Persons
4
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
60 minutes
Total Time
1 hour, 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Veggies:

  • 1 long Japanese eggplant, sliced in thin rounds, set in cold water to prevent browning
  • 1 zucchini, sliced in thin rounds
  • 3 Roma tomatoes, sliced in thin rounds
  • 1 yellow squash, sliced in thin rounds
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 Tbsp dried Basil
  • 1 Tbsp dried Oregano
  • 1 Tbsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 Tbsp dried Parsley
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 3 Tbsp Avocado or Olive Oil

For the pasta sauce:

  • 1 carrot, peeled and diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, deseeded and diced
  • 1 orange bell pepper, deseeded and diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 c fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F

For the Pasta Sauce:

  1. On medium flame, heat oil in a deep saucepan.
  2. Add in the onions, carrots, and bell peppers and saute for about 7-8 minutes or until tender.
  3. Add in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
  4. Add in the salt, pepper, turmeric, cayenne pepper and Italian seasoning. Mix well and cook an additional minute.
  5. Add in the tomato sauce, and mix well to combine all of the elements.
  6. Remove from heat, add in the basil and mix.
  7. Transfer the sauce to an oven safe casserole dish.
  8. In an alternating pattern, layer the veggies on top of the sauce from outside edge to inner, until the dish is completely filled with veggies.
  9. In a bowl, combine the oil with garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, dried Italian seasoning, dried parsley, salt and pepper. Mix well.
  10. Using a pastry brush, coat the top of the veggies with the herb seasoning.
  11. Bake for 45 minutes or until the veggies are fork tender.
  12. Serve hot with your favorite bread!

Tags

dairy free,
Eat a Rainbow,
Eat your colors,
Gluten Free,
Grain Free,
Healthy,
Kid Friendly,
make ahead,
Sustainable,
Vegan,
vegetarian
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Sapna1 Comment

Quinoa Stuffed Butternut Squash

Squash season is in full swing and I’m loving experimenting with all the different varieties out there.  One of my favorites is butternut squash.  It’s vibrant orange color, the sweet taste, and the versatility of the flesh is just great to work with.  You can mash it up or cube it and add it into most dishes.  For this recipe, I decided to throw a twist and stuff it instead.

This dish is perfect to add for the vegetarians (and non-vegetarians) at the Thanksgiving or Holiday table.  It’s rich and bold colors match the flavors that draw together the different fruits and veggies I’ve used.

Aside from being so flavorful, it is also extremely healthy.  Here are a few benefits you will get from this dish:

  • High in protein
  • Good source of Fiber
  • Good source of Iron
  • Gluten Free
  • Low in Fat
  • Good source of Potassium and Magnesium
  • Good source of Folate
  • Good source of Vit. C and Vit. K
  • High in Antioxidants

I know butternut squash is one of the harder squashes to chop but I have a trick!  Heat the squash in the microwave for 3 minutes and it will soften up enough that you can chop the ends easily and scoop out the flesh also.  I know putting a whole squash in the microwave might seem daunting, but trust me it works!

When I initially made this recipe, both the hubby and I found it a bit dry and realized right away that it needs a sauce or dressing to help it out.  After going through a few options, I settled on a simple Apple Cider Vinaigrette.  It has all the elements for the fall, doesn’t overpower the stuffing and gives you just enough of a pop in flavor.  Most importantly, the stuffing doesn’t feel dry anymore!

So….. what are you waiting for?  Try this out and make it a part of your holiday table or Sunday dinner! From my kitchen to yours, I hope you love this Quinoa Stuffed Butternut Squash!

Quinoa Stuffed Butternut Squash

Quinoa Stuffed Butternut Squash
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Sapna
November 17, 2020
by Sapna
Category Entree Vegetarian
Persons
4
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
55 minutes
Total Time
1 hour, 10 minutes

Ingredients

For the Quinoa Stuffed Butternut Squash:

  • 1 large butternut squash
  • 1/2 c dry quinoa, thoroughly rinsed
  • 1 c low sodium veggie broth
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 1/4 c walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 2 c spinach
  • 2 ribs celery, chopped
  • 1 red apple, chopped
  • 1/2 c pomegranate seeds, plus extra to garnish
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cloves garlic, whole
  • 1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 4 Tbsp Avocado Oil, divided
  • 2 tsp salt, divided
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper, divided

For the Apple Cider Vinaigrette:

  • 1/4 c apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp maple syrup (or sub with agave)
  • 5 Tbsp Avocado Oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

For the Quinoa Stuffed Butternut Squash:

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. Heat the butternut squash in the microwave for 3 minutes to soften it up. Trim the ends and slice in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds.
  3. Use 1 Tbsp oil to coat both halves of the squash. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper.
  4. Add 4 garlic cloves to each squash and make sure to coat them with the seasoning.
  5. Turn the squash upside down and roast in oven for 40-45 minutes or until fork tender.
  6. Meanwhile, in a medium sized saucepan, combine quinoa and veggie broth and bring to a boil on high heat.
  7. Reduce to medium heat and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until all of the liquid has evaporated.
  8. Cover and let steam for an additional 5 minutes. Uncover and fluff with a fork. Set aside to use later.
  9. In a large skillet, heat 2 Tbsp oil over medium flame. Add in the onions, celery, and apples and saute until they have softened (5-6 minutes).
  10. Add in the garlic, oregano, thyme, cinnamon, and remaining 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. Saute for another minute to combine the flavors.
  11. Add in the spinach, walnuts and pomegranates and mix well.
  12. Remove from heat and add in cooked quinoa. Mix well.
  13. For the dressing, combine all of the ingredients into an airtight jar and shake vigorously to emulsify.
  14. When squash is ready, remove from oven and flip over gently. Scoop in the filling evenly into both craters. Drizzle remaining 1 Tbsp oil over both fillings and bake for an additional 10 minutes to give the stuffing a crispy, golden crust.
  15. Transfer squash to a serving platter, drizzle with vinaigrette and garnish with additional pomegranate seeds.
  16. Serve hot!

Notes

*To prep in advance, you can make the stuffing 1-2 days prior and reheat it once the squash is done cooking. *Also garnish with feta to give a creamier taste.

Tags

Eat your colors,
Gluten Free,
Holiday Dinner,
Vegan,
vegetarian
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Sapna7 Comments

Sweet Potato and Beet Hash with Fried Eggs

A couple of months ago, I won our local Farmer’s Market cooking competition and part of my prize was a big box of fresh goodies from the market.  I don’t know if I’ve ever been so excited to get fresh veggies and fruits!   I honestly felt like a contestant on Chopped from The Food Network in that I wanted to use all of my produce and come up with a delicious dish.

Well, considering there were so much produce, I’m not sure I would be able to eat more than 3 bites of any dish made from all of the veggies and fruits!  One of my favorites in that box was the beet greens with their beautiful red stems.  I’ve had quite a few people ask me what I use them for and what they can cook out of them.  A definite go to are to cook them down like collard greens but I wanted to do something more creative and decided to add the beet greens to a hash and topping it with an egg made it the perfect breakfast for a busy day or a big, healthy lunch bowl.

The vibrant orange and red colors of the root veggies as they are being cooked, the bold green of the beets…..eeek!  I’m salivating just thinking about this recipe.   The best part is all the nutrition you get in this sustainable hash:

  • high in dietary fiber
  • high in folate
  • good source of potassium
  • good source of non-dairy calcium (the beet greens are)
  • great source of B-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin (these flavonoids have strong anti-cancer and antioxidant properties)

Topping this hash with a fried or hard boiled egg adds a little extra protein though to keep it vegetarian/vegan, you can always replace the egg with a grilled tofu steak.

From my kitchen to yours, enjoy this delicious and healthy Sweet Potato and Beet Hash!

Sweet Potato and Beet Hash with Fried Eggs

Sweet Potato and Beet Hash with Fried Eggs
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Sapna
November 4, 2020
by Sapna
Category Breakfast Vegetarian
Persons
4
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 beet, peeled and diced small
  • 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced small
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 bunch beet greens with stems, chopped
  • 4 eggs, fried or hard boiled
  • 2 1/2 tsp salt, divided
  • 2 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, divided
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 3 tbsp Avocado or Olive Oil, divided

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 Tbsp oil in a cast iron or heavy bottomed skillet on medium high flame.
  2. Add in the beets, sweet potato, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper and cook about 10-15 minutes until browned and crispy. If it is still mostly raw at the 10 minute mark, cover and let it cook in the steam for an additional 5 minutes.
  3. Remove the veggies from the pan and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 Tbsp oil and let it heat up.
  5. Add in the onions and garlic and saute for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add in the beet greens and stems and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until it is just starting to wilt. Add in the veggies, and mix well.
  7. Let the hash crisp up then remove from pan and divide between 4 plates. Top with your choice of egg and serve hot!

Tags

Breakfast,
Eat a Rainbow,
Eat your colors,
Fiber,
Gluten Free,
Healthy,
Keto,
Protein,
Sustainable,
vegetarian
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Sapna3 Comments

Sweet & Spicy Harvest Bowl

The weather is still pretty warm out but I am mentally ready for fall!  Especially with all the delicious veggies at the Farmer’s Market that are coming out for the season.  The pomegranates, Brussels sprouts, root vegetables and especially all the squash and pumpkins I’m seeing everywhere!  They’re all so beautiful, colorful and oh so yummy!

I was inspired during my last visit to the Farmer’s Market for this recipe.  I used acorn squash because it is mild in flavor and one of the easiest squash to peel and cut.  The beets added beautiful color and flavor (and lots of nutrition!), and crispy brussels sprouts once roasted are the perfect addition for texture in this bowl.

Here are a few other ingredients I used though, I definitely didn’t roast them:

  • Avocado
  • Red Pears
  • Feta
  • Toasted Pecans
  • Quinoa

As for the dressing, I debated whether to add one or not but in the end, I decided a simple squeeze of lime would do justice without taking away from the other flavors.

I was so excited just roasting the veggies because they looked so bright, bold and beautiful!  The spice that I added to balance the sweet of the beets and pears out was smoky chipotle pepper to the veggies that I roasted.

This is one dish that I think is going to come up often on our table through this season!  Make a big batch for a holiday dinner side, a small batch for a lunch or make it a meal for a weeknight!  It’s simple, healthy, delicious, and you get to eat many of your colors!

Here are some of the health benefits from this yummy bowl:

  • Low Carb
  • High in Fiber
  • High in Protein
  • Vitamins K, C, A, and B-6
  • Good Source of Iron
  • Good Source of Folate

Well!  What are you waiting for?  You have got to try this out!

From my kitchen to yours, I hope you enjoy this delicious Sweet and Spicy Harvest Bowl!

Sweet & Spicy Harvest Bowl

Sweet & Spicy Harvest Bowl
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Sapna
October 15, 2020
by Sapna
Category Salads Vegetarian
Persons
2
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 c Acorn Squash, peeled, deseeded, cubed
  • 1 large Beet, peeled, cubed
  • 1 lb Brussels Sprouts, halved
  • 1 Avocado, cubed
  • 1 Red Pear, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 c crumbled Feta
  • 1/4 c toasted pecans
  • 1/2 c quinoa
  • 1 lime, quartered into wedges
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground chipotle pepper*
  • 1 Tbsp Avocado or Olive Oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
  2. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat, parchment paper or aluminum foil
  3. In a bowl, add oil, 1 1/2 tsp salt, black pepper, and chipotle pepper. Mix well
  4. Add in the squash, beets and brussels sprouts. Toss well to coat all the veggies evenly
  5. Add the veggies to the baking sheet and bake for 35 minutes
  6. Meanwhile, thoroughly rinse the quinoa to remove the saporins
  7. In a medium saucepan, bring to a boil 1 c water and add rinsed quinoa and 1/2 tsp salt
  8. Let it cook for 10-12 minutes or until all the water has burned off. Remove from heat and cover for 5 minutes. When ready to use, remove cover and fluff with a fork.

To Assemble:

  1. Add the roasted veggies, quinoa, avocado, toasted pecans, feta, and pears to a bowl.
  2. Serve hot with a lime wedge!

Notes

*Adjust the amount of chipotle pepper according to spice level

Tags

Autumn,
Clean Eating,
Eat a Rainbow,
Eat your colors,
Fall,
Farm fresh,
Farmers Market,
Fresh Vegetables,
Gluten Free,
Harvest,
Healthy,
Protein,
Raw Foods,
Sustainable,
vegetarian
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Sapna3 Comments

Fall Nourish Bowl

I love the Autumn season.  The colors, the change in flavors, the hint of crisp air and everything else about Fall is just perfect!

Making this nourish bowl with a hint of Fall flavors was fun.  I decided to roast the veggies with oregano and smoked paprika for some warmth in the taste.

For a pop of spice, I added charred Shishito peppers which made this dish so perfect!

Instead of dressing, I used hummus which becomes smooth and creamy as a dressing when combined with the hot roasted veggies.

This nourish bowl is so filling, try it out for your next lunch or dinner.  You’ll be so satisfied and comforted.

From my kitchen to yours, I hope you enjoy this bowl!

Fall Nourish Bowl

Fall Nourish Bowl
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Sapna
October 2, 2020
by Sapna
Category Salads Vegetarian
Persons
2
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 c spinach
  • 1/2 c quinoa
  • 1 medium sweet potato
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 yellow squash, chopped
  • 1 large beet, peeled and chopped
  • 10 shishito peppers
  • 1/2 c hummus
  • 1 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp Olive or Avocado Oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp red chili flakes

Instructions

For the quinoa:

  1. Thoroughly rinse the quinoa and mix with 1 c water and 1/4 tsp salt. Bring to a boil over high heat then reduce med-low heat and keep at a simmer for 10 minutes, until all of the water has evaporated.
  2. Remove from heat and cover to steam for 5 minutes.

For the roasted veggies:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together 1 Tbsp oil, 1 tsp salt, smoked paprika, oregano, and black pepper.
  3. Add in the chopped veggies and toss well to make sure everything is coated properly!
  4. Line on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes.

For the Shishito peppers:

  1. In a cast iron skillet, heat 1/2 Tbsp oil on high flame.
  2. Add in Shishito peppers and roast for 5-10 minutes or until you have a nice char on them.
  3. Remove from heat and set aside.

To assemble:

  1. In a wide bowl, add in 1 c spinach to each bowl.
  2. Scoop in 1/2 c cooked quinoa into each bowl.
  3. Divide the veggies in half into each bowl.
  4. Add in the Shishito peppers and sprinkle kosher salt over the peppers.
  5. Top with hummus on each bowl.
  6. Sprinkle with red chili flakes.
  7. Serve hot!

Tags

Eat a Rainbow,
Eat your colors,
Fiber,
Gluten Free,
Healthy,
Sustainable,
Vegan,
vegetarian,
Veggies
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Here are the cooking tools I used for this dish:

Sapna3 Comments

Spinach Chickpea Stew with Garlic Couscous

I’ve recently learned that my girls like chickpeas in any form.  I used to think it was just Roasted Masala Chickpeas that they gobbled down, but I’ve been paying attention and I’m glad I have!  Watching both of them gobble down this stew was amazing.  They are one of the few girls who also love to eat spinach in any form, cooked or uncooked (I feel blessed) so I knew I was going to use it to give some green to this dish!

I’m totally adding this to my weeknight meal list as it took me only 20 minutes to pull together!  I got the couscous started on the side and takes only 15 minutes to make!

Can you tell I’m ready for the autumn season to begin?  I’ve had a fun summer enjoying the hot weather but between the smoke from all the fires and a broken AC during the multiple heat waves, I am looking forward to the end of the year.  Hot stews are just the thing to warm you up during the cold months and this recipe is a great one where you get to spend more time enjoying the food than making it!

Try it out and let me know what you think.  Tag me on Instagram @bitofspice146 and use the #bitofspice146 hashtag.   I would love to see your versions of my recipes!

From my kitchen to yours, enjoy this delicious stew!

Spinach Chickpea Stew with Garlic Couscous

Spinach Chickpea Stew with Garlic Couscous
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Sapna
September 28, 2020
by Sapna
Category Soups Vegetarian
Persons
4
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Stew:

  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 3 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 white onion, chopped
  • 1 c zucchini, chopped
  • 1 c yellow squash, chopped
  • 2 c spinach
  • 1 1/2 c marinara sauce or your favorite pasta sauce
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 c vegetable broth
  • 1 Tbsp Oil, EVOO or Avo
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon

For the Garlic Herb Couscous:

  • 1 c couscous
  • 1 1/4 c water
  • 1 Tbsp Oil, Avo or EVOO
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

For the Stew:

  1. In a stockpot, heat oil over medium high flame.
  2. Add the onions, garlic, zucchini, and yellow squash. Stir and cook for 3-5 minutes until the veggies are tender.
  3. Add in the red chili flakes, paprika, and spinach. Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add in the chickpeas, marinara/pasta sauce, tomatoes, salt, pepper, broth and the zest and juice of a lemon.
  5. Mix all of the ingredients well and bring to a boil on high heat. Reduce heat to medium, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

For the Couscous:

  1. Bring water to a boil in a saucepan.
  2. Stir in couscous, remove from heat and cover. Let it stand for 5 minutes.
  3. Remove cover and add in the garlic, oil, salt and pepper. Toss gently and set aside until stew is done.

To serve:

  1. Place the couscous in a bowl and top with chickpea stew. Serve hot!

Tags

30 minute meals,
chickpeas,
couscous,
Eat a Rainbow,
Fiber,
Healthy,
make ahead,
Quick and Easy,
Spinach,
Stews,
Vegan,
vegetarian,
weeknight meals,
Zucchini
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Sapna8 Comments

Skinny Skillet Veggie Enchiladas

Enchiladas are one of my favorite Mexican meals.  What I don’t love is the amount of work and clean up goes into making a good batch of enchiladas.  Making the filling, rolling the enchiladas, and the baking sometimes feels like too much work.  And I don’t always have an hour or more to dedicate on a weeknight when I am craving enchiladas.  Let’s be honest… I don’t think anyone does.
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These Skinny Skillet Veggie Enchiladas satisfy my cravings for enchiladas without the fuss.  I can make them in less than 30 minutes (yep!) and the only dishes I have to clean are my chopping board and skillet!  Literally made it super easy!

You can work ahead for these and have the veggies chopped up to save time but really, it’s not that time consuming.  Speaking of veggies, of course I added a rainbow of them.  Yellow squash, green zucchini, red bell peppers, purple onions, corn, and poblano peppers!

If you want to add meat, a quick shortcut is to add in shredded rotisserie chicken.  Cut down the amount of beans by half or increase the amount of enchilada sauce by another 1/4 cup to avoid having a dry dish.
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Make sure you are using an oven safe skillet.  Here is the one I like to use.  You only need to pop the skillet in the oven for 5 minutes so the cheese can melt and get a golden color.

For spices, I used smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, chipotle powder and a little ancho chili powder.  I know it seems like a lot, but a little of all of them really helps create a depth of flavor.

Serve it with some Mango Pico and Guacamole to add the finishing touches.
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From my kitchen to yours, enjoy this delicious meal!

Skinny Skillet Veggie Enchiladas

Skinny Skillet Veggie Enchiladas
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Sapna
August 30, 2020
by Sapna
Cuisine Mexican
Category Vegetarian
Persons
4
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 poblano pepper, deseeded and chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 zucchini, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 c fresh or frozen corn
  • 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chipotle powder
  • 1/2 tsp ancho chili powder
  • 2 tsp Avocado Oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 c red enchilada sauce
  • 3 flour tortillas, cut into 1-2" thick strips
  • 1 c Mexican blend cheese
  • 2 green onion stalks, green part only (save the white bulbs for another recipe), chopped
  • 1 lime, sliced into wedges for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450ºF
  2. On medium flame, heat an oven proof skillet and add oil to the skillet
  3. Add in the poblano peppers, and onions and saute for 2-3 minutes. Add in the garlic and roast an additional 30 seconds
  4. Add in the squash, zucchini, and bell peppers and saute for an additional 3 minutes until they are tender
  5. Add in the spices, beans, and corn and mix well
  6. Stir in the enchilada sauce
  7. Toss in the tortillas to cover the skillet evenly, and with a spatula, gently press into the mixture to cover with enchilada sauce. Don't mix it in, you just want it coated with the sauce so it doesn't dry out
  8. Turn off heat and sprinkle cheese evenly over the top
  9. Bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden brown on top
  10. Remove from oven and let cool for minutes before serving
  11. Garnish with green onions and lime and serve hot

Tags

30 minute meals,
Healthy,
mexican,
Mexican Flavors,
skillet enchiladas,
Skinny Meals,
vegetarian,
weeknight meals
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Sapna4 Comments

15 minute Masala Pasta

*This is an ad post.

All I can say is that things are getting crazier!  My first born is starting Kindergarten tomorrow and though it’s going to be different because she’s going to be upstairs in her room instead of at a new school with new friends, I’m still an emotional wreck!  I just can’t believe she’s grown so much!  Where’s my baby that I brought home from the hospital?  I have a 5 year old now!
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Let’s talk food so I don’t have to think about that… for now.  This dish actually does take 15 minutes to make.  No joke.  How?  Because I use Taste Republic‘s gluten free, fresh fusili pasta.  The more I try their fresh pastas, the more I’m loving them.  So far, the cauliflower linguini, tortellini, and now the fusili have been on point!  Even better, because it is fresh pasta, it takes 3 minutes to cook!
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Once upon a time, the girls would eat nothing but red sauce with their pasta.  Then it went to green (pesto).  Then brown butter.  We are now back to the red sauce which I am thankful for because this masala pasta uses marinara sauce combined with spices to give it an Indian twist.
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Here are some ingredients that are key to this pasta:

Taste Republic Gluten Free Fusili – fresh pasta that is great with taste and time!
Frozen Mixed Vegetables – this is my first hack to make this dish in under 15 minutes.
Favorite Marinara Sauce – I use whatever jar I have opened in my fridge and it works perfect
Indian spices: cayenne pepper, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder – this give the pasta additional depth of flavor. Add just enough to give it a hint not take over the dish!

This fusion dish is amazing because of the mix of flavors and how quickly you can put it together.  Try it out and bring a little of India and a little of Italy to your home.
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From our kitchen to yours, I hope you enjoy this 15 Minute Masala Pasta!

30 minute Masala Pasta

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Sapna
November 2, 2020
by Sapna
Category Home
Persons
4
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 9oz package Taste Republic gluten free fusili
  • 1 med onion, chopped finely
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped finely
  • ¼ c frozen mixed veggies
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jar (about 1½ pounds) your favorite pasta sauce
  • ¼ tsp ajwain (carom seeds)
  • ¼ tsp haldi (turmeric)
  • ½ tsp lal mirch (cayenne pepper)
  • ¾ tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 Tbsp Avocado (or Olive) Oil
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. In a sauce pot, heat oil on medium flame. Add in the carom seeds.
  2. When they splutter, add in the onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add in garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
  4. Add in the turmeric, and let it bloom for about 30 seconds.
  5. Once the turmeric has mixed in well, add in all the veggies. Mix well and cook for about 5 minutes or until they are tender.
  6. Add in the rest of the spices and mix well.
  7. While the veggies continue to cook, add pasta to boiling water and cook for 3 minutes.
  8. Transfer them directly to the pasta sauce when cooked. Toss gently so all the pasta is coated in the sauce.
  9. Remove from heat and serve hot with garlic naan or garlic bread.
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Sapna2 Comments

Homemade Paneer

Paneer is a staple in any Indian household.  It is so versatile, the possibilities are endless.  I’ve marinated it in Roasted Cilantro Mint Chutney and grilled it over the BBQ, you can also grill it and use it as an addition to a salad, make Paneer Cabbage Cups, Matar Paneer, and most famously known Palak Paneer.
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It may sound daunting but making paneer at home is actually very easy.  There’s literally 2 ingredients involved – milk, and an acidic agent to separate the curd.  I like homemade better than store bought because you can choose which type of milk you want (low-fat or full-fat) and there are no preservatives like in the store bought ones.
IMG_7729
How to make paneer at home:
Step 1: Boil the milk
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Step 2: Add in your acidic agent and keep stirring to help the solids separate from the whey
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Step 3: Drain the whey so you have just the solids left over
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Step 4: Rinse the solids to remove smell and taste of acidic agent
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Step 5: Squeeze out excess water and hang the paneer to remove moisture
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Step 6: Mold the paneer into desired shape
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Step 7: Remove the block of paneer from the cheesecloth and use as desired
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Notes:
1. I suggest double lining the cheesecloth so that it is more sturdy and holds the paneer well when draining. This is the cheesecloth that I use and love!
2. Acidic agents that can be used are lemon juice or vinegar.  I’ve found vinegar works better with curdling the solids without leaving behind a tart taste in the paneer
3. Keep the acidic agent close by so you can use it as soon as the milk is ready so it doesn’t boil over.
4. If you need to add more acid, add a teaspoon at a time.  Adding too much can make the paneer rubbery

From my kitchen to yours, I hope you have fun and enjoy making your own paneer!

Homemade Paneer

Homemade Paneer
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Sapna
July 20, 2020
by Sapna
Category Indian Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 8 c milk
  • 1/4 c vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • cheesecloth

Instructions

  1. 1. On high flame, in a deep pot, bring milk to a boil, then reduce heat to med-low. Keep stirring constantly for about 3 minutes.
  2. 2. Reduce heat to low and add in vinegar or lemon juice. Continue stirring so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot. You should see the solids separate from the whey within a minute.
  3. 3. Turn off heat and remove pot from heat.
  4. 4. Line a colander with the cheesecloth and pour the contents into the cheesecloth.
  5. 5. Rinse with cold water to remove odor and taste of acid.
  6. 6. Squeeze the cheesecloth to remove as much excess water as possible.
  7. 7. Tie the cheesecloth to your kitchen faucet and let it stay there for 30 minutes to remove excess whey.
  8. 8. Remove cheesecloth from the faucet and twist into a round or square shape. Place it on a plate and put about 5lbs weight on top. I usually use a few canned foods cans. This will further help remove any excess moisture and whey. Leave for 30 minutes.
  9. 9. Unwrap your paneer and slice into cubes and use in any of your favorite paneer recipes!

Tags

Dairy,
Desi,
Gluten Free,
Healthy,
homemade,
homemade cheese,
Indian Food,
Indian Staples,
paneer,
Protein,
Sustainable
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Sapna5 Comments

Pineapple Fried Rice

I’m all about summer and summer foods these days.  This Pineapple Fried Rice is the perfect balance between sweet, spicy, crunchy, soft, and a burst of flavors.  Best of all, it takes 20 minutes to make!  A fun weeknight recipe, or a weekend recipe with some Thai Curry on the side.  Go ahead, try this out and bring a taste of Thailand to your home.
Continue reading “Pineapple Fried Rice” →

Sapna1 Comment

Paneer Cabbage Cups

Paneer Cabbage Cups are a light and healthy dish that is packed with a burst of flavor and texture in each bite.  The spicy jalapeño, a pop of lemon, the crunch of the cabbage and the creaminess of the paneer and avocados.  And if you know me, the vibrant colors of all the different veggies bring this together in the most perfect way.  You just can’t go wrong!  Continue reading “Paneer Cabbage Cups” →

Sapna1 Comment

The Best Veggie Quesadillas

There’s no wrong way to make a quesadilla.  It’s one of those foods that can be served as a quick weeknight meal, an after school snack, bite sized as a party app; filled with just cheese, grilled veggies, or shredded meat! The possibilities are endless.
Continue reading “The Best Veggie Quesadillas” →

Sapna1 Comment

Brown Butter Toasted Tortellini Yum

I’m a pasta lover and and am so proud to say so are my girls.  I can get them to eat almost anything as long as I pair it with pasta.  The only caveat, they keep changing what type of sauce they want.  First, I couldn’t get them to eat anything but marinara sauce, then they moved on to pesto, and now they are stuck on brown butter. Continue reading “Brown Butter Toasted Tortellini Yum “ →

Sapna4 Comments

Greek Inspired Crepes Yum

This recipe is one of my favorites.  I learned it almost 4 years ago in Arizona.  We had gone for the weekend to hang out with Pankaj’s friends from college.  It was Sunday morning and we decided to do a fun brunch.  Rupal (our friend who we went to visit) suggested we make Greek Crepes.  OMG have I been hooked on them since! I don’t know about her, but I know I definitely stumbled through this one, pretending I knew what I was doing when in fact, all I knew how to do was make the crepes.  The Greek part was literally Greek to me. Continue reading “Greek Inspired Crepes Yum “ →

Sapna3 Comments

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad Yum

Brussels Sprouts are a vegetable that I didn’t realize I liked until I was an adult, going out on the town and pretending to eat it like I loved it with friends who actually did.  One day, I realized, I actually do like it.  Especially when they’ve been either fried or roasted so the outer leaves are nice and crunchy….ummm, I’m salivating just thinking about them again! Continue reading “Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad Yum “ →

Sapna1 Comment

Butternut Squash and Thyme Risotto Yum

One of my favorite Italian dishes is risotto.  It’s so creamy, decadent, and delicious.  I started experimenting with the basics of making risotto about 9 months ago.
When I first started making it, I was a little intimidated.  To be honest, I had to work up my nerve to attempt it for quite a while as I had heard stories about how hard it is to make risotto.  One day, I decided to just go for it.  If nothing else, I have frozen pizza to serve the family.  (Yep, I always have frozen pizza on hand …. though, currently I stock this amazing cauliflower crust pizza with veggies on top.  Ummm, anyways, story for another time.)
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I must have looked through a dozen recipes to see which didn’t intimidate me and seemed the easiest.  In hindsight, they are all easy.  You see, I think people get overwhelmed with the idea that you have to babysit this dish.  You literally do.  It’s not a quick and easy weeknight dinner but it is an amazing labor of love.  From start to finish, I would say cooking this specific dish (we’re including the time to roast the squash), I spent about an hour in front of the stove.  About 80% of that is stirring the risotto so it doesn’t stick, 10% was prep work and 10% was zoning out the kids while they screamed their latest rock concert with Frozen lyrics.
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The secret to a perfect risotto, you have to stir the broth in one ladle at a time.  Yep, a bit tedious, but this is definitely one of those times where patience brings very delectable rewards.
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During my extensive research to find an “easy” recipe for risotto, I also looked into why I couldn’t just add the broth all at once.  One reason that I found for adding the broth slowly is that by doing so, the rice releases the starch slowly and therefore, giving the dish its creamy texture.  Adding the broth all at once, covering it and leaving it to cook can ruin your risotto in two different ways.  One, the water will sit at the bottom from lack of stirring the risotto and can burn the dish from the bottom.  Second, instead of giving the risotto its creamy texture, dumping the broth all at once can make break the rice and make it mushy rather than keeping the rice kernels whole but cooked and creamy.


I know this seems like a lot but really, it’s just reinforcing the fact that you need to add your broth slowly and you will have an amazing risotto.
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The only other tip I want to add is to constantly check for salt.  I used veggie bouillon combined with water for my broth in this recipe.  You can use a low sodium broth also.  The bouillons tend to have a higher sodium content so don’t add salt until you’ve tasted it.  The parmesan cheese also brings a lot of salt content with it.  The last thing you want to end up with a salty risotto you can barely eat (trust me, I’ve done this too.  Speaking from unfortunate experience).  Keep tasting as you go.
Fun fact, arborio rice looks very similar to idli rice.  In fact, I picked it up and almost used it before I realized there was a slight difference.  The idli rice is a little plumper than arborio.  Of course, I did more research and found that idli rice can be used as a substitute for arborio because of its a medium grain.  When you compare the two side by side, they look very similar.

From my kitchen to yours, Enjoy!

Ingredients:
1½ c butternut squash, cubed
1 ½ c arborio rice
1 med onion, diced finely
5 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbsp thyme, roughly chopped
6 c veggie broth
1 c Parmesan cheese
¾ tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
2 Tbsp Oil (Avo or EVOO)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400ºF.  Toss squash with 1 Tbsp oil, salt and pepper.  Spread out on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
In a large pot, heat veggie broth until it comes to a boil, then lower the heat to low and cover.
Meanwhile, In a deep and wide pan, heat oil and add onions.  Cook for 7-8 minutes until they are cooked through and translucent.
Add in the garlic and cook for 1 minute on med-low flame.  Add in the risotto and 2 Tbsp thyme and cook for 8-10 minutes until the rice is toasted and has a light golden red color to it.
Add in 1 ladle of broth and wait for it to burn off while you keep stirring the risotto.  As it burns off.  Keep adding the broth 1 ladle at a time until you use up all of the broth.  As the risotto cooks with the broth, you’ll notice it getting plumper and creamier.  When all of the broth is used up, and cooked into the risotto, the texture should be thick and creamy.  Turn off the heat and mix in ¾ c Parmesan and mix well.
Add in the butternut squash and remaining thyme and mix.
Serve hot into bowl and garnish with some of the remaining Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!

Sapna3 Comments

Crispy Chickpeas and Sweet Potato Tacos Yum

When I first started experimenting with this recipe, I wasn’t sure how the sweet potato was going to work in my tacos.  I debated constantly trying to pair a different vegetable, but ultimately, I kept coming back to the sweet potatoes. Continue reading “Crispy Chickpeas and Sweet Potato Tacos Yum “ →

Sapna2 Comments

Veggie Pasta Sauce Yum

When my kids were younger, I had a bit of a hard time getting them to eat certain vegetables.  Even today, my oldest will not eat any type of leafy green because it’s a “salad” and she doesn’t eat salads apparently.  My youngest pretty much copies her Sissy and does whatever she says.  Sanaya loves spinach….. if it’s cooked down into a saag, blended into her Popeye muffins or hidden in this veggie sauce.
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This recipe came into being when Aishani was new to eating foods at about almost 1 year old.  Sanaya used to love pasta and Aishani liked it because she was all about finger foods and rotini was big enough for her to hold in her cute little pudgy hands.  Added benefit, I can make a batch, freeze it for future use on a last minute day.
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I load this pasta sauce up with onions, carrots, bell peppers, spinach, and frozen mixed veggies.  I also add tons of spices including turmeric, especially in the winter which is rich in it’s anti-inflammatory properties.  It’s such a healthy pasta sauce and my wonderful kids don’t even notice further than it being a red pasta sauce.  Try it out…. trick your kids or even spouse and see if they notice the difference!
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From my kitchen to yours, Enjoy!

Ingredients:
1 med onion, chopped finely
1 bell pepper, chopped finely
1 carrot, chopped finely
¼ c frozen mixed veggies
¼ c spinach
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (about 1½ pounds) your favorite pasta sauce
¼ tsp ajwain (carom seeds)
¼ tsp haldi (turmeric)
½ tsp lal mirch (cayenne pepper)
¾ tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 Tbsp Avocado (or Olive) Oil
salt to taste
pepper to taste

Directions:
In a deep pot, heat oil on medium flame.  Add in the carom seeds.  When they splutter, add in the onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.  Add in garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.  Add in the turmeric, and let it bloom for about 30 seconds.
Once the turmeric has mixed in well, add in all the veggies except the spinach, spices, salt and pepper.  Mix well and cook for about 10 minutes or until they are tender.  Finally add in the spinach and sauce and cook for 2 minutes stirring constantly.
Turn the flame off and with a hand blender, blend the veggies into the sauce.  You should get a chunky consistency though if you prefer a more smooth texture, you can blend in a blender.  If it’s too thick, add 1 Tbsp of water at a time until you achieve your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust for salt.

Serve with your favorite pasta!

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Zucchini Corn Cakes on a bed of Grilled Peach and Pineapple Salsa

Phew! That’s a long name for sure.  And the name lives up to the punch that it packs!  We had a BBQ on the 4th and had plenty of food leftover.  I definitely didn’t want to eat the same stuff for the next few days so I figured, this is when I need to get creative and upcycle it. Continue reading “Zucchini Corn Cakes on a bed of Grilled Peach and Pineapple Salsa” →