Showing posts with label Entrees. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Entrees. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Cabbage Bacon Bowl (Dairy, Gluten and Grain Free)

Posted by whatsapp status on January 24, 2017 with No comments
This recipe is one created by my husband.  Once and awhile we are blessed with his culinary creations.  Often he doesn't write down or remember what he has added to the dish but thankfully this one was placed on pen and paper.  This delicious meal which was not only tasty and filling, but also great for a simple budget.

Ingredients (serves 4-5 people)

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 diced onion
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 7-9 strips of bacon cut into small pieces
  • 1/2 thinly sliced large white cabbage
  • 1 shredded small zucchini
  • 1 shredded apple
  • 1/2-1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • sea salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/3 cup cashews, pecans or walnuts (optional)

Directions
  1. In a large wok or frying pan, add oil and fry onion, garlic and bacon until it browns and onion is soft.
  2. Add mustard seeds, turmeric, cayenne and cabbage. Fry until cabbage is soft (about 10 minutes.)
  3. Add all remaining ingredients into the pan.
  4. Cook until apple and zucchini are soft, approximately 5 minutes.
  5. Serve as is or place over a bed or rice.



Friday, October 14, 2016

Nut Butter, Lentil Soup (Dairy, Gluten, Grain and Free)

Posted by whatsapp status on October 14, 2016 with No comments
If you haven't already noticed.  I love soup.  Fall is such a great time to make soup as there are lots of vegetables ready and the weather is getting cooler.  This soup did not disappoint.  It has lots of flavour!
Ingredients
  • 1 diced onion
  • 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 minced cloves garlic
  • 1-2 teaspoon miced fresh garlic
  • 5 cups vegetable or bone broth
  • 1/2 cup red lentils
  • 1 cup chopped kale
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk
  • 2 diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup almond or peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup tomato paste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • sea salt, cayenne and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 juiced lemon

Directions
  1. In a large pot heat oil. Cook onion until clear and soft (3 minutes,) add garlic and cook another minute. 
  2. Add all remaining ingredients except lemon.
  3. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 15-20 minutes or until carrots are tender.
  4. Remove bay leaves
  5. Add lemon juice and puree or leave as is.
  6. Serve

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Roasted Vegetable Soup (Dairy, Gluten and Grain Free)

Posted by whatsapp status on September 15, 2016 with No comments
Our oldest daughter had a big bike fall at the end of this summer.  It caused a lot of damage to her mouth. She lost control down a steep hill, ran her bike into a tree and then scraped her face along the tree trunk.  I won't go into too many yucky details but basically she required some plastic surgery in her mouth and will eventually need some dental work to replace some adult teeth :(  We are thankful it was only her mouth that was affected and not her head, neck or back.

In light of this accident, she has had difficulty eating and has been on soft foods for two weeks already.  It has been a little challenging over here creating food for her, our little guy who has started solids and then the rest of us.  As much as possible, I have been trying to make something we can all enjoy.

This soup was simple to create, tasty and worked for the baby, our oldest, and the rest of us "regular" eaters.  I have since made this soup on numerous occasions, using whatever vegetables I have ready in the garden or in the fridge.

Ingredients

  • 2 onions chopped into eighths
  • 3-4 cloves of garlic
  • 4 chopped carrots
  • 1 diced zucchini
  • 1 cup diced eggplant
  • 1/2 a chopped cabbage
  • 1 diced sweet potato
  • 1 cup diced mushrooms
  • 1-2 cups chopped kale
  • olive oil
  • 4 cups vegetable or bone broth
  • sea salt and pepper to taste
  • water (if needed)

Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
  2. In two 9 x 13 pans, distribute chopped vegetables, except the kale.
  3. Drizzle the vegetables with some oil, salt and pepper.
  4. Stir vegetables to fully coat.
  5. Roast in oven for 15 minutes.
  6. Add chopped kale, stir together and roast for another 10 minutes or until vegetables are soft and browned.
  7. Puree vegetables until smooth.  Add to a medium size pot.
  8. Add broth and any water if wanting to thin soup.
  9. Heat until boiling, stirring frequently.
  10. Serve.




Friday, August 5, 2016

Asian Rice Noodle Salad (Gluten and Dairy Free)

Posted by whatsapp status on August 05, 2016 with No comments
This simple salad is great for summer, potlucks, and BBQs.  It can be eaten as a side dish or an entree.  The addition of some chicken or shrimp would also make it a heartier dish.  The girls gave this one an 8 out of 10, although one of them said it would only be an 8 if I took out the cashews ;) We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 7-8 drops stevia
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 1/2 cup snow peas
  • 1 diced sweet bell pepper
  • 1 thickly shredded carrot
  • 1/4 cup pan roasted cashews
  • 1 package (454 g) rice noodles



    Directions
    1. In a large bowl combine all ingredients except rice noddles.
    2. Cook noodles according to package directions and then add to bowl.
    3. Stir to fully coat.
    4. Allow to sit for 10 minutes to absorb flavours and serve.





    Tuesday, July 5, 2016

    Gluten Free Pasta Salad (Dairy and Gluten Free)

    Posted by whatsapp status on July 05, 2016 with No comments
    Here is a simple pasta salad that uses gluten free noodles.  There is definitely a difference between gluten free noodle brands.  I find the that the GoGo Quinoa Noodles work very well.  They stay soft even for next days leftovers.  This salad is dairy free however the addition of feta cheese would work very well ;) 

    Ingredients

    • 4 cups small uncooked gluten free pasta (I find this one works the best)
    • 1/2 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
    • 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
    • 1/2 cup chopped sweet pepper
    • 1/3 cup black olives
    • 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
    • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
    • 2 cloves minced garlic
    • chopped chives to taste (I used about a tablespoon)
    • 2 tablespoon white wine vinegar
    • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
    • 1/3 cup olive oil


    Directions

    1. Cook pasta until al dente, drain and run under cold water to cool. 
    2. Put the pasta into a bowl. Add the tomatoes, olives, chives, basil, peppers, parsley, and cucumber into the bowl. 
    3. Add the vinegar, oil and seasoning. 
    4. Stir to fully coat pasta and vegetables with dressing.
    5. Let sit in fridge for 1 hour to absorb flavour.





    Monday, June 20, 2016

    Black Bean Burgers (Gluten Free with Vegan Option)

    Posted by whatsapp status on June 20, 2016 with No comments
    At least twice a week we stick to a vegetarian meal.  This is definitely a popular one in our home.  I always have a stock of cooked beans in our freezer so it is also a quick easy one to make.

    • 2 cups cooked black beans (separated)
    • 1 cup cooked quinoa
    • 2 cloves minced garlic
    • 1/2 chopped onion
    • 2 teaspoons chili powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
    • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 egg or 1 flax egg
    • 3-4 chopped mushrooms of choice (optional)
    • oil for frying 

    Directions (makes 5-6 medium size patties)
    1. In a blender add 1 1/2 cups black beans, garlic, and onion.  Pulse until finely chopped.  Place in a bowl.
    2. Add the 1/2 cup reserved black beans and all remaining ingredients except the oil.
    3. Form into desired size patties.
    4. Heat oil in frying pan.
    5. Fry 3-5 minutes on each size or until browned and starting to crisp.  Do not over cook or they tend to get too soft and fall apart ;)
    6. I like to serve mine with a side of my nacho cheese dip.

    Monday, September 7, 2015

    Tomato, Chickpea, Cucumber, Avocado and Feta Salad with Basil Dressing

    Posted by whatsapp status on September 07, 2015 with No comments
    It has been a crazy hot labour day weekend here in Kingston.  It is definitely a salad kind of day. With all the tomatoes we have growing in the garden this recipe is a perfect way of enjoying these beautiful fruits.  The protein from the chickpeas and feta make this salad a main dish for dinner, lunch or well even breakfast if you prefer ;)
     Ingredients for Salad (serves 4-6)
    • 2 cups cooked chickpeas (see below for soaking and cooking beans/legumes)
    • 1 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
    • 1 cup diced cucumber
    • 2 diced avocados
    • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
    • 1-2 tablespoons fresh minced parsley
    Salad Dressing
    • 2 juiced limes
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1-2 tablespoons fresh basil
    • 1 clove garlic
    • sea salt to taste
    Directions
    1. Combine all salad ingredients into a bowl.
    2. Blend all salad dressing ingredients together with a blender.
    3. Pour salad dressing over salad ingredients.  
    4. Let sit for about 15-30 minutes.
    5. Serve!



    Soaking and Cooking Beans 

    Option 1-Pre-soak with Boiling
    1. In a large pot add dry beans, rinse with water and remove any poor looking beans.  Add enough water to full over the beans plus another 1-2 inches.
    2. Let soak for 6-8 hours on counter.
    3. Rinse beans and place in a large pot.  Add enough fresh water to cover the beans and simmer them for 30 minutes and then check to see if they are tender but still firm. If cooking kidney beans to let them boil for 10 minutes and then simmer (to reduce the Phytohaemagglutini) 
    4. Once cooked either use right away or rinse with cold water and place in freezer safe containers.
    Option 2-Quicker-Doubled Boiled 
    1. In a large pot dry beans, rinse with water and remove any poor looking beans. 
    2. Add enough fresh water to completely cover the beans plus another 1-2 inches.  Bring pot to a boil and turn off and let sit for 1 hour. If cooking kidney beans to let them boil for 10 minutes and then simmer (to reduce the Phytohaemagglutini) 
    3. Rinse beans again and add enough fresh water to completely cover the beans plus another 1-2 inches to the pot and bring to a boil.  Tilting the lid a little let the beans simmer for 1 -2 hours depending on the bean.  Check frequently to ensure they are tender but still firm.  You don't want to over cook your beans.
    4. Once cooked either use right away or rinse with cold water and place in freezer safe containers.
    _______________________________________________________________________________
    *Beans that don't require soaking, just cook for approximately 30 minutes

    • Black beans
    • Black-Eyed Peas
    • Lentils

    Saturday, August 8, 2015

    Zucchini, Sausage, Tomato Garden Stew (Gluten Free)

    Posted by whatsapp status on August 08, 2015 with No comments
    Although it is summer, I enjoy this stew now and in the cooler seasons.  It is a great blend of garden vegetables and herbs.  I don't use a broth as I find the sausage, spices and herbs add lots of flavour. This is a quick stew to make on the stove but can also be combined into the crock pot for about 4 hours on high.

    Ingredients (serves 6-8)

    • 1 pound organic, gluten free sausage chopped
    • 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 diced onion
    • 3 cloves minced garlic
    • 1 cup diced tomatoes
    • 1 jar tomato puree (or more diced tomatoes)
    • 1-2 cups water (depending on desired consistency and freshness of tomatoes)
    • 2 cups diced zucchini (green or yellow)
    • 4 diced carrots
    • 2 cups chopped spinach or kale
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 2 bay leaves
    • 1/4 cup fresh shredded basil
    • 1/3 cup fresh shredded cilantro
    Directions
    1. In a large pot heat oil.  Fry onion until clear and soft (3 minutes,) add garlic and sausage.  
    2. Continue to stir and fry until sausage is browned.
    3. Add tomatoes, puree, water, zucchini, carrots, kale, salt, pepper, cayenne and bay leaves.
    4. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 15 minutes or until carrots are tender.
    5. Add basil and cilantro.  Cook another 3-5 minutes.
    6. Remove bay leaves.
    7. Serve.



    Monday, August 3, 2015

    Nacho Chicken Salad (Dairy, Gluten and Grain Free)

    Posted by whatsapp status on August 03, 2015 with No comments
    Another quick meal which has used up a lot of garden ingredients.  This is a hearty salad, that can be eaten as a full meal.  The cashews in the dressing, as well as the chicken add some needed protein for energy throughout the day.  We enjoyed this recipe and hope you do as well.


    Nacho Dressing Ingredients

    • 1/2 cup raw cashews
    • 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
    • 1/2 cup water 
    • 2 teaspoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
    Salad Ingredient Options

    • 1-2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
    • lettuce of choice (spinach, kale, leaf or mixed)
    • tomatoes
    • cucumber
    • avocado
    • bell peppers
    • nasturtiums




    Some of our Nasturtiums (edible flowers which also help keep garden pests away)





    Thursday, July 2, 2015

    Stir Fried Greens -Simple and Clean

    Posted by whatsapp status on July 02, 2015 with No comments
    One of our favourite ways to eat greens is to simply pan steam or fry them up.  My oldest has planted rainbow swiss chard in her garden which we have been enjoying these last few weeks.  We have also substituted beet greens or kale in this recipe.

    Ingredients (serves 4)

    • 1 tablespoons bacon fat, olive oil or ghee or 1/4 cup broth
    • 2-3 minced cloves garlic
    • 1 diced onion
    •  6-8 cups chopped swiss chard, kale, beet greens, spinach or any other leafy green of choice
    • pinch sea salt

    Directions
    1. Heat a wok or large frying pan with broth or oil.
    2. Add onion and fry for 3-5 minutes, add garlic and fry another minute or until fragrant.
    3. Add leafy greens and sea salt. Steam/fry for 5 minutes or until greens are at desired texture.
    4. Enjoy!

    Friday, April 17, 2015

    Baked Falafel (Dairy, Gluten and Egg Free)

    Posted by whatsapp status on April 17, 2015 with No comments
    Okay so traditional falafels are fried, however I do prefer them baked, a little less oil in the diet and of course I can put it in the oven and leave them while I make something else.  I am also thinking of multi-tasking ;)
    These falafels are full of flavour.  We enjoy them with a large salad and some creamy dressing.
     Ingredients (makes approximately 8-10 balls)
    • 1 1/2 cup cooked garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil 
    • 1-2 clove garlic depending on taste
    • 3-4 sprigs chives or 1/4 chopped onion
    • 1/2 lemon juiced
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 1/2 teaspoon coriander or 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
    • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
    • cayenne pepper to taste

    Directions
    1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
    2. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and grind into a thick meal or dough.  Set in fridge for an hour to bring combine the flavours. (Optional)
    3. Roll into ball and flatten a little.  Place on baking sheet.
    4. Bake in oven for 30 minutes flipping once in between.

    Monday, February 23, 2015

    Wild Rice and Mushrooms

    Posted by whatsapp status on February 23, 2015 with No comments
    I am a huge fan of wild rice and so are the girls.  I love the texture and heartiness, if that is even a word.  Wild rice is high in protein, B vitamins and fiber.  It is actually not even a rice but rather a grass, or the seed of a grass.  I find this recipe to be rather versatile.  We like to mix in a variety or vegetables, but keep in the mushrooms.  The girls like it with a little bit of shredded on cheese on top but it isn't necessary to make this a delicious entree or side dish.
    Ingredients

    • 4 cups water (or combination of broth and water)
    • 1 cup wild rice
    • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 cup diced green beans, okra, spinach, kale or broccoli (optional)
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 cloves minced garlic
    • 1 diced onion
    • 1 pound cremini mushrooms
    • 1 cup diced green beans, okra or broccoli (optional)
    • 1/4 cup chopped parsley or cilantro
    • shredded Swiss cheese (optional)

    Directions
    1. In a medium pot add rice, broth/water and salt.  Bring to a boil and simmer at a low boil for 15 minutes.
    2. Add green vegetable (beans/okra, spinach, kale or broccoli) to the rice pot and continue to simmer another 15 minutes or until rice is cooked.
    3. In a small frying pan heat oil.  Add onions and fry until clear about 3-5 minutes.  Add garlic and mushrooms.  Fry for another 5 minutes.
    4. Add mushrooms cooked mushrooms etc. to the rice pot.  
    5. Stir together to combine.  Continue to cook until vegetables are tender and rice is cooked.
    6. Stir in cilantro and serve with cheese on top if preferred.

    Thursday, January 8, 2015

    Shredded Kale, Sweet Potato and Beet Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

    Posted by whatsapp status on January 08, 2015 with No comments
    Kale salad is definitely a family favourite over here. Even though this recipe takes a little extra preparation, I did enjoy the addition of the roasted vegetables, as they make this salad a little heartier. 

    The lime cilantro dressing is nice and fresh with a bit of sweet.  As I have mentioned before, cilantro plays a important role in removing heavy metals and other toxins from our bodies.  It is also high in folic-acid, vitamin C and A. Although my girls definitely prefer my Maple Balsamic Dressing they did enjoy this one as well.  We hope you do too.

    Ingredients
    For the Salad:
    • 4-5 cups shredded kale
    • 1 medium size sweet potato, peeled and diced
    • 2 beets, peeled and finely diced
    • 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
    • 1/4 cup sesame seeds
    For the Dressing:
    • 1 juiced lime
    • 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1/2 tablespoon honey or agave


    Directions
    1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
    2. In an oven safe dish add beets and coat with a little olive oil. Roast for 10 minutes.  In the mean time coat the sweet potatoes with olive oil.
    3. Add sweet potatoes to beet dish and roast another 20 minutes or until at desired consistency.  Set aside.
    4. Combine all remaining salad ingredients and add roasted beets and sweet potatoes.
    5. Puree all dressing ingredients.  The dressing can be added ahead of time to allow the kale to break down or set aside and use as desired.



    Wednesday, November 5, 2014

    Curried Cabbage with Cashews (Gluten and Dairy Free)

    Posted by whatsapp status on November 05, 2014 with No comments
    Ta da, another recipe for that large cabbage that is sitting in your crisper.
    I can't claim to have created this recipe but have adapted it from Washington's Green Grocer.   It is really delicious and so easy to make.  I love cabbage at this time of year because it is so fresh and full of vitamin C which is great for the start of cold/flu season.
    Ingredients (makes 4 side dishes)

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil, coconut oil, ghee or grass-fed organic butter
    • 1 teaspoon curry
    • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
    • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
    • 1/2 medium size cabbage diced into bite size pieces
    • 1/3 cup cashews (I used raw, unsalted)
    • salt and pepper to taste


    Directions
    1. In a large frying pan or wok on medium heat add oil/butter.
    2. Add curry, turmeric and cumin.  Fry for 30 seconds to bring out their flavours.
    3. Add cashews and cabbage.   Fry for 10-12 minutes until cabbage is soft, stirring frequently.
    4. Serve.


    Sunday, October 19, 2014

    Cabbage, Beef and Tomato Stew (Gluten and MSG Free)

    Posted by whatsapp status on October 19, 2014 with No comments
    There is nothing like a stew on a cold day.  This cabbage stew is definitely a comfort food for me.  It is very easy to make and tastes great as leftovers as well.  I prefer to use my own stock/broth as I am sure it is MSG free, but there may be a few other brands out there. We like it with okra, but you could add in peppers, potatoes or many other favourite vegetables. Cabbage and tomatoes are in abundance right now making this a great fall recipe.
    I hope you enjoy this as much as we do!

    Ingredients

    • 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 pound stewing or ground beef
    • 1 diced onion
    • 2 cloves minced garlic
    • 2 cups diced tomatoes (or 1 cup diced with 1 cup tomato puree)
    • 1/2 large diced cabbage 
    • 4 cups homemade or MSG free broth
    • 3 diced carrots
    • 3 stalks diced celery
    • 1 cup diced okra (optional)
    • sea salt and pepper to taste
    • handful fresh parsley


    Directions
    1. In a large pot or dutch oven heat oil and fry onions for 3 minutes.
    2. Add garlic and beef and cook until beef is brown.
    3. Add all remaining ingredients (except parsley.)
    4. Bring to boil then turn to low and simmer 45 minutes.
    5. Add parsley and cook another 5 minutes.
    6. Serve.


    Monday, September 15, 2014

    Nacho "Cheese" Zucchini Noodles (Dairy, Gluten and Grain Free)

    Posted by whatsapp status on September 15, 2014 with No comments
    We have an abundant amount of zucchini in the garden so we have been eating it in various ways.  This is definitely a delicious recipe uses my Nacho "Cheese" Sauce which eats like a meal.
    Ingredients for Sauce (serves 3-4)


  • 3/4 cup raw cashews
  • 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1/3 cup water (or more for a sauce)
  • 2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt


  • Directions
    1. Place all ingredients into a blender and puree until smooth.
    2. Add more water if needed depending on desired consistency and use.

    Prepare Zucchini (uses 1 medium/large size zucchini)
    1. Slice zucchini into very thin strips.  I used a mandolin but I am sure you could use a knife to make very thin circles or strips.
    2. Place Zucchini into a frying pan with a bit of oil.   At a low heat, add sauce and cook until zucchini is at desired consistency.  
    3. Serve.


    Monday, July 14, 2014

    Chana Masala (Dairy, Gluten and MSG Free)

    Posted by whatsapp status on July 14, 2014 with No comments
    I have been craving Indian food and figured it was time I made a good dish of my own.   My sister was over this weekend and gave me a few suggestions as to what she puts in her curry dishes.  I am a big fan of chickpeas so I made mine into a chana masala.   I was able to alter one I have been working on and am very pleased with the results.  This recipe can definitely be adapted in terms of spices.  I would have preferred a little more heat but that would not have gone over well with the girls ;)  We have made this dish already a couple times and it has been enjoyed by all.
    Ingredients (serves 4)
    • 2 cups water or coconut milk
    • 1/2 cup cashews
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 minced onion
    • 2 minced cloves garlic
    • 1/2 tablespoon ground coriander
    • 1 teaspoon cumin 
    • 1 teaspoon curry powder
    • 1 teaspoon garam masala (red dye free)
    • chili and/or cayenne pepper to taste
    • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
    • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
    • 2 cups cooked chickpeas
    • 1 diced tomato
    • 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
    • 1 limed juiced
    • 1/4 cup cilantro

    Directions
    1. Place cashews blender with coconut milk or water and puree until smooth.  Set aside
    2. In a large wok or frying pan heat oil.
    3. Fry onions until soft and add garlic, coriander, cumin, curry, garam masala, chili powder/cayenne and fry another minute to bring our flavours.
    4. Add tomato paste, sea salt, diced tomato, pureed cashews, chickpeas, diced tomato and kale/spinach.
    5. Cook until bubbling and then simmer for 5 minutes.  Stirring frequently.
    6. When ready to serve stir in lime juice and cilantro.



    Thursday, July 10, 2014

    Baked Chicken, Spinach and Mushroom Pasta (Gluten and MSG Free with a Diary Free Option)

    Posted by whatsapp status on July 10, 2014 with No comments
    This is a pretty simple dish that can be arranged ahead of time and then baked when needed.  If using rice pasta, I would not bake too far in advance as the pasta can get hard if left too long in the fridge.  I have used this casserole as a way to use up some left over chicken and other vegetables I have on hand.

    Ingredients
    • 16 oz uncooked rice pasta (I like to use Tinkyada)
    • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 2 minced cloves garlic
    • 1 diced onion
    • 2-3 cups cubed chicken (breasts or thighs)
    • 1 can organic tomato paste
    • 1/2-1 cup water
    • 1/4 cup minced fresh basil or 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • 2 teaspoon chili powder (or to taste)
    • 2 cups diced mushrooms
    • 2 cups spinach
    • 1-11/2 cups shredded cheese or daiya cheese
    • sea salt and pepper to taste

    Directions
    1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
    2. In a large pot cook pasta according to directions and place in a large oven safe deep dish. (I used a large corningware dish.)
    3. In a large wok, or pot heat oil and saute onions until translucent.  Add garlic and cook another minute.  Add chicken and cook until no longer pink.
    4. Add tomato paste, basil, chili powder, mushrooms, salt and pepper.  Cook until bubbling and bring down to medium-low heat.  
    5. Stir in spinach.
    6. Pour onto pasta.
    7. Cover with shredded cheese (daiya) if desired.
    8. Bake for 30-40 minutes until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbling.



    Tuesday, May 13, 2014

    Quinoa Taco Salad (Dairy, Gluten/Grain and MSG Free)

    Posted by whatsapp status on May 13, 2014 with No comments
    I am loving my home-made taco seasoning, as I don't need to worry about the MSG.  I am enjoying a few different ways to use the great combinations of the spices.  This is an alternative version of a typical taco salad, however it doesn't disappoint.  It is full of protein and fresh vegetables.

    Ingredients 
    • 1 cup quinoa (soaked for 2 minutes and rinsed to remove bitter saponin coating)
    • 2 cups water
    • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
    • 1/2 cup chopped cooked chicken (optional)
    • 1 diced tomato
    • 1 cup diced bell pepper
    • 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
    • 1 chopped avocado
    • 1/4 cup salsa -this is one of our favourites (optional)


    Directions
    1. In a small pot add quinoa, water, taco seasoning and chicken if you using it.  Bring to a boil and then turn to a medium heat and cook another 10 minutes or until quinoa is tender.  Stir every few minutes.
    2. In medium size bowl combine tomatoes, pepper and parsley.
    3. Add cooked quinoa to vegetable bowl and stir to combine.
    4. Add avocado and salsa when serving.  This salad can be eaten warm or cold.




    Sunday, April 27, 2014

    Kedgeree; Curried Fish, Rice and Egg (Dairy and Gluten Free)

    Posted by whatsapp status on April 27, 2014 with No comments
    I have recently been exploring old recipes as they use real foods.  I discovered Kedgeree and love it.  From what I understand, Kedgeree was typically a breakfast food, as it used up leftovers and provided energy for the day ahead.
     This dish originated in India and was brought to the United Kingdom as early as the 1400's. Kedgeree is often made with a smoked Haddock but other fish can be substituted.  I used salmon but definitely think you could use cod, halibut, tilapia either fresh, frozen or leftover;)

    Ingredients (serves 6)

    • 2 hard boiled eggs
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 diced onion
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 450 g (approximately) fish of choice
    • 3 cups water + more if needed
    • 2 teaspoons curry powder
    • salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
    • 1 1/2 cups white rice (I like to use a Jasmine Rice)

    Directions
    1. In a medium size pot boil fish in water until cooked, approximately 8 minutes.
    2. Remove fish and reserve the fish water from the pot and set aside
    3. In the pot heat oil and cook onion for 3-5 minutes, add garlic and curry and fry another minute.
    4. Measure reserved fish water and add water if needed to get 3 cups total.  Add to pot with onions.  
    5. Add rice and cook on a medium to low heat until rice is cooked (approximately 15 minutes.)
    6. Chop fish and eggs and set aside in a separate bowl.
    7. Add parsley, lemon juice, salt and pepper to the fish and eggs.
    8. Stir to full combine.
    9. Add fish mixture the the rice and stir to combine.
    10. Serve warm or cold.