Tropical Grapefruit Salad

Tropical Grapefruit Salad

This deceptively looking light salad is quite filling. You may serve it on butter lettuce leaves for an even more elegant presentation. Serves about 4.

• 1-1/4 c. grated Coconut

• 2 tsp. organic Tamari sauce

• 2 Tbs. organic Lime Juice

• 2 Tbs. Water

• 2 tsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 1 organic Garlic clove, halved

• 1 organic White Onion, finely chopped

• 1 large Ruby Grapefruits, peeled and segmented

• 1 c. organic Alfalfa Sprouts

Toast coconut in a dry skillet over low heat, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a bowl.

Add Tamari sauce, lime juice and water to the coconut and mix well.

Heat olive oil on medium in a sauté pan for 1 minute.  Add garlic and onion, and stir until softened. Remove and discard garlic.  Add onions to coconut mixture.

Arrange grapefruit segments among 4 plates.

grapefruit coconut salad

Sprinkle each with alfalfa sprouts and spoon the coconut mixture on top.

~ Bon Apetit! ♥

Hoda's Lentil Salad

Lentils have been a staple, like rice, in the Middle East, for many centuries.  Eaten together, they offer a low-fat, nutritious source of complete protein, fiber, iron and other essential minerals.

Glycemic Values

The glycemic index gives us the impact of carbs on our blood sugar levels; the higher a rating, the more it spikes your blood sugar. On a scale where 100 is pure sugar (glucose), white rice has a GI of 64, while lentils are low on the index at 29.

This salad is full of fiber and flavor.

• 2 c. boiled organic Brown Lentils

• 3 organic Scallions, chopped

• 1/2 c. organic Flat Leaf Parsley, chopped

• 1 Tbs. virgin Olive Oil

• 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt

• 1/2 tsp. Allspice

• 1/4 tsp. Cinnamon

• dash of Black pepper

• Splash of lemon juice (opt.)

Mix all together.  Let sit 15 minutes to blend flavors.  Stir and enjoy served in romaine lettuce leaf boats.

~ Sahtein (double health)! ♥

Hello Brussels. Why so Bitter?

The Case of the  Brussels Sprout

This is not the story of a boy from Brussels and how he wound up in Court....

This is the story of a Sprout accused of being bitter and unfriendly.  The first mention of this sprout is traced to the late 16th century. It is thought to be native to Belgium, specifically to a region near Brussels, after which it was named.

This Sprout is a member of the Brassica family and therefore related to Broccoli and Cabbage. Don't be fooled by its size however! Watch what you say because a Sprout grows up with a bunch of 20 to 40 other Sprouts, on the stem of a plant that grows as high as three feet tall!

These miniature-sized vegetables contain the largest content of anticancer phytochemical compounds such as glucosinolates. Like broccoli, the indole-3-carbinol has been found to reduce cancer growth especially for estrogen dependent cancers (e.g. uterine, breast, cervical).

brussel sprouts

In order to plead the case for this Sprout I lay before you the following:

Character Traits *

• Brussels sprouts can help us avoid chronic, excessive inflammation

• You'll find nearly 100 studies in PubMed (the health research database at the National Library of Medicine in Washington, D.C.) that are focused on Brussels sprouts, and over half of those studies involve the health benefits of this cruciferous vegetable in relationship to cancer

• They provide us with this cholesterol-lowering benefit whether they are raw or cooked. When the cholesterol-lowering ability of steamed Brussels sprouts was compared with the cholesterol-lowering ability of the prescription drug cholestyramine, Brussels sprouts bound 27% as many bile acids

• The fiber content of Brussels sprouts: 4 grams in every cup makes this cruciferous vegetable a natural choice for digestive system support.

• The detox support provided by Brussels sprouts is extensive. There is evidence from human studies that enzyme systems in our cells required for detoxification of cancer-causing substances can be activated by compounds found in Brussels sprouts.

* HealthDiaries.com: 11 Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts

It Takes Proper Cooking to Bring Out the Sprout's Goodness!

Perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts have a crisp, dense texture and a slightly sweet, bright, and "green" taste. Steaming the Sprouts increases their health benefit potency.

Steam them

Bring a scant 1/2 inch salted water to boil in a large frying pan or saute pan. Add Brussels sprouts, cover, and cook until sprouts are tender to the bite and water has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes (depending on how crisp you like them).

In a Steamer Basket:  Bring about an inch of water to a boil in the bottom of a pot into which your steamer basket or insert fits. Put cleaned Brussels sprouts in the steamer basket, set over the boiling water, cover, and steam until tender to the bite, about 5-7 minutes.

You can toss them with Olive or Coconut Oil, salt and pepper; garlic and lemon; or with Pasta Sauce!

Roast them

brussel-sprouts, roaste

• 1 1/2 lbs. organic Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed and yellow leaves discarded

• 2 Tbs. virgin Olive Oil

• 1 tsp. Sea Salt

• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground Black Pepper

• 1 tsp. Paprika

• 1/2 tsp. organic Garlic Powder or 2 cloves well mashed

• 4 Tbs. lemon juice

Rinse Sprouts trim off ends and place in a large bowl. Blend the spices together with the oil and lemon. Pour this over the sprouts and toss until well coated.

Place in oven proof dish or cookie sheet lined with parchment, and roast at 400ºF for 35 minutes or until lightly golden.

Braise them

Braising, or slow cooking in liquid on the stove, is a great way to elicit Brussels sprouts' natural, nutty flavor.

Middle-Eastern Fava Bean Stew with Rice (Broadbeans)

Fava beans, also known as Broad-beans and very popular in Middle Eastern cooking, are dense with nutrition. Fava beans have no saturated fat or cholesterol and offer a healthy dose of thiamin, vitamin K, vitamin B-6, potassium, copper, selenium, zinc and magnesium. They are also a source of lean protein.

Fava beans can be served raw or cooked.  The bean pods are usually discarded, but if young and tender you may blanch them before adding to a dish. The beans themselves can be served in their skin if young and tender, or shelled before eating.

A serving of cooked or fresh Fava beans can significantly increase your intake of folate, iron, manganese and dietary fiber.

This traditional Lebanese recipe is a meal-in-a-pot. It is cooked with home-preserved beef during winter months.  You may omit the beef for a vegetarian version.

But besides being an excellent cool weather meal, it can be served at room temperature on warm days.  Add a protein and salad.

Fava Bean Stew with Rice

• 2 Tbs. Coconut oil mixed with 1 Tbs. e.v. Olive Oil

• 1/2 c. organic Onion, chopped

• 2 cups of shelled, fresh Fava Beans, leave inner skins on if tender

• 1/2 c. each organic Brown Basmati and Wild Rice

• 1/4 c. organic Brown or French Lentils

• 2 c. Hot Water or warm Broth or brewed Green Tea

• 12 tsp. Sea Salt

• 1 tsp. Cinnamon

• 1 tsp. Allspice

• Pinch of Saffron (opt.)

Place oils in a 1-1/2 qt. pot over medium-low heat.  Wait 3 minutes, then add onions. Turn heat to medium, and cook onions, stirring, until translucent.

Add Fava Beans and rest of ingredients.  Turn heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.

Cover, and cook on low heat until rice and beans are tender, and liquid is absorbed, about 30-35 minutes. If needed, add a little more liquid, cover and cook until done.

Enjoy alongside a fresh green salad served with a lemon-vinegar-garlic dressing.

~ Sahtein (souble health)! ♥

The Most Delicious Non-dairy Ice Cream!

Two new yummy words: ASHTA and MASTIC GUM.

Ashta is the creamy foundation of many Lebanese Desserts. It is made with either dry milk, or for a richer flavor half and half. It is used as a filling in shredded phyllo desserts, and in pastry. It is also served as a dessert with nuts, or frozen.

Lebanese Ice Cream

Lebanese ice cream contains mastic gum, which lends it a gelato-like texture. It comes in a myriad of flavors and is served in narrow cones.

Mastic Gum

This is a resin made from the pistacia lentiscus tree. The mastic plant originated in the Mediterranean nations in the south of Europe, northern portions of Africa, and the Middle East. The gum has a variety of uses in cooking, art, and alternative medicine.

For cooking, mastic gum requires boiling in hot water or another liquid, because the hardened resin will not dissolve in cold water. It comes in 'crystals' and can be crushed into a powder to add to puddings.

mastic gum

• 1 pint organic Vanilla Plant-based Ice Cream

• 1/4 c. Orange Blossom water

• 1/4 c. Rose water

• 1 c. finely chopped Pistachios

• 1/2 tsp. crushed Mastic gum

Crush the Mastic gum in a mortar and pestle till it becomes very fine (powdery).

Transfer ice cream to a bowl.  Add the flavored waters, mastic and 3/4 of the pistachios.

Mix well, but quickly so as not to melt the ice cream.

Transfer to a glass baking dish. Sprinkle remaining pistachios on top. Cover with wax paper and freeze for 2 hours or overnight.

You may cut into squares and store in a freezable container. 

Lentil Mash and Kale Salad

• 4 Tbs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 1-1/2 c. organic White Onion, chopped

• 1/4 c. organic California Basmati Rice

• 1-1/2 c. hot Green Tea (or boiled Water)

• 3 c. Sprouted Organic Lentils (or parboiled Regular Lentils)

• 1 tsp. Pink Sea Salt (or to taste)

Cumin for garnish is optional.

Heat olive oil in a 1 quart pot over medium heat.  Add onions and sauté for 10 minutes stirring occasionally, until golden. Add tea or water and salt. Simmer on low for 5 minutes.

Add lentils and rice, cover and simmer for 20 minutes if using sprouted lentils (35 minutes if using regular lentils). Stir occasionally so bottom does not stick to pot.

You may need to add a little more water if it looks too dry.  The consistency should be like thick oatmeal. You may use the back of a large spoon to mash some of the lentils for a creamier texture.

Taste, and adjust salt. Sprinkle lightly with cumin if desired.

Accompany the lentils with my Kale salad.

Kale, Tomato and Parsley Salad

• 3 c. organic Kale, chopped

• 1 organic Tomato, diced

• 2 organic Green Onions, chopped

• 1 c. chopped organic Parsley

• 1/4 c. chopped organic Mint

• Juice of 2 Lemons

• 1/2 tsp. Cumin

• 3 Tbs. extra virgin Olive Oil

• 1 tsp. Pink Sea Salt

Mix it all together.

Lime Coconut Cream for Citrus Almond Cake

Make 1 recipe of the Almond Citrus Cake, and bake in a 9" Spring-form pan.

While it cools, make the topping.

Lime Coconut Cream

• 1 15oz. can Coconut Cream (not milk)

• 1-1/2 Tbs. Lime juice or 1 tsp. organic Lime zest (optional)

• 1 tsp. Pure Vanilla extract (2 tsp. if you don't use Lime)

• 2 Tbs. Pure Maple Syrup

• 1/4 c. toasted Cashews or Hazelnuts, crushed

Refrigerate can of Coconut Cream upside-down, for at least 3 hours or overnight.

When ready to use... flip can back upright, and open. Any liquid should be floating on top. Drain the liquid carefully using the lid, so you don't lose any cream.

1. In a dry metal bowl, beat cream with mixer for about 3-4 minutes or until it thickens and holds soft peaks.

2. Add the lime juice and extract and beat another minute.

3. Add maple syrup and beat again, until the consistency is what you desire.

4. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour.  The cream will thicken considerable when chilled.

5. Spread on cake and garnish with nuts and/or fruit of your choice.

If you have leftover cream:

1. Use to top fresh fruit, or in cocoa, or oatmeal

2. Mix in chopped fruit and chocolate chips and freeze for a summer treat!

Baked Southwestern Sweet Potato Cakes

Sweet potatoes are full of wonderful vitamins, are alkaline and help reduce blood sugar.

You can enjoy them several times a week cooked in various ways.  They're versatile enough to be in a stew, curry, veggie patty, served on their own, or in a dessert.

Baked Southwestern Sweet Potato Cakes

• 2 organic Sweet Potatoes (medium-large, not small)

• 15 oz. cooked organic Black Beans, drained

• 2 cloves organic Garlic, minced

• 3 organic Spring Onions, thinly sliced

• 3 Tbs. organic Red Onion, diced

• 2 Tbs. organic Parsley, chopped

• 2 Tbs. organic Cilantro, chopped

• 1 tsp. Cayenne Pepper

• ½ tsp. Cumin

• ½ tsp. Chili powder

• ½ tsp. Sea Salt

• 1 tsp. fresh organic Thyme, minced or ¼ tsp. dry

• 2 tsp. fresh Lime Juice

• Avocado or Olive oil for baking sheet.

Preheat oven to 425ºF.

Steam sweet potatoes in their skin, covered, until soft. Do not boil, as they lose flavor and will be too wet. Remove potatoes from pot, peel and mash in a medium bowl.

Place 1/2 the beans in food processor and blend. Add the rest of the beans, the garlic, onions, parsley, cilantro, and spices and lime. Stir by hand to combine.

Form mixture into 8 patties, just under 1/2" thick.

Southwestern Style Sweet Potato Cakes 1

Place patties on oiled baking sheet. Brush tops lightly with olive oil. Bake for 12 minutes, flip carefully and bake for another 10 minutes, or until browned.

Southwestern Style Sweet Potato Cakes 3

Serve topped with a fresh salsa (tomatoes, onions, cilantro, cucumber, lime or lemon juice and 2 Tbs. plain almond or coconut yogurt), or enjoy in a high-fiber gluten-free bun with condiments.

~ Cheers! ♥

Pink Coconut-Banana Cream Squares with Chocolate Chips

Natural, vegetable-derived food coloring is thankfully now available, but using actual fruit and veggie juice is even better. I save the liquid after cooking beets for a pink dessert. Use strong flavors to mask the beet taste.

This treat is super simple and actually good for you.

Pink Coconut-Banana Cream Squares

• 1 can Coconut Cream (not milk), refrigerated overnight

• 1 organic Banana, mashed

• 2 - 3 Tbs. liquid from boiling organic Beets

• 2 Tbs. Psyllium Husk (don't skip this, if unavailable use freshly ground flax seeds)

• 1 Tbs. Chicory Root Powder (or Coconut Palm Sugar)

• 1-1/2 tsp. Orange Blossom Water (in ethnic section of market)

• 1/2 c. Dark Chocolate Chips (or Carob chips for Vegan)

• Blueberries and/or Raspberries for topping

Drain liquid from coconut cream. Place cream in mixer bowl and beat on medium speed until fluffy, about 6 - 7 minutes.

Add mashed banana, and the rest of the ingredients. Beat for 2 more minutes until well mixed. Stir in Chocolate chips.
Pour into round remekins or a rectangular glass dish. (I don't recommend using metal pans for this dessert.)

Top with berries and cover tightly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve with more berries if desired.

Cheers! ♥

Broccoli-Carrot Slaw

Broccoli - Carrot Slaw

Lemon juice dresses one of my all-time favorite salads that I invented to get the kids to eat Broccoli! It also gets apple cider vinegar in their diet (wonderful health benefits).

Broccoli_Carrot Slaw

Recipe

• 6 c. organic Broccoli Slaw, or 4 cups chopped up organic Broccoli and 2 c. shredded carrots

• 1 c. organic Parsley, finely chopped

Dressing

• 2 medium organic Garlic cloves, mashed in mortar and pestle with 1/2 tsp. Pink Sea Salt

• 4 Tbs. Vegenaise

• 1-1/2 Tbs. Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar

• 1 Tbs. Lemon Juice

• 1/4 tsp. Black Pepper

• 1/2 tsp. Celery Seed (or you can add 1/2 c. fresh Celery, chopped

Combine veggies in a large bowl. 

In a small bowl whisk dressing ingredients until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning. Pour over veggies and toss to coat.

Note:  This is a light dressing, not meant to look like the thicker Slaw dressing we're used to. ~ Bon Apetit! ♥

Hot Cross Buns - Any Day of the Week!

Ever wonder why we seem to feel that traditional Holiday Fare must be served solely on their respective observed Holiday? Wouldn't it be wonderful to both awaken the energy held in said Holidays and enjoy the foods served, during other times of the year?

The dark chocolate chunks made this a dessert. Of course you're welcome to use a few raisins instead.

ChiPPY Hot Cross Buns

Dry Ingredients:

• 3¼ cups gluten-free flour (about 1 lb.).
  For the best results use a GF flour blend; 1-1/4 c. Sorghum flour 1-1/8 c. Gluten Free Oat Flour (e.g. Bob's Red Mill) 1/4 c. Potato Starch, generous 1/2 c. Almond Flour/Meal

• 2 Tbs. Coconut Palm Sugar or Birch Xylitol

• 2 Tbs. Apple Pectin (opt)

• 2½ tsp. Yeast

• 2½ tsp. Psyllium Husk powder

• 1 tsp. Ceylon Cinnamon

• 1 tsp. Pink Sea Salt

• ¼ tsp. each: Ginger, Cardamom, Nutmeg

• 3/4 c. Dark Chocolate Chips or 1/2 c. Raisins

Wet Ingredients:

• 1½ c. Almond Milk

• 3 Range Free Eggs

• 4 Tbs. organic, grass-fed Ghee, melted

• 2 tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract

Next day:

• 1/4 teaspoon Instant Yeast ( or regular yeast mixed with 1 Tbs. warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes)

• 1 Tbs. Warm Water

Egg Wash:

• Mix 1 large Egg with 1 Tbs. Almond or Coconut Milk

Method

1. Combine all dry ingredients (except fruit or chocolate chips)

2. Combine wet ingredients and then add to the mixed dry ingredients. Fold in fruit or chocolate chips.

3. After mixing dough thoroughly, cover tightly with wax paper, then a clean dish towel and refrigerate in a bowl overnight.

4. The next day: Dissolve the 1/4 teaspoon of instant yeast in the water. Stir this into the dough.

5. Grease two 8"x8" square or two 9" round pans with coconut oil, and place 8-9 balls of the dough into each pan. Preheat oven to 350º F.

6. Smooth out the tops of the buns and brush with the egg wash.

7. With a sharp knife, slice a shallow cross (+) in the top of each roll. Let them rest in a warm room (or 100 degree oven) for about 10-12 minutes.

8. Place baking pan in the center of the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating once during baking, until the buns are golden brown and firm to the touch.

9. Allow buns to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely... if you can wait that long!

No icing necessary, but you must try them warm with a smear of coconut oil and sprinkle of cinnamon.

Black Bean Salad

Black Bean Salad

• 4 c. cooked organic Black Beans, drained

• 1/2 c. organic sweet Onion, chopped

• 1/2 c. organic Cilantro, chopped

• 1/4 c. organic Mint, chopped

• 1/2 organic Serrano Chili Pepper chopped (opt.)

• 2 medium organic Tomatoes, chopped

• 2 organic Green Onions, chopped

• 4 Tbs. organic Apple Cider Vinegar (Bragg's is best)

• 2 Tbs. Lemon Juice

• 2 Tbs. Flax Seed Oil

• 1 Tbs. Olive Oil

• 1 tsp. Sea Salt

• 1/2 tsp. Cumin or more to taste

• Black Pepper

Mix everything together in a large bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning to your taste.

~ Bon Apetit! ♥

Nutty Crackers

My sweet daughter was born on the 4th of July.  She has lived up to the spirit of that day in both her energy and expression of pure joy.  I made these crackers of hthe 4th to go with several dips.

Nutty Crackers - Gluten Free

This recipe will make about 35 - 50 crackers depending on size.  I got fifty 1-1/2" diamonds.

nutty crackers baked

• 1/2 c. dry roasted Almonds, salted

• 1/2 c. Pecans

• 1/4 c. Walnuts

• 2 Tbs. Chia Seeds

• 2 Tbs. golden Flax Seeds

• 2 Tbs. black or regular Sesame Seeds

• 2 Tbs. Macadamia nut pieces

• 2 Tbs. Sunflower seeds

• 1/2 tsp. Black Pepper

• 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt

• 1 Free Range Egg

• 3 Tbs. Water

• TOPPINGS: anise seeds, sesame seeds, caraway seeds or flaked salt and black pepper

Preheat oven to 360°F.

Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper. Place all ingredients (except toppings) in a food processor.  Process until mixture has even grains, about 2 minutes.

Divine the dough into two, and place on parchment paper in the pans. Cover with another sheet of parchment paper to prevent rolling-pin from sticking.

Roll each ball out into a rectangle, turning the parchment paper in the pan to accommodate the rolling-pin. Roll quite thin (2 - 3 mm).

Use a sharp knife to cut into desired shape. I made a tray with diamond-shaped crackers and sesame seeds topping, and another that I hand pressed into rounds with anise seeds.

nutty cracker batter3

Mist with a little water to help your topping stick. Push the topping into the crackers lightly.

Bake for about 9-10 minutes, watching carefully after 8 minutes so they don't burn. Store in airtight container.  Will keep for 3-4 days.

Sprouted Lentils and Mung Beans

Low-fat proteins such as lentils are essential for growing, building, repairing and maimaintaining tissues in blood, skin, bone and muscle cells. Protein may be able to keep you full longer than carb or fatty foods, which is important if you’re watching your weight. And of course a diet high in fiber can help prevent colon and breast cancer.

I adapted this recipe to include both lentils and mung beans.

Sprouted Lentils and Mung Beans, Indian Style

• 2 c. sprouted organic brown Lentils

• 1/2 c. organic Mung Beans (soaked overnight)

• 2 tsp. extra virgin Olive Oil

• 3/4 c. organic Onion, chopped

• 1 green organic Chili Pepper (I use Serrano)

• A 1-inch piece of organic Ginger

• 1 Tbs. organic Cilantro, chopped

• 1/2 tsp. Cayenne Pepper

• 1/2 tsp. dried Coriander powder

• 3/4 tsp. Cumin

• 1/4 tsp. Black Pepper

• Pink Sea Salt to taste

• 1 to 1-1/2 c. hot Water

Heat a medium stainless steel pot over medium heat for 1 minute.  Add oil and wait another 1 minute.

Add onion and chili pepper and saute for 2 minutes. Add ginger and cilantro, stirring for 1 minute.

Add beans and spices and 1 cup hot water, stir, cover and simmer over medium-low for 15 minutes.

Press one of the beans between your fingers to make sure they are done, and add the last 1/2 c. of hot water if dry. Adjust seasoning, and serve hot or at room temperature.

Dark Chocolate Black Bean Bars

• 3/4 c. cold-pressed Coconut Oil

• 5 oz. 85% organic Dark Chocolate, broken into pieces

• 2 c. cooked organic Black Beans, drained

• 3 Tbs. organic raw Cocoa Powder

• 3 Tbs. Coconut Flakes (more to taste)

• 1 c. organic Walnuts, roughly chopped

• 1 pinch of Pink Sea Salt

• 2 Free Range Eggs

• 3 Tbs. freshly ground Golden Flax Seeds

• 2/3 c. Birch Xylitol or 1 c. Chicory Root powder

Preheat the oven to 325°F and line an 11-inch square or 8 x 11 baking pan with parchment paper.

Melt the coconut oil on low heat in a medium size pan, add dark chocolate pieces. Stir around until the chocolate is completely melted.

Chocolate Black Bean Bars

Put beans, cacao powder, coconut flakes and 1/2 cup of the walnuts in a blender or a food processor. Blend for one minute or until well chopped, then add the chocolate mixture and blend for one more minute, scraping down sides once.

Chocolate Black Bean Bars6

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes, add the flax seeds and xylitol and beat for one more minute.

Save 1 tablespoon of egg mixture in a separate cup and pour the rest into the chocolate and bean mixture and process just until incorporated.

Add remaining walnuts and dark chocolate and stir gently with a spatula to blend.

Chocolate Black Bean Bars7

Pour into the baking pan.

Drip the remaining egg mixture on top of the chocolate mixture and use a toothpick or a knife to create a marble effect.

Chocolate Black Bean Bars final

Bake for 25 - 30 minutes depending on size of pan. They might still feel a little soft in the middle when you test with a toothpick, but they will harden when they cool. These are decadently chocolaty!

You can spread a little no-sugar-added raspberry jam on top for variation.

~ Enjoy!  ♥

Roasted Vegetables with Tea Leaves

Roasted Rainbow Vegetables

8 Servings

Use Organic ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped Red Cabbage

• 1 cup coarsely chopped Onion

• 3 Zucchini, cut in half lengthwise and sliced 3/4" thick

• 3 Carrots, sliced 3/4" thick

• 1/2 large Eggplant, cut in chunks

• 2 cups Butternut Squash, cut in bite size chunks

• 2 Sweet Potatoes, cut in bite size chunks

• 7 -10 cloves Garlic, halved if large

• 2 Tbs. Green Tea leaves (reserved from making tea, or soaked)

• 2 Tbs. Olive Oil

• Pink Sea Salt

• Black Pepper

• 1 tsp. Caraway Seeds

• 1 tsp. Cayenne Pepper

Pre-heat oven to 425ºF.

Combine veggies in a large bowl with tea leaves. Add Olive oil and toss to coat thoroughly.

Sprinkle with the spices. Toss again until evenly coated with the spices. Spoon into a large ceramic or glass baking dish that has been lightly sprayed with Coconut or Olive oil.

Roast for 30 minutes, then flip with spatula and continue to roast for another 10-15 minutes or until carrots are tender. Adjust seasoning, and serve hot.

Coconut Cilantro Chutney

One of my sweet 30-something nephews came over for lunch today.  We hadn't really visited for some time since he lives an hour away. We caught each other up on news over chicken tacos, chicken Thai curry, whole wheat couscous, kale salad and spinach flat bread (I like eclectic meals).

I realized that I didn't have a chutney to serve, since most are so full of sugar I rarely buy them.  I came across this recipe... It goes very well with fish too, and takes just minutes to whip up.

Coconut Cilantro Chutney Recipe

GreenCoriander chutney

• 3/4 c. shredded unsweetened Coconut

• 3/4 c. fresh organic Cilantro, coarsely chopped

• 1 small seeded organic Serrano chili,  quartered

• 1/2 c. light coconut milk (or green tea)

• Juice of 1/2 organic Lime

• dash of Sea Salt

Place all but Lime juice in blender, or food processor, and pulse until consistency is almost smooth.

Pour into a bowl and mix in lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.

As a variation you may add 1 clove of garlic to veggies, or a 1/2 inch slice of ginger.

Makes about 1 cup of chutney.

~ āp kā khānā svādiṣṭa ho! ♥