Tag Archives: basil

Beluga Lentils + Fava Bean Puree

Standard

Image

Sometimes I go to the grocery store with a specific grocery list based on recipes that I’d like to make that week. And sometimes, well, honestly I’m just not the organized and I wing it. Last week, I went to Central Market here in Houston which is a specialty store run by the Texas chain HEB and I winged it.  Central Market is a foodie paradise. You want it, they’ve got it. Didn’t know you wanted it, they’ve got it!

On this day, the store was featuring all things Italian. They had a special produce section with the most interesting and unusual vegetables. And when I spotted the fava beans, my heart skipped a beat. No lie. Fresh fava beans are something you rarely see in a grocery store. If you are lucky, you can find them in the late spring at a good farmers market.

Read the rest of this entry

Spaghetti Squash Pancakes + Fresh Tomato Sauce

Standard

Image

Ever just crave spaghetti squash? I do. It’s not something I eat all the time, but when I’m in the mood, it’s the best. Usually I steam it and serve it with a marinara sauce loaded with vegetables. That’s exactly what I did this week. But I had quite a bit of squash leftover, so I decided to make pancakes the second night.

I made a fresh tomato sauce to go on top. I love making this in the summer with yummy fresh tomatoes and basil. I made it first so the tomatoes could marinate while I made the squash pancakes. I sauteed some fresh spinach and made a balsamic reduction also. Sounds like a lot of steps, but it really was easy.

Read the rest of this entry

Two Potato Salad

Standard

Image

I’m a potato salad freak. I love it. But, it’s hardly ever vegan. It’s usually loaded with heavy mayo and eggs. Not my thing. So I came up with this version and I get to be freaky in love with it.

I think my passion for potato salad goes back to when I was a kid. I’m pretty sure my grandmother thought it was an important food group for growing children. She was so happy whenever she saw how much I loved potato salad. Looking back, it was kind of weird, but in a sweet way.

Well, this recipe couldn’t be easier. Steam potatoes, chop a few veggies, toss it with vegan mayo and some seasonings. The secret ingredients are a little white wine and fresh thyme. I think it works and is way healthier than the mayo/eggy stuff you usually get.

Read the rest of this entry

Pineapple Basil Slushie

Standard

Image

I crave it. You get to read about it. Really wanted this today. It’s getting pretty warm down here in Houston, and this little drink made me so happy.

Also, our basil plants are finally doing well. So every time I look outside they seem to be calling my name…”Hey you, foodie yoga girl, do something creative with us.”

Read the rest of this entry

Thai Vegetable Soup

Standard

Image

Look at all that gorgeous produce! That’s not even half of what I put into this yummy soup. I stuck my head in the fridge and just started grabbing things. I love to keep lots of fresh veggies available. Chances are they will be going into juice, salads, stir fries, you name it.

I was so excited when I found patty pan squash at a produce market this weekend. Yeah, I know it pretty much tastes just like yellow squash, but it’s so cute. And it was the inspiration for this recipe.

I sauteed onions, garlic, carrots, patty pan and zucchini squash, mushrooms, spinach and fresh ginger in coconut oil. I steamed some sweet potato and added that to the mixture. Then I poured veggie broth and coconut water over the whole thing and seasoned it with a Thai seasoning blend from Penzeys. To serve, I topped the soup with fresh cilantro, basil and lime juice.

Read the rest of this entry