greens

In 2011, I moved from the lush greenery of Olympia, an hour south of Seattle, to Philadelphia, one of the densest cities in America. Never in my life had I seen so much brick, so much pavement, and so little green space. I loved the city—I moved there to pursue opportunities that weren’t available in a smaller town. But I missed the green. And something about that made me suddenly interested in healthy eating. If I couldn’t have much green foliage around me, at least I could have some on my plate.

Soups and stews are the quintessential winter dishes. Warming and often slow cooking, they are perfect for any chilly evening. But every now and then, we require a meal both hot and delicious, while also fast-cooking and nourishing. Enter peanut miso soup with greens and tofu.

While others curse its arrival in spring, I applaud it. The spunky little dandelion is a first flower for nectar-hunting honeybees. It pains me to see homeowners yank it from their yards, not only because they are eradicating an important food source for pollinating insects, but because the little plants can offer so much before their fluffy seeds are scattered to the wind!

If you are in search of a balanced, nutritious dish, then look no further. Comprised of a protein, grain, and greens, Buddha bowls are your answer to a well-rounded meal. Why the name? While this bowl has been called many things, the name “Buddha bowl” refers to the shape. Packed to the brim with some of earth's finest ingredients, the rounded top is compared to that of Buddha's belly. And I assure you it will make your belly just as happy!