Vegetarian

Brown rice, the simple ingredient I base most of my home-cooked meals on, is amazing. And we all know about other grains that are trendy in America, like quinoa and couscous. But there are so many other options that can add interest to meals, or work for those who have food allergies to more popular grains. Whether you’ve never heard of some of these or just haven’t tried them yet, here’s the lowdown on different grains you can try this year.

Seaweed is often touted as some of the most nutrient dense food in the world. Seaweed has been used for centuries in the Far East and India, but only in the late 20^th Century did it become popular in the United States where its primary introduction was during the health food trend in the 1970s. Today it is a popular addition to sushi. Seaweed is a term that defines many plants that grow in the ocean. Kelp is one of these.

Looking for a gluten-free quiche crust recipe? Search no further and file this gem away for safe keeping, but don’t forget to share it with your friends first. No matter what the filling, this flavorful crust will be a welcome complement to any savory egg custard you can imagine. Using what is on hand this winter season, I wanted to combine the sweet taste of sautéed leeks and shallots with the more robust flavor of Roquefort bleu cheese. It is a match made in heaven.  This hearty vegetarian quiche will be the hit at your next brunch!

Dough

½ cup Oat Flour

Nothing can warm your insides quite like a good bowl of split pea soup! The potatoes and carrots in this recipe create a hearty meal while the garlic, onion and seasonings blend with the peas for a rich and delicious flavor. You can also feel good about getting a large serving of veggies, since the peas alone have high levels of vitamins C, A and protein! 

Split Pea Soup (Vegan)

*Serves 6-8 people

Ingredients:

3 cups split peas, dried

7 cups vegetable stock (or water)

2 teaspoons salt

Gyoza is a pan-fried dumpling from Japan, similar to pot-stickers, that commonly has a filling of protein, vegetables and spices. This recipe has been veganized by adding in some fried tofu instead of the traditional meat for the filling, but you could put any type of protein or flavor combinations that you like. The green onion, garlic and chili peppers give this recipe a traditional taste that goes well with your favorite teriyaki or soy dipping sauce.

Gyoza Dumplings (Vegan)

*Makes about 40

Ingredients:

In a family with gluten, dairy, soy, egg, and nut intolerances, indulging in creamy anything is quite rare. My oldest son and I are big soup lovers, though, and he especially loves creamy soups, so I’ve tried my hand at several vegan recipes using coconut milk, but we just aren’t always in the mood for the subtle taste of coconut. I’ve discovered that with enough olive oil in the cooking process, and by roasting the veggies first, we can end up with a creamy soup without any dairy or dairy alternatives whatsoever – and the taste is truly superb.

Winter calls for rich, warming foods; here in the Pacific Northwest we’ve already seen our small share of snow, and forecasts threaten even more. Since we don’t see snow or ice very often, travel is severely hindered and there is little to do but hole up inside and cook something delicious.

Jerusalem Artichokes are also known as sunroots or sunchokes. This root vegetable is super delicious and beneficial for your health. Jerusalem Artichokes are loaded with potassium, iron, and probiotic fiber, as well as vitamins B and C. If you have never tried Jerusalem Artichokes before, one of the best and easiest ways to prepare them is by simply roasting them. Here is an easy-to-follow recipe I have provided for making roasted Jerusalem Artichokes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Serving Size: 2

Ingredients:

If you haven't yet gotten your pumpkin on this season, this may be the recipe you've been waiting for! Who doesn't like mac and cheese on a chilly fall day – heck, who doesn't like mac and cheese any day of the week?!

Who doesn’t love chili? On a cold winter’s eve, there is nothing more quintessential, filling the house full of rich aromas and setting the stage for a hearty meal. Every family has their own recipe passed down generation after generation, but why not try a new rendition of an old favorite? Maybe it will become the new staple. Super easy and quick to prepare, this homemade comfort food is perfect for the busy family on-the-go.

Hearty Vegetarian Chili