Vegetarian

Stuffed Acorn Squash

*Serves 2

Goodbye, summer; hello, autumn. It really did sneak up on us, huh? I’m ready to be able to close my windows at night, and bundle up instead. I know it’s still September, but we’ll be carving pumpkins and drinking hot cocoa in no time. In the meantime, it’s time to think about all the warm and delicious foods that we tend to eat when the air becomes chilly. That’s right. I’m talkin’ about comfort food.

Need something colorful, warm, healthy, and hearty this fall? Try this scrumptious sweet potato pumpkin soup recipe! Sweet potato is high in vitamins A, C, and E —which is awesome for supporting a healthy immune system. Pumpkin contains a great source of vitamin A for aiding in eye-vision, as well as potassium for helping out the body’s nervous system. This soup is not only good, it’s good for you!

Takes 30-45 minutes

Serves 5-6 bowls

Ingredients:

My first encounter with Egyptian street food was in the most unlikely of places: the Minnesota State Fair. Strange as it may sound, among the corndogs and cheese curds, there is a popular Middle Eastern food stand at the fair serving things like falafel, gyro meat, dolmas, and my favorite, koshari. As it happens, koshari (also spelled kushari, koshary, or kosheri) is the national dish of Egypt and a popular street food item. The dish consists of rice, lentils, macaroni, chickpeas, fried onions, and a delicious spicy red sauce.

Time for some hearty vegetable soup! Its thick and creamy consistency provides a comforting antidote to those first chilly days as we move into fall. Simple and easy, you only need one pot to cook enough soup for the whole family and you can even make the most of extra veggies or herbs that you have laying around the house! The  wonderful mix of both richly developed and subtle flavors is what sets this dish apart.

*Serves 4

Ingredients

2 Large Carrots

1 Celery Stalk

1 Small Onion

1 Medium Zucchini

Contrary to popular belief, recent research shows that eating sustainably sourced meat is not taboo. In fact, eliminating meat from our food system could actually be unsustainable.

As a snacker, I graze all day. While veggies and hummus are usually my go to, every now and then I get a craving for something salty. It's tempting to grab a bag of potato chips overloaded in salt and full of carbohydrates. When I get that urge, I opt for kale chips instead. Gluten-free and vegan, kale chips are slightly salty and crisp in texture. They are a healthy treat that takes the guilt out of snacking and allows you to indulge. It's hard not to eat the whole bunch.

Make the most of apple season this fall with my easy homemade applesauce! You can enjoy this recipe on its own, with pancakes or in other main dishes. If you like baking, applesauce can also be used as a healthy vegan alternative to eggs, butter or oil. I’m a big fan of cinnamon, but feel free to get playful with different spice combinations or leave them out altogether to experience the pure apple flavor.

*Makes about 2.5 cups*

Ingredients

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!

Tomato season is officially in full bloom, and apart from making salsas, pasta sauces and BLTs, bruschetta is another great way to serve up this year’s bounty. This recipe is essentially like a Caprese salad on a crostini, which makes for a delicious afternoon snack or appetizer before any summer meal.