Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup

 Just saw this recipe. I haven't tried it yet, but it looks good. Adding it here so I can recycle the paper recipe.

Ingredients:

2 TBS Butter

2 TBS Olive Oil

4 Cloves garlic, minced

1 TBBS Italian Seasoning

1/2 C. Dry White Wine

1 (15-oz) can cannellini beans, drained

2 (28-oz) cans whole peeled tomatoes with basil

1 tsp salt

1 pkg gnocchi

Grated parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Fresh basil, chopped (optional for serving)

Directions:

1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt butter with oil. Add garlic and Italian Seasoning. Stir and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add wine and boil about 1 minute. Stir in beans, tomatoes and salt. Remove from heat. 

2. Using blender, puree soup until smooth.

3. Return soup to pot over medium-high heat and stir in gnocchi. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook about 15-20 min. 

4. Serve topped with parmesan and basil. 

Thai Cucumber Salad

 *This was originally found in The Good and the Beautiful Language Arts program.

Ingredients:

2 cucumber, peeled and diced

2 red bell peppers, diced

6 green onions, sliced up to about halfway up the green part

3/4 c. cilantro, chopped

1/2 c. chopped peanuts (optional)

Sauce:

2 limes, juiced

2 T. soy sauce

1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional - can add more for added spice)

2 tsp white sugar

1 tsp garlic powder

1. Mix cucumbers, peppers, green onions, cilantro and peanuts in a large bow. 

2. Add all of the sauce ingredients to a small bowl and stir to dissolve the sugar. Taste. Add a little more sugar if it's too sour for your taste.

3. Pour sauce over salad. Mix gently to combine.

4. Serve right away, or refrigerate for up to 5 hours and then serve.

Ayse's Green Beans

 Ingredients:

2-3 c. green beans, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 onion, diced

1 green pepper, diced

2 tomatoes, diced

1 T. tomato paste

1 tsp. sugar

Salt, to taste

A drizzle of olive oil

Water

Cooked rice (optional for serving)

Put all of the beans in a sauce pan. Add the remaining ingredients on top of the beans. Put the water in the pot, filling it to no more than halfway. Cook a few minutes and then mix. Continue cooking with cover on, stirring occasionally, bringing the water to a boil. When it boils, turn off the stove. 

Can serve as a side dish as is or over rice.

Afiyet Olsun!

Cherokee-Style Succotash

 (From The Good and The Beautiful Unit 6 Language Arts)

*We serve this as a main course with tortilla chips.

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 Onion, chopped

1 bell pepper (any color), chopped

1 medium tomato, chopped

1 15-oz can corn, drained (can sub frozen or fresh)

1 15-oz can black beans, drained

Salt to taste

Corn chips

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a frying pan, and then add onion and pepper. Saute until slightly softened, and then add tomato, corn and black beans.

2. Cook on medium-high heat for 5 -7 min, or until desired tenderness is achieved. Season with salt to taste and serve with corn chips.

Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Recipe by Gimme Some Oven
https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/cozy-autumn-wild-rice-soup/

INGREDIENTS
6 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock)
1 cup uncooked wild rice*
8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 ribs celery, diced
1 large (about 1 pound) sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 small white onion, peeled and diced
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
2 large handfuls of kale, roughly chopped with thick stems removed
Kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper

1. Heat (an extra) 1 tablespoon butter in a large stockpot over medium-high heat.  Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.  Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.

2. Add in the vegetable stock, wild rice, mushrooms, carrots, celery, sweet potato, bay leaf and Old Bay seasoning.  Stir to combine.

3. Continue cooking until the soup reaches a simmer.  Then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally.

4. Meanwhile, during those final 10 minutes, prepare your cream sauce in a separate saucepan on the stove.  In it, cook the butter over medium-high heat until melted.  Whisk in the flour until combined, and cook for 1 minute.  Gradually add in the milk, and whisk until combined.  Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture nearly comes to a simmer and has thickened.  (It should be very thick.)

5. Add the cream sauce and kale to the soup, and stir gently until combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper (plus any extra Old Bay seasoning, if you would like) as needed.

6. Serve warm.  Or transfer to sealed container(s) and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

*Coconut Milk Option: If you would like to skip making the cream sauce (butter, flour, milk), feel free to just add in a can of full-fat coconut milk instead.  It’s dairy-free and vegan, and absolutely delicious in this recipe

Paleo Banana Bread Mug Cake

Originally from Roasted Root. This is a yummy, dairy-free, gluten-free quick breakfast. I leave out the syrup and it is sweet enough. I have also forgotten the egg, and it is still good... just less like a "cake" and more like "cookie dough".

Ingredients:
1 banana
1 egg
2T milk of your choice
1t. syrup (optional)
2T coconut flour OR 4T almond flour
1/4 t. baking powder
pinch of salt
Handful chopped walnuts (optional)
1/4t. cinnamon (optional)


Add one banana to a large mug and mash it. Add an egg and 2T milk of your choice (coconut milk or almond milk will make this dairy free). Optional, add 1t syrup.

Add either 2T of coconut flour OR 4T almond flour.

Add 1/4 t. baking powder, a pinch of salt. Optional, add a handful chopped walnuts and 1/4 tsp cinnamon.

Microwave on high 3 min (if using coconut flour) or 3 1/2 min (if using almond flour).

**Let it cool! It will be hot**

Oatmeal Bran Pancakes

This is our go-to pancake recipe. Can make without blueberries or sub a different fruit.

1/2 c. Plus 2 Tbs. Oats
1 c. Whole Wheat Flour
2 T. Flaxseed Ground (or wheat germ)
1/3 c. Oat Bran
1/2 t. Salt
1/2 t. Baking Soda
1 t. Baking Powder
2 t. Cinnamon
1/3 c. Brown Sugar
1 Egg
2 T. Apple Sauce
1 1/2 c. Milk
1 t. Vanilla
1 1/2 c. Blueberries (frozen or fresh)

Mix dry ingredients together. In a separate bowl, mix wet ingredients together. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix to combine.

Scoop onto a buttered griddle. Cook until done, flipping half way.

Mexican Quinoa Stew

Mexican Quinoa Stew

• Author: Cookie and Kate
 
• Prep Time: 15 mins
 
• Cook Time: 25 mins
 
• Total Time: 40 minutes
 
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings
 
• Category: Soup

★★★★★

4.9 from 42reviews

You’re going to love this Mexican quinoa stew! It’s hearty, easy to make and tastes amazing. This soup recipe is vegan and gluten free. Recipe yields 4 large or 6 more modest bowls.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (I opted to use 1 tablespoon olive oil instead)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
• 2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
• 3 1/2 cups water
• 1 large can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans or 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
• 1/2 cup quinoa (dry/uncooked)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for extra heat, optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Optional garnishes (my ideas): extra chopped cilantro, small wedges of lime, diced avocado, crumbled tortilla chips, grated cheese, sour cream…

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a medium Dutch oven or soup pot, warm the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, carrots, garlic, and jalapeños. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
2. Add the water, tomatoes, beans, cumin, salt, quinoa, cilantro and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with pepper and bring the soup to a boil.
3. Once boiling, lower the heat, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer until the quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes. Once the quinoa is tender, add more salt and pepper to taste, if necessary. You can serve this soup right away or use an immersion blender to purée a couple cups of this soup—this helps to thicken the soup while still leaving some texture (I may have overdone it a bit).
4. Divide into bowls and serve with any garnishes that you’d like. Store leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Spring Veggie Stir Fry

• • Author: Cookie and Kate
   
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
   
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
   
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
   
  • Yield: 4 side servings
   
  • Category: Side dish
   
  • Cuisine: Chinese

★★★★★

5 from 16reviews

This vegetable stir-fry recipe comes together in no time! To turn this side dish into a complete meal, serve it with brown rice and your choice of protein.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup Fusia Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce (regular soy sauce is too salty!)
• 2 tablespoons SimplyNature Organic Wildflower Honey or maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons arrowroot starch or corn starch
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 large clove garlic, pressed or minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (scale back or omit completely if you’re sensitive to spice)
• 1 tablespoon SimplyNature Organic Coconut Oil or your cooking oil of choice
• 1 small red onion, root and tip ends removed and cut into 1/4-inch thick wedges
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into very thin rounds
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 bunch (1/2 pound) thin asparagus, tough ends removed and cut into 2-inch long pieces

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a liquid measuring cup, combine the soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, ginger, garlic and red pepper flakes. Whisk until blended and set aside.
2. Warm the oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and carrots and a pinch of salt. Raise the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring every 30 seconds or so, until the onions have softened, about 4 to 5 minutes. (If at any point you catch a whiff of something burning while making this stir-fry, dial back the heat a bit.)
3. Add the asparagus and cook, stirring every 30 seconds, until the carrots are starting to caramelize on the edges and are easily pierced by a fork, about 3 minutes.
4. Pour in the prepared sauce and cook, while stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened to your liking, about 30 to 60 seconds. Remove from heat and serve as a side dish as-is, or turn it into a main dish by serving it with rice, fried eggs or tofu.

**Michelle's note:  I usually add chicken and often use the Costco bag of stir fry vegetables in place of fresh veggies to save time

Roasted Vegetable Enchilada Casserole

• Author: Cookie and Kate
 
• Prep Time: 45 mins
 
• Cook Time: 60 mins
 
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
 
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings
 
• Category: Entree
 
• Cuisine: Mexican

★★★★★

4.9 from 61reviews

This roasted veggie enchilada casserole recipe is a hearty, vegetable-packed dinner loaded with fresh Mexican flavors! It’s a great gluten-free main dish. Recipe yields 6 to 8 servings.

INGREDIENTS

Roasted veggies

• 1/2 medium head of cauliflower, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 2 cups)
• 2 red bell peppers, cut into 1″ squares
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced into wedges about 1/2″ wide
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin, divided
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Remaining ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups (18 ounces) red salsa, either homemade or jarred*
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus extra for garnish
• 9 to 10 corn tortillas**, halved
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained, or 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans
• 2 big handfuls (about 2 ounces) baby spinach leaves
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

1. To roast the veggies (this can be done up to 2 days in advance): Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit with racks in the middle and upper third of the oven. Line two large, rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the vegetables from sticking.
2. On one pan, combine the cauliflower and sweet potato. On the other pan, combine the bell peppers and onion. Drizzle half of the olive oil over one pan, and the other half over the other pan. Same with the cumin.
3. Sprinkle both pans lightly with salt and pepper, then toss each one until the vegetables are lightly coated in oil and spices, adding another light drizzle of olive oil if necessary. Arrange the vegetables in an even layer across each pan. Bake until the vegetables are tender and caramelized on the edges, about 30 to 35 minutes, tossing the veggies and swapping the pans halfway.
4. When you’re ready to assemble, reduce the oven heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9″ square baker. Stir the cilantro into the salsa.
5. To assemble, spread 1/2 cup salsa evenly over the bottom of the baking pan. Add a single layer of halved tortilla pieces, arranging them so they completely cover the salsa.
6. Top with 1/2 of the beans, 1/3 of the vegetables, 1/2 of the of spinach, and 1/3 of the cheese.
7. Make a second layer of tortillas (I pressed down on the mixture a little here to make room for the next layers). Top with 1/2 of the remaining salsa, all of the remaining beans, 1/2 of the remaining vegetables, all of the remaining spinach, and 1/2 of the remaining cheese.
8. Make a third layer of tortillas (again, I pressed down to make more room). Top with the remaining salsa, vegetables, and cheese.
9. Cover the pan with parchment paper (I tent mine in the middle and wrap the edges around the handles) or aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the parchment paper or aluminum foil and bake for 10 more minutes, or until heated through.
10. Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes, to give it time to set and reach a palatable temperature. Before serving, sprinkle the top lightly with additional chopped cilantro.

NOTES

Recipe adapted from Perry’s Plate.
*SALSA SUGGESTIONS: I recommend a mild to medium salsa here, depending on your heat preferences.
STORAGE SUGGESTIONS: This casserole keeps well, covered in the refrigerator, for up to 4 days.
CHANGE IT UP: You could change up the vegetables used here as long as you use about the same volume. You could also add another can of beans to up the protein content.

Dal Makhani

**Edited** You don't have to start this overnight. I have been doing the "Night Before" steps first thing in the morning and then adding the rest to the crockpot at lunch, and it turns out great. Just keep the crockpot on high for the first step, and sometimes I keep it on high the whole time depending on how quickly the water is absorbing.


This is a recipe my friend, Josh, made for us and we all loved it. It's very easy (just dump everything in a crockpot), but you have to plan ahead and start it the night before. I make some substitutions based on what I have easy access to, so I'll list the original recipe as well as my modifications.

The Night Before:
Add all ingredients to a crock pot and cook on low overnight.

4 c. water
1 c. Urad Dal (this is a kind of lentils. I have used regular lentils instead and it tastes great)
1/2 c. red kidney beans (if you are using dried beans, boil them first for 10 min.; I use canned)
2 T Channa Dal (another kind of lentil. I just add two more T of regular lentils)
2 T Ghee (which is clarified butter... I just use butter)
1 1/2 t. salt
2 T Ginger Garlic Paste (Can buy it in the store or just mince up equal parts of garlic and ginger)
Kashmiri Chili Powder (this is spicy Indian chili powder. I got some at an Indian market, but you could just use regular chili powder and add hot sauce when you serve it to spice it up)

4-6 Hours before Serving:
Add these ingredients. If it looks really thick, you may need to add another cup or water or so to keep it from sticking to your crockpot.

1 c. tomato paste
2 T. fenugreek leaves (I leave these out because I have never been able to find them)
1 t. cumin
1/4 t. nutmeg
1/2 t. anchoor (green mango powder. I bought this at an Indian market, but you could probably find it at a spice store like Penzey's).
1 t. coriander
1/2 t. black salt (which is surprisingly not black... it's pink. You can also use regular salt)
1/2 t. onion powder
2-3 T. butter

Before serving:
Add a pinch of garam masala (optional) and 1/2 c. milk

Serve over rice with naan on the side.

Red lentil & squash dahl

Ingredients

1 tbsp oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground turmeric
½ tsp cayenne pepper
Approx 1 lb. butternut squash, peeled and cut into 2cm (prepared weight)
1 (15 oz) can diced tomato
5 c. chicken stock
1 heaped tbsp mango chutney
2.25 c. uncooked red lentils
naan bread, to serve

Method

Put the oil and the onion in a saucepan, and cook for 5 mins. Stir in the garlic and cook for a further 1 min, then stir in the spices and butternut squash. Combine everything together. Add the chopped tomatoes, stock and chutney, and season well. Bring to a boil, then gently simmer for about 10 mins. Add the lentils and simmer for another 20 mins until the lentils and squash are tender. Stir in the coriander and serve with warmed naan bread.

Recipe from Good Food magazine, February 2014
BBC GoodFood Magazine

Date Energy Balls

Originally found on detoxinista. Perfect bite-sized energy boosters for all of us pregnant/nursing mommas. Vegan and Paleo.

2 c. walnuts or other nuts/seeds
1 c. shredded coconut
2 c. soft, pitted dates
2 T. coconut oil
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. vanilla

In food processor, process walnuts and coconut until crumbly. Add in dates, coconut oil, vanilla and sea salt and process until a sticky and uniform batter is formed. Make Tablespoon sized balls, and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in the freezer for at least an hour to set. Store in sealed container in fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for a longer shelf life.

One Pan Mexican Quinoa

Yield: 4 Servings
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes
Total Time: 35 Minutes

Wonderfully light, healthy and nutritious. And it’s so easy to make – even the quinoa is cooked right in the pan!

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeno, minced
1 cup quinoa
1 cup vegetable broth
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 cup corn kernels
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and diced
Juice of 1 lime
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves


Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic and jalapeno, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in quinoa, vegetable broth, beans, tomatoes, corn, chili powder and cumin; season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer until quinoa is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Stir in avocado, lime juice and cilantro.
Serve immediately.

Black Bean Sweet Potato Burritos

A favorite go-to. This is delicious, inexpensive, and filling. We sometimes skip the tortillas and serve it over rice instead as a burrito bowl.

3 cups sweet potatoes (peeled and diced)
1/2 onion (chopped)

Saute in large frypan in 1 tablespoon oil just until tender. Add water or apple juice as needed to prevent sticking. (Cooks much faster if you cover it)

2 cups cooked black beans
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt

Add and cook until heated through.

8 flour tortillas
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)

Divide bean mixture and cheese among the tortiillas and roll up. Place in a 9x13 baking pan. Lightly spray with olive oil if desired. Cover pan with foil and bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes. Garnish with sour cream, salsa, and/or fresh cilantro

Easy Tomato Soup

*Originally from food network.com

30 oz chicken or veggie broth or stock
28-oz can crushed tomatoes
1 c. heavy cream (I used half-and-half)
salt and pepper

Combine broth and tomatoes in medium saucepan over moderate heat. When soup bubbles, stir in cream and reduce heat to low. Season with salt and pepper and simmer gently 15 min. Use an immersion blender to puree soup.

Jalepeno Ranch Dip

This is a really yummy appetizer or side dish.  I gave it a new name because the original name (Skinny Poolside Dip) didn't seem to describe it well.  It has a kick so you could always use one jalepeno instead of two.   I served it with Town House crackers, which were the perfect compliment.

Ingredients

• 1 red pepper
• 2 jalapenos (unseeded)
• 1 can of corn or 1/2 a bag of frozen corn
• 1/2 can diced olives
• 16 oz  cream cheese (softened)
• 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch dip seasoning mix.

Instructions

1. Mix ingredients together.
2. Serve with crackers or raw veggies

Golden Sweet Cornbread

Originally posted on all recipes.com

Ingredients:
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup yellow cornmeal
2/3 cup white sugar (I don't use that much!)
1 tsp salt
3 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 egg
1 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil (I use coconut oil in liquid form)
*I have also added frozen corn. Just pour some in and mix it before putting in the pan.

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray or lightly grease a 9-inch round or square pan.

2. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt and baking powder. Stir in the egg, milk and oil until well combined. Pour batter into pan.

3. Bake 20 - 25 min. until toothpick comes out clean.

Lentil Soup

OH girls... you have to try this one. It is super easy, inexpensive and delicious. All of us love it! I usually make a batch of rolls and this is a full meal. I found this recipe on food network. Also, the recipe calls for "grains of paradise". You can use plain old cracked black pepper!

Ingredients:

2 T olive oil (I actually use coconut oil)
1 c. finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped carrots (I use two carrots)
1/2 cup finely chopped celery (I use two ribs of celery)
2 tsp kosher salt
1 pound lentils, picked and rinsed
1 cup peeled and chopped tomatoes (I use one can diced tomatoes)
2 quarts of chicken or vegetable broth (I have used both and prefer chicken broth)
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground grains of paradise (or use black pepper!)

Directions:
Place oil in large soup pan over medium heat. Once hot, add onion, carrot, celery and salt. Sweat until onions are translucent, approx 6 - 7  min. Add lentils, tomatoes, broth, and spices. Stir to combine. Increase heat to high and bring just to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook at a low simmer until lentils are tender, approx 35 - 40 min. Using a stick blender, puree to your preferred consistency. ***I use a measuring cup to remove some soup, puree it and add it back in. I continue to do this until the soup is the consistency I am looking for. I still like to have the texture of lentils and veggies but pureeing some makes it less of a broth soup.

Angie's Green Bean Casserole

This recipe came from my friend Angie. The measurements aren't exact so you have to eye-ball it. It was really, really yummy. I'm going to try it with the homemade cream of mushroom soup I posted on here.

1-2 bags of frozen organic green beans
one box of trader joe's cream of mushroom soup
a little milk or water
salt and pepper
1/2 can of trader joes fried onions.

Mix the ingredients together and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.