Category Archives: Lunch

May 17 2018
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Gluten-free, Kids, Lunch, Quick Meals, Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Rainbow Quinoa Salad + BONUS

Sometimes the hardest part of adapting our household to be allergen friendly for our children is finding satisfying meals for the adults.  I’d like to get to the point where we can all eat the same meal, but until then my best bet has been making something where some of the recipe ingredients are also enjoyed by our younger set.  This Rainbow Quinoa Salad is a great example.  The adults love it, and the I can easily make extra quinoa for the little ones, chop extra tomatoes, extra mango, serve with some avocado, and what an easy meal.  The salad also works with chopped chicken breast (prepared this way), and can also be served on the kids’ plates.  The greatest thing about this recipe is it’s gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free; and easy to adapt for vegetarian, vegan, and meat-eating friends, without sacrificing flavor

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Rainbow Quinoa Salad

Adapted from Chloe Flavor

Serves 4-6

INGREDIENTS

3 tbsp organic rice vinegar

2 tbsp avocado oil

2 tbsp agave nectar or honey (*to make vegan, use agave)

1 tbsp coconut aminos

3 cups cooked quinoa (NOTE: 1 cup uncooked quinoa yields 3 cups cooked)

2 small carrots, shredded or finely chopped (I shredded a handful of baby carrots)

3/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

3/4 cup finely chopped red cabbage

1 mango, diced small

1/2 English Cucumber, small diced

3 scallions, thinly sliced

1/4 cup roasted and unsalted sunflower seeds

sea salt, to taste

DIRECTIONS

  1.  In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, avocado oil, honey, and coconut aminos.  Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, toss together the quinoa, carrots, tomatoes, cabbage, mango, cucumber, scallions, and sunflower seeds.  Add 2 tbsp of the dressing, and toss to coat.  Add salt to taste.

NOTE:  I saved the remaining dressing in the fridge in an airtight container (baby food containers work great), and made this again the following week, using the remaining dressing.  It made making it the second time a breeze.

 

BONUS:  Carolyn’s Easy Quinoa

Rinse 1 cup uncooked quinoa in cool water for a few minutes.  Put into a small saucepan, that has a lid to go with it.  Add 1 3/4 cup water.  Bring to a boil.  Once boiling, lower the heat to a few notches above the lowest setting, and cover for 10 minutes.  When the timer goes off, lift up the lid, and take a spatula to the bottom to see if there’s still water boiling. If so, cover and set timer for another 2 minutes.  When timer goes off, water should be evaporated almost completely.  Put the lid back on and take pot over heat.  Let sit for at least 5 minutes covered.  After 5 minutes, remove lid, and use a fork to fluff.  Your quinoa should be perfectly cooked and fluffy!

NOTES

  • If after 10 minutes, the water is almost evaporated, but the quinoa hasn’t puffed up like couscous, add 1/4 -1/2 cup more water and put lid back on.  Reset timer for 5 minutes.
  • If doubling the recipe, use 2 cups quinoa and 3 1/2 cups water
  • My favorite quinoa brands are Whole Foods 365 and Tru Roots Sprouted Quinoa.  I’ve had reactions to the Trader Joes quinoa and upon doing research, have found it’s very possible it’s made on lines with allergens.
Jan 05 2018
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Gluten-free, Lunch, Recipes, Vegan

Banquet Bowls with Cauliflower Pilaf, Dhal, + Scallion Cucumber Raita

In college, I was lucky enough to be exposed to so many wonderful cuisines and new ways of cooking.  It is much of what inspires me to cook and adapt recipes today.  The way I eat now can sometimes be isolating, but I am so grateful eating isn’t a physically painful experience for me anymore.  We all had colds over New Years, and I found this really delicious sounding bowl recipe, that I just had to make – bonus, I could eat Indian food and not get sick!  The recipe is a little complicated, only because there are three components, but in total it took about an hour to prepare, and we have enough leftovers for 2 more meals.  Also, the flavors are amazing!

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Banquet Bowls with Cauliflower Pilaf, Dhal, and Scallion Cucumber Raita

serves 6

adapted from Whole Bowls – Complete Gluten-free and Vegetarian Meals to Power Your Day

INGREDIENTS

For the Cauliflower Pilaf

1 tbsp avocado oil

1 medium sized sweet onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp fresh grated ginger (I used jarred minced ginger from Ginger People)

1 tbsp curry powder (mild)

2 tsp garam masala

1 tsp sea salt

ground black pepper, to taste

1 cup brown basmati rice, rinsed and drained well

1 3/4 cup water

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 small head cauliflower, cut into very small pieces (the bigger the pieces, the longer it will take to cook)

1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro

For the Dhal

3 1/2 cups water

2 cups red lentils, rinsed well and drained

1/2 cup coconut milk (I used So Delicious Unsweetened)

2 tsp lemon juice

2 tsp maple syrup

2 tsp curry powder

1 tsp sea salt

For the Scallion Cucumber Raita

1 cup diced English cucumber

1/2 cup plain coconut yogurt* (I used So Delicious brand – 1/2 cup is one small container’s worth)

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

4 scallions, sliced

1 tsp lemon juice

MAKE AHEAD TIP

Cauliflower Pilaf – 2 days

Scallion Cucumber Raita – 3 days

Dhal – 1 week

DIRECTIONS

For the Cauliflower Pilaf  – In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium. Add onion, garlic, ginger, spices, salt, and pepper. Cook until onions are soft, about 10 minutes.  Add rice, stirring constantly to toast, about 2 minutes.  Add water and lemon juice, continuing to stir.  Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer, about 45 -60 minutes.  [TIP – Set the timer to 30 minutes, and check on rice to see if you need to add more water, cover and simmer for another 7 minutes.  Keep doing this until the rice looks puffed up.]  When rice is cooked, add caulilflower, and cover another 10-15 minutes, until cauliflower is tender. You may need to add more water to achieve this.  OPTIONAL – Turn off heat, and fold in cilantro.

For the Dhal – Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan.  Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer, and cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring often.  It will look like a little soupy, and you can cook down further if you want it a little thicker.  It will have a beautiful golden color.

For the Scallion Cucumber Raita – Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.  Transfer to a covered container and keep refrigerated until serving. *You can sub 3/4 cup greek yogurt for 1/2 cup coconut yogurt, if dairy isn’t an issue for you.

TO ASSEMBLE

In a shallow bowl, place about 1 cup of the Dhal, with about 1 cup of the Cauliflower Pilaf next to it.  Spoon about 1/4 cup of the Scallion Cucumber Raita next to these.  Sprinkle a little cilantro over all of it and enjoy.  The flavors taste great eaten together in one bite or separately.

TO REHEAT

Place the portions listed above of the Dhal and Cauliflower Pilaf in a bowl and heat up in the microwave.  Garnish with the Scallion Cucumber Raita.

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Apr 27 2017
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Gluten-free, Lunch, Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Creamy Butternut Squash and Lentil Tacos

As we’ve been trying new recipes, this Creamy Butternut Squash and Lentil Taco recipe is one I’ve been meaning to try for awhile.  I’ve made something similar but this recipe is definitely a turned up version – here, the roasted squash gets mixed in with some lime juice and a little vegan mayo (or canned coconut milk) to make it creamy and extra flavorful.  The interesting thing about cooking the lentils with some vegetable broth, cumin, and coconut aminos (or tamari), is the aroma smelled almost identical to taco meat.  This was a great dinner, and also makes a great lunch from the leftovers.IMG_4491.JPG

Creamy Butternut Squash and Lentil Tacos

makes about 10-12 tacos

adapted from One Part Plant

INGREDIENTS

1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into cubes (about 4 cups)

2 1/2 tsp cumin (more or less to taste)

Sea salt and pepper

Olive or coconut oil

3/4 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed

Veggie broth

3 tsp tamari or coconut aminos

10-12 corn tortillas

2 tbsp vegan mayo (I like Just Mayo Light)* OR canned full-fat coconut milk

1 tbsp lime juice

Toppings – avocado, sunflower seeds, hot sauce, lettuce (something crunchy since the squash and lentils are soft)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Toss the squash with 1/2 tsp of the cumin and about 1-2 tbsp of olive oil, some salt and pepper.  Spread the cubes out on the baking sheet and roast them for 30-35 minutes, until they’re soft.  (Don’t worry if some get extra toasty, it’ll just make the color of the mixture a little darker).

Meanwhile, in a small pot, combine the lentils with enough broth to cover them and stir in the coconut aminos and remaining 2 tsp of cumin.  Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer until the lentils are soft, but still a little firm, 20-25 minutes.  Make sure to watch the pot and add more broth or water if needed to cover the lentils.  Taste them as you go to make sure they’re not overcooked and mushy.  When they’re done, drain any excess liquid that hasn’t been absorbed.

Transfer the cooked squash to a food processor and add the mayo or coconut milk with the lime juice, and process until smooth.  Taste and add more salt or lime juice if needed.

When you’re almost ready to serve, warm the tortillas, however you usually do.

Assemble the tacos: spread a layer of the creamy squash on a warm tortilla and top it with a scoop of lentils (about 2-3 tbsp).  Add your favorite toppings and serve.

*I usually find Just Mayo Light at Whole Foods.  I also wouldn’t sub an egg-based mayo here, because I think it’ll change the texture.  If not using vegan mayo, use full-fat canned coconut milk to get the right creamy texture needed.

Mar 07 2017
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Gluten-free, Kids, Lunch, Quick Meals, Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Grown-up Beans on Toast

Another great cookbook I’ve been using lately is The Dude Diet.  Along with the great frittata recipe I made awhile ago, we recently made ‘Grown-up Beans on Toast.’  The recipe calls for chicken sausage, but we made without, and it still tastes great – even kid approved!  It’s pretty quick to make – took about 30 minutes start to finish – and, it tastes great as leftovers too.  The author says the recipe makes 2 servings, but I think it can make about 6-10 toasts, depending how much you use to top the bread.  If you eat meat, go ahead and use your favorite chicken sausage.  I’ll list those steps as optional below.  We made ours wheat and dairy-free using gluten-free bread, and Vegan Parmesan shreds.IMG_4052.JPG

Grown-up Beans on Toast

adpated from The Dude Diet

makes about 6-10 toasts

INGREDIENTS

2 tsp. olive oil

2 chicken sausages (sweet or spicy), diced – OPTIONAL

1/2 sweet onion, chopped finely

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp. dried oregano

2 tsp. tomato paste

3/4 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp sea salt

1 15 oz. can cannelini beans (or great white northern beans), rinsed & drained

1 15 oz. can diced or crushed tomatoes

1/4 cup water

Your favorite gluten-free (or traditional) bread, toasted

Chopped parsley, to sprinkle on top

Vegan Parmesan, to sprinkle on top (I like Follow Your Heart, found at Whole Foods)

DIRECTIONS

  1.  In a medium saute pan, heat pan and add olive oil.
  2. [OPTIONAL] Saute diced chicken sausage for about 4-5 minutes, until browned.
  3. Add onion and saute until translucent, just starting to brown.
  4. Add garlic and stir until fragrant.  About 30 seconds.
  5. Add dried oregano, tomato paste, salt, and paprika.  Cook for a few minutes more.
  6. Add drained beans, tomatoes and water.  Heat until boiling.  Then, reduce the heat and cook for another 10 minutes so flavors can combine.  I waited until most of the liquid had evaporated.
  7. Serve warm on toast.  Top with chopped parsley and vegan parmesan.

 

Sep 22 2016
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Gluten-free, Lunch, Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Dill’ish Slaw

When I think coleslaw, I think of either Kentucky Fried Chicken’s version or my Grandpa’s – both delicious. (Does anyone else ever wonder how KFC packs so much coleslaw in such a tiny container?!) And while coleslaw is associated with many childhood memories for me, it’s a side dish I rarely eat as an adult. I mention that as a disclaimer because this recipe from The Yiddish Kitchen is quite good, but I have no idea if it tastes like coleslaw because it’s just been so long since I’ve had the real thing. All of you coleslaw conneusiers will have to let me know how it stacks up!

Dill-ish Slaw

Adapted from The Yiddish Kitchen

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup low-fat vegan mayo (I like Hampton Creek)

2 tbsp honey

1-2 tsp dried dill (or 1/4 cup fresh)

1/4 tsp celery seed (I omitted)

1 medium head cabbage, shredded (I used 2 bags of pre-shredded red and green cabbage)

2 large carrots shredded (I used about 3/4 bag pre-shredded)

1/4 onion thinly sliced

DIRECTIONS

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all ingredients except cabbage, carrots, and onion.

Once dressing is well combine and smooth, toss in cabbage, carrots, and onion. With clean hands, you can also combined with your hands to really help the flavors and juices marry.

Enjoy right away or, for the best flavor, let sit overnight covered in the fridge.

NOTE – This is not a mayo heavy slaw, so don’t be afraid to use the mayo here. If you’re worried about that though, you can add more cabbage or carrots to have the slaw be less saucy

Sep 21 2016
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Gluten-free, Lunch, Quick Meals, Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

“Magical” Applesauce Vinaigrette + Other Good Salad Dressings

My grandma used to say for a good meal, she just needed a good salad and good bread.  When I think about dinner with my grandparents, it always included a salad, and it always included a Mrs. Bernstein’s salad dressing.  But aside from that salad dressing, my favorite dressings were always ones my mom made.  That’s probably why I also love making my own salad dressings. Though, I still have a few favorite store-bought dressings I love, because let’s honest, who has time to always make their own dressings?!

This salad dressing really is “magical.”  I would never think to add cumin to a salad dressing, let alone applesauce or maple syrup, but this is really good.  I omitted the miso because I don’t eat soy.  I don’t know what it’s supposed to taste like with the miso, but the final product how I made it below is great! The only downside to the recipe is it makes just 4 servings, so you’ll need to double the recipe, if you want enough to enjoy throughout the week.  Bon apetit!

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“Magical” Applesauce Vinaigrette

adapted from Plant Powered Families

serves 4 (1 serving = 2 tbsp)

INGREDIENTS 

1/4 cup organic unsweetened applesauce

1/4 rounded tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp cumin

1/8 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp stoneground mustard (or dijon)

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 -1.5 tbsp maple syrup

freshly ground pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

Place all ingredients in a small food processor and blend together until smooth. Adjust for seasonings.  Add a little more maple syrup for a sweeter dressing OR add a couple teaspoons of water for a thinner dressing.

NOTE – you may need to double batch to make it easier to blend in the blender or food processor.

 

OTHER GOOD SALAD DRESSINGS

(store-bought + vegan/gluten-free/soy-free)

Bragg’s Organic Apple Cider Vinaigrette (I’ve found it at Whole Foods + Ralphs)

Maplegrove Fat-free Balsamic Dressing (I’ve found it at Gelsons, Ralphs, + Walmart)

Follow Your Heart Low Fat Balsamic Dressing (I’ve found it a some Gelsons + some Whole Foods)

 

Sep 20 2016
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Gluten-free, Holidays, Kids, Lunch, Vegetarian

Sweet Potato Kugel

Cooking is the easiest way for me to zone out. I think that’s why I like making new recipes so much – I can focus on something and completely forget everything else going on around me. And, when there’s a day that I can go spinning and cook new recipes- well, that’s the ultimate. 

I read about this Sweet Potato Kugel recipe on a holiday round up from the cooks that authored The Yiddish Kitchen. I made bagels from their cookbook a few months ago, and I completely forgot about this kugel. I didn’t grow up on kugel like most. Actually, I was so particular, I would only eat it at my friend’s mom house, because then I knew it would be good! Anyway, this recipe is super easy and simple.  I even found precut sweet potatoes at Trader Joes to make the recipe even easier to make. You could certainly use regular sugar (the color will likely be different if you do) and you could use full-fat coconut milk, which probably makes it taste even more like the holidays. Enjoy!


Sweet Potato Kugel

Adapted from The Yiddish Kitchen

Serves 8,12,16, or 25 – depending on how you cut it 

INGREDIENTS

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into rubble or noodles with a spiral slider or vegetable peeler (or 1.5 pkgs of Sweet Potato Ribbons from Trader Joes)

3 tbsp olive oil 

Canola oil for greasing the pan

1 cup canned lite coconut milk (or full-fat, canned)

1/3 cup coconut sugar

1/2 tsp sea salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 375. Grease an 8×8 inch casserole dish. Then, in a skillet, heat the sweet potatoes in the olive oil over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes, or until sweet potato softens. 

While the sweet potato is cooking, mix all the remaining ingredients in a mixing bowl, stirring well to combine. Once the sweet potatoes are ready, remove them from the heat and incorporate into the egg mixture. 

Next, pour the mix into the prepared casserole dish and bake for about 30-50* minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Slice and serve warm. 

*the recipe says 30-40 minutes, but maybe because I used lite coconut milk instead of full fat, it took more like 50 minutes. After 35 minutes, I kept adding 5 more until it was set – the center took the longest time to do so. 

Sep 16 2016
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Gluten-free, Kids, Lunch, Quick Meals, Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Two [Vegan] Ranch Dressing Recipes

I generally prefer vinegar-based salad dressing but there are definitely days when I crave something a little more savory.  I’ve found two great Ranch dressing recipes, that just happen to also be vegan. What I love about these recipes, is that even if you’re not vegan, you can just swap out the Vegan mayo with an egg-based one and it still tastes great.

Creamy Ranch Dressing

serves about 12 (1 tsbp = 1 serving)

adapted from here

INGREDIENTS

1 cup Vegan Mayonnaise

1/2 cup Non-dairy Milk (I used So Delicious Unsweetened Coconut Milk)

2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

2 tsp Dried Parsley

1-1/4 tsp Onion Powder

1/2 tsp Dried Dill

1/4 tsp Sea Salt

DIRECTIONS

  1. Put all ingredients in a small mixing bowl and whisk together until smooth.
  2. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days (might be OK longer, but haven’t tried yet)

Wall Street Restaurant’s Pareve Ranch Dressing

makes about 16 servings

adapted from here

INGREDIENTS

2 cups mayonnaise (can use vegan or traditional)

1/2 cup white vinegar

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp dried oregano

1 tbsp sugar (regular or coconut sugar tastes fine)

1 tsp ground black pepper

1/4 tsp dried dill

DIRECTIONS

  1. Put all ingredients in a small mixing bowl and whisk together until smooth.
  2. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks
Sep 13 2016
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Gluten-free, Lunch, Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Umami Sundried Tomato + Almond Burgers

My favorite thing about cooking is experimenting with new combinations of ingredients. When I saw this recipe, I was so intrigued by using unsoaked almonds and sun-dried tomatoes together, let alone in a veggie burger recipe. To date, these are some of my favorite veggie burgers. I’ve tried plenty of recipes that end up tasting OK, but these are so different. The sun-dried tomatoes totally make these and the almonds give it a great texture. The other thing that surprised me was how versatile they are – they tasted great with hummus in a wrap, and great with our favorite Hampton Creek Truffle Mayo. They’d probably also be great with caramelized onions. Let me know if you find another topping for them!


Umami Sundried Tomato + Almond Burgers

Adapted from Plant-Powered Families: Over 100 Kid-Tested, Whole-Foods Vegan Recipes

Makes about 20 slider size burgers 

INGREDIENTS

2 cups raw almonds

1-1/2 tbsp tomato paste

1/4 tsp dried oregano

1/4 tsp dried basil

1/4 tsp sea salt

2 small garlic cloves, cut into quarters

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp coconut aminos (or tamari)

3/4 cup sliced green onion

1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, sliced (not packed in oil, if hard – soak in warm water for a few minutes before using)

1-1/2 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a food processor, add the almonds, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, garlic, balsamic vinegar and coconut aminos. Purée until nuts are very fine ground. Do so enough so that the almonds release some oils so patty mixture can be somewhat sticky.
  2. Add the green onions and sundried tomatoes and pulse until mixture becomes dense and starts to hold together.
  3. Add the quinoa (or brown rice) and pulse until well incorporated.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. (We made burgers as we needed them, over the course of 3 days, refrigerating the mixture we didn’t need).
  5. Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Using an ice cream scooper, make slider size patties and carefully place in pan. Cook for a few minutes in each side. (NOTE- These have great texture but can become dry and crumbly is overcooked).
  6. Enjoy in a wrap, with a burger bun, or plain.
Sep 12 2016
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Gluten-free, Lunch, Quick Meals, Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Broccoli Waldorf Salad

This is probably the easiest recipe I’ve made in awhile. Prep requires some chopping and assembling and that’s it! The recipe says this serves 2, but we felt it’s better with about 6 servings because the dressing makes it pretty indulgent. I think it might also taste great with a vinegar-based dressing but not quite sure which one yet. Let me know if you have any ideas! Enjoy!


Broccoli Waldorf Salad

Adapted from Easy Vegan Breakfasts & Lunches

Serves about 6

INGREDIENTS

Salad

2 cups broccoli florets, raw* 

1 stalk celery, chopped

2/3 apple, cored and chopped

1/4 scant cup red onion, chopped fine

1/3 cup dried cranberries (or raisins)

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Dressing

1/2 cup veganaise (we use soy-free or Hampton Creek, could also use any mayo or plain yogurt (vegan or dairy))

1 tbsp lemon juice (1/2 lemon)

1-1/2 tsp agave

DIRECTIONS

  1. Put all salad ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and gently stir together. Set aside. 
  2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients. 
  3. Pour dressing over salad and stir until coated. 
  4. Serve as a side salad, in a pita, or in a wrap (we like Bfree brand quinoa and chia wraps-they sell them at Ralphs)
  5. Salad can keep for up to 3 days in the fridge. 

*I used florets that come in bags you can steam in the microwave. Frozen won’t work here. You could certainly also use fresh broccoli sold in bunches. Surprisingly, the broccoli becomes softer when mixed in with everything. I also tried to pick broccoli pieces that had short stalks, so it would be easier to eat. 

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