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Forbidden Rice Porridge with Coconut

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This is an exotic, amazing breakfast!  Black rice is also known as forbidden rice.  It is known as such since it was once eaten only by the Emperors of China.  

  • ¾ cup forbidden black rice, soaked overnight
  • ½ cup coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup almond milk, plus more for serving
  • 1 cup water
  • Pinch sea salt
  • ½ cup coconut flakes
  • Sliced banana to serve

To see the entire recipe and directions, go to amychaplin.com.

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Buckwheat Garden Salad

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Buckwheat is such an underappreciated grain!  It's full of fiber and minerals and is a satisfying part of this unique and very filling salad.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup buckwheat groats
2 cups water
½ tsp salt
½ chayotte or cucumber, finely diced
12 large green olives, pitted and quartered
1 small yellow bell pepper, diced
1 cup broccoli florets, chopped
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
50g walnut, chopped
½ cup fresh dill, chopped
2 tbs fresh mint, chopped
juice of 1 lime
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

To see the full recipe and directions, go to The Healthy Foodie.

 

One Pot Eggplant Mushroom Pasta

I am a huge fan of one pot pasta recipes- it's less to clean up, and the pasta has a delicious flavor since it's actually cooked in the sauce.  


  • 12 ounces dry pasta
  • 1/2 small eggplant, cubed
  • 2 cups cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced and divided
  • 1.5 cups vegan marinara sauce
  • 2 cup water
  • 2 tsp sea salt + more for eggplant
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • Optional: Fresh parsley or basil for finishing

To see the entire recipe and instructions, go to the Minimalist Baker.

Delicious Black Bean Brownies

My daughter loves these!  If you've never tried black bean brownies, I recommend them very highly!

1 1/2 cups black beans (1 15-oz can, drained and rinsed very well)   
2 tbsp cocoa powder  
1/2 cup quick oats  
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup pure maple syrup or agave (or honey, but not for strict vegans.) 
pinch uncut stevia OR 2 tbsp sugar (or omit and increase maple syrup to 1/2 cup)
1/4 cup coconut or vegetable oil  
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup to 2/3 cup chocolate chips (Not optional. Omit at your own risk.)
optional: more chips, for presentation

For the complete recipe and instructions, go to Chocolate Covered Katie.


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Black Bean Mushroom Burgers

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This recipe is from this month's issue of Energy Times.  I'm excited to make it since it sounds a little different from the standard veggie burger recipe!


1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
1 medium white onion, diced small
1 lb button or Cremini mushrooms, chopped small 
1 cup dry black beans cooked until tender and strained or 2 (15 oz)
cans of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup dry farro, simmered in 3 cups water until tender and drained
1 tbsp garlic powder 
2 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
A few dashes hot sauce 
1 tsp liquid smoke
Kosher salt and freshly ground black 
pepper to taste
2 tbsp high-heat oil like grapeseed or safflower

Roberto Martin says, “My nine-year-old son claims he hates mushrooms…but he loves these burgers. The secret? Black beans mixed with mushrooms and farro for a meaty texture—without all the additives and junk that’s in some packaged veggie burgers.” These patties can be made up to two days ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer until ready to use, or cook up a double batch and freeze half.

1. Heat a sauté pan or skillet over high heat. Add the oil and wait until it shimmers, about 30 seconds
2. Add onions and stir with a wooden spoon until they turn golden brown, about 8 minutes. Add mushrooms and sauté 5 minutes more or until the pan is nearly dry. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool.
3. Place the beans and half the farro in a food processor with the garlic powder, soy sauce, hot sauce and liquid smoke, and pulse until well combined. Scoop into a large bowl. Stir in the onions and remaining farro. Taste and season with salt and pepper. 
4. Scoop a half-cup of the bean mixture and shape into a patty. Repeat until all the mixture is used. 
5. Heat a skillet and add 1 tbsp of high-heat oil, place four patties in the skillet and cook over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes per side. (Use a strong metal spatula to gently flip the patties.) Transfer to a sheet tray or large plate. Add the remaining tbsp of oil to the pan and cook the remaining 4 patties. Serve warm with standard hamburger fixings or serve as is over grilled asparagus or roasted broccoli. 

Note: If you want to grill the veggie burgers, cook them first as instructed above and allow them to cool on a sheet tray; then grill them until warm inside, about 2 minutes per side. Cooking them in a pan dries them out a little bit and forms a crust, which will allow them to stay together on the grill.

Yield: 8 burgers

FROM ROBERTO’S NEW VEGAN COOKING BY 
ROBERTO MARTIN (DA CAPO LIFELONG BOOKS, DACAPOPRESS.COM) © 2015


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Apple Muffin in a Mug

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I love mug cooking- it's an awesome way to make a quick single serving snack, without heating up the house since they're cooked in the microwave.  I'm not going to say this is gourmet cooking, but being able to whip up a fresh apple muffin in two minutes sounds pretty great!

Ingredients: 

Muffin:
1 tablespoon grass fed butter (or coconut oil)
2 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce 
1 egg  
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon maple syrup 
3 tablespoons almond flour or 2 tablespoons coconut flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon baking powder  
Pinch of salt

Streusel Topping:
1 tablespoon apple, finely chopped
pinch of crumbled walnuts
pinch of cold butter

See the entire recipe and directions at Civilized Caveman Cooking.

 

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Raw Apple Cider Vinaigrette

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Raw apple cider vinegar is amazing for your health!  It's full of enzymes and nutrients and promotes an alkaline state.  It helps to aid digestion and many people have found it to help with weight loss.   This recipe is an easy way to add some raw apple cider vinegar to your diet (we recommend Bragg's, it's the best)!

Ingredients:

1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup raw apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1-2 tablespoons raw honey, as needed for sweetness
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste

To see the entire recipe and directions at Detoxista.

3 Ingredient Pineapple Whip

It truly does not get any easier than this amazing dessert.  It's a fantastic alternative to conventional ice cream, and did I mention- just 3 ingredients??  It's dairy free too!  

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole pineapple – cut up and frozen overnight
  • 1 cup of coconut milk (or milk of choice)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for authentic sweetness)

See the entire recipe and directions at Detoxinista.

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Soft-Baked Chocolate Chip Almond Breakfast Cookies

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These make for a wonderful breakfast or snack that's full of fiber and healthy fats.  As an extra bonus, they're gluten and dairy free!

1/2 cup gluten-free rolled oats (do not use quick-cooking)
1 cup almond meal
1/2 cup ground flaxseed meal
1/4 cup mini, non-dairy, semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon double-acting baking powder
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 cup raw, unsalted almond butter
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (vanilla or plain)
2 tablespoons light agave nectar or your favorite liquid sweetener
1 teaspoon almond extract (may substitute alcohol-free almond flavor)

Read the entire recipe and directions at The Washington Post.

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Honeydew Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

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This is one of my favorite fruit salads.  It's so unique, and the different flavors meld wonderfully together.   

1/2 medium honeydew, seeded, flesh scooped with a melon baller
1/2 medium English cucumber, seed membrane scraped out, cut into half moons
1/2 pound seedless green grapes, cut in half (about 1 1/2 cups)
Juice of 1/2 lime
1 teaspoon canola or olive oil
1 teaspoon water
1 teaspoon honey
1 1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds
4 large fresh mint leaves, thinly sliced

Read the entire recipe and directions at Serious Eats.

Almond Flour Banana Bread

This is a wonderful recipe for a healthy breakfast or snack.  Almond flour is gluten free and suitable for Paleo diets, and as an added benefit, is it's absolutely delicious!  

Ingredients:

2½ cups Blanched Almond Flour 
1½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt  
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 pastured eggs
½ cup raw honey
¼ cup plain yogurt  
2-3 very ripe bananas mashed
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract  
¼ cup chopped walnuts

Read the entire recipe and directions at Live Simply.

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Powerhouse Bulgur Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

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Bulgur is a wonderful, quick cooking, high fiber, and high protein grain!  

Ingredients:

1 cup bulgur
2 cups water
2 cups torn kale
1 apple, chopped
½ cup chopped pecans
¼ cup dried cranberries
1 chopped avocado (optional)
¼ cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)

For the vinaigrette:
Juice of 1 orange
3 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon minced ginger
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

To see the complete recipe and directions go to the Neighbor Food Blog.

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Flourless Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

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This is a unique, flourless muffin recipe that is suitable for low sugar and low carb diets.

Ingredients:

2/3 cup natural peanut, almond or sunflower seed butter
2 large eggs
1 small banana, mashed or 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 small zucchini, shredded (approximately 2/3 cup)
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vinegar
1/8th tsp plus 3 servings of Organic Kal Pure Stevia or sweetener of choice, to taste
1/4 cup plus 1 tbsp. raw cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup chopped pecans, walnuts or sunflower seeds  
1 oz. extra dark chocolate chips  (optional)

For the complete recipe and directions go to Satisfying Eats.

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

If you've never had overnight oats, you're really missing out.  Overnight oats are made the night before, so they're ready and waiting for you in the morning, the only thing you need to do is find a spoon!

   Makes 2 small servings

  • 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
  • 1 cup non-dairy milk (I use homemade almond milk)
  • 1 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 1 small organic apple, cored and chopped small
  • 1 tablespoon 100% pure maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • dash of nutmeg
  • pinch of fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional: For an extra protein boost add a scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder, or chopped walnuts for added crunch!

Read the entire recipe and directions at the Free People blog.

 

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Crunchy Baked Asparagus

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Asparagus is in season, and it's delicious!  Asparagus is full of vitamins, antioxidants, and is a great detoxifying vegetable.   This recipe makes a wonderful spring snack!

1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed
1 cup Panko bread crumbs
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs, beaten
Pepper to taste

Read the full recipes and directions at To Simply Inspire.

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Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookie Mug Cake

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This is a great recipe that from start to finish takes only 3 minutes.  It's healthy too, and makes a perfect single serving treat!

Ingredients:
1 Large Egg
1 Tbsp. Coconut Flour
1 Tbsp. Almond Flour
2 Tbsp. Chocolate Chips (Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips are gluten, soy, and dairy free)
2 Tbsp. Maple Syrup
1 Tbsp. Vanilla

Read the entire recipe and directions at Paleo on a Budget.

Gluten Free, Vegan Hemp & Seed Bread

This recipe features hemp and flax seeds, which are fantastic vegetarian sources of omega 3 fatty acids.

Ingredients:

3⅓ cups Gluten Free Bread Flour Mix
2¼ teaspoons dry active yeast
3 tablespoons ground flaxseed
½ cup + 1 tablespoon warm water
4½ tablespoons vegan margarine
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1¼ cups warm plain unsweetened non-dairy milk
1 tablespoon whole flaxseeds
3 tablespoons hemp hearts

Topping:*
1 tablespoon raw, unsalted sunflower seeds
1 tablespoon raw pumpkin seeds
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
1 teaspoon whole flax seeds

*You can also use a 4 tablespoons of a combination of seeds

Read the complete recipe and directions at The Gluten Free Vegan.