Riced Cauliflower with Porcini Mushrooms, Fennel & Peas

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I know you are probably thinking
that I post too many things with mushrooms, and you are right! But when I
glanced at my bag of dried porcini mushrooms the other day, I couldn’t help
thinking how great they would be as a rich, flavorful foundation for riced
cauliflower! This recipe for riced cauliflower with porcini mushrooms, fennel
& peas makes a nice springtime side dish or vegan entree. Porcini
mushrooms have a natural, rich, gamey flavor and the higher quality ones give
off a roux when cooked, that naturally adds some thickness to the dish.
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Sprouted “Risotto” with Asparagus, Peas, Fennel, & Mint

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This time of year, whenever I
start to see fresh English peas and asparagus at the market, and the
nasturtium flowers start to take over the garden, my cooking mind always
wanders to spring risotto with asparagus and peas. So, the other night I was
making a side dish of sprouted brown rice, and I noticed that the texture
would probably lend itself well to a risotto-style dish. Well that’s all I
needed to give this one a try…voila! A healthy, sprouted risotto that makes
a great vegan entree or side dish! Read More

Saffron Riced Cauliflower

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The other day I picked up a bag
of “riced cauliflower” at the market, for the first time. I have
been playing around with it, both hot and as a raw salad, with delightful
results. In fact, the other day I posted a candid quickie of a raw riced
cauliflower salad I had created for lunch, that invoked such a positive
response in the social media world, I have decided to do two “riced
cauliflower” recipes in a row on here. First though, I want to share
this extremely simple recipe that brings saffron into the picture. The
cruciferous personality of cauliflower, both in taste and smell, seems to
blend extremely well with the distinctive flavor and aroma of saffron. I
enjoyed this with some seared wild tuna but you could easily add in some
legumes, sprouts, and-or vegetables for a vegan entree.

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“Creamy” Teff Polenta with Roasted Vegetables

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If blizzards have you down I
have just the remedy. I love that all I have to do is think, “hmmm I
wish I could find something to make polenta out of besides cornmeal,”
and then teff shows up, like it was lurking around the corner. A grain
definitely isn’t just a grain when it comes to Teff. Is Teff Polenta the
New…Polenta? An “ancient grain,” teff has been used in Ethiopian
cooking for many years and is just starting to get some traction in modern
western kitchens. More people are noticing teff probably because it is a
powerhouse of nutrition and is also gluten free. And, it makes awesome,
creamy polenta…tah-da! You can enjoy it in its creamy state right out of
the pot, or let it set, cut it into shapes, and grill or pan fry. Basically
use it anyway you would the more ubiquitous cornmeal polenta. For this
recipe, I have created a sort of comfort bowl of creamy teff with roasted
vegetables. This recipe is vegan, but you can substitute cheese and cream
where noted for a dairy vegetarian version.

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Pumpkin, Potato & Leek Soup

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A lot of people associate
Thanksgiving with a plate full of turkey and a bunch of other stuff smushed
onto the plate. But sometimes its nice to switch it up a little and add a
course or two, slowing it down, adding an extra layer of civilization to the
crazy, energized occasion with friends and family. This porridge-like soup
does the job pretty well, and although it is super rich and creamy, it is
actually vegan, so you wont weigh your guests down too much before the
main turkey event, and everyone at the table can enjoy it, whatever their
dietary considerations.

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13 Bean Soup with Garden Chard

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The chard in the food garden is
making gigantic leaves right now. They are so big I am tempted to preserve
them and use them as shoe leather, or a hand fan, or something practical.
Since those wild ideas are probably ultimately not as practical as one would
hope, I opted to put together this 13 bean soup, and just enjoy the chard in
its glorious, minimally processed form. That’s actually my favorite way to
enjoy nutrient dense greens! My partner Ricky bought a bag of 13 bean soup
mix a while ago, and has been nudging me to make soup out of it. So here is
one more hearty soup to get into your belly before the seasons completely
change over. Or enjoy it all spring and summer using a variety of different
seasonal greens and fresh vegetables. The key is to put the greens in at the
end, so they are super fresh, vibrantly colored and retain as much of their
living nutrition as possible.

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Buckwheat Ramen with Shiitake Mushrooms & Vegetables

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I’ll be frank: I love
buckwheat!!! I have always had a fond place in my heart for buckwheat. I
honestly can’t remember where in my childhood buckwheat took its place, I
think an aunt used it, or maybe my mom. I just remember it being there somewhere.
When I started pursuing this healthier cooking thing, I was delighted to
discover the nutritional benefits that buckwheat has to offer. Buckwheat is
not actually wheat at all. It is a seed that comes from a sorrel-like flower.
This makes it, in my view, a superfood, not to mention gluten free, plant
based, and other great qualities many are looking for
today.

Unfortunately, buckwheat flour doesn’t behave quite the same
as wheat flour, so its uses tend to be more limited, but you can find some
good products that use pure buckwheat in simple and nutritious ways. You can
also use it in recipes here and there, in baking, and always be confident
that you are adding amino acids, fiber, and other essential nutrition to the
dish. Here is a fantastic and quick way to enjoy ramen without the toxic
craziness of the ubiquitous instant ramen. And, it is great on a detox!
This recipe can be ready to eat in 20-30 minutes from start to finish.
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Whole Roasted Pumpkin with Mushroom Ragout

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When I go to the market and see
all the different types of gourds and winter squash, all I want to do is
bring them home and play with them in the kitchen. There is something
architecturally fulfilling about taking a big edible thing like a pumpkin and
bringing out it’s simple pleasures, and presenting it in its minimally
fragmented glory. Here is an extremely easy dish you can make as a vegan
entree or an interesting side dish on your next holiday dinner table.
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