Browsing Tag

carrots

Roasted Root Vegetables

November 6, 2012
roasted-root-vegetables

As much as I embrace an easygoing approach to all things food related and try to promote creativity and substitutions whenever possible, I have to admit this tendency does not carry over to all aspects of my lifestyle. In fact, there are certain things about which I can be kind of obsessive.

For one, I’m a sucker for lists. Going through an orderly list and checking off items as they are completed gives me an incomparable sense of accomplishment. I have lists for everything; grocery lists, errands, Christmas presents, books to read or topics to research … even the margins of my day planner are not safe from my scribbles.

As of late, I’ve been thinking about one list in particular. This list chronicles my food fantasies – dishes I want to try. Some are dishes I consider classics, while others are those that have grabbed my interest. The recipe I’m sharing with you today is Roasted Root Vegetables. I’ve been working on perfecting roasted root vegetables for a while. Getting them to come out of the oven crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside is no small feat (but when you get them right, they are oh-so delicious!).

roasted-root-vegetables-vegan

Roasted Root Vegetables

Vegan & Gluten-free

Serves 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 parsnip, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium beet, peeled and diced
  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced (I left the skin on)
  • 3 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp. rosemary, fresh or dried
  • 3 Tbsp. oil of choice (I used olive oil)
  • 1 tsp. sea salt
  • freshly ground pepper

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
  2. Prepare all of the vegetables, making sure they are cut about the same size.
  3. Mix the oil, garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper together in a small cup or bowl. Using your hands, mix the vegetables with the oil mixture until well coated. The vegetables should be in a single layer on the sheet for proper roasting.
  4. Place coated vegetables on a pan covered in parchment paper.
  5. Place in the oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes or until the root vegetables are soft and a bit browned. Serve right away and enjoy.

Rice Noodles with Peanut Sauce & Mixed Vegetables

October 17, 2012
rice-noodles-peanut-sauce-mixed-vegetables

Craving take-out? Whip up this easy noodle salad instead! Gluten-free and vegan, it’s also a great crowd-pleasing dish to take along to parties. Soft warm noodles contrasted with crunchy peanuts and crunchy fresh vegetables, all drenched in a savory-yet-sweet-and-tangy peanut sauce. I love that it’s really versatile in that whatever veggies you have in the fridge you can throw in and it comes together quickly. Instead of ordering out, make a restaurant quality meal with this healthy yet simple recipe.

rice-noodles-with-peanut-sauce-and-mixed-vegetables

Rice Noodles with Peanut Sauce & Mixed Vegetables

Serves 2 hungry people

Vegan & Gluten-free

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups thin rice noodles
  • 1/2 cup carrots, roughly sliced
  • 1/2 cup red bell peppers, roughly sliced
  • 1/2 cup broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup+ other vegetables, optional (sugar snap peas, baby corn, water chestnuts, asparagus)
  • 1 cup diced protein, optional (tofu, tempeh)

Directions:

  1. Place rice noodles in a large frying pan on medium-high heat for about 2 minutes or cook according to package directions. Add the carrots, red peppers, broccoli, optional vegetables and protein and heat until warm.

Peanut Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup peanut butter (I used chunky peanut butter)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup brown rice syrup or honey
  • 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar (or the juice of 1/2 a lemon)
  • 1 tsp.+ ground ginger
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • pinch of chili powder, to taste

Directions:

  1. In a small bowl, combine all ingredients for the peanut sauce and stir or whisk until smooth. Taste sauce and make flavor adjustments if desired.
  2. Pour sauce over noodles and vegetables and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately; or cover the bowl, refrigerate and serve chilled.