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dinner

Cold Soba Noodle Salad with Mango + Herbs

As you may know, I love using fruit in savory dishes, and this Cold Soba Noodle Salad with Mango + Herbs is no exception. As part of my year-long partnership with the National Mango Board, this recipe features juicy, ripe Tommy Atkins mangos. This variety of mango has a mildly sweet flavor and is the most widely grown mango variety coming into the United States. While mangos are refreshing on their own, combining them with fresh herbs takes their flavor up a notch! In this soba noodle salad recipe, I combined mango with fresh Thai basil and mint.

Through this partnership, I’ve learned so much about mangos, including important nutritional information! A one-cup serving of mango provides:

100% of daily vitamin C needs
35% of daily vitamin A needs
3 grams of fiber (12% of daily need)
1 gram of protein
25 grams of carbohydrates (8% of the daily value)
0 grams of fat
100 calories
No sodium or cholesterol

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This salad is a great make-ahead recipe, as the flavors intensify after a couple hours in the fridge. If you want to use this as a weekly meal prep item, I would recommend doubling the recipe. For meal prep purposes, you could also leave the fresh herbs on the side and add in just before eating so they don’t get soggy. I used gluten-free 100% buckwheat soba noodles here, but you can use any soba noodle (or rice noodle) of your choice.

[This post is sponsored by the National Mango Board. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.]

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Cold Soba Noodle Salad with Mango + Herbs
[Serves 2]

For the salad:
8 oz soba noodles, cooked according to instructions then rinsed with cold water
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 cup fresh ripe mango, cubed
¾ cup cucumber, sliced in thin rounds (I used Persian cucumber)
½ cup daikon radish, cut in thin half-moons (I used purple daikon)
Fresh mint
Fresh Thai basil
2 Tablespoons toasted cashews, roughly chopped, to garnish
2 teaspoons toasted black sesame seeds, to garnish

For the dressing:
2 Tablespoons avocado oil (or any other light tasting oil you like to use)
2 Tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
1 Tablespoon coconut aminos (or tamari)
2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (or any other spicy sauce you like to use)
1 ½ teaspoons mirin
1 ½ teaspoons fresh grated ginger
1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
½ teaspoon finishing salt
Juice from half a small lime

1.) Cook the soba noodles according to the instructions on the package then drain and rinse with cold water. In a medium mixing bowl, toss with 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil and set aside.

2.) To make the dressing, whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.

3.) Prep all other salad ingredients then add to bowl with noodles.

4.) Toss salad with dressing. Garnish with toasted cashews and black sesame seeds.

September 25, 2019 0 comment

Main Courses

Baked Quinoa Patties with Herbed Tahini Sauce

I created this recipe a while back and have been dying to share it with you guys! These Baked Quinoa Patties with Herbed Tahini Sauce are a weekly staple at our haus. I love making a double batch to have extras in my fridge for easy lunches during the week. The sauce can also be used as a dressing for your favorite salads or a dip for your next snack platter. I originally made these into quinoa balls, but they work great as patties too. Feel free to swap out the dill for any other herb you like, and same goes with the herbs in the sauce.

Baked Quinoa Patties with Herbed Tahini Sauce
[Makes 12 Patties]

For the flax eggs:
1/2 cup water
3 tablespoons ground flaxseed

For the quinoa patties:
1 cup dried quinoa (which is about 2 cups when cooked)
1/2 cup water
¼ cup almond flour
1 cup fresh dill, loosely packed
2 Tablespoons tahini
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ground sumac
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 Tablespoon olive oil

For the herbed tahini sauce:
1 cup fresh parsley, tightly packed
1 cup fresh mint, tightly packed
1 cup fresh cilantro, tightly packed
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 clove garlic, chopped
1/2 cup tahini
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1.) Preheat oven to 450°F.

2.) Heat one cup quinoa and a little less than 2 cups of water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn heat down to low and cover the pan with a lid. Cook quinoa for 15-18 minutes. Once done, fluff with a fork, transfer to a bowl and let cool completely.

3.) In a small bowl, whisk together ground flaxseed and ½ cup water with a fork and let sit at least 5 minutes.

4.) Once cooked quinoa is cooled, add all ingredients except water to a food processor. Process for a minute or so then slowly add the 1/2 cup water while the machine is running and process into a sticky ‘dough’.

5.) Working a ¼ cup at a time, form dough into 12 small round patties. Alternatively, you could roll into balls.

6.) Place patties or balls on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.

7.) While the quinoa patties are baking, make the herbed tahini sauce. Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until very smooth (1-2 minutes).

8.) Serve quinoa patties with salad greens, any other desired veggies and herbed tahini sauce. Enjoy!

April 16, 2019 3 comments

Main Courses

Instant Pot Lemon-Turmeric-Ginger Congee with Roasted Romanesco, Shaved Fennel, Avocado and Pine Nuts

I’m already dreaming up all the different versions of this recipe I’m going to make over the winter. Working on a sweet-ish breakfast version next! Thank you to the genius and always inspiring, Heidi Swanson of 101 Cookbooks for the original congee recipe. For this version, I really wanted something lemony (because duh, I always want something lemony) so I tweaked Heidi’s recipe to be more Italian inspired. I recommend using low-sodium veggie broth, as the regular varieties have more than double the sodium, so I always just prefer to add my own salt to taste to the low-sodium variety. This meal is hearty and warming yet still feels bright and fresh.

Congee is great to make on a Sunday for meals throughout the week. When reheating, simply add a bit of water or broth to prevent sticking/burning. If you don’t have an Instant Pot (you should probably get one 😉 ), you can make this recipe in a slow cooker (I’d guess 8 hours cooking time on low) or in a heavy bottomed pot on the stovetop by bringing all ingredient to a low boil, reducing the heat and simmering, stirring every so often, until congee is at desired consistency.

Lemon-Turmeric-Ginger Congee with Roasted Romanesco, Shaved Fennel, Avocado and Pine Nuts
Recipe adapted from Heidi Swanson’s original recipe on her blog 101 Cookbooks]
[Serves 8]

[For the congee:]
1 cup brown rice, rinsed well and drained
1/2 cup white jasmine, rinsed well and drained
1/4 cup millet, rinsed well and drained
9 cups low-sodium veggie broth
6 cloves garlic, cut in half
1 Tablespoon fine grain sea salt
1 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
3” piece of ginger cut into large chunks (big enough to pick out before eating)
1 large lemon, skin peeled into long strips
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

[Note: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you could make this in a slow cooker cooking for about 8 hours. Alternatively, you could make it on the stove top in a heavy bottomed pot over low heat simmering until desired consistency.]

[For the bowls:] (Adjust quantities based on how many people you’re serving)
1 large head romanesco (or broccoli or cauliflower), cut into small florets
3 shallots, sliced
1 bulb fennel, shaved fine
2 scallions, green parts only, sliced very thin
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted in a dry skillet until golden
To garnish: radish sprouts, sliced lemon, chili oil, culinary toasted argan oil (or any nutty tasting oil you can find)

1.) Combine the rices and millet, broth, garlic, salt, turmeric, ginger, lemon peels and pepper in the Instant Pot or slow cooker. Secure the lid, set the pressure release valve to SEALING. Press MANUAL and set for 30 minutes at high pressure.

2.) Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400. Toss romanesco and shallots in liberal amount of avocado (or another cooking) oil. Roast for about 25 minutes or until golden and tender.

3.) Once Instant Pot is done, let the pressure NATURAL RELEASE (30-40 minutes), meaning do NOT move the valve to VENTING. Gently shake or tap the pressure cooker, and then carefully open away from you.

4.) Serve congee into bowls and top with desired toppings. Drizzle with chili oil and argan oil. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve each bowl with a lemon wedge. Enjoy!

[Note: Congee will keep in your refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply add a bit of water or broth to a saucepan with the congee and heat over medium.

January 7, 2019 3 comments

Soups + Salads

Vegan Tahini Caesar Salad with Dukkah and Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

New favorite salad alert! A spin on the traditional caesar salad with tahini in the dressing. This salad feels decadent and is supremely satisfying. The dukkah goes well on just about anything. The recipe makes way more than you will need for this salad, so store leftovers in a mason jar in the refrigerator and sprinkle on salads, grain bowls, toasts, etc. as desired.

Vegan Caesar Salad with Dukkah and Spicy Roasted Chickpeas
[Serves 2-4]

For the dukkah:
1 cup hazelnuts
1/2 cup sesame seeds
2 Tablespoons coriander seeds
2 Tablespoons cumin seeds
Salt + pepper to taste

1.) Preheat oven to 350°. Toast hazelnuts on a rimmed baking sheet in preheat oven for about 5 minutes or until toasted. Remove from heat. Rub between a clean towel to remove as much of the brown skins as possible. Pulse nuts in food processor until coarsely chopped. Transfer to bowl and set aside.

2.) Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes or until golden. Remove from heat and add to bowl with hazelnuts.

3.) Toast coriander and cumin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes or until fragrant. Remove from heat and add to bowl with hazelnuts and sesame.

4.) Add salt and pepper to taste and toss mixture together. This will be more than you need for salad recipe, so store in mason jar and use to top salads, veggie bowls and any other favorite dishes.

For the spicy roasted chickpeas:
1 15oz cans of chickpeas/garbanzo beans
1 teaspoon hot chili powder
2 tablespoons avocado oil
Salt + pepper to taste

1.) Preheat oven to 400°. Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas. Toss with avocado oil, chili powder, salt and pepper on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, tossing a few times during roasting.

For the dressing:
1/4 cup olive oil
3 Tablespoons tahini or cashew butter
2 Tablespoons nutritional yeast
2 teaspoons capers
1 clove garlic
Juice from 1/2 a lemon
2 Tablespoons water
Salt + pepper to taste

1.) In a high speed blender, blend all ingredients until very smooth. Dressing will be thick.

For the salad:
3 romaine hearts, chopped small
Lemon wedges, to serve

1.) Using your hands, mix the romaine with the dressing. Top with dukkah and the chickpeas. Serve with lemon wedges. Enjoy!

May 30, 2017 5 comments

Main Courses

Roasted Kale, Romanesco and Chickpeas with Sorrel Sunflower Pesto

All the greens for St. Patrick’s Day! If you’ve never used sorrel before, this recipe is a great intro. Usually sorrel is green, so likely your pesto will be green. I found this very beautiful variety of red-veined sorrel at the farmers market here in Portland, so that’s why mine is a purply hue. Either way, it’s delicious. Sorrel is a tangy, lemony herb. It has a very bright taste and reminds me of spring. Sorrel is packed with vitamins A and C, which are great for boosting immunity. This pesto would also be a great addition to your morning eggs or mixed in with your favorite grain (rice, quinoa, millet).

This dish would be amazing with non-dairy or regular ricotta. I skipped it this time, but I’ve made this same meal with the ricotta addition, and it’s outstanding. I love this brand of almond mylk ricotta. I’m in the early phases of developing a vegan cheese and will definitely be sharing that recipe once I’ve perfected it. Vegan cheeses really have come a long way since the early days of plastic-y soy cheese. It’s so nice to be able to actually enjoy plant-based cheeses.

Roasted Kale, Romanesco and Chickpeas with Sorrel Sunflower Pesto
[Serves 2-4]

1 head romanesco, cut into florets
1 15 oz can chickpeas
1 bunch kale
2 Tablespoons avocado oil
Juice from 1 lemon
Salt + pepper, to taste
To garnish: lemon slices, non-dairy or regular ricotta cheese (optional)

For the pesto:
3 cups sorrel
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
1 clove garlic
Salt + pepper, to taste

1.) Preheat oven to 400° F. On a rimmed baking sheet, spread romanesco florets and chickpeas. Before roasting, toss with 1 Tablespoon of avocado oil, juice from 1/2 a lemon, salt and pepper. Roast for 12-15 minutes.

2.) Toss kale with 1 Tablespoon avocado oil, juice from 1/2 a lemon, salt and pepper. Spread kale out on a separate rimmed baking sheet, and roast in the oven for 5-10 minutes until kale is wilted and a bit crispy.

3.) Make pesto by blending all ingredients in a high-speed blender on medium-high for about 1-2 minutes, or until well combined.

4.) Toss kale with chickpeas and romanesco. Dollop a generous helping of pesto on each serving. Do the same with the ricotta, if using. Serve with a lemon slice. Enjoy!

March 17, 2017 2 comments

Soups + Salads

Cauliflower Salad with Roasted Chickpeas, Radicchio and Chervil

This cauli salad is SO simple yet so satisfying. Over here at Wu Haus, we eat this salad as a main course for dinner, but it would also make a lovely side dish or starter salad. I can especially imagine it served with a delicious piece of baked salmon. Chervil is a new herb to me. It’s a close relative to parsley. I found it at the farmers market here in Portland and thought I would give it a try. I love parsley and think it’s one of the most underused ingredients in the kitchen. Parsley, and even more so, chervil, is really a food stylists’ dream. It’s light and delicate and adds movement to any dish.

For this salad, I used a mix of regular white cauliflower and yellow cauliflower. I love the pop of color the yellow adds to the color palette. I bet it would also be gorgeous with purple cauliflower. This salad really makes me yearn for spring. The brightness of the color and flavor palettes reminds me that the change of season is right around the corner. I’m so looking forward to all the fresh produce that will soon be at the farmers market. Only a few more weeks now!

Cauliflower Salad with Roasted Chickpeas, Radicchio and Chervil
Inspired by The First Mess
[Serves 4-6]

For the salad:
1 large head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
1 recipe spicy roasted chickpeas
1/2 head (about 1 1/2 cups) radicchio, chopped
1/2 cup chervil or parsley, chopped
3 scallions, thinly sliced
Salt + pepper, to taste
To garnish: lemon slices, avocado (optional)

For the dressing:
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Juice from 1/2 a lemon
1 Tablespoon stone ground mustard
Salt + pepper, to taste

1.) Make the chickpeas.

2.) In a food processor or high-speed blender, working in batches of 1 cup at a time, process the cauliflower to a rice-like consistency. Transfer to a large salad bowl. [Note: If you don’t have a food processor or high-speed blender, you could finely chop the cauliflower instead.]

3.) Make the dressing by vigorously whisking together all ingredients until smooth. Toss the cauliflower, radicchio, chervil or parsley and scallions with the dressing until well coated. Add the chickpeas and lightly toss. Add more salt and pepper, if desired. If possible, allow to sit for 30 -60 minutes to let the cauliflower absorb the flavors. Garnish with extra chervil or parsley, lemon slices and avocado (optional). Enjoy!

March 2, 2017 0 comment

Main Courses

Baked Pistachio-Tempeh Herbed Falafel with Collard Wraps

We’re just cruising through January faster than ever before it feels like. It really is true what they say: As you get older, time just seems to move faster and faster. Although the winter months can be quite rough, especially January, I’m savoring this time. For me, it’s a great time for introspection, self-care, creativity and reconnection with well being. I hope you are finding the darker months nourishing in some way.

These falafel wraps are just so yummy! Light yet super satisfying. I love the collard wraps, but you could serve these with pita or a whole grain instead. A yogurt-based sauce would also be lovely on these in place of the tahini. If you are sensitive or allergic to soy, you can swap the tempeh for 2 cups of chickpeas here. Also, feel free to double the recipe. The falafel will keep well in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. It’s nice to have some on hand through the week to add to salads or roasted veggie bowls.

Baked Pistachio-Tempeh Herbed Falafel with Collard Wraps
[Serves 2-4]

For the falafel:
1/4 cup parsley
1/4 cup mint
1/2 cup raw pistachios
6 oz tempeh (about 2 cups), crumbled
1/2 cup shallot, diced
2 cloves garlic, diced
3 Tablespoons olive oil
2 Tablespoons nut flour (I used brazil nut, but almond works great)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the wraps:
A small bunch of collard greens, stem bottoms removed to leaf
1 small beet, grated
3 small radishes, sliced paper thin
1 avocado, sliced
Microgreens
Optional: crumbled feta or plant-based cheeze

For the tahini sauce:
4 Tablespoons tahini
3 Tablespoons olive oil
1 Tablespoon warm water
1 teaspoon za’atar
1-2 cloves raw garlic, pressed
Salt + pepper, to taste

1.) Preheat oven to 375°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2.) To make falafel mixture, pulse parsley, mint and pistachios in food processor until well chopped. Add the tempeh, shallot, garlic, olive oil, cumin, nut flour, baking soda, salt and pepper and blend for about 20-30 seconds until mixture is combined but not smooth.

3.) Roll falafel dough into 12 balls. Place them on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 18 minutes, turning halfway through. Falafel should be browned on two sides.

4.) Meanwhile, make the sauce by whisking all ingredients together in small bowl or jar. Prep veggies for wraps.

5.) Assemble the wraps and enjoy!

January 26, 2017 2 comments

Main Courses

Sweet Potato Noodles with Miso-Cashew-Lime Dressing

I’m pretty obsessed with the idea that you can now make ‘noodles’ out of so many different types of veggies. Sweet potatoes included! If you don’t have a spiralizer, this one is great and relatively affordable. Also if you are confused about the difference between a yam and a sweet potato, this article will make it clear. This meal takes very little time and effort to put together, makes a great lunch and can be eaten warm, at room temp or chilled.

The creamy Miso-Cashew-Lime Dressing would be delicious on a leafy green salad or a some noodle dish. If you want to make the dressing spicy, you could add the jalapeño to the other ingredients before blending, as opposed to garnishing with it at the end. Either way, the spice is nice! Enjoy!

Sweet Potato Noodles with Miso-Cashew-Lime Dressing
[Serves 3-4]

3 jewel yams, spiralized
1 recipe spicy baked tofu, or 1 package ready-to-eat tofu like this one
4 oz shiitake mushrooms, cut however desired
3 radishes, thinly sliced using a mandolin if possible
3 scallions, thinly sliced
2 Tablespoons avocado or coconut oil + 1 teaspoon (for shiitakes)
2 teaspoons liquid aminos or tamari
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup basil, chopped
1 jalapeño, diced
To garnish: black sesame seeds, extra lime slices

For the dressing:
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 Tablespoon white miso
1 Tablespoon raw cashew butter
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon liquid aminos or tamari
1 Tablespoon water
1 garlic clove, minced
Juice from 1 lime

1.) If making your own baked tofu, follow this recipe and all 30-35 minutes for cooking time.

2.) Blend all dressing ingredients in high-speed blender for about a minute or until very smooth. Set aside.

3.) Spiralize the yams and set aside. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of avocado or coconut oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the yam noodles and sauté for 8-10 minutes.

4.) While the noodles are cooking, sauté the shiitakes in a dry cast iron skillet over medium heat. After about 5 minutes, add 1 teaspoon avocado/coconut oil and liquid aminos/tamari and cook until finished, about another 3-5 minutes.

5.) Once the noodles are tender-crisp, add the tofu and shiitakes and cook another minute or two. Remove from heat, add the radishes, scallions, cilantro, basil and jalapeño. Toss with dressing and garnish with black sesame seeds. Enjoy!

January 24, 2017 6 comments

Main Courses

Simple Deconstructed Sushi Bowls

I thought what better way to end 2016 than with a post inspired by my trip to Japan. After all, it was by far the most influential thing I did this year. The simplicity that is so inherent in Japanese culture has long inspired my work and my lifestyle choices. Experiencing it firsthand allowed it to take on a whole new meaning when I got home. In the kitchen, simple preparations with subtle yet potent flavor combinations, like these sushi bowls. I have to give serious props to Wildbrine for the arame ginger kraut used in these bowls. If you can get your hands on it, I highly recommend doing so. If not, pickled ginger or another Japanese-style kraut or kimchi will do the trick.

If you’re interested in the art of cooking sushi rice, this article does a great job of explaining. I’ve used it as the foundation for this recipe. The Japanese really take so much care in each tiny detail. The high quality and relaxed pace of life, even in a massive city like Tokyo, are things I think every culture can learn from.

Simple Deconstructed Sushi Bowls
[Makes 4 bowls]

For the sushi rice:
2 cups sushi rice, well rinsed (or any other kind of rice you like)
2.3 cups water (just eyeball it)
1/3 cup rice vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 Tablespoons black sesame seeds

For the toppings:
7 oz smoked salmon (Other options: grilled or raw sushi-grade salmon, poached egg, steamed edamame beans or tofu)
1 avocado
4 radishes, sliced paper thin
6-8 Tablespoons arame ginger kraut, or several slices pickled ginger per bowl
1/2 of a Japanese cucumber, sliced then cut into small pieces
3 scallions, white to light green part sliced thinly
1 sheet toasted nori, cut into small strips

For the drizzle:
1/3 cup toasted sesame oil
3-4 Tablespoons tamari
Optional: wasabi, to taste

1.) Using a fine mesh sieve, rinse the rice for 2-3 minutes or until the water runs clear. Using the ratio 1:1.15, add 2.3 cups of water and the rice to a small pot. Cook on high heat, stirring every minute or so until the water boilings. Once boiling, turn the heat to the lowest setting and place the lid on the pot. Cook for about 8 minutes or until there’s not water in the pot and the rice is tender.

2.) Using a wooden spoon, scoop rice from pot into a wooden bowl. Season the rice with vinegar, salt and sesame seeds by mixing for a minute or so. Set aside.

3.) Prep all toppings and sesame-tamari drizzle. Distribute rice between 4 bowls and top with desired toppings and drizzle. Serve immediately.

December 30, 2016 1 comment

Main Courses

Herbed Cauliflower Pizza Crust

I wasn’t originally planning to post this recipe, but many of you reached out to me asking for it, so here it is! Super simple, healthy and delicious. The key to the crust is to be sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the cauliflower before making the dough. I use a nut mylk bag, but a clean dish cloth or cheese cloth would work too. Something to keep in mind: This won’t be like a traditional pizza crust, but it’s still amazingly delicious. If you’re looking for something more traditional, Bob’s Red Mill makes a great gluten-free pizza crust mix that can be made vegan.

Oh! And another amazing thing about this pizza is this vegan cashew- and coconut-based cheeze that melts and browns from Miyoko’s Kitchen. It’s seriously so good. I didn’t think I could be so impressed with a vegan melting cheeze. I haven’t had the chance to try any of their other products, but if you have, I would love to know what you think.

Herbed Cauliflower Pizza Crust
[Makes 1 large crust]

1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
5 Tablespoons ground flax seed
2/3 cup water
3/4 cup almond meal or nut flour (I used homemade brazil nut flour)
1 Tablespoon herbs de Provence
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1.) Preheat oven to 450° with pizza stone if using.

2.) Whisk together ground flax and water until well combined. Allow to chill in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.

3.) Steam cauliflower florets until tender. Drain from water and rinse with cold water. Place florets in nut mylk bag, dish towel or cheesecloth, and squeeze out as much water as possible from cauliflower.

4.) Transfer drained cauliflower to a large bowl. Using a potato masher or fork, mash cauliflower to desired consistency. You could also use a food processor or high-speed blender if you want a finer texture.

5.) Add nut flour or almond meal, flax mixture, herbs, salt and pepper to cauliflower. Using a rubber spatula, mix until well combined and a ball of dough forms easily.

6.) Roll out dough between 2 sheets of parchment paper to about 2/3″ thickness. Transfer rolled out dough to a pizza stone or to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes until dough is lightly browned.

7.) After par-baking, top pizza with sauce and your favorite toppings. Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, and enjoy!

December 20, 2016 1 comment

Main Courses

Romesco with Roasted Cauliflower and Creamy Polenta

These last couple of days have felt so surreal. I’ve been feeling a spectrum of emotions. Yesterday was especially difficult. Today, I’m trying to take a step back from all the emotions and focus on actionable change. What can I do to help my local, national and global community? For starters, I set up monthly payments of $10 to both Planned Parenthood, Environmental Defense Fund and the ACLU. It’s only $30 a month, but think about what a difference that would make if everyone donated even just $5 a month. I know we are all working our asses off and so many people struggling to make ends meet, but these organizations need us more than ever right now. This is where I chose to start. In the days ahead, more participation, energy and commitment will be needed. Today, I’m also focusing on how many amazing, passionate, caring, loving and kind people there are in the world that are dedicated to progressive change. This is no time to wallow in our sadness. Now more than ever, we must be strong together.

One of my favorite things about food is its ability to bring us together. My other favorite thing about food is its ability to offer comfort, warmth and nourishment. All things we need right now. I hope this recipe brings you even the smallest sense of warmth. Share and enjoy it with your friends, family and neighbors.

Romesco with Roasted Cauliflower and Creamy Polenta
[Serves 4]

For the romesco:
2 1/2 jarred roasted red peppers
1 cup blanched almonds
1/4 cup cashews, soaked in very hot water for 10 minutes
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 Tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt + pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes, after blending

1.) Blend all ingredients except for the red chili flakes in a high-speed blender until desired consistency. Note: I like mine smooth but still chunky. That sweet spot in the middle.

For the cauliflower:
1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
3 Tablespoons avocado oil
1 small lemon, cut into 1/4″ slices
10-12 cloves of garlic
Several sprigs of fresh thyme
Salt + pepper, to taste

1.) Preheat the oven to 400°. Toss the cauliflower and garlic in the avocado oil. Season with salt and pepper.

2.) Spread the cauliflower and garlic on a lined baking sheet. Place the lemon slices and fresh thyme evenly over the baking sheet.

3.) Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until cauliflower is golden brown and tender-crisp.

For the polenta:
1 1/4 cup polenta
3 cups water
1 teaspoon salt, for cooking
Salt + pepper to taste
Optional: 2 Tablespoons butter or non-dairy margarine

1.) In a medium-size pot or dutch oven, bring water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil. Gradually stir in polenta. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, making sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking. Towards the end of cooking melt in the butter/non-dairy margarine, if using, and season with salt and pepper.

To serve:
1.) Spread a generous amount (2-3 Tablespoons) of the romesco down on a bowl or plate. Scoop a serving of the polenta next to the romesco. Top with the roasted cauliflower and garlic, and garnish with fresh Italian parsley. Serve immediately.

November 10, 2016 6 comments