Zucchini Ribbon Salad

Zucchini Ribbon Salad

2 medium zucchini
½ large red pepper
1T chopped fresh dill
1t olive oil
1t fresh lemon juice
sea salt and pepper to taste

Cut ends from zucchini. Use peeler to “peel” ribbons of zucchini around the four sides without slicing into the core. Reserve core for another use (it makes a nice snack to enjoy while you’re making dinner). Remove inner membrane and seeds from red pepper and use peeler to “’peel” thin slices of red pepper by running peeler along the cut edge. Toss pepper and zucchini with dill, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Enjoy!

Fresh Pickled Cucumber Salad...stays in the frig up to 2 months!

7-cups unpeeled pickling cucumbers sliced thin (about 7 large dills)
1-cup sliced onions
1-cup sliced bell peppers
1-tbsp salt
1 cup white vinegar
2-cups sugar ( I would substitute with stevia for lower carb)
1-tsp celery seed
1-tsp mustard seed

Mix cucumbers, onions, peppers and salt; set a side
Put vinegar, sugar, celery seed and mustard seed in a pot and bring to a boil
Remove from heat and let cool for one hour
Pour mixture over cucumbers
Put in jars and store in refrigerator
Will keep up to 2 months

Makes 2 quart jars.

Cowboy Caviar

Cowboy Caviar! (hadjeb)

Dice 1 each: green, yellow and red pepper
1/2 red onion
4 stalks celery

Add (drain juice):
1 can pinto beans with jalapeno
1 can black-eyed peas
1 can shoe-peg corn

Heat to dissolve:
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup cider vinegar

Add: 1/2 cup canola oil

Best with Fritos Scoops

**The first time I made it, I made it with the beans as the recipe has.  The second time,I made it with one can of red beans and one can of black beans (drained well and rinsed well).  I liked it better that way actually.  I also made it with some thawed frozen corn instead of canned because that is what I had.  Yum!

**Oh I love that cowboy caviar!! It's my hubbie's favorite. Another way to serve it to spread a layer of cream cheese across a plate and put the "caviar" on top so you can scoop it up with a tortilla or cracker.

Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole

We all enjoyed this, but it really needs even more than 8 hours, in my opinion.  The cabbage was still pretty firm at the 8-hour mark, even though my crockpot normally runs pretty hot.  I loved that I didn't have to cook the ground turkey beforehand, though.  That was absolutely wonderful.  I do hate browning ground turkey or ground beef.  Plus, I hate dirtying up an extra pan.  Overall, though, it was pretty good.  I would make it again, but I'd probably cook it for 9-10 hours instead.

SLOW COOKER CABBAGE ROLL CASSEROLE
(luckymommyto2boys ~ Amy ~ Food.com)

1 -1 1/2 lb lean ground turkey or 1 -1 1/2 lb extra lean ground beef
2 cups chopped onions
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1/4-1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1 small head green cabbage, coarsely chopped
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce, can add another 8- 15 oz if you like more sauce

Spray crock pot with nonstick cooking spray.
Crumble the raw ground turkey (or beef) and spread along bottom of crock pot.
Add the onions, green pepper, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme and cabbage.
Pour the diced tomatoes over top.
Mix the sugar into the tomato sauce and pour over everything. If you like more sauce, add another 8-oz or 15-oz can of tomato sauce.
Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours or on high for about 4 hours.
When done, remove lid and stir to mix well.

Barbecued Vegetables

Barbecued Vegetables - These were really easy to make a great vegetable dish.  I used regular frozen green beans and I just cooked them in the microwave instead of blanching them.  Then I used a green pepper, a yellow onion, grape tomatoes and I left the mushrooms whole (I did an 8oz package).  If I were to make this again, I would double the sauce.  It isn't really a sauce when it's done but just adds some flavor to the veggies.

Barbequed Vegetables
jtwinzz

16 oz frozen french cut green beans                               
1 Bell Pepper (green or red) cut in thin strips
1 med. onion (yellow or white) thinly sliced                    
2 med. tomatoes, wedged
4 oz mushrooms, sliced (may use canned)                     
1-2  T.. butter, melted
2 t. Dijon Mustard
2 T. brown sugar
salt and pepper to taste
 
Blanch beans and drain.  Place beans in 9x13 baking dish.  Layer remaining veggies on top.  Make sauce by combining remaining ingredients, and drizzle over veggies.  Cover and bake for 20-25 min at 350.  (May cook in microwave if using micro. safe dish - cook about 10 minutes - check for doneness as microwaves vary)

Roasted Tomato Salsa

salsa (o-reet)

5 roasted tomatoes

2 onions

2 bell peppers

1 jalapeno

1 clove garlic

1/2 cup cider vinegar

1/2 tablespoon cilantro

1 salt and pepper to taste

--

Tony Horton's Famous Vegan Burritos

January 24, 2011 • Posted by Melissa Costello

Category: Main Dishes

Most of you know that I cook for that crazy guy, Tony Horton, creator of the phenomenal workout system P90X and some of you may be wondering, who the heck is this Tony Horton guy? Well, if you don't know, you are missing out. And if you want to find out, go here: Tony Horton's World and check him out!

Is this guy really 52?? No way!!!

Yes, that's right, the guy is 52 and in better shape than anyone I know. The reason: consistent exercise 6 days a week and a CONSISTENT CLEAN DIET, which is mostly plant-based! Horton calls himself a "Flexitarian", which means that he eats mostly a plant-based diet 90% of the time but will have the occasional fish, eggs or free-range, organic chicken if he is out and about and there are no other options. Otherwise, he keeps it clean; very little sugar (only in the form of agave, honey or brown rice syrup), no gluten, no dairy, very minimal processed foods and tons of WHOLE, FRESH food! This is how you get and STAY healthy! You can exercise your butt off, but if you aren't putting the proper nutrients into your body, your efforts are worthless. Did you know eating certain foods can help to ward off cancer and disease?? Yes, you heard me. So why not eat healthy? Why take a risk just to have some "fun". And why is it that we equate bad food to having fun? I have plenty of fun eating myOrganic Nectars Raw & Vegan Gelato, or even my Kale with Tahini over Quinoa..delicious!

Anyway, back to why I am here...the famous Vegan Burritos I created for Tony, that are his staple food and loaded with nutrients & flavor. And, guess what? They are simple to make too!

Simple & Fresh Ingredients

So here we go:

• 2 TBL. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, deseeded & sliced into thin strips
• 1 Yellow bell pepper, deseeded & sliced into thin strips
• 1 Red onion, thinly sliced into 1/2 moons
• 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
• 1 -15oz can organic black beans, or 1-1/2 cups cooked
• 1-15oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 TBL chili powder blend
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 c. quinoa or brown rice, cooked
• 1 pkg. gluten free brown rice tortillas (Food for Life Brand), or sprouted grain tortillas(Ezekial Brand)

Extras (optional) Avocado, Tempeh Bacon, Daiya Cheese or Wayfare foods We Can't Say it's Cheese Mexican Cheese spread (YUMMY)

To Prepare:

Rinse quinoa or brown rice, and prepare according to package directions.

While quinoa/rice is cooking, heat 1 TBL of the Olive oil in a large skillet. Add peppers & onions and sauté until soft – about 3-5 minutes. Add zucchini, cumin, chili powder and sea salt and continue cooking for 2 more minutes, stirring to incorporate all the spices with the peppers & onions. Add tomatoes and stir to mix. Lower heat and cover, cooking for about 5 minutes until peppers are really soft. Remove from heat. Add beans to pan and stir to incorporate.

To Assemble:

Heat tortilla shell over low open flame on stove to soften. Place the tortilla on a flat surface. Spread a very small amount of Daiya cheese (if using) over entire tortilla. Add 1 scoop of pepper, onion & bean mixture to bottom 1/3 of tortilla. Top with 1 scoop of quinoa or rice. Add avocado (optional) or tempeh bacon and roll it up!  (If you are using the Gluten-Free tortillas, it's best to roll each burrito made to order.)

Softening a Rice Tortilla on an open flame (ignore smudge on stove)Peppers, Zucchini & Onions Oh My!Ready to Rock and ROLL!!!

Mango Salsa

Qdoba Mango Salsa
food.com
JDTMamma

Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Serves: 4, Yield: 4.5 cups

Ingredients

2 cups mangoes, cut into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium red pepper, diced into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium cucumber, diced into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 red onion, diced into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch pieces
1 jalapeno, finely minced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
1 limes, juice of or 2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon sugar
1 pinch salt


Directions

1. If using frozen mangoes, thaw and then cut into 1/4" to 1/2" pieces; place in mixing bowl.
2. Cut ends of cucumber and peel skin. Cut in half lengthwise. Using a spoon scrape out seeds. Dice into small pieces and add to the mixing bowl.
3. Dice 1/4 of a red onion and a whole red pepper; add to bowl.
4. Mince the jalapeno and add to bowl. If you like heat or spice, leave the ribs inches If you don’t want extra spice, cut out ribs and seeds. If your skin is sensitive to the heat, wear gloves or coat hands with a small quantity of salad oil, which makes it much easier to rinse the pepper from your hands. This is a must for contact wearers.
5. Chop cilantro and add to bowl.
6. Squeeze juice from one lime (approximately 2 tablespoons) and add to bowl.
7. Add sugar and salt; stir.
8. Refrigerate until needed.

I made this one a couple of weeks ago. I don't htink I reviewed it but I'm not sure. If I did, sorry for the double review.

Beans and Veggies

Just threw this together today and it was really good.  I was hoping it would come out as a bean side dish but seems to be a bit more soupy... I'm thinking of throwing in some shredded chicken and calling it tomorrow's lunch.  Next time I'll add less water for more of the bean dish I was hoping for. 

Finely chop one carrot, one zucchini, half a red pepper (and I would add some onion but DH hates onion pieces).  Really, use whatever veggies you have on hand.  Saute in a tablespoon olive oil until very soft and picking up some color.  This takes awhile but is worth it.  Add about 2-3 cloves of chopped garlic, let cook for a few mins.  Add 1T tomato paste, mix and cook another few minutes.  Add 2c. water, one stock cube (I use knorr) but any bullion cubes or even chicken broth.  Add two cans rinsed white beans, pepper to taste, a couple shakes of italian seasoning and let cook for awhile.  The beans will start to break down and thicken the sauce but you don't want it complete mush.

It was really good and actually thickened up quite a bit as it cooled.  We had grilled chicken sausage and roasted asparagus with it and it was one of the best dinners we've had in awhile. 

Delicious Homemade Salsa

☆.•♥• Delicious Homemade Salsa Recipe!•♥•☆

I Stopped buying the jar stuff once I tasted this homemade salsa. 

Simple and delicious: 

8 cups tomatoes, peeled, chopped and drained
2 1/2 cups onions, chopped
1 1/2 cups green peppers
1 cup jalapeno pepper, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons pepper
1/8 cup canning salt
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup vinegar
1/3 cup chopped Italian parsley or Cilantro if you prefer* :)
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste

Directions:

1
Mix all together and bring to a slow boil for 10 minute.
2
Seal in jars and cook in hot water bath for 10 minute.
3
This is a medium salsa. This is also a chunky salsa so if you want a smoother salsa cut your veggies into smaller pieces.
4
Yields 3-6 quarts or pints.
Add 2 tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice and salt and peper to taste.

Mix everything together and let sit overnight for flavors to meld

Slow Cooker Lentil and Red Pepper Soup

Slow Cooker Lentil and Red Pepper Soup
margots-mom

2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
4-6 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 large or 2 med red bell peppers, seeded and finely chopped
1 cup dried brown lentils, picked over and rinsed
5 cups water
2 tsp salt, or to taste
1-2 Tablespoons sherry or red or white wine vinegar to finish the soup

Cook the onion in 1 Tablespoon oil over medium heat in a skillet until the onion begins to soften. Stir in paprika and allow it to cook for about a minute more.
Add the chopped pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until everything begins to soften. Scrape all this into a slow cooker. Add the lentils and water and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low until the lentils are completely soft, 7-9 hours.

Season the soup with S & P and last Tablespoon olive oil. Stir in 1 Tablespoon of vinegar, more if needed. Serve hot.

Quinoa Taco Salad

Quinoa "taco" salad
Averyhappymama adapted from Gluten Free Goddess

1 package Far East quinoa roasted red pepper and basil blend cooked according to package directions and fluffed with a fork
Extra virgin olive oil, as needed
Juice from 2 medium, juicy limes
2-3 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro or parsley
1 half small red or purple onion, diced fine
1 small yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded, diced fine
1 cup roasted corn kernels (I used frozen, roasted on a cookie sheet for 6-7 minutes, then cooled)
1 large head of crisp romaine lettuce, washed, dried, sliced crosswise
tortilla chips
1 large avocado, pitted, peeled, diced

Instructions:

Drizzle the cooked quinoa with extra virgin olive oil and toss to coat. Squeeze on fresh lime juice and toss again. 

Add in the fresh chopped cilantro, diced red onion, diced yellow pepper, and roasted corn kernels. Stir lightly to distribute. Taste test for seasoning adjustments.

Line four salad bowls or plates with the fresh romaine. Spoon the quinoa salad on the center of the lettuce. Add the diced avocado to each plate. Tuck in a few tortilla chips around the edges.

Serve with an extra lime wedge and if desired salsa.

Add black beans if desired.

Add sliced red or yellow cherry or grape tomatoes, if you desire.

Sprinkle with the cheese of your choice.


Serve with mango if desired.

Black Bean Burgers

Black Bean Burgers
From averyhappymama via allrecipes.com

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 green bell pepper, cut into 2 inch pieces
1/2 onion, cut into wedges
3 cloves garlic, peeled
1 egg
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon Thai chili sauce or hot sauce
1/2 cup bread crumbs

If grilling, preheat an outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil a sheet of aluminum foil. If baking, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), and lightly oil a baking sheet.
In a medium bowl, mash black beans with a fork until thick and pasty.
In a food processor, finely chop bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Then stir into mashed beans.
In a small bowl, stir together egg, chili powder, cumin, and chili sauce.
Stir the egg mixture into the mashed beans. Mix in bread crumbs until the mixture is sticky and holds together. Divide mixture into four patties.
If grilling, place patties on foil, and grill about 8 minutes on each side. If baking, place patties on baking sheet, and bake about 10 minutes on each side.

Sweet-Sour Zucchini Salad

Sweet-Sour Zucchini Salad
Grace (TigMode)

*  1/2 cup cider or white wine vinegar
*  4-1/2 teaspoons dried minced onion
*  7 small zucchini, thinly sliced
*  1/2 cup chopped celery
*  1/4 cup chopped green pepper
*  1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper
Dressing:
*  3/4 cup sugar
*  2/3 cup cider vinegar
*  1/3 cup vegetable oil
*  1 teaspoon salt
*  1 teaspoon pepper

In a large bowl, combine vinegar and onion. Add zucchini, celery and peppers. In a jar with a tight fitting lid, combine dressing ingredients; shake well. Pour over vegetables and stir gently. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. 

Orzo with Roasted Vegetables

Orzo with Roasted Vegetables

Katie (Katiedid) from Barefoot Contessa

1 small eggplant, peeled and 3/4-inch diced
1 red bell pepper, 1-inch diced
1 yellow bell pepper, 1-inch diced
1 red onion, peeled and 1-inch diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup good olive oil

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 pound orzo or rice-shaped pasta

For the dressing:

1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/3 cup good olive oil

1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

To assemble:
4 scallions, minced (white and green parts)
1/4 cup pignolis (pine nuts), toasted
3/4 pound good feta, 1/2-inch diced (not crumbled)
15 fresh basil leaves, cut into julienne

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Toss the eggplant, bell peppers, onion, and garlic with the olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large sheet pan. Roast for 40 minutes, until browned, turning once with a spatula.

Meanwhile, cook the orzo in boiling salted water for 7 to 9 minutes, until tender. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl. Add the roasted vegetables to the pasta, scraping all the liquid and seasonings from the roasting pan into the pasta bowl.

For the dressing, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper and pour on the pasta and vegetables. Let cool to room temperature, then add the scallions, pignolis, feta, and basil. Check the seasonings, and serve at room temperature.

Katie's Notes: I used 1 bunch of asparagus instead of the eggplant and then added some leftover roasted cauliflower, green beans and chicken as well. I used about 6 small red, orange and yellow peppers, extra garlic, reduced the oil for roasting to about 2 T. In the dressing I reduced the olive oil to just under 1/4 c. I used 4 oz of garlic and herb crumbled feta and skipped the pine nuts. I used a tri-color orzo (sundried tomato, spinach and plain).

Summer Vegetable Macaroni and Cheese

Summer Vegetable Macaroni and Cheese
HeatherAReed via The Complete Southern Cookbook

Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) package elbow macaroni

Veggies:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 cup chopped fresh broccoli
• 1 cup chopped yellow squash
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1 small red onion, peeled and chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Cheese sauce:

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper OR a splash of hot sauce
• 1 1/2 cups extra-sharp Cheddar, grated
• 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese

Toppings:

• 3 Roma tomatoes, sliced
• 2 tablespoons dry seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain, cover, and set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, and set aside.
3. Place a Dutch oven over medium heat, and add the oil and butter.
4. When the butter is melted, add the broccoli, squash, carrots, onion, pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
5. Remove the vegetables from the heat, and stir in the macaroni. Set aside.
6. To make the sauce: Whisk together the eggs, milk, mustard, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Pour over the macaroni mixture, and add the Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and ricotta. Gently stir to evenly coat. Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary.
7. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
8. Top with the tomatoes.
9. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and Parmesan over the top.
10. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving warm.

Recipe makes 8 servings.

Smoky Red Pepper Sauce

Smoky Red Pepper Sauce

(junquegirl)

4 red bell peppers

¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

2 shallots or one medium onion

salt to taste

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Cut red, orange or yellow bell peppers in half, cut or pull out seeds, put cut-side down on foil-line pan and roast until skin is charred and bubbling.

While peppers are roasting, slice shallots or onions and sauté on low to medium heat in olive oil until soft and carmelized. Put into blender or food processor.

After removing peppers from oven and given them a chance to cool down, remove skins. Add pepper flesh to processor bowl.

Add vinegar, paprika and a pinch of salt to onions and peppers and puree. Taste and adjust seasoning.

This rich, sweet and smoky sauce is good over baked potatoes or roasted root vegetables or pasta, mixed with mayonnaise to make a sandwich dressing, whisked into oil and vinegar for as a a salad dressing, added to white bean puree to make a dip or sandwich spread, mixed into store-bought tomato sauce, or served over scrambled eggs. Try changing it up a bit by adding a little hot sauce, lemon juice or fresh herbs.

Quinoa Summer Salad

Quinoa Summer Salad
~rls2007~

1 cup pre washed qunoa
2 cups chicken broth
2 cloves crushed garlic

2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red or white wine vinegar
3 cloves crushed garlic
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup diced zuchinni
1/2 cup diced summer squash
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup diced cucumber
1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper
1/4 cup diced red onion
1-2 cups halved grape tomatoes
1-2 cups halved fresh mozzarella balls or 1 cup diced provolone cheese

Directions:

1.  Add quinoa, chicken broth and garlic to a pot and bring to a boil.  Cover and simmer 10-15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.  Set aside to cool.  Once cool, place in a container in the fridge until cold.

2.  Whisk together lemon juice, oil, vinegar and seasonings until combined.  Set aside.

3.  Chop all veggies and cheese and add to large bowl.

4.  Add quinoa to veggies and pour dressing over.  Toss until well combined.  Adjust seasonings as desired.

Raw Purslane Salad

Raw Purslane Salad

Serves 6

This salad is not strict on measurements and is meant to inspire you to make it your own. I prefer a ratio of more purslane to other vegetables.

Prepping purslane: Immediately after harvesting, cut off roots and discard thick and large stems. If you choose to use the stems, make certain to cut into bite size pieces. Place in a colander and wash the purslane numerous times to remove dirt: set the colander in a large deep bowl and fill with water, swishing the purslane by hand – the sediment will fall to the bottom bowl. Throw off water. Repeat 2 to 3 times until cleaned. Drain and allow purslane to dry off.

Ingredients

5 cups purslane, cut into 2 inch pieces

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1/4 small red Onion, sliced thin

1 – 2 tomato, sliced large chunks

5 – 8 radishes, halved and sliced thin

1/4 cup vinaigrette salad dressing

1 clove garlic, minced

Salt

Pepper

Method

Prepare and cut vegetables. Add to large bowl. Add salad dressing, season with salt and pepper. Mix well. Allow to sit for at least 30 minutes if time allows.  Serve cold or at room temperature.

Variation

Veggies:  Avocado, potatoes, cucumbers, jicama

Dressing:  Create your own or use your favorite bottled dressing