Category: Side Dishes

Lemon Vegetable Orzo Soup

Lemon Vegetable Orzo Soup Recipe

Nothing comforts on a cold day like a big bowl of soup. This recipe is vegan and full of plant based nutrition. Delicate orzo pasta combines with plenty of veggies and white beans for a hearty soup that makes a great appetizer for holiday parties or anytime. A touch of lemon brightens the whole dish and adds a nice tang. Make this lemon vegetable orzo soup on a cool Sunday afternoon and save some leftovers to start your week.

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Lemon Vegetable Orzo Soup Recipe

Lemon Vegetable Orzo Soup Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 c orzo
  • 2 c carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 c white onion, chopped
  • 2 c kale, stems removed and chopped
  • 1 c cannellini beans, drained
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/3 c lemon juice
  • 2 32oz chicken stock or veg stock
  • cracked black pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, carrots, onion and celery. Cover and sauté 10 minutes until onions begin to turn translucent. Stir occasionally.
  2. Add vegetable stock and bring to a boil with lid off.
  3. Add herbs and stir in orzo. Reduce heat to simmer and cook until orzo is tender, about 7-10 minutes.
  4. Turn heat off. Stir in beans, kale and lemon juice.
  5. Remove sprig of Rosemary. Serve with black pepper.
http://freshandfit.org/lemon-vegetable-orzo-soup/

Crispy Plantains Over Black Beans, Mango and Red Onion

Crispy Plantains ff

I have shared quite a few plantain recipes here on Fresh and Fit. From veggie burgers to tacos, plantains are a very versatile fruit that can be combined with sweet, savory or salty flavors. Todays recipe is a straight forward side dish that is comforting and hearty enough for fall, but with the tropical flavors of mango, lime and of course, plantains. The crispy outside with a soft inside make this recipe perfect for meatless mondays and hearty enough to stand on its own as a vegan entree. It would also pair nicely with steak, chicken and fish entrees.

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Crispy Plantains Over Black Beans, Mango and Red Onion

Crispy Plantains Over Black Beans, Mango and Red Onion

Ingredients

  • 1 ripe plantain, sliced into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 mango, diced
  • 1/4 c red onion, minced
  • 1 can black beans, drained
  • 1 handful cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Sea salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Toss plantain slices in cumin and chili powder.
  2. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet. Place plantain slices in skillet and cook 4-5 minutes each side. Season with sea salt.
  3. On a serving plate, spread out black beans, top with plantain slices, diced mango, chopped cilantro and squeezed lime.
http://freshandfit.org/crispy-plantains-over-black-beans-mango-and-red-onion/

Roasted Poblano Corn Salad

Roasted poblano corn salad freshandfit.org

As we transition into fall, I thought it was fitting to have a side dish that can be enjoyed both warm or chilled. Roasted poblano peppers add a smokey flavor to this corn salad. Mix with a little grass-fed butter and fresh lime and this simple dish is a comforting and quick recipe to accompany entrees during the week.

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Roasted Poblano Corn Salad

Roasted Poblano Corn Salad

Ingredients

  • 2 c corn kernels, organic
  • 1 poblano pepper
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 3 tbsp butter, grass-fed
  • 1 handful of cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven or grill to 450. Cook Poblano pepper until charred turning occasionally. Place pepper in a zip lock bag or bowl with a lid. Allow to steam and cool.
  2. Peel off skin and remove seeds from poblano pepper. Finely chop.
  3. Microwave corn kernels 3-5 minutes.
  4. Add corn and poblano pepper to a large bowl.
  5. Melt butter in microwave 30 seconds. Pour over corn. Add juice of lime and mix well.
  6. Sauté minced garlic until golden brown. Add to corn mixture.
  7. Add cilantro and stir well. Serve warm or chilled.
http://freshandfit.org/roasted-poblano-corn-salad/

Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls with Pistachio Crusted Goat Cheese

Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls

I love coming up with new and unique grain bowls with a ton of great ingredients throughout. Today’s recipe is a healthy meatless quinoa bowl that can be served as an entree on Meatless Mondays or as a side dish to accompany meat entrees. Either way, this recipe for mediterranean quinoa bowls will fill you up with plant based protein, healthy fat and a pop of delicious creamy herbed goat cheese rolled in chopped pistachios. The dressing is a simple mix of lemon juice, olive oil and fresh garlic; bringing out the flavors running through the dish.

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Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls with Pistachio Crusted Goat Cheese

Yield: 5 servings

Serving Size: 1 cup

Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls with Pistachio Crusted Goat Cheese

Ingredients

  • 1 c quinoa, uncooked
  • 1/2 c roasted red peppers (packed in oil), coarsely chopped, oil drained
  • 2 cans white beans, drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 cup finely chopped parsley
  • 4 large basil leaves
  • 1/2 tsp minced garlic
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 c olive oil
  • 4oz soft herbed goat cheese
  • 1/4 c pistachios, finely chopped
  • sea salt and olive oil to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook quinoa according to package directions.
  2. In a large bowl, combine beans, quinoa, parsley, tomatoes and roasted peppers.
  3. In a food processor or blender, combine basil, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic. Blend until smooth.
  4. Pour dressing over quinoa and bean mixture. Stir to incorporate. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Use a tsp to scoop out goat cheese and roll into small balls. Roll goat cheese in chopped pistachios.
  6. Spoon quinoa and bean salad into bowls. Top with pistachio crusted goat cheese. Chill until serving.
http://freshandfit.org/mediterranean-quinoa-bowls-with-pistachio-crusted-goat-cheese/