Tag: kale

Hearty Spring Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

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I heard on the radio the other day that spring is officially only 60 days away! That got me thinking about seasonal recipes for the upcoming rise in temperature. I always have enjoyed creating grain salads with a plethora of chopped herbs and greens, seeds and fruit. This salad is no different and really is hearty enough to stand on its own as a vegan entree–especially with the rich lemon tahini dressing–but it would be fantastic paired alongside grilled fish, chicken or steak as well. What makes this salad so special is that the ingredients are all finely chopped to create an explosion of flavor in every bite. Pomegranate arils add a juicy burst that compliments the bright herb flavors. I used millet as the grain in this dish for its light and fluffy texture, but quinoa and couscous would be great as well.

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Because there are so many flavor components in the salad itself, I kept the dressing simple. If you have used tahini before, you know it doesn’t need a lot of fluff along with it to add devious creamy sesame flavor to any dish. I hope you find this salad as wonderful as I do and enjoy it well into the warmer months when you are craving a healthy and satisfying salad.

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Hearty Spring Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

Hearty Spring Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

Ingredients

  • 4 cups kale, finely chopped
  • 1 cup curly parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup dry millet
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp mint, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
  • 1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
  • Lemon Tahini Dressing
  • 2/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup tahini paste
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook millet according to package directions. Allow millet to cool in refrigerator for 1 hour. Fluff with a fork.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, tahini, olive oil, sea salt and black pepper.
  3. In a large serving bowl, combine chopped kale, parsley and mint. Add millet, red onion, pomegranate arils and pumpkin seeds. Pour tahini dressing over salad and stir well to coat. Refrigerate until serving.
http://freshandfit.org/hearty-spring-salad-lemon-tahini-dressing/

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/

Sweet Potato and Kale Fritters

sweet potato & kale fritters recipe

Today I have a meatless Monday recipe that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Sweet and savory sweet potato and kale fritters are a super healthy alternative to traditional potato pancakes or hash browns. They are easy to whip up and fun for kids to help mix together and a fun way to involve them in healthy cooking.

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Sweet Potato and Kale Fritters

Ingredients

  • 1 large sweet potatoes, peeled
  • 2 c kale, stems removed
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 scallions, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp dill, finely chopped
  • 1/4 c almond meal or bread crumbs
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Begin by grating sweet potato.
  2. Finely chop kale leaves.
  3. Combine kale, sweet potato, and herbs in a large bowl. Toss with almond meal or bread crumbs. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Heat a flat top or pan. Add olive oil.
  5. Add in beaten eggs and stir.
  6. Using a 1/2 cup measuring cup, scoop mixture and place onto heated pan pressing down lightly with bottom of scoop.
  7. Cook 3 minutes, carefully flip and cook 4 more minutes. While fritters cook, use a spatula to form them into circles and press down.
  8. Serve while hot.
http://freshandfit.org/sweet-potato-and-kale-fritters/

Quinoa, Lentil, and Farro Nourish Bowl

nourish bowl recipe

Lately I have dramatically increased my vegetable intake. I am already a huge fan of of the produce department, but when my boyfriend is away for work I do not buy meat and eat mostly vegetarian. One of my favorite things to eat is a huge nourish bowl. I will often make one after a workout or for lunch. It is basically a salad with a spectrum of ingredients ranging from seeds and roasted vegetables to dried fruit and grains. You can absolutely add meat or protein of your choice. The one I am sharing with you today is a vegetarian nourish bowl, but grilled chicken would be a wonderful addition. Simply take a look in your refrigerator or pantry and get creative!

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Quinoa, Lentil, and Farro Nourish Bowl

Yield: serves 1-2 people

Ingredients

  • 2 c kale, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut into 1/4s
  • 1/3 c cooked quinoa
  • 1/3 c cooked lentils
  • 1/3 c cooked farro
  • 1/2 c sweet potato, cubed
  • 1/2 c carrots, sliced thinly
  • 1/3 c hummus
  • juice of one lemon
  • 1/4 c fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • sea salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400. Toss carrots and sweet potatoes in 2 tbsp olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Spread onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. bake 20 minutes.
  2. In the meantime cook farro, quinoa, and lentils according to package directions.
  3. Assemble kale, tomatoes, and hummus in a large bowl. When sweet potatoes and carrots are cooked add to bowl along with farro, quinoa and lentils.
  4. Whisk together remaining olive oil, lemon juice, dill, and garlic. Pour over bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
http://freshandfit.org/quinoa-lentil-and-farro-nourish-bowl/