Tag: vegetarian

Cherry Coconut Overnight Oats with Flahavan’s Irish Oats

Overnight oats are summer’s answer to traditional cooked oatmeal. Oats soak in milk overnight to soften and plump the oats, tenderizing them to a creamy and wholesome breakfast. Because of their light flavor and chewy texture, oats beg to be topped with all sorts of mix-ins to jazz up the taste. I chose cherries and dried unsweetened coconut to suit the summer season. Cherries are only available in my neck of the woods during the warmer months, so I like to stock up and get my cherry fix while I can. Cherries add a tart, sweet flavor to the oats and are full of antioxidants helping to fight off free radical damage within the body. Coconut is a year round staple in my house and one of my favorite flavors in sweet and savory dishes.

 

The oats I used were provided by Flahavan’s Irish Oats. Flahavan’s uses high quality, non-GMO oats with a variety of styles to choose from. There are the quick-cooking Steel Cut Oats and the type I chose for this recipe, the traditional Irish Oatmeal. The delicate oats are perfect for overnight oats, soaking up the almond milk and absorbing the sweet maple syrup for heaps of flavor in each spoonful. Check out more of their awesome products here.

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Cherry Coconut Overnight Oats with Flahavan’s Irish Oats

10 minutes

Yield: 1 serving

Serving Size: 16 ounces

Cherry Coconut Overnight Oats with Flahavan’s Irish Oats

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups unsweetened almond or coconut milk
  • 3/4 cupS Flahavan's Irish Oats
  • 1/3 cup pitted cherries, halved
  • 1/4 shredded unsweetened coconut
  • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1/8 tsp vanilla bean powder or paste

Instructions

  1. Combine ingredients in a 16 oz basin jar and stir to combine. Refrigerate 4 to 8 hours. Enjoy cold.
http://freshandfit.org/cherry-coconut-overnight-oats-flahavans-irish-oats/

This recipe was sponsored by Flahavan’s Irish Oats. I was compensated in oats in exchange for this post.

Crispy Ranch Roasted Chickpeas

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Nothing satisfies the craving for something salty quite like a crispy snack bursting with flavor. Whether it’s movie time or a quick on the go snack, these crispy ranch roasted chickpeas calm a craving and also offer fiber and protein, helping to curb appetite as well. Start by heating the oven to 400 degrees.  While the oven heats, prep a baking pan with parchment paper and drain/rinse chickpeas. Dry the chickpeas on a few sheets of paper towel, paying special attention to completely dry them. Transfer back into a strainer and toss in olive oil. Using a strainer will allow any extra droplets of oil to be removed, keeping just the right amount on the chickpeas. You can also lightly spray chickpeas with olive oil spray. Add chickpeas to prepared baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to evenly roast.

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In the meantime, stir together the seasonings. Dried chives, dill, onion powder and garlic offer a ton of herb goodness for flavor surrounding each tiny chickpea. Toss warm chickpeas in seasoning and use to top salads instead of croutons, sprinkle on soup, or munch all by themselves instead of chips or popcorn. Now, turn on your favorite guilty pleasure and enjoy this guilt-free snack!

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Crispy Ranch Roasted Chickpeas

5 minutes

30 minutes

35 minutes

Yield: approximately 2.5 cups

Crispy Ranch Roasted Chickpeas

Ingredients

  • 2 15 ounce cans chickpeas
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp drives chives
  • 1/2 tsp dried dill weed
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. Rinse and drain chickpeas and paper towel to pat dry.
  2. Return chickpeas to strainer. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Pour chickpeas onto baking sheet and season with sea salt. Place in oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring every five minutes.
  3. While chickpeas roast, stir together onion powder, garlic powder, chives, dill and sea salt in a small mixing bowl.
  4. Remove roasted chickpeas from oven and allow to cool slightly, 2 minutes. Pour chickpeas into bowl with seasoning and gently stir to coat. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
http://freshandfit.org/crispy-ranch-roasted-chickpeas/

Rich and Creamy Herbed Hummus

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If you have never made homemade hummus, today is the day to start. There is something so deliciously creamy about freshly made hummus that is not comparable to the store bought stuff. Through trial and error I have found that tahini paste is an essential ingredient to making a smooth, luscious hummus and adding that amazing sesame flavor. Mix in a few fresh herbs like garlic, rosemary, thyme and basil for aroma and added flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the hummus up a bit and adds a nice tanginess.

I have made hummus with an immersion blender and standard food processor and find that both work well to achieve the creaminess. Make sure to take your time blending until it is super creamy. Then go to town dipping away. I love to toast up pita in the oven and slice into triangles for dipping alone with fresh vegetables.

This naturally vegan herbed hummus is a crowd pleaser and makes a large batch perfect for entertaining this holiday season!

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Rich and Creamy Herbed Hummus

10 minutes

10 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

Rich and Creamy Herbed Hummus

Ingredients

  • 2-14 oz cans garbanzo beans, drained
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup tahini paste
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 large basil leaves
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  • Optional dippers: sliced cucumber, toasted pita, baby carrots, celery

Instructions

  1. Combine chickpeas, lemon juice tahini and herbs/seasonings in a food processor. Pulse until crumbly.
  2. Pour in olive oil and blend on low speed until smooth and creamy, 3-4 minutes.
http://freshandfit.org/rich-creamy-herbed-hummus/

Roasted Vegetables with Truffle Cream Sauce

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When I think of autumn recipes, visions of oven roasted vegetables and herb infused sauces come to mind. The chilly weather lends itself to some super comforting dishes full of seasonal goodness. One of my favorite flavors is that of truffle oil. It gives everything from vegetable to pizza and pasta a mouthwatering savory aroma and flavor. In today’s recipe there will be truffle flavor throughout. From the oven roasted cauliflower and artichokes to the goat cheese and mushroom cream sauce they will be tossed in. Be sure to purchase a truffle oil made with real truffle mushrooms or an olive oil that is infused with truffle oil. Many companies cut corners by using an artificial truffle flavoring, and although it is less expensive, nothing beats the real thing.

This roasted vegetables with truffle cream sauce recipe is perfect for transitioning to fall cooking and a crowd pleasing dish for autumn entertaining.

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Roasted Vegetables with Truffle Cream Sauce

Roasted Vegetables with Truffle Cream Sauce

Ingredients

  • 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 14 oz can artichoke hearts, drained quartered
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp white truffle oil
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 4 basil leaves, chopped
  • FOR TRUFFLE CREAM SAUCE
  • 4 oz goat cheese
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 8 oz button mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp white truffle oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Begin by preheating oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dry artichoke hearts with a paper towel to remove excess liquid. In a large bowl, combine cauliflower florets, artichoke hearts, olive oil, white truffle oil and season with salt and pepper. Stir.
  2. Pour into baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes or until vegetables are lightly browned.
  3. While vegetables roast, prepare truffle sauce by combining olive oil, garlic, oregano and mushrooms over medium heat in a large pan. Cover and cook 10 minutes stirring occasionally.
  4. Add goat cheese, almond milk and truffle oil. Stir until goat cheese is melted and sauce is thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer on low heat.
  5. Once vegetables are roasted, add them to the pan with cream sauce. Stir to coat.
  6. Pour into a large serving bowl. Garnish with sliced almonds and basil.
http://freshandfit.org/roasted-vegetables-truffle-cream-sauce/

 

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