Category: comfort food

Roasted Kobocha Squash Soup

Any squash can be used for this delicious creamy, and simple soup. Kobocha squash has got such a lovely, sweet but not too sweet taste that pairs perfectly with ginger. I picked a beauty up at the local farmer’s market this past weekend and roasted it and have been putting it in to many meals since. As a time saver, the squash can be roasted in advance. If the squash is already roasted, this soup literally takes 8 minutes start to finish. The roasting step may even be omitted and the squash simply peeled, cubed, and cooked along with the other vegetables. Roasting draws out the most flavors and brings the sweetness of the squash to life, but it is not a necessity.

roasted-kobocha-squash-soup

Roasted Kobocha Squash Soup

Wheat-Free, Gluten-Free

1 large onion, coarsely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2c roasted Kobocha squash*

1/4t chipotle powder *optional

1 fresh jalapeño or cherry bomb pepper, chopped

1t cinnamon

1/4t nutmeg

3T coconut oil

6c boiling water

1 vege bouillon

1t salt or to taste

—

1/4-1/3c cashews

1″ piece of fresh ginger

1T raw agave

 

Bring 6c of water to a boil.

—

Roasting the Squash: Clean the outer shell of the squash with cold water and pat it dry well with a dishtowel or paper cloth. With a sharp knife, split the squash down the middle, creating two halves. Seed the squash using a large spoon, scraping the stringy flesh and seeds from the center. With the cleaned halves, rub with oil and salt. Place face down on a cookie sheet or roasting dish and place in the oven for 40-45 minutes or until the flesh of the squash is tender, yielding to the touch. Let cool. When cool enough to handle, scoop out the roasted squash.Place the cashews, ginger, agave and fresh hot pepper in a blender and set aside.

—

In a large soup pot, add the oil and sauté the onions and garlic until golden and soft and aromatic. Add the yellow squash, the boullion (or powder) and the salt. Continue to sauté until the squash softens and turns bright yellow- about 3-4 minutes.  Add the boiling water to cover. Bring to a rapid boil and reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 more minutes.

 —

In batches, in a blender or vitamix*, transfer the soup pot contents into the blender and puree the soup with the contents in the blender. Adjust the seasonings if needed.

*Caution: blending hot liquids can be extremely dangerous. Fill the blender only half way and proceed in batches if necessary.

Gingered(end of)Summer Squash Soup

So tasty!!!….I am still fighting this crud! I needed something warm and soothing for my throat, spicy enough to kill whatever’s left, and delicious enough to keep me happy. Sick all week meant there was only what was left after 10 days in the fridge and that was one lonely little Summer Squash and some cherry bombs…this soup came together SO QUICK…. Easily a new favorite irregardless of summer OR sickness.

Delicious.

gingered-summer-squash-soup

Gingered (end of) Summer Squash Soup

Wheat-Free, Gluten-Free

1 large onion, coarsely chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 large yellow summer squash

1/4t chipotle powder *optional

1 fresh jalapeño or cherry bomb pepper, chopped

1/2″ piece of fresh ginger

3T coconut oil

6c boiling water

2t raw agave

1 vege bouillon

1t salt or to taste

—

1/4c cashews

handful fresh parsley

Bring 6c of water to a boil.

—

Place the cashews, ginger, agave and parsley in a blender and set aside.

—

In a large soup pot, add the oil and sauté the onions and garlic until golden and soft and aromatic. Add the yellow squash, the boullion (or powder) and the salt. Continue to sauté until the squash softens and turns bright yellow- about 3-4 minutes.  Add the boiling water to cover. Bring to a rapid boil and reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 more minutes.

 —

In batches, in a blender or vitamix*, transfer the soup pot contents into the blender and puree the soup with the contents in the blender. Adjust the seasonings if needed.

*Caution: blending hot liquids can be extremely dangerous. Fill the blender only half way and proceed in batches if necessary.

Vegetable Noodle Soup

So ya I got.. SICK!…. like….NAILED! After 26 hours of Yoga Teacher Training that for me was a HUGE milestone ( my first TT ever)…I am now resting and eating simple foods. I have made this soup for the past two days and I am convinced that practice is mastery- the more you do, the better  it turns out- this broth is PHENOMENAL.  It’s a simple broth- I didn’t want that tamari or soy sauce taste and I didn’t want bouillon- I wanted that full flavorful taste of asian broths that appear almost clear, nothing floating around in it, nothing to get in the way but this one has the antioxidant, antibacterial crud busting anti-inflammatory fighting properties of Turmeric. The first night I tried making it with garlic and I found that, tho it was tasty, it had that raw garlic taste that to me seemed a little bit overwhelming. Last night I omitted the garlic and stuck with the ginger and onions. I think I am in love. The broth takes less than 10 minutes to make- less even- then I added in beautiful local veggies; Sautéed Kale, sweet potatoes, and some Chipotle Baked Tofu I had in the fridge. You could definitely play with flavors by adding mushrooms or scallions etc- this was me, in the middle of a 27 hour training, sick- and it was 

D E L I C I O U S.

broth

Simple Turmeric Broth for Vegetable Noodle Soup 2016

6c water

½ onion, coarsely chopped

2” fresh ginger, grated

1t turmeric

1t sesame oil

1t pink salt

Put everything in a pot, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes.

Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a large heatproof pitcher (I use my Vitamix container) or bowl. Discard the vegetables. Pour the broth back into the pot and then proceed to add fresh veggies, cooked rice noodles. This is the simplest, clear broth and it is just so easy and perfect for a pick me up or when you are not feeling full force to sip on.

sick-girl-noodle-soup

Vegetable Noodle Soup

3-4c Simple Broth

1/2 steamed sweet potato, sliced

1c Sautéed Kale

Sliced Chipotle Baked Tofu

1 serving rice noodles or vermicelli

1t hot sesame oil

Hot Water for noodles

optional: you could add other veggies; mushrooms, baby corn, water chestnuts etc.

—

In a bowl, add the uncooked, quick cooking noodles and cover with hot water. Cover and let steam. Set aside.

In a large skillet heat up the olive oil over medium high heat , prepare the Sautéed Kale by sautéing the garlic just until golden brown. Add the salt, red pepper, and then add the kale. With a fork or a pair of tongs, move the kale around the pan cooking the kale until wilted and tender. Remove from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add little bit of hot water and the already cooked sweet potatoes slices just to heat them through. Set aside.

In the same skillet, heat up the broth and bring to a low boil.

In a serving bowl, place the cooked noodles on the bottom of the bowl. Add the cooked Kale, the sweet potatoes and the slices of tofu. Ladle the broth over to cover.Drizzle in the hot sesame oil. Taste and adjust for saltiness.

Fricken delicious.

Chipotle Baked Tofu

chipotle-baked-tofu

Not feeling well and going through my fridge, I wanted something quick and delicious that I didn’t have to fuss over. This was so good I made it again today.In 35-40 minutes you have perfect yumminess that really does taste a lot like chicken. This is great to have on hand- in the fridge as a quick snack, to add to soups, sandwiches or to eat hot with veggies and quinoa or rice for a meal. I am cherry bomb everything right now but you could definitely use another pepper instead, hotter or more mild. The cherry bombs lend a sweetness that is incomparable, the chipotle adds a deep, mellow, spicy that is one of my favorite flavor profiles. I may or may not be having this tonight with smashed potatoes and kale… SIMPLE.

1 Pound tofu, thinly sliced in long cubes, about 1” thick, 2″ long

2-4T Olive oil

1/2t chipotle powder (more or less)

1/2t pink salt (more or less)

1 cherry bomb or jalapeño pepper, sliced, with or without seeds (seeds make it hotter)

2T nutritional yeast

—

Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees.

In a roasting pan or dish, drizzle about 3T of olive oil on the bottom of the pan.

Place the tofu rectangle cubes in the oil. Sprinkle the top with the chipotle powder, then add the sliced peppers on top and then sprinkle the salt, then nutritional yeast. Drizzle the top with more olive oil.

Roast in the oven/ convection oven for 40 minutes or until golden brown.

This tofu is absolutely delicious, hot OR cold.

THIS SHIT TASTES LIKE SPICY CHICKEN

Cherry Bomb Cashew Cheese

cherrybomb-cashew-cheese

Sort of spicy, sort of sweet, oh so smokey and delicious. So yum on crackers or on a gluten free bagel with fresh tomatoes.

2c cashews, soaked for an hour (this step can be skipped)

1T mellow white miso

2 capsules vegan probiotics (empty powder and dispose of the capsule)

1/2c filtered water -up to 3/4 if needed

1 clove garlic

—

2 Cherry Bomb Peppers, seeded and minced

1/2t pink salt

4T coconut oil

1/2t chipotle powder

1/2t raw honey or raw agave

3T nutritional yeast

2t lemon juice (omit if fresh is not available)

—

Step 1.

In a Vitamix or high-powered blender, add the cashews (drained if soaked), the probiotic powder, miso and 1/2c of water.

Blend this at a lower speed initially to well incorporate the contents, speed up the motor as it gets blended. You will need to process this for at least 4-5 minutes until the cashews are absolutely creamy. Scrape down the sides intermittently and be sure to get all possible ‘pieces’ of cashews blended into the mix. Add a T of water as needed if the mixture gets stuck. If you process too fast, the contents will heat up, creating an oily mixture.

When totally creamy and smooth, remove to a glass or stainless steel bowl and set in a safe, warm place- I place mine in the dehydrator covered at about 100 degrees and let it run overnight. In lieu of a dehydrator, place it in a warm spot in your kitchen, covered for up to 24 hours.

Step 2.

Mix in the salt, nutritional yeast, peppers, chipotle powder, coconut oil (should be room temp and soft, not liquid), and lemon juice. Transfer to a container and place in the fridge for at least 6 hours to set, best, overnight. It becomes a beautiful, spreadable, creamy cheesy bit of awesomeness that you can spread or use as a dip.

Basil Jalapeño Cheese Dip

Basil Jalapeno Cheese Dip

2c cashews, soaked for an hour (this step can be skipped)

1T mellow white miso

2 capsules vegan probiotics (empty powder and dispose of the capsule)

1/2c filtered water -up to 3/4 if needed

1 clove garlic

—

1c fresh basil, minced

1/2t pink salt

3T coconut oil

Pinch chipotle powder- more if desired

½ red jalapeno pepper, minced

2T nutritional yeast

3t lemon juice (omit if fresh is not available)

—

Step 1.

In a Vitamix or high-powered blender, add the cashews (drained if soaked), the probiotic powder, miso and 1/2c of water.

Blend this at a lower speed initially to well incorporate the contents, speed up the motor as it gets blended. You will need to process this for at least 4-5 minutes until the cashews are absolutely creamy. Scrape down the sides intermittently and be sure to get all possible ‘pieces’ of cashews blended into the mix. Add a T of water as needed if the mixture gets stuck. If you process too fast, the contents will heat up, creating an oily mixture.

When totally creamy and smooth, remove to a glass or stainless steel bowl and set in a safe, warm place- I place mine in the dehydrator covered at about 100 degrees and let it run overnight. In lieu of a dehydrator, place it in a warm spot in your kitchen, covered for up to 24 hours.

Step 2.

Mix in the salt, nutritional yeast, basil, jalapenos, chipotle powder, coconut oil (should be room temp and soft, not liquid), and lemon juice. Transfer to a container and place in the fridge for at least 6 hours to set, best, overnight. It becomes a beautiful, spreadable, creamy cheesy bit of awesomeness that you can spread or use as a dip.

Potato Leek Soup With Broccoli

potato leek broccoli

So easy and really delicious, the addition of coconut oil makes it almost buttery and round in flavor. You could totally puree this and make it like a traditional Potato Leek soup but I love the chunks, especially with the broccoli florets floating around. 🙂

Potato Leek & Broccoli Soup

Wheat-Free, Gluten-Free

3 large russet or 6 gold potatoes, peeled & medium dice

1 small onion, medium dice

4 leeks, trimmed, rinsed and sliced (discard the thick tough green tops)

1 small head broccoli, trimmed and cut

1/4t black pepper

1 vegetable bouillon cube (or 1T veggie broth powder)

2T extra virgin olive oil

1T coconut oil

1t turmeric

1t smoked chipotle powder

—

6c boiling water

1t smoked salt or to taste

—

Bring 6c of water to a boil, in case you need more.

In a large soup pot, add the olive oil and sauté the onions with the turmeric and salt until golden and soft. Add the leeks and sauté until the leeks turn bright green and have wilted. Add the potatoes, coconut oil, chipotle, and black pepper. Mix well and add the boiling water, and the bouillon cube (or powder). Bring to a boil and reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes.

The leeks should be super soft, almost disintegrated.

Add in the broccoli in the last 10 minutes of cooking, and cook only until the broccoli is bright green and tender.

Adjust the seasonings before serving. Serve with bread or add GF pasta or grains of your choosing.

Stewed Summer Tomatoes

Stewed Summer Tomatoes

Stewed Summer Tomatoes

10 tomatoes (roma or plum), split length wise in 1/2

2 teaspoons salt

1 small onion, medium dice

1 clove garlic, sliced

2T extra virgin olive oil

1 cherry bomb pepper, sliced *optional

3-4 large leaves of fresh basil

1-1/2c boiling water

Heat up a large cooking pot; add the olive oil and onions and sauté just until translucent. Add the garlic slices and tomato halves to the onions. Cover with hot water. Bring everything to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium to medium-low and continue to cook uncovered for 30 minutes or so. The tomatoes should remain intact. Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes if not using right away to store. Remove from the pot to a jar or glass container and while still warm, add the fresh basil. If eating immediately, add the fresh basil in at the end before serving and drizzle with more salt and olive oil.

Serve fresh or you can freeze them. I eat them over crusty bread as a snack hot, warm or cold. I also use them to make a delicious dish; Baked Pasta with Stewed Tomatoes. AMAZE.

Delicious Quicky Potato Salad

Delicious Quicky Potato Salad

Delicious Quicky Potato Salad

I literally had one large potato starting to grow eyes staring at me from the hanging basket – I needed to use it soon! So today was the day! A few weeks back when I was on my scallion cream cheese kick, I planted a bunch of scallions in a pot so I could keep harvesting scallions as I needed them- not wanting to cut into a whole onion for my 1 potato salad salad, a cut the tops off from my potted scallions and was good to go. I had cut into a fresh lemon this morning and thought I could use that in place of vinegar for a bright fresh taste. The added nutrition of a Real Pickle fermented dill pickle to give the salad a bit more dimension, balanced with a hint of sweet makes this salad SUPER easy, super quick and super delicious….

1 large potato, peeled, steamed whole

(1c water, pinch salt, bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium low and steam

partially covered for 10-15 minutes or just until tender)

2 scallions, minced

2T Real Pickles Dill Pickle (1 spear, minced)

1t maple syrup or agave

1/4c Veganaise or another prepared vegan mayonnaise

½ lemon, juiced

1/2t salt

1/4t ground black pepper

Pinch smoked paprika

—

In a bowl, combine the dressing ingredients together; the scallions, minced pickle, sweetener, Veganaise, lemon juice, paprika, salt and pepper. Taste and adjust for seasonings, more sweet, saltier etc.

Slice the potatoes in 1” inch pieces into the bowl- I like my potato salad chunkier but slice how you like.

Mindfully mix the potatoes into the dressing, trying not to smash the potatoes. Adjust the seasoning before serving. Sprinkle with a bit more of the paprika.

Serve warm or chilled garnished with fresh scallion.

 FRICKEN YUM

Ellen’s Vegan Chicken & Rice

Ellen's Vegan Chicken & Rice

Ellen’s Vegan Chicken & Rice

I was watching a cooking show on traditional southern cooking and was inspired to make this simple, loving, nourishing porridge style comfort food- completely gluten & cruelty free 😉

Wheat-free, Gluten-Free

1-1/2c white basmati rice or long grain

1 medium onion, minced

1/2t turmeric (fresh or dried)

4.5oz of Beyond Meat Chicken Strips (1/2 a package), room temperature, thinly sliced

2 vegetable bouillon cubes

1/2t black pepper

1t-pink salt

1t-smoked salt

1t chipotle powder *optional

1/4c extra virgin olive oil

6c boiling water

1t salt or to taste

Bring 6-8c of water to a boil.

In a large soup pot, add ½ of the olive oil and sauté ½ of the onions, until golden and soft. Add the sliced vegan chicken and sauté over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until it shows signs of crisping and the onions caramelize and darken. Remove from the pot to a dish, cover with a plate or lid and set aside.

In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil and onions, salts and peppers and sauté just until the onions are golden and aromatic. Add in the hot water and the vegetable bouillon. Stir in the uncooked rice. Bring to a low boil and reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally adding additional water if needed. In the last 5 minutes of cooking add back in the cooked chicken.

Adjust the seasonings before serving. If there is excess water, cover the pot to allow it to be absorbed. Serve on its own or with a side of fresh, steamed or sautéed greens.