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vegan

Easy, Pantry-friendly Bean Salad

By Jen

I have always been a cheerleader for a “recipe-ish” approach to cooking, because I discovered that it makes all things meal planning and meal prep so much easier. Sure, recipes have their place, and are so helpful when you want to try a new dish, a new ingredient, or a new technique. Recipes are wonderful training wheels that help you gain momentum with your cooking skills. But when it comes to your day-to-day, in the trenches, get-it-done cooking, a recipe-ish approach is a LOT more sustainable.

Instead of strict steps to follow, recipe-ish is about letting a template guide you. It’s easier and quicker than fussing with a recipe, and also gives you the flexibility to work with what you’ve got. Doesn’t that sound like just what you need right now?

bean salad made with Great Northern beans, EVOO, red wine vinegar, parsley, cumin, and mirepoix (celery, carrot, and onion)

Here is my basic recipe-ish approach to a simple pantry-friendly bean salad. It’s so easy to make, and keeps for DAYS in the fridge. It’s a wonderful side dish, is delicious added to a big salad, and also can be gently heated in the skillet and served with a fried egg on top. You could even repurpose it into a soup by reheating with some broth and additional veggies and/ or starch.

This template allows you to work with whatever you’ve got on hand (or not!):

BEANS – Canned is fine, or cook up your own dried beans. (Here are my super-easy instructions for cooking dried beans in your Instant Pot.)

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AROMATICS – Aromatics are those humble beginnings that elevate all of the other flavors in a dish. Here I’ve used celery, carrot, and onion. Feel free to add other veggies like diced red pepper, garlic, or substitute with some scallions, red onion, leeks, chives, ginger, etc. There are endless combinations to try, and each with a different regional influence. And technically, “aromatics” often refers to the foundational spices and herbs that might also be included . . .

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HERBS – Use what you’ve got, fresh or dried.

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SPICES – Dig out those jars. There you’ll find the perfect addition to bring something interesting to your dish.

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ACID – Vinegar or citrus are great options. There is a whole wide world of vinegars out there – red wine, balsamic, white balsamic, champagne, sherry, rice vinegar, and tons more. Experiment to discover your favorites!

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FAT – Here I’ve used extra virgin olive oil. Work with what you’ve got, and if you can, try to stay away from highly refined oils.

Combine all ingredients, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Enjoy immediately, and store leftovers in the fridge for repeat joyful eating. And no blah leftovers here – I’ve noticed that a good bean salad tastes even better the next day or two!

What do you have on hand that you think you could toss together to make your own bean salad?

Print Recipe
Easy, Pantry-friendly Bean Salad
Course Salads & Side Dishes
Servings
Course Salads & Side Dishes
Servings

Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: beans, healthy, nonperishables, pantry cooking, quick and easy, vegan, vegetarian

Maple Tahini Dressing

By Jen

Tangy, creamy, and a hint of sweetness – this simple, easy dressing hits all the right notes. It’s just rich enough to pair well with the spartan crunch of cabbage and crisp apples (like in this Apple & Cabbage Slaw). It’s delicious over roasted chicken or roasted squash, as a salad dressing, or even as a dip for veggies. Honestly, I keep inventing ways to use this dressing over and over again, as it is definitely one of my favorites. Please leave me a comment and let me know all of the ways you’re enjoying this dressing!

The prep for this sauce is so simple that I encourage you to outsource the task to anyone who might be able to help you in the kitchen – your kids? spouse? significant other? roommate? Let your assistants lighten your load in the kitchen whenever possible!

Apple & Cabbage Slaw with Maple Tahini Dressing

Print Recipe
Maple Tahini Dressing
Course Sauce/Dressing/Spices
Servings
cups
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • juice of a half lemon
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1/2 cup tahini
  • 2-3 tablespoons water (thin to desired consistency)
Course Sauce/Dressing/Spices
Servings
cups
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • juice of a half lemon
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1/2 cup tahini
  • 2-3 tablespoons water (thin to desired consistency)
Instructions
  1. Combine ingredients in a medium jar or bowl, and whisk to combine.

Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: gluten-free, vegan

Apple & Cabbage Slaw with Maple Tahini Dressing

By Jen

In the depths of winter, I find it hard to warm up to tender, leafy, summery salads. In fall and winter, I find myself craving a heartier crisp and crunch to my salads, and more robust flavors. This classic combination of crispy apples, crunchy cabbage, and toasted walnuts satisfies completely every time.

I especially find myself reaching for this recipe after the holiday season of rich foods. The bright, tangy flavors reawaken my palate after a steady diet of Christmas cookies and egg nog! Also, apples, cabbage, and walnuts are foods that naturally support liver function, which means you can skip the shady detox teas and detox supplements and just eat this tasty salad instead. 

This salad typically tastes best the day you prepare it, but there are some ways you can jump start your prep ahead of time.

JUMP START:

  • toast the walnuts
  • make the Maple Tahini Dressing (Even better – offload this task to someone else if possible. Conscript your kids, your spouse or significant other, roomate, whatever.)

If you’re going to spend time making this recipe, you might as well leverage your efforts and make a little bit extra of some of the ingredients to repurpose in other meals during the week. I like to call these my “Now & Laters” – I’m prepping some for now, and some for later use in other meals, with hardly any extra effort.

NOW & LATER:

  • In addition to the chopped apples for this salad, slice up an extra apple or two, and store in the fridge for snacks during the week. A little squeeze of fresh lemon will keep them from browning.
  • Good news: the dressing recipe included below yields plenty extra, which means you can store it in the fridge and enjoy it all week long. It’s delicious over roasted chicken or roasted squash, as a salad dressing, or even as a dip for veggies. 
  • Toast extra walnuts, and store in the fridge for adding a little sprinkle of tasty, crunchy healthy fats to your plate now and then. They’re great on your morning oats or Greek yogurt, or sprinkled on a salad or a bowl meal.
  • Slice/shred the remaining half head of cabbage, and repurpose it into a stir fry or a classic slaw the next day or two.
Maple Tahini Dressing

Print Recipe
Apple & Cabbage Slaw with Maple Tahini Dressing
Course Salads & Side Dishes
Servings
as a side
Ingredients
Slaw:
  • 1 large or 2 medium crisp apple, chopped
  • 1/2 medium - large head green cabbage, shredded or thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons toasted chopped walnuts
  • 4-6 small scallions, chopped
  • 2 or so tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing:
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • juice of half lemon
  • 2-3 tablespoons water (thin to your preference)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup tahini
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
Course Salads & Side Dishes
Servings
as a side
Ingredients
Slaw:
  • 1 large or 2 medium crisp apple, chopped
  • 1/2 medium - large head green cabbage, shredded or thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons toasted chopped walnuts
  • 4-6 small scallions, chopped
  • 2 or so tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing:
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • juice of half lemon
  • 2-3 tablespoons water (thin to your preference)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup tahini
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
Instructions
  1. Combine slaw ingredients in a large bowl.
  2. Combine dressing ingredients in a medium jar or bowl, and whisk to combine.
  3. Add Maple Tahini Dressing to the salad, and toss gently to combine. (I used about half of the dressing amount on the salad.)

Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: gluten-free, vegan

5-minute Hummus

By Jen

If someone had told me a few years ago that someday I’d routinely be making my own hummus, I would have laughed at the absurdity. Well, never say never. These days, I make it on a regular basis – maybe once every two or three weeks as part of meal prep.

I used to believe that making hummus would be difficult and time consuming, and I didn’t see any need to make my own when I could simply buy it at the store.  I was motivated to finally try making my own when I got tired of paying SO much for those tiny little tubs of hummus at the supermarket (have you seen the price lately??). Also, as I began to read nutrition labels a bit more closely, I realized that many hummus brands contain poor quality, inflammatory, highly refined oils.

When I make my own hummus, I’m not only saving a bit of money, I’m also able ensure that it doesn’t contain those icky inflammatory oils. And the best part? I was pleasantly surprised to learn that making hummus is ridiculously easy! Seriously, if you know how to turn on your food processor, you can make hummus.

Hummus is a great addition to a bowl meal.

Hummus is super versatile, which is a nice bonus when you’ve actually taken the time to make it yourself. We enjoy it as a dip with veggies for a snack, in a mediterranean bowl meal, added to a salad or wrap, or even thinned with red wine vinegar to make a creamy dressing. It’s also delicious spread it on roasted eggplant slices, for a hearty snack or a side to round out your meal. It’s a meal prep staple in our house.

Give it a try in your meal prep this week! I swear it will make your life easier as you pack lunches and throw together meals.😊

An easy, well-rounded snack: hummus and veggies.

Great as a spread on roasted eggplant slices with greens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Print Recipe


5-minute Hummus

Course Appetizers, Snacks
Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings


Ingredients
  • 2 14-15oz. cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or, if cooking your own chickpeas, 3 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2/3 cup tahini
  • juice of two lemons
  • 2 ounces water (Add more if hummus is too thick for your liking. Different batches of chickpeas have varying water content, which can slightly affect how much water you'll need.)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • dash of cumin

Course Appetizers, Snacks
Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings


Ingredients
  • 2 14-15oz. cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or, if cooking your own chickpeas, 3 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2/3 cup tahini
  • juice of two lemons
  • 2 ounces water (Add more if hummus is too thick for your liking. Different batches of chickpeas have varying water content, which can slightly affect how much water you'll need.)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • dash of cumin


Instructions
  1. Add all ingredients except water to a food processor, and blend until almost completely smooth.

  2. Add water as processor is running, and blend until completely smooth.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: easy, quick, vegan, vegetarian

Grilled Veggie Party Platter

By Jen

Headed to a party or barbeque this weekend? Stack the deck in your favor by bringing something loaded with veggies, good fats, and legumes, like this grilled veggie platter with lentils and Bitchin’ Sauce (recipe deets below).

Weekends are a vulnerable time for getting off track, so boost your odds for success by piling your plate with real food. This will help crowd out the junk, and also will nip cravings in the bud.

This summer party platter is pretty straightforward to make. I grilled a veggie combination of zucchini, summer squash, and eggplant, then piled some cooked french lentils* on top of the veggies, and drizzled it all with Bitchin’ Sauce, recipe courtesy The Faux Martha. The sauce is super easy – just dump all ingredients into blender and you’re good to go! (As an alternative, you could top with a different sauce of your choice.) Finally, I topped it all with some fresh chopped herbs from the garden – basil, parsley, and oregano.

*I like French lentils versus regular brown lentils because I prefer their flavor and they are firmer than brown lentils. To make, combine 1 cup French lentils, 1 bay leaf, and 3 cups broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer, uncovered for approx. 20 minutes (check to avoid overcooking). Drain before serving.

To make the grilled veggies, I cut zucchini, summer squash, and eggplant into 1/2″ slices lengthwise, and red onion about 1″ thick. I sprayed both sides with avocado oil, and sprinkled with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. I grilled the veggies over medium heat, flipping halfway (maybe 5-8 minutes each side??).

So, yes, enjoy that party, dig in, and stay on track.  You got this!

Print Recipe
Grilled Veggie Party Platter
Course Appetizers, Main Dishes, Salads & Side Dishes
Servings
varies
Ingredients
  • zucchini (cut into 1/2" slices lengthwise)
  • eggplant (cut into 1/2" slices lengthwise)
  • summer squash (cut into 1/2" slices lengthwise)
  • red onion (cut into 1" slices)
  • avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil (I like to use the kind that comes in the spray bottle for convenience.)
  • salt and pepper
  • garlic powder
Course Appetizers, Main Dishes, Salads & Side Dishes
Servings
varies
Ingredients
  • zucchini (cut into 1/2" slices lengthwise)
  • eggplant (cut into 1/2" slices lengthwise)
  • summer squash (cut into 1/2" slices lengthwise)
  • red onion (cut into 1" slices)
  • avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil (I like to use the kind that comes in the spray bottle for convenience.)
  • salt and pepper
  • garlic powder
Instructions
  1. Preheat grill to medium heat. Spray both sides of each veggie slice with avocado oil (or, instead, brush with oil), and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Grill the veggies over medium heat, flipping halfway (cook approximately 5-8 minutes each side). 

Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: beans, grilled, lentils, summer, vegan, vegetarian, veggies

Vegan Chocolate Mousse

By Jen

If the thought of a vegan dessert has you feeling skeptical (I get it), let this recipe completely change your mind! This decadent, fluffy dark chocolate mousse relies on aquafaba (a.k.a. whipped chickpea liquid) for its light, airy texture, yet retains every bit of richness of a mousse made with egg whites. I added a pinch of cinnamon and chipotle powder to give it some Cinco de Mayo kick, but you could leave that out if you’d like.

Aquafaba is the liquid from canned chickpeas, and when whipped, turns foamy and stiff, just like whipped egg whites (see video below). It’s perfect for folding into melted dark chocolate for chocolate mousse. It’s an easy and economical dairy-free alternative if that’s what you need. And as long as your dark chocolate is dairy free, too, this recipe is a great option for a vegan dessert!

http://nourishednotfamished.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/20170504_145951.mp4

If you’re feeling guilty about indulging in a little bit of dark chocolate, fughetaboutit. As a matter of fact, it would do you good to eat a little bit every day (and not just because it tastes so damn good). Dark chocolate is loaded with healthy fats and antioxidants, and as long as you are consuming at least 70% or higher, and in small amounts, it’s relatively low sugar. The higher the cocoa percentage, the greater the benefit. My personal threshold is currently at 90%, and I’m working my way up to the 95%. Time to set yourself some chocolate goals!

whipped aquafaba

There are many health benefits to consuming dark chocolate regularly: .
– may improve blood flow and lower blood pressure
– can drastically reduce your risk factor for heart disease
– may protect your skin against the sun
– increases insulin sensitivity
– may improve brain function

Want to know more? Check out 7 Proven Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate.

 

 

Print Recipe
Vegan Chocolate Mousse
Course Desserts
Cuisine Mexican
Servings
Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup liquid from 14-15oz can chickpeas (no salt added; also choose BPA-free can if possible)
  • 180 grams high-quality dark chocolate I like to use 85% dark chocolate
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar or 1/2lemon juice (optional but does help the aquafaba whip into peaks more easily)
Course Desserts
Cuisine Mexican
Servings
Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup liquid from 14-15oz can chickpeas (no salt added; also choose BPA-free can if possible)
  • 180 grams high-quality dark chocolate I like to use 85% dark chocolate
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar or 1/2lemon juice (optional but does help the aquafaba whip into peaks more easily)
Instructions
  1. Pour the aquafaba in a mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer.
  2. Place the chocolate in a double boiler and heat until just melted (or, melt in the microwave in short increments, being careful not to overdo it).
  3. Pour into another mixing bowl and allow to cool for a few minutes.
  4. Whisk the the aquafaba, salt, and cream of tartar to the point that it forms soft peaks (approximately 2-3 minutes)
  5. With a spatula, gently stir a third of the whipped aquafaba into the melted chocolate, until fully incorporated.
  6. Fold in the remaining aquafaba in two additions, using a spatula and folding in gently until fully incorporated.
  7. Pour into 6 individual cups, and place in the fridge to set for at least two hours.

Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: aquafaba, chocolate, dairy-free, vegan

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About Me:

Hi, I’m Jen, and welcome to Nourished Not Famished. Here you’ll find recipes, meal ideas, and wellness tips to thrive without deprivation, restriction, or calorie counting. Nourish yourself and your loved ones with the pleasures of eating real, whole foods, using familiar, easy-to-find ingredients and without spending endless hours in the kitchen.  Find out about more about me here.

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Hit like if you use your favorite restaurant meals Hit like if you use your favorite restaurant meals for cooking & meal planning inspiration! 🙌 #copycatcooking 🙌  Today I threw together a recreation of one of my favorite items from a local Italian restaurant @trattoria_san_pietro , garlicky shrimp & broccoli rabe (a.k.a. rapini) with sourdough toast.😍 (deets below)

To be honest, we usually just make a lot of things on repeat here to keep meal prep & planning easy. When we're feeling kind of bored it, I'll throw something new into the mix. We'll try out a new recipe, or copycat one of our dining out favorites.

Our copycats don't always come out exactly how we want 🤷‍♀️, but it's fun trying anyway. We always end up learning something new about a cooking technique or flavor profiles, which boosts our #kitchenskills in the long run.

How do you mix things up in the kitchen when you're feeling really bored of your usual meals? And what are some ways you've been able to level up your kitchen skills to make the whole meal planning and meal prep thing easier?

🔥Deets on my meal:🔥

👉 Inspiration struck when I saw some super fresh looking broccoli rabe at the supermarket.

👉Next, I hit up my freezer:
✔️Thawed some pre-cooked shrimp.
✔️Toasted some Trader Joe's multigrain sourdough I had stashed in the freezer. (You store unused bread in your freezer, too, right? 🙂)

👉 Gave the rabe a rough chop, then a quick blanch (salted water). Immediately placed it in a bowl of ice water for about 2 minutes. (This stops the cooking process rapidly, retaining a bright green freshness to the veggie.)

👉 Sauteed a boatload of thinly sliced garlic and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes over low heat in a large skillet. Added blanched rabe and a smidge of butter and heated for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Seasoned with salt.

👉Plated it all and enjoyed! #nourished
#nutritiousisdelicious 

👉 Bitter foods like rabe can stimulate digestion and improve the absorption of nutrients. 🎉 Even if you don't fall in love at first bitter bite, your taste buds *will* grow to love bitter foods. Literally, over time the proteins in your saliva change and adapt in response to eating bitter foods, ultimately changing the taste ex
Hi, I'm Jen and I LOVE TO WALK. 😀 Do you? Don't Hi, I'm Jen and I LOVE TO WALK. 😀 Do you? Don't underestimate the power of a walk! Even if you only have ten minutes, it is *totally* worth your time. I know I sound ridiculously enthusiastic about walking 😀, but, you guys . . . walking daily can be life-changing! #everythingisconnected

Walking is a balm for the mind, body, & soul . . .

👉 Outdoor movement calms the nervous system and boosts creative thinking.

Here's how that's playing out for me:
✔️Shuts down the hamster wheel of anxiety in my head over pandemic stress, parenting teens (#dearLord 😟), & general life stressors. 
✔️ Lets my mind wander freely, sometimes resulting in creative solutions to current problems and challenges I'm working on.
✔️ A short walk in the early evening is helping me relieve stress and unwind from the day. I'm leaning less on that evening glass of wine as #stressrelief ! Plus, no downsides or icky side effects to walking (not so true about the wine 🤷‍♀️).

👉 Exposure to outdoor, natural light can boost your Vitamin D levels. Vitamin D helps your body maintain healthy bone density, helps your immune system function well, and might even help ward off depression.
✔️ Yay! Potentially less risk of osteoporosis as I age. 
✔️ Helps my immune system kick colds & other viruses to the curb. 💪
✔️ Boosts my odds of getting through  winter without #seasonalaffectivedisorder 

👉 A brief walk after a meal can help regulate your blood sugar response. This is a great benefit for anyone, but especially for anyone who might be pre-diabetic or #diabetic.
✔️ My walking habit has helped me steer my health away from blood sugar issues. Walking, along with some tweaks in my way of eating, better sleep, and resistance training turned me away from becoming pre-diabetic.

So, yes, I am a major fan of walking! How about you?

❓What are some ways you could or have set yourself up to make getting out for a walk easier to do? 
❓Do you keep your walking shoes and outdoor gear in a handy spot? 
❓Do you schedule short walks into your daily plan, to help ensure they happen?
❓Do like to use walking to get in some much needed #alonetime, or do you like company when you walk and use it as a time to connect?
Maple Tahini Dressing/Dip 😍 Aiming to eat more Maple Tahini Dressing/Dip 😍 Aiming to eat more veggies this week? You'll have no problem getting yourself to hit your #veggiegoals if you're pairing them with this perfectly tangy-yet-sweet, smooth & creamy tahini dressing. Hit link in my bio @nourished.not.famished for the recipe!

Tahini (a.k.a. sesame seed butter) is a great plant-based fat to add into your rotation. It can be used in a million different dishes, so if you decide to take the plunge and buy a jar, I assure you that it will not go to waste. 🙌

In my house, we'll be using this as a dip to go with our usual veggie platter we prepare almost every week.

When the dinner hungries hit, and dinner isn't ready quite yet, I grab our veggie platter and dip out of the fridge. Everyone nibbles aways, takes the edge off their hunger as they await dinner AND, boom 💥 - everyone's just eaten a hearty serving of veggies. 🎉

What's your plan to hit your veggie goals this week? How are you setting up your Future Self to succeed with that? 🙌 #letsdothis 

#mealplan #mealprep #shapethepath #tinyhabits #healthyhabits #simplenutrition #ditchthediet #omnivore #plantforward #plantfocused #veggies
😆 Truth, right? Let's be real, grocery shopping 😆 Truth, right? Let's be real, grocery shopping isn't all that fun, but if you already have a clear plan in place *before* you shop, it feels a lot less overwhelming. And by "have a plan", I mean:
👉 Figure out *what* you (and your household?) are going to eat for meals in the coming days. Nope, it doesn't need to be perfect. 
(🎉I've broken that down for you into 6 bite-sized steps to help you get it done.🙂 Hit link in bio @nourished.not.famished to see it now on my blog!)
👉Then, make your shopping list based on your plan. 

I promise you . . . if you start with a plan before shopping, you will probably end up spending less, eating better, and reducing #foodwaste .
#winning 🙌🙌

❓So, what kind of grocery shopper are you? A planner? Just-wing-it? A little bit of both??

❓What's on your meal plan this week? 
❓How are you showing your Future Self (who *really* wants to make good choices) some love & support by planning ahead?

📷 photo by Suzanna Kreiter of The Boston Globe

#mealplan #mealprep #groceries #groceryshopping #adulting #simplenutrition #feedingmyfamily #ditchthediet #healthyhabits #healthymom #healthymoms 
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