• Calabrian Chili Pasta

    Recipe adapted from Dash of Savory.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 lb. thin spaghetti, cooked al dente
    • 2 TBSP olive oil
    • 2 TBSP butter
    • 1/4 c. Calabrian chili peppers, about 10 peppers, stems removed and sliced
    • 1 sweet onion, chopped
    • 10.5 oz. cherry tomatoes
    • 4 garlic cloves, minced
    • 2/3 c. white wine, chicken broth, or water
    • 8 oz. tomato sauce
    • 2 c. baby spinach
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • Fresh basil, chopped
    • Parmesan cheese

    Directions:

    1. Cook pasta al dente according to package; drain and set aside.
    2. Meanwhile, in a skillet heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chilis, onion, and tomatoes to the skillet and then season with salt and pepper and saute over medium high heat until tomatoes are bursting, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
    3. Turn heat down and deglaze pan with wine, broth, or water and simmer for 3 minutes until liquid is reduced by half. Then stir in tomato sauce; then turn off heat and add spinach and toss until wilted and then add cooked pasta and toss to coat the pasta. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
    4. Add basil and parmesan cheese and serve.

    Calabrian Chili Pasta:

  • Summer Ramen Bowl

    Recipe adapted from the Defined Dish.

    Ingredients for 1:

    • 1 egg and/or breaded chicken cutlet
    • 1 brick of ramen, seasoning packet discarded
    • 1 TBSP Get Side Dish Creamy Sesame
    • 2 TBSP soy sauce
    • 1/2 – 1 TBSP chili crisp
    • Honey, to taste (about 2 tsp.)
    • Veggies (julienne cut cucumber, red bell pepper, and/or napa cabbage, wilted spinach etc.)
    • Everything but the bagel seasoning

    Directions:

    1. Soft Boiled Egg: Bring a small saucepan to a boil. When boiling, add the egg and cook for 6.5 minutes. Transfer egg to a bowl of ice water and set aside. Peel egg when cool to the touch.
    2. Ramen: In the saucepan used to cook the egg (or wilt the spinach), add the ramen noodles to boiling water and cook according to package. Drain the noodles and rinse under cold water until noodles are no longer hot.
    3. Sauce: In a bowl, whisk the Creamy Sesame, soy sauce, chili crisp, and honey until well combined.
    4. Assembly: Transfer noodles to a bowl and toss with the sauce until well coated. Top with veggies, egg and/or chicken, and sprinkle with everything but the bagel seasoning.

    Summer Ramen Bowl:

  • Falafel Quinoa Salad

    Recipe adapted from Plays Well With Butter.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 1/2 c. – 3 c. cooked quinoa
    • 14 oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
    • 1 small red onion, diced
    • 1 1/2 c. Persian cucumbers, diced)
    • 1 1/2 c. cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
    • 1 bunch parsley, chopped
    • 1/2 c. mint, chopped
    • Crumbled feta
    • Salad greens, optional

    Lemon-Cumin Dressing:

    • 5 TBSP olive oil
    • 2 lemons, zested and juiced (5 TBSP juice)
    • 3 garlic cloves, grated
    • 1 tsp. cumin
    • 1 tsp. coriander
    • 1 1/2 tsp. salt
    • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
    • Honey, to taste

    Directions:

    1. Prepare the the lemon-cumin dressing: Add all listed ingredients to a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake to combine. Set aside, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
    2. Prepare Quinoa: Cook according to package or using an Instant Pot — rinse the quinoa; spray the Instant Pot liner with cooking spray; add the rinsed quinoa; add the water (1:1.5 quinoa to water ratio); place lid on and cook for 2 minutes, and then allow a 10 minute natural release; remove lid and fluff. Quinoa triples in expansion after cooking.
    3. For the Instant Pot: 1/2 c. quinoa : 3/4 c. water = 1.5 c. cooked; 2/3 c. quinoa : 1 c. water = 2 c. cooked; 3/4 c. quinoa : 1 c. + 2TBSP water = 2.25 cooked; 1 c. quinoa : 1.5 c. water = 3 c. cooked.
    4. Assemble the falafel quinoa salad: Combine the quinoa, chickpeas, red onion, cucumber, tomatoes, chopped herbs in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over top. Toss to combine, ensuring all of the quinoa is well coated in the dressing. Taste, seasoning with additional salt or ground black pepper as desired. Top with crumbled feta. Serve over salad greens, optional.

    Falafel Quinoa Salad:

  • Green Chile Rice

    Recipe from Rick Bayless.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 2/3 c. chicken broth
    • 2 fresh poblanos or Anaheim peppers, stems and seeds removed and roughly chopped
    • 12 sprigs of cilantro
    • 1 TBSP oil
    • 1 c. rice
    • 1 small onion, diced
    • 5 garlic gloves, minced
    • 1/2 tsp. salt

    Directions:

    1. Chiles: Combine the chicken broth and chopped chiles in a saucepan; bring to a boil and then partially cover with a lid and simmer for 10 minutes; then pour the hot chile mixture into a food processor, add the cilantro (stems included), and process until smooth puree.
    2. Rice: Wipe the saucepan clean, and add the oil and heat over medium heat. Add the rice and onion, and cook stirring regularly, until the rice is chalky and the onion is soft, about 5 minutes; then stir in the garlic and cook 1 minute longer; then add the chile puree and salt, stir once and scrape down an rice clinging to the side of the pan, cover and cook over medium-low heat for 15 minutes.
    3. Uncover and check rice and should be nearly cooked through; if the rice is just about ready, turn off heat, re-cover and let stand for 5-10 minutes to complete cooking. If rice is far from done, continue cooking for 5 minutes (may need to add more water); then retest and fluff with fork when done.

    Green Chile Rice:

  • Crispy Chicken Tortas

    Recipe from Cooking Con Claudia

    Ingredients:

    • Anaheim chiles (enough for your tortas)
    • Shredded cheese for the chiles
    • 1 lb. thin sliced chicken breast
    • 1 garlic clove, minced
    • 1 TBSP chili powder
    • 1 tsp. salt
    • 1 tsp. black pepper
    • 1 tsp. garlic powder
    • 1 tsp. onion powder
    • 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
    • 1/2 tsp. oregano
    • 3 eggs
    • 1/4 c. milk
    • 1 1/2 c. panko breadcrumbs
    • 1 c. parmesan cheese
    • Oil for frying
    • Tortas: Bolillos, mayo, chicken, chipotle mayo, guacamole, and roasted Anaheim chiles with cheese, chicken, chipotle mayo, and guacamole

    Chipotle mayo: Blend 1/2 c. mayo, 1/2 c. sour cream, 1 garlic clove, 2 +/- chipotles to your liking, Juice of 1/2 lemon, salt and pepper, and water to thin, if desired

    Directions:

    1. Roast your chiles in the oven on broil or your grill until the skins are charred; then place chiles in a Ziploc bag for 15 minutes; after 15 minutes peel the skins and remove the seeds; flatten chilles in the process.
    2. When closer to eating, place the chiles in a heated skillet and add cheese to the chiles and cook until cheese is melted.
    3. Meanwhile: prepare the chipotle mayo, if using, by placing all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth, adding water as needed until reach desired consistency.
    4. Pound chicken breast into thin even portions.
    5. In a large bowl mix minced garlic through milk and then add the chicken to the marinade.
    6. In another bowl add the panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
    7. Take each piece of chicken from the marinade and coat it with the breadcrumb parmesan cheese mixture; discard any remaining marinade and breadcrumb mixtures.
    8. In a large deep skillet, heat the oil to 325F and fry the chicken.
    9. Heat a large table top skillet and butter the bolillo halves and cook until toasted.
    10. Assemble: To the bottom bolillo, add mayonnaise, then add the roasted cheesy chile, then the chicken, then drizzle with chipotle mayonnaise, then add the guacamole to the top of the bolillo; slice and enjoy!

    Crispy Chicken Tortas:

  • Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach and Rice)

    Recipe adapted from Bowl of Delicious.

    Ingredients:

    • 1/4 c. olive oil
    • 1 bunch green onions thinly sliced, 1/2 c. dark green tops reserved (about 8-10 green onions)
    • 8-10 oz. baby spinach 
    • 1 c. basmati rice (or other long grain white rice or parboiled rice)
    • 2 c. vegetable broth, water, or chicken broth
    • 1/2 tsp. salt plus more if needed
    • 1/4 c. fresh chopped dill (can also use mint, parsley, or a combination)
    • Juice and zest of 1 lemon (about 1 tsp. zest and 2 TBSP juice)
    • Crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh herbs/green onions for serving

    Directions:

    1. In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil. Add the sliced green onions (reserve 1/2 c. of the dark green tops) and sauté until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the baby spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2 minutes.
    2. Add the basmati rice and stir to coat. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the kosher salt. Bring to a boil, stir once, cover, and simmer on low for about 15 minutes (or until rice is cooked – you should see holes in the top, and if you tilt the pot you should no longer see any water pooling).
    3. Stir in the fresh chopped dill or other herbs, the lemon zest, and lemon juice, and the reserved sliced green onions (keep some out for garnish if you like).
    4. Season to taste with salt, and serve garnished with crumbled feta cheese and reserved green onions, if desired.

    Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach and Rice):

  • Tofu Shawarma Wrap

    Ingredients:

    • 16 oz. block of super firm tofu, drained and pressed
    • 1 1/2 tsp. cumin
    • 1 1/2 tsp. curry powder
    • 1/2 tsp. salt
    • 1/2 tsp. pepper
    • Juice of 1 lemon, about 2 TBSP
    • Olive oil
    • French fries, frozen or homemade
    • Wraps: tortilla, tofu, French fries, pickles, and garlic sauce (mix mayo and garlic to your liking)

    Directions:

    1. Drain tofu and slice in half so that your have 2: 3 x 4 x 1 blocks, then wrap in a towel and place a heavy object on top to press the remaining water out.
    2. In a small bowl, mix the cumin, curry powder, salt, and pepper and set aside.
    3. Juice the lemon into a small bowl.
    4. Put olive oil in a small bowl (start with 1 TBSP and add more as necessary).
    5. Once the tofu is finished being pressed, slice the tofu into 1/2 inch slices – you’ll get 12-16 slices.
    6. In a 9×13 baking dish, place the tofu slices. Then using a pastry brush, brush the slices with olive oil and lemon juice, and then sprinkle about 1/2 the spice mixture. Turn the slices over and repeat brushing with olive oil and lemon juice and then sprinkle with the remaining spice mixture. Let tofu marinate for about 1 hour.
    7. After 1 hour, heat olive oil in a skillet on medium high heat. Add the tofu and leave undisturbed for 5 minutes, and then flip the tofu and leave undisturbed for 5 minutes.
    8. In your wrap, add tofu, French fries, pickles, and garlic sauce.
    9. French Fries: use frozen (and cook according to package) or make your own—1 russet potato, sliced into 1/4 inch strips, then soak in cold water bath for about 1 hour; then place fries on a towel and dry completely; once dried add fries to a bowl and add olive oil, salt and pepper, and paprika to your liking; cook in air fryer on 380F for 20-25 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes until reach desired doneness.

    Tofu Shawarma Wraps:

  • Summer Farro Salad

    Recipe adapted from Two Peas and Their Pod.

    Ingredients:

    Salad:

    • 2 c. cooked farro
    • 2 c. greens of your choice, spinach, kale, mixed greens, etc.
    • 2 large peaches, pitted and sliced or 1 1/2 c. strawberries and blackberries
    • 1 1/2 c. blueberries
    • 1 1/2 c. grape tomatoes, halved
    • 2 small ears sweet corn, kernels removed (about 1 1/2 c.)
    • 1/2 c. crumbled feta cheese
    • 3 TBSP chopped basil
    • Sliced grilled chicken, optional

    Dressing:

    • 1/3 c. olive oil
    • Juice of 1 lemon
    • 1 TBSP champagne vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 small shallot, minced
    • 1-2 tsp. honey, or to taste
    • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

    Directions:

    1. Salad: In a large bowl combine the farro, greens, peach slices and/or strawberries and blackberries, blueberries, tomatoes, corn, feta, basil, and grilled chicken if using.
    2. Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, shallot, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
    3. Assemble: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss until salad is well coated. Serve immediately.

    Summer Farro Salad:

  • Greek Orzo Salad

    Recipe adapted from Half Baked Harvest.

    Ingredients:

    Dressing:

    • 1/3 c. olive oil
    • 2 TBSP red wine vinegar
    • 1 TBSP lemon juice
    • 1 1/2 tsp. honey
    • 1 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
    • 1 shallot, chopped
    • 1/4 – 1/2 c. chopped herbs, dill, basil, oregano, and/or thyme
    • Salt and black pepper

    Orzo Salad:

    • 1 c. dry orzo
    • 1 c. cubed feta cheese
    • 1 c. cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 2-3 Persian cucumbers, chopped
    • 1/2 c. pitted Kalamata olives
    • 1 roasted bell pepper, sliced
    • 1/4 c. chopped pepperoncini

    Directions:

    1. Dressing: To make the dressing, combine all ingredients in a large salad bowl.
    2. Orzo Salad: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta to al dente. Drain. Add the hot orzo to the salad bowl full of dressing. Toss, toss! Add the feta, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, peppers, and pepperoncini. Toss, toss! Serve warm or cold. The salad will develop more flavor as it sits.

    Greek Orzo Salad:

  • BBQ Tofu Tostadas

    Recipe adapted from This Savory Vegan.

    Ingredients:

    BBQ Tofu:

    • 1 block firm tofu drained and pressed
    • 2 TBSP avocado oil
    • 1 small red onion, finely diced
    • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
    • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
    • 1/2 tsp. pepper
    • 1/2 c. BBQ sauce

    Slaw:

    • 1/2 bunch cilantro
    • 1 jalapeño, roughly chopped
    • 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar
    • 1 lime, juiced
    • 1/2 c. mayo
    • 1 small avocado
    • 1/4 c. milk
    • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
    • 1/2 tsp. onion powder
    • 1/2 tsp. pepper
    • 1/4 tsp. salt
    • 4 cups shredded cabbage (1/2 bag of cole slaw mix)
    • 1 c. corn

    Tostadas:

    • 8 pre-made tostada shells
    • Pickled onions
    • Shredded cheese

    Directions:

    • Drain and press the tofu. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu and break it apart into bite-sized pieces. Allow it to cook, undisturbed, for 5 minutes. Flip and cook for 3 more minutes.
    • Add the red onion and seasonings to the pan and cook for 5 more minutes. Pour in the BBQ sauce and a splash of water. Toss to coat, lower heat and cook until the sauce starts to crisp slightly.*
    • Meanwhile, add all of the slaw sauce ingredients to a food processor. Blend until smooth. Place the shredded cabbage, corn and 1/2 of the sauce in a bowl and toss to combine. Add more sauce if needed and reserve the rest of the sauce for serving.
    • To assemble, layer each tostada with BBQ tofu, slaw, pickled onions, and drizzle with slaw sauce, if desired.

    BBQ Tofu Tosatadas: