pepitas Archives - Epicurean Vegan

Veggie Pasta with Mushrooms, Black Olives & Pepitas

July 15, 2015 by Epicurean Vegan

I know it may not look like much, but I assure you there are some delicious, hidden flavors in this dish. This also is really quick to throw together and is great for lunch, too. Plus, between the nutritional yeast and pepitas, you’ll get your fill of B vitamins and omega-3 fats.
INGREDIENTS:
12-oz pkg. vegetable radiatore pasta (Trader Joe’s)
2 Tbs Earth Balance margarine, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 C mushrooms, sliced
6 green onions, sliced
4-oz can sliced black olives
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 C nutritional yeast
1/4 C pepitas

DIRECTIONS:
In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Meanwhile, in a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the margarine and add the garlic. Over medium-low heat, add the mushrooms and green onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the mushrooms soften a little. Season with salt and pepper and then add the black olives to warm them.
Drain the pasta and rinse. Return to the pot with the remaining margarine and add the mushroom mixture, nutritional yeast, and pepitas, blend well and enjoy!

Veggie Pasta with Mushrooms, Black Olives & Pepitas

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Serves: 6

Ingredients

12-oz pkg. vegetable radiatore pasta (Trader Joe's)
2 Tbs Earth Balance margarine, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 C mushrooms, sliced
6 green onions, sliced
4-oz can sliced black olives
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ C nutritional yeast
¼ C pepitas

Directions

In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
Meanwhile, in a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the margarine and add the garlic. Over medium-low heat, add the mushrooms and green onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the mushrooms soften a little. Season with salt and pepper and then add the black olives to warm them.
Drain the pasta and rinse. Return to the pot with the remaining margarine and add the mushroom mixture, nutritional yeast, and pepitas, blend well and enjoy!

A Spectacular Superfood Salad

June 26, 2014 by Epicurean Vegan

So what’s a superfood, you might ask? Well, according to the online dictionary, it’s “a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being.” That sounds about right. Chances are, your fridge and pantry are stocked with these very ingredients and a salad is a great way to make the most of them—all in one bite. You won’t find meat and dairy labeled as superfoods. Ever. (Okay, some people consider salmon a superfood, but it’s really the omegas they’re after, which are readily found in plant foods). I made a very light dressing to coat the salad, also packed with immune-boosting deliciousness, so dig in and feel super energized, super healthy, and super happy with this spectacular superfood salad!

The super benefits:

Kale: high in fiber, iron, Vitamin K, C, and A; an anti-inflammatory food, supports cardiovascular health and is full of antioxidants.
Spinach: high in Vitamin A, K, D and E; good source of omega-3 fatty acids, loaded with antioxidants (fights cancer & inflammation), rich in calcium and magnesium, as well as carotenoids for eye health.
Pepitas (pumpkin seeds): high in magnesium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fiber and anti-inflammatory properties. They’re also high in tryptophan—you know, the “sleep hormone” found in turkey? Sprinkle some pepitas on your next Thanksgiving dish and enjoy the same post-meal nap without the dead bird.
Walnuts: cancer-fighting properties, heart health benefits, extremely high in antioxidants, as well as Vitamin E, folate, melatonin and omega-3 fatty acids.
Red onion: high in quercetin, a bioflavonoid with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, cancer-fighting, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
Blueberries: said to help with memory decline, reduce heart attack risk, and are full of antioxidants. Also high in Vitamin K, manganese and fiber.
Chia seeds: high in protein, fiber, phosphorus, manganese, calcium and potassium. They also contain healthy antioxidants and are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Garbanzo beans (chickpeas): high in fiber, protein, manganese, and iron. They can also stabilize blood sugar and help lower one’s cholesterol.

A Spectacular Superfood Salad

Prep time

20 mins

Total time

20 mins

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Recipe type: Salad

Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

2 heads of kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves chopped small
3 C spinach, chopped small
2 C fresh or dried blueberries
1 C red onion, diced small
1 15-oz can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
½ C pepitas
1 C walnuts, chopped
.
Dressing
.
1 clove garlic, minced
1 Tbs yellow miso
1 Tbs tahini
1 Tbs nutritional yeast
1 T lemon juice
½ tsp chia seeds
¼ C water

Directions

Toss all of the salad ingredients together in a large bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Let the dressing sit about 10 minutes to allow the chia seeds to thicken the dressing just a bit.
Add the dressing to the salad and toss to coat thoroughly. Enjoy!

Quinoa & Kale Pitas with Tahini Dressing

March 2, 2014 by Epicurean Vegan

These are packed with some of my favorite ingredients! Quinoa is loaded with protein and the kale is well . . . it’s kale! We all know kale is high in iron, calcium and several vitamins. Check out these 10 Health Benefits of this super green. I also threw in some pepitas, which are rich in vitamins, beta carotene, and protein. I made a pretty big batch so that I can nosh all week (especially post workouts), but feel free to halve the recipe if you’re fearful of getting quinoa’d out. (Inconceivable! 😉 )

INGREDIENTS
Filling
2 C tri-color quinoa
4 C vegetable broth or water
1 Tbs olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 C red onion, diced
3/4 C green onion, sliced
2 C mushrooms, diced
1 bunch kale, leaves removed and chopped (stems discarded)
3/4 C pepitas
Dressing
2 large cloves of garlic
1 Tbs tahini
2 Tbs yellow/light miso
1/4 C nutritional yeast
1/2 C unsweetened almond milk
1/2 C cold water
2 Tbs chia seesds
1/4 tsp black pepper
The rest
Pita pockets
Avocado slices

DIRECTIONS
I recommend making the dressing first. It’ll be a little runny, but letting it sit for 20 minutes or so, will allow the chia seeds to do their thing and thicken up the dressing. In a food processor or blender, combine all of the dressing ingredients and blend until smooth. Set aside.

In a large soup pot, combine the broth (or water) with the quinoa. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover, and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until all of the liquid has been absorbed.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and garlic in a large skillet. Add the red and green onions. Saute until softened and a tiny bit browned. Add the kale and mushrooms and saute until the the kale is bright green, about 5 minutes.
Fold the veggies and pepitas into the cooked quinoa.
I placed a little dressing inside the pita, along with a slice or two of avocado, then added the filling, and topped with some more dressing. Enjoy!

Quinoa & Kale Pitas with Tahini Dressing

These are packed with some of my favorite ingredients! Quinoa is loaded with protein and the kale is well . . . it's kale! We all know kale is high in iron, calcium and several vitamins. Check out these 10 Health Benefits of this super green. I also threw in some pepitas, which are rich in vitamins, beta carotene, and protein. I made a pretty big batch so that I can nosh all week (especially post workouts), but feel free to halve the recipe if you're fearful of getting quinoa'd out. (Inconceivable! 😉 )

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

Filling
2 C tri-color quinoa
4 C vegetable broth or water
1 Tbs olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 C red onion, diced
¾ C green onion, sliced
2 C mushrooms, diced
1 bunch kale, leaves removed and chopped (stems discarded)
¾ C pepitas
Dressing
2 large cloves of garlic
1 Tbs tahini
2 Tbs yellow/light miso
¼ C nutritional yeast
½ C unsweetened almond milk
½ C cold water
2 Tbs chia seesds
¼ tsp black pepper
The rest
Pita pockets
Avocado slices

Directions

I recommend making the dressing first. It'll be a little runny, but letting it sit for 20 minutes or so, will allow the chia seeds to do their thing and thicken up the dressing. In a food processor or blender, combine all of the dressing ingredients and blend until smooth. Set aside.
In a large soup pot, combine the broth (or water) with the quinoa. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover, and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until all of the liquid has been absorbed.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and garlic in a large skillet. Add the red and green onions. Saute until softened and a tiny bit browned. Add the kale and mushrooms and saute until the the kale is bright green, about 5 minutes.
Fold the veggies and pepitas into the cooked quinoa.
I placed a little dressing inside the pita, along with a slice or two of avocado, then added the filling, and topped with some more dressing. Enjoy!

Quinoa Pasta with Kale and Mushrooms

February 18, 2013 by epicureanvegan

This is a very quick and healthy lunch. It’s also a good idea to munch on if you’re feeling under the weather since it has immune-boosting ingredients like kale, mushrooms, garlic, and pepita seeds. Regardless, it’ll hit the spot!

INGREDIENTS:
8-oz quinoa pasta, veggie curls (I used Ancient Harvest brand)
2-3 C chopped kale (I used red kale)
2 C diced or quartered mushrooms
1/2 C green onions, sliced
1/2 C pepitas seeds
1 Tbs olive oil or 2 Tbs Earth Balance
2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. You don’t want to overcook quinoa pasta, as it tends to get mushy if you do. Drain and set aside.

Using the same pot, heat the olive oil or Earth Balance and add the garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the kale, mushrooms, and green onions and cook 5-7 minutes, or until they soften.

Once the veggies are cooked down a little, stir in the pasta and pepita seeds. Season with salt and pepper and enjoy!

Quinoa Pasta with Kale and Mushrooms

This is a very quick and healthy lunch. It's also a good idea to munch on if you're feeling under the weather since it has immune-boosting ingredients like kale, mushrooms, garlic, and pepita seeds. Regardless, it'll hit the spot!

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

8-oz quinoa pasta, veggie curls (I used Ancient Harvest brand)
2-3 C chopped kale (I used red kale)
2 C diced or quartered mushrooms
½ C green onions, sliced
½ C pepitas seeds
1 Tbs olive oil or 2 Tbs Earth Balance
2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. You don't want to overcook quinoa pasta, as it tends to get mushy if you do. Drain and set aside.
Using the same pot, heat the olive oil or Earth Balance and add the garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the kale, mushrooms, and green onions and cook 5-7 minutes, or until they soften.
Once the veggies are cooked down a little, stir in the pasta and pepita seeds.
Season with salt and pepper and enjoy!

Immune-Boosting Salad with Baked Tempeh

December 18, 2012 by epicureanvegan

Whether or not you’re fighting a cold or illness, this is the perfect salad to eat to boost your immune. No one wants to be sick during the holidays. It also doesn’t help that we tend to not eat or drink as healthy during these yuletide times. Instead of throwing back some harmful meds with a measly glass of OJ while you’re sick, head for the fridge (or ask someone politely) to fix this cold-fighting bowl of awesomeness. If anything, steam some kale, eat a raw orange bell pepper, and a bowl full of white mushrooms. Then repeat.

INGREDIENTS:
1 bunch of kale, torn from stem and chopped small (high in iron, vitamins C, A & K, antioxidants, omega-3s (anti-inflammatory), fiber, and calcium)
1 small bunch of spinach, stems removed and chopped small (1 C=337% of the RDA of vitamin A!! vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, beta-carotene, manganese, zinc and selenium)
1 orange bell pepper, chopped small (vitamin C and B-6, fiber, and antioxidants)
10-12 white mushrooms, stems removed and chopped, (great sources of potassium, riboflavin, niacin, and selenium. They’ve also been proven to reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancers)
2 large carrots, shredded (beta carotene, vitamin A, cancer-preventing properties, and alpha-carotene and lutein, which fight heart disease)
6-7 green onions, sliced thin (Quercetin, an antioxidant and anti-histamine, chromium, vitamin C, fiber, manganese, vitamin B6, potassium, and copper)
1/2 C pepitas (high in vitamins C, D, E, and K. They are rich in beta carotene (that is converted into vitamin A in the liver), rich in the eye protective carotenoid lutein. A handful of these will deliver 9 grams of protein, along with manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, copper and zinc. They are also rich in omega-3 fats and are also shown to reduce inflammation. Definitely a super food!)

Dressing:
2 cloves garlic, cut in half (boosts hydrogen sulfide production=protects against various cancers, including breast, prostate and colon cancer and protects the heart. Raw garlic’s antimicrobial fights viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. Its also helps fight asthma, bronchitis, inflammation, rashes, bug bites, tooth aches, ear infections and other infections i.e. Staph and MRSA. Unlike antibiotics that weaken your immune system, garlic actually boosts your immune system)
1/3 C sunflower seed butter (calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, copper, manganese, and magnesium. Also a great source of B vitamins: thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin, and B6, folate, and pantothenic acid. Folate is also essential during pregnancy for proper fetal development. Let’s not forget protein and the healthy, unsaturated fats)
1/4 C tahini (Packed with B vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5 and B15, protein and calcium)
3 Tbs lemon juice
1 Tbs light miso (Protein, has probiotics, B vitamins, especially B12, fights cancers, high in antioxidants, and can even help lower cholesterol)
1/4 C nutritional yeast (TONS of B vitamins, protein, and fiber. It’s also low in sodium)
1/4 C chia seeds (Omega-3 and 6 oils, protein, and antioxidants. Considered a super food, chia seeds not only support the immune system, they balance blood sugar levels, support the cardiovascular system, give you energy, aid in weight loss, help detox the body, and provides fiber, iron, calcium, niacin (B-3), phosphorus, and magnesium. Did I mention brain-boosting, too?!)
1 C water

Tempeh (optional)
8-oz pkg. tempeh, cut into small cubes (high in fiber, easy to digest, low sodium, and contains antioxidants. It also helps balance blood sugars)
1/4 C soy sauce
1 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed (see above)
1 Tbs olive oil
Salt and pepper

Whew! Did you get all that?! Talk about a loaded salad!

DIRECTIONS:
If you’re adding tempeh, you’ll want to start that now. Combine the tempeh with the soy sauce (preferably low-sodium), Worcestershire sauce, oil, garlic, and salt and pepper in a large ziplock bag; coat the tempeh thoroughly. Line a baking sheet with foil and pour the tempeh on the sheet. Bake at 375 for 5 minutes, stir around, then bake another 5 minutes.

Combine all of the salad ingredients in a large bowl, then chop up the tempeh into even smaller pieces; add to the salad.

To make the dressing, combine all of the dressing ingredients in a blender and blend 2 minutes, or until completely smooth. It makes about 2-1/2 cups.

You can pour the dressing over the entire salad and blend well, or keep it separate. If you store it separately, keep in mind that it will probably set up in the fridge; you’ll need to add some water and/or lemon juice to it to thin it out some more. I hope all of you are staying healthy and continue to do so during these oftentimes stressful days! Enjoy!

Mushroom and Barley-Stuffed Peppers

September 26, 2012 by epicureanvegan

I know, stuffed peppers again?! But they’re so easy to change up and try new ingredients combinations. Like most stuffed peppers, these are easy to make, but allow some extra time, especially using barley as it takes 45 minutes to cook.

INGREDIENTS:
3 bell peppers, cut in half and seeds and stems removed
1 C pearl barley
2-1/2 C vegetable broth (I recommend Better than Bouillon vegetable base)
1 Tbs olive oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 large onion, diced
1-1/2 C mushrooms, sliced
1/4 C pepitas
2 Tbs fresh rosemary, minced
1/2 to 1 tsp shallot salt
Black pepper, to taste
2 Tbs white wine
3 Tbs Earth Balance margarine, divided
Parmezano Sprinkles, optional

DIRECTIONS:
In a medium sauce pan, bring the broth to a boil. Add the barley, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil and garlic. Add the onions and cook until tender and slightly browned. Add the pepitas, rosemary, shallot salt, and pepper. Cook another 5 minutes over medium to low heat.

Once the barley is cooked, add it to the skillet, along with the mushrooms, and stir well to combine. Add the white wine and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.

Stuff the peppers with the filling and press down, adding as much as possible to each one. Place them into a large baking dish. Add a cup of water to the dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 30 minutes. Once baked, top each pepper with a half a tablespoon of Earth Balance, replace the foil, and let sit for 5 minutes. Top with the Parmezano Sprinkles, and enjoy!

Mushroom and Barley-Stuffed Peppers

Like most stuffed peppers, these are easy to make, but allow some extra time, especially using barley as it takes 45 minutes to cook.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Serves: 3-6

Ingredients

3 bell peppers, cut in half and seeds and stems removed
1 C pearl barley
2-1/2 C vegetable broth (I recommend Better than Bouillon vegetable base)
1 Tbs olive oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
½ large onion, diced
1-1/2 C mushrooms, sliced
¼ C pepitas
2 Tbs fresh rosemary, minced
½ to 1 tsp shallot salt
Black pepper, to taste
2 Tbs white wine
3 Tbs Earth Balance margarine, divided
Parmezano Sprinkles, optional

Directions

In a medium sauce pan, bring the broth to a boil. Add the barley, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 45 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375.
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil and garlic. Add the onions and cook until tender and slightly browned. Add the pepitas, rosemary, shallot salt, and pepper. Cook another 5 minutes over medium to low heat.
Once the barley is cooked, add it to the skillet, along with the mushrooms, and stir well to combine. Add the white wine and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
Stuff the peppers with the filling and press down, adding as much as possible to each one. Place them into a large baking dish. Add a cup of water to the dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 30 minutes.
Once baked, top each pepper with a half a tablespoon of Earth Balance, replace the foil, and let sit for 5 minutes. Top with the Parmezano Sprinkles, and enjoy!

Veggie Pasta with Mushrooms, Black Olives & Pepitas

A Spectacular Superfood Salad

Quinoa & Kale Pitas with Tahini Dressing

Quinoa Pasta with Kale and Mushrooms

Immune-Boosting Salad with Baked Tempeh

Mushroom and Barley-Stuffed Peppers

Categories

Archives

Popular Posts