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No-Noodle Sweet Potato “Lasagna”
The other night I really wanted to make a hearty and comforting lasagna, but I usually avoid making it because it’s traditionally high in carbs and fat. So, I put together a noodle-less “lasagna” full of healthy vegetables and all of the taste everyone loves from this Italian favorite–creamy ricotta, marinara sauce and a crispy mozzarella topping. I called it Sweet Potato “Lasagna” because the sweet potatoes are really the “secret ingredient” in this dish that makes it so delicious. There are 3 important layers: (1) roasted thin slices of sweet potatoes, (2) roasted zucchini, and finally (3) kale, onions and broccoli. The best part about this recipe is you can swap in or out your favorite vegetables for each of the layers. I found that this combination works beautifully though. Check it out!
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Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Soup
Creamy and comforting, this recipe for Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Soup is a delightful weeknight dinner. I started out by roasting 3 red bell peppers until very tender and slightly charred. Next, I roasted a baking sheet full of ripe mixed tomatoes until soft, juicy and bursting with flavor. Since I was in the spirit of roasting, I added 2 whole bulbs of garlic, that I roasted alongside the peppers in the oven. Once roasted, the garlic was caramelized to perfection. The combination of these flavorful vegetables with aromatic herbes de Provence, a hit of cayenne and paprika, and a side of toasted crusty bread smeared with freshly roasted garlic was nothing short of a winner. Enjoy!
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Chickpea Salad with Fresh Herbs
For a light and easy salad this summer, I highly recommend trying out my tasty Chickpea Salad with Fresh Herbs. This salad is so easy to prepare and is a fresh accompaniment to a variety of dishes. It can be served on its own for a light lunch or it can be a fabulous side dish for your next picnic or barbecue. The best part about this recipe is that you can make it your own – feel free to add your favorite crisp vegetables or leave out those you don’t care for as much. If you have an herb garden this summer you are in luck because you can snip and chop any of your favorite herbs and add them to your salad as you wish. You can also double this recipe for a large group or party. Enjoy!
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Cauliflower “Mac & Cheese”
Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, but if you are like me, you may try to save it for only for those times when you really want to indulge. I wanted a way to enjoy the flavors of Macaroni & Cheese without all of the carbs and fat, so I found this tasty recipe for Cauliflower “Mac & Cheese.” Although this recipe is no substitute for the original, rich version, it is creamy and satisfying. This dish uses cauliflower in place of macaroni, and a blend of low-fat cheeses in place of the full-fat varieties. Once the cauliflower florets and homemade cheese sauce is tossed together, you add fresh breadcrumbs over everything to create a crunchy topping. I served my Cauliflower “Mac & Cheese” with a fresh side salad, but feel free to get creative and serve as a side with your next meal!
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Vegetarian Moussaka
When my fiancé and I visited the magical island of Santorini about this time last summer, one of our most memorable meals on the island was at Nectar & Ambrosia Restaurant, where we enjoyed a rich Greek Moussaka. A traditional Greek Moussaka is made by layering eggplant with a spiced meat filling and topping it with a creamy, baked béchamel sauce. It is a rich and satisfying dish usually reserved for special Sunday night meals or celebration dinners. Our meal and experience at Nectar & Ambrosia, an exclusive spot with only 14 tables on the terrace and 8 tables inside,was an experience we will not soon forget.
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Summer Tomato Cucumber Salad
For a great side or light lunch, try my healthy and refreshing Summer Tomato Cucumber Salad. This fresh and cool salad is made with sweet cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber and thinly sliced red onions and topped with crumbled feta, basil and a light red wine vinaigrette. Serve alone with crusty bread or alongside your favorite meal. Enjoy!
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It’s a Raisin Bran Muffin Makeover!
If you are looking for a hearty muffin without all the fat (or in this case, ANY fat!), then give these made-over Raisin Bran Muffins a try. Check out the recipe below – I hope you enjoy!
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The Best Homemade Granola Bars Ever
Warning: these bars are addictive!! I finally found the perfect, healthy Granola Bar recipe and I am thrilled to share it with you here. Most granola bar recipes contain loads of butter to obtain their distinct crunchiness, but this recipe only has a couple tablespoons of oil and is loaded with texture and flavor. -
Healthy Chunky Banana Bran Muffins
There is nothing better than a healthy, hearty bran muffin so I set out to create one full of sweet, chunky bananas. With the addition of nonfat Greek yogurt, I was able to reduce the amount of oil in the recipe and still maintain the moistness and texture of a traditional bran muffin. For lots of fiber and healthy grains, I added wheat bran and wheat germ, along with a combination of light brown sugar and molasses for sweetness. A teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest adds a subtle citrus twist. Most banana muffin recipes call for small, diced pieces of banana that pretty much blend in, but I wanted these muffins to be chunky, so I cut the bananas slices thick. Once baked and cooled, you will have a dozen golden brown bran muffins, chock full of distinct bananas and chewy grains. Enjoy!
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Curry Garden Vegetable Soup
On these cold winter nights, nothing is more comforting than a bowl of homemade soup. This past weekend, my mom and grandmother set out to make a hearty, fresh and healthy vegetable soup with loads of flavor and a Thai-inspired ingredient list. Mission accomplished.
