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Mediterranean Cauliflower "Couscous" Salad

Mediterranean Cauliflower "Couscous" Salad

When blitzed in a food processor, cauliflower becomes surprisingly grainlike and can be transformed into a lower-calorie version of couscous or rice. This highly textured salad can be made up to four days in advance, so use it to jazz up workday lunches. 1 head cauliflower, roughly chopped 2 cups (500 mL) halved cherry tomatoes 1/2 cup (125 mL) roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley 1/3 cup (80 mL) roughly chopped fresh mint 2 green onions, thinly sliced 1/3 cup (80 mL) pitted, sliced kalamata olives 3 oz (85 g) feta cheese, diced 1/2 cup (125 mL) golden raisins 1/3 cup (80 mL) unsalted pistachios 1 Tbsp (15 mL) capers, drained (optional) 3 Tbsp (45 mL) extra-virgin olive oil or camelina oil Juice of 1/2 lemon 1 garlic clove, minced 1 Tbsp (15 mL) za’atar spice mix 1/4 tsp (1 mL) black pepper In food processor, pulse cauliflower florets until they resemble couscous in size. Do this in batches if necessary and be careful not to process cauliflower to the point where it becomes mushy. Place cauliflower in large bowl and toss with tomatoes, parsley, mint, green onions, olives, feta, raisins, pistachios, and capers (if using). In small bowl, whisk together oil, lemon juice, garlic, za’atar, and pepper. Toss dressing with salad. Serves 5. Each serving contains: 271 calories; 8 g protein; 17 g total fat (4 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 27 g total carbohydrates (15 g sugars, 5 g fibre); 313 mg sodium source: "Cauliflower", alive #389, March 2015

Beet Pancakes with Cherry Sauce

Beet Pancakes with Cherry Sauce

Not to worry, these swoon-worthy pancakes don’t taste beety despite including the root vegetable for its red touch. The batter can be prepared up to two days in advance and kept chilled in the refrigerator. But it’s best used at room temperature. Thin with additional milk or yogurt if the batter becomes too thick. Makes about 14 pancakes. 1 medium-sized beet, peeled and chopped 1 1/4 cups (310 mL) gluten-free oat flour 1 tsp (5 mL) cinnamon, divided 1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) baking powder 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt 1 cup (250 mL) milk 1/2 cup (125 mL) plain yogurt 1 medium banana 1 large free-range egg 1/3 cup (80 mL) chopped walnuts (optional) 1 Tbsp (15 mL) unsalted butter 2 cups (500 mL) frozen pitted cherries 3 Tbsp (45 mL) pure maple syrup 1 tsp (5 mL) lemon zest 1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) cornstarch, dissolved in 1 Tbsp (15 mL) water 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract Place beet in steamer basket set over at least 1 in (2.5 cm) of water and steam until tender. Set aside to cool. In large bowl, stir together oat flour, 3/4 tsp (4 mL) cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Place beet, milk, yogurt, and banana in blender container and blend until smooth. Blend in egg. Add beet mixture to dry ingredients and gently combine. Fold in walnuts if using. Let batter rest for 10 minutes. Heat skillet over medium heat. Add butter to skillet and melt. Pour 1/4 cup (60 mL) batter for each pancake into pan and cook for 2 minutes, or until darkened around the edges and bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook for 2 minutes more. Test a pancake to see if it has cooked through. If not, increase cooking time. Transfer cooked pancakes to baking sheet and keep warm in preheated 200 F (95 C) oven as you prepare remaining pancakes. To make cherry sauce, bring cherries, maple syrup, lemon zest, remaining cinnamon, and 1/4 cup (60 mL) water to a simmer in medium-sized saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes and then gently mash cherries into a pulpy purée. Stir dissolved cornstarch and vanilla extract into cherry mixture and simmer for 2 minutes more, or until slightly thickened. Serve pancakes topped with cherry sauce. Serves 4. Each serving contains: 402 calories; 14 g protein; 13 g total fat (3 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 60 g total carbohydrates (27 g sugars, 6 g fibre); 236 mg sodium source: "A Red Inspired Menu", alive #388, February 2015

Tomato Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Parmesan Crisps

Tomato Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Parmesan Crisps

And, of course, no day of eating red is complete without tomato-infused dishes, which brings the potent cancer-fighting antioxidant lycopene to the table. From sun-up to sun-down, these palate-pleasing red food recipes will surely award you a bounty of hugs and kisses. Infinitely better than anything from a can, this painted red soup tastes like it should be more of a high-flying kitchen effort than it is. When fresh tomatoes are out of season, canned San Marzano should be your go-to tomatoes for soups and sauces, as they are revered for their fruity sweetness. The Parmesan wafers make a fanciful accompaniment to the soup. 1 Tbsp (15 mL) grapeseed oil or sunflower oil 2 leeks, thinly sliced 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 2 cups (500 mL) lower-sodium vegetable broth 1 - 28 oz (796 mL) can San Marzano tomatoes 1 cup (250 mL) sliced roasted red pepper 1 tsp (5 mL) dried thyme 1 tsp (5 mL) sweet smoked paprika 1/4 tsp (1 mL) black pepper 2 tsp (10 mL) honey Juice of 1/2 lemon 1 cup (250 mL) grated Parmigiano- Reggiano cheese In large saucepan, heat oil over medium-low heat. Add leeks and salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until leeks are softened and browned. Add garlic; heat for 1 minute. Place broth, tomatoes, red pepper, thyme, paprika, and black pepper in saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer covered for 15 minutes. Stir in honey and lemon juice. Place soup in blender or food processor container and blend until smooth. Blend in batches if necessary. Return soup to pot and heat for 5 minutes. To make Parmesan crisps, preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat. Mound tablespoonfuls of cheese at least 2 in (5 cm) apart. Gently flatten out mounds with back of a spoon, making sure rounds are not touching each other. Bake until cheese is melted and slightly golden, about 6 minutes. Remove from oven and do not disturb until completely cooled and firm to the touch, about 20 minutes. Using thin spatula or knife, carefully lift crisps from baking sheet. Divide soup among serving bowls and top each with Parmesan crisps. Serves 6. Each serving contains: 174 calories; 11 g protein; 8 g total fat (4 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 16 g total carbohydrates (8 g sugars, 2 g fibre); 429 mg sodium source: "A Red Inspired Menu", alive #388, February 2015