Food

1 Tbsp (15 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
1 3/4 cups (425 mL) onions, diced
1 cup (250 mL) celery, diced
2 to 2 1/2 cups (500 to 625 mL) orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, peeled and cut in 1 in (2.5 cm) cubes
3 large cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp (5 mL) sea salt
Ground black pepper to taste
2 tsp (10 mL) chili powder
1 tsp (5 mL) paprika
1/2 tsp (2 mL) freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 tsp (2 mL) cumin
1/4 tsp (1 mL) cinnamon
1/2 tsp (2 mL) crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)
1 1/4 cups (310 mL) dry red lentils
2 1/2 cups (625 mL) water
1 - 28 oz (796 mL) can crushed tomatoes
1 - 14 oz (398 mL) can black or kidney beans, rinsed
1 bay leaf
3 Tbsp (45 mL) freshly squeezed lime juice
Lime wedges (for serving)

Comfort food for a howling winter day; every bite is teeming with nutrients.

Serves 6

This is an artichoke-centric take on French potato salad. It’s particularly good in the spring, when new potatoes, artichokes, and leeks are in season and at their most tender. But this salad can be a good option any time of year by trading out the artichokes for whatever is vibrant and seasonal at the market: broccoli, green beans, and radicchio are all good options.

Asparagus and beans are a classic salad combo. We’ve kicked it up a notch with a zesty lemon dressing and served it with seared scallops dusted with smoked paprika for an added robust flavour. And for extra crunch? Scatter some crisped onions or shallots overtop, if you wish; these are easy to make, but also available in various local food stores.

Have your cake and vegetable too! No need to turn on the oven for this delicious chocolate tart; it’s quick to assemble and satisfyingly rich. Plus, the added black beans make for a nutrient-dense dessert with healthy protein-rich carbs.

Tip

These colourful and hearty bites are one of those great nibbles you’ll find yourself whipping up again and again. The beans and sweet potato both contain a great amount of fibre that helps you feel full and keep hunger at bay. Don’t be surprised if these disappear first at your next gathering. Pair with Yuzo Basil Ricky!

Many women are leaning into motherhood in their thirties, when increased levels of folate are needed. In this recipe, dark leafy vegetables coupled with asparagus and artichokes add an über-healthy hit of folate. Not only is this bouquet lovely to look at, but it also offers a combination of flavours that virtually pop in your palate. DID YOU KNOW? Folate is a B vitamin naturally present in many foods and is essential for forming healthy DNA and other genetic materials. It’s especially important for pregnant women to facilitate the healthy division of cells. TIP: There are many foods naturally rich in folate that would be delicious with the Smoked Rosy Tahini Dressing. All dark leafy vegetables, Brussels sprouts, various nuts, black-eyed peas, and kidney beans are excellent sources of folate and would be a delicious substitute for the greens in the Asparagus Bouquet Salad.  

Tapenade is an olive-based spread or dip hailing from the Provence region in France. It’s bold, zippy, briny, and salty. It can wear many hats, including being made with the season’s plentiful beets and carrots. Whisk a couple dollops of tapenade into a vinaigrette, use as a fanciful sandwich spread, serve as part of a picnic charcuterie, or fold into bean salads.

Most people don’t know that whole grain pasta takes longer to digest and doesn’t put blood sugars out of balance. For more fibre, add a bean of your choice. Chickpeas in particular go well with most Mediterranean-style dishes. Freeze any leftover Basil Pesto in small portions for use throughout the year as a quick and tasty sauce or as a spread on whole grain toast topped with fresh tomato and ground black pepper.

Traditionally, a green chili is served with pork, but in this recipe, portobello mushrooms provide the meatiness and an additional layer of flavour.

Pannacotta elevates the final course to a sumptuous art. Spoon extra compote over yogourt to yield a delicious dessert.

Make these on the weekend when you have a little extra time, then pop in the freezer (try doubling the recipe for a big batch). Eat them warm, at room temperature, or even chilled. Pop a few balls into whole wheat pitas for mess-free travelling.

Have ripe bananas? The browner = the better. Nutritious and fluffy, this banana bread is also school friendly, as it’s free from common allergens like eggs, dairy, and nuts. Chickpea flour is a great gluten-free source of protein, fiber, and iron. See the recipe video here.

Gluten free | Dairy free

Indulge in this fragrant elevated twist on a classic dessert that combines the nutty richness of brown butter with juicy Anjou pears and warm gingerbread spices.

This nourishing soup is a riot of textures and flavours. The duo of tempeh and pinto beans makes each spoonful rich in protein.

Serves 5

Undeniably, this is comfort food in a bowl. This method of scrambling eggs will keep them moist and light, nothing like those uninspiring dry, rubbery eggs. Taking the time to roast the tomatoes amplifies their sweetness, while a touch of basil-infused oil adds bright, fresh flavour.

This dish provides an endless supply of nutrients. For eyes, nose, and taste buds, it’s mild enough with just a hint of smoky flavour, yet soothing to the stomach because it’s minus the spicy and typically fatty chorizo and crushed red peppers. Add some cooked julienned organic chicken or a few wild prawns if you have a craving for an extra boost of protein.

A healthy addition to this dish is the fermented bean paste, otherwise known as miso. It’s available in different strengths and colours. We suggest the light miso, as it’s less harsh and doesn’t overpower the salmon. Tip: Shiro miso is a paste made from white rice and fermented soybean, found in the dairy case. Substitute or partially substitute regular red radishes for daikon radishes for an added splash of colour.

After a long winter of steamy soups, this cold version is sure to bowl you over with its bright, earthy flavour. The trio of avocado, asparagus, and edamame (green soybeans) also ensures each spoonful is packed with hunger-quelling fibre. If desired, frozen lima beans can be used instead of edamame.

Smooth move