Food

This is basically a warm hug in a bowl—a simple stew that celebrates the flavours of the season. With nourishing ingredients and minimal effort in the kitchen, this meal tastes best with a big hunk of sourdough for dunking and good company to share it with. If desired, you can swap out the turkey sausage for a plant-based version and the sage for fresh rosemary. Simmering = flavour When making stews, it’s best to gently simmer the contents instead of letting them go at a roaring boil. If you want to concentrate the flavours of the dish, you want a slow simmer.

Canned beans are braised with cherry tomatoes, fennel, and health-boosting spices, making for a satisfying topping for whole grains, sprouted wheat pasta, or sourdough bread. A refreshing side of creamy cucumber salad makes this meal feel whole. This is a great excuse to experiment with a new-to-you spice. What is berbere? Berbere is a spice blend from Ethiopia that can include warming ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, along with fruity coriander and cardamom, black pepper, chili peppers, garlic, paprika, cumin, and fenugreek. Grocery stores now carry the spice blend, but it’s also readily available online.

A snack worthy of being called a meal, this delicious cauliflower combo will certainly satisfy your movie-night nacho craving! Say cheez Not a fan of cilantro? Try this vegan cheez dip instead. In medium bowl, soak 1 cup (250 mL) raw cashews in boiling water for 20 minutes. Drain cashews and add them to food processor with the following: 3 Tbsp (45 mL) nutritional yeast 1/4 tsp (1 mL) turmeric 1/4 tsp (1 mL) smoked paprika 1 tsp (5 mL) Dijon mustard 1/2 tsp (2 mL) garlic powder 1/4 tsp (1 mL) onion powder 3/4 cup (180 mL) unflavoured, unsweetened almond milk, more to thin 2 tsp (10 mL) preferred hot sauce Blend until smooth and serve! Makes approximately 1 cup (250 mL) dip. Each serving contains: 239 calories; 10 g protein; 17 g total fat (3 g sat. fat); 15 g total carbohydrates (2 g sugar, 3 g fibre); 282 mg sodium

Creamy pinto beans and earthy black beans stand in for kidney beans and help make a hearty chili along with some smoky poblano peppers. A pinch of cacao in this chili enhances the slightly sweet flavour of lean bison. If you prefer a less spicy chili, feel free to reduce the amount of powder, or add it in stages. Sustainability cred Like grass-fed beef, bison is considered a more sustainable meat. Much of it comes down to the way they’re ranched. While grazing, bison move across large tracts of land quickly, causing less trampling than if they stayed in one spot. Because they eat only grass and avoid other plants in the grasslands, they play a key role in grassland ecosystems, aiding in biodiversity by stirring up seeds with their hooves and fertilizing the earth as they pass by. The meat itself is lean and healthy and can be used interchangeably with beef. Roasting those peppers It’s an extra step, although fairly simple, but roasting the peppers first brings out their smoky flavour.

The trick to these plant-based sausages is rolling them in rice paper wrappers before steaming and grilling them. The rice paper creates a translucent coating similar to sausage casing, but without pork. These are best served with grainy German mustard (preferably stone-ground) and sauerkraut (look for unpasteurized versions or make your own), but they’re also great sliced into pieces and cooked into a tomato-based barbecue sauce with curry powder—a traditional currywurst! Best bratwurst tips It might seem like a lot of steps to wrap the sausages, steam them, and grill them, but if you skip the steaming, the rice paper wrappers become brittle on the grill, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but isn’t very sausagelike. If you skip the grilling, the outsides will be gelatinous, which is definitely not sausagelike! To steam bratwurst, wrap each rice paper-rolled sausage in parchment paper and twist the ends like party crackers, securing each with twist ties or rubber bands. Or place rice-wrapped sausages directly on parchment-lined steamer basket, cutting extra strips of parchment to keep sausages from sticking together. Cool sausages thoroughly before removing from parchment-lined steamer basket. Chia tips and tricks If you don’t have ground chia seeds, grind whole seeds in a spice grinder or blender, or crush them well with a mortar and pestle. This improves the texture of the sausage. You can also use ground flaxseeds. Nut swaps You can replace the walnuts with hazelnuts or make the recipe nut free by using sunflower seeds.

A good option for both backyard barbecues and healthy snacking, this creamy dip benefits from a little spicy crunch, courtesy of quick-pickled peppers. If you want your dip to have a smoky edge, blend in a chipotle-flavoured salsa. Or forgo the salsa and, instead, blend in a couple tablespoons of tomato paste and a single canned chipotle chili pepper. Extras of the pickled peppers are an exciting topping for burgers, sandwiches, and tacos. TIP : When using prepared chili pepper products such as bottled salsas, examine the ingredient list for items you really don’t want or need, namely sugar and high amounts of sodium.

Brilliant orange sweet potatoes blended with black beans and spices create a perfect warming dish for January. But this dish provides more than just eye appeal. It’s got a wealth of antioxidants to protect your body from chronic disease. By any beans necessary We used black beans for a visual punch, but any bean, lentil, or legume will make a great substitute. And if dried beans are your preference, soak overnight, drain, and cook in a large saucepan with enough water to cover by 3 inches. Then add to cooked sweet potato.

This buttery salad is a tasty summer dish for any occasion. The butter beans pack a hearty hit of manganese, while adding flax provides omega-3s for a double dose of nutrients for brain health. Punch up the protein in this delicious salad, if desired, by adding chunks of tuna or salmon. Tip Flaxseed can be used in a myriad of recipes. However, because of its delicate omega-3 fatty acid content, it can easily go rancid—especially when purchased ground or as an oil. For best results, store whole flaxseeds at room temperature for up to 6 months, or freeze. Ground flax and flax oil are best stored in the refrigerator. Use within 6 months.

Stirring cricket powder into an African stew is a natural, given that crickets were an African staple long before they became trendy in the West. Adding a couple of tablespoons to this delicious dish not only increases the protein content but also kicks up the nuttiness a notch. Soaking time for beans The larger the beans, the longer the soaking and cooking time. Cover with enough cold water to extend above beans by 2 in (5 cm). Set aside at room temperature overnight for no longer than 12 hours. For a shorter soak, place beans with 1/4 tsp (1 mL) baking soda in pan of cold water with 2 in (5 cm) to spare. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and set aside for 1 hour. Thoroughly drain and use as per recipe. Time an issue? Skip the dried beans. Replace the 4 cups (1 L) water in this recipe with just 1 cup (250 mL) and continue with recipe, cooking vegetables until tender. Then add a 19 oz (540 mL) can of white kidney beans, along with its juices, and heat through.

This treat works for all diets, but it will only be as sweet as the fruit you use, so choose fully ripe and preferably organic fruit. You can add more banana for sweetness, except on a low-FODMAP diet where only half a banana per serving is recommended—use the juice of half a sweet navel orange for added sweetness. If your cantaloupe is too sweet (you get used to less sweet food on these diets), add more lemon juice. Tip Your banana should be ripe or slightly overripe, since underripe bananas aren’t permitted on SCD, AIP, and GAPS diets because of the high starch content. As bananas ripen, their starch transforms into sugar and they lose their astringency (the feeling of having peanut butter stuck to the roof of your mouth). Overripe bananas, however, are high in fructose and not low-FODMAP friendly, although they’re fine on the other diets. You can freeze bananas at the perfect ripeness and remove from the freezer 15 minutes before making this parfait, as with the cantaloupe— this will have the added benefit of creating a creamier texture.

Arame is a dark brown Japanese sea veg sold as long, wiry strands that are rich in dietary fiber. Its mild flavor makes arame one of the most versatile seaweeds and a great addition to salads and soups, as it won’t overpower other ingredients. If you don’t have arame, rehydrated and chopped kombu or wakame can be used in this recipe. You can also use cranberry, kidney, cannellini or orca beans if you’re adzuki bean-less. Whichever ingredient combo you use, each spoonful of this nourishing minestrone is like a liquid hug. They’ve bean everywhere In Asia, lightly sweet red adzuki beans are used in everything from soups to desserts. The legumes are packed with fiber, protein and vital minerals. To prepare dried adzuki beans, soak them overnight, and then simmer in a pot of water until they’re tender, about 40 minutes.

With a couple of cellar vegetables, some spices and a little added freshness, you have the most restorative, feel-good stew imaginable. The coconut milk adds just the right amount of richness to tame the sharp ginger and spices. There’s so much flavor going on here, but this warming pot of nourishment couldn’t be simpler to make. I list spinach for the greens here, but chopped kale, chard, collards or mustard greens would all be excellent in its place.

With a couple of cellar vegetables, some spices, and a little added freshness, you have the most restorative, feel-good stew imaginable. The coconut milk adds just the right amount of richness to tame the sharp ginger and spices. There’s so much flavour going on here, but this warming pot of nourishment couldn’t be simpler to make. I list spinach for the greens here, but chopped kale, chard, collards, or mustard greens would all be excellent in its place.

This creamy yet light “white” chili feels lighter and more stewlike than the common “red” con carne version containing tomatoes. A shaggy cornmeal crumble caps things off, adding the sweetness of chili’s unwavering partner, as does a pillowy dollop of full-fat sour cream. Up the ante by tossing on a handful of grated cheddar cheese before baking. Tip Vegetarians can substitute crumbled tempeh, tofu, or additional beans in place of the turkey, and vegetable stock in place of chicken stock.

Borlotti beans, also known as cranberry beans, are native to Italy and can charm any number of dishes with their smooth texture; mild, sweetish flavour; and versatility. Cook as per instructions below and use in soups, salads, or stews. Satisfyingly delicious. Switch out tuna with organic boneless chicken breasts, if preferred. The bigger the beans, the longer the soaking and cooking time. Cover with enough cold water to extend above beans by 2 in (5 cm). Set aside at room temperature overnight for no longer than 12 hours. For a shorter soak, place beans in a pan of cold water with 2 in (5 cm) to spare. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and set aside for 1 hour. Thoroughly drain and use as per recipe. Dried beans will keep for 6 to 9 months in a lightly sealed container at room temperature. To have beans ready to go for quick dinner plans, soak and cook up a generous-sized pot. Strain and cool. Then store in small containers and freeze. Simply add frozen to soups and stews or thaw and toss into salads or stir-fries.

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of squash in this vegetarian main course. Switch up the beans and herbs to transform this dish into something new. For instance, black beans with cilantro add Mexican flair, while white beans and basil make for an Italian-inspired roasted dinner. Roasting technique Squash and other hard vegetables need a gentler heat, but still hot enough to caramelize. For large pieces, 400 F (200 C) is adequate to both soften the flesh and achieve a golden brown exterior; smaller cubes can handle a higher heat, up to 425 F (220 C). Make-ahead Squash and filling can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept separately. Reheat in 300 F (150 C) oven to warm through.

This soup has both corn and spelt for a stick-to-your- ribs meal that will transport you to Mexico at the first spoonful. Tip: Use up remains of a whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti package in place of orzo by lightly crushing to break up long pieces into bite-sized morsels.

The Italian meal-in-a-bowl gets a green makeover—something we’re all trying to do to our diets this time of year. Hearty yet light, it’s a healthy way to warm up after an afternoon of braving the cold. Tip: This soup is highly adaptable, allowing you to use the greens that look best at the market. Try Swiss chard, kale, or arugula in place of spinach, and zucchini or cauliflower in place of fennel.

Soup is the ultimate budget-friendly pantry meal. Even if you’re not feeding the masses, make the entire batch for a week of healthy, hearty winter lunches and skip the excessive price tag (and sodium levels) of cafeteria versions. Tip Try butternut squash in place of sweet potatoes, chickpeas in place of white beans, whole grain or gluten-free macaroni in place of orecchiette, and kale instead of spinach for a completely new dish.

The intense sweetness of kabocha (aka Japanese pumpkin) squash marries perfectly with the slight bitterness of kale in this antioxidant-rich soup. What’s more, the smidgen of cream lends a smoothness to its flavour that simply oozes comfort. Tip Did you know canned beans aren’t just an über convenient source of fibre and vegan protein? They can also contain more antioxidants than dried beans that have been soaked and boiled. To maximize their outstanding health benefits, opt for beans that have been tinned in bisphenol A-free cans.

If you are somewhat meh about veggie burgers, these are sure to perk up your palate. Highly flavoured dark patties and a smoky pepper sauce offer a feast for the eyes, plus body benefits courtesy of sky-high fibre levels. Chill Out Chilling the burger mixture in the fridge for about 1 hour can make it easier to form the patties.

Make dinner a DIY taco bar so all your time goes into prepping, not serving! Omega-3 rich salmon cooks up quickly. And since the oven is already on, make use of the heat to roast tomatoes for salsa (no chopping!). Use rocket or baby spinach instead of shredded iceberg lettuce to fill tacos—more nutrients and less prep!

Exotic seasonings combined with a hint of ginger and a squeeze of lime deliver myriad tastes to the palate. You can serve this as a side or as a stand-alone dish with yogurt or feta. 2/3 cup (160 mL) dried mung beans 2 small to medium yams 1 Tbsp (15 mL) coconut oil 1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) cumin seeds 1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) black mustard seeds 1 small onion, finely diced 1 Tbsp (15 mL) peeled and finely minced fresh ginger 2 tsp (10 mL) turmeric 2 tsp (10 mL) ground cumin 1/4 tsp (1 mL) cinnamon 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt 1/4 cup (60 mL) chicken or vegetable stock 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and finely diced 1 tsp (5 mL) freshly squeezed lime juice 1/2 tsp (2 mL) maple syrup Freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup (60 mL) chopped fresh cilantro Plain thick Greek yogurt (optional) Bring 4 cups (1 L) water to boil in a saucepan. Add mung beans and reduce heat. Simmer with lid slightly ajar for 20 to 25 minutes, or until beans are cooked but still firm. Meanwhile, peel yams and julienne using hand-held julienne cutter or mandoline fitted with julienne blade. Place yam noodles in wide, deep frying pan and just cover with water. Bring to boil and cook uncovered until blanched and just fork-tender but not mushy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Drain and plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Drain and blot dry. Transfer to large bowl and set aside. In saucepan, heat coconut oil over medium. Add cumin and mustard seeds and sauté for 2 minutes, or until they start to pop. Add onion, ginger, turmeric, ground cumin, cinnamon, and salt. Sauté for 2 minutes, or until onion is soft but not browned. Stir in chicken or vegetable stock. Add mixture to cooked yams and gently fold together to coat evenly. When beans are tender but still have a little bite, drain and rinse. Add beans to yam mixture along with diced tomatoes. Drizzle with lime juice and maple syrup. Gently fold together. Add pepper to taste. Transfer to serving dish and sprinkle with cilantro. Serve warm or at room temperature with dollops of yogurt, if you wish. Serves 6. Each serving contains: 214 calories; 8 g protein; 4 g total fat (2 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 39 g total carbohydrates (4 g sugars, 8 g fibre); 128 mg sodium source: " Veggie Noodles ", alive #390, April 2015

There’s something full-flavoured in any dish that includes poblano peppers. They’re not hot but definitely flavourful, particularly when barbecued; the added smokiness imparts a delicate taste to any filling you spoon into a poblano pepper. Rice Filling 2 tsp (10 mL) extra-virgin olive oil 1 small yellow onion, peeled and minced 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 cup (250 mL) cooked brown basmati rice 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced 1/2 cup (125 mL) fresh chopped cilantro 1 tsp (5 mL) ground cumin 1/2 tsp (2 mL) oregano Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 Tbsp (15 mL) fresh squeezed lime juice Creamy Bean and Cilantro Sauce 14 oz (398 mL) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 2 Tbsp (30 mL) extra-virgin olive oil 1 Tbsp (15 mL) white miso Freshly squeezed juice from 1 lemon 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt 1/4 cup (60 mL) finely chopped cilantro 4 fresh poblano peppers* 1 tsp (5 mL) extra-virgin olive oil 1 avocado, pitted and sliced (optional) 4 cherry tomatoes (optional) Cilantro sprigs Have Rice Filling and Creamy Bean and Cilantro Sauce assembled before preparing peppers. To prepare rice, heat oil in medium-sized saucepan. Add onion and sauté until soft. Add jalapeno pepper and garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in cooked rice, bell pepper, cilantro, and seasonings and stir over medium heat for about 3 minutes to blend flavours. Fold in lime juice. Filling can be cooled and refrigerated for up to 1 day. Bring to room temperature before stuffing into peppers. To make Creamy Bean and Cilantro Sauce, combine beans, oil, miso, lemon juice, and salt in blender or food processor. Whirl until blended, scraping down sides of bowl. Add a couple of tablespoons of water and continue to whirl until very creamy. Add a tablespoon of extra water if you want it slightly thinner for pouring. Whirl in chopped cilantro just until sauce is flecked. Place in covered container and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Preheat barbecue to high and grease the grill. Slit peppers from stem to tip and brush the outsides with a little oil. Place on grill and barbecue for 5 minutes, or until peppers begin to blister all over and slightly blacken. You want them to remain whole for stuffing. Remove to covered dish and cool for 15 to 20 minutes. Keeping stem intact, remove as much of the skins as possible, handling peppers very gently, as they are fragile and can break easily. You may need to put under cold water to loosen skin. Then gently cut out seed core from each pepper, keeping stem end intact. Fill peppers with equal portions of prepared rice mixture, wrapping peppers up and around filling. Peppers can be prepared up to this point and refrigerated for up to 4 hours. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before grilling. Place peppers in lightly oiled grill basket and barbecue over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes or until filling is piping hot. Serve immediately with dollops of Creamy Bean and Cilantro Sauce. Garnish with slices of avocado, cherry tomatoes, and sprig of cilantro, if you wish. Serves 4. * Poblano peppers are also available peeled in tins in specialty food shops. Each serving contains: 419 calories; 13 g protein; 19 g total fat (3 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 54 g total carbohydrates (9 g sugars, 14 g fibre); 334 mg sodium source: " Vegan Barbecue Feast ", alive #380, June 2014