Food

The key to this simple recipe is using incredibly fresh fish so that wine, salt, and lemon enhance its flavour. While you could just cook the fish directly in the skillet or pot, sealing it in parchment paper steams the fish more gently and evenly, making it harder to overcook.

There’s a hint of heat to these baked sweet potato fries. But don’t worry! The spice is muted by baking, leaving just a tingle on your tongue. If you’re concerned about the heat level, serve the harissa as a dipping sauce along with the pomegranate molasses, and increase the salt on the sweet potatoes by 1/4 tsp (1 mL). If you want more heat, add some extra harissa to the pomegranate molasses.

You might never want to go back to regular lasagna after this plant-based version. The creamy tofu-cashew ricotta with lemon zest is the perfect foil to juicy eggplant cooked with a minimal amount of oil. You should probably make two trays and freeze one for later. Or at least make a double batch of the ricotta for a high-protein snack on crackers or carrots the next day.

If you’ve never cooked with jackfruit before, prepare to be amazed. When cooked down, the immature fruit eventually shreds into tender strands reminiscent of braised beef or pork. Make sure you buy young jackfruit in brine rather than sweet jackfruit in syrup.

This burger is a longevity powerhouse. Loaded with beans, greens, sweet potatoes, and pepitas, it’s the perfect example of a blue zones-inspired twist on a classic American comfort food.

This recipe will certainly turn some heads with the look, smoky smell, and amazing flavor of a proper Texas BBQ! You can tweak the seitan by adding some blended tofu or blended beans into the wet mixture; this will give the brisket a less crumbly texture.  

Meaty king oyster mushrooms make this dish a win-win for meat eaters and plant eaters. The mushrooms have long, thick stems that you slice into thick strips, skewer, then roast to make satay. Yes! A creamy, gingery peanut sauce brings it all together.

1 Tbsp (15 mL) vegetable oil 2 shallots, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup (125 mL) hoisin sauce 2 Tbsp (30 mL) each honey and rice wine vinegar 2 tsp (10 mL) each fish sauce and low-sodium soy sauce 1 pound (450 g) ground chicken (or turkey) 1/2 cup (125 mL) oats 1/2 cup (125 mL) each chopped onion, red bell pepper, zucchini 2 Tbsp (30 mL) tomato paste Salt and pepper to taste Whole wheat hamburger buns To make sauce, heat oil in a skillet; add shallots and garlic and cook until soft. Add hoisin sauce, honey, vinegar, fish sauce, and soy sauce and cook until thickened. Set aside. In a bowl combine chicken, oats, onion, red pepper, zucchini, tomato paste, salt, and pepper and mix gently. Shape into patties about 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 4 to 6 minutes per side or until internal temperature is 165 F (74 C). Serve on buns topped with hoisin mixture. Makes 4 to 6 patties. Nutrition facts per burger, sauce, and bun: 424 calories; 24 g protein; 12 g fat (3 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 57 g carbohydrate; 7 g fibre; 910 mg sodium. source: "Burger Time", alive #321, July 2009

This delicious side pairs perfectly with any burger while providing a nutritious punch to the meal. 12 ounces button, cremini, or shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and cut into 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick slices 1 large red bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into 1 1/2 by 1/2 inch (3.8 by 1.25 cm) strips 1 pint (550 mL) cherry tomatoes 1/4 cup (60 mL) soy sauce 2 Tbsp (30 mL) sugar 1 Tbsp (15 mL) sesame oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 Tbsp (30 mL) sesame seeds, toasted 1/2 tsp (2 mL) freshly ground black pepper 8 to 10 bamboo skewers, soaked for at least 2 hours Thread mushroom strips onto skewers so they will rest flat on the grill. When threading them, alternate with red pepper strips and cherry tomatoes. In a bowl whisk together soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, 1 Tbsp (15 mL) sesame seeds, and pepper. Place kebabs in a large container and pour soy sauce mixture over them. Let marinate for about 2 hours, turning once. Place kebabs on grill and cook over medium heat for 7 to 10 minutes, turning with tongs and brushing regularly with reserved marinade. The mushrooms and tomatoes should be tender and the peppers browned. Sprinkle with remaining sesame seeds. Makes 4 to 6 servings. Nutrition facts per serving: 100 calories; 4 g protein; 5 g fat (0 g sat. fat, 0 g trans); 11 g carbohydrate; 2 g fibre; 431 mg sodium source: "Burger Time", alive #321, July 2009

1/2 cup (125 mL) low-fat plain yogourt 1/4 cup (60 mL) fresh mint leaves, chopped 1 tsp (5 mL) white wine vinegar 1 clove garlic, minced Pinch salt and pepper 3/4 cup (180 mL) walnuts, chopped and toasted 1/3 cup (80 mL) bread crumbs 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 tsp (10 mL) cumin powder 2 tsp (10 mL) coriander powder Pinch red pepper flakes 3/4 cup (180 mL) lentils, cooked, drained, and cooled 1 Tbsp (15 mL) extra-virgin olive oil 1 large egg 4 small whole grain pitas In a bowl stir together yogourt, mint, vinegar, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. In a food processor or blender combine walnuts, bread crumbs, garlic, cumin, coriander, pepper flakes, salt, and pepper; process until finely ground. Add lentils and 1 Tbsp (15 mL) oil; pulse until coarsely chopped but not overly blended. In a large bowl whisk egg. Add lentil mixture to egg; mix well and form into patties. Grill lentil burgers over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Cut tops off pita pockets and stuff with lentil burgers; drizzle with yogourt sauce and any other desired toppings. Makes 4 patties. Nutrition facts per burger, pita, and sauce: 319 calories; 13 g protein 16 g total fat (2 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 34 g carbohydrates; 7 g fibre; 255 mg sodium source: "Burger Time", alive #321, July 2009

Wheat berries are sold dry in most health food stores. The colourful and nutty berries are whole kernels of wheat that have been hulled but left with their bran and germ intact. They must be soaked overnight before cooking. When mixed with legumes, wheat berries make a complete meatless protein. Salad 1 cup (250 mL) dry wheat berries 2 cups (500 mL) canned white navy beans, drained 1 long English cucumber, diced 1 large red pepper, seeded and diced 4 green onions, chopped 1 large tomato, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped Salt and pepper to taste Dressing 1/4 cup (60 mL) cold-pressed, extra-virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp (30 mL) balsamic vinegar 1 Tbsp (15 mL) tamari 2 Tbsp (30 mL) lemon juice 1 tsp (5 mL) hot mustard In medium bowl soak wheat berries overnight in cold water. Drain wheat berries and place in saucepan; cover with 2 in (5 cm) cold water. Bring to boil; reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, about 1 hour. Drain and cool. In large bowl, combine cooled wheat berries with beans, cucumber, red pepper, tomato, green onion, garlic, and parsley; season with salt and pepper to taste. In small bowl make dressing by whisking together olive oil, vinegar, tamari, lemon juice, and hot mustard until well combined. Toss salad with dressing just before serving. Serves 6. Each serving contains: 400 calories; 20 g protein; 10 g total fat (1.4 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 65 g carbohydrates; 16 g fibre; 23 mg sodium source: "Give Grains a Chance", alive #321, July 2009

Couscous is a popular North African dish made from wheat. It is quick to prepare and easy to flavour. This salad brings the bright taste of cranberries together with the slight spice of curry. For variety try substituting pomegranate seeds or raisins in place of cranberries. Salad 1 1/2 cups (350 mL) vegetable broth 1/2 cup (125 mL) dried cranberries 1 tsp (5 mL) curry powder 1 cup (250 mL) uncooked couscous Fresh parsley leaves for garnish Dressing 1/3 cup (80 mL) cold-pressed, extra-virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp (30 mL) lemon juice 1/2 cup (125 mL) pine nuts In medium saucepan combine broth, cranberries, and curry; bring to boil. Remove from heat and stir in couscous; let stand 10 minutes. Fluff with fork and let cool uncovered. In small bowl combine olive oil, lemon juice, and pine nuts. Complete salad by combining couscous with dressing; toss well; garnish with fresh parsley leaves. Serves 6. Each serving contains: 420 calories; 6.3 g protein; 20 g total fat (2 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 54 g carbohydrates; 4 g fibre; 17 mg sodium source: "Give Grains a Chance", alive #321, July 2009

Tabbouleh is a traditional Arabic salad made with bulgur and a selection of finely chopped vegetables. If cutting all the vegetables seems daunting, pull out the food processor and make use of its chopping blade. Salad 1 cup (250 mL) medium bulgur 1 cup (250 mL) boiling water 2 large tomatoes, finely chopped 1 red pepper, seeded, finely chopped 1 cup (250 mL) cucumber, finely diced 1/2 cup (125 mL) green onions, minced 1/4 cup (60 mL) fresh mint, minced 1/2 cup (125 mL) fresh parsley, minced Dressing 2 Tbsp (30 mL) cold-pressed, extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 cup (125 mL) lemon juice 2 cloves garlic, minced Salt and pepper to taste Put bulgur in medium bowl, add boiling water; cover and let sit until grain is tender and all water is absorbed. Cool cooked grain in refrigerator. While grains cool, make dressing by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt and pepper. Complete salad by combining cooled bulgur and remaining vegetables in large salad bowl. Pour dressing over salad and toss well. Serves 6. Each serving contains: 165 calories; 5 g protein; 5.2 g total fat (0.7 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 29 g carbohydrates; 5 g fibre; 20 mg sodium source: "Give Grains a Chance", alive #321, July 2009

Potatoes 2 lb (1 kg) sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 Tbsp (30 mL) butter 2 Tbsp (30 mL) pure maple syrup 1 tsp (5 mL) cumin 1 tsp (5 mL) ground ginger Salt and pepper, to taste Mushrooms 1 Tbsp (15 mL) butter 4 cups (1 L) white button mushrooms, sliced 1/3 cup (80 mL) dry red wine Salmon Patties 2 - 5.6 oz (160 g) cans sockeye salmon 1/2 cup (125 mL) rolled oats 1 large egg 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced 1 shallot, finely diced 2 tsp (10 mL) curry powder Juice of 1/2 lemon Ground black pepper, to taste 1 Tbsp (15 mL) extra-virgin olive oil Potatoes: On stovetop, steam sweet potatoes until very tender. In large bowl, mash potatoes with fork or potato masher along with butter, maple syrup, cumin, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mushrooms: Melt butter in skillet over medium heat; add sliced mushrooms and saute for 5 minutes, stirring regularly. Stir in red wine and cook for another 10 minutes or until most of the wine has evaporated. Season with salt, if desired. Salmon Patties: In large bowl, flake canned salmon with a fork. Mix in oats, egg, red pepper, shallot, curry powder, lemon juice, and black pepper. Form into 4 equal-sized patties. Heat olive oil over medium heat in skillet and cook salmon patties for 3 minutes or until lightly browned. Flip carefully to avoid breaking patties apart, and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Serve patties with mashed sweet potatoes and top with mushrooms. Serves 4. Each serving contains: 555 calories; 28 g protein; 20 g total fat (7 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 64 g carbohydrates; 9 g fibre; 437 mg sodium Source: "8 Sniffle-Busting Foods", alive #338, December 2010

Get a roll of paper towels and dive in. Sticky, spicy BBQ sauce, creamy sriracha mayo, crunchy slaw, and sour pickles … this little sandwich has got it going on. And the jackfruit: If you haven’t tried it yet, get ready for one of the chewiest, most satisfying plant foods out there. It falls apart in shreds just like you want it to in a sloppy, saucy sandwich.

Just as lavender grows alongside thyme and rosemary, it is often included with these herbs in the French dried herb mix called herbes de Provence, a classic seasoning for lamb. This recipe gets a double dose of lavender by using it first in a similarly inspired fresh herb rub to season lamb prior to cooking and then with the addition of a blueberry jus amped up with fragrant lavender. Dried lavender works best in this recipe; find it in your local specialty grocery and make sure to look for products marked “culinary grade.”

Burgers are a perennial game-day favourite, but not always a nutritional win. Root for the healthier team by swapping out beef for salmon and cheese slices for a velvety feta yogurt sauce. And then finish everything off with a stack of veggies. To let all the other flavours and textures shine through, consider subtracting the bun. For burgers, panko bread crumbs or quick-cooking oat flakes can be used as a replacement for almond flour.

Top a small pita with mozzarella, chicken, and other pizza favourites, then broil, and you have a fun and breezy meal that’ll satisfy any sports fan—even during periods of defeat. No need to tip the delivery guy. And the ingredients can easily be scaled up to feed a big crowd. Small naan bread or even split English muffins can also be used as a pizza base.

This all-plant sheet-pan fajita spread made with tofu is the ultimate in easy dishes to serve a crowd. It requires minimal prep time and minimal kitchen tools, which also makes for minimal (a.k.a. quick) cleanup. Be sure to serve it with an array of different accompaniments. Good ideas include corn tortillas, refried beans, mashed avocado, diced tomato, salsa, cilantro, and sour cream.

This take on “Texas Caviar” with the addition of quinoa lends an added punch of protein. It’s full of antioxidant-rich red vegetables and is a great source of iron, potassium, and dietary fibre. Savour it like a salad, spoon it over tacos, or scoop it like salsa; the variety of textures, flavours, and subtle spice makes this a party-perfect dish.

These taco-inspired lettuce wraps are full of vibrant flavour tempered by subtle heat, all topped off with a zingy tomatillo salsa. Shredding the chicken helps to make a small quantity of chicken feed a crowd, and the texture pairs well with the light wrapper. The bright salsa features heart-healthy tomatillos, which contain phytochemicals called withanolides, which studies have found can help inhibit cancer cell growth.

Burst cherry tomato, spinach, corn, and tuna (or salmon or chickpea) pasta with fresh chili and olive oil makes for a warm-weather, southern Italian-style pasta that’s light, fresh, and endlessly adaptable.

A fresh lunch inspired by the warmer weather, all components of this dish can be made ahead, even packed for Mom and her family to take on a Mother’s Day picnic. The bowl gets glam with the addition of microgreens (or sprouts), heirloom veggies, and meaty halloumi cheese.

Get ready to impress with this unique twist on a classic Ukrainian dish. It contains all the ingredients you’d find in a traditional borscht, minus the broth, elevating it from a winter staple to a perfect springtime dish that highlights feathery, flavourful dill and all the hearty vegetables you can handle.