Protein-Packed Red Lentil Pasta with Marinara

Food, Gluten-Free, Healthy, Hot, Meal Ideas, Recipe, Savory, Vegan, Vegetarian, Veggie Based, Weekday Approved

Finished Protein-Packed Red Lentil Pasta with Marinara, Brussel Sprouts, and Caramelized Onions in two bowls

When I was grocery shopping at Trader Joe’s this week, I discovered Trader Giotto’s Organic Red Lentil Sedanini and my mind was blown. Lentils in the form of pasta! I was even more excited because I’ve been trying to eat healthier. Specifically, I made a deal with myself to avoid pasta. This discovery gave me hope that I could satisfy my pasta craving in a healthy way.

I needed to try it for myself. I looked in my pantry and freezer and found marinara, caramelized onions, and brussel sprouts. The result was delectable and guilt-free.

This protein-packed red lentil pasta with marinara, brussel sprouts, and caramelized onions is a simple, vegan pasta dish with freezer vegetable staples, basic marinara sauce, and this I-can’t-believe-it’s-lentils pasta. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in packing some protein into their diet.

3/14

Coconut Cream Pie Bites

Desserts, Food, Pie, Recipe, Small Bites, Sweet, Vegetarian

Coconut Cream Pie Bite with bite from side

These Coconut Cream Pie Bites were born out of curiosity. Could I create a mouth-watering, bite-sized dessert for friends in an hour?

This is how the story goes: I had one hour before we needed to leave for an evening at a friend’s house, and that’s when I decided to bring a dessert. I know, one hour before maybe wasn’t the best time to decide to try something new, but that’s what making it up as I go is all about, right?

1/21

Teriyaki Tofu and Veggie Sushi

Appetizers, Food, Gluten-Free, Grains, Meal Ideas, Recipe, Savory, Small Bites, Vegan, Vegetarian, Veggie Based, Weekday Approved

Finished Teriyaki Tofu and Veggie Sushi from above

This week, I’ve had Sushi on the mind. I adore Japanese cuisine, but as a Vegetarian, I get satisfying Japanese food far less often than I would like. My favorite Japanese restaurant is a hole in the wall up in San Francisco named Cha-Ya, but I so rarely go there now that I’m no longer living a few blocks away.

So, today, I made basic vegetable sushi with three types of filling: teriyaki tofu, carrots, and kabocha squash. The teriyaki tofu added a savory touch, the fresh carrots added a satisfying crunch, and the roasted kabocha squash added a smooth, sweet juxtaposition. I hope you enjoy this Teriyaki Tofu and Veggie Sushi as much as I did!

7/02

Egg-White Chili Shakshuka

Breakfast, Eggs, Food, Gluten-Free, Healthy, Hot, Meal Ideas, Recipe, Savory, Vegan, Vegetarian, Veggie Based

Fried egg white on top of Chili Shakshuka

This Egg-White Chili Shakshuka combines three of my favorite things: egg-whites, chili, and shakshuka in just the best way. Shakshuka is usually a dish with poached eggs on top of a tomato, pepper, onion stew and is a delightfully satisfying breakfast.

However, sometimes my picky eating gets the best of me and my distaste of peppers and egg yolk ruins the experience. In an effort to make a Shakshuka that was perfect to my taste, I decided to make a version without the peppers and egg yolk. To bring more hardiness to the dish, I added kidney beans, which matched the tomato flavors perfectly.

This healthy, filling breakfast is packed with vegetables and healthy protein. It happens to also be vegetarian and gluten-free. By holding the eggs, it can be a delicious vegan stew for lunch or dinner as well. This is a versatile dish that translates across dietary restrictions and meal times. I’m super happy with the end result of my Egg-White Chili Shakshuka and I hope you enjoy it too!