Showing posts with label miso. Show all posts
Showing posts with label miso. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Recipes for the Seven Day Cleanse

Click here for information about the Seven Day Cleanse

Green Juice -


handful of romaine lettuce (or 4 to 5 large leaves)
handful of kale (or 4 to 5 large leaves)
handful of baby spinach
2 Granny Smith apples
2 pears
1 lg cucumber
1 yellow pepper
sm handful of fresh parsley
thumb size piece of fresh ginger
small lemon

Juice according to the directions for your juicer. You could also process with a powerful blender but it will be thicker and less juice like. Basically it will look like sludge but still fill you up and give you the same nutritional benefits


Green Smoothie -

1 Granny Smith apple
1 pear
1 banana
1 small handful of kale
1 cucumber
a small piece of ginger if desired

Process in blender until smooth.


Large Salad

1 large bunch of salad greens (choose your favorites)
any combination of the following fresh raw veggies-

red bell pepper
cucumber
tomato
broccoli
cauliflower
onions
scallions
any sprout
celery
carrots
shredded cabbage
fennel
pea shoots
mushrooms
chopped fresh herbs

You may also add a bit of avocado, chopped nuts, sliced almonds, sunflower, pumpkin, flax or hemp seeds.

Dress your salad with either lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or balsamic vinegar, and if desired, a bit of olive or flax oil.


Noodles with Peanut Sauce

4 medium zucchinis, spiralized or shaved noodle thin (think fettuccine)

Sauce-
1/2 cup all natural, unsweetened peanut butter (may substitute with almond butter)
1 T fresh ginger
3 cloves garlic
2 lg dates (pitted)
1 sm serrano chili (usually pretty mild but cut out seeds and pith or leave out entirely if desired)
1 1/2 T tamari or Bragg's liquid aminos
1 T fresh lemon juice
1 T rice vinegar
1/4 - 1/2 t sesame oil


Process all sauce ingredients in food processor until smooth. Add water as needed to reach the desired thickness (usually up to 1/4 cup ).

Pour sauce over noodles and mix gently.


Asian Slaw

1 small head napa cabbage (shredded)
2 lg carrots (shredded)
1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced )

1 1/5 t olive oil
1 1/5 t sesame oil
1 T rice vinegar
2 t tamari or Bragg's liquid aminos
1 date, pitted
1/4 t red pepper flakes

Place cabbage, carrots and peppers in a large bowl and toss gently to combine.

Make dressing -

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until date is completely incorporated. Pour over salad and toss gently to combine.



Hummus with Collard Leaf Wrap

Basic Hummus

2 cups chickpeas or one 16 oz can (use Eden Brand)
3 T fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 T tahini
2 cloves garlic
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

up to 1/4 cup chickpea cooking liquid or liquid from the can of chickpeas

Process all ingredients except cooking liquid, in food processor. Add liquid as needed to reach the desired thickness

1 Collard green per wrap
cut of the bulky part of the stem so that it will be easier to wrap

Vegetables - Use any of the veggies that are on the large Salad list


Place a scoop of hummus in the center of collard leaf and then add what ever veggies you desire. Be careful not to over fill.

Fold leaf from left to middle, right to middle and then roll as if you were making a spring roll.
Beautiful and delicious.



Quinoa Stuffed Red Pepper

1 1/3 cup water (add a pinch of sea salt)
1 bay leaf
2/3 cup quinoa, rinsed
4 medium red bell peppers
3 med. carrots, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 T olive oil
2 T pignoli nuts or sunflower seeds
2 t parsley (dried or 1 1/2 T fresh)
1/2 t basil (dried)
1/2 t oregano (dried)
1/4 t thyme (dried)
1/8 t marjoram (dried)
1/2 t sea salt
dash cayenne pepper

Cook quinoa - In a small saucepan, bring water and bay leaf to a boil. Add quinoa. Reduce heat, cover and let simmer for 12-15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove bay leaf.

Cut peppers in half lengthwise and discard seeds.

Heat oven to 350f

In a large skillet, over med to med-high heat, saute the carrots, onions and garlic in oil until tender. Add quinoa, pignoli nuts or sunflower seeds and seasonings. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until everything is heated through. Scoop mixture into pepper halves. Place in an oiled baking pan Bake, uncovered for 25- 35 minutes or until peppers are tender.



Sauteed Kale

1 lb kale - washed and chopped (allow some water to cling to leaves)
1 1/2 T olive oil
1/2 cup water
2 cloves garlic (minced)
sea salt and black pepper

In a large skillet, heat 1 T oil over medium heat. Add kale, tossing gently, allow to cook until bright green, about 1 minute. Add water, reduce heat to low and cover and cook, stirring occasionally until the kale is tender, about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove kale from pan. Add the remaining 1/2 T oil and garlic to the pan and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Remove from the heat and add kale back to pan. Stir gently to combine add sea salt and black pepper to taste.



Veggie Sushi

you will need a bamboo sushi mat for this recipe

2 - 3 cup cooked short-grain brown rice

2 T rice vinegar
1 t tamari or bragg's liquid aminos
4 sheets nori
1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded, cut into matchsticks
1/2 carrot, cut into matchsticks
1/2 avocado, thinly sliced

While rice is still warm, place in a not metal bowl and add the vinegar and tamari. mix well.

Tip - Keeping a bowl of water close by and wetting your fingers while handling the rice will keep it from sticking to your fingers.

Place plastic wrap over bamboo rolling mat (makes clean up easier) Place a sheet of nori on mat and cover with rice, pressing it firmly to the edges. It should be a thin layer. Leave about an inch at the side closest to you for the fillings. Now add the veggies. It is easy to over fill so be wary. A few carrots, cukes and a slice or two of avocado should be plenty. To roll the nori, tightly fold the filling edge over and use the bamboo mat to slowly roll it up and away from you, being careful not to roll your plastic or mat into the roll. You'll get the hang of it quickly. After you've rolled your sushi, wrap the mat around it and press firmly around it to secure the edge. If it doesn't seem to be sealing well add a bit of water to the edge of the nori. Dip your sharp knife into water and cut into 6 or 8 slices.



Miso Soup


4 cups of water
2-1/2 T mellow white miso paste
1/2 cup extra-firm tofu (diced)
1/2 cup mung bean sprouts
4 lg button mushrooms, sliced


In a med. saucepan, bring water and mushrooms to a boil, remove from heat. Place miso in a small bowl or cup, and add 3 T of the hot water to the miso. Whisk until it makes a smooth paste. Pour miso mixture into the saucepan, stir until evenly distributed. Place pan back on a low heat and bring to a simmer, and add tofu and bean sprouts. simmer gently for a couple of minutes until heated through.


Carrot Mushroom Pate

1 cup raw almonds or cashews
3/4 cup roughly chopped carrots
2 lg white mushrooms
1 shallot
1 T fresh lemon juice
1/2 t sea salt
fresh black pepper to taste

Place carrots in food processor and process until finely chopped. Add remaining ingredients and process until it forms a nice pate.

Use as a snack with rice cakes or with crudites or by the scoop full on a salad. Can also be added with other fillings to a collard leaf wrap.



Tofu Salad

1 block xtra-firm tofu
1/4 med onion, finely diced
1/2 cup grated carrot
1 sm stalk celery, finely diced
2 T chopped pickle or pickle relish (use no sugar added, all natural pickles or relish )
1 T whole grain mustard
1/4 cup vegan mayo
1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)
salt and pepper to taste

Place tofu in a med bowl. With a fork or your hands mash the tofu.

Add the remaining ingredients and mix gently to combine.

1 Collard green per wrap
cut of the bulky part of the stem so that it will be easier to wrap

Vegetables - Use any of the veggies that are on the large Salad list


Place a scoop of tofu salad in the center of collard leaf and then add what ever veggies you desire. Be careful not to over fill.

Fold leaf from left to middle, right to middle and then roll as if you were making a spring roll.



Tempeh Stroganoff

1 block of tempeh or half block of tofu (cut into cubes)
1/2 lb mushrooms (clean and cut into quarters)
1 med. onion (diced)
2 T olive oil
3 T tahini
2 cups water
2 T arrowroot mixed with 2 T cold water
1/2 cup peas (frozen is fine)
Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Heat oil in a large skillet over med-high heat. Saute onions and mushrooms until softened, about ten minutes. Add the tempeh or tofu, cook until completely heated through. Add water and tahini and stir well. Taste and season with sea salt and black pepper as desired. Add arrowroot slurry and stir until mixture thickens. Add peas and stir until heated through. Serve with, brown rice, millet, quinoa, or sweet potato fries (very nontraditional ; )




Sweet Potato Fries

3 large sweet potatoes, cut into thick fries
1 T olive oil (plus oil to oil the pan)
1/2 -1 t salt
Fresh black pepper to taste *


Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees, oil a baking sheet.

In a large bowl, toss together all ingredients until potatoes are evenly coated.

Place potatoes on a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes (flipping half way through) or until golden and slightly crispy.

*you may add other seasonings if desired, cumin, cayenne pepper, garam masala...use your imagination



Kale Salad

1 lunch bunch kale, washed and chopped (about 6 cups)
1 small onion, minced

dressing -
1 clove garlic, minced
3 T olive oil
juice from 1/2 of a fresh juicy lemon (about 1 1/2 to 2 T )
1/2 t sea salt

1 carrot, shredded
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup sliced almonds

fresh black pepper to taste

Combine kale and onion in a large bowl. Add dressing ingredients to kale and massage well with your hands. Allow to marinate for at least an hour at room temperature.

Add carrots, avocado, and almonds. Season with pepper to taste.



Kung Pao Tofu.

1 1/2 cups brown rice (short grain)
3 cups water

Sauce -
4 1/2 T tamari
3 lg cloves garlic
1 heaping T ginger
1 date (pitted)
2 t arrowroot power
1 t crush red pepper flakes
3/4 cup water

1 lb tofu cut into 1/2 in cubes
1 T olive oil
2 onions, cut into thin strips
2 peppers, cut into thin strips
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced, on an angle
1/2 cup unsalted, roasted peanuts

Bring 3 cups water and brown rice to a bowl in a med pot, cover and reduced heat and let simmer for 50 minutes.

Add sauce ingredients to a food processor or blender and process until the date is complete incorporated. Set aside. Pour 1/4 cup of marinade over tofu cubes and mix gently. Set aside for 30 minutes or so for tofu to absorb the flavors. Slice the vegetables while tofu is marinading.

Once marinated, place tofu cubes in heated skillet with the 1 T oil. Saute until it starts to become golden. Remove tofu from pan and add vegetables. Saute until tender crisp, adding water if the vegetables start to stick. Once the vegetables are done add the tofu back to the pan. Then add remaining marinade. Stir gently as the mixtures heats and becomes thicker. Sprinkle with peanuts and serve over brown rice.



Fried Brown Rice

3 T olive oil, divided
1/2 block extra firm tofu
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup peas (frozen is fine)
1/2 cup corn (frozen is fine)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 slice ginger, minced

3 c. brown rice, cooked and cooled
1/4 cup tamari


Heat 1 1/2 T oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add tofu and cook until it is browned on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside. Add the onion, garlic and ginger to the pan, saute until the onions have softened. Add the peas and corn. Continue cooking until veggies are hot. Add the veggies to the tofu. Add the remaining 1 1/2 Tbsp. oil to the pan and turn the heat up to high. Add the brown rice, stirring frequently until all of the rice is hot. Add the reserved tofu and veggies back to the pan. Add tamari and stir until everything is well combined.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Sunday's post interrupted by Irene!

The wind is howling the rain is pouring and Irene is on her way. I am sitting here feeling somewhat trapped. This is a ridiculous thing actually. It is Sunday and I would probably just be lounging around, getting caught up on laundry, cleaning and other such boring activities whether it was raining or not. I think it is just the feeling of experiencing the power of nature and possibly being without power for extended periods of time that leaves me with the trapped feeling. Nature is amazing and awe inspiring and we never should underestimate its power. I love the beauty, the strength and the power but I also love the power that comes from the electric company. We so often take for granted that the laundry will get done, dinner will be hot and ready when we are, the dishes will be cleaned and the computer will be there, in all it's connected glory whenever we press a button. When my boys were little they loved it when the power went out. It meant sitting around together and playing cards or boardgames, reading out loud, cooking on the gas grill outside in the snow and everyone sleeping in the living room together to keep warm by the kerosene heater. Of course there would be candles at night and heating water over the kerosene heater to make hot cocoa. When the power came back on my youngest always wanted to pretend it didn't and keep living without it. It does bring a closeness that you forget about during your busy, electrically powered life. That being said, we now have a generator and the boys have grown up so we will see how this storm plays out for this Vegan Goddess on this lazy Sunday afternoon. : )

As I write this it makes me think of some of my favorite things. I am talking about the things I love and would hate to be without. Things that make my life easier or just more pleasant or tasty. Here are a few...


Follow Your Heart Brand Mozzarella Cheese
....Sorry Daiya fans, I think this is WAY better!

Vegenaise.....I use to be a hardcore nayonaise fan but veganiase has won me over.

Olivia's organic spring mix ....perfect for a quick delicious salad or topping to sandwich or burger.

Miso Master organic Mellow White Miso...this is my go to miso. I absolutely love it. It is the one that I use 90% of the time.

Lalibela Farm Organic Tempeh...organic, local, delicious, need I say more?

ShiKai Sandalwood Hand and Body Lotion and the Sandalwood Shower Gel plus the Color Reflect Shampoo and Conditioner....yes, I love this brand. The sandalwood fragrance smells so wonderful and the shampoo and conditioner work on my crazy ass hair!

Ecco Bella Natual Age Antidote Skin Cream...I don't like to admit it but yes I am there.

White Vinegar....no link because I am just talking about plain old fashion white vinegar. I use it to clean glass, chrome and add it to my laundry if I have a very stinky load. There are lots of uses for this stuff...google it!

Ecover cleaning products, including laundry detergent....I sometimes switch it up a bit with brands but I find the ecover brand to be cost effective and it does the job. I do not like the Dishwasher tablets though. They tend to not dissolve well and therefore not work well. : (

Kindle....I am a book-aholic! I love books and I love real books but this little device is wonderful for the books you want to read, maybe many times but don't want to save the actual book. I prefer my cookbooks, reference or text books in traditional form but every thing else can go on my kindle.

Toyota Prius....I seriously love my car. The gas milege is amazing, although when J drives it he gets better mpg than I do! It is cute as can be and has tons of room, which is deceiving by the look of the car. I have no doubt I will get another Prius when the time comes.

Well I guess that is it for now. I need to check on my laundry and prepare something for lunch. It has gotten so much more blustery just since I started typing this post. Tallulah is starting to get a little nervous. The lights have flickered a few times and I want to get things done while I can. If you are within Irene's striking zone...stay safe and be well.

***Edit*** We lost power directly before I pressed "publish." I didn't prepare anything for lunch nor finish my laundry. It has not been a fun experience. It is Tuesday evening and we are still without power. We have a generator that we can use for small things a little at a time and that is how I am posting this. It is inconvenient and annoying but we are all well and really the only hardship is the loss of power and because we have a well, the loss of water. (don't ever take your toilet for granted!) Hopefully we will get it back soon. I will post more then.










Wednesday, August 3, 2011

It's Summer....Pesto Time!

Right now our garden is filled with bright green, beautiful basil. I love this stuff! Basil is by far one of my favorite herbs. When I have this much of it I always make lots of pesto...also one of my favorite things. I truly believe that a good pesto would make even the sole of a shoe taste good! ; ) It is fast and easy and you can do so many things with it. This recipe is easily enough for two pounds of pasta or at least four pizzas or maybe a couple of pizzas and a potato salad...what ever your heart desires. You can freeze what ever portion you don't use right away for future use. Thank goodness because I plan on making a lot!



























Fresh Summer Pesto

2 cups packed fresh basil
1 cup packed fresh baby spinach or kale (could use 1/2 cup frozen in a pinch)
1/2 cup raw cashews
2 T mellow white miso (or to taste)
2 cloves fresh garlic
3 T extra virgin olive oil
freshly ground black pepper to taste

Throw all ingredients in food processor and process until smooth. If pesto is too thick add a bit of water while processing until you reach your desired consistency.

Health Benefits of Pesto -

The flavonoids in basil protect cell and chromosomes from radiation and oxygen-based damage. Basil's volatile oils also have anti-bacterial properties that protect against unwanted bacterial growth. The oils also have an anti-inflammatory effect. It seems to block the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX). This is the same enzyme that over-the-counter NSAIDS block. Due to its vitamin A abundance it is also good for your heart by preventing free radicals from oxidizing in cholesterol...which is when it becomes sticky! Heart healthy as well as delicious!

Miso is high in zinc which is needed for a healthy immune system and wound healing. It also has a good supply of copper and manganese which are needed in energy production and antioxidant defenses. Copper also contributes to the flexibility in blood vessels, bones and joints and produce the skin and hair pigment melanin. Without copper, iron cannot be properly utilized in red blood cells. Eating miso has also been linked to lower instances of breast cancer.

Cashews are packed with 5 grams of protein per 1/4 cup and high in iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and manganese...so a very good nut to crack...haha! With many of the same minerals as miso cashews already pack a nutritional punch but they also have magnesium, a heart healthy mineral, which also protects against high blood pressure, muscle spasms and soreness as well as migraine headaches.

Garlic is one of those super foods. You know the foods that everyone is always talking about? Some of the many benefits are the strengthening the immune system. (eat a clove of garlic when you feel a cold coming and it just might prevent it from catching hold) It's anti-oxidant properties
help fight cancer and cancerous tumors. Science has proven that garlic contains compounds which have anti-tumor properties and help in slowing the growth of tumors and can also reduce their size! Garlic is heart healthy in many ways including helping to reduce cholesterol levels. It is also anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral... making it great for yeast infections, intestinal parasites and someone just trying to build their immune system and stay healthy. It is also said to be an aphrodisiac! Garlic produces an enzyme called nitric oxide synthase. Nitric oxide synthase is necessary to get an erection. Garlic stimulates the production of this enzyme in people who have lower levels of it. Who needs Viagra?!

Raw spinach is an
excellent source of fiber, folate, vitamin C, and vitamin A. Like basil spinach is loaded with cancer fighting flavonoids and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also heart healthy and an immune booster. Spinach also is a good source of vitamin k which is important for bone health, and in keeping the myelin sheath around our nerves in our brain healthy.

EAT PESTO!!!






Monday, April 26, 2010

Blah, starting the week off sick is certainly no fun...





















All of my boys have been sick with a horrible cold for more than a week now. I took lots of emergen-c and echinacea, I washed my hands constantly but I still managed to come down with this nasty bug. When I am sick the only thing I want to eat is gingery, garlicky miso soup. It is just so soothing and comforting. Nothing else does the trick.


Miso Soup

1 T oil
1 cup thinly sliced carrots
2 cups shredded or thinly sliced cabbage
1 cup chopped spinach or kale
1 onion diced
4 or 5 cloves of garlic, minced
1 T fresh ginger, minced
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1 T apple cider vinegar
1 T tamari
1 T rice syrup (or sweetener of your choice)
1/4 cup miso paste (there are many different types, any will work fine.)
handful of soba noodles (optional)
8 cups of water
salt fresh black pepper to taste

In a large soup pot saute all veggies in oil until they start to wilt. If the veggies begin to stick toward the end add a little water to continue sauteing until wilted. Add water, vinegar, sugar and tamari to the veggies and bring to a boil. Boil for a few minutes until the veggies are tender. Add the soba noodles if using and continue to cook for recommended time on the package, mine were 3 minutes. (if you have longer cooking noodles add them before the veggies are done.) Ladle out some of the broth into a bowl or cup and add the miso and stir well to dissolve. Lower the heat and allow the soup to just barely simmer. Add the miso to the pot and stir to incorporate. Taste and add the pepper and some salt if it needs it. I never add additional salt but some people prefer a more salty taste. You can always add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to it to help decongest a stuffy nose.


Optional things that would be great in this soup;

peas
edamame
broccoli
chunks of tofu
scallions
celery
corn
a drizzle of sesame oil
different kinds of noodles

This recipe is very versatile so be creative and use what you have on hand. I often add frozen corn to cool it down so I can eat it right away, : ) I hope it is as comforting to you as it is to me.