Kale Fried Rice

Cooked brown rice is the perfect base for an easy dinner- just add some veggies and sauce to make a quick rice bowl. The more veggies the better, especially when adding greens like kale.

Since kale stems are tough, only the kale leaves are used in this recipe. Once the stems are removed, the kale leaves are blanched until they begin to get tender.

Kale Fried Rice
1 bunch fresh kale
6 cups water
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon safflower oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 jalapeno or Serrano chile pepper, seeded and chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 cups cooked brown rice, such as basmati or jasmine
2 tablespoons sake or white wine
2 tablespoons tamari soy sauce
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

Rinse and drain kale; remove and discard stems. Combine water and salt in a large (5-quart) pot; bring to boiling. Add kale leaves to pot; return to boiling. Cook kale for 5 minutes. Drain and cool kale. Squeeze water from kale and coarsely chop; set aside.

Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir 5 minutes. Add jalapeno and garlic; cook and stir 1 minute. Stir in kale; cook and stir 3 minutes. Add rice; cook and stir until heated through.

For sauce, in a small bowl stir together sake, tamari, sesame oil and maple syrup. Add sauce to skillet; bring to boiling and cook 2 to 3 minutes until sauce is absorbed. Stir in sesame seeds.

Serve with additional tamari and some sriracha sauce. A squeeze of lemon juice is another great addition to this fried rice dish.

Makes about 3 1/2 cups

Tip: Orange juice can be used in place of the sake or white wine.

Product Links:
The Eat-Clean Diet Cookbook 2: More Great-Tasting Recipes That Keep You Lean
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Creamy Strawberry Almond Smoothies

You don’t need to use cow’s milk or ice cream to make a milkshake. Here’s a healthy (and tasty) alternative to a strawberry milkshake. Almond milk, coconut milk and banana provide a creamy consistency. Strawberries add a pop of color and berry sweet flavor. A handful of almonds adds a boost of nutrition. (vegan, dairy-free recipe)

Creamy Strawberry Almond Smoothies
3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla or original almond milk or soymilk
1/4 cup canned unsweetened coconut milk
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 medium banana, sliced
20 raw almonds, chopped
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or agave syrup
Few drops pure vanilla

Add almond milk, coconut milk, strawberries, banana, almonds, maple syrup and vanilla to blender container. Cover and blend until smooth.

Makes 2 servings

Tip: You can substitute 2 tablespoon almond butter in place of the raw almonds.

Recipe Links:
Chocolate Almond Smoothies
Strawberry Hemp Milk Smoothie from Gluten-Free Goddess

Product Link:
Appetite for Reduction: 125 Fast and Filling Low-Fat Vegan Recipes
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Vegan Carrot Raisin Muffins

These whole wheat muffins are packed with healthy ingredients like carrots, raisins and sunflower seeds. They make a hearty breakfast or snack. (egg-free, dairy-free, vegan recipe)

Vegan Carrot Raisin Muffins
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup unsweetened soymilk or almond milk
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup sucanat or organic evaporated cane sugar
1 cup finely shredded carrot
1/4 cup organic canola or safflower oil
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
1/4 cup golden or dark raisins
1/4 cup shelled raw sunflower seeds

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat 12 regular size (2 1/2-inch) muffin cups with cooking spray. (Or, line muffin cups with paper baking cups. Spray paper baking cups lightly with cooking spray.)

In large bowl mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and ginger. Set aside.

Sir together soymilk and vinegar; let stand 2 minutes until thickened. In medium bowl mix soymilk mixture, sucanat, carrot, oil, applesauce and vanilla until well blended. Add to flour mixture, stirring until just combined. Stir in raisins and sunflower seeds. Divide batter among muffin cups.

Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until browned and toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Makes 12 muffins

Recipe Links:
Carrot Spice Muffins from Fat Free Vegan Kitchen
Vegan Banana Bread

Product Links:
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Asparagus with Sesame Citrus Dressing

When cooking fresh asparagus, I’ve found that simple recipes are best. A quick roast in a hot oven and a drizzle of flavorful dressing is all that’s needed. Here’s an easy recipe for roasted asparagus with homemade sesame citrus dressing.

Asparagus with Sesame Citrus Dressing
1 pound fresh asparagus
2 teaspoons organic safflower oil
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh tangerine or orange juice
1 teaspoon tamari or soy sauce
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds or gomasio

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Trim and discard woody ends from asparagus. Arrange asparagus in single layer on shallow baking sheet. Drizzle with safflower oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roll asparagus on baking sheet to distribute the oil and seasonings. Bake 10 to 15 minutes until asparagus is tender and lightly browned. Place roasted asparagus on serving plate.

For dressing, whisk together juice, tamari, sesame oil and maple syrup. Drizzle dressing over asparagus. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Makes 4 servings

Tip: Gomasio is a combination of toasted sesame seeds with sea salt. Added garlic or seaweed (sea vegetables) can also be found in some types of gomasio seasoning.

Recipe Link:
Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic Vinegar from Two Peas and Their Pod
Roasted Asparagus

Product Link:
Eden Foods Organic Gomasio