Blog Archives - HAPPY VEG

Veggieful Gnocci

1/30/2017

I love gnocci. I love the flavour, the texture, and how delicious they are with virtually any sauce you can imagine.

Gnocci can tend to be a little on the heavy side so pairing it with a thick, creamy sauce isn't always the best option. (It does however taste fabulous with a blush sauce if you're looking to truly indulge!)

I've lightened things up with a variety of fresh veggies including zucchini, pepper, tomato, and spinach. The veggies in this dish are all the "sauce" the gnocci needs and provide some wonderful textures as well.

Head to the RECIPES page for more!

HAPPY VEG

The Next Menu - :)

1/28/2017

VEGGIEFUL GNOCCI

Ahhhh Gnocci. They're like, pillows from heaven. There are so many ways to utilize gnocci and it really tastes fabulous regardless of how you prepare it. I've strayed from a creamier sauce and went with something a bit fresher. Sauteed peppers, onions, zucchini, tomatoes, and spinach, make up the veggieful "sauce" that when combined with butter, pepper flakes, and EVOO, are magic. This gnocci recipe is one to keep handy!

VEGETABLE TIAN

This dish is basically a work of art. Present this at the table and your guests will really be in awe of the vibrancy and beauty of this dish. Quite simply, a vegetable tian is sliced veggies overlapping each other and roasted. It's so very simple in concept and a lot of fun to make. You can use any variety of vegetables you have handy including some or all of what I've suggested. Vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, tomato, and onion, are all fabulous in this dish.

Shoutout to Martha Stewart for teaching me about this lovely dish!

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

1/25/2017

I've actually only had butternut squash a handful of times and it was always in a soup. I love the flavour and colour especially of the squash, it's so vibrant and gorgeous. I knew I was going to attempt to use it at home and I just had to have it in a soup.

I've roasted the squash bringing out its subtle sweetness and enhancing its overall flavour. Roasting prior to blending it into the soup really gives the soup a pop of flavour. I've paired the creamy soup with just the right amount of heat to make every bite extra special.

Head on over to the RECIPES tab for more!

HAPPY VEG

Some great ideas to test tomorrow!

1/24/2017

I am finally coming to the end of my 10 day stretch between jobs and I am looking forward to spending some time in the kitchen. Throughout the week, I've been jotting down ideas in anticipation for my day off / kitchen day. Here's a few things I'll be trying out tomorrow!

CHILI STUFFED POTATOES - I love stuffing potatoes. I've stuffed them with so many different things to date including guacamole, ricotta cheese, and broccoli. Chili is such a comforting food, especially in the Winter so it's definitely time to stuff some potatoes. I'm thinking a spicy black bean chili, melty cheddar cheese, and scallions to finish everything off. Simple and so delicious.
LOADED NACHO CORN AND POTATO SOUP - Everyone loves loaded nachos. Lots of onions, tomatoes, cheese, and other toppings, sitting atop a bed of crispy tortilla chips. I'm going to play around with this concept and see about whipping up a creamy corn and potato soup inspired by loaded nachos. I think the resulting soup will be to die for.
MEXICAN ARANCINI - Risotto balls are FANTASTIC. There's something so inviting about them whether it's the crispy coating or the surprise inside. I'm going to try and throw in a little Mexican flare with some spices and ingredients like cilantro, corn, onions, and cheese of course.

I'll be busy in the kitchen that's for sure. Stay tuned for pictures and posts to come!

HAPPY VEG

Tex Mex Shepherd's Pie

1/23/2017

Shepherd's Pie is such a classic dish in that it has been around for ages. Shepherd's Pie is traditionally a layer of meat, veggies, and a top layer of creamy mashed potatoes that are all baked together until brown on top. It is then sliced and served with gravy which is thoroughly enjoyable and so hearty and comforting.

I decided to try something a little different and put a tex mex twist on it. The "meat" layer is actually seasoned chick peas and the supporting cast of veggies includes corn, peppers, and tomatoes. I've finished with an enormous layer of creamy, chili spiced, cheesy mash and baked until perfection. No gravy needed for this dish!

Head on over to the RECIPES tab for the recipe!

Note: I am a lover of potatoes so I went a little crazy with the potato layer. To keep the layers comparable, reduce the potatoes by 3 or 4 for the mash layer and things will be a touch more even. Keep it my way if you're a lover of cheesy mashed potatoes like I am!

Next week's menu!

1/21/2017

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

I have actually only had butternut squash a handful of times but all of those times I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's extremely nutritious and versatile as well.

I've prepared a roasted butternut squash soup that I'm sure you're going to love. Roasting the butternut squash brings out its sweetness and intensifies its flavour making it even more delicious. The soup is blended which leaves it velvety, vibrant, and so rich and creamy. I've also added some pepper flakes for a complimentary heat that just makes the soup so special.

TEX MEX SHEPHERD'S PIE

My love for potatoes makes Shepherd's Pie one of my absolute favourite dishes when it comes to comforting meals. It's so incredibly hearty and satisfying with its layers of deliciousness.

I've taken the traditional shepherd's pie and given it a little tex mex flare. Seasoned and smashed chickpeas take the place of the meat layer with veggies including corn, tomatoes, and bell pepper. The potato layer is thick and fluffy with hints of chili flavour and baked under a layer of sharp cheddar for the perfect finishing touch. If you make it to seconds, keep a pair of comfy sweatpants handy !

Roasted Potatoes with Warm Zucchini Salsa

1/18/2017

Roasted Potatoes with Warm Zucchini Salsa

Roasted potatoes are so delicious and quite nutritious for you as well. Although potatoes have a reputation for being unhealthy, it's all thanks to what is served on top of them. Toppings like salted butter, sour cream, or cheesy sauces will add calories and fat while detracting from the potato's nutritional value.

I've come up with another way to add flavour to your potato without an abundance of calories. My quick and delicious warm zucchini salsa is the perfect potato topper. Zucchini, tomato, and onion, are sauteed with pesto for a real pop of flavour that takes a roasted potato to the next level.

Skip the cheese sauce and enjoy a few scoops of this delicious salsa the next time you roast your taters!

HAPPY VEG

10 Smoothie Superfood add-ins

1/17/2017

http://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/food/10-smoothie-add-ins-that-fight-chronic-inflammation

I love smoothies. Since starting at my current job, I enjoy smoothies often and am always looking for new recipes or add-ins to really get the best out of my smoothies. What kind of add-ins are we talking about?

The article above lists 10 add-ins that help with inflammation. Foods and herbs ARE medicine and if we utilize them properly, we can see some seriously amazing benefits. I've been taking turmeric pills now for a few months and the arthritic cramping I was experiencing in my fingers has nearly diminished. The only difference in my diet would be the addition of turmeric regularly. Finding new ways to get more super foods is difficult but whipping them into smoothies is one of the easiest ways to get an abundance of nutrients and antioxidants.

Some of the top smoothie add-ins include turmeric, fresh ginger, and almost every variety of berries. All of these products fight inflammation while providing other health benefits as well.

Check out the full list above and keep these in mind the next time you blend yourself up a delicious smoothie!

HAPPY VEG

Eggplant Schnitzels

1/16/2017

Traditional schnitzels have nothing on my eggplant variety. Long, thinly sliced eggplant breaded and fried until golden brown. They end being so wonderfully crispy and delicious.

You can enjoy them in a variety of ways as well;

In the form of an eggplant parm with some melty mozz and grated parmesan,
On its own with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and gravy,
On a bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.

Realistically, it's a great dish to whip up and can be enjoyed in so many different ways. Head on over to the RECIPES tab for the recipe!

HAPPY VEG

The Next Menu

1/14/2017

EGGPLANT SCHNITZELS

A schnitzel is traditionally a piece of meat that has been pounded out until it is super thin. It is then breaded and fried until golden brown. I stole this concept and used it on eggplant slices which was such a fabulous idea. Slicing the eggplant lengthwise gives it a very similar shape and size to a traditional schnitzel. It is then hand breaded and fried to perfection.
I chose to serve it with a lightly dressed pasta and tomato sauce but it is fairly versatile. Some gravy would be delicious with a side of mashed taters or just enjoy it right out of the fryer with a pinch of sea salt. Super easy and super delicious!

ROASTED POTATOES WITH WARM ZUCCHINI SALSA

Potatoes get a bad rap in the nutritional department but they can actually be quite good for you. A lot of what makes a potato "bad" for you is what you choose to put on it. Opting for a delicious, quick vegetable salsa like this one is a great way to take advantage of a potato's nutritional benefits and eat something delicious!
For this recipe, I've sauteed up a quick and fresh zucchini salsa infused with robust pesto flavours. This salsa is so simple to make and really takes the potato to new places. No butter needed!