Tag Archives: Whole grain

Baked Mushroom Lentil Empanadas

Baked Mushroom Lentil Empanadas by Alison's AllspiceA looooooooong time ago, I made these mushroom pecan empanadas and shared them on the blog.  This was early in my journey of plant-based eating, and I have decided to re-do the recipe.  Today, we will check out my new baked mushroom lentil empanadas recipe!

Pecans were an unusually but tasty protein source for empanadas. I decided to use lentils instead because they make the fillig more moist, and a better protein to calorie ratio. I also swapped whole wheat pastry flour for the white whole wheat flour because I could use more of it and still achieve the desired texture.  Yay for whole grains! Continue reading

Whole Wheat Ricotta Gnocchi with Rustic Tomato Sauce

Whole Wheat Ricotta Gnocchi with Rustic Tomato Sauce by Alison's AllspiceGnocchi are soft, fluffy, little pillows of Italian pasta that are surprisingly easy to make. They come in multiple varieties, including potato gnocchi and ricotta gnocchi.  Ricotta gnocchi come together much faster than their potato counterpart.  This whole wheat ricotta gnocchi with rustic tomato sauce is so easy that anyone can do it!

I try to eat whole foods whenever possilbe.  I wanted to have light and pillowy gnocchi, so I tried whole wheat pastry flour and it was a huge success.  You would never notice that these were whole wheat.  Continue reading

Lemon Broccoli Barley Bowl with Cilantro Pesto

Lemon Broccoli Barley Bowl with Cilantro Pesto by Alison's AllspiceOne of my favorite simple meals is a grain bowl.  You can toss in just about any veggie, and with a little sauce, you have a meal.  This lemon broccoli barley bowl with cilantro pesto is an excellent example.

I started with a base of quick cooking barley. It cooks in only 10 minutes, which makes dinner speedy. You could also meal prep regular pearled barley, and it would be ready in even less time! Continue reading

Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad with Kale

Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad with Kale by Alison's AllspiceFriends, fall semester is finished!  That means that I will be whipping up a few extra recipes during break to share with you all.  Todays recipe, butternut squash quinoa salad with kale, was inspired by my cucumber dill quinoa salad.

Quinoa salad is a go-to kind of dish because it is fast and easy. In this fall version,  roasted butternut squash and kale replace the cucumber and dill I use in spring to make an equally satisfying salad. Continue reading

Vegan Kimchi Fried Rice with Edamame

Vegan Kimchi Fried Rice with Edamame by Alison's AllspiceI started experimenting with kimchi as an ingredient long ago.  So far, my favorite way to eat it is in fried rice.  This vegan kimchi fried rice with edamame is a colorful dish that is super easy to make!

I previously posted a kimchi fried rice recipe that had a sunny side up egg on top.  This vegan version is just as good, and is a bit more colorful thanks to the red cabbage. Continue reading

Lemon Caper Spaghetti with Chickpeas

Lemon Caper Spaghetti with Chickpeas by Alison's AllspiceOn most Saturdays, I find myself at home alone for lunch.  I usually try to go through the fridge and use up leftover ingredients.  Sometimes I do something I might never have tried otherwise, and end up loving it!  That was the case for this lemon caper spaghetti with chickpeas recipe.

This meal used up leftovers from my shrimp pistachio gremolata pasta dish.  I wanted to make a vegan and nut free version, but the dish was lacking protein.  Hence, chickpeas.  I gave them a quick pan fry like I do in this gyro bowl recipe, and viola!  Lunch is served. Continue reading

Norwegian Cod Grain Bowl with Lingonberry

Norwegian Cod Grain Bowl with Lingonberry by Alison's AllspiceI was introduced to lingonberry when I married into a Norwegian family.  It is a tangy fruit, much like cranberries or currents.  I made this Norwegian cod grain bowl with lingonberry and dill to explore some classic Norwegian flavor combinations.

I made this recipe with cod, because it is a traditional Norwegian fish.  However, I recommend shopping for pacific cod, because Atlantic cod is not a sustainable choice, as their populations have been over fished.
Continue reading

Arugula Wild Rice Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette

Arugula Wild Rice Salad by Alison's AllspiceI love to grow arugula in my garden, but the homegrown arugula is much stronger in flavor than the baby arugula you get from the store.  I started making this arugula wild rice salad to tame those strong garden fresh flavors!

The wild rice helps to subdue the peppery arugula by bulking up the salad with a mild earthy flavor (which pairs quite nicely).  I also add cranberries for sweetness, pecans for crunch and protein, and feta for a salty bite. Continue reading

Five Spice Chickpea Clementine Buddha Bowl

Five Spice Chickpea Clementine Buddah Bowl by Alison's AllspiceChinese five spice powder is a delicious blend of warm spices, including  things like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg!  I love pairing these warming flavors with bright citrus in this five spice chickpea clementine buddha bowl!

Before we move on, lets talk about the buddah bowl.  It has become a popular name for vegetarian or vegan dish served in a single bowl.  Usually you see a combination of whole grains, plant based proteins, veggies, and sometimes fruit! Continue reading

African Peanut Stew with Lentils and Quinoa

African Peanut Stew with Lentils and Quinoa by Alison's Allspice African peanut stew is a traditional dish from western Africa where ground nuts are used to flavor and thicken sauces.  I made my African peanut stew with lentils and quinoa for plenty of plant-based protein.

Lentils and quinoa might be one of my favorite vegetarian protein combinations.  Their flavors and textures work well together.  I also use this combination in my favorite stuffed peppers recipe. Continue reading