Category: Lunch

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More protein on my plate!

As more and more people adopt a plant-based diet, there is a growing interest in finding ways to incorporate more plant-based protein into their meals. While many people assume that a plant-based diet lacks protein, there are actually plenty of sources of protein in the plant kingdom, from beans and legumes to nuts and seeds. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ways to add more plant-based protein to your diet and share two easy recipes for high-protein snacks.

One of the best ways to add more plant-based protein to your diet is to incorporate beans and legumes into your meals. These are a great source of protein, as well as fiber and other important nutrients. Some good options include chickpeas, lentils, black beans, and kidney beans. You can add these to soups, stews, salads, or make them into burgers or falafel.

Another excellent source of plant-based protein is nuts and seeds. These are not only high in protein, but they also contain healthy fats and other important nutrients. Some good options include almonds, cashews, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds. You can add these to your meals as a topping for salads or oatmeal, or make them into a spread like almond butter or tahini.

Soy products are also a great source of plant-based protein. Some good options include tofu, tempeh, and edamame. These can be added to stir-fries, salads, or made into burgers or veggie meatballs.

Another great way to add more plant-based protein to your diet is to use protein powders. These can be added to smoothies or used in baking to increase the protein content of your meals. Some good options include pea protein, hemp protein, and brown rice protein.

Here are two easy recipes for high-protein snacks:

  1. Roasted Chickpeas

Ingredients:

  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Drain and rinse chickpeas and pat them dry with a towel.
  3. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
  4. Add chickpeas to the bowl and toss until coated in the spice mixture.
  5. Spread chickpeas out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy.
  7. Serve as a snack or add to salads for extra crunch.
  1. Peanut Butter Energy Balls

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, mix together rolled oats, peanut butter, and honey.
  2. Add in chocolate chips and chia seeds and mix until combined.
  3. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form mixture into small balls.
  4. Place balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  5. Serve as a snack or pack them in your lunch for an easy and portable protein boost.

Try out these two easy recipes for high-protein snacks and enjoy the benefits of a balanced and nutritious diet.

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Bay Leaf: Warm, Woodsy leaf that goes a long way

Bay Leaves
Dried Bay Leaves

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bay leaves are an aromatic herb that has been used in cooking for centuries. Historically, they were used by the ancient Greeks and Romans as a symbol of victory and honor, as well as in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. Today, they’re a popular ingredient in many dishes around the world.

Bay leaves have a distinctive flavor profile that is slightly bitter and earthy, with a subtle hint of sweetness. They’re often used in stews, soups, and sauces, where their flavor can develop over time, infusing the dish with their subtle aroma.

In terms of appearance, bay leaves are dark green, glossy leaves that can be up to three inches in length. They have a smooth texture and a slightly pointed tip. Fresh bay leaves are more pungent than dried leaves, but both are widely used in cooking.

One popular vegetarian recipe that uses bay leaves is lentil soup. Here’s a recipe to try:

Bay Leaf Dal

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup yellow split peas (or red lentils)
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the yellow split peas or red lentils and set aside.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the cumin seeds and coriander seeds, and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Add the rinsed lentils or split peas, bay leaves, turmeric powder, and water, and stir to combine.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the soup is thickened.
  7. Remove the bay leaves and season the dal with salt to taste before serving.
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Jeera Rice: Comfort food for a Sunday afternoon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeera rice is a popular Indian dish made by cooking rice with cumin seeds and other spices. Here is a simple recipe for Jeera rice:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 1 tbsp ghee or oil
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/2 cup of frozen peas
  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 cups water
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in cold water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat the ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and the frozen peas. Have a splatter guard handy. It’s going to splatter! Fry the jeera and the peas for a few seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the soaked rice to the pan and stir well to coat the rice with the spices.
  4. Add 2 cups of water and salt to taste. Stir well and bring the water to a boil.
  5. Once the water comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water has been absorbed.
  6. Turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for 5-10 minutes.
  7. Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

Your Jeera rice is now ready to serve! It can be served with various Indian dishes such as dal, and curries, or as a side dish with any meal.