Tomato-Cabbage Soup with Chickpeas

This tomato-cabbage soup is simple and light, but still so satisfying. Serve this soup with a side of toasted bread and some white wine. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

  • 1 white or yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 Tbsp of olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp of minced garlic
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1/2 of a head of cabbage, chopped
  • 2 14.5 oz cans of diced tomatoes (with the juices included)
  • 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
  • 5 cups of vegetable broth
  • 2 cans of chickpeas, drained
  • 1 Tbsp of lemon juice
  • Desired amount of salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, sauté the onions in the olive oil. Once they start to soften, add the garlic and zucchini. Continue to sauté the vegetables for 2-3 more minutes.
  2. Now add the cabbage, tomatoes, parsley, and vegetable broth. Bring the pot to a boil. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes to let the cabbage wilt.
  3. Finally, add the chickpeas, lemon juice, and salt & pepper. Cover again and simmer for an additional 25 minutes.
  4. Serve in soup bowls and top with some more fresh parsley as garnish.

soup

A few of the many benefits of this recipe:

-Chickpeas help control blood sugar levels, improves digestion because of high fiber content, helps protect against heart disease, is a good source of protein, and contains many beneficial vitamins and minerals such as zinc, folate, phosphorus, and B vitamins.

-Cabbage boosts the immune system, fights inflammation and arthritis, reduces osteoporosis risk, and promotes a healthy gut.

-Tomatoes contain cancer-fighting antioxidants, they improve heart health, helps improve vision and eye health, benefits skin health, and protects bone health.

The information on the benefits of the ingredients was researched from http://www.draxe.com

Chickpea Noodle Soup

The weather is finally becoming chilly here in California, which motivates me to make lots of soups. This high-protein soup is a vegan alternative to the classic chicken noodle soup. Enjoy!

Preparation + Cook Time: 50 minutes

Makes 8-9 servings

Ingredients:

  • 1 small yellow onion
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 cup of chopped carrots
  • 3 stalks of celery, chopped
  • 1/2 cup of chopped parsley
  • 1 Tbsp of finely chopped oregano
  • 1 tsp of dried thyme
  • 2 cans of chickpeas, drained
  • 6 cups of vegetable broth
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • 3 cups of cooked macaroni (or any kind of noodle)
  • salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. In a large soup pot, sauté the onion and garlic in the olive oil until they are soft.
  2. Add the carrots and celery. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes. Now add the parsley, oregano, thyme, and chickpeas. Keep on medium heat for an additional 4-5 minutes and continue to stir the vegetables around in the pot.
  3. Slowly add the vegetable broth and lemon juice to the pot whilst stirring the veggies. Once all the liquid is added, bring to a boil.
  4. Once at boiling point, turn the pot down to low and put the lid on. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Add the cooked noodles to the pot. Add salt and pepper to taste. Continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
  6. Serve up!

Benefits of this recipe:

-Chickpeas help control blood sugar levels, improves digestion because of high fiber content, helps protect against heart disease, is a good source of protein, and contains many beneficial vitamins and minerals such as zinc, folate, phosphorus, and B vitamins.

-Carrots are high in vitamins which are great for your eye sight, skin, and hair.

-Celery helps lower cholesterol, lowers inflammation, treats high blood pressure, protects liver health, and helps digestion.

The benefits of these ingredients were researched from http://www.draxe.com

Pumpkin Hummus

Are you having trouble finding the perfect appetizer to bring to your thanksgiving potluck? This pumpkin hummus is festive, wholesome, and delicious. Enjoy this tasty dip with some chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

Preparation + Cook time=  10 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 can of chickpeas, drained
  • 1 Tbsp of tahini
  • 1 Tbsp of olive oil
  • 1/2 cup of pureed pumpkin (from a can is fine!)
  • 1 Tbsp of honey or maple syrup
  • 1 Tbsp of fresh chopped sage
  • 1 tsp of dried thyme
  • 1/4 tsp of paprika
  • 1/4 tsp of minced garlic
  • juice of 1/2 a lemon
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pumpkin seeds for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Put all of the ingredients except for the pumpkin seeds in a food processor or high speed blender and pulse until smooth.
  2. Store the hummus in an air-sealed container in the refrigerator.
  3. When you are ready to serve, scoop the hummus into a bowl. Top with pumpkin seeds and a dash of paprika. Enjoy!

Benefits of this recipe:

-Pumpkin helps maintain healthy eyes, improves immunity, and is good for your complexion.

-Chickpeas help control blood sugar levels, improves digestion because of high fiber content, helps protect against heart disease, is a good source of protein, and contains many beneficial vitamins and minerals such as zinc, folate, phosphorus, and B vitamins.

The benefits of these ingredients were researched from http://www.draxe.com

 

Carmelized Beet & Sweet Potato Farro with Roasted Chickpeas

Mmmm beets and sweet potatoes- two of my favorite vegetables! This carmelized beet and sweet potato salad is hearty and warm with nutty and sweet undertones. This dish is packed with wonderful nutrients that will keep you more than satisfied. Enjoy!

Preparation + Cook Time: 90 minutes

Makes about 7-8 servings

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs Sweet Potatoes
  • 1 Shallot
  • 2 T Coconut Oil
  • 2 T Maple Syrup
  • 2 t Cinnamon  (Divided)
  • 1/2 t Nutmeg  (Divided)
  • 2 lbs Beets
  • 1 C Uncooked Farro
  • 1/2 C Raw Almonds
  • 2 T Olive Oil (Divided)
  • 3 C Chopped Kale
  • 1/4 t Garlic
  • 1/2 t Paprika
  • Salt and Pepper
  • 2 15 oz Cans of Chickpeas
  • Juice from 1/2 a Lemon
  • 1 T Fresh Rosemary, chopped
  • 1 t Dried Thyme
  • 1/2 C Pomegranate Seeds

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 Degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Chop the sweet potatoes into small cubes. Dice the shallot.
  3. In a microwave safe container, melt the coconut oil for 30 seconds. Remove from microwave and add maple syrup. Whisk until thoroughly combined.
  4. Add the sweet potatoes and shallots to a large bowl. Pour half of the oil/maple syrup mix and toss. Add 1 t cinnamon, 1/4 t nutmeg, and a dash of salt and pepper to the bowl. Stir until all the sweet potatoes and shallot are evenly covered. Transfer to an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet.
  5. Peel and chop the beets into small pieces.
  6. Add the beets to the same bowl. Pour the remaining coconut oil/maple syrup mixture on top of the beets. Top the beets with 1 t cinnamon, 1/4 t nutmeg, and a dash of salt and pepper. Toss until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the beets to a separate aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. veg
  7. Prepare the roasted chickpeas. Drain them from the can and put them on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 T olive oil, 1/2 t paprika, 1/4 t garlic, and a dash of salt and pepper.
  8. Now place all 3 baking pans into the oven. Remove the chickpeas from the oven after 35 minutes. The beets and sweet potatoes need to cook for 40 minutes.
  9. While the veggies are baking, cook the farro. Put 1 C of farro into a medium pot. Cover with 3 C of water. Bring to a boil. Turn to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes. Set aside once cooked.
  10. Prepare the toasted almonds. Chop 1/2 C of almonds into small pieces.  Put them in a skillet with a dash of salt and pepper and 1 T of olive oil. Keep stirring to make sure they don’t burn.Toast for 5 mins until golden brown. Set aside.
  11. Once everything is done cooking, it is time to combine the ingredients into a salad. In a large bowl, add the chopped kale. Squeeze the juice from the 1/2 lemon onto the kale. Massage to evenly coat the kale. Add the sweet potatoes, beets, farro, toasted almonds, rosemary, thyme, and pomegranate seeds. Stir to mix evenly. Add more salt and pepper if needed.
  12. Top each plate with roasted chickpeas. Serve warm.beet

Benefits of this recipe:

-Sweet potatoes are high in fiber, maintain a healthy blood pressure, and reduces inflammation. The high levels of vitamin C and E provide an immunity boost, support eye health, and prevent degenerative damage.

-Beets are high in antioxidants, contain anti-inflammatory properties, supports brain health, supports digestion, can improve athletic performance, and keeps blood pressure in check.

-Kale is among the most nutrient dense foods on the planet! It is loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C, can help lower cholesterol, and protects eye health. There are also numerous cancer-fighting substances in kale.

-Chickpeas help control blood sugar levels, improves digestion because of high fiber content, helps protect against heart disease, is a good source of protein, and contains many beneficial vitamins and minerals such as zinc, folate, phosphorus, and B vitamins.

The information on the benefits of the ingredients was researched from http://www.healthline.com and http://www.draxe.com

 

 

Curried Chickpea Salad on Toast

Smashed Chickpea salad on toast is so satisfying and scrumptious. It has a similar texture to tuna salad or chicken salad. The curry flavor added to this dish is savory and rich, but not spicy at all.  This is a great meal to enjoy for breakfast, lunch, OR dinner. Enjoy!

Preparation + Cook Time: 25 minutes

Makes about 7 servings

Ingredients:

  • 2 15 oz Cans of Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 C Vegan Mayonnaise (Vegenaise)
  • 2 t Curry Powder
  • 1/4 C Chopped Red Onion
  • 1 Clove of Garlic, Minced
  • 1 Stalk of Celery, Chopped
  • 1 Shredded Carrot
  • Juice from 1/2 of a lemon
  • 1/4 C Fresh Chopped Cilantro
  • Dash of Salt + Pepper
  • A few Slices of Bread (I used Northern Bakehouse “Delicious Vegan & Gluten Free Seeds and Grains Bread”)

Instructions:

  1. Pour your drained/rinsed chickpeas into a large bowl. Mash them with a potato masher until completely mashed. Tip: I like to keep a few chickpea chunks in there for texture!
  2. Stir in the Vegenaise.
  3. Add the curry powder to the mixture. Make sure the curry is evenly incorporated into the chickpeas.
  4. Add the red onion, garlic, celery, carrot, lemon juice, and cilantro. Add as much salt and pepper as needed. This completes your chickpea salad.
  5. Toast the bread. Load the Chickpea salad on top of the toast. You may add any additional toppings that you like. I like to add radishes, sprouts, or avocado.

chickpea toast 2

Benefits of this recipe:

-Chickpeas help control blood sugar levels, improves digestion because of high fiber content, helps protect against heart disease, is a good source of protein, and contains many beneficial vitamins and minerals such as zinc, folate, phosphorus, and B vitamins.

-Celery helps lower cholesterol, lowers inflammation, treats high blood pressure, protects liver health, and helps digestion.

–Carrots are high in vitamins which are great for your eye sight, skin, and hair.

 

The information on the benefits of the ingredients was researched from http://www.draxe.com