Pad Thai Noodles with Sesame-Ginger Almond Butter Dressing

This Pad Thai noodle dish is coated in a flavorsome sesame-ginger dressing made from an almond butter base with hints of lime and garlic, plus red chili flakes for a powerful kick. Edamame beans are added to this dish to provide a great source of plant-based protein. This recipe makes about 4 servings. Enjoy!

Ingredients for noodles:

• 8 oz of pad thai noodles (I used 1 whole packet of Lotus Foods black rice noodles)
• 1 Tbsp of sesame oil
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 4 cups of red cabbage, chopped
• 2 cups of shredded or spiralized carrots
• 1/2 cup of green onions, chopped
• 1 cup of edamame beans
• 1/4 cup of cilantro, chopped
• sesame seeds for garnish

Ingredients for dressing:

• 1 Tbsp of sesame oil
• 1 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar or rice wine vinegar
• 3 Tbsp of honey
• 2 heaping Tbsp of almond butter
• 2 Tbsp of soy sauce
• 1″ piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tsp of red chili flakes (use more or less depending on spice preference)
• 1/4 tsp of minced garlic
• juice of 1/2 a lime
• dash of black pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook noodles according to package. Drain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, make the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk all of the dressing ingredients together and set aside.
3. Heat the 1 Tbsp of sesame oil in a wok. Sauté the red bell pepper, red cabbage, carrots, and green onions for 5-6 minutes on medium-high heat until the veggies become soft and cooked through.
4. Add the edamame beans and cilantro and continue to stir the veggies around the wok for 2-3 minutes.
5. Turn the heat to low-medium. Add the noodles and sauce to the wok. Continue stirring the noodles so that everything is evenly combined and heated through.
6. Serve the noodles in bowls. Top with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds.

Benefits of this recipe:

-Carrots are very high in Vitamin A, which protects eye health and vision. They are high in antioxidants, can help lower cholesterol, help protect against cancer, improve immunity, boosts skin health, and helps improve brain function.

-Edamame beans are high in protein, helps lower cholesterol, regulates blood sugar, and prevents migraines.

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

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

 

 

Maple Balsamic Brussel Sprouts with Dates & Pistachios

Brussel sprouts are on my list of my all time favorite vegetables! They are very high in nutrients and super easy to cook. I decided to season them in a maple balsamic dressing, sweetened with dates plus pistachios added for some texture. This Brussel sprouts dish tastes great accompanied with some marinara pasta and red wine. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 6 cups of Brussel sprouts, washed and cut into quarters
• 2 Tbsp of olive oil (divided)
• 1/2 a red onion, diced
• 1/4 tsp of minced garlic
• 12 pitted medjool dates, chopped
• 2 Tbsp of balsamic vinegar
• 2 Tbsp of maple syrup
• 1 tsp of dried sage
• 1 tsp of dried parsley
• juice of 1/2 a lemon
• 1/4 cup of pistachios
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper. Put your chopped Brussels on the tray. Drizzle with 1 Tbsp of olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the Brussels are cooked through and golden on the edges.
3. Meanwhile, heat a skillet on medium-high heat. Sauté the garlic and onions in 1 Tbsp of olive oil. Once they are soft and are starting to brown, add the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, dates, sage, parsley and lemon juice. Continue to cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes to incorporate all of the flavors together.
4. Once the Brussel sprouts are cooked, remove from the oven and directly transfer them into the skillet. Add the pistachios as well. Mix with a wooden spoon to fully coat the Brussels in the maple balsamic dressing.
5. Serve warm.

Benefits of this recipe:

-Brussel Sprouts are one of the best suppliers of Vitamin K (which keeps your bones healthy), Vitamin C (which boosts immunity),balances blood sugar, improves brain function, and protects eye & skin health

-Dates have high levels of soluble fiber which optimizes digestion. They also decrease cholesterol, boost energy, and boost bone health.

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