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Side Dish

Moroccan Couscous Salad

July 9, 2021 by Alana

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This Moroccan Couscous Salad features a base of tender pearl couscous tossed with tomatoes, artichoke hearts, capers, shallots, preserved lemon, and a simple vinaigrette. It’s a satisfying combination of Moroccan flavors and textures that make it the perfect side dish, served warm or cold, for any meal.

An overhead view of the finished salad served on multiple plates and bowls

What is Pearl Couscous?

Pearl couscous, also known as Israeli couscous or ptitim, is essentially a pasta made of semolina flour. After being shaped, the small balls of dough are toasted, which imparts a nutty flavor and slightly chewy texture. Because of its small size, pearl couscous cooks quickly, making this salad a great choice if you need to get a last-minute side whipped up.

Despite the name, pearl couscous should not be confused with couscous, which is much smaller and is dried rather than toasted. If you can’t find pearl couscous, use a small pasta like orzo or acine di pepe instead.

An overhead view of the ingredients needed for this recipe, including pearl couscous, tomatoes, celery, and artichoke hearts

INGREDIENTS

    • Pearl couscous – If you can’t find pearl couscous, a small pasta like orzo or acini di pepe makes a great substitute.
    • Salt – For the most pure flavor without any additives, I love using Redmond Real Salt.
    • Garlic
    • Lemon juice
    • Olive oil
    • Cherry tomatoes – While other tomatoes can be substituted, cherry tomatoes are the perfect size for this salad.
    • Celery
    • Artichoke hearts
    • Capers
    • Shallot
    • Preserved lemon – Preserved lemons are a traditional ingredient used in Moroccan and Middle Eastern cooking. Essentially, preserved lemons are lemons that have been pickled in salt and their own juices. The simple preserving process involves quartering the lemons, rubbing them with salt, then packing them into jars and allowing to age for at least a month. They can be found online, in specialty markets, and in some well-stocked grocery stores.


INSTRUCTIONS

This Moroccan Couscous Salad is so quick and easy to put together! To start, you’ll boil the couscous until tender, which takes about 15 minutes. Drain and place in a large bowl, then immediately add the garlic.

Next, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, and black pepper. Toss the tomatoes, celery, artichoke hearts, capers, shallot, and lemon with the couscous. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and stir.

Ready in less than half an hour, this salad makes a great last-minute side dish.

Moroccan Couscous Salad served in several white bowls

CHEF’S TIPS

If you want to add more flavor to your pearl couscous, try cooking with vegetable broth instead of water.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

This salad would make the perfect addition to other Moroccan-inspired vegan dishes such as stuffed eggplant, flatbread, or hummus.

STORAGE SUGGESTIONS

Refrigerate leftovers in a closed storage container and use within 3 to 5 days. This salad can be served warm, at room temperature, or cold.

An overhead view of the finished Moroccan Couscous Salad

MORE SALAD RECIPES

  • Vegan Mexican Street Corn Salad
  • Farro Sweet Potato Salad
  • Black Lentil Pomegranate Salad
  • Purple Barley Romanesco Salad

HUNGRY FOR MORE?

Follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for all my latest updates!

If you liked this recipe, be sure to let me know by leaving a comment and rating below!

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A closeup view of the finished Moroccan Couscous Salad

Moroccan Couscous Salad

  • Author: Alana Haldan
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegan
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Scale

Ingredients

  • 3 cups water
  • 2 cups pearl couscous
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 celery ribs, diced
  • 1 (14-ounce) can quartered artichoke hearts, rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup capers, drained
  • 1 large shallot, minced (about 1/4 cup)
  • 1 preserved lemon, rinsed and seeds removed, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan, then add couscous and salt. Return to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cover and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain off any excess water if necessary.
  2. Place cooked couscous in a large bowl and immediately add garlic, stirring well to combine. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, add lemon juice, olive oil, and black pepper to a small bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside.
  4. Add tomatoes, celery, artichoke hearts, capers, shallot, and preserved lemon to couscous and toss to combine.
  5. Drizzle dressing over the couscous and stir to combine.

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Filed Under: Recipes, Salad, Side Dish

Vegan Mexican Street Corn Salad

August 18, 2020 by Alana

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Nothing says summer quite like the fresh crunch of sweet corn! This Vegan Mexican Street Corn Salad is a perfect summer dish that takes full advantage of fresh corn on the cob. Inspired by the traditional Mexican dishes elote and esquites, this veganized version is lightened up while still packing a flavorful punch.

Several bowls filled with the finished corn salad.

Elote is a traditional Mexican dish typically sold by street vendors. Cooked corn on the cob is covered in mayonnaise and lime juice, then sprinkled with chili powder and queso fresco or cotija cheese. Similar in flavor, esquites is a Mexican corn salad. Taking those dishes as inspiration, this raw vegan version gets its creaminess from a silky cashew butter sauce spiked with lime juice, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Vegan feta cheese is a perfect salty and creamy stand in for the traditional cotija cheese.

A close-up view of bi-colored corn on the cob.

Ingredients

  • Cashew butter – I love using Artisana Cashew Butter because it’s raw, minimally processed, and doesn’t contain any added sugars, oils, or salt.
  • Lime Juice
  • Garlic
  • Chili Powder
  • Salt – For the most pure flavor without any additives, I love using Redmond Real Salt.
  • Smoked Paprika – As the name suggests, this spice adds a delicious smoky undertone to the sauce.
  • Corn – This recipe is a perfect showcase for fresh ears of summer sweet corn. If corn isn’t in season when you’re making this recipe, substitute 2 cups of frozen corn instead. Simply thaw and drain the corn instead of cooking so it’s still crisp. Avoid canned corn since it’s mushier and generally full of sodium and preservatives.
  • Jalapeño peppers – Be aware that the spiciness can vary greatly from pepper to pepper, so use caution if you’re sensitive to spice! To reduce the heat, slice the peppers in half lengthwise, then remove the seeds inside before continuing to chop.
  • Green Onions
  • Cilantro
  • Vegan feta cheese – I recommend Violife Just Like Feta, which is a delicious vegan cheese option. If you can’t find this at a store near you, you can substitute with a different vegan cheese of your choice, simply omit from the recipe, or make a homemade version instead.
  • Ground Black Pepper

All of the ingredients for the corn salad, including corn on the cob, cashew butter, cilantro, and jalapeño peppers, sit on the counter.


Instructions

It’s so quick and easy to make this flavorful salad! First, in a small bowl, whisk the cashew butter, lime juice, water, garlic, and seasonings together to make a thick sauce.

Next, slice the corn kernels off the cobs and place in a large bowl, along with the jalapeños and green onions. Then, add the sauce and stir until the sauce is well combined with the vegetables.

Next, add the cilantro and gently toss to combine. Finally, top with crumbled vegan feta cheese and freshly ground pepper and serve.

See how simple it is? You’ll definitely appreciate the fact that you don’t even need to turn on the oven or stovetop to create this raw vegan recipe.

Chef’s Tips

  • Make sure to use a sharp knife to slice the corn kernels off of the cobs. Alternatively, you can use a tool such as a corn peeler in order to easily remove the kernels.
  • Once you’ve cut off the kernels, don’t throw away the used corn cobs! Instead, save them to make a flavorful vegetable stock.

Serving Suggestions

This salad would be a welcome addition at your next cookout and would pair wonderfully with your favorite veggie burger! To turn this salad into a meal, serve it on a bed of arugula or other salad greens, add some black beans, then top with sliced avocado.

Storage Suggestions

Refrigerate leftovers in a closed storage container and use within 3 to 5 days. This salad is wonderful served cold or at room temperature.

An overhead view of three plates filled with corn salad.

More Easy Summer Recipes

  • Zucchini Noodles With Walnut-Parsley Pesto
  • Vegan Rainbow Coleslaw

Hungry For More?

Follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for all my latest updates!

If you liked this recipe, be sure to let me know by leaving a comment and rating below!

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A bowl filled with the finished corn salad and topped with cilantro and vegan feta cheese.

Vegan Mexican Street Corn Salad

  • Author: Alana Haldan
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Raw
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

This Vegan Mexican Street Corn Salad is a perfect summer dish that takes full advantage of fresh corn on the cob. Inspired by the traditional Mexican dishes elote and esquites, this raw vegan version is lightened up while still packing a flavorful punch. A silky cashew butter sauce spiked with lime juice, chili powder, and smoked paprika is a perfect counterpoint to sweet, crisp kernels of corn.


Scale

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup raw cashew butter
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp lime juice
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp water
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 4 ears of corn, kernels removed
  • 2 jalapeño peppers, finely diced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 bunch cilantro, roughly chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 4 oz vegan feta cheese, crumbled
  • Ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine cashew butter, lime juice, water, garlic, and seasonings, and whisk until well combined and creamy. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine corn with jalapeño peppers and green onion. Add cashew sauce and mix well until sauce is well distributed and vegetables are coated.
  3. Add cilantro and gently toss to combine. Top with vegan feta crumbles and pepper, if desired, and serve.

Keywords: raw, vegan, salad

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Filed Under: Recipes, Salad, Side Dish

Roasted Red Cabbage with Lemon Tahini Dressing

January 23, 2020 by Alana

I’m always on the lookout for meal ideas that are quick to make and don’t require lots of ingredients, and this recipe certainly fits the bill. This Roasted Red Cabbage with Lemon Tahini Dressing is a wonderful side dish to add to your weeknight repertoire. The roasting process elevates the cabbage to new heights by bringing out the vegetable’s natural sweetness. Additionally, roasting at high heat creates a delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture punctuated by crispy edges, which is complemented by a rich and creamy lemon tahini dressing.

Roasted Red Cabbage on a baking sheet, fresh from the oven.

Cabbage Varieties

The humble cabbage is often overlooked in favor of its trendier relative, kale. However, cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse in its own right. Cabbage, part of the cruciferous family of vegetables, is a low-calorie yet nutrient-dense food. Cabbage is high in nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and calcium. Notably, cabbage contains compounds called glucosinolates, which have anticancer properties. In fact, the cabbage family contains a higher amount of these anticancer phytochemicals than any other family of vegetables.

There are three main types of cabbage:

  • Green, which is smooth in texture, with color ranging from pale to dark green
  • Red, which also has a smooth texture and red or purple leaves and white veining
  • Savoy, which has ruffled yellow-green leaves and a more mild taste

I used red cabbage here because I find it has a sweeter, bolder flavor than green or savoy. Plus, red cabbage gets its color from anthocyanins, which have great antioxidant benefits.

In preparation for cooking, a whole head of cabbage is cut into 8 equal wedges.

Let’s Make Some Roasted Red Cabbage

This simple side dish comes together quickly and easily. Start with a whole head of red cabbage and remove any tough, damaged, or wilted outer leaves. Next, use a sharp chef’s knife to cut through the cabbage lengthwise. Then, slice each of these halves into 4 equal wedges, for a total of 8 wedges of cabbage.

Make sure to leave the inner core intact, since that will hold the cabbage together during roasting. Finally, coat each cabbage wedge with olive oil and roast on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Depending on the size of your cabbage, you may need to use two baking sheets so that the cabbage wedges aren’t crowded next to each other during roasting. Crowding will encourage the vegetables to steam up and get soggy, while having more space between them will help to achieve a crispier final result.

While the cabbage is roasting, move on to creating the simple lemon tahini dressing. First, whisk together lemon juice and tahini until creamy. Then, drizzle in olive oil while continuing to whisk constantly. The end result is a smooth and creamy lemon tahini dressing made with just 4 ingredients. It not only works perfectly for this dish, but is an incredibly versatile dressing that can be used on a wide variety of different salads, vegetables, grains, or legumes. Whip up some extra to keep on hand in the refrigerator!

Is Tahini Vegan?

Rest assured that tahini is indeed vegan! If tahini is a new ingredient to you, it’s simply a paste made by grinding up sesame seeds. Tahini is traditionally used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking, but these days jars of tahini can easily be found in grocery stores or online. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you can even make your own!

Tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil are whisked together to create a dressing for the cabbage.

After roasting the cabbage, serve with your lemon tahini dressing and a sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley. To make this a full meal, enjoy the roasted cabbage wedges with my Black Lentil Pomegranate Salad or my Farro Sweet Potato Salad.

Finished Roasted Red Cabbages wedges plated with lemon tahini dressing and chopped parsley.

 

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Roasted Red Cabbage wedges straight out of the oven.

Roasted Red Cabbage With Lemon Tahini Dressing

  • Author: Alana Haldan
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
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Description

The roasting process elevates cabbage to new heights by bringing out the vegetable’s sweetness and creating a delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture punctuated by crispy edges. Finished here with a lemon tahini dressing, the cabbage would be a perfect canvas for any variety of sauces or dressings.


Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 medium red cabbage
  • ¼ cup plus 3 Tbsp olive oil, divided
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • ¼ cup tahini
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • 2 tsp finely chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450° F.
  2. Divide cabbage in half lengthwise, then slice each half into 4 equal wedges, leaving core intact to hold wedges together.
  3. Drizzle cabbage wedges with 3 Tbsp of the olive oil and rub to coat both sides.
  4. Place cabbage on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until crispy, about 15 minutes. Flip cabbage and continue cooking to crisp the other side, about another 15 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, prepare the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice and tahini until well combined and creamy. Slowly drizzle in the remaining ¼ cup olive oil, whisking constantly until dressing is smooth and emulsified. Add salt and stir to incorporate.
  6. To serve, sprinkle the cabbage wedges with parsley and drizzle dressing on top.

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Filed Under: Recipes, Side Dish

Farro Sweet Potato Salad

November 18, 2019 by Alana

I know I’m not alone in the feeling that Thanksgiving dinner is all about the sides. Even before going vegan, I didn’t see the appeal of turkey, so my holiday meals have always consisted of a mash up of all the many delicious side dishes. This Farro Sweet Potato Salad is the perfect vegan side dish that will satisfy all of your dinner guests, vegan and non-vegan alike. This hearty grain salad combines farro with slightly spicy roasted sweet potatoes, massaged kale, and crunchy pepitas, all coated in an apple cider vinaigrette.

Farro Sweet Potato Salad

Sweet Potatoes

For many years, I ignored sweet potatoes due to the fact that I was only familiar with the sickly-sweet, marshmallow-studded iteration that often shows up on Thanksgiving. It wasn’t until recently that I discovered the fact that sweet potatoes can be prepared in a much more savory way.

Diced Sweet Potatoes

Roasting is by far my favorite method to quickly and easily turn sweet potatoes into a delicious side dish, and I love the fact that you can change it up so much just by using different spice blends. In this recipe, the addition of chili and garlic powders provide a savory counterpoint to the natural sweet undertone of the vegetable. Roasting at a high heat transforms the sweet potatoes into tender, bite-sized nuggets.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Massaged Kale

People often complain about the fact that kale is too tough and bitter. However, a simple method like massaging can make all the difference. Once the kale has been de-stemmed and roughly chopped, simply place it into a large bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of salt. Then, use your hands to massage or knead the kale leaves. Within minutes, the leaves will transform right before your eyes. The end result is softened, tender leaves that dramatically shrink down in volume. Not only is the texture altered, but the bitterness also dissipates during the massage process.

Preparing kale

This hearty grain salad starts with a base of pleasantly chewy farro. Minced garlic and shallots are stirred into the still-hot farro, then the roasted sweet potatoes and massaged kale are tossed in. Next, a simple vinaigrette of apple cider vinegar and dijon mustard is drizzled on to provide a bright, acidic tang. Finally, the salad is topped off with perfectly crunchy pepitas.

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Farro Sweet Potato Salad

Farro Sweet Potato Salad

  • Author: Alana Haldan
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
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Description

Farro is an ancient grain that has a chewy texture and nutty flavor. It is reminiscent of barley but cooks in only 20 minutes. This hearty vegan grain salad combines farro with chunks of slightly spicy roasted sweet potato, massaged kale, and crunchy pepitas in a tangy vinaigrette.


Scale

Ingredients

  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½” cubes
  • ⅓ cup plus 3 Tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 2 ¼ tsp sea salt, divided
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 ½ cups farro
  • 3 Tbsp minced shallot
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 bunches of kale, de-stemmed and roughly chopped
  • 3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 cup pepitas, roasted

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425° F.
  2. In a large bowl, combine diced sweet potato with 2 Tbsp of the oil, ½ tsp of the salt, pepper, chili powder, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until tender but still firm, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
  3. Meanwhile, prepare the farro. Combine water and ½ tsp of the salt in a medium pot and bring to a boil. Add farro and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until farro is tender but still chewy, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and drain any excess water if necessary.
  4. In a large bowl, combine hot farro, shallot, and garlic and stir well to combine. Set aside.
  5. In a large bowl, combine kale, 1 Tbsp of the oil, and ½ tsp of the salt. Using your hands, knead or massage the kale until tender and softened, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  6. Add kale and sweet potatoes to farro and toss well to combine.
  7. In a small bowl, combine remaining ⅓ cup of the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and remaining ¾ tsp of the salt and whisk until completely combined. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.
  8. Top salad with pepitas and serve.

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Filed Under: Recipes, Salad, Side Dish

Black Lentil Pomegranate Salad

November 13, 2019 by Alana

The holidays can be a challenging time to be a vegan, especially when other people are the ones hosting the festivities. Over the years, I’ve become quite accustomed to making a full meal out of side dishes. Luckily, the holiday gatherings I attend welcome me to bring a vegan dish to share. Nothing against green beans, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce, but I love to switch it up by adding new, nontraditional recipes into my holiday rotation each year. This Black Lentil Pomegranate Salad is a new favorite of mine that will definitely be making an appearance on my Thanksgiving table.

black lentil pomegranate salad on a serving platter

The Beauty of Black Lentils

Black lentils, also known as beluga lentils due to their resemblance to beluga caviar, are a fabulous legume perfect for use in hearty salads such as this. They have a deliciously earthy flavor. Unlike larger beans, lentils don’t require presoaking and have a quick cooking time. Likewise, they retain their shape when cooked, which gives you some substance to sink your teeth into. Lentils are also a great source of protein. Indeed, a 1 cup serving provides 12 grams of protein, a fun fact which you can mention to all of your well-meaning relatives wondering how you get enough protein as a vegan!

close up of black lentils - black lentil pomegranate salad

Pomegranates

In my opinion, there is no other fruit quite as festive as the pomegranate. Underneath a hard and glossy red rind lies a plethora of jewel-like seeds, but first you have to get to them! It seems like there are a million different tricks to easily open pomegranates, but you can find a very helpful and thorough tutorial here. Although they can be time consuming to prepare, pomegranate seeds, also known as arils, are absolutely worth the effort. The rich flavor of the seeds are a lovely combination of sour and sweet. Additionally, the seeds provide a bright, juicy crunch when bitten into. An excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants, this autumnal fruit has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can improve digestion. Here, their juicy tartness pairs well with the earthiness of lentils and tahini.

Pomegranate platter - black lentil pomegranate salad

A Festive Holiday Side Dish

This Black Lentil Pomegranate Salad has all the makings of a wonderfully festive dish. The base of black lentils is slathered in a creamy lemon tahini dressing, and is a perfect counterpoint to tart, juicy pomegranate seeds. The salad is finished off with crunchy toasted walnuts and a vibrant sprinkling of parsley. Hearty, flavorful, and fresh, this vegan side dish will make a beautiful addition to your holiday table.

black lentil pomegranate salad on plates

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black lentil pomegranate salad on plates

Black Lentil Pomegranate Salad

★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews
  • Author: Alana Haldan
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
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Description

Though they can be time consuming to prepare, pomegranate seeds, also known as arils, are an absolute treat to eat. An excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants, this autumnal fruit has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can improve digestion. Here, their juicy tartness pairs well with the earthiness of lentils and tahini.


Scale

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup plus 1 Tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 medium shallot, minced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 cups dried beluga lentils, rinsed and drained
  • ½ cup lemon juice
  • ¼ cup tahini
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • 2 cups walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
  • 1 bunch parsley, finely chopped
  • Seeds from 3 medium pomegranates, about 2 to 3 cups

Instructions

  1. In a medium pot, heat 1 Tbsp of the olive oil over medium heat. When oil begins to shimmer, add shallot and garlic and and stir until fragrant and golden, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  2. Add water and lentils and stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer then cover and cook over low heat until tender but still firm, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat, drain any excess water if necessary, and spread out on a sheet pan to cool.
  3. Meanwhile, prepare the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice and tahini until well combined and creamy. Slowly drizzle in remaining ¼ cup of the olive oil, whisking constantly until dressing is smooth and emulsified. Add salt and stir to incorporate.
  4. Add cooled lentils to a large bowl with dressing, walnuts, and parsley. Toss well to incorporate and to coat all the ingredients with dressing. Add the pomegranate seeds and gently stir to combine.

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Filed Under: Recipes, Salad, Side Dish

Fragrant Golden Rice

October 24, 2019 by Alana

Sometimes the simplest foods can turn out to be the most flavorful. Take this short grain brown rice, for example. On its own, rice can be relatively basic and bland. However, this fact makes rice a perfect sponge for any seasonings you wish to use. This Fragrant Golden Rice, transformed by turmeric, garlic, and ginger, becomes a beautifully delicious side dish.

Fragrant golden rice cooked in a dutch oven

Chances are you’ve heard of golden milk before. This flavorful Ayurvedic beverage has been all the rage for the past several years due to its anti-inflammatory benefits. I decided to take the flavors of golden milk in a savory direction by infusing them into short grain brown rice. In this recipe for Fragrant Golden Rice, this humble grain is elevated to new heights with the addition of fragrant spices added at the beginning of the cooking process. Turmeric, a great source of antioxidants and vitamins, gives the rice a striking golden hue. Garlic, ginger, coriander, and cumin round out the aromatic ingredient list. Not only would this rice pair wonderfully with a hearty curry or stew, but the bold spices make the rice flavorful enough to be enjoyed alone.

An arrangement of ingredients for Fragrant Golden Rice: short grain rice, garlic, ginger, coriander, cumin, turmeric, and salt

The Magic Of Oven Rice

While going to culinary school at Bauman College, I was first introduced to the concept of oven rice. After years of dealing with undercooked rice, overcooked rice, soggy rice, pots boiling over, and all the other annoyances of cooking rice on the stovetop, preparing rice in the oven was a total revelation to me. In a dutch oven, first cook the spices briefly on the stovetop to release their flavor compounds, then add water and bring to a boil. Next, add the rice and cover with a lid. Finally, place the dutch oven into a heated oven, then simply wait for the magic to happen.

Fragrant Golden Rice in a serving spoon

Adding the rice into boiling water rather than starting the cooking process cold ensures that the individual grains of rice retain a perfect, defined texture. Once removed from the oven, this golden rice has an ideal consistency. The plump grains have just the right amount of bite and firmness. This rice makes a wonderful companion for soups, stews, and curries (such as my Morroccan-Spiced Stew). I’m not usually an advocate for eating leftovers straight out of the refrigerator, but this golden rice is surprisingly delicious served cold. Use the cold or room temperature rice as a base for a buddha bowl, or sprinkle it on top of a salad. The best part is that you can use this oven rice method with any other spice combinations you like, so feel free to have fun and experiment with different flavors.

Fragrant Golden Rice in a serving bowl

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Fragrant Golden Rice in a serving bowl

Fragrant Golden Rice

  • Author: Alana Haldan
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
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Description

Simple brown rice is elevated to a new level with the addition of fragrant spices added at the beginning of the cooking process. Turmeric, a great source of antioxidants and vitamins, gives the rice a striking golden hue. Not only would this pair wonderfully with a hearty curry or stew, but the bold spices make the rice flavorful enough to be eaten alone.


Scale

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp coconut oil
  • 1 Tbsp grated ginger
  • 1 Tbsp minced garlic
  • 2 tsp coriander
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp turmeric
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 tsp sea salt
  • 2 cups short grain brown rice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375° F.
  2. In a large dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. When oil shimmers, add ginger and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until fragrant and golden, about 30 seconds. Add the coriander, cumin, and turmeric and stir often until spices are fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  3. Add water and sea salt and stir well to combine. Increase heat and bring to a boil. Immediately add rice, stir well, and top with a tight-fitting lid. Alternatively, cover the dutch oven with parchment paper, then wrap tightly with aluminum foil. Immediately place in oven and bake until rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed, about 1 hour.
  4. Remove from oven, stir, replace cover, and let rest for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

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Filed Under: Recipes, Side Dish

Vegan Rainbow Coleslaw

August 22, 2019 by Alana

You may have heard the phrase “Eat The Rainbow”, a saying that’s a simple reminder to eat a wide variety of colorful produce each day. Certainly, I keep this mantra in mind every time I’m putting together a meal. In fact, that saying is what initially inspired me to create this Vegan Rainbow Coleslaw.

Rainbow Vegetables

One of the beautiful things about nature is the fact that different colors are clues about different nutrients that are present in foods. For example, purple coloring in fruits and vegetables like cabbage, eggplant, and blueberries indicate the presence of anthocyanins. This is an antioxidant compound that has been shown to have anti-cancer and anti-aging properties. On the other hand, yellow and orange hues point to the presence of beta-carotene, which promotes vision health and cell growth. Ultimately, a wide spectrum of colors in your diet indicates that you’re eating a wide range of nutrients as well.

Cashew Sauce

This Vegan Rainbow Coleslaw is a mix of shredded cabbage, peppers, carrots, and green onion. This confetti of fresh rainbow vegetables is all tied together by a tangy, slightly spicy sauce with an Asian flair. Cashew butter is the backbone that gives this sauce a luscious creaminess while sriracha adds a pleasant burn. Most noteworthy is the addition of Wildbrine Live Shots, a fermented probiotic brine. However, if you’re unable to find this product in your local store, feel free to use rice vinegar instead.

Vegan Rainbow Coleslaw

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Vegan Rainbow Coleslaw

Vegan Rainbow Coleslaw

  • Author: Alana Haldan
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
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Description

This Vegan Rainbow Coleslaw is a perfect side dish for summer cookouts. A confetti of fresh rainbow vegetables is all tied together by a tangy, slightly spicy sauce with an Asian flair. Cashew butter is the backbone that gives this vegan sauce a luscious creaminess, while sriracha adds a pleasant burn.


Scale

Ingredients

  • 1/2 medium head of cabbage (approximately 1 lb), cored and thinly sliced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and julienned
  • 1 red bell pepper, julienned
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, julienned
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, finely diced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup raw unsalted cashew butter
  • 3 Tbsp Wildbrine Zesty Thai Live Shot (see note)
  • 3 Tbsp sriracha
  • 2 Tbsp coconut aminos

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, peppers, and green onions, tossing well to combine.
  2. In a small bowl, combine cashew butter, live shot, sriracha, and coconut aminos. Whisk well until fully combined.
  3. Pour dressing over vegetable mixture and toss well to coat. Refrigerate and let sit at least 30 minutes prior to serving to allow flavors to combine.

Notes

Wildbrine Live Shots can be found online or in select grocery stores. If you’re unable to find it, you can use rice vinegar instead.

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Filed Under: Recipes, Salad, Side Dish

Zucchini Noodles With Walnut-Parsley Pesto

August 8, 2019 by Alana

Anyone with a summer garden has probably experienced that overwhelming moment when the zucchini starts to pile up far too quickly. From salads and stir-fry to muffins and bread, there are a plethora of ways to try to utilize zucchini, but perhaps nothing is more fun than creating zucchini noodles.

Zucchini being spiralized and turned into noodles

Out of all my kitchen tools, my spiralizer is one of my favorites. I first discovered this fun tool when I became vegan and was incorporating more raw vegetables into my diet. The spiralizer is an amazing tool that enables you to create “noodles” from a vast array of different vegetables. Zucchini noodles (also known as zoodles) are perhaps the most popular spiralized vegetable, but plenty of other vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, daikon radishes, beets, and butternut squash also make excellent “noodles”.

Parsley-Walnut Pesto Ingredients

This raw recipe features zucchini noodles coated in a vibrant walnut-parsley pesto sauce. This recipe puts a spin on traditional pesto by using walnuts and parsley in place of the traditional pine nuts and basil. Additionally, pesto usually includes Parmesan cheese, but this vegan version relies on nutritional yeast for a cheesy tang. Nutritional yeast, also known as “nooch”, is a deactivated yeast often used as a condiment in vegan and vegetarian cooking. The yellow powder imparts a cheesy, umami flavor and is also a great source of protein and B vitamins.

Walnuts, an extremely nutrient-dense nut, are a great source of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. They’re also more cost-effective than pine nuts. Flat-leaf parsley has a fresh, fragrant flavor, and is extremely rich in chlorophyll, carotenes, and other vitamins and minerals. The beauty of this recipe is that it is so simple, fresh, and customizable. You can switch it up by combining other spiralized vegetables with the zucchini noodles or using a mixture of your favorite fresh herbs in your pesto. Use whatever is most fresh and simply let your garden be your guide.

Zucchini Noodles With Raw Walnut-Parsley Pesto

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Zucchini Noodles With Walnut-Parsley Pesto

Zucchini Noodles With Walnut-Parsley Pesto

  • Author: Alana Haldan
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 36 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
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Description

The spiralizer is an amazing tool that enables you to create “noodles” from a vast array of different vegetables. While this recipe uses zucchini, many other vegetables would work well here, including cucumber, sweet potato, and butternut squash.


Scale

Ingredients

  • 2 cups parsley, roughly chopped and packed
  • 1/3 cup walnuts, soaked overnight and dehydrated at 100°F  until dry, about 24 to 36 hours (see note)
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 3 Tbsp nutritional yeast, plus more for garnish
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized and roughly chopped (see note)

Instructions

  1. In a food processor, combine parsley, walnuts, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic, and sea salt and pulse until combined but still chunky.
  2. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil and continue processing until well blended. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Continue processing until you reach your desired consistency.
  3. In a large bowl, combine zucchini noodles and pesto. Toss well until noodles are fully coated and pesto is well combined.
  4. Garnish with nutritional yeast.

Notes

If you don’t have the time to soak and dehydrate your nuts, and you aren’t concerned with keeping the recipe completely raw, you can used roasted walnuts instead.

How to spiralize:

  1. Peel produce if necessary, then slice off ends to create a flat surface.
  2. Secure spiralizer to counter top.
  3. Decide which blade you want to use.
  4. Align center of vegetable or fruit to the central coring blade, then secure the other end to spokes of the handle.
  5. Crank handle away from you to push produce through the blade.
  6. Roughly chop noodles to cut up any extremely long spirals.

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Filed Under: Recipes, Side Dish

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Welcome to Sprouts And Krauts! I'm a vegan chef that loves creating recipes with seasonal ingredients.
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I'm a natural chef and food photographer with a passion for vegan, plant-based cooking, fermentation, and raw foods. I hope to inspire and empower others to venture into the world of plant-based eating, just as I did years ago. Read More →

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