7-Minute Chickpea Salad with Shallots and Za'atar | Swirls and Spice

7-Minute Chickpea Salad with Shallots & Za’atar

Shallot-infused olive oil and Middle Eastern spices impart sophistication to this savory salad. The ingredients come together in under ten minutes for a healthy side dish or portable lunch entrée.One evening I discovered too late that we were out of lemons. But I was still set on having chickpea salad with supper. Enter za’atar, distinctive because of the lemony herb sumac, plus a tangy plum tomato. The result was a harmonious medley of taste … Continue reading 7-Minute Chickpea Salad with Shallots & Za’atar

aiming4simpleFebruary 2016February 20169 Comments

gluten free, recipes, sweet, vegan

Cherry Chocolate Chai Smoothie

Cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger whirl together with the cherries, cocoa and coconut to yield a deliciously satisfying smoothie that’s practically a meal on its own. Now I finally have a workout routine to go along with all the protein smoothies I’ve been enjoying! After reading about how to raise healthy daughters, I recognized that I need to do a better job of leading by example and … Continue reading Cherry Chocolate Chai Smoothie

aiming4simpleFebruary 2016February 20169 Comments

gluten free, recipes, vegan

Jap Chae Noodles with Mushrooms and Bok Choy

Ready to move beyond ho-hum Asian fare? Jap chae is one of the simplest, most authentic ways to enlighten your palate. Transparent noodles meld with sesame oil and soy sauce for a perfect flavor balance in each chewy bite. Bonus points if you know the country of origin for this noodle dish. Any guesses? It’s a place that will soon be celebrating the Lunar New Year. And sesame oil … Continue reading Jap Chae Noodles with Mushrooms and Bok Choy

aiming4simpleFebruary 2016February 201615 Comments

gluten free, recipes, sweet, vegan

Peanut Butter Pulse Protein Smoothie

I’ve found the perfect breakfast and post-workout smoothie! No expensive whey protein or other powder is required, thanks to the yellow split peas contained within. Yellow split peas are a mild-tasting type of pulse that helps boost the protein and fiber in a super healthy way. This week’s Pulse Pledge challenge is to include pulses for breakfast. And this smoothie is such an easy, delicious way to … Continue reading Peanut Butter Pulse Protein Smoothie

aiming4simpleJanuary 2016January 201611 Comments

Arancini with Yellow Split Lentils | Swirls and Spice

gluten free, recipes, vegan

Gluten Free Arancini with Yellow Split Lentils

Arancini are a more recent discovery for me. I first came across them in a cookbook I won, and subsequently tried them at an Italian restaurant near us. But with the Pulse Pledge challenge this week, I decided to make arancini for the first time, with yellow split peas. Known for their golden hue, arancini, or risotto fritters, pair well with yellow split peas. The mild taste of … Continue reading Gluten Free Arancini with Yellow Split Lentils

aiming4simpleJanuary 2016January 201627 Comments

gluten free, recipes, vegan

Black-Eyed Pea Rice Pilaf

A traditional way to welcome the New Year, black-eyed peas get a boost of flavor from the bold Persian spice cardamom. With just five ingredients, this quick and easy basmati rice pilaf does double duty as either a side dish or vegetarian main dish. This pilaf is also very forgiving and can be made with other kinds of rice, like jasmine rice. The black-eyed peas, … Continue reading Black-Eyed Pea Rice Pilaf

aiming4simpleDecember 2015December 20152 Comments