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Vegan Butternut Squash Al Pastor Tacos

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Vegan Butternut Squash Al Pastor Tacos

Vegan Butternut Squash Al Pastor Tacos

These Vegan Butternut Squash Al Pastor Tacos are a delicious twist on the classic al pastor. With roasted squash and pineapple, bold spices, and fresh toppings, they’re perfect for any plant-based meal!

Ingredients Table

Ingredient Quantity
Butternut squash (peeled & cubed) 1 medium
Achiote powder 1½ tsp
Ancho chile powder 1½ tsp
Garlic powder 1½ tsp
Onion powder 1½ tsp
Ground coriander 1½ tsp
Dried thyme 1½ tsp
Ground cumin 2 tsp
Kosher salt 1 tsp
Black pepper 1 tsp
Cayenne ½ tsp
Apple cider vinegar 1 tbsp
Orange juice 3 tbsp
Extra-virgin olive oil 4 tbsp (divided)
Fresh pineapple (cubed) 2 cups
Corn tortillas 12 small
White onion (diced) ½ medium
Fresh cilantro leaves 1 cup
Avocado (sliced) 1
Limes (cut into wedges) 4

Ingredients Description

Butternut squash provides a meaty, tender texture that absorbs the bold al pastor spices well. Pineapple adds sweetness and balances the heat. Achiote and ancho chile powders give the classic red color and depth, while orange juice and vinegar add brightness to the marinade.

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, toss squash with all spices, vinegar, orange juice, and 2 tbsp oil. Spread on one baking sheet.
  3. Bake squash for 45 minutes, tossing halfway, until tender and caramelized.
  4. Mix pineapple in the leftover marinade and spread on the second baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes until softened.
  5. Drizzle remaining 2 tbsp oil over the roasted squash and toss well.
  6. Warm tortillas on an open flame or microwave until soft.
  7. To assemble, fill each tortilla with roasted squash and pineapple. Top with diced onion, fresh cilantro, and avocado slices. Serve with lime wedges.

Nutrition Info (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 220
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 8g

Cooking Tips

  • Use pre-cut butternut squash for quicker prep.
  • You can substitute pineapple with mango for a different sweet note.
  • Toast tortillas over flame for added flavor and flexibility.
  • Leftover squash filling can be used in burritos or bowls.

 

 

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Healthy Bites

Peanut Chicken Protein Bowls

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Peanut Chicken Protein Bowls

Peanut Chicken Protein Bowls

The beauty of grain bowls? They’re infinitely adaptable. This protein-packed chicken bowl features juicy chicken, sweet potatoes, spinach, creamy peanut dressing, and avocado on a bed of brown rice. Perfect for meal prep or a healthy weeknight dinner!

Ingredients Table

Ingredient Quantity
Sweet potato (peeled, cubed) 1 large
Red onion (finely chopped) 1 large
Extra-virgin olive oil 3 Tbsp
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 (6-8 oz.)
Garlic powder 1/2 tsp
Ground ginger 1/2 tsp
Garlic (finely chopped) 1 small clove
Lime juice From 1 lime
Creamy peanut butter 2 Tbsp
Honey 1 Tbsp
Reduced-sodium soy sauce 1 Tbsp
Toasted sesame oil 1 Tbsp
Cooked brown rice 4 cups
Avocado (sliced) 1
Baby spinach 2 cups
Fresh cilantro (chopped) 1 Tbsp
Toasted sesame seeds 1 tsp

Ingredients Description

This recipe brings together hearty sweet potatoes, tender chicken, and creamy peanut-lime dressing. Garlic and ginger add a warm depth of flavor, while soy sauce and sesame oil add that signature umami. The brown rice base offers fiber and makes this bowl super satisfying. Avocado and spinach add freshness and healthy fats.

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). On a large baking sheet, toss sweet potatoes and onions with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes until tender.
  2. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cook the chicken for 8 minutes per side, or until it reaches 165°F internal temperature. Let it rest for 10 minutes, then thinly slice.
  4. In a small bowl, mix garlic, lime juice, peanut butter, honey, and soy sauce. Whisk in sesame oil and 1 tablespoon olive oil until smooth.
  5. To serve: divide brown rice between bowls. Top with roasted sweet potato and onion, sliced chicken, avocado slices, and baby spinach.
  6. Drizzle peanut dressing on top, then garnish with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds.

Nutrition Info (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sodium: 620mg

Cooking Tips

  • You can substitute sweet potatoes with butternut squash or carrots.
  • Use pre-cooked rice for quicker meal prep.
  • Adjust peanut dressing thickness by adding water 1 tsp at a time.
  • Double the dressing and store in the fridge for future meals.
  • Swap chicken with tofu or shrimp for variety.

 

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Healthy Bites

Miso Salmon & Farro Bowl

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Miso Salmon & Farro Bowl

Miso Salmon & Farro Bowl

Take your Monday night dinner into a Tuesday afternoon grain bowl with this miso-glazed salmon and charred scallion farro bowl. Miso is a Japanese cooking staple made from fermented soybeans, and it’s the ultimate pantry powerhouse. With toasty, savory, and slightly sweet notes, it pairs beautifully with hearty fish like salmon. Add chewy farro and a zingy scallion vinaigrette, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality bowl right at home.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Ginger (peeled, grated) 1 (1″) piece
White miso paste 3 Tbsp
Reduced-sodium soy sauce 1 Tbsp
Toasted sesame oil 1 tsp
Garlic (grated or finely chopped) 3 cloves, divided
Unseasoned rice vinegar 4 Tbsp, divided
Light brown sugar 3 Tbsp + 1 tsp, divided
Crushed red pepper flakes 2 pinches, divided
Salmon fillets 4 (6-oz.)
Kosher salt To taste
Shredded red cabbage 2 cups
Uncooked farro (rinsed & drained) 1 cup
Scallions 3
Neutral oil 5 Tbsp, divided
Fresh cilantro leaves (chopped) 2 Tbsp + more for garnish
Persian cucumber (thinly sliced lengthwise) 1
Medium carrot (thinly sliced lengthwise) 1

About the Ingredients

This dish combines the umami-rich flavor of miso with protein-packed salmon and fiber-rich farro. The addition of crisp veggies like red cabbage, cucumber, and carrots provides crunch and freshness. The charred scallions bring depth, while the cilantro adds brightness.

Cooking Instructions

  1. Make the miso marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together ginger, miso, soy sauce, sesame oil, 2 garlic cloves, 2 Tbsp vinegar, 3 Tbsp brown sugar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes until smooth.
  2. Marinate the salmon: Pat the salmon dry and season with salt. Spread the miso mixture over the fillets. Refrigerate uncovered for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  3. Prep the cabbage: In a bowl, toss red cabbage with ½ tsp salt and remaining 1 tsp brown sugar. Set aside.
  4. Cook the farro: In a pot of salted boiling water, simmer farro until tender (20–25 minutes). Drain and keep covered.
  5. Broil the salmon and scallions: Preheat broiler. On a foil-lined rack, arrange oiled and salted scallions next to the salmon. Wipe off excess marinade. Broil for 10–12 minutes until salmon is cooked and scallions are charred.
  6. Make the scallion vinaigrette: Chop the scallions. In a bowl, whisk scallions with 1 grated garlic clove, 4 Tbsp oil, 2 Tbsp vinegar, cilantro, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Season with salt.
  7. Finish the grain bowl: Toss farro with 2 Tbsp scallion dressing. Add cucumbers and carrots to cabbage and toss with remaining dressing.
  8. Assemble: Divide farro among bowls. Top with salmon and the cabbage salad. Garnish with more cilantro. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Info (Approx. per serving)

  • Fat: 28g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 710mg

Cooking Tips

  • Char the scallions until they have visible blistering for the best flavor.
  • Use pre-cooked farro to save time.
  • Don’t skip the resting time after marinating; it allows the miso flavor to penetrate the salmon.
  • Add a drizzle of reserved miso glaze (simmered with water) over the cooked salmon for extra flavor.
  • Swap salmon with cod or tofu for variation.

 

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Healthy Bites

Organic Quinoa Rice Cakes With Mediterranean Chicken

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Organic Quinoa Rice Cakes With Mediterranean Chicken

Organic Quinoa Rice Cakes With Mediterranean Chicken

Get ready for a protein-packed delight with this Mediterranean-inspired dish! Crispy quinoa rice cakes topped with juicy Mediterranean-spiced chicken, tomatoes, and kalamata olives. It’s a healthy and satisfying meal perfect for dinner.

Ingredients Table

Category Ingredients
Chicken 2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken cutlets (455g)
Quinoa Rice Cakes 2 packs organic quinoa & brown rice with garlic
¾ cup zucchini, shredded & squeezed
2 tbsp parsley, minced
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp paprika
3 eggs, beaten
⅔ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (75g)
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (25g)
¼ cup olive oil (60 mL)
Garnish Cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives

Ingredients Description

  • Chicken: Marinated with garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil to keep it juicy and flavorful.
  • Quinoa & Rice: Organic pre-cooked quinoa and brown rice mixed with veggies and herbs for a soft, crispy cake texture.
  • Spices: A combination of oregano, coriander, and paprika gives Mediterranean depth to the rice cakes.
  • Feta Cheese: Adds a tangy, creamy taste inside the cakes.
  • Garnish: Tomatoes and olives add freshness and flavor to the final dish.

Cooking Instructions

  1. Mix garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice to make a marinade.
  2. Marinate the chicken in this mixture for 15–20 minutes.
  3. Microwave quinoa rice packs for 90 seconds. Pour into a bowl.
  4. Add zucchini, parsley, lemon zest and juice, spices, eggs, breadcrumbs, and feta cheese. Mix well.
  5. Pulse ⅓ of this mix in a food processor and combine back into the bowl.
  6. Shape into small cakes using about ⅓ cup per patty.
  7. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the cakes for 3–4 minutes each side until golden.
  8. Sear marinated chicken in another pan until browned and cooked through (165ºF or 75ºC).
  9. Rest chicken for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
  10. To serve, layer chicken slices between two quinoa cakes. Garnish with tomatoes and olives.

Nutrition Info (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 3g

Cooking Tips

  • Drain excess water from zucchini to avoid soggy cakes.
  • Let the chicken rest after cooking for juicy slices.
  • You can meal prep the cakes and reheat them easily in a pan or oven.
  • For extra flavor, serve with a garlic yogurt sauce or tzatziki.

 

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