Stuffed Portobella and Zucchini

Portobella mushrooms are delectable and substantial single dish vegetarian meals when stuffed with nutty pesto sauteed tofu and topped with mozzarella and Parmagiano-Reggiano.  For the more carnivorous, sausage and onion with a fresh marinara, mozzarella and Parmagiano Reggiano

7th and Fig Farmers Market Roasted Veggies (and a Sirloin)

Cauliflower coated with curry and a splash of olive oil before roasting

The only thing better than this is the leftovers! Delicious salads and sandwiches are a promise when last nights  roasted veggies are added to farmers market fresh mixed greens, or snuggled between slices of your favorite artisanal bread, such as or La Brea . Roasted veggies are one of those dishes that is even better the next day! Boulangerie

Chill Out Mediterranean Style with Enlightened Salad Ingredients

A well made salad does not need the bottled,  high in fat, calories, sodium, high fructose corn syrup, and preservative loaded dressings from Kraft...this is a sample of ingredients for a fab salad, the only limit is your imagination. A thoughtful blend of crisp and soft, crunchy and creamy, dry and  juicy, sweet and savory,  bitter and sour, and gently held together with a splash of olive oil and a double splash of complimentary vinegar, makes store bought salad dressings completely unnecessary.

Using a colorful mix of raw, cooked, semi-cooked, and pickled veggies, fruits, cooked and/or sprouted grains, beans and/or peas, nuts, and cheese provides a an exciting, never boring way to eat fresh and healthy.
All of the above mentioned ingredients can be cleaned, chopped, sprouted, pickled and/or cooked two or three days ahead and stored separately in the refrigerator. Ingredients may be used for a quick salad, heated and served with cooked whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, wheat berry, or barley, or add some of these fab, and prepared ahead ingredients to a simmering broth for an instant and delectable soup.

Composing a beautiful meal of the tastes your body is craving is ultra easy and delicious with a little advance preparation. This is one of the secrets of optimum health, having delicious and good for you options ready to go when hunger strikes.

Veggies from downtown Los Angeles 7th and Figueroa Farmers Market, every Thursday from 10-3

Roasted Root Vegetables and a Rump Roast for Fido

Potatoes, parsnips, rutabaga, carrots, turnips, and mushrooms...drizzled with olive oil, thyme, sea salt and cracked pepper.  Roast at 450 for 1 hour

Herb Roasted Japanese Eggplant, Fennel, and Carrot

 

Vegetables love to be roasted!

All that fabulously fresh farmers market produce can be simply dressed in olive oil, whole garlic cloves, plenty of fresh herbs and roasted in a hot oven (450) for an awesome dinner tonight, and two or three more meals over the next several days.

After roasting, cool and refrigerate in sealed containers, ideally glass. 

Roasted veggies turn simple mixed leaf lettuce in to a gourmet salad, sandwiched between artisan slices of bread with a few slices of chesses and grilled creates a superior hot sandwich,  or  gently rewarm the veggies and serve with a cooked whole grain such as kasha (buckwheat), brown rice or quinoa

Veggies shown here are from the 7th and Fig Farmers Market in downtown Los Angeles. Thursdays from 10-3

Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Shiitake, Walnut and Goat Cheese Stuffed Eggplant

Slice Japanese or Chinese eggplant lengthwise, 1/4" thick, spread with a thin layer of goat cheese, chopped shiitake mushroom, chopped walnuts, minced garlic and finely chopped flat leaf parley...gently roll up and secure with a toothpick, bake 30 minutes at 350
This is one of those delicacies that's even better the next day, hot or cold...make extra!

Pasillia Chili Nirvana

Red and purple potatoes, spinach, queso fresca
Omnivores: add chili rubbed pork or tomatillio chicken

Herbivores:add walnuts, almonds and tempeh

Pictured: with chili rubbed pork

Miso-Raspberry Buddha Grill

assorted raspberry-miso grilled veggies on a heavenly bed of brown Basmati rice with nuts, herbs and garbanzo beans

Vegetables shown are from the Hollywood Farmers Market

Minestrone and Focaccia

Om Minestrone soup changes with the season, this batch was a yummy mix of kale, crimini mushroom, shiitake mushroom, napa cabage, zucchini, carrot, cannaleni beans and leeks in a garlicy, basil scented broth, serve with fresh baked Om Focaccia and light salad.

Omnivores add Italian turkey sausage or traditional Italian sausage

Enlightened Cobb Salad

Omnivore: chicken, turkey breast or grilled salmon, always bacon and bleu cheese
Herbivore: tofu bacon, tempeh or grilled cranberry, sage tofu