Spaghetti Squash with Garlic and Chili Pepper

Coconut oil is not just a great butter substitute in vegan baking. You can also use it in savory recipes. This simple yet satisfying dish is the perfect example. I was almost shocked how flavorful of a dinner this turned out to be, especially because it calls for only five ingredients, including salt!

serves: 2

1 medium spaghetti squash (big enough to wrap both your hands around)
1/4 cup virgin coconut oil
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 red chili pepper, seeded and finely chopped
sea salt, to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Half the squash and place, cut side down, on a foil-lined baking sheet. Roast for 20-30 minutes, until easily pierced with a knife. Allow to cool slightly and use a fork to scrape threads of squash into a bowl.

Melt the coconut oil in a pan set over medium heat. Add the garlic, chili pepper and a dash of salt. Saute until garlic begins to turn golden brown around the edges. Turn off the heat and add the squash. Toss to coat with oil and transfer to serving bowls. Serve hot.

You will love it! Please leave comments if you do try.

Beet Capellini with Pistachios

I have been craving beets for days. This finally gave me my fix, and then some! Whatever I crave must be in all red foods, because I also threw in some paprika, and came thisclose to adding dried cherries, too.

Raw beets are under-appreciated. The heat from the cooked pasta in this recipe warms the grated beet, but stops just shy of cooking it. You still get the satisfying crunch and earthy goodness of raw beets.

This is a recipe for one that takes minutes to prepare. It can be easily multiplied to feed a crowd.

5 ounces    capellini (about 1/3 package)
1 small       beet
1/2 cup      coconut milk
1                clove garlic
1/2 tsp       paprika
1 pinch     each, thyme and oregano
2 tsp          pistachio oil (optional)
1                light drizzle olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
2-3 tbp     chopped pistachios

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and transfer to a bowl.

Grate the beet over the pasta. Turn the grater to the side with the smallest holes and grate the garlic over the pasta. Add the remaining ingredients, except the pistachios, and toss.

Garnish with pistachios and serve warm.

Exotic Spiced Seitan & Pumpkin Kebabs

The broiler is the most underrated kitchen appliance. Everyone has it: that mystery drawer under your oven with the slotted pan in it. Is it a storage space? Grease-catcher? Who dares to crank the oven all the way up to full blast–the ominous ‘BROIL’ setting–and conquer this uncharted territory? Last night, I boldly opened that screechy drawer, washed the dust from the broiler pan, and went where no seitan has gone before [atleast, in my kitchen].

Midwinter broiling is like a shot of Vitamin D to the palate. It evokes the charred, smoky flavor of a backyard cookout–to cure winter blues, cabin fever and restless tastebud syndrome–without the fuss of igniting charcoal or scraping a sticky grate.

To ensure a successful broil, follow these tips: Read more…