Gluten-Free — Page 2

Roasted Beet & Walnut Grain Bowl

August 28, 2019 by Nicole Leave a Comment

This post was sponsored by California Walnuts. All opinions—as always!—are my own.

Roasted beets, fresh strawberries and crunchy walnuts over a hearty bed of farro and greens, all topped with a honey basil vinaigrette. Yes, please! This roasted beet and walnut grain bowl makes for the perfect healthy lunch. The recipe is plant-based as-is, but you can always customize by adding some chicken or goat cheese crumbles (or both).

Roasting beets takes some time (especially if they’re large), so I like to prep this recipe ahead of time so that all I have to do is assemble when lunchtime hits. I love this dish, so I’ll prep enough for Joe and I to eat it a couple times throughout the week (typically I double the recipe below). Ahead of time I’ll roast the beets, cook the farro, and make the salad dressing. All store great in the refrigerator so when it’s time to eat, all I have to do is assemble my bowl and drizzle some dressing on top. If you work at an office, assemble in the morning in a big tupperware container and bring it with you to enjoy during your lunch break!

In a consumer survey exploring Americans’ shifting attitudes towards lunch, California Walnuts found that less than 10% of Americans prep their lunch for the whole week and almost half (45%) don’t plan what they’re going to eat for lunch at all. I admit I’m guilty of this most weeks, but I’m always so happy when I actually do take the time to prep (my bank account is happy, too).

Roasted Beet & Walnut Grain Bowl

I love adding walnuts to salads and grain bowls because of their satisfying crunch. In addition to texture, walnuts make for a perfect lunch ingredient because they’re a significant source of omega-3 fatty acids (a good, polyunsaturated fat). This versatile lunch addition keeps me feeling full and satisfied through the afternoon.

If you’re one of the many Americans who regularly skip lunch, I challenge you to reclaim that midday meal and use it as an opportunity to take a break from work. I know I always feel more energized and productive in the afternoon when I’ve given myself a lunch break! To learn more about the #ChooseLunch campaign and get additional walnut recipes, head over to Walnuts.org.

xo Nicole

Filed Under: Dinner, Gluten-Free, Lunch, Recipes, Vegetarian

Vegan Mango Curry

April 14, 2019 by Nicole 1 Comment

This vegan mango curry is absolutely delicious! The sweetness of the mango is a yummy twist on this old favorite. I made it earlier this week at home, and then cooked it again last night for my grandparents (I’m visiting them in Naples this week). It was a crowd pleaser!

As pictured, I serve it over rice and add crispy tofu. If you don’t care about the recipe being vegan, you could replace tofu with chicken or the animal protein of your choice. And rice can be subbed out for any grain.

In colder months, I love making curry with butternut squash or sweet potato. Mango is a fun way to bring the recipe into the warmer months. This vegan mango curry recipe makes 4 servings, but if you’re cooking for just one or two, I’d still make the full batch. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and taste delicious when reheated. The tofu won’t be quite as crispy, but everything else reheats great.

Similar(ish) Recipes to Try

If you’re a curry fan, I also have this One-Pot Sweet Potato Quinoa Curry with Zoodles recipe on the site. Gotta love how easy the clean up is with one-pot meals! And if you’re looking for more creative ways to cook with mango, I have these dinner recipes:

Before I wrap up this post, I want to wish everyone running the Boston Marathon tomorrow the best of luck! When I ran it a few years ago, I was crippled with fundraising stress and anxiety leading up to race day. If you’re in that same boat, I want to assure you that the feeling of crossing that finish line will make it worth it. In fact, the high of finishing just may trick you into signing up for another marathon. 😉

xo Nicole

Filed Under: Dairy-Free, Dinner, Gluten-Free, Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

BBQ Jackfruit Grain Bowls

September 16, 2018 by Nicole Leave a Comment

Today I wanted to share a way you could use the shredded bbq jackfruit recipe from last week. When I think “bbq,” two things come to mind: summer and football. So what more fitting time of year than now to talk about these bbq jackfruit grain bowls. They do NOT skimp on the flavor and I I think even your carnivorous friends will love them. 😉

I’m using brown rice, but you can use any grain you like. Even cauliflower rice! You could also nix the rice and put the rest of the ingredients on a bun. Eat it like a sandwich instead of serving them as a grain bowl—it’s your life, baby!

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NOTE ABOUT THE PINEAPPLE. If you have a grill, I highly suggest cooking the pineapple that way instead of in a pan like I did. If you do grill it, cut a fresh pineapple into rounds, removing the core. Toss in the maple syrup and chili pepper and grill a couple minutes each side. You could also always put fresh pineapple in your bbq jackfruit grain bowl instead—still delicious.

Anyone else’s tongue sting when they eat raw pineapple? I read (and don’t quote me on this, I forget the source) that it’s due to an enzyme in the pineapple actually breaking down your tastebuds. Apparently if you cook the pineapple, it won’t have that effect. Just thought I’d share this unverified, un-researched fun “fact” with you so you’d have a conversation starter at your football tailgate today. 😉

Before I sign off for today, just a note about tomorrow’s workout. I WILL have a new YouTube video up, but it won’t be until the afternoon.

xo Nicole

Filed Under: Dairy-Free, Dinner, Gluten-Free, Lunch, Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian