Category Archives: Vegetables

Ribolitta Soup

March 19, 2020 by pamflo

I’ve been digging into my archives for easy recipes using pantry staples. Ribolitta is a Tuscan soup made with lots of vegetables and hunks of toasted or stale bread. Traditionally this soup is made with inexpensive vegetables like carrots, celery and onions as well as white beans, kale and cabbage. This hearty soup is easy to make and you can use whatever variety of veggies you have on hand. I often finish soups with a splash of acid, using either […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Pantry Staples, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Simmer

Charred Broccolini with Slivered Almonds

March 12, 2020 by pamflo

This is a quick and easy vegetable dish to make! Broccolini is a cross between regular broccoli and Chinese broccoli. It has smaller florets and the entire plant is edible, including the stalks and leaves. Broccolini has a more mild and subtle earthy flavor, compared to regular broccoli. It has antioxidant properties and is high in beta carotene, which helps promote healthy skin. Broccolini can be sautéed, steamed, roasted, and grilled. With a couple of tablespoons of water I first steamed […]

Categories: Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Nuts, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté

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Spicy Pork and Bok Choy Stir Fry

March 5, 2020 by pamflo

This is a delicious one-pot stir fry dish! Bok choy is a cruciferous vegetable that is part of the cabbage family. Cruciferous vegetables have sulforaphanes that help reduce inflammation in the body. Bok choy is a nutrient dense food that has a lengthy list of health benefits, including anti-cancer properties. Both the white and green part of the bok choy stalks are used in this recipe. The spiciness in this delicious dish comes from sambal oelek, an Indonesian chile paste made […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals, Vegetables • Tags: Stir-Fry

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Braised Chicken with Artichokes, Olives and Lemon

February 20, 2020 by pamflo

These brisk winter days have me craving a hearty one-pot meal. The combination of the crisp chicken skin, plump juicy meat and rich broth is outstanding in this braised dish. The extra step of browning the chicken before cooking is worth the little bit of extra effort. The chicken is then braised in a deeply flavored broth with a Mediterranean flair of olives, garlic, artichokes, and lemon. Artichokes are high in vitamin C, high in fiber, and considered a heart […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals, Vegetables • Tags: Braise, Sear

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Shakshuka

February 6, 2020 by pamflo

This one-pot dish of soft poached eggs in a steaming, flavorful tomato broth with peppers, onions and spices is called shakshuka in Israel, and is traditionally served for breakfast. This delicious dish is a staple not only in Israeli, but in Tunisian, Moroccan and Egyptian cuisine. Many other cuisines have their own version of this dish. Shakshuka is usually served in a cast iron pan with bread to soak up the zesty sauce. There are many ways to make this […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Eggs, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Vegetables • Tags: Simmer

Roasted Cauliflower Parmesan

January 30, 2020 by pamflo

Over the years, my cauliflower recipes have been some of the most popular. With the 2020 Super Bowl only days away, it seems timely to post a healthy recipe option and a great dish for your vegetarian guests. This is a great way to serve cauliflower, the heat caramelizes and sweetens the cauliflower when it’s roasted. Each head of cauliflower yields two to three thick slices. First cut off the inedible leaves and trim the core, leaving the stem intact. Cut thick […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Game Day, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Roast

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Butternut Squash and Coconut Soup

January 9, 2020 by pamflo

Butternut squash is a great source of dietary fiber and potassium. Turmeric, known as a medicinal spice, has powerful anti-inflammatory qualities. Coconut adds the healthy fat and provides a good source of energy. Fresh ginger aids in digestion and can alleviate gastrointestinal distress. Sweet, hearty and nutritious, this soup is a bowl of complete nourishment! There are many ways to make butternut squash soup, but the combination of vegetables, herbs and spices makes this soup special.

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Soups/Stews, Spices, Vegetables • Tags: Simmer, Whiz

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Scrambled Egg Stuffed Peppers

January 2, 2020 by pamflo

I’m starting off the new year with a healthy breakfast option. Naturally sweet bell peppers are a perfect vehicle for baking eggs, and an easy dish to prepare. I chopped and sautéed the flesh from the pepper tops on the stovetop with olive oil to soften them, and use in the filling along with kale and cooked bacon. After filling each pepper, bake until the eggs are set. A pinch of cheese could work here and a garnish of fresh […]

Categories: Bacon, Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Eggs, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

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Hearty Vegetable and Bean Soup

December 5, 2019 by pamflo

Umami is a savory flavor sometimes referred to as the fifth taste alongside sweet, salty, sour and bitter. Naturally occurring in foods such as mushrooms, cheese, fish, meat, tomatoes and soy beans, to name a few. Sometimes when you have a dish that seems to be missing something, it’s often the umami flavor. This soup has an abundance of umami. Both the buttery parmesan rind that dissolves in the soup and the pungent anchovy paste, provide great depth of flavor. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Bacon, Beans, Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté, Simmer

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Roasted Root Vegetables

November 21, 2019 by pamflo

Odd shaped and knobby, the root of the celery stalk is called celeriac. Although it’s not the most beautiful of the root vegetables, its subtle celery flavor is perfect for roasting. To prepare the celeriac, cut off both top and bottom ends so you have a flat base. With a sharp knife or vegetable peeler, cut vertical strips from top to bottom until you’ve removed all the skin. When exposed to the air, the creamy flesh will turn brown, but […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Roast

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Baba Ganoush

November 14, 2019 by pamflo

Baba ganoush is a Mediterranean dip similar to hummus, but its base is roasted or grilled eggplant instead of chickpeas. Eggplant, a vegetable in the nightshade family, is high in fiber and nutrient dense. The beautiful purple globe eggplants make really good baba ganoush! It’s an easy dip to prepare with just a few ingredients, and is simple to dress up with smoked paprika, pomegranate seeds and a drizzle of olive oil, as garnish. As with hummus, sesame paste or […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Seeds, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast, Whiz

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Double Chocolate Veggie Muffins

October 31, 2019 by pamflo

These are delicious muffins and you’d hardly know they contain vegetables, and in a small consumer taste test nobody knew! I really like the combination of shredded zucchini and mashed avocado as the base for the batter. I also like that it’s a low sugar treat and a solid breakfast idea. My muffins are dairy and free of gluten, as I substituted gluten-free flour for regular all-purpose. You don’t actually taste the zucchini in baked goods, but it provides moisture, […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar, Muffins, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

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Simple Herb Roasted Carrots

October 24, 2019 by pamflo

The local Farmers Markets in Massachusetts are rapidly coming to a close. The carrots with their beautiful green tops looked so appealing this week, that I bought them with no real recipe in mind. Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, vitamin A and antioxidants. Their natural sweetness makes them a perfect vegetable for roasting. This is a simple recipe for roasting carrots because all you need is a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper, and a handful of […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

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Cabbage and Apple Slaw

October 17, 2019 by pamflo

This simple, classic fall slaw is filled with crisp cabbage, shredded carrots and perfectly tart apples. Skipping the mayonnaise, I dressed the slaw with olive oil, apple cider vinegar and mustard vinaigrette. I added a splash of lime juice for extra zip and it also keeps the apples from turning brown. Cabbage, a cruciferous vegetable, and a great source of fiber and antioxidants, is most nutrient dense when served in its raw form. This slaw pairs with many dishes like a […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dressing, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking

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Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

September 26, 2019 by pamflo

This is a decadent recipe, with the combination of savory and sweet, and a great dish for a holiday or special occasion. Good quality thick-cut crispy bacon and pure maple syrup paired with fresh Brussels makes this recipe fantastic, even if you’re not a fan of the sprouts. Brussels sprouts have a bad reputation, because if you overcook them, your kitchen can smell like sulfur. Cook the sprouts until slightly underdone, they will still be green, a bit crunchy and slightly […]

Categories: Appetizer, Bacon, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté

Lobster and Asparagus Omelet

August 29, 2019 by pamflo

“Lobsta” as the Bostonians fondly call this tasty crustacean, is at its peak between June and late December. Maine lobsters have sweet, meaty claws and delicious tail meat, and are a perfect addition to an omelet. Lobster meat is low in calories and high in protein. It provides a great source of essential vitamins and minerals, and is low in mercury. I added steamed asparagus, and gave both the asparagus and lobster meat a quick sauté in a combination of […]

Categories: Appetizer, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Eggs, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Seafood, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté

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Tuna Poke Bowl

August 15, 2019 by pamflo

This “do it yourself” poke bowl is fresh, customizable and there’s no cooking involved! Tuna is a good source of high quality protein containing many of our essential amino acids. Ahi tuna, also know as yellow-fin is the best tuna to use for this raw dish, although fresh salmon is a good alternative. Buy the freshest fish possible, sometimes referred to as “sushi-grade”. When shopping for fish, it should smell fresh and briny like the sea, the eyes should be […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking

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Baked Tomato Gratin

August 1, 2019 by pamflo

Although it seems almost sinful to cook beautifully ripe tomatoes at the height of the summer, this dish intensifies the flavor of the tomatoes. A classic gratin is usually a dish of layered vegetables topped with cheese and buttery breadcrumbs. My version is a simple dish with large juicy tomato slices, a sprinkling of parmesan cheese, fresh herbs and a splash of balsamic vinegar. This dish is a perfect side for a hearty meal or a nice topping for a […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

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Grilled Zucchini Salad

July 25, 2019 by pamflo

The most delightful part of this salad is the pomegranate molasses, a thick tart syrup that’s drizzled on the grilled zucchini. Pomegranate molasses is a syrup traditionally used in Middle Eastern cooking, and can be used in a variety of dishes. It is easy to make your own with sugar, lemon and pomegranate juice or is readily available at most specialty markets. Zucchini is actually a fruit, with its beautiful yellow blossoms that are edible. Usually eaten as a vegetable […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Grill

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Grilled Swordfish and Vegetable Kabobs

July 18, 2019 by pamflo

Swordfish is a firm-fleshed fish with a mildly sweet flavor, perfect for cutting into cubes and grilling for an easy weeknight meal. Although it’s on the list of fish that can be high in mercury, it’s a great protein source, and abundant in minerals and vitamins. If time permits, you can marinate the pieces of fish for up to 30 minutes. Being short on time, I generously coated the cubes with olive oil, salt and pepper before grilling. Serve hot with […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Seafood, Vegetables • Tags: Grill

Watermelon and Tomato Gazpacho

July 11, 2019 by pamflo

The delightful flavors of watermelon, ripe tomatoes and cucumbers come together to create this sweet and savory chilled soup. With the added tang of a lime and the heat of a jalapeño, this is the perfect dish for a hot and steamy summer night! This soup can be served smooth or chunky. If you want a combination of both, puree the soup completely in a blender or food processor, and then add the extra finely diced watermelon and cucumbers. If […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Vegetables

Ribolitta Soup

Charred Broccolini with Slivered Almonds

Spicy Pork and Bok Choy Stir Fry

Braised Chicken with Artichokes, Olives and Lemon

Shakshuka

Roasted Cauliflower Parmesan

Butternut Squash and Coconut Soup

Scrambled Egg Stuffed Peppers

Hearty Vegetable and Bean Soup

Roasted Root Vegetables

Baba Ganoush

Double Chocolate Veggie Muffins

Simple Herb Roasted Carrots

Cabbage and Apple Slaw

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Lobster and Asparagus Omelet

Tuna Poke Bowl

Baked Tomato Gratin

Grilled Zucchini Salad

Grilled Swordfish and Vegetable Kabobs

Watermelon and Tomato Gazpacho