Category Archives: Vegetarian

Spaghetti Squash Pizza

April 20, 2017 by pamflo

I thought it might be fun to put together a quick and easy crowd pleasing dish. All that is needed is a few pantry staples and any veggies you have on hand. The fact that this actually tastes like pizza came as a complete surprise. Spaghetti squash is a healthy, versatile vegetable. The flesh becomes beautiful noodle-like strands, that will take on whatever flavor you add to it. High in fiber and rich in nutrients, spaghetti squash is a tasty substitute for […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetarian • Tags: Roast

Cauliflower “Fried” Rice

January 26, 2017 by pamflo

Cauliflower seems like a boring white food, but don’t overlook it because it’s loaded with anti-inflammatory properties. Cauliflower is popular now masquerading in other dishes, such as a base for pizza dough. It was time to try cauliflower as a substitute for carbohydrates. It’s really good as faux “fried” rice! This vegetarian cauliflower dish is a warm and comforting bowl of goodness as is, but I could see adding a protein for a complete meal. Both pre-cut cauliflower and the pre-cut mixed vegetables can be […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Smoothies/Shakes, Vegetarian • Tags: Sauté

Parmesan and Thyme Crackers

January 12, 2017 by pamflo

Winter in New England is very unpredictable. As the saying goes, “the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry”. Planning to attend a post-holiday gathering and bring a savory appetizer, I made the dough for these cheesy, crunchy, speckled crackers. And then there was a snow storm. The party was cancelled so instead, I baked these flaky crackers while the beautiful snow was falling heavily outside. I photographed the crackers just as I would have served them, with grapes and nuts. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crackers, Gifts, Vegetarian • Tags: Bake

Quinoa Stuffed Delicata Squash

December 15, 2016 by pamflo

Looking back fondly at the plethora of photos from my fall Farmers’ Market visits, I realize that it might not be too late to post a squash recipe. Although winter squashes are harvested in the fall, stored in a cool dry spot they’ll keep for a while. There are a few options for squashes at the markets now. Delicata squash, with its pale yellow, cylindrical shape, is a perfect vessel for stuffing. The skin is eatable, and when purchasing buy […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Vegetarian • Tags: Roast

Israeli Chopped Salad

August 11, 2016 by pamflo

Raw. Simple. Fresh. A perfect salad for a hot summer night, as a side dish or a quick lunch. An Israeli salad is defined as a finely chopped salad of raw vegetables, tossed with a simple dressing. Middle Eastern restaurants serve variations of this salad in pita pockets, on it’s own or to accompany falafel, a deep-fried chickpea fritter. Traditionally, the salad contains tomatoes, Kirby or Persian cucumbers, onion and peppers. I added carrot and radishes and skipped the onion and pepper. […]

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

Asparagus Stir-Fry

June 16, 2016 by pamflo

The thick, beautiful, green stalks of asparagus are in season now. Asparagus is a nutrient dense vegetable and a natural diuretic. The idea of a fast stir-fry was appealing, because the asparagus retains its color and has a bit of crunch. Quick cooking methods like roasting, blanching or stir-frying help the nutrients remain in the asparagus spears. I used a wok for this stir-fry, but a cast iron or sauté pan work well too. Asparagus has a natural breaking point about 3/4 of the way down the […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Stir-Fry

Spring Vegetable Soup

May 12, 2016 by pamflo

It’s been a wet and chilly spring in Boston and this hearty vegetable soup hits the spot. This can be a “clean out your refrigerator” soup, using whatever veggies you have on hand. I love adding a small hunk of parmesan rind to my soups. It adds a subtle umami flavor to a dish. Umami, a savory taste that means “delicious” in Japanese, is considered the fifth taste, along with sweet, salty, bitter and sour flavors. Some foods where umami occurs […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Soups/Stews, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Gluten Free, Simmer

Grilled Zucchini Salad

May 5, 2016 by pamflo

I’m a fan of making zucchini noodles as a healthy substitute for pasta, but it was time to branch out and try a new dish. Zucchini is actually a fruit, with its beautiful yellow blossoms that are edible. Usually eaten as a vegetable, zucchini is high in fiber, potassium and vitamin C. The peak season for zucchini is June through late August. The most delightful part of this salad is the pomegranate molasses, a thick tart syrup that’s drizzled on the grilled […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Nuts, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Drizzle, Gluten Free, Grill

Almond Joy Smoothie

March 10, 2016 by pamflo

“Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t. Almond Joy’s got nuts, Mounds don’t”! That’s the Hershey’s jingle from the 1970’s. The Almond Joy candy bar, an American classic, is a fantastic combination of almonds, coconut and chocolate. This smoothie recipe is a fusion of these flavors in a delicious and healthy beverage. 12 ounces coconut milk (I use the unsweetened, full-fat Native Forest brand) Option: The serving size of this full-fat coconut milk is 1/3 cup (about 3-4 ounces). Feel free […]

Categories: Beverages, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Lunch Ideas, Smoothies/Shakes, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Whiz

Roasted Beet Tahini

March 3, 2016 by pamflo

I recently attend a thought-provoking and informative conference in California. It was a nutrition and culinary conference, jointly organized by the Harvard School of Public Health and The Culinary Institute of America (CIA). A highlight was that the event was held at the scenic and beautiful CIA campus in Napa Valley. The conference brought together healthcare and culinary professionals to share information about food and health. As part of a hands-on healthy baking workshop, we made a similar beet dip to go with our freshly baked focaccia bread. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Snack, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Roast, Whiz

Steamed Cauliflower with Olives and Capers

February 25, 2016 by pamflo

Having heard the requests from my blog readers, I’m posting another cauliflower recipe. The whole roasted cauliflower post is a hugely popular recipe and this will be a close second (find that recipe at http://wp.me/p3Fs85-lu). An array of Mediterranean flavors elevates this dish to more than just steamed cauliflower. This recipe makes a flavorful side dish or a hearty lunch. 1 head of cauliflower (about 1 pound) 1/2 cup pitted olives, coarsely chopped 1 tablespoon salt-packed capers plus more for garnish, rinsed and drained Juice […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Sauté, Steam

Avocado Mash

February 18, 2016 by pamflo

Creamy and satisfying, avocado is a great part of any meal. Although high in calories, avocados provide a good dose of healthy fat, potassium, fiber and a variety of vitamins. When shopping for avocados, consider buying a few in different stages of ripeness, and avoid avocados that have soft spots and discoloration. Avocados are best when stored at room temperature. Wash the outside of the avocado before cutting, as not to transfer any bacteria from the skin to the inside. The flesh turns […]

Categories: Appetizer, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Snack, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, No Cooking

Oven-Roasted Tahini Broccoli

February 4, 2016 by pamflo

One of my most popular blog posts is about roasting a whole head of cauliflower. Planning another cauliflower post, I was surprised to learn in a recent article, that we’re in the midst of a cauliflower shortage. High in demand and low in availability, the prices have skyrocketed. I thought, why not try this recipe with broccoli instead of cauliflower. Broccoli is part of the cabbage family and a good source of both vitamin A and C. Tahini, a paste made […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Gluten Free, Seeds, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Roast

Spicy Tomato Soup

January 21, 2016 by pamflo

We threw an impromptu birthday dinner for my son and some friends, and I thought tomato soup and grilled cheese fit the bill. This is Barbara Lynch’s recipe from her beautiful Stir Cookbook. The soup gets better as the flavors meld, so I always increase the recipe and we devour the leftovers. Although the crème fraîche is optional, I strongly recommend it. The flavor is similar to a mild sour cream and completes the dish. You can make your own by adding […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Soups/Stews, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Simmer, Whiz

Blistered Edamame

January 14, 2016 by pamflo

You can conclude many things about a person by looking at their digital photo library. I recently showed my 4 year old niece my photo library, as she likes to scroll through my photos when I’m visiting. She said “why do you have so many more pictures of food, than you have pictures of me?” Anyone that knows me, knows I’m very passionate about food, and that is evident even in my photos! This edamame recipe is quick, easy and can be as […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans/Legumes, Gluten Free, Side Dish, Snack, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Gluten Free, Seared

Butternut Squash and Coconut Soup

December 10, 2015 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 alleviates gastrointestinal distress. Sweet, hearty and nutritious, this soup is a bowl of complete goodness. There are many ways to make butternut squash soup, but the combination of vegetables, herbs and spices makes this soup one to be repeated. 1 large butternut squash- […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Soups/Stews, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Gluten Free, Purée, Roast, Simmer

Roasted Root Vegetables

November 23, 2015 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, cut vertical strips from top to bottom until you’ve removed all the skin. A vegetable peeler works too. When exposed to the air, the creamy flesh will turn brown, but […]

Categories: Appetizer, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Roast

Salad in a Jar

April 23, 2015 by pamflo

Jarred salads are hardly a new idea, but certainly a smart one! Only your imagination will limit you. I like the combination of greens, seeds, fruit and grains. Consider a mixture of greens/herbs, grains, nuts, salsa, a variety of veggies and/or fruit, and a protein or two. Salad preparation is easy and can be made ahead. This makes a great “on the go” meal, just shake vigorously and dig in. The dressing works best as the bottom layer, the next […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans/Legumes, Nuts/Seeds, Rice/Grains, Salads, Seeds, Snack, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Shake

Swiss Chard with Lentils, and Poached Eggs

April 2, 2015 by pamflo

Wow, this is my 100th post to Zest for Cooking! It’s been a great run to one hundred. My followers inspire me and I really look forward to more feedback going forward. Let me know what inspires you to cook and what food topics interest you? San Francisco is one of my favorite foodie cities. I spent a few days there visiting family and friends, and of course eating! This salad was inspired by a lunch dish I had […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans/Legumes, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Greens, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Boil, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Poach, Sauté

Chopped Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad

March 19, 2015 by pamflo

After two months of hibernating indoors with such a cold and snowy winter, I finally went for a walk outdoors and actually heard the birds chirping. With the thought of spring arriving soon, I made this fresh crunchy salad. Feel free to mixed it up, use almonds, pistachios or pepitas and tart dried cherries as a substitute for the cranberries. Yum! SALAD: 1 cup walnuts, chopped 1 pound brussels sprouts, trimmed, halved and thinly sliced 1 pound Tusan or curly kale […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Greens, Nuts, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Gluten Free, Toast, Whiz

Marinated Golden Beets

March 12, 2015 by pamflo

There is something so satisfying about adding beets to your salad. Golden beets have a nice mild, earthy flavor and are high in potassium. Interestingly, the dark leafy greens that are on top of the bundle of beets, are even more nutritious. Most greens get cut off and discarded, but consider a quick sauté with olive oil or as an addition to soups and salads. High in natural sugar, beets are one of those vegetables that are a healthy treat, almost like […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Roast

Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!