What's Cooking? How to eat more plant-based meals

Thanks to Denise for this week's question: "I'm looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into my diet. What are your favorite recipes?"

I love this question! I'm sharing three recipes: an Indian dish that I adore, a simple sauce, and my typical breakfast.

My Favorite Plant-based Dinner

My Gobi Matar - wish you could smell this!

Lately, I have been crushing on my version of Nisha Vora's Aloo Gobi. I swap out the potatoes for peas to add protein and fiber (so, technically it's Gobi Matar).

The cauliflower roasts in the oven while I make the masala in a large pot. When the cauliflower is ready, I dump it in the pot, give it a quick stir and voilá --dinner is served. If there are leftovers (big IF) it's even more delish the next day.

The symphony of aromatics that makes this dish truly sing may require a trip to an Asian market as ingredients such as cumin seeds, asafoetida, fenugreek and amchur aren't readily available in most grocery stores. But if you are feeling adventurous it's totally worth it IMHO!

My Favorite Plant-based Sauce

Tahini pasta sauce

I am also loving this quick and easy pasta sauce recipe made with tahini. Tahini is a great source of heart-healthy fats, antioxidants, and micronutrients including vitamins B and E, selenium, iron, calcium and folate.

Side note: Yes, I eat pasta! As a health coach, I believe we don't have to give up foods we love as long as we are intentional about our consumption. I limit pasta to one or two meals a month.

Be selective in choosing your noodles, too. If the first ingredient on the package label is "wheat flour" then the pasta is primarily white flour--a low fiber, highly-processed substance that can spike your blood sugar unless you begin the meal with a high-fiber appetizer like a salad. Pasta made with whole wheat or legume flour is a better option especially for anyone with gluten sensitivity or a metabolic disorder such as diabetes.

My Favorite Plant-based Breakfast

Rolled oats, chia and flax seeds with fresh strawberries and plant-based yogurt

My first meal of the day begins with a concoction of rolled oats, chia seeds, and flax seeds soaked in plant-based milk. Then I add fruit, nuts or seeds, and plant-based yogurt for a hearty, well-rounded bowl of wholesome goodness. If you are looking lose weight, lower your cholesterol, boost your immune system, regulate your digestion this is the breakfast for you.

I've made a few improvements since I made this video last year. Now, I grind the flaxseeds using a milling blade that I bought for my Nutribullet. Also, I am making my own plant-based milk using my Almond Cow machine to avoid the gums and oils in store-bought varieties.

What's your favorite plant-based recipe? Drop it in the comments.

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