December 19, 2023

This Veggie Soup Is Rich with Antioxidants

  Moringa Vegetable Soup In Africa and Asia, where protein-rich moringa plants grow in abundance, people add the tiny leaves to soups and stews just before serving. The leaves are wilted by the hot liquid but are not fully cooked, so their vitamins stay intact. I also like the flavor of moringa combined with antioxidant-rich squash, eggplant, and okra (another African ingredient). For this soup, any smoked fish, such as salmon, can be used. To make this soup vegan, use vegetable stock in place of the chicken stock and omit the fish or fish sauce. To give this soup an […]
November 6, 2023

Pumpkins and Squash Have Souper Powers

Pumpkins and Squash Have Souper Powers. You may only associate pumpkins with Halloween, but fresh pumpkins are available from October through February. They contain large amounts of potassium (33 percent more than a medium banana) and beta carotene without a boat-load of calories—49 per cup mashed. The high amounts of potassium in pumpkins works with sodium to balance the amount of water in the body. A diet high in potassium helps keep blood pressure at a healthy level and assists with the prevention of strokes. Pumpkins contain more than 2400 mcg of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important […]
October 10, 2023

Harvest Fall Vegetables for Delish Dishes

The change in season is such a wonderful time, even in temperate Southern California. Yes, the days can be hot, but the sun sets earlier and though it may still reach 80-plus degrees at 2:00 pm, evenings are cool, and thoughts turn to comforting, fallish foods, including vegetables. Most fall vegetables are available in winter, too, and most vegetables, for that matter, are available year-round thanks to farmers in Mexico and Central America. The key is that typically fall vegetables are at their peak this time of year, so take advantage of them at their best. Here are some vegetables […]
July 30, 2022

Tokyo Garlic-Miso Vegetables

Roasting vegetables is one of the easiest ways to add more nutrient-dense foods to your diet. This dish’s blend of summer and year-round produce is tossed in an immune-boosting garlic miso sauce for added nutrition and delicious flavor. Miso is a thick paste made from fermented soybeans. Sometimes called miso paste or miso soybean paste, it can be found in any Asian grocery, or in the international section of mainstream grocery stores. You can use either white (mild) or red (stronger) miso. In Tokyo, they prefer the stronger red or brown varieties. Benefits: Miso is high in protein and rich […]
February 28, 2022

Quinoa-Stuffed Winter Squash

Pine nuts, allspice, and mint give this meat-free entree Middle Eastern flair, but the overall statement is “American harvest.” The entire dish can be prepared up to three hours ahead and reheated just before serving time. Ingredients: 4 small table queen or other acorn squash 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing 2 cups vegetable broth 3/4 Tbs. sea salt, divided 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided 1-1/2 tsp. allspice, divided 1 red onion, cut in 1/4-inch dice 4 cloves garlic, minced 1/3 cup dried cranberries 2 cups cooked quinoa 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts or slivered […]
January 1, 2022

Eating Healthy All Winter

What is the easiest way to get in shape for your summer vacation? It’s eating healthy during the cold winter months and skipping the beach-body crash diets of years past. As soon as temperatures start rising, I see patients trying to lose the extra pounds that crept on around the holidays and stayed through the winter. I’m here to tell you how to maintain a healthy body with smart seasonal eating so you can avoid the summer diet panic. We all know crash diets are unhealthy and rarely effective. The key to healthy weight loss is replacing processed unhealthy foods with better […]
January 20, 2021

Flaxseed and Squash Tortillas

  These tortillas are soft enough to wrap around fish but durable enough to hold fajitas. I spent weeks perfecting them! Everyone who tries them loves them. This recipe makes reddish-colored tortillas using red bell peppers, but for tortillas with green flecks use green bell peppers. I use golden flaxseeds because I prefer their color. Flaxseed contains fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease, and vitamin E, which protects the heart and the skin from the sun’s aging effects. The carotenoids in squash and peppers are precursors to vitamin A, which […]
January 5, 2021

Zucchini Squash Bake Is Great Comfort Food

This Zucchini Squash Bake makes for delicious comfort food when the weather outside is frightful. Gluten free and vegetarian, it’s chock full of nutritious zucchini plus protein-rich ricotta. Zucchini Squash Bake Ingredients: 1 small (about 2 pounds) kabocha, red kuri or delicata squash ½ Tbs. olive oil ⅛ tsp. plus ½ tsp. salt, divided 1 small zucchini, grated (about ½ cup) ⅔ cup ricotta ½ cup grated hard cheese, such as Fontina, Emmental, Gruyère or non-aged Gouda 1 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley 1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme ½ tsp. ground black pepper 1 egg (beaten) ½ tsp. ground nutmet 1 […]
December 15, 2020

6 New Ways To Serve Winter Squash

‘Tis the season for winter squash, from acorn and butternut to kabocha and pumpkins. Enjoy these delicious, seasonal vegetables like never before, with creative new recipes. Recipes: Spaghetti Squash Fritters Makes 16 fritters; Gluten free, Vegetarian, Staff favorite 1 medium (3-4 pounds) spaghetti squash 2 tablespoons coconut oil plus extra 1 egg 1/3 cup chopped fresh mixed herbs, such as chives, thyme, sage and/or parsley 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 4 ounces goat cheese (about 2/3 cup) 2 large cloves garlic, minced Zest of 1 lemon 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper 3/4 cup gluten-free flour (TRY: […]