crispy coconut kale, tempeh and chickpeas with maple tahini dressing

Yes, another kale recipe….but, I couldn’t help myself from grabbing this bunch of dino kale as I was walking through Phoenix Fruit.  I won’t go into detail on the benefits of kale yet again, so I will just leave you with the recipe :)

 crispy coconut kale

This is something we make on a regular basis because it is so easy to whip up! This recipe packs a protein punch from the tempeh, chickpeas and quinoa, it’s a surefire way to keep you full and energized!

Crispy Coconut Kale, Tempeh, and Chickpeas with Tahini Maple Dressing

Crispy Coconut Kale:

1 bunch of kale, trimmed and rinsed

olive oil

unsweetened coconut flakes

sea salt

Tempeh and Chickpeas:

1 block tempeh, cut into cubes

1 can chickpeas, rinsed

2 tablespoons coconut oil

2 tablespoons braggs amino acids

crispy coconut kale

Tahini Maple Dressing:

½ cup water

¼ cup olive oil

1 clove garlic

2 tablespoons maple syrup

2 tablespoons braggs amino acids

2 tablespoons tahini

Directions:

-Rinse kale and pat dry.  Massage with olive oil and place on a cookie sheet.  Sprinkle with coconut flakes and sea salt.  Bake in a 375 degree oven until leaves are crispy.

-In a frying pan heat coconut oil on medium high heat.   Add tempeh and sauté for a few minutes.  Add chickpeas and bragg’s amino acids and sauté for another 5 minutes or until tempeh is crispy on all sides.

-Put all dressing ingredients into a blender and mix until well combined.

-Serve over cooked quinoa and enjoy!

Click here for instructions on how to cook quinoa!

crispy coconut kale

What are your favorite kale recipes???

raw beet slaw

This is the beet salad I mentioned in yesterday’s post.  Warning…it is highly addictive!

raw beet slaw

Beets are on my “Superfood List” because of their phytonutrient called betalains.  This phytonutrient is essential for the detoxification process and quenches inflammation in the body.  Research is showing that these powerful red pigments may also slow tumor growth…exciting stuff!   Beets are also great for pregnant women thanks to the B vitamins and iron essential to cell development and replenishing the body!

All the nutrition facts aside, beets just make you feel vibrant and alive!  In the Yogic world beets are said to support the first chakra or the “root” chakra, which keeps us grounded, energized and secure.  The root chakra is red, and beets are a red root…maybe there’s a connection here?

My sister-in-law shared this recipe with me.  She is studying nutrition at Bauman College in Northern California.  Once again, I modified the recipe a tad and this is what I came up with…

 raw beet slaw

Raw Beet Slaw

2 raw beets, shredded (I used a mandolin)

2 carrots, grated

1 apple, diced

2 scallions, chopped

½ cup pecans

½ cup unsweetened, shredded coconut flakes

juice of 1 orange

juice of 1 lemon

drizzle of olive oil

salt to taste

raw beet slaw

Mix all the ingredients up in a large bowl, chill for at least an hour (if you can wait that long, I couldn’t) to let flavors blend.

Raw Beet Slaw

Enjoy!

www.beginwithinnutrition.com

overnight oats with a tropical twist

Porridge with berries (1)

Oats are a great way to get in a dose of whole grains but not many of us have the time in the morning to cook them!  I have a solution for you…Overnight Oats!  All you have to do is put raw oats in a bowl, add milk of your choice,  place them in the refrigerator and Voila; breakfast is waiting for you when you wake up!

We all have heard that oats are a “superfood” in protecting against heart disease and diabetes but what makes them so “super?” Credit is mostly due to a type of fiber called “beta-glucan.”  This little compound when consumed, binds to cholesterol in the digestive tract and prevents it from entering the bloodstream.  Beta-glucan also slows down the metabolism of glucose in the body, keeping blood sugar levels stable for most of the day.

There are many types of oats to choose from such as steel cut oats, rolled or old-fashioned oats, and instant or “quick” oats.  Steel cut oats are the least processed and contain the most fiber.  “Quick” or “Instant” oats are the most processed as they are precooked and dried for a faster cooking time.  They contain the least fiber and a minimal amount of nutrients.  Not to mention, they have a mushy texture! It’s best to avoid prepackaged oats as they usually contain high levels of added sugar and sodium.

Overnight Oats

Place desired amount of oats in a bowl or mason jar.  Pour milk of your choice (I used almond milk) over oats until oats are completely covered.  Cover and place in refrigerator overnight.  Add toppings and enjoy!  I added mango, banana, unsweetened coconut and maple syrup for a tropical twist!

 overnight oats with a tropical twist

Toppings:

Toasted walnuts, dates and molasses

Fresh figs and honey

Strawberries, blueberries and agave syrup

Sliced apples, cinnamon and raisins

Almond butter

~Add milk if desired~

overnight oats with a tropical twist