Homemade Meals

  Fresh and delicious :) INGREDIENTS (1 salad or 2 side salads) 2 heirloom tomatoes, diced (or your favorite tomatoes) 1 English cucumber, diced 2-3 sprigs parsley, chopped 1/4 small onion, chopped 1/4 bell pepper, chopped 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (I use the Whole Food 365 brand) a handful of Kalamata Olives Seasoning (to taste): salt, black pepper, olive oil, vinegar (red wine or apple cider) STEPS: 1. Combine all the ingredients together 2. Season to taste Enjoy!

  Growing up in Bulgaria, yogurt was a daily staple on our table. If you visit a traditional Bulgarian restaurant, you’ll often see Snejanka Salata (yogurt salad), Tarator (cold yogurt soup), and Ayran (a chilled yogurt drink) on the menu. In the U.S., there are many yogurt options, but for this salad, my favorite—and the most authentic—is Bulgarian Yogurt, which comes in a glass jar at Whole Foods. Since it’s on the pricier side, I usually use the Whole Foods 365 plain yogurt instead. Ready to give it a try? INGREDIENTS (2 side salads) 1 cup plain yogurt 1/2 English cucumber, diced 2 sprigs dill, chopped 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped salt to taste olive oil to taste (1 tbsp) STEPS: 1. Combine all the ingredients together 2. Season to taste 3. Garnish with a kalamata olive. Enjoy!

  Once you try these tortillas, you won't buy from the store again! They are easy to make, and you can eat them on their own when hot (I usually melt some cheese). Ready to give it a try? INGREDIENTS (18 TORTILLAS) 1 lb. all purpose flour 1 tbsp salt 1 tbsp baking powder 2 1/2 oz melted unsalted butter 1 to 1 1/4 cup warm filtered water STEPS: 1. Combine the flour, salt and baking powder and beat on slow speed for 30 seconds. (I use KitchenAid stand mixer; paddle attachment) 2. Gradually add the melted butter and and beat until the mixture is a course meal 3. Change with the dough hook and add the water slowly until the dough comes together (2-3 minutes on low speed) Increase the speed to minimum and continue mixing until the dough becomes very soft, shiny, and elastic (you may need to add more water) 4. Remove the dough and cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 30-45 min. 5. Portion the dough roughly in the size of golf balls. Place them in a parchment...

  Who can believe a vegan dessert can taste so good? Give it a try, and let me know of your experience. It is easy to make (no baking required) and you won't feel guilty when you eat a couple of these :) It is vegan and gluten free. The recipe is from the Fiber Fueled cookbook. Ingredients 13 pitted dates 1 cup almonds  1 tbsp cocoa powder Pinch salt 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in warm water for at least 20 min, then drained 1 cup chopped strawberries ½ cup full fat canned coconut milk 1/3 cup maple syrup Juice of 1 large lemon Instructions: 1. Prepare the crust: Add the dates in a food processor and process until a thick paste forms. Remove from the processor. Add the almonds, cacao powder, and salt to the processor and process until the nuts are broken down into a fine crumb. Add the dates and process until combined. Prepare a muffin tin with muffin cups. Place 2 tbsp of the crust in the bottom of each muffin cup. 2. Prepare the strawberry filling: Add the cashews, strawberri...

I've tried several muhammara dips throughout the years, and this is probably my favorite. If you are looking for healthy and delicious dip, give it a try! You can eat it with your choice of vegetables (I prefer carrots) or spread it on a sourdough toast. It is vegan and gluten free. The recipe is from the Fiber diet cookbook Ingredients  (for 2 cups) : 6 large bell peppers (I sometimes buy the 6-pack variety from Costco and that's what I used to when I took this picture) 1 cup raw walnuts, chopped  2 tablespoons olive oil ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice ¼ cup balsamic vinegar  1 teaspoon ground cumin  1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste  ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place the whole bell peppers directly onto a rimmed baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes, turning after 15 minutes, so that the bell peppers are lightly charred on each side. Place the peppers in a large bowl and immediately cover with ...

This is probably one of the very first recipes I learned as a young adult. The crepes turn out very delicious each time I make them. I hope you enjoy them as well! Ingredients  (for 2-3 Servings) : 1 cup milk 1 cup water 1 egg 2 cups all-purpose flour a dash of salt and a dash of baking soda 1 tbsp coconut oil or grapeseed oil (or another oil you have at home) Instructions: 1. In a small bowl mix the water, milk, and egg. 2. In a separate bowl mix the flour with salt and soda 3. Mix the dry and wet ingredients together, and add the coconut oil. 4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with 1/2 tsp of butter. 5. Pour a ladle of the pancake mixture into the hot skillet and cook the crepes unit golden. 6. Continue with the remaining crepes. You don't have to add more butter to the pan, but if the mixture sticks to the pan, add more oil. Enjoy them on your own with maple syrup or add toppings of your choice.

  I am usually not a pasta person, but we recently had lunch at Oahu Country Club and they had a lunch special- penne pasta. It was so delicious, so I tried to recreate it. It turned out very delicious, so I would like to share it with you. Give it a try, and let me know how you like it! Ingredients  (for 3 Servings) : 3 chicken thighs 1/2 diced onion 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 small jar of basil pesto 1 small jar of sun-dried tomato 4 oz goat cheese 1/2 bag penne pasta Black pepper, salt to taste Instructions: 1. Cook the pasta according to the cooking instructions. Set aside. 2. Rub the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper and grill until fully cooked (temperature should be 165F). Set aside and cut into pieces.  3. In a skillet, over medium heat, saute the onion for approximately 2 minutes, then add the garlic and saute for an additional 1 minute. 3. Add the chicken to the skillet, the pesto, the tomatoes, and the cooked pasta. Combine everything together and cook u...

Pork chops have never been part of my meal plan. Ever since I discovered this recipe, I am tempted to cook it every time the pork chops are on sale :)  And who would've thought about using garam masala as the main seasoning? At least not me- I've always associated this spice with Indian dishes. Give it a try and let me know how you like it! Ingredients  (for 4 Servings) : 4 thin, bone-in, center-cut pork chops 4 garlic cloves, minced 2 tsp garam masala 1/4 tsp black pepper 3 tbsp unsalted butter 1 large shallot, thinly sliced 2 cups unthawed frozen green peas 1 cup thinly sliced radishes 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 tsp grated lemon zest Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 400F. Combine 2 tsp salt, black pepper, garlic, and garam masala. Rub the mixture on the pork chops and let them stand for 10 min. 2. Melt 2 tbsp butter on an ovenproof skillet (I use cast iron), add the pork chops, and sear until golden brown (4 to 5 min). Flip them over and sear undisturbed until golden b...

  This is a vegan version of an omelet. It is probably one of my favorite breakfasts- s o yummy and healthy. It has a rich flavor from oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes and capers. It is served with sourdough bread. The original recipe is from the Fiber Fueled cookbook. Ingredients  (for 1 Serving) : 1 tablespoon vegetable broth or water 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 scallion (you can also use onion), thinly sliced 5-6 cherry tomatoes  ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more to taste (optional) ½ teaspoon dried thyme ½ teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 pack extra-firm tofu (6oz), drained 1 tablespoon capers, drained 5-6 kalamata olives Seasoning (to taste): Ground turmeric, Salt, Freshly ground black pepper Fresh parsley or cilantro for serving Instructions: 1. In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the vegetable broth and olive oil. Add the scallion, tomato, red pepper flakes, thyme, and oregano. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened....

  Ingredients  (for 1 Serving) : 1 head of celery, stalks separated  1 large apple, sliced                                                                             1 lemon  ½ bunch parsley or cilantro  4 sprigs fresh mint Instructions:  Place all the ingredients in a blender. Enjoy!

  Ingredients  (for 2 Servings) :   2 frozen bananas  1 cup canned coconut milk  1 cup unsweetened almond milk  ½ cup pumpkin puree 2 tablespoons maple syrup  2 tablespoons hemp seeds  1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice  ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon  1 ½ cups ice  Instructions:  Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until creamy and very smooth. Enjoy!

Ingredients  (for 2 Servings) :   1 ¼ cups vegetable broth  ⅔ cup peeled and diced butternut squash  ¼ cup sliced scallions  1/2 medium green or red bell pepper, diced  ½ jalapeño, seeds and ribs removed, finely diced  1 cup (8 ounces) canned diced tomatoes  1 large carrot, diced  ½ medium zucchini, diced  1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika  1 teaspoon ground cumin  Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 cup cooked quinoa  Step-by-step instructions:  1.  Heat 1 tablespoon of broth in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the butternut squash and cook, stirring often and adding more broth as needed to prevent the squash from sticking, until just softened, stirring often, 5 to 8 minutes.    2. Add the scallions, bell peppers, and jalapeño and cook, stirring occasionally, for an additional 5 minutes. Add another tablespoon of the broth to prevent sticking, if necessary.   3. Add the dice...

Ingredients :   Note: Place the can of coconut milk in the refrigerator upside down for at least 3 hours. This helps make the mousse creamier. 1 block soft tofu (12 oz), drained  ½ cup canned coconut milk  ½ cup 100% maple syrup  ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder  2 tablespoons peanut butter  1 teaspoon vanilla extract  1 teaspoon salt  Step-by-step instructions:  1.   Place all ingredients into a high-powered blender. Puree until very smooth. 2. Divide among 4 to 6 ramekins or small bowls and allow to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or more to set.  3.Top with fresh raspberry when serving. Enjoy!

  This recipe is part of the Fiber Fueled diet, a book written by Will Bulsiewicz. It is vegan and gluten free; however, even if you are not into vegan food, this stir fry is so delicious, you would like to cook it at least once a month. My meat lover boyfriend ate a very large serving :) Ingredients :   ( 4 servings) ⅓ cup tamari ¼ cup rice wine vinegar  2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil  2 teaspoons cornstarch ¼ cup vegetable broth or water  2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger  1 red chili, seeded and minced (optional)  4 scallions, sliced  2 cups broccoli florets, chopped  4 carrots, sliced on the bias  1 red bell pepper, sliced  2 cups bok choy, sliced, leaves and stems separated  8 ounces oyster mushrooms, sliced  4 cups cooked quinoa Step-by-step instructions:  1.  In a small bowl, whisk together the tamari, vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth.  2. Heat the broth in a large skillet or ...

  Ingredients :  (2 servings) 4 cups chopped leafy greens  ½ cup can chickpeas, rinsed and drained ¼ cup sunflower seeds  Handful broccoli sprouts  1 medium carrot, shredded  10 cherry tomatoes, sliced  1/2 sliced avocado Oil-Free Orange Dressing:  ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons tahini,  ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.  Step-by-step instructions:  1 .  Make the dressing: Whisk together the orange juice, vinegar, tahini, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth. . Starting with 1 tablespoon at a time, whisk in water until your desired consistency is reached. (The dressing will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days).  2. In a salad bowl combine all ingredients together. Add the dressing and top with the avocado.

Delicious snack at any time of the day! Perfect to eat on its own, and I recommend adding the dried cranberries. Baked coconut is very tasty, so if you prefer, you can add more than 1 cup of shredded coconut.  Enjoy!     Ingredients :   2 cups rolled oats 1 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut  1 cup chopped walnuts  2 tablespoons chia seeds  2 tablespoons hemp seeds  2 tablespoons ground flaxseed  1 teaspoon ground cinnamon  ¾ teaspoon salt  2 tablespoons organic sunflower oil ¼ cup 100% maple syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla extract  ½ cup dried cranberries (optional) Step-by-step instructions:  1.   Preheat oven to 250F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment.  2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, coconut, walnuts, chia seeds, hemp seeds, flaxseed, cinnamon, and salt. 3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk the sunflower oil into the maple syrup. Bring to a simmer, then remove from the heat and ...

  Ingredients :   1/2 cup milk   1/4 cup oil (I use coconut oil) 1 egg 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 1/3 cup flour 1/2 cup sugar 2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries I love walnuts and chocolate chip, so if you would like, you can add some to your muffins. Step-by-step instructions:  1.   Preheat oven to 375F.  2. In a small bowl, lightly beat together milk, oil, egg, and vanilla. 3. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar baking powder, salt. Add the strawberries. 4. Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture until combined. 5. Fill each muffin cup with 1/3 cup batter. (You can either grease the muffin cups or line them with paper liners) 6. Bake for about 25 min (until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean) 7. Cool 10 min and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

If you don't have time to cook dinner and you are craving a delicious pizza, this recipe is for you! The naan bread is a great substitute for pizza dough. Ingredients  (for 4 Servings) :   4 Naan flatbreads  1/2 cup pizza sauce 1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 2 slices deli ham, cut into bite-size pieces                          2 slices bacon, crisp-cooked and chopped 1/4 cup onions slices Fresh basil leaves for garnish Step-by-step instructions:  1.   Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with foil 2. Spread pizza sauce on naan bread, top with mozzarella cheese, onion, ham, and bacon.  3. Bake for approximately 10 minutes (until cheese is melted). 4. Before serving, garnish with basil. Enjoy!

  I was skeptical to try this new recipe so I only prepared a single portion. It turned out to be very delicious, so I had to make it again the next day! If you love avocado toast, and you are looking for a new twist, this is the recipe for you! Ingredients  (for 1 Serving) :   1 Naan bread  1 ripe avocado 2 tsp. virgin olive oil (plus more for brushing) 1 tsp. coriander seeds 1 tsp. cumin seeds 4 green onions 1/3 jalapeno pepper 1/4 cup chopped cilantro or parsley Zest and juice of 1/4 lemon Step-by-step instructions:  1.   Toast the coriander and cumin seeds in a dry skillet over  over medium heat, shaking often, until fragrant (about 2-3 min.) Transfer to a spice mill. Let cool and coarsely grind. 2. Place scallions with 1/2 tbsp oil in skillet, season with salt, and cook, turning occasionally, until softened and deeply charred. Transfer to a cutting board, and finely chop them.  3. Please the scallions in a small ball and add the spices, jalap...

  I rarely order enchiladas in a Mexican restaurant, because of the extra sauce they come with. I saw this Joanna Gaines' recipe and decided to give it a try. It turned out very delicious. The dish is very flavorful and I definitely recommend it! Ingredients (for 3- 4 Servings) :  2 tbsp. olive oil 1/2 white onion 1 cup chicken broth 1/2 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and well drained 1/2 can (5oz) of condensed cream of chicken soup 1 7-ounce jar salsa verde 7- ounce can mild enchilada sauce  4-ounce sour cream 1/2 tbsp. smoked paprika 1/2 tsp. garlic salt 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. black pepper 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken 4-ounce can fire roasted green chiles 5 corn tortillas, cut into 3/4 inch wide strips 2  cups grated Cheddar cheese 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese Step-by-step instructions:  1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Spray 8 inch baking dish with vegetable oil 2.   In a pot h eat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté unt...