Lentil and Brown Rice Goodness

This recipe cooks itself.  It's so easy and so delicious it might just become a staple for you as it has become for us.  If you don't have all of those spices, don't fret, just add a little more of what you do have.  If you want to add some garlic, go for it - it's not a picky casserole.  And if you don't have vegan cheese, it'll still be really good.

This will take 10 minutes (at the most) of prep and then cooks in the oven for an hour and a half (while you take a long and relaxing bubble bath).
Serves 4

Black-Eyed Pea Croquettes with a Dijon Glaze

This recipe is in the Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone (an awesome book/cookbook).  She found it in The Hip Chick's Guide to Macrobiotics by Jessica Porter, and Jessica acquired it from her friend Lisa Silverman.  How's that family tree for ya ;)  When we saw this recipe and how easy it was and how yummy it looked, we thought it was too good to be true.  But alas, it's super easy and super yummy!

Creamy Kabocha Squash Soup

When Kristen had me over for dinner and told me we were having a squash soup that she found in The Kind Diet, my heart sank.  I really hate squash soup.  And when she excitedly told me it was just squash, water, and salt and pepper, I wanted to go home.  But I was a good friend and stayed and I'm so glad I did! Kabocha squash on it's own is so sweet and creamy that you don't need anything else!  We made it a meal by pouring it over broccoli and rice with some bread for dipping.  You could also add some tofu or tempeh!  If you can't find kabocha squash, butternut would work too. 

Serves 4

Ingredients
4 cups kabocha squash
3 1⁄2 cups water
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
1.Cook the Squash:
Place squash in a saucepan with the water and a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Cover, lower the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes until soft. 

2. Mash the Squash:

Mash with potato masher, mixer, or fork right in the pot.  If you're using a non-stick pot, make sure to use non-stick friendly masher-o-choice.

3. Simmer the Squash:

Add another pinch of salt and some pepper and simmer for another 7-10 minutes or longer

4. Serve

Place rice and a broccoli on the plate and spoon soup over it.  Salt and Pepper to taste.

Gluten Free

Easy Peasy

For the next couple of weeks, I will be posting delicious and healthy recipes with very few ingredients that require no kitchen gadgets.  This was suggested by my friend Kristen who said she gets intimidated by long lists of ingredients - understandably.  I was also inspired by my sister, a college student, who doesn't have funds for lots of kitchen gadgets or access to fancy ingredients.  Hope you enjoy!