Vegan Copycat Panera Mac & Cheese

A tasty approximation by HealthyGirl Kitchen.

Ingredients
12 oz. shell pasta
1.5 c. raw cashews
1/4 c. nutritional yeast
3/4 c. macadamia milk
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1/2 c. veggie broth
1/2 lemon juiced
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
2 tsp. vegan butter

Directions
Pour boiling water over cashews and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Blend all ingredients except pasta in Vitamix until smooth.

Make pasta. Add pasta back into the pot and combine with the mac and cheese sauce. Stir on low until heated through. If it thickens too much, add a touch more macadamia milk. 

Serves 6.

1 serving = 400 calories

Sausage & Lentil Soup

Veganized from original recipe at Bon Appetit. 

Ingredients
2 medium onions, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped (reserve leaves, if possible)
1 fennel bulb (whites only), finely chopped
6 garlic cloves, smashed and minced
12 oz. plant-based sausage (Field Roast Caramelized Onion & Beer Bratwursts worked well)

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
2 tbsp. tomato paste
1 tsp. smoked paprika
a splash or two of Liquid Smoke
1¼ c. lentils (cooking time will change based on type)
2 c. basil leaves
plant-based plain yogurt, to serve

Directions
Prep the mirepoix of onion, celery and fennel in a bowl. Slice sausage crosswise into ¼"-thick coins.

Heat a large heavy pot over medium. Add 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil and swirl to coat. Cook sausage in a single layer until golden brown underneath, about 3 minutes. Turn pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until mostly browned on both sides, 1 to 2 minutes longer. Remove sausage from the pan.

Reduce heat to medium-low. Add onion mixture, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon of salt and cook, stirring often, until vegetables are softened, and onion is translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring often, until it darkens in color, 1 to 2 minutes longer.

Add lentils, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 4½ cups water and stir to combine. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low, cover pot, and cook, peeking occasionally to ensure soup is at a bare simmer, until lentils are tender but not falling apart, 20 to 45 minutes (depending on type of lentils).

Stir in reserved sausage and after a few minutes, remove from heat. Add basil, stirring to wilt. Taste and adjust seasoning for salt.

Divide soup between bowls. Dollop with yogurt. Garnish with reserved celery leaves.

Serves 6. 

1 serving = 375 calories (does not include yogurt)

Wonton Soup

Ingredients

2 tsp. sesame oil
2 medium carrots, sliced
2-3 tsp. freshly grated ginger
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes optional
9 c. low sodium vegetable broth
2 tbsp. low sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp. rice wine

1 tbsp. mirin
1 tbsp. brown sugar
6 oz. baby bella, shitake, or oyster mushrooms, sliced
3 scallions, chopped
10 heads baby bok choy chopped into bite-size pieces (approx. 3 cups)

Frozen vegetable wontons

Directions
In a Dutch oven or soup pot, heat 2 teaspoons sesame oil over medium high heat. Add carrots, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes and sauté for 1 minute. Add veggie broth, soy sauce, rice wine, and brown sugar and bring to a boil then reduce to a gentle simmer. Simmer on low for 20-30 minutes. 

Bring soup broth to a boil. Add mushrooms to soup then gently add wontons. Cook according to package, or until they float. Remove wontons with a slotted spoon straight to serving bowls (it is okay if you get some veggies with your wontons). Add bok choy and green onions to soup and cook 1 minute. Ladle soup over wontons and serve immediately. Do not let wontons sit in broth before serving or they will become soggy and fall apart.

Makes 4 servings.

1 serving = 200 calories (without wontons; see package)

Stovetop Polenta

Ingredients

4 c. water

1 tsp. salt

1 c. yellow cornmeal

1 c. plant cheese (optional)

1-3 tbsp. plant butter (optional)

Directions

Bring the water to a brisk boil over medium-high heat. Add the salt. While whisking gently, pour the polenta into the boiling water in a steady stream. Continue whisking until polenta is thickened. Turn down the heat to low and continue whisking until the polenta has thickened enough that it doesn't settle back on the bottom of the pan when you stop stirring.

Cook the polenta 30-40 minutes. Cover the polenta and continue cooking. Stir vigorously every 10 minutes or so, making sure to scrape the sides, bottom, and corners of the pan. Cook 30 minutes for softer porridge-like polenta or 40 minutes for thicker polenta. 

Stir in cheese and butter, if using. Serve immediately, or cover the pan and let it sit at the back of the stove for up to 15 minutes before serving.

Serves 4 (about 4 cups total). 

1 cup = 145 calories

Notes

Polenta will solidify into the shape of the container in which you store it. Leftover polenta can be sliced or cubed before being roasted, grilled, or deep-fried. To make it creamy again, warm it with a little broth, non-dairy milk, or water, and stir vigorously. It won't be quite as creamy as it was originally, but it should still be pourable.

Mexican Rice & Beans (Instant Pot)

Ingredients

1/2 c. dried black beans (not soaked)

3/4 c. brown rice

3/4 c. salsa (I used medium chunky)

1/2 c. frozen corn

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 white onion, chopped

2 c. vegetable broth

1/4 c. cilantro (stem and leaves, minced)

2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

1/2 tsp. chili powder

Directions

Add beans, rice and vegetable broth to the Instant Pot and stir to combine. Next, add the salsa, corn, bell pepper, onion, cilantro and spices BUT DO NOT STIR. Cover the Instant Pot and seal the vent. Cook on high pressure for 26 minutes. When done allow for 10 minutes of natural pressure release, then quickly release any remaining pressure.

Open the pot and give it a good mix. Serve in a burrito or over greens. 

Serves 3.

1 serving = 358 calories

Bulgur Veggie Chili with Kidney Beans

A bit of a different chili option by Naturally Ella.

Ingredients
1 medium yellow onion
2 cloves garlic
1 jalapeno 
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 medium parsnip (roughly 1/4 pound)
1/2 c. bulgur wheat
1 tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. oregano
2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
Pinch of cloves
Salt (to taste)
1 28- ounce can crushed tomatoes
2 oz. bittersweet chocolate
2 1/2 to 4 c. vegetable broth
1 15- oz. can kidney beans (drained and rinsed) or about 1.5 c. pre-cooked

Directions
Chop the onion, garlic, and jalapeno into large chunks. Place in a food processor and pulse until everything is minced. Drain any liquid that may have formed.

Heat a stockpot over medium heat. Add olive oil and onion mixture. Cook until onions are fragrant and transparent, 5 to 6 minutes. Meanwhile, chop the parsnip into large chunks and pulse in the food processor until the pieces are the same size as the bulgur. Transfer to the pot with the onions.

Stir in the bulgur and spices, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes or until you can smell the spices. Add in the tomatoes, chocolate, and 2 1/2 cups of the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and let cook for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, stir in the kidney beans, cover, and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes. Bulgur should be tender. Taste and adjust the salt/seasoning. Add more vegetable broth if a thinner consistency is desired.

Serves 4.

1 serving = 437 calories

Green Curry with Green Beans

While not always vegan, Naturally Ella has so many veggie-forward healthful dishes. This green curry adaptation is pretty easy and delicious. Check out her recipe here: Green Bean Curry with Green Curry Sauce | Naturally Ella

Ingredients

Green Curry Sauce
2 tsp. coconut oil
1/2 c. white onion, minced
1 small jalapeno, deseeded and minced
1 tbsp. ginger, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp. Thai green curry paste
2 tbsp. lime juice
Salt, to taste
1 c. whole-fat coconut milk
1/3 c. loosely packed cilantro

Base
2 tsp. coconut oil
1 small white onion
1 red bell pepper
1/2 pound green beans, thinly sliced (or try asparagus here!)
Sea salt, to taste

For Serving
2 c. brown rice 
Toasted coconut
Fresh cilantro

Directions
Heat a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the coconut oil and melt. Measure in the onion and jalapeno, cook until fragrant and soft, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute or so. Add in the remaining ingredients for the sauce. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5 minutes. Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the sauce until mostly smooth. Set the sauce aside and wipe out the pot.

Return the pot to the stove over medium heat. Add the olive oil to the pot, followed by the onion, peppers, and pinch of salt. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes then add the green beans along with a splash of water. Cover and cook until the green beans until they are just about tender and bright green, 4 to 5 minutes. Add a bit more water as needed. Uncover and continue to cook for another few minutes to evaporate any leftover water and lightly brown the green beans.

Add in the curry sauce and simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes, until the sauce is hot. Divide the rice into 4 bowls and top with green beans.

Serves 3.

Peanut Stew with Coconut & Kidney Beans

Original recipe found here: Peanut Stew with Coconut Milk & Kidney Beans ( Vegan) (veganricha.com)

Ingredients
1 tsp. oil or 2 tbsp. broth
1/2 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 tbsp. peanut butter (or other nut/seed butter)
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. curry powder or garam masala or jamaican curry powder or berbere or baharat
1/2 c. chopped tomato
1 1/2 to 2 cups veggies, such as pepper, carrots, zucchini, winter squash, kale
1 c. coconut milk
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. sugar or sweetener
15 oz. canned kidney beans or 1.25 c. cooked kidney beans
1/2 c. water
cilantro, lime juice, chopped peanuts for garnish

Directions

Heat oil or broth in a skillet over medium heat, add onion and garlic and sauté them until golden. Add all the spices and herbs and stir into the onions for few seconds. Add in the peanut butter and mix it in. Add the tomatoes and veggies and mix in, letting everything come to a simmer. (If adding quick cooking veggies such as broccoli or kale, add them in the next step after 10 mins of simmering.)

Add the coconut milk, rinsed and drained kidney beans, salt, sugar and water and mix well. Cover and cook for 13-15 minutes or until the veggies are cooked to preference. Taste and add more salt or sugar to taste.

Garnish with cilantro and lime juice and serve with rice and other cooked grains.

Serves 4.

1 serving = 325 calories (does not include rice or grains)

Tumeric & Coconut-Braised Cabbage

Ingredients
½ medium head of green cabbage (about 2 lb.)
2 medium shallots (about 4 oz.)
1 1" piece ginger
2 garlic cloves
1 serrano or other green chile
3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
3/4 tsp. kosher salt, plus more
1 13.5-oz. can unsweetened coconut milk
1 15.5-oz. can chickpeas (about 2 cups)
1 tsp. brown mustard seeds
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. turmeric powder
½ cup vegetable stock or water
Freshly ground black pepper
Steamed white rice, cilantro leaves, and lime wedges, for serving

Directions
To start, prep your ingredients. Slice cabbage through core to make 4 wedges. Peel and finely chop shallots. Finely chop or grate ginger and garlic cloves. Halve green chile lengthwise and, if you don’t want it too hot, scrape out seeds and white membrane with the back of the knife; discard. If you prefer some heat, leave as is. Finely chop chile. Set shallots, ginger, garlic, and chile aside. 

Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large high-sided skillet with lid or wide Dutch oven over medium-high. Add cabbage, cut side down, and season with kosher salt. Cook, undisturbed, until lightly charred underneath, about 5 minutes. Turn over and cook, undisturbed, until charred, about 5 minutes. Transfer cabbage to a plate. Shake one 13.5-oz. can unsweetened coconut milk to ensure it’s well mixed; open can. Open one 15.5-oz. can chickpeas and rinse in a colander under running water. Heat remaining olive oil in same skillet over medium-high. Add reserved shallots, ginger, garlic, and chile, and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add brown mustard seeds, ground cumin, and turmeric powder and cook, stirring, until mustard seeds are popping, about 1 minute. Add coconut milk, chickpeas, ½ cup vegetable stock or water, and 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir to combine. 

Place cabbage wedges back into pan and, using a large spoon, baste cabbage with coconut milk; bring mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook until cabbage is tender, 15–20 minutes. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Scoop some steamed white rice into each bowl and divide cabbage and chickpeas over; top with cilantro leaves. Serve with lime wedges, for squeezing over.

Serves 4.

Pumpkin Chipotle Rice

Depending on your preference, you can make this with a fried rice texture or more of a gumbo texture - play with the water to see what you like. Do not go below 1 cup! The original recipe is from Vegan Richa. 

Ingredients

1 c. long grain brown basmati rice
1 c. dried kidney beans
1 tsp. avocado or other neutral oil
1/2 c. onion, chopped
1/2 jalapeno pepper, diced
1 1/2 c. veggies, chopped (frozen actually work well here!)
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. thyme
3/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. chipotle chili powder
1/3 c. pumpkin puree
2-3 c. water or broth

For garnish: 

Pickled jalapeno
Cilantro 
Lime juice

Directions

Soak the rice and beans in hot water for 20+ minutes. Wash, drain, and set aside. 

Oil the bottom of the Instant Pot and set to sauté. Lightly sauté the onions and jalapenos. Add all other ingredients and mix well. 

Close the lid and pressure cook on high for 20 minutes. Let the pressure release for 8 minutes, then quick release. Open the lid, fluff, taste, and adjust flavor. 

Transfer the rice to a serving bowl so it doesn't continue to cook in the hot Instant Pot. Top with garnishes of choice and serve. 

Serves 5

1 serving = 190 calories

Mac & Cheeze Mix

Ingredients
Powder Mix
1/2 c. raw cashews
1/2 c. nutritional yeast
3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
2 tbsp. tapioca or arrowroot starch
2 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. ground mustard
1-2 tsp. salt
2-3 tsp. paprika, smoked or regular based on preference
Add other flavor profiles, like chipotle, Cajun, or garam masala!
Refrigerate the powder for freshness

To Make Mac & Cheeze
1 c. elbow macaroni or other pasta
1 c. non-dairy milk (I used flax milk) or water
1/3 to 1/2 c. powder mix
2 tbsp. olive oil or vegan butter

Directions
To make the powder mix, blend all ingredients using a food processor until powdered. It should take 2 to 3 minutes. You'll likely need to scrape the sides a few times with a rubber spatula. When ready, mix shouldn't have more than a slight grittiness.

To make the mac and cheeze dish, cook pasta according to directions and set aside. In a saucepan, melt a couple tablespoons of olive oil or vegan butter. Once melted, add the powder mix and stir to form a roux. Add non-dairy milk a bit at a time until a cheeze sauce forms. Add the pasta, stir to coat and keep on the heat for a few more minutes.

Serves 2 as a side.

https://www.veganricha.com/2018/12/vegan-mac-and-cheese-powder.html

Roasted Red Pepper Shakshuka

Ingredients
1 lb. extra firm tofu
1 shallot
3 garlic cloves
4 oz. roasted red peppers, chopped
1/4 oz. fresh mint
1 tbsp. za'atar
2 tsp. cumin seeds
14.5 oz. crushed tomatoes
2 oz. soft herbed nut cheese (i.e. Treeline Scallion)
1/4 c. crispy shallots
multigrain flatbread

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Drain the tofu and pat dry with paper towels. Hand tear the tofu into bite-sized pieces. Peel and mince the shallot and garlic. Drain the red peppers. Pick the mint leaves from the stems.

Add the tofu to a baking sheet and toss with za'atar, 2 tsp. olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes.

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat with 3 tbsp. olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the minced shallot, garlic, and cumin seeds. Cook until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the roasted red peppers, crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp. salt, and a pinch of pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 to 8 minutes.

Place the flatbread directly on the oven rack and bake until hot, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the baked za'atar tofu to the sauce and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the shakshuka from the heat and dollop with nut cheese. Sprinkle with mint leaves and crispy shallots. Serve family style with hand torn flatbread.

Serves 2.

Kung Pao Chickpeas

Ingredients
2-14.5 oz. cans chickpeas
1 bell pepper, chopped
4 ribs celery, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
1-8 oz. can water chestnuts
1 bunch of scallions, sliced on a diagonal
1 c. dry roasted, unsalted peanuts
5 dehydrated red chilies,whole

For the marinade:
1/4 c. soy sauce
1/4 c. rice wine vinegar
1 lime, juiced and zested
1 tbsp. agave or sugar
2 tbsp. coconut oil (liquified)
2 tbsp. cornstarch

For the sauce: 
1/3 c. soy sauce
1/3 c. rice vinegar
1 tbsp. agave or sugar
1/4 c. hoisin sauce
1/4 c. peanut oil
1 tsp. garlic, minced
2 tsp. ginger, minced

Directions
Combine all marinade ingredients and pour over chickpeas. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes. On high heat, with little peanut or coconut oil, stir fry chickpeas and whole red chilies in a large pan or wok. The chickpeas will start out with a lot of liquid and eventually cook down and begin to caramelize. Once caramelized and a little thicker, add red peppers, water chestnuts, and peanuts.

Meanwhile, stir fry carrots and celery on high heat. Once slightly softened (and a touch brown in spots), add to chickpea mixture. Continue to simmer on low for a few more minutes. You may want to add a touch more cornstarch (mixed with a little of the liquid) to thicken further. At the last minute, stir in 3/4 of your scallions.

Serve over rice and garnish with scallions and peanuts. Serves 4.

Chipotle Sweet Potato & Brown Rice Egg Skillet

Ingredients
1/2 tbsp. olive oil
1/4 red onion, chopped
2 tbsp. poblano pepper, minced
2 medium sweet potato, shredded
1/2 to 1 tsp. chipotle powder and water
Juice from one lime, freshly squeezed
1/2 c. brown rice, COOKED
3 tbsp. cilantro, chopped and divided
2 eggs
1 avocado
2 to 3 tbsp. cojita cheese, crumbled

Directions
In a cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium low heat. Add onion and peppers, cooking for 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in shredded sweet potatoes, lime juice, and two tablespoons of water. Cover and let cook for 4 to 5 minutes, just until sweet potatoes are becoming soft. (Sky actually browned the sweet potatoes in advance a bit). Stir in the cooked brown rice and cilantro. Make a well in the center of the pan and crack both eggs. Cover, and reduce the heat to low, cooking eggs until desired firmness, about 7 to 12 minutes. Serve with wedges of avocado, a sprinkle of cojita, and cilantro. Serves 1 to 2.

Portobello Mushroom Stroganoff

Ingredients
2 tsp. olive oil
2 tsp. butter
1 large sweet onion, chopped finely
2 large cloves garlic, minced
2 lbs. baby portobello mushrooms, cleaned and sliced thickly
1 tsp. kosher salt, divided
1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. black pepper, freshly ground
3/4 c. white wine or dry vermouth
1/2 c. vegetable broth
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
3 c. baby spinach
1/2 c. sour cream or Greek yogurt

Directions
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add in the onions and garlic and cook until onions begin to soften, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and salt. Cook until mushrooms begin to soften, about 3 to 4 minutes. Continue to cook until liquid reduces by about half.

Meanwhile, cook egg noodles according to package directions, drain, and set aside.

In a small bowl, combine flour, paprika, and pepper. Sprinkle flour mixture over cooked mushrooms and toss to coat the mushroom mixture. Add broth, wine or vermouth, and Worcestershire sauce to mushroom mixture and stir to combine. Add in spinach, cover and turn heat down or off. The spinach will wilt in just a few minutes.

Just before serving, stir in the sour cream or yogurt and heat on low to bring it up to temperature. Do not boil. Serve over egg noodles, topped with crunchy Chinese rice noodles. Serves 6.

West African Groundnut Stew

Ingredients
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp. fresh ginger, grated
2 tbsp. coriander, ground
1/2 tsp. cayenne
4 c. onions, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
4 c. eggplant, peeled and cubed
1/2 c. vegetable stock
1 c. zucchini, chopped
2 bell peppers, chopped
2 c. tomato juice or puree
1/2 c. natural peanut butter
salt to taste

Directions
Boil sweet potatoes for about 7 minutes, or until just tender. Meanwhile, saute the garlic, ginger, and spices in the oil for about a minute. Add the onions and cook until they begin to soften. Add the tomatoes, eggplant, and the vegetable stock and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add the zucchini and peppers and continue to simmer until all vegetables are tender, about 10 to 15 more minutes.

Drain the sweet potatoes and add them to the stew along with the tomato juice and peanut butter. Salt to taste. Simmer on very low heat for 5 minutes to warm through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Serve over rice, millet, or couscous. Serves 6.

Veggie Stew a l'Orange

Ingredients

1 onion, diced

2-3 carrots, diced

1 small butternut squash or 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped

2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed

28 oz. tomatoes, diced

1-1/2 c. veggie broth

1 c. roasted red peppers, sliced

1 tbsp. chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

1 tsp. cumin

salt and pepper, to taste

zest of one orange

1 tbsp. fresh thyme

avocado, to serve

Directions

Saute onions and carrots in a touch of olive oil. Add squash or potatoes and cook a bit longer. Add black beans, tomatoes, veggie broth, roasted red peppers, chipotles, cumin, salt and pepper. Simmer until veggies are tender and stew has cooked down to your desired thickness. About 15 minutes prior to serving, stir in the orange zest and thyme. Serves 4 to 6. 

NOTE: This recipe will probably do very well in the crockpot. Add all ingredients except for zest and thyme and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Add zest and thyme an hour prior to serving. 

Shakshuka

This is a traditional Israeli breakfast, best served with warmed pita.

Ingredients
1 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 medium brown or white onion, peeled and diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 medium green or red bell pepper, chopped
4 c. ripe diced tomatoes, or 2 cans (14 oz. each) diced tomatoes
2 tbsp. tomato paste
1 tsp. chili powder (mild)
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. paprika
Pinch of cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
Pinch of sugar (optional, to taste)
Salt and pepper, to taste
5 to 6 eggs
1/2 tbsp. parsley, freshly chopped
1/3 c. Israeli feta

Directions
Heat a deep, large skillet or sauté pan on medium. Slowly warm olive oil in the pan. Add chopped onion, sauté for a few minutes until the onion begins to soften. Add garlic and continue to sauté till mixture is fragrant. Add the bell pepper, sauté for 5 to 7 minutes over medium, until softened.

Add tomatoes and tomato paste to pan, stir till blended. Add spices and sugar, stir well, and allow mixture to simmer over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes till it starts to reduce. At this point, you can taste the mixture and spice it according to your preferences. Add salt and pepper to taste, more sugar for a sweeter sauce, or more cayenne pepper for a spicier shakshuka.

Crack the eggs, one at a time, directly over the tomato mixture, making sure to space them evenly over the sauce. The eggs will cook "over easy" style on top of the tomato sauce. Cover the pan. Allow mixture to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the eggs are just cooked and the sauce has slightly reduced. To make sure the eggs stay over easy, serve as soon as any clear whites or yolk is gone.

Garnish with the chopped parsley and feta.

Enchilada Skillet

I found this recipe on www.plainchicken.com, but obviously needed to adjust to accommodate my meatless preference. This is quick and easy, and tastes very similar to traditional enchiladas without all the work! 

Ingredients

2 c. mixed veggies, like zucchini, carrots, and red peppers, chopped

1 tbsp. olive oil

1/2 c. onion, chopped

1 tsp. garlic, minced

1-12 oz. jar enchilada sauce 

1-15 oz. can black beans

1/4 c. vegetable broth

1 c. salsa

1/2 c. heavy cream

8 oz. pasta, like penne or campanelle

1 c. cheese, shredded

2 tbsp. cilantro, chopped

Directions

Heat olive oil over medium high heat in a 12-inch skillet, until hot. Add onions, garlic, and veggies until slightly softened. They don't need to be completely cooked because they will continue to cook with the pasta. Add enchilada sauce, black beans, broth, cream, salsa, and pasta. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover skillet. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until pasta is tender. Remove skillet from heat. Top with cheese and mix in. Serve with chopped cilantro. 

NOTE: I believe this would work well in a crockpot! Just toss in all the ingredients and cook on low for several hours. Check often to make sure veggies are not mushy and pasta is tender. 

Serves 4. 

Pasta Fagioli

Pasta Fagioli (pasta and beans) is an incredibly hearty traditional Italian dish that is just perfect for fall. This recipe makes a fagioli so thick you can stand a spoon up in the pot, so it's sure to warm you to the bone and fill your tummy. Even better, it goes from prep to plate in half an hour.

Ingredients

1 tbsp. unsalted butter
1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
½ c. carrots, chopped
½ large onion, grated
5 cloves garlic, pressed or grated
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 dried bay leaf
2 tbsp. tomato paste
2-14.5 oz. cans diced tomatoes
8 c. low sodium vegetable broth
2-15 oz. cans low sodium red kidney beans, rinsed
16 oz. ditalini pasta
2 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. fresh ground black pepper

Directions

Heat butter and oil in an 8 quart stock pot over medium high heat. Add onion and carrots to pan and cook until onions are almost translucent; add garlic, thyme sprig, rosemary sprig, and bay leaf. Add tomato paste, chicken broth, tomatoes, beans salt and pepper. Cover and bring to a boil. 

Add pasta and cook according to the package directions, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat, remove herb stems, serve and enjoy!