Cuisine: Vegan

Mushroom Scampi

Mushroom scampi is a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The dish is made with mushrooms, garlic, butter, white wine, and lemon juice, and it is served over pasta. It is a great vegetarian alternative to the classic shrimp scampi.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 25 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Maitake Wild Rice Salad

Maitake mushrooms sometimes called Hen-of-the-Woods, or "dancing mushrooms" in Japan, are found at the base of trees, particularly old-growth oaks or maples. Compared to other mushrooms, maitake has shown better results in preventing and treating cancer and other health conditions. Maitake also has a positive effect on overall immunity. This Maitake Wild Rice Salad uses walnuts, which pair well with the nutty wild rice. I actually used a wild rice blend which is finished with lemon juice.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Orange-Braised Carrots & Parsnips

These Orange-Braised Carrots & Parsnips are slow-roasted at a very low temperature, which intensifies the flavor. Parsnips are cousins to carrots, with a similar texture to potatoes. I love parsnips and feel like they are underutilized in the US. They have a sweet and mildly nutty taste.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 25 mins
  • Cook: 1 hr 35 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Lentil Chickpea Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing

This Lentil Chickpea Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and a power bowl of nutrition. It lasts in the fridge for up to 5 days, which makes it the perfect packable lunch.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 30 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Curried Lentil Soup

I made this Curried Lentil Soup in my Instant Pot, but as always, I have included the stovetop instructions. This soup is vegan and gluten-free and full of flavor. Lentils are high in protein and fiber and low in fat, which makes them a healthy substitute for meat. They're also packed with folate, iron, phosphorus, potassium and fiber. I dropped gave some to my step mother and she is begging me to make it again. It's really good served with naan bread.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 30 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Green Tahini Sauce

This Green Tahini Sauce goes perfectly with the Za'atar Roast Chicken. It has an irresistible light, bright freshness and herbal flavor. It is perfect for topping chicken and fish, or you can serve it as a dip with crudité and pita chips.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins

Spaghetti and Beetballs with Kale and Lemon Butter

I ran into my friend Meghan the other day and she said she made this Spaghetti and Beetballs with Kale and Lemon Butter for her daughter, who is vegan. Beets are one of my very favorite things to eat, especially if they are pickled, and even for breakfast. Admittedly, this recipe is in the completely bizarre category, but I have to say it was delicious (even my husband liked it). The recipe calls for vegan butter and parmesan and gluten-free pasta. I did not use vegan anything, but if you happen to be vegan you will love everything about this. Suspend your disbelief and give it a try.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 25 mins
  • Yields: 2 Servings

Middle Eastern Roasted Tomatoes and Chickpeas with Bulgur

I love bulgur, which is a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine, traditionally used to make tabbouleh and pilafs. It has a satisfying, chewy texture and mild, nutty taste. Whole wheats, like bulgur, are richer in nutrients and vitamins than refined, processed wheat, which has been stripped of many beneficial ingredients. You can use bulgar in place of wheat berries, couscous or rice in your favorite grain salad recipes. This Middle Eastern Roasted Tomatoes and Chickpeas with Bulgur is a great way to give it a try!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

California Quinoa Salad

Yesterday at work, I wandered into the staff kitchen to find several people surrounding this California Quinoa Salad. They said it was the best salad ever. Of course, I had some, and yes, it is truly delicious. My friend Kristi made it. It has so much flavor and perfect for a weekday lunch. 

Quinoa (pronounced ‘keen-wah’) is a superfood, which is a complete protein. It has the perfect ratio of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats and is one of the best sources of protein you can get from a plant source. It is gluten-free and one of the few plant foods that contain all nine essential amino acids. ​

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 10 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Quinoa, Sweet Peppers, Arugula & Fig Salad with Orange Muscat Champagne Vinaigrette

While no single food can supply all the essential life sustaining nutrients, quinoa comes as close as any other in the plant or animal kingdom. Quinoa is gluten-free, high in protein and one of the few plant foods that contain all nine essential amino acids. This Quinoa, Sweet Peppers, Arugula & Fig Salad with Orange Muscat Champagne Vinaigrette is a great way to try quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah).

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Cook: 15 mins
  • Yields: 4 - 6 Servings