Ultra Healthy!: A 5-Week Food Plan To Improve Your Eating Habits
Ultra Healthy!: A 5-Week Food Plan To Improve Your Eating Habits
Ultra Healthy!: A 5-Week Food Plan To Improve Your Eating Habits
Most people start diets to lose weight. But dieting should also help you form new habits, change
your palette, and teach you a bit of nutrition, too. I am not a nutritionist. I am someone who loves
food, both cooking and eating, and learned a lot about healthy eating a few years ago when I
became a vegetarian, sometimes vegan, and I lost 10kg by paying attention to my food intake.
My influences are Michael Pollan, the local/organic/whole foods movement, the Eat to Live
nutrition density ideas, and the concept of glycemic index.
Losing weight is as simple as burning more calories than you eat basic calorie math. Using
calorie math, you could eat 9 Twinkies a day and lose weight. Youd also lose energy, vitality and
eventually youd die of malnutrition but youd be thin!
To lose weight and become healthier, there are a few other considerations. What you eat is
important. Developing good habits, being aware of how and why you overeat, making sure you
get exercise all combine to help you be a healthy person.
Calorie Math
If you are hoping to lose weight, first assess your weigh loss goals. BMI is easy to calculate and
there are lots of tools on the Internet. Youll need to know your height and weight. A healthy BMI
is between 18.5 and 24.9. You might also have a goal of fitting into a favorite pair of pants, or
not having your thighs rub together (that was my goal!).
The Math
On a weight loss diet, you should aim to lose about 500 grams a week. To lose a kilogram (1000
grams) you have to burn 7700 calories more than you eat.
You can accomplish that in two ways: eating less or burning more calories.
Eating Less
This is how most people diet. They starve themselves, limit snacks, sweets, or pleasurable foods.
And it always works for a while, but then they stop dieting and regain the weight, yoyo dieting as
their weight goes up and down. Its not the best strategy for a healthy life.
There is a limit to eating less. You can go on a fast where you drink only water or juice and many
people like this as a way to detox their bodies and restart their digestion and metabolism. But fasts
cant last forever. And though studies have shown that eating less increases even eating a small
amount for an extended time is unhealthy. You need calories for your heart, lungs, brain and
muscles to function. The recommended minimum calories per day for a sedentary adult are 1200
for women, 1500 for men. If you exercise you need even more at a minimum. This Ultra Healthy
plan provides 1350 1800 calories daily, depending on how many snacks you choose.
Burning More
Burning more calories means exercise. Shades of gym class, perky workout DVDs and other
forms of personal torture come to mind, but exercise can take many forms. Skateboarding, dance,
hiking, pumping iron, running, Wii Fit, whatever makes you happy is good. Dont try to exercise
in a way that is boring, hurts or makes you frustrated.
Exercise is important because muscles work and burn energy. Fat adds to the load your muscles
carry, but it doesnt actually burn calories. You want muscles. Muscles are good. Muscles are hot.
So please find an exercise or activity that you enjoy and work that into your days and week.
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Cardio exercise that gets your heart pumping and makes you sweat burns calories like crazy. If
you can, try to do some good hard dancing, running, fast swimming, or aerobic exercise at least
twice a week. Sweat for at least 30 minutes. Other days can be less energetic exercise, but try to
get some extra movement into every day.
Portion Control
Many of us overeat by not realising how many calories were ingesting. Restaurant portions are
almost always over-sized and portions served at home creep up to match. Part of the Ultra
Healthy plan is understanding how much we should be eating. You might be surprised.
You dont want to have to carry a calorie table or a scale with you, but you need to know how
much a portion is and how to avoid overeating accidentally. So you do need a few tools: a food
scale, a calorie book (or a website you like), and some good estimating skills.
Portion Comparisons
These might help you to visualize a correct serving size.
American food labels list the portion size. Use that information to serve yourself (and dont
cheat). Japanese food labeling doesnt require portion sizing nutritional details are given in 100
gram amounts. Sometimes portion size is also listed, but be aware that 100 grams might not be a
portion. It could be 4 portions or just 1/2 of onetricky!
Weighing your food is an essential part of learning about portion sizes. The recipes included here
are portioned for you and have calorie details for each one. But if you are cooking other things,
then a scale and a calorie table will be helpful as you get used to the idea of controlling the
amount on your plate.
Food Choices
You are what you eat was plastered all over my grade school cafeteria. I thought that was
weird, but it sort of makes sense. If you eat healthy foods you will be healthy. So what is healthy?
As a very simple rule, whole foods foods that are ingredients rather than manufactured are
always better than something that comes from a factory.
Michael Pollan gives good advice in In Defense of Food eat foods your grandmother would
recognize. She probably wouldnt know what a Low-Carb Mega Cookie Splash is, and neither
should you.
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Choose:
Brown grains: brown rice, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat bread
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Organic and locally grown produce when possible
Avoid:
Foods with colorful wrappers
Foods with more than 5 ingredients on the label
Food with labels, period.
The problem with lots of processed foods is that they are designed to give you a hit of sugar, salt
and fat in just the right combination to make you want more. And more. Just one more If they
arent giving you a hit of sweet/salty/creamy pleasure, they are screaming health claims like low
fat, no carb, and sugarfree and substituting chemical cocktails for the real things they replace.
Ick. Who wants that?
Nutrition
Our bodies require calories for energy, and in addition, each organ likes different kinds of
nutrients. Our livers need fat; our brains crave glucose; our guts like fiber. So we must eat fats,
carbs, and all sorts of vitamins and mineral to function well. Switching from processed foods to
whole foods is a leap into natural good nutrition. By eating a variety of fresh fruits & vegetables,
brown grains, beans, nuts and seeds, you will give your body what it needs without having to
worry too much about nutrition details. When in doubt about how much of each you should be
eating, this chart from the Eat to Live diet is helpful. I have a copy on my fridge.
Eating Out
Eating out should be a pleasure, not dieting torture. Here are some things I do to help keep myself
in control:
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Outline of the Ultra Healthy Week
This is a vegetarian diet plan, originally designed for two busy adults in Japan. You may choose
to adjust or revise as you like to fit your situation and location.
Breakfast
Breakfast is not to be skipped it awakens your metabolism and gives you energy for a busy part
of your day. Get up early if you have to.
Snacks
You will be able to choose from a big list of snacks that equal 150 calories. Some will be easily
available at a convenience store; others youll want to prepare at home and carry to work.
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Breakfast Bar
From this list, you will choose one item from each of the four categories (carbs, dairy, protein and
fruit) and can mix up your breakfast to include what you have handy or time for. Feel free to
substitute foods not on the list if they match in type and calories (for example instead of a banana,
a slice of melon equal to 60 calories)
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Snacks!
You may choose any one thing from this list of snacks. Each is about 150 calories. Be sure at least
one snack each day is a fruit or vegetable. And when you snack, drink 500ml water or green tea,
too.
Crunchy
15 almonds
15 cashews
12 peanuts in the shell (22 butter peanuts)
60 pistachios in the shell
2 large salt senbei (rice crackers)
1/4 cup (30 g) roasted soy beans
3 cups of air-popped popcorn
Sweets
1 large banana
2 cups orange sections
2 cups apple slices
2 peaches
125 g fruited yogurt
1/2 cup sorbet
1 cup fruit juice (100%)
1 SoyJoy bar
Mini Meals
1/4 cup hummus and 12 carrot sticks
1/4 cup guacamole and 1/2 cup raw vegetables
10 carrot sticks and 1 Tbsp salad dressing
1 string cheese and 3 saltines
1/2 medium apple and 1 Tbsp peanut butter
2 graham crackers and 1 Tbsp peanut butter
150 g hiya yako (cold tofu)
100 g edamame in pods
125 g kimpira gobo (root vegetable salad)
1 piece inari zushi (sushi rice in a tofu pocket)
6 pieces kappa maki (cucumber roll sushi)
5 pieces toro maki (tuna roll sushi)
1 1/2 cups miso soup with tofu & wakame (seaweed)
lettuce (as much as you like) and 1 Tbsp ranch dressing
20 g tortilla chips and 1/2 cup salsa
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The Menus
Lunch 1
Green Salad piled with every vegetable you like and topped with 100 cal
1 oz grated cheddar cheese 110 cal
1 oz nuts 150 cal
1 tsp Caesar dressing 50 cal
Dinner 1
1 serving Asparagus Quiche 348 cal
1 cup cooked spinach 40 cal
1 cup cherry tomatoes 27 cal
1 tsp Caesar dressing 50 cal
Lunch 2
1 serving Asparagus Quiche 348 cal
Salad:
3 cups baby leaf lettuce 15 cal
1/2 cup tomatoes 15 cal
1/2 cup carrot 26 cal
1 tsp Caesar dressing 50 ca
Dinner 2
1 serving Beans, Greens, & Pasta 363 cal
Salad:
1/2 iceberg lettuce 35 cal
1/2 cup tomatoes 15 cal
1/2 cup cucumber 8 cal
1/2 cup daikon (Japanese radish) 10 cal
2 Tbsp non oil dressing 20 cal
Lunch 3
1 serving Beans, Greens, & Pasta 363 cal
Salad:
1/2 iceberg lettuce 35 cal
1/2 cup tomatoes 15 cal
1/2 cup cucumber 8 cal
1/4 bell pepper 7 cal
1/4 red pepper 7 cal
2 Tbsp non oil dressing 20 cal
Dinner 3
1 serving Vegetable Sukiyaki 221 cal
1 cup cooked brown rice 218 cal
Lunch 4
1 serving Asparagus Quiche 348 cal
1 cup cooked spinach 40 cal
1 cup cherry tomatoes 27 cal
1 tsp Caesar dressing 50 cal
Dinner 4
1 serving Genmai Chahan 446 cal
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Lunch 5
1 serving Vegetable Sukiyaki 221 cal
1 cup cooked brown rice 218 cal
Dinner 5
1 serving Tofu & Vegetable Lasagna 352 cal
Salad:
1 cup salad spinach 7 cal
1 medium tomato. chopped 22 cal
5 almonds, chopped 35 cal
1 slice red onion 6 cal
2 T non-oil dressing 20 cal
Lunch 6
1 serving Tofu & Vegetable Lasagna 352 cal
Salad:
1 cup salad spinach 7 cal
1 medium tomato. chopped 22 cal
5 almonds, chopped 35 cal
1 slice red onion 6 cal
2 T non-oil dressing 20 cal
Dinner 6
1 serving Roasted Vegetables 450 cal
Free day
Lunch 7
Sandwich
Swiss cheese (30 g) 110 cal
Fresh basil and red onion slices
Non-oil dressing 20 cal
French bread (15 cm) 277 cal
Whole fruit of your choice 60 cal
Dinner 7
1 serving Baked Leeks with Goat Cheese 389 cal
1/2 cup mixed vegetables, steamed or boiled 60 cal
Lunch 8
1 serving Baked Leeks with Goat Cheese 389 cal
2 large tomatoes, sliced 60 cal
Dinner 8
1 serving Tod-style Bean and Nut Salad 453 cal
Lunch 9
1 serving Tod-style Bean and Nut Salad 453 cal
Dinner 9
1 serving Easy Hummus 296 cal
1/2 whole wheat pita bread, cut in wedges & toasted 85 cal
unlimited raw celery, peppers, carrots, cucumber, cherry tomatoes
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Lunch 10
1 serving Easy Hummus 296 cal
1/2 whole wheat pita bread, cut in wedges & toasted 85 cal
unlimited raw celery, peppers, carrots, cucumber, cherry tomatoes
Dinner 10
1 serving Pistachio Biryani 432 cal
1 large tomato, chopped, topped with ginger 30 cal
Lunch 11
1 serving Pistachio Biryani 432 cal
1 large tomato, chopped, topped with ginger 30 cal
Dinner 11
1 serving Eggplant & Gnocchi 313 cal
Enormous salad:
Greens (2 cups or more) 15 cal
Cucumber, carrot & celery (at least 1/2 cup each) 33 cal
1/2 boiled egg, sliced or chopped 39 cal
1 tsp Caesar dressing 50 cal
Lunch 12
1 serving Eggplant & Gnocchi 313 cal
Enormous salad:
Greens (2 cups or more) 15 cal
Cucumber, carrot & celery (at least 1/2 cup each) 33 cal
1/2 boiled egg, sliced or chopped 39 cal
1 tsp Caesar dressing 50 cal
Dinner 12
Chargrilled Vegetables with Salsa 449 cal
Free day
Lunch 13
1 serving Tofu & Vegetable Lasagna 352 cal
Salad:
1 cup salad spinach 7 cal
1 medium tomato. chopped 22 cal
5 almonds, chopped 35 cal
1 slice red onion 6 cal
2 T non-oil dressing 20 cal
Dinner 13
1 serving Vegetarian Thai Rice Noodles 264 cal
1 serving Thai Cabbage Salad 60 cal
1 serving Thai Fruit Dessert 125 cal
Lunch 14
1 serving Vegetarian Thai Rice Noodles 264 cal
1 serving Thai Cabbage Salad 60 cal
1 serving Thai Fruit Dessert 125 cal
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Dinner 14
1 serving Chili Con Queso 388 cal
6 saltine crackers 86 cal
Lunch 15
1 serving Chili Con Queso 388 cal
6 saltine crackers 86 cal
Dinner 15
1 serving Takikomi Genmai 483 cal
Wakame clear soup
Lunch 16
1 serving Takikomi Genmai 483 cal
Wakame clear soup
Dinner 16
Egg Salad Sandwich 319 cal
Spinach Salad (as much as you like) 120 cal
Spinach, lettuce, tomato, carrot, celery, peas or whatever veg you have on hand plus a
sprinkling of walnuts & cheddar cheese. Cesar dressing 1 Tbsp
Lunch 17
Egg Salad Sandwich 319 cal
Spinach Salad (as much as you like) 120 cal
Spinach, lettuce, tomato, carrot, celery, peas or whatever veg you have on hand plus a
sprinkling of walnuts & cheddar cheese Cesar dressing 1 Tbsp
Dinner 17
1 serving No Olive Putanesca 264 cal
1 serving Tomato & Mozzarella Salad 97 cal
100 ml red wine 88cal
Lunch 18
1 serving No Olive Putanesca 264 cal
1 serving Tomato & Mozzarella Salad 97 cal
Dinner 18
Khadai Curry 279 cal
1 c cooked brown rice 218 cal
Free day
Lunch 19
1 serving Beans, Greens, & Pasta 363 cal
Salad:
1/2 iceberg lettuce 35 cal
1/2 cup tomatoes 15 cal
1/2 cup cucumber 8 cal
1/4 bell pepper 7 cal
1/4 red pepper 7 cal
2 Tbsp non oil dressing 20 cal
Dinner 19
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1 serving Black Sesame Risotto 440 cal
Lunch 20
1 serving Black Sesame Risotto 440 cal
Dinner 20
1 serving Koyadofu and Bamboo Green Curry 334 cal
1/2 cup cooked genmai (brown rice) 110 cal
Lunch 21
1 serving Koyadofu and Bamboo Green Curry 334 cal
1/2 cup cooked genmai 110 cal
Dinner 21
1 serving Midsummer Vegetable Burger 207 cal
1 hamburger or hotdog bun 120 cal
1 serving Warm Chickpea Salad 131 cal
Lunch 22
1 serving Midsummer Vegetable Burger 207 cal
1 hamburger or hotdog bun 120 cal
1 serving Warm Chickpea Salad 131 cal
Dinner 22
1 serving Quinoa Salad with Lemon, Spinach and Poppy Seeds 460 cal
Lunch 23
1 serving Quinoa Salad with Lemon, Spinach and Poppy Seeds 460 cal
Dinner 23
1 serving Chinese Rice Noodles 243 cal
1 serving Chinese Scrambled Eggs with Tomatoes 196 cal
Lunch 24
1 serving Chinese Rice Noodles 243 cal
1 serving Chinese Scrambled Eggs with Tomatoes 196 cal
Dinner 24
1 serving Broccoli Pesto Gratin 332 cal
Garlic toast (1/2 bun from Dinner 21 with olive oil and garlic) 80 cal
Salad with any raw vegetables you like & 1 tsp non-oil dressing 40 cal
Free day
Lunch 25
1 serving Midsummer Vegetable Burger 207 cal
1 hamburger or hotdog bun 120 cal
2 cups fresh fruit salad 150 cal
Dinner 25
1 serving Vegetables under a Light Creamy Crust 408cal
Tomato Salad: 50cal
2 sliced tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, vinegar, salt & pepper
Lunch 26
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1 serving Vegetables under a Light Creamy Crust 408cal
Tomato Salad: 50cal
2 sliced tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, vinegar, salt & pepper
Dinner 26
1 serving Penne with CanCan sauce 398 cal
Green Salad with 1 T crushed nuts 60 cal
baby leaf, spinach, green onion, steamed asparagus,
green beans, broccoli & any other green veg you like!
Lunch 27
1 serving Penne with CanCan sauce 398 cal
Green Salad with 1 T crushed nuts 60 cal
baby leaf, spinach, green onion, steamed asparagus,
green beans, broccoli & any other green veg you like!
Dinner 27
1 serving Vegetarian Soft Tacos 464cal
Lunch 28
1 serving Vegetarian Soft Tacos 464cal
Dinner 28
1 serving Otsu Soba Salad 457 cal
Lunch 29
1 serving Otsu Soba Salad 457 cal
Dinner 29
1 serving Polenta Broccoli Pizza Bake 448 cal
Lunch 30
1 serving Polenta Broccoli Pizza Bake 448 cal
Dinner 30
1 serving Asparagus Quiche 348 cal
1 cup cooked spinach 40 cal
1 cup cherry tomatoes 27 cal
1 tsp Caesar dressing 50 cal
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The Recipes
Most of these recipes have been inspired by and adapted from recipes in the following cookbooks:
Notes:
The nutritional details were calculated using the recipe analyzer at Calorie Count.com
Measurements are in metric cups (200 ml = 1 cup).
Some of the ingredients may not be available outside Japan.
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Asparagus Quiche
Makes 8 servings
Ingredients
225 g almonds, finely ground
55 g butter
1/2 t salt
250 g asparagus, trimmed
6 eggs, whisked
175 g Swiss cheese, grated
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Mix the ground almonds, butter and 1/2 t salt to make a dough.
2. Press into a 20cm pie plate.
3. Prick it all over with a fork and bake at 180 for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Steam or boil the asparagus until bright green and lightly cooked.
5. Drain and spread even over the crust.
6. Sprinkle half the cheese over the asparagus.
7. Whisk the eggs and season with salt and pepper. Pour over the asparagus.
8. Top with remaining cheese.
9. Bake at 180 for 25-30 minutes or until eggs are set and cheese is browned.
10. Serve hot, warm or cold.
Serve 2 portions now, wrap 2 for bento, freeze 4 portions individually for future meals.
Ingredients
350 g whole-wheat macaroni
4 cloves garlic, minced
2c kale or rocket, sliced
400 g (1 can) tomatoes, diced
400 g (1 can) chickpeas or white kidney beans
1/2 c water
1/2 c red wine
1/4 c basil, fresh, minced (or 1.5 tsp dried)
1T sage, fresh (or 1 tsp dried sage leaves)
salt and pepper
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Directions
1. Start the water for the pasta.
2. Steam-fry the garlic in a large nonstick fry pan.
3. Add the greens and cook until they wilt.
4. Add the tomatoes, beans, water, & wine. If you are using dried herbs, add them
now.
5. Simmer while the pasta boils.
6. Add fresh herbs and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Drain the pasta, pour sauce over and serve.
Serve 2 portions now, wrap 2 for bento, freeze 4 portions individually for future meals.
Genmai Chahan
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients
2c cooked brown rice
1 egg, beaten
2 cloves garlic
1 onion, chopped fine
1/2 bell pepper, chopped fine
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped fine
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1/2 c asparagus, chopped
2 leaves lettuce, sliced
2T oil
2T soy sauce
1/2 t red pepper flakes
1 dash ajinomoto MSG
salt and pepper
Directions
1. Heat a nonstick wok and pour in 1 Tbsp oil.
2. Add the onion and garlic, fry one minute
3. Add the bell peppers, asparagus, carrot and celery. Cook briefly.
4. Push the vegetables to one side. Pour the remaining oil into the empty space.
5. Scramble the beaten egg in the oil.
6. Add rice, mix together with veggies and egg.
7. Allow to fry until the rice gets a bit crispy.
8. Stir the rice, add the lettuce and cook until the lettuce wilts.
9. Add the soy sauce, ajinomoto, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
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Vegetable Sukiyaki Recipe
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
1/4 c soy sauce
1/4 c sugar
1/2 c water
2T mirin
500 g kinu tofu, sliced in half horizontally
12 white button mushrooms
100 g spinach or komatsuna
200 g bamboo shoots
2 green onions, sliced diagonally
2c bean sprouts
200 g shirataki noodles
Directions
1. Simmer the soy sauce, sugar, water and mirin in a saucepan to dissolve the sugar.
Set aside.
2. In a nonstick skillet, brown the tofu, then slice into strips.
3. Arrange the vegetables and tofu in the pan and pour the sauce over everything.
4. Simmer until the spinach wilts, then carefully turn the vegetables over.
5. Make room for the shirataki noodles, and allow to bubble until everything is
cooked.
6. Serve with brown rice.
Ingredients
225 g lasagna noodles, oven-ready type
400 g pasta sauce (any flavor)
500 g momen tofu
1 egg, beaten
1/2 t salt
1t oregano, dried
1t basil, dried
1 carrot, grated
1 zucchini, grated
1 onion, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
200 g mozzarella cheese, grated
Directions
1. Drain the tofu. Mix with egg, salt, oregano and basil. Set aside.
2. Stir together the carrot, zucchini, onion, & garlic. Set aside.
3. In the bottom of a 9x13 pan, spread 1 Tbsp of pasta sauce.
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4. Place one layer of lasagna noodles in the pan. Cover with 1/2 cup of sauce and 1/2 the
tofu mixture.
5. Arrange another layer of noodles. Spread with the vegetable mixture and 1/2 cup of
sauce.
6. Add another layer of noodles. Spread with remaining tofu and 1/2 cup of sauce.
7. Last layer of noodles!
8. Spread with sauce and mozzarella cheese.
9. Bake at 180 for 30 -40 minutes or until a knife easily penetrates the noodles and the
cheese is browned.
Serve 2 portions now, wrap 2 for bento, freeze 2 portions individually for future meals.
Roasted Vegetables
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients
300 g baby potatoes, skins on, sliced in half
1/2 red onion, cut into 4 pieces
400 g eggplants, halved lengthwise
200 g carrot, cut into sticks
2 bell peppers (any color), halved lengthwise
2 corns on the cob, cut into circles
500 g cauliflower (1 med head), cut into trees
2T olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 190C
2. Prepare the vegetables as noted
3. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper
4. Arrange vegetable on baking tray
5. Roast for 20 minutes.
6. Remove vegetables that are soft (peppers, eggplant & onion)
7. Turn potatoes, cauliflower and other unfinished vegetables
8. Cook another 10 minutes or until everything is tender.
Ingredients
600 g leeks (or naganegi)
2 eggs
150 g goat cheese
1/3 c plain yogurt
50 g Parmesan cheese, grated
30 g bread crumbs
salt & pepper to taste
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Directions
1. Trim the leeks, cut a slit lengthwise and rinse in cold water.
2. Simmer the leeks in boiling water for 6 minutes, or until just tender. Drain and
arrange in a shallow baking dish.
3. Beat the eggs with the goat cheese & half the Parmesan. Season with salt and
pepper.
4. Pour the cheese mixture over the leeks.
5. Mix the remaining Parmesan and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle over the leeks
6. Bake at 180C for 30-40 minutes or until the top is crisp and golden brown.
Ingredients
1c kidney beans, drained
1/2 c soy beans, drained
1 bunch spinach
1/2 c watercress
1 carrot, grated
1c green beans
4 plum tomatoes
4 sun-dried tomatoes
1/2 red bell pepper
1/4 c almonds
2T olive oil
2T vinegar
1T whole grain mustard
1t honey
1t dried mixed herbs
1/2 t salt
1/2 t black pepper
Directions
1. Drain and rinse the canned beans.
2. Chop, slice or dice the vegetables as you like them
3. Mix together the oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, herbs, salt and pepper for the
dressing.
4. Toss together the beans, vegetables, and nuts.
5. Serve dressing on the side.
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Easy Hummus
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
2 cans chickpeas, drained
4T tahini
4T lemon juice, fresh squeezed
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2T olive oil
salt, pepper and paprika to taste
Directions
1. Process the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice and garlic
until nearly smooth.
2. Drizzle the olive oil into the mixture and pulse again.
3. Adjust consistency with water as needed.
4. Season to taste with salt & pepper.
5. Garnish with a dash of paprika.
Pistachio Biryani
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
2c vegetable stock
1/2 stick cinnamon
1t ground coriander
1/4 t saffron threads
2 onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1T ginger, grated
2 fresh chili peppers or green togarashi
2T olive oil
2 carrots, grated
1 1/4 c basmati rice
1/4 c pistachios
1/2 t salt
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, crushed
1t garam masala
500 g spinach
1T olive oil
Directions
1. Mix together the stock, coriander, cinnamon stick & salt.
2. Crush the saffron threads through your fingers and add to the stock.
3. Set aside while you prep the carrots, onions and other bits.
4. Fry the onion, garlic, ginger and togarashi/chiles in olive oil until the onion starts
to turn translucent.
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5. Add the carrot and rice.
6. Cook for a minute or two, then pour in the seasoned stock.
7. Bring the rice mixture to a boil, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and allow to stand uncovered for 5 minutes.
9. Remove the cinnamon stick and stir in the pistachios.
10. While the rice is resting, prepare the spinach part. Fry the onion and garlic in the
oil until the onion is slightly browned.
11. Add the spinach and garam masala.
12. Cook until spinach is tender, then drain and squeeze the water out.
13. Arrange the spinach around a platter; mound rice inside the ring.
Ingredients
3c eggplant, cubed
500 g gnocchi
21 green beans
4T basil pesto
1T Parmesan cheese
1T fresh basil, chopped
Directions
1. Put the pesto in a large bowl, ready to be mixed with the
pasta.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
3. Cut the eggplant and beans into bite sized pieces. Drop into the boiling water.
4. In about 6 minutes, or when the vegetables are just starting to soften, add the
gnocchi.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the pasta is cooked.
6. Remove the pasta and vegetables and mix together with the pesto, adding a bit of
cooking water as needed for texture.
7. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Ingredients
1 large sweet potato
2 small zucchini
2 bell peppers
150 g tofu (thick deep fried type)
1T olive oil
2 large tomatoes
2 green onions
1 chili pepper or green togarashi
1T lime juice
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2T fresh cilantro
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Finely chop the tomatoes, onion, chili pepper & cilantro.
2. Mix together with lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Allow to salsa to mellow while you prepare the vegetables.
4. Slice the sweet potato into 1 cm slices; halve the zucchini and peppers.
5. Cut the tofu into thick slices.
6. Brush the vegetables with oil.
7. Grill vegetables and tofu over coals (or under a broiler) until they are softened and
lightly charred on both sides.
Ingredients
3c cabbage, finely shredded
1 medium carrot, grated
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2T cilantro, minced
2T mint leaves, minced
2T soy sauce
2T lime juice
2T water
1T sugar
1T lime zest
1T peanuts, crushed
Directions
1. Combine the soy sauce, lime juice, water, sugar, zest & peanuts to make the
dressing.
2. Toss the vegetables and dressing.
3. Serve chilled.
Ingredients
4 medium bananas, split lengthwise
1c pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
1/4 t ginger, grated
Directions
1. In a non-stick frying pan, saut the banana, pineapple,
and ginger until carmelised.
2. Serve warm or cold.
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Vegetarian Thai Rice Noodles
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
500 g rice noodles
200 g firm tofu
2c broccoli, chopped
1 red bell pepper
1c peas
1/2 c cilantro, chopped
1/4 c green onions, chopped
1/3 c soy sauce
1/4 c vinegar
1/4 c water
1T sugar
1 1/2 t garlic, minced
1 1/2 t ginger, grated
1t chili paste
1t cornstarch
1T water
Directions
1. Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 15 minutes, drain.
2. Chop the tofu and vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a wok, steam the broccoli in a bit of water until it turns bright green.
4. Add the red pepper, peas, cilantro and tofu; steam for two minutes.
5. Mix together the cornstarch and water, set aside
6. Add the cilantro, onions and sauce ingredients and bring to a boil
7. Pour in the cornstarch and stir until thickened
8. Toss the noodles with the sauced vegetables and serve immediately.
Ingredients
900 g kidney beans, drained and rinsed (2 cans)
900 g tomatoes, whole canned (2 cans)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
2 bell peppers, chopped
1 tsp cumin
1T chili powder
1c water, as needed
120 g cheddar cheese, grated
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Directions
1. In a large saucepan, saute the garlic, onion and green pepper.
2. Add the cumin, chili powder and drained beans.
3. Crush the tomatoes through your fingers as you add them.
4. Pour in the tomato juice from the cans.
5. Simmer for at least 30 minutes.
6. If needed, add water to adjust consistency.
7. Serve with grated cheese on top.
Takikomi Genmai
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
2c brown rice
4 dried shiitake mushrooms
1 1/2 c water
3T sake
1 piece usuage tofu
100 g carrot
2T soy sauce
1/3 t salt
1/4 c peas
Directions
1. Soak the shiitake in 1.5 c hot water for 30 minutes, then remove from water and
slice or chop finely. Save the water.
2. Slice the tofu into thin pieces
3. Dice the carrot
4. Put rinsed rice into the cooker.
5. Add the reserved water and the remaining ingredients except the peas. Cook
according to the rice maker's controls.
6. When finished, stir in the peas.
Ingredients
8 hardboiled eggs
2T mayonnaise
2T Dijon-style mustard
1t dried dill
1t paprika
1/2 red onion, minced
1 dill pickle, minced
1 salt and pepper to taste
8 slices whole wheat bread
2 tomatoes, sliced
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4 leaves lettuce
Directions
1. Chop the hardboiled eggs.
2. Mix with mayo, mustard, dill, paprika, onion & pickle. Season with salt & pepper
3. Toast the bread (or not, as you prefer)
4. Spread one piece of toast with egg salad, then layer on tomato, lettuce & other toast.
5. Cut into quarters and serve.
No Olive Putanesca
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
250 g whole wheat spaghetti
4 anchovy fillets, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2t capers, smashed up a bit
450 g whole tomatoes
1t olive oil
red pepper flakes to taste
Directions
1. While the pasta is boiling, make the sauce.
2. Heat the oil in a frying pan and add the garlic, onion and anchovies.
3. Cook until the anchovies are a soft paste. Drop in the capers then add the tomatoes,
squeezing them through your fingers to break them up. (Fun!)
4. Pour in the remaining liquid from the tomato can.
5. Allow to cook until the liquid is reduced, but not too thick. In the classic tradition,
the sauce should be the consistency to lightly coat the back of a spoon.
6. Red pepper flakes add some zing. Put them in while the liquid is reducing.
Sometimes I leave them out.
7.
Traditional putanesca also has sliced green and black olives. Go ahead and put them in if
you like.
Ingredients
4 tomatoes, sliced
60 g fresh mozzarella cheese
8 basil leaves
1 T olive oil
Directions
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1. Slice the tomatoes and cheese into and equal number of thick slices.
2. Arrange on a plate, alternating cheese and tomatoes.
3. Top with basil leaves
4. Drizzle with oil and season with salt & pepper
Khadai Curry
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients
2T onion, minced fine or made into paste
1/2 t garlic, minced
1/2 t fresh ginger, grated
2T oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
5 black peppercorns
2 whole cloves
1 cardamom pod
5 cm cinnamon stick
1/2 t cumin seeds
1T ground coriander
1/2 t turmeric
1/2 t chili powder
1/4 c water
salt to taste
2 small tomatoes, crushed
2 small bell peppers, diced
1 small onion, quartered
200 g tofu
100 g cauliflower
1 dash garam masala
Directions
1. Mix together the minced onion, garlic and ginger. Set aside
2. Heat oil in pan and add onion slices
3. When onions begin to brown, add the whole spices.
4. When onions are carmelised, add the powdered spices, onion paste and 1/4 cup of
water
5. Simmer on low heat for 3-4 minutes or until the mixture thickens. The oil will
separate and float to the top. This is a basic curry and cane be used as a base for
many Indian dishes
6. To the basic curry, add the crushed tomatoes and cook until the mixture thickens
and the oil floats on top.
7. Add the green peppers, cauliflower, onions and cook for three minutes
8. Add the tofu and cook for one minute
9. Remove from heat and serve with a sprinkle of garam masala.
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Black Sesame Risotto
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
360 g brown rice
1/2 c onion, chopped
1t garlic, minced
4 mushrooms, chopped
3c vegetable broth, hot
1T olive oil
5T black sesame seeds, ground
1T white wine
2 pinches salt
1/2 tomato, chopped
Directions
1. Heat oil in large fry pan.
2. Saute garlic until golden.
3. Add onion & a pinch of salt. Cook until translucent.
4. Mix in mushrooms and add wine.
5. Add the rice to the pan with a pinch of salt.
6. Reduce the heat to medium-low
7. Pour in the broth a bit at a time, allowing the rice to absorb it before adding more.
8. Stir in the ground black sesame.
9. Allow to cook until the rice is soft.
10. Season with salt and pepper.
11. Serve topped with chopped tomato.
Ingredients
1 onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2T ginger, minced or grated
1 shoot bamboo
2 pieces koyadofu, soaked in water
3 sprigs cilantro
12 basil leaves
1 green chili pepper
1 red chili pepper
1T lime juice
2 lime leaves
1T lemon grass (about 5 cm)
400 ml coconut milk
400 ml water
1T ground cumin
1T ground coriander
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1T soy sauce
2T peanut oil
1/2 tsp sesame oil
Directions
1. Slice the bamboo shoot into 3mm slices.
2. Heat peanut oil in a large pan and saut garlic & ginger.
3. When the scent begins to rise, add the red chili and the cilantro stems.
4. Add the sliced onions and salt and cook until the onion is transparent.
5. Make a green paste with the green chili, basil, cilantro and some water.
6. To the fried onions, add the cumin, coriander, and green paste.
7. Pound the lemon grass and add to the onions.
8. Mix in the coconut milk, water and lime leaves.
9. Reduce the heat and simmer.
10. In another pan, heat the sesame oil.
11. Cut the drained koyadofu into bite sized pieces.
12. Fry the koyadofu and bamboo shoots until they brown lightly.
13. Season with soy sauce, salt and pepper.
14. Stir the tofu and bamboo into the curry and add lime juice.
Ingredients
200 g rice noodles
4T sesame oil
2t garlic, minced
2T ginger, minced
2T green onion, chopped
1 carrot
2 green peppers
40 g abura age tofu
1 bunch nira
1T soy sauce
Directions
1. Boil the rice noodles for two minutes, then allow to steep for one minute before
removing from the water. Set aside.
2. Use the noodle water to rinse the abura age tofu.
3. In a dry pan, fry the tofu until lightly brown on both sides.
4. In a wok, heat the sesame oil, and fry the garlic, ginger & green onion.
5. Slice the tofu, carrot, nira and peppers into 5cm strips.
6. Add the cut vegetables to the wok and fry briefly.
7. Mix in the rice noodles.
8. Season with soy sauce.
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Chinese Scrambled Eggs with Tomatoes
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
4 tomatoes
1T sesame oil
1T peanut oil
1t garlic, minced
1T ginger, minced
6 eggs
1T soy sauce
1t sesame oil
1/4 c green onion, minced
Directions
1. Core the tomatoes and slice into thick rounds.
2. Brush with sesame oil.
3. Broil under grill for about five minutes, turning once, until they are soft but not
mushy.
4. Remove skins and cool tomato slices.
5. In a fry pan, heat the peanut oil and cook the garlic and ginger until they sizzle
6. Beat together the eggs and tomatoes.
7. Add the egg mixture to pan, stirring to scramble the eggs until they are cooked.
8. Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil.
9. Serve hot, garnished with green onion.
Ingredients
2c quinoa, cooked
250 g spinach
60 g lemon
2T olive oil
2T lemon juice
1t honey
1/4 t black pepper
1/4 t salt
1 green onion, minced
1/4 c poppy seed
2c looseleaf lettuce (baby leaf)
2 tomatoes, sliced
Directions
1. Chop the spinach, rinse and pat dry.
2. Peel and segment the lemon, removing the inner membrane.
3. Toss the lemon and spinach together; season with salt and ppper.
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4. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, balck pepper, salt and green onion
for the dressing.
5. Toss the dressing, quinoa and spinach mix together.
6. Make a bed of baby leaf and spoon the quinoa on top.
7. Garnish with poppy seeds and tomato slices.
Ingredients
1/4 c olive oil
1 small red onion
2 cloves garlic
1 green chili pepper
1c zucchini, grated
2c corn kernels
3/4 c cornmeal
1/4 c flour
Directions
1. In a food processor, grind together the onion, garlic and
chili pepper.
2. Saute the onion mixture in 2 T olive oil with a bit of salt and pepper
3. Add zucchini and 1/2 cup corn kernels to onion mixture.
4. Cook the vegetables until all the water has evaporated, about 5 minutes.
5. Process the remaining corn until it is a thick paste.
6. Mix the corn paste and corn meal into the vegetable mixture.
7. Remove from heat, cover and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
8. If the mixture seems too wet, add the flour.
9. Form 6 patties and allow to sit for a few minutes.
10. Fry patties in the remaining 2 T of oil, cooking until firm and brown on both sides.
Ingredients
1T olive oil
1T ginger, minced
1T garlic, minced
1/2 t cumin seeds
250 g chickpeas, (1 can drained)
1T vinegar
1t honey
4c rucola or baby leaf
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Directions
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1. Saute the ginger, garlic and cumin in the oil.
2. Toss in the chickpeas and heat through.
3. Remove from heat and add the vinegar and honey, plus a bit of water for consistency.
4. Toss chickpeas with red onion and rucola.
5. Season to taste with salt and pepper
Ingredients
1t olive oil
5c broccoli, cooked & chopped
1c Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 c breadcrumbs
1/2 c pesto
Directions
1. Preheat the broiler grill.
2. Grease a shallow dish with olive oil.
3. Toss the broccoli with the pesto and put into dish.
4. Cover with cheese & sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
5. Broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is golden.
6. Season with black pepper as desired.
Ingredients
2 leeks, thinly sliced
3 zucchini, thickly sliced
1 1/2 c sliced mushrooms
2 cloves garlic
1T olive oil
1T butter
1T all purpose flour
1 1/4 c vegetable broth
1t dried thyme
250 g cottage cheese
250 g plain yogurt
2T butter, melted
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 c bread crumbs
1/4 c Parmesan cheese, grated
1 dash nutmeg
1 dash salt
1 dash pepper
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Directions
1. Preheat oven to 180C
2. Sautee the leeks, zucchini, mushrooms and garlic in the oil and butter until just soft
(5-7 minutes).
3. Blend together the cottage cheese and yogurt until smooth. Set aside.
4. Stir in the flour, then slowly pour in the stock.
5. Bring to a boil, stirring until thickened.
6. Remove from heat and stir in 2 T of the cheese mixture.
7. Pour the vegetables into a shallow ovensafe dish.
8. Beat together the rest of the cheese mixture with the melted butter and eggs.
9. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg.
10. Spoon over vegetables and sprinkle with Parmesan and breadcrumbs.
11. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown crust forms. Serve hot
Ingredients
250 g whole wheat spaghetti
1 onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
2T olive oil
250 g diced tomatoes (1 can)
250 g chickpeas (1 can)
1t dried oregano
1 bay leaf
2t capers
1 salt & pepper
Directions
1. Boil the pasta according to package instructions and drain.
2. Saute the onion and pepper in oil for about 5 minutes, or until softened.
3. Add the tomatoes, chickpeas with their liquid, herbs and capers.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then simmer for ten minutes
6. Remove the bay leaf.
7. Mix in the pasta and simmer until heated through.
Ingredients
8 flour tortillas
1 avocado
1T lime juice
1/4 t salt
1/2 onion, chopped fine
1 clove garlic, minced or crushed
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1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1t olive oil
250 g kidney beans (1 can), drained
1 tsp Tabasco
2 tomatoes, chopped fine
1/4 c cilantro leaves, chopped
1/2 head lettuce, shredded
2T jalapenos, sliced or minced
1c cooked brown rice
Directions
1. Smush up the avocado with the lime juice and salt. Set aside.
2. In a fry pan, saute half of the chopped onion, cumin seeds, and garlic in olive oil
until slightly brown.
3. Add the drained beans and smash them into the onion, adding a bit of water to get a
smooth texture.
4. Season the beans with Tabasco. Set aside.
5. Arrange all of the raw vegetables and the rice on a platter or in small bowls for
serving.
6. Over an open gas flame, toast each tortilla briefly, turning to char both sides.
7. Serve the tortillas and all the fillings at the table so each person can fill his or her
own.
Ingredients
1t lemon zest
2t grated ginger
2t
1/2 t cayenne pepper
1/2 t salt
1T lemon juice
2T rice vinegar
2T soy sauce
1T olive oil
1T sesame oil
300 g soba noodles
300 g tofu (momen, drained and pressed)
1/4 c cilantro, chopped
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1 cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
1/4 c sesame seeds, toasted
4 sprigs cilantro
Directions
1. Mix together a dressing with everything from the lemon zest through the sesame oil.
2. Cook the soba, then drain and rinse in cold water.
3. Pat the drained & pressed tofu dry.
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4. Cut the tofu into finger-sized pieces and cook in an unoiled frypan until the pieces
are browned on one side.
5. Toss tofu gently and cook until firm and bouncy.
6. In a large bowl, combine soba, cilantro, onion, cucumber and dressing.
7. Gently toss in tofu.
8. Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro.
Ingredients
1c cornmeal
3c water
1T olive oil
1T black pepper
1/2 c Parmesan cheese, grated
2T jalapenos, minced
250 g diced tomatoes (1 can)
1/4 c fresh basil, chopped
1 onion, grated
1 carrot, grated
2c broccoli, chopped
1c corn kernels
1 1/2 c cheddar cheese, grated
Directions
1. Boil the water.
2. Slowly pour the cornmeal into the boiling water, stirring vigorously until thickened
and smooth.
3. Mix in the olive oil, black pepper, Parmesan and jalapenos.
4. Spread polenta into a lightly oiled pie plate or shallow oven safe dish
5. In a saucepan, simmer canned tomatoes, basil, onion, carrot & broccoli until sauce
broccoli is tender.
6. Spread sauce over polenta.
7. Sprinkle with corn and cheese.
8. Bake at 180C until cheese is brown & bubbling.
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