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Vegetarian dish number three- this is a really delicious one…. it is hard to remember it is made without any meat. One of my husband’s favorite pasta dishes is pasta primavera. It is typically made with seasonal vegetables, a delicious marinara sauce and pasta of choice. I have made many different versions of it over the years but I have to say, this one is my favorite.

I roasted some red pepper, squash and zucchini with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roasting vegetables brings out the nutty, sweetness which is delicious in this dish. I mixed the veggies in a mixture of pesto and homemade marinara sauce. To make even more different, I tossed the pasta with some chopped fresh mozzarella.

I then roasted the dish in the oven till the cheese became soft and oozy. I served it with some delicious garlic bread and a yummy red wine… and we did not miss the meat…
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Dish number four is a super healthy one. Quinoa is a great way to incorporate a healthy starch. I haven’t used it a whole lot but thought making it risotto style should be quite delicious. I saw someone making it on food tv and thought it was a great idea.

I started with some yummy extra virgin olive oil, shallots and garlic. I sautéed them for a bit and added the quinoa and some white wine. Unlike Arborio rice, this grain takes just ten to twelve minutes to cook. It also takes less liquid. In order to keep with the vegetarian theme, one can add vegetable or even mushroom stock.

I then added fresh baby spinach, some half and half and grated cheese. The dish can be eaten on its own and served with some roasted vegetables or some delicious lentils or beans.

It was a delicious dish- I couldn’t tell I was eating any thing other than risotto.. This is a great way to incorporate quinoa into your kids diets…
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Recipe number two. I made this dish at a cooking class for a gentleman who wanted to learn vegetarian dishes so he could feed his family healthy food. I suggested a Moroccan dish called Tagine. It is typically made with meat and cooked in ‘Tagine‘, which is a special ceramic cooking pot with a cone like lid. It is nice to have one at home but it isn’t necessary to make a delicious tagine  at home.

We started with a spice mix consisting of cumin, coriander, turmeric and cayenne pepper. We then sautéed some onions, garlic, tomato paste and harissa- a moroccan hot paste. We added potatoes, turnips, carrots and chickpeas to the mix including some broth.

This is a delicious dish for a crowd, especially with some whole wheat couscous. Try it next time you are entertaining…
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I thought it would be good idea to highlight some vegetarian dishes to highlight healthy eating. I am not for giving up meat or anything else unless medically necessary but I do believe in moderation and incorporating a bit of everything in ones diet.

I try to make a vegetarian meal once or twice a week. Indian food is a great way to do so. I usually cook some beans or lentils as well as some delicious vegetables. I pair it with fresh whole wheat rotis and I am able to serve my family a delicious, well balanced meal.

So, the first one today is made with sweet peppers and potatoes. It is a very simple to make. I started with some oil and cumin seeds. I added onions, garlic and tomato sauce to the mix. Potatoes and peppers were next followed by a variety of spices.

This dish can be an entree or a side dish. It is perfect with any fish or meat…. but we are sticking to vegetarian options this week… another one to follow tomorrow.
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My weakness- are potatoes. I love then in potato chips and fries! I try to stay away from them but when I do indulge, I try to make them in a healthy way. I love make oven fries at home with very little oil. I stick with non-caloric flavors like smoked paprika, garlic powder or herbs.

Sweet potatoes are delicious and super healthy. I love making oven fries with sweet potatoes. I love the sweet flavor with the savory and smoky garlic and smoked paprika- talk about amazing bold flavors… I don’t miss the super unhealthy french fries at all…
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