Summer is coming and that means our selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables are even better! We all know there is overwhelming evidence that people who follow a diet high in fruits and vegetables tend to enjoy benefits such as lower blood pressure, lower risk of death, lower chance of life threatening disease (i.e. cancer, heart disease, diabetes), and a much lower risk of obesity.
The more simple and delicious meat-free recipes you can learn the better off your diet will be in the long run.
Here are two recipes that you will actually enjoy vegging out on:
Zucchini Ribbons with Kalamata Olives & Sundried Tomatoes
INGREDIENTS
2/3 cup fresh ricotta
1 fresh lemon, zested and juiced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced on mandolin
2 shallots, thinly sliced on mandolin
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper chili flake
5 medium zucchini, thinly sliced on mandolin
½ cup julienned Jeff’s Naturals Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes, drained with some oil reserved.
½ cup Jeff’s Naturals Organic Pitted Whole Greek Kalamata Olives, drained and rough chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper
PREPARATION
In a small mixing bowl, combine the ricotta with the lemon juice and zest and set aside.
In a large skillet on medium high heat, add the olive oil and heat until hot. Add the garlic, shallots and chili flake and cook 5-7 minutes or until onions and garlic are softened.
Add the zucchini, season with salt and pepper, and toss frequently for about 5 minutes until zucchini is tender. Turn heat off and add the ricotta, sundried tomatoes and kalamata olives. Toss to mix.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with a little sundried tomato oil drizzled over the top.
Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini, Capers & Peppers
1 large cauliflower, trimmed and cut into florets
3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
2 tablespoons Jeff’s Naturals Imported Non-Pareil Capers, drained
½ cup diced Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, drained
Tahini sauce
½ cup tahini
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
½ cup water
PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 500ºF
Toss cauliflower with olive oil. Season with S & P, toss again. Roast at 500ºF for about 15 minutes or until slightly charred and tender. Check the cauliflower frequently and stir on the sheet tray to get even roasting.
Remove cauliflower from oven, and place in a mixing bowl. Toss with capers, red peppers and add enough tahini sauce to thoroughly coat the cauliflower. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.
Great served hot or room temperature.