Yes, I love burgers. I love pork chops and fried chicken. But, the more I work with food, the more I save my love of meat for special occasions. Not only are veggies loaded with obvious health benefits, they are super versatile and immensely tasty. Plus, there's nothing better than eating a steak a few days after not eating steak. Check out these 5 easy recipes that prove veggies rule!
Eggplant has always been a challenge for me. I couldn't get the hang of cooking it well. That is, until I started using smaller eggplant. Baby eggplant has fewer seeds and a silkier texture. All the better to soak up the flavors from salty, earthy Japanese miso and spicy, smoky Chinese red chilis.
Total Cooking Time: 23 Minutes
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I had a college professor who looooved telling people to, "K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simple, Stupid!" when looking at a complex equation. This pasta is just that - simple ingredients that, together on the plate, become more than the sum of their parts. The sun-dried tomato has a sweet, briny flavor and a texture that borders on meaty - and fresh basil is always a good add. Actually, I wish Giada De Laurentiis had been my professor.
Total Cooking Time: 20 Minutes
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Roasting vegetables brings out elements of flavor you didn't even know veggies had in them. So, in actuality, I could eat the veggies from this dish by themselves. But the fact that quinoa is a total superfood that just happens to have a pleasant, nutty taste and texture means I couldn't be happier using it as a base. And if you're worried about how to cook quinoa, don't sweat it. I've got you covered! How to Cook Quinoa
Total Cooking Time: 28 Minutes
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What a tasty, healthy, substantial-yet-light way to end a meal at the Izakaya or at home. Rice, herbs, seaweed and pickled plum with either smoky dashi or green tea poured over the top. Simple, flavorful, done.
Total Cooking Time: 10 Minutes
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Is this recipe as easy as it looks? Yep. And the whole thing will take you about the same amount of time an episode of Robot Chicken lasts. If you're having a tough time getting back into the swing of things after the gluttony of the holidays, start here. As energizing as it is simple. Oh, and don't skimp on the Jane's Krazy Mixed-Up Garlic Seasoning!
Total Cooking Time: 17 Minutes
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