What You’ll Need

• Beets: Red beets are nutritious and make for a lovely presentation with the color of the grapefruit.
• Ruby Red Grapefruit: Ruby Reds, especially Rio Reds, are sweeter and less bitter than white or pink grapefruit.
• Lime: We’ll use both the zest and juice.
• Agave Syrup: Just a touch to balance out the acidity and bitterness of the citrus
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use a high quality extra virgin olive oil.
• Herbs and Spices: Fresh mint, salt, cayenne pepper

Method

This raw beet salad is so easy to make. Peeling the grapefruit is the most time-consuming part, but that can be done ahead of time and refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. In fact, I think chilling the grapefruit is preferable as it adds to the refreshing quality of the dish (especially on a warm day!). The key is to carefully remove the bitter outer membrane of the grapefruit segments so that you just have the fleshy part.

If you have a food processor with a shredding blade, shredding the beets is a breeze. Otherwise you could use the shredding blade on a mandolin or even a hand grater. Set the shredded beets aside in a bowl and mix up the citrus vinaigrette. Toss the shredded beets with the dressing and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. When you’re ready to serve, top with the grapefruit and fresh mint!

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Hearty lentils and fragrant basmati rice — a delicious, healthy, and endlessly customizable bowl!

This easy, wholesome lentils and rice bowl is a comforting, nutritious lunch or dinner that’s quick to prepare and endlessly adaptable. A pantry-friendly meal, this is a staple dish you’ll want to keep in regular rotation. It’s budget-friendly, highly versatile for variety, packed with nutrition and a breeze to prepare.

What You’ll Need:

Lentils: Brown or green lentils will work

Rice: I used brown basmati rice, but you can use your favorite

Dried Herbs and Seasonings: Bay leaf, garlic powder, mild yellow curry powder

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use a high-quality olive oil that is well-balanced with a mix of fruitiness and hints of pepper

Additional Bowl Ingredients: Build out your bowl with your choice of additional ingredients (or keep it simple!). Here I’ve plated the lentils and rice on a bed of fresh arugula and topped with sliced fresh tomatoes and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.

How to Make This Recipe

This is one of those “loose” recipes — meaning, some measurements are provided but other measurements aren’t; ultimately, it’s all about adjusting to your taste. The pasta method has worked best for me when cooking brown rice, so that is the instruction in the recipe. The lentils and rice cook in about the same amount of time. While they’re cooking, prep any additional items for your bowl. Then it’s just about assembling and eating!

Make It Your Own

This bowl is a blank canvas for creativity. Here are a few ideas:

• Add Crunch: Toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, or crispy chickpeas.
• Go Fresh: Fresh greens, tomatoes, chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions.
• Brighten It Up: A squeeze of lemon or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
• Boost the Protein: A fried or poached egg, tofu, or tempeh.

This simple lentils and rice bowl is a nourishing, satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare for a quick weeknight meal. And leftovers (if you have any) make for a delicious lunch!

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Big flavor, small effort. Meet your easy weeknight sofritas solution!

With a few pantry staples and minimal effort, you can whip up a protein-packed, plant-based dish that’s bursting with flavor for your next Mexican-inspired meal. Whether you’re making burrito bowls, tacos, or nachos, these Easy Pantry Sofritas are the ultimate shortcut to a delicious meal.

What sets this recipe apart? It skips the step of roasting vegetables, opting instead for a quicker approach that doesn’t skimp on taste and is ready in a fraction of the time. The addition of toasted pecans brings texture and extra nutrition, making this dish not only easy but also wholesome. Let’s get cooking!

What You’ll Need:

Tofu: Extra-firm works best

Seasonings: You likely have all of these in your pantry — garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, chipotle chili powder, ancho chili powder (or other chili powder), salt and black pepper.

Finely chopped pecans: The pecans are optional, but I like the added texture and nutrition they provide. Pecans are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, calcium, potassium, thiamine and zinc.

Tomato paste: Adds depth of flavor. I like Cento Organic Tomato Paste in a tube so you don’t have to open a whole can.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A mild olive oil works well, or you can use another oil with a neutral taste

How to make Easy Pantry Sofritas

You’ll cook crumbled tofu in extra virgin olive oil, then mix in the spices and continue cooking until they bloom and become fragrant. Stir in the pecans, tomato paste and water and simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, then use immediately in your favorite dish. Store any amount you don’t use right away in an airtight container in the fridge for use later in the week. It will keep for up to 5 days.

These Pantry Sofritas are a quick and easy solution for busy weeknights, a crowd-pleaser for family meals, and a versatile addition to any home cook’s repertoire. The simple ingredients and quick preparation make them a go-to option for creating delicious, plant-based dishes without hassle. Whether it’s for tacos, nachos, or a fresh twist on your favorite dish, these sofritas are sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

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So much flavor! This veggie-forward Portobello Mushroom Muffaletta will be your new favorite.

Here’s a delicious, plant-forward twist on a classic sandwich! This Portobello Mushroom Muffaletta has all the bold, zesty flavors of the original but in a lighter, veggie-packed form. Juicy roasted portobello mushrooms, tangy olive tapenade, bright basil parsley gremolata, and fresh mozzarella come together in this sandwich for a hearty, satisfying meal. Don’t let the fancy-sounding toppings fool you—this recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for weeknights. Ready to bring a little taste of New Orleans to your dinner table? Let’s dive in!

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✅ Quick Tips: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand.

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Summertime is for grilling, fresh fruits and veggies and … CHILLED SOUPS!

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This salad is a classic in Tuscany, and the perfect no-cook meal to make with summer’s bounty of beautiful ripe tomatoes, garden cucumbers, and fragrant basil. The bread soaks up the juices from the tomatoes, cucumbers and extra virgin olive oil. A traditional panzanella doesn’t incorporate burrata, but it sure is a tasty addition! Here I’ve served the salad over a bed of fresh arugula to add even more nutrients.

✅ Quick Tips: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand.

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