Raw Carob Brownie Bites

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carob brownieCarob is a great alternative to chocolate if you are sensitive to caffeine. You can buy it raw or roasted at the local health food shop. It is used in weight loss formulas as it lowers the glycemic index of food, releasing sugar into the blood stream slower. It can also used to help prevent diarrhea as it helps prevent fluid loss and dehydration. Carob is very nutritious – contains as much Vitamin B1 as asparagus or strawberries, as much niacin as lima beans, lentils, or peas, and more Vitamin A than eggplant, asparagus, and beet. It also contains Vitamin B2, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and the trace minerals iron, manganese, chromium, copper, and nickel. Compared to chocolate, carob is 3 times richer in calcium, has 1/3 less calories and 17 times less fat.

These brownie bites are super moist, quick and easy to make, naturally sweet from carob and dates, rich in fibre and antioxidants, gluten-free, wheat-free and vegan. It is perfect for a healthy snack and dessert. I added cayenne pepper which beautifully complement chocolate with the hint of spice and zing. Cayenne has been used for centuries in therapeutic medicine. This powerful spice helps supercharge your metabolism, stabilises blood sugar level, prevents headaches, blood clots, heart attacks and the cold related allergens. Cayenne has also been used as detox support because of its ability to stimulate the circulatory system. It is a very subtle taste in the brownie. Enjoy every bite 🙂
carob brownie1Ingredients (10 brownie bites)

1/2 cup raw carob powder
1 tbsp coconut flour
1 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 cup Medjool dates (add more if you want it sweeter)
50g chopped walnuts, pre-soaked and toasted
2 tbsp almond milk
50g coconut oil, melted
1 tsp vanilla bean powder
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1 tsp ginger powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
a pinch of Himalayan salt

Simply process all ingredients in your food processor until combined. Transfer the mixture into a prepared baking tin or container. Press firmly with the back of the spoon. Set in the freezer until firm. Cut the brownie into a desired size. Store in an air-tight container in the freezer. I think it is best enjoyed straight out the freezer.

Posted in: Dessert, Gluten Free, My recipes, Snack, Vegetarian

Healthy Shepherd’s Pie

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Shepherd's pieShepherd’s pie is something I never knew about before I came to Australia. The name doesn’t really explain what it is. Pie? What kind of pie? Then I was surprised when I saw it because there was no pie crust or pastry used in the dish. Healthy pie? relatively. I had to google what the cottage pie is then because it really confuses me when people use the names interchangeably. This is what I found (you might already know>.<). The term cottage pie from England and Ireland (1791) came long before Shepherd’s pie (1870). Cottage pie used minced beef and sliced potatoes layered on top whereas Shepherd’s used minced lamb with mashed potatoes spread on top. I never thought I would make this, but yes for Daniel. It is very hearty, wintery, comforting food. I tried to make a healthier version using lean beef, lots of veggies and also cauliflower in the mash. You can even skip the beef and make a vegetarian dish, too.   

Ingredients

400g lean ground beef
1 onion
1 carrot
1 potato
1 stalk of celery
1 cup of frozen peas
1 tbsp of tomato paste
1 tsp of minced garlic
1 tsp of Dijon mustard
1 tsp of smoked paprika
1 tsp of cayenne pepper
1 tsp of all spice
1 tsp of thyme
salt and pepper

1 tbsp of olive oil1/2 cup almond milk
1 tbsp of rice flour
2 tbsp of nutritional yeast
1 potato
1 cup of chopped cauliflower florets

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the meat and chopped veggies until brown, stirring occasionally. Add tomato paste and all spices in, season with salt and pepper, cook for another 5-10 minutes. Add a bit of water if the mixture is too dry. In a separate pot, cook chopped potatoes and cauliflower until cooked. Mash until smooth and stir in the oil, milk, nutritional yeast and flour. Pour the meat mixture into the baking dish and spread the potato mixture on top. Put it in the preheated oven (180) for 20-30 minutes until nice and golden on top.

Posted in: Baking, Dinner, Gluten Free, My recipes

Raw Zucchini Pappardelle with Creamy Sauce

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Why do I have gluten-free and raw recipes on my blog? If you go back to about me section where I shared my story, I have changed my diet and lifestyle about 5 years ago. My theory is that I lived in Korea until the age of 21 and had mostly Korean diet almost all my life. Then I moved to Australia where all foods including fruits and veggies are grown or processed differently. My body had to adapt to the new environment somehow, so I’ve developed a skin condition and sensitivity to gluten and wheat. That’s the reason why I adapted a gluten-free lifestyle, not because of “diet” (I don’t like a name tag>.<). Let me tell you it is challenging, reading all the labels before I buy anything, eating out and choosing restaurants, traveling, etc. You would understand what I’m talking about if you have allergy, sensitivity or intolerance to gluten. It also takes a long time to get my digestion back in shape as well, once it goes out of wrack. Problem is that we are so exposed to processed and packaged foods these days that contain unnecessary gluten, wheat and preservatives, which don’t do any favour to our body. Gluten free lifestyle has opened up a new world of fresh whole food for me and I got interested in healthy home cooking. And yes, it even got me to start this blog eventually! I’m glad I can somehow share all my knowledge and recipes with you and hopefully help some of you as well if you have same symptoms like me. I’m open to any comments or feedback or questions. So don’t be shy 🙂
cauliflower sauceNow move onto the recipe. I cannot even imagine myself ordering pasta with Alfredo sauce at Italian restaurant. Well, no more dreams of those creamy pasta! because you can make a raw, healthy, gluten-free, vegan version at home. It ticks all the boxes and is totally delicious, too.
zucchini pappardelleIngredients (2 servings)

1 zucchini, ribboned
1/2 tsp of Himalayan salt
1 cauliflower floret
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp tahini paste
1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
a squeeze of lemon
salt and pepper to taste
alfalfa sprouts for garnish

Make zucchini ribbons using a vegetable peeler, sprinkle salt and set aside. Roughly chop cauliflower and put in a saucepan. Add garlic, tahini, nutritional yeast and milk in and gently simmer until cauliflower is tender. Transfer the mixture into a blender and blend until the sauce is thick and creamy. Add a bit of water if too thick. Season and add a squeeze of lemon. Taste the sauce and adjust if necessary, more tahini? nutritional yeast? salt? Squeeze the zucchini ribbons to remove excess water and transfer to a serving plate. Pour the creamy cauliflower sauce over the zucchini ribbons and garnish with alfalfa sprouts on top.
Zucchini pappardell1

 

Posted in: Dinner, Gluten Free, Lunch, My recipes, Vegetarian

Gluten-free, Potato-free, Healthy Polenta Chips

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The change in temperature has given me an opportunity to cook some robust warming food that I’ve had in my mind during hot summer. Yes, making casseroles, stews and soups and baking! That’s why my oven has been so busy every day.

Polenta is grounded corn meal – both gluten-free and wheat-free. It is rich in carbohydrates and insoluble fibre, low GI (stabilising your blood sugar level) and contains a good range of vitamins and minerals. It is so versatile to use. When you cook in a pot and serve immediately, it is like mashed potatoes, a creamy base for stew or casserole. Then it transforms to a hard block when it’s set in the fridge. You can cut into little cubes, pan-fry and add into your salad, just like croutons. You can also cut into squares or rounds, add your favorite toppings and make gluten-free crostini. Or you can cut into strips and make this healthy oven-baked polenta chips.

How to cook? I add a cup of polenta in a sauce pan and pour 4 cups of water. Turn on the heat, bring it up to a boil, simmer over low heat for 20-30 minutes. You need to keep stirring making sure there is no lumps, and add a bit of more water if the mixture is too thick. Don’t forget to season or add some flavours such as using stock or milk instead of water, adding grated Parmesan cheese and adding in some herbs.

It is actually not as hard as it sounds. You just need to get the consistency and seasoning right. Once it is cooled down and set in the fridge, take it out and cut into little strips. Season and spray some oil. Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes, flipping half-way through. It should be golden brown outside and fluffy inside. As the baking process drives moisture from the polenta, the flavour will be more concentrated and corn-y.

It is a healthy alternative to normal deep fried potato chips at your dinner table. Also a great afternoon snack when you feel like something but not quite dinner yet. Or serve as a savoury nibble when your guests arrive at the dinner party? Serve with herb-y salt like rosemary or sage, tomato-chili sauce, chive-cottage dip, or sun-dried tomato humus.
Polenta Chips

Posted in: Baking, Dinner, Gluten Free, Lunch, My recipes, Snack, Vegetarian

Roasted Cabbage Salad

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How can something simple like this be so tasty? I’m talking about a cabbage roasted in the oven with a drizzle of oil and salt and pepper. Crispy, caramelised, smokey flavour on the edges of the cabbage and in contrast, buttery and sweet inside. It is not only inexpensive and super simple to make but also does all good things to your body.

Cabbage is a powerful antioxidant and an abundant source of vitamin C (actually richer than oranges) and vitamin K (good for your bone health). It also contains a good amount of minerals like potassium important for controlling heart rate and blood pressure, manganese, iron, and magnesium. Cabbage has a number of anti-cancer compounds, like lupeol, sinigrin, and sulforaphane, which are known to inhibit the growth of tumors. It is often used as a treatment for constipation, stomach ulcers, headaches, obesity, skin disorders, eczema, jaundice, scurvy, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, eye disorders, heart diseases, aging, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Roasted CabbageIngredients

1/2 cabbage
1/2 lemon
1/2 tsp of smoked paprika
1 tbsp coconut oil
salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp of olive oil
crumbled feta for garnish

Place wedged on a baking sheet. Toss with coconut oil, smoked paprika and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven (200) for 30-40 minutes until the edges of the cabbage is golden brown. Remove from the oven and transfer to a serving plate. Squeeze a lemon over the salad. Sprinkle crumbled feta and drizzle olive oil for garnish.

Posted in: Baking, Dinner, Gluten Free, Lunch, My recipes, salads, Vegetarian