Category Archives: Lunch

Buckwheat is a triangular shape fruit seed, and comes in raw or roasted. They are gluten free and can also be bought ground into flour for baking. It is so versatile you can use them for porridge, salads, baking, risotto or eat raw after sprouting. They have mild and slightly nutty flavour. Nutritionally, buckwheat contains all eight of the essential amino acids ass well as minerals such as manganese (important for healthy tissue and bones, and hormone function), magnesium (activates enzymes, contributes to energy production, and regulates important nutrients in the body), and phosphorus (builds strong teeth and bones). They are a good source of fibre and can help lower the risk of developing high cholesterol and high blood pressure. The flavonoid rutin in buckwheat is an antioxidant and cancer fighter that helps the body heal.
Ingredients

2 cups of massaged kale leaves
1 tsp Himalayans salt
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup of buckwheat, soaked
1 orange
a handful of walnuts
a handful of dried cranberries

For soy dressing
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp honey
1 tsp sesame oil
a pinch of cayenne pepper
pepper to taste

Rinse soaked buckwheat in a colander thoroughly until water becomes clean. Cover with a plenty of water and bring it up to a boil. Cook for about 10 minutes, turn off the heat and rest for another 10 minutes with a lid on. In the meantime, tear the kale leaves into bite sizes and gently massage with salt and olive oil. Once buckwheat is cooked, drain and set aside to cool. To assemble the salad, combine massaged kale, cooked buckwheat, sliced orange, cranberries and walnuts in a large bowl. Pour half of the dressing into a bowl and gently toss. Transfer to a serving plate and drizzle the rest of the dressing.

Have you ever tried packaged vegetarian burgers from the supermarket before? I have. I don’t know what I was thinking. It was horrible, overly salty and mushy. In fact, making your own at home is damn easy and a lot healthier. The secret to making a good vegetarian burger comes from the patties. This lentil burgers with lots of flavours using spices, herbs and nuts are, I guarantee, as good as or better than the meat patties. It is gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan-friendly. You can make a big batch and freeze them as well. Great for easy light dinner on weeknights and also quick lunch on the weekends. It is up to you having it with salads, putting in the wraps or buns, adding poached eggs or smashed avocados on top. I topped with caramelised beetroot and onion and served with simple green salad. It is all delicious!

Ingredients (6 little patties)

100g dried lentils
200g mushrooms
1 tbsp brown rice flour
1 tbsp tahini paste
1 egg
1 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp chili flakes
1 tsp cardamom
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp Himalayan salt
1 tsp grounded pepper
handful of flat leaf parsley
handful of mint leaves
a handful of pine nuts

Rinse and cook lentils in a boiling water for 20-30 minutes until cooked and tender. Rinse and drain. Put cooked lentils and all other ingredients in your food processor and pulse until all combined. Season to taste. Cover and put the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes to set. If the mixture is too wet, add extra flour in. If too dry, add a bit of water or extra egg. Taste the mixture to adjust the flavour, as well. Take it out of the fridge, shape the mixture into little discs. You can either pan-fry with coconut oil or bake in the oven until golden brown.