Tag: paleo

Keto Pad Thai

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Mmmmmmm … pad Thai. Oh, how I love thee. Buuuuuuuuuuut, my waistline is saying no to all the carbs. So, a compromise. This isn’t authentic by any means, but it’s delicious. And low carb. Check and check.

Pad Thai comes together in a flash – be forewarned before you start adding things to the pan: prep your veggies, get your liquids ready in a dish, and crack your eggs.

Gluten-free, paleo, keto

Keto Pad Thai

1/2 small head cabbage
1/4 cup frozen peas (optional if you don’t have the carb budget)
shrimp (I used 6 ounces pre-cooked canned shrimp)
2 tsp. tamarind paste (check your labels!)
1 tsp. shrimp paste (optional, check your labels!)
2 Tbsp. + sesame oil
1 Tbsp. fish sauce (check your labels!)
1 Tbsp. rice vinegar (again with the labels)
Juice of 1 lime
1 Tbsp. sambal olek (labels!)
2-4 eggs
1/2 inch ginger
2 cloves garlic
1 small shallot
1 green onion
1-2 Tbsp. fresh basil (optional)

First, prep all your stages.

Stage 1: peel and mince the ginger, garlic and shallot.

Stage 2: in a small dish, combine the tamarind paste, lime juice, rice vinegar, fish sauce, shrimp paste, and sambal olek.

Stage 3: add to a large bowl the cabbage shredded into ribbons, peas if you’re using, and shrimp.

Stage 4: crack your eggs into a small bowl.

Stage 5: chop the green onion and basil if you’re using.

After your stages are prepped, add 2 Tbsp. sesame oil to your largest pan over high heat.

Add stage 1. Stir frequently and cook until softened.

Add stage 2. Stir to make sure the shrimp paste is broken up.

Add stage 3. Toss to combine and let cook, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is softened and the mixture kind of dries out. Hollow out a well in the center of the mixture, pushing the cabbage and stuff to the sides.

Add stage 4. Let the eggs cook halfway through. Stir to break the yolks and make large curds. Cook until eggs are firm.

Top with stage 5 and serve.

If you’re keto, also top with a teaspoon or so of additional sesame oil to increase the fat ratio.

Serves 1-2 for dinner — 1 if you’re alone in the house and like to eat; 2 if you’re not

Thai Chicken Burgers

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This burger comes together quickly, and brings a hint of Thai flavors to dress up what can otherwise be a boring weeknight staple meal.

Gluten-free, paleo, Whole30, keto

Thai Chicken Burgers

1 lb. ground chicken or turkey
1 green onion
1 Tbsp. fish sauce (Red Boat is Whole30 compliant)
1 Tbsp. coconut aminos or soy (coconut aminos are Whole30 compliant)
1 tsp. lime juice
1/2 inch fresh ginger
1 Tbsp. sambal olek (spicy garlic sauce – check your labels of Whole30 or keto!)
2 cloves garlic
1/2 an avocado per person
Fat of choice
Salt & pepper to taste

Mince your green onions, garlic and ginger. Add to a large bowl with everything but the avocado and fat of choice. Mix, form into 4 burger patties. Hit with salt and pepper to taste.

Heat the fat in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry your burgers about 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through.

Serve over sliced avocado.

Makes enough for 4 burgers

Spinach Berry Smoothie

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Yay, it’s (hopefully) back to the smoothie life over here – and I made a great one this morning. This smoothie is tart, not too sweet, low-ish in carbs and hit the spot for breakfast. Even with the crappy blender I’ve been saddled with (R.I.P. and get lots of in your new home, Vitamix).

Gluten-free, paleo, vegetarian, vegan, Whole30-ish

Spinach Berry Smoothie

Big hand full of spinach
1/2 a medium Haas avocado
Big squirt bottled lime juice (or the juice of 1 fresh lime)
1/3 – 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries (I used a blend of strawberries, raspberries, currants, and blueberries)
Slack hand full of fresh mint (roughly 2 Tbsp.)
Enough water to make the mixture blend

Blend and enjoy – makes enough for a nice-sized smoothie cup or a small glass + sidecar.

Serves 1

Thai Red Curry Meatballs

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Yay! Back to cooking – and hopefully back to regular recipe-posting.

This move has been rough, and it’s really taken a toll on my desire to cook, eating habits, and creativity in general. I’m hoping this first “real” dinner in the new place is a start in the right direction health and blog-wise.

Gluten-free, paleo, Whole30 if you source your ingredients right

Thai Red Curry Meatballs

1 pound ground chicken
1/2 small red onion
Juice + zest of 2 limes
1/2 inch fresh ginger, peeled
Big pinch chili powder (hot chili – red pepper flakes would do)
2 cloves garlic
Hand full baby carrots
1 Tbsp. coconut aminos or soy sauce
Big pinch ground cumin
Salt & pepper to taste

For the sauce

1 can coconut milk
2 Tbsp. red curry paste
2 Tbsp. nut butter (or a hand full of nuts, a sprinkle of salt + 2 tsp. coconut oil)
Juice of 2 limes
2 cloves garlic

First, make the meatballs by combining all meatball ingredients in a blender or food processor (minus the chicken) and process to a mush. Mix in half to 3/4 with the chicken and form into ping pong to golf ball sized balls. Warning: this mixture will be a bit wet. It’ll firm up in the oven.

Bake at 400f for 20 mins. Flip; bake an additional 15 mins. or until cooked through. Note: Since the mixture is so wet when it goes into the oven, perfect balls aren’t happening, but they’re still damn tasty.

While your balls are a-cookin’, make the sauce by blending all ingredients together and adding to a large pan. Simmer until the meatballs are ready.

When the meatballs come out of the oven, add to the simmering sauce to combine.

Serve with mixed veg of your choice.

Serves 2-3 for dinner with a hearty side of veggies. 

Rosewater Roasted Carrots

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This side was inspired by the rosewater carrots at Dig Inn. Their version was a bit on the drab side but a fascinating concept, so I kicked the acid profile up a bit.

gluten-free, paleo, vegetarian, vegan

 

 

Rosewater Roasted Carrots

 

1 bunch small carrots
Sprinkle of your favorite roasting oil
2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 Tablespoon rosewater
Juice of 1 lemon
Couple good glugs extra virgin olive oil
Sprinkle cardamom
Sea salt & black pepper
3 Tablespoons hemp seeds

First, toss your carrots in your favorite roasting oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast until browned – 35 minutes or so on 375F.

While your carrots are working, whisk together the rest of the ingredients to form the dressing.

Toss the carrots with the dressing and serve.

If you want to flesh this side out a bit, toss in half an avocado and a big hand full of arugula.

Serves 2 as a side, or you can spread it out to 4 by adding a little bulk 

Lemon Rose Pea Shoot Salad

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I made this easy, Summery salad as a side dish/taco topper for my DH’s going away party. It was a big hit.
Gluten-free, Paleo, vegetarian

Lemon Rose Pea Shoot Salad

1 cup chopped red cabbage
2 cups chopped pea shoots
Zest and juice of 1 small lemon
1/4 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons honey
1 teaspoon rosewater
1 teaspoon grainy mustard (Maille, FTW)
1 small clove garlic, grated
1 Tablespoon lime basil, chopped

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, honey, rosewater, mustard, grated garlic, a big pinch sea salt and a few grinds black pepper. Add the rest of the ingredients and toss.

Serves a bunch as a taco topper/side dish

Banana Milk Faux-meal

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I recently heard of something that's taken Instagram by storm (apparently, I don't follow enough millennials or food bloggers) – banana milk.

I thought this sounded too ridiculous to pass up, and couldn't resist giving it a try.

And you know what … wasn't half bad. A little carbier than I usually like to go, but not bad at all. If you've ever had banana as a smoothie base, you'll know what I mean – this fruit blends well.

Gluten-free, paleo, vegetarian, vegan

Banana Milk Faux-meal

1 banana
1 cup water
Pinch salt
2 Tbsp. chia seeds
2 Tbsp. flaxseed meal
2 Tbsp. unsweetened coconut
1/4 c. berries (I had frozen cherries)
Sprinkle cinnamon
Sprinkle nutmeg
Dash maple extract (optional)

Blend the banana, water and a pinch of salt.

Add half a cup of the banana Milk to a bowl. Top with the rest of the ingredients.

Stir to combine. Let sit 2 – 3 minutes before enjoying like oatmeal.

Serves 1 for breakfast

Coconut Curry Chicken

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This chicken is simple to prepare and makes a great little addition to salads, zoodles or a simple broccoli bowl.

gluten-free, paleo, keto


Coconut Curry Chicken

2 large chicken breasts
1 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup sugar free apricot preserves
1/3 cup green curry paste
Juice of 1 lime
2 Tbsp. fish sauce
Zest of 1 lime
Spicy peanuts
Zoodles

Add all ingredients but lime zest, peanuts and zoodles to a Ziplock and marinade 3 hours to 1 day.

Bake the chicken at 400 degrees F for 25 – 30 minutes, or until cooked through.

Serve with the zest of 1 lime and a hand full of chopped cilantro + peanuts over zoodles.

Makes enough chicken for 4 if your breasts are large

Tuna Chermoula Salad

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This recipe is based off of a tuna chermoula toast I saw in a favorites of the week link roundup recently. I was struck by the simplicity of the flavors and the overall unexpectedness of encountering the humble canned tuna in presumably a party setting.

Chermoula is a really neat condiment. Popular throughout northern Africa, this sauce is made a zillion different ways and used as a meat marinade, accompaniment to fish or seafood, and dressing for vegetables. The version I’m making is seasoned to balance tuna’s meaty-but-dull nature.  I’ve seen versions that include the brininess of olives, sweeter versions including raisins, and versions that just straight up seem like chimichurri to me. If you happen to have preserved lemons on hand, they would make a fantastic swap for the lemon here. I, sadly, have run out.

gluten-free, paleo, Whole30, keto


Tuna Chermoula Salad

Your favorite canned tuna (I used a 6 ounce pouch of water packed tuna)
1/4 cup olive oil
Big hand full cilantro
Juice and zest of 1 big lemon (I had 2 small little sad lemons on hand)
1 clove garlic
1/2 inch ginger
1 tsp. sweet paprika
Big pinch red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp. cumin
Big pinch salt
Few cracks black pepper
1/2 avocado
2 cups roasted broccoli

If your broccoli isn’t already roasted, roast some broccoli florets sprinkled with salt, pepper and your favorite fat in a 400 degree (F) oven for 25 – 30 minutes). Let cool.

On to the chermoula.

Chop the cilantro, and add to a bowl. Add the lemon zest and juice, the garlic and ginger once those have been grated, the olive oil, paprika, cumin and red pepper flakes, and hit with a  big pinch og salt and pepper. Taste. Your sauce should be nice and acidic and there should be a bunch of it. Adjust as necessary for your personal salt and heat preferences.

Add the tuna and stir. Add the broccoli and stir. Chop the avocado and add last, gently stirring to combine.

Taste again and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serves 2 for lunch

Vegan Not-Yo Cheese Breakfast Bowl

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HaHaHaHa. I crack myself up. Nacho cheese … not. yo. cheese. … I’m way too easily amused.

This past weekend, the DH was out of town and I was craving Taco Bell. Luckily for my stomach, Taco Bell is inordinately hard to get to from the comfort of my couch (srsly, I only know where 1 Taco Bell is in the city, and I was in zero mood to travel 1:15 and deal with whatever weekend train shenanigans NYC wanted to throw at me just for a meal that was bound to make me sick afterward), so I stayed in and scrounged what I had.

Lucky for me, that included cauliflower and cashews.

gluten-free, paleo, vegetarian, vegan, keto


Vegan Not-Yo Cheese Breakfast Bowl

1 cup raw cashews
1 cup water
1/2 – 1 cup almond milk
1/2 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 Tablespoons fat of choice (I used ghee and coconut oil; you do you)
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1.5 – 3 Tablespoons garlic powder
4 – 5 Tablespoons nutritional yeast
2 – 3 Tablespoons ground mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Juice 1 – 2 lemons
1 chipotle chile in adobo, chopped
Salt & black pepper

First, put your cashews into a large glass measuring cup with 1 cup of water. Microwave on high or heat in a pan on the stove until boiling. You could also soak the cashews overnight like you’re “supposed” to, but I had zero forethought or capacity for patience, so I went the lazy route. Lazy ftw.

When your cashews are done, blitz in your blender with the almond milk.

A quick note here about consistency: I first tried blitzing in the food processor, but my cheese was starting off way too chunky and I was disturbed. I switched to my Vitamix, blended the shit out of the nuts, and life was much better. If you do not have a high-powered outboard motor of a blender, you may want to run your cheese through a strainer after completed.

Dice and add your onion and garlic to a smallish pan with your fat of choice. Sautee over medium until the onions are translucent.

While you are waiting, grab all your spices and a spoon – you’ll be tasting things and adding ingredients quickly.

When your alliums are translucent, add the cashew mixture, along with the cumin, paprika, half the garlic powder, half the mustard powder, half the nutritional yeast, the chili powder, the apple cider vinegar, half the lemon juice, and 1/4 cup almond milk. Whisk or stir aggressively to combine.

Add a big pinch of salt and some pepper. Stir and taste. Add more salt, pepper, garlic powder, mustard powder, nutritional yeast, lemon juice and almond milk until your desired consistency and taste is achieved.

Some taste notes: Mustard powder, garlic powder, nutritional yeast and acid are what makes the “cheese” taste here. Err on the side of aggressive seasoning.

When you have what you want taste and consistency-wise, drop the cheese in your blender and whiz to make smooth.

To make the pictured breakfast bowl, pour over some roasted cauliflower (I roasted mine in grass fed buffalo ghee with turmeric, which is why it looks weird) and top with a couple fried eggs. Or whatever vegans eat instead of eggs.

Also great over roasted brussels sprouts with taco-seasoned ground beef and scallions.