Category: Recipes

Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts

I’m all about keeping my side dishes as easy as possible. I want my main dish to be the star of the show, and I don’t want to spend tons of time or energy on something that is just being served on the side, so roasted vegetables are almost always on the menu! They’re easy, […]

The post Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I’m all about keeping my side dishes as easy as possible. I want my main dish to be the star of the show, and I don’t want to spend tons of time or energy on something that is just being served on the side, so roasted vegetables are almost always on the menu! They’re easy, tasty, and mostly hands off. Since we’re moving into “winter vegetable” season, I thought I’d do a quick tutorial on roasted Brussels sprouts, so you can whip up this simple and delicious side dish with any of your fall or winter meals.

Overhead shot of a bowl of roasted Brussels sprouts

What do Brussels Sprouts Taste Like?

I’m sure there are many of you out there who have never had a Brussels sprout before in your life, so I want to describe them to you a bit first. To me they taste like mini cabbages, but perhaps not quite so bland. What makes them fun, to me, is the texture. The delicate, tightly bound leaves just are so enjoyable to eat! But they are more on the bitter end of the vegetable spectrum, so if you are very sensitive to bitter flavors, which some people just are genetically, Brussels sprouts may not be for you.

When are Brussels Sprouts in Season?

Brussels sprouts can be on the pricier side for vegetables, so it’s important to take advantage of them while they’re in season. The season can vary a bit, depending on where they’re grown, but they are a cold weather vegetable so you’ll most likely start to see them pop up on grocery stores in the U.S. from October to February. 

Can I Use Frozen Brussels Sprouts?

Frozen Brussels sprouts can be found for a fairly good price year-round, so you may be tempted to try to roast those instead of fresh Brussels sprouts. While you certainly can roast a frozen Brussels sprout, I find that fresh create a much better texture and flavor. Frozen Brussels sprouts will be softer and a little more wet (even after roasting), and I find that roasted fresh Brussels sprouts have a more vibrant flavor. 

How to Season Roasted Brussels Sprouts

One thing that I love about roasted vegetables, roasted Brussels sprouts included, is how many different ways you can season them. They’re delicious with just a bit of salt and pepper, or you can really go to town. The recipe below uses a simple mix of salt, pepper, and garlic, but you could also do something like steak seasoning, curry powder, Cajun seasoning, seasoning salt (like Lawry’s), a Garlic Herb Seasoning, Everything But the Bagel Seasoning, or Parmesan cheese (Parmesan would go great alone or along with any of the previously listed seasoning blends). 

P.S. These roasted Brussels sprouts would be SO GOOD dipped in Comeback Sauce!

Close up side view of Roasted Brussels Sprouts in a bowl

 
Close up side view of Roasted Brussels Sprouts in a bowl

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts and an easy, tasty, and versatile side dish to compliment any of your fall or winter meals.
Total Cost $2.21 recipe / $0.55 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 157.55kcal
Author Beth - Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. Brussels sprouts $1.99
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil $0.16
  • 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.02

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Wash the Brussels sprouts and trim off any dry ends. Cut each Brussels sprout in half.
  • Place the cut Brussels sprouts on a parchment lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Toss until the Brussels sprouts are well coated oil and seasoning. Turn each Brussels sprout so that it is cut side facing down.
  • Roast the Brussels sprouts in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until they are browned and caramelized on the edges. You can stir the Brussels sprouts at about 20 minutes to gauge the amount of browning on the bottom layer of the sprouts. No need to make sure they're all face down again for the final few minutes.
  • Taste one Brussels sprout and adjust the salt or pepper to your liking, then serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 157.55kcal | Carbohydrates: 20.45g | Protein: 7.65g | Fat: 7.45g | Sodium: 471.65mg | Fiber: 8.6g

Close up of a roasted Brussels sprout on a fork with the bowl in the background

How to Roast Brussels Sprouts – Step by Step Photos

Brussels sprouts being cut in half

Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Wash 1 lb. Brussels sprouts, then cut off any dry stems. Cut each Brussels sprout in half. The sprouts I had today were very fresh and the ends were not dried out at all, so I simply cut them in half.

Season Brussels Sprouts

Place the Brussels sprouts on a parchment lined baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 Tbsp olive oil, then add ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp garlic powder, and ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper.

Brussels sprouts ready to roast

Turn all of the Brussels sprouts halves over so the cut side is facing down. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts on a baking sheet

Roast for about 25 minutes, or until they have achieved the level of browning that you like. The total time may change depending on the size of your Brussels sprouts. You can give them a stir after about 20 minutes to see how much they have browned on the cut side. No need to flip them all back over for the final few minutes.

Roasted Brussels sprouts on a plate with pork chops and sweet potatoes

Give the roasted Brussels sprouts a taste and adjust the salt or pepper to your liking. Serve hot!

The post Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts appeared first on Budget Bytes.

15 Lunch Recipes You Can Fully Prep On Sunday!

We’re talking all about meal prep lunches today! With 2020 being complete crazy, who else needs some lunch inspo? I mean, I just need a moment to step out of the kitchen and eat a delicious lunch… So! I’m always on the fence about meal prepping entire lunches for the week. I talk about this […]

The post 15 Lunch Recipes You Can Fully Prep On Sunday! appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

We’re talking all about meal prep lunches today!

With 2020 being complete crazy, who else needs some lunch inspo? I mean, I just need a moment to step out of the kitchen and eat a delicious lunch…

So!

I’m always on the fence about meal prepping entire lunches for the week. I talk about this a TON in my book coming out next year – and it includes so many helpful meal prep tips and plans. However, the same theme remains: I hate to meal prep for five full days and the eat the same thing for lunch.

However! Not everyone is like me. Take Eddie for example, ha. We make his lunches on Sunday for four days. These recipes are some examples of what we make – because he wants more of a “meal” for lunch (i.e. not a salad or a sandwich, in Eddie speak) and he always wants to make it and pack it up. For all of these below, you can fully make them and stick them in a container, with the except of one salad.

While I prefer to make batches of soup and freeze half, then do two or three lunches (so the other two days have variety), most of these will make at least four servings!

15 Meal Prep Lunches

Fire Roasted Minestrone. My favorite way to prep this for lunches is to make a batch, freeze half, then use it for lunches for the week. I find that this is so much better than eating it for dinner, then using it for lunches. I get meal boredom easily. Then use the frozen batch for dinner in few weeks!

Greek Orzo Salad in a Jar. I adore this meal so much. It’s one that gets better as it sits! It’s also very customizable – you can use different beans or grains too.

Salsa Chicken Quinoa. This meal is incredible as leftovers. It’s one that you can add toppings to, or easy alone, and it will still be delish.

Smoky Butternut Kale Salad. Kale salads are one salad I actually still enjoy a day or so after they are made. The kale is so hearty and chewy that it can hold up in the fridge. I do suggest waiting to dress these until it’s time to eat!

Ginger Sweet Potato Soup. I LOVE this for lunch because it’s light yet satisfying at the same time. The ginger is refreshing and it is such a good lunch soup.

Baja Grain Bowls. I put the base of these together all the time for lunches. It is wonderful. If you have the time or work from home, you can top it with more ingredients like yogurt or avocado. Or, you can throw those things in the corner of the container and mix it all up together when it’s time to eat!

Sheet Pan Smoked Turkey Sausage and Peppers. This is easily one our most made meals for lunch, ever! Sometimes I’ll make a batch of brown jasmine rice and portion it out with this.

Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwiches. This chickpea salad gets better as it sits. You can totally prep it ahead of time and make an actual sandwich on bread or toast. It lasts – and the salad doesn’t get too wet or soggy.

Easy Turkey Chili. I have lots of chili recipes but this is my favorite. It comes together SO super fast, is very flavorful and is perfect for portioning out for lunch. It’s a smaller batch than most chilis (it serves 4), so it’s great for the week.

Grilled Vegetable Orzo with Smashed Feta Vinaigrette. Perhaps my favorite meal of the entire bunch! This one is loaded with flavor and you can use whatever veggies you like. Also, if you want to roast instead of grill, go for it!

Maple Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage with Brussels and Squash. Another favorite that is so flavorful and SO good for lunch! Again, if you want to pair it with brown rice or something similar, go for it.

Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls. They only part I don’t add in until the last minute is the avocado and the dressing. And if you’re in a pinch, just skip the avo slices and add a few dollops of guac.

Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers. These are SO GOOD for leftovers! Now I do suggest heating them with a little but of melted cheese and topping with guac, but they are excellent for lunches, and also really good over a bed of lettuce!

Squash Pasta with Brown Butter and Goat Cheese. While I usually use summer squash for this, I’ve made it multiple times in the winter with zucchini since it’s readily available. It’s delish and reheats so well.

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas. This is one that Eddie loves to take to work. You can bring tortillas with it, or even eat it with tortilla chips. You can also serve it with brown rice.

Korean Beef Bowls. Okay, so technically this is 16, but I couldn’t pass it up! This is SUPER simple, tastes better as it sits and is so easy to prep ahead. I make it with quinoa often too!

The post 15 Lunch Recipes You Can Fully Prep On Sunday! appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Brussels Sprouts with Maple Glaze

Here’s how to make the best Brussels sprouts recipe…ever. They’re baked until impossibly crispy and drizzled with a maple balsamic glaze. Every now and then, a recipe comes along that blows us out of the water. Such is the case with these Brussels sprouts. These really are next level, and here’s why. They’re impossibly crispy, baked until they’re caramelized and the outside layers flake off into darkened crunchy chips. Then they’re draped in a tangy maple balsamic glaze that heightens the flavors to their peak. One bite of these, and everyone around the table will be asking how you did it. How to cook Brussels sprouts to perfection Sure, you can fry up these mighty sprouts. They’re delicious, but it’s messy and it uses a lot of oil. So to us, the optimal cooking method for Brussels sprouts is roasting them until crispy. But there are a few tricks to getting that perfect charred caramelization. Here’s what to know: Roast at high heat, in a single layer cut side down. 450 degrees Fahrenheit is the ultimate temperature for roasting vegetables. Place all those cute sprouts cut side down for the best caramelization. You’ll want them in a single layer: no […]

A Couple Cooks – Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

Here’s how to make the best Brussels sprouts recipe…ever. They’re baked until impossibly crispy and drizzled with a maple balsamic glaze.

Brussels sprouts

Every now and then, a recipe comes along that blows us out of the water. Such is the case with these Brussels sprouts. These really are next level, and here’s why. They’re impossibly crispy, baked until they’re caramelized and the outside layers flake off into darkened crunchy chips. Then they’re draped in a tangy maple balsamic glaze that heightens the flavors to their peak. One bite of these, and everyone around the table will be asking how you did it.

How to cook Brussels sprouts to perfection

Sure, you can fry up these mighty sprouts. They’re delicious, but it’s messy and it uses a lot of oil. So to us, the optimal cooking method for Brussels sprouts is roasting them until crispy. But there are a few tricks to getting that perfect charred caramelization. Here’s what to know:

  • Roast at high heat, in a single layer cut side down. 450 degrees Fahrenheit is the ultimate temperature for roasting vegetables. Place all those cute sprouts cut side down for the best caramelization. You’ll want them in a single layer: no stacking!
  • Use parchment paper to line your baking sheet: not a silicone mat! Parchment paper makes them the crispiest; silicone mats make them soggy.
  • Bake one tray at a time. To get maximum airflow in your oven, bake only one tray at once. (We learned this the hard way.)
  • Don’t stir! That’s right, don’t even think about stirring! Throw them in for 25 minutes and they should crisp up beautifully.
Brussels sprouts

Accent with a maple glaze (optional!)

These Brussels sprouts are absolutely delicious roasted with olive oil and salt. The outer layers fall off and make crunchy, salty chips that are irresistibly good. Most of the time we eat them plain: because we like them savory! But want to take them over the top? They’re fantastic with a little sweet nuance from a tangy sweet glaze.

For the maple glaze, all you’ll do is heat equal parts maple syrup and balsamic vinegar until they reduce into a slightly thick syrup. We added a shake of soy sauce for good measure. Drizzle that over your Brussels sprouts, and you’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven.

More flavor variations

Want to get creative? There are lots more ways to flavor Brussels sprouts. Here are some ideas:

  • Spicy: Make a spicy variation by adding hot sauce to the maple glaze (about 1 teaspoon), or try these Spicy Brussels Sprouts.
  • Honey: Another great flavor pairing is honey! Drizzle simply with honey or even hot honey.
  • Hoisin: Brussels go well with Asian-style flavors. Toss with purchased or homemade hoisin sauce.
Brussels sprouts with maple glaze

How to make a larger serving of Brussels sprouts

Did you read all our tips above about crispy Brussels sprouts? Let’s see if you were paying attention. How many trays can you have in the oven at once? One tray. That’s right: to get the maximum airflow around your sprouts while they bake, the oven must not have any other food in it.

How to roast more than 1 1/2 pounds at one time? You can do this if you have a larger baking sheet that covers the entire baking rack. That’s an 18 x 13 pan, also called a “half sheet pan“. You could comfortably fit about 2 to 2 1/2 pounds of Brussels sprouts on a half sheet pan, making sure they have a little space around each.

How to cook Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts nutrition

Are Brussels sprouts healthy? Gone are the days of soggy canned sprouts being forced on kids to get their vegetables. These crispy sprouts taste good, they’re almost as addicting as French fries. So are they good for you? Here are the nutrition facts for 1/2 cup plain cooked Brussels sprouts:

IngredientCaloriesProteinCarbsFiberFat
Brussels sprouts28 calories2 grams6 grams2 grams0 grams

Keep in mind that oil and the glaze add calories to the nutrition info! Here are some of the top benefits of these mighty sprouts. Brussels sprouts are (data source):

  • Low in calories and relatively high in fiber.
  • Full of Vitamin K and Vitamin C (137% and 81% of your daily need respectively), and other vitamins and nutrients.
  • Full of antioxidants which may decrease inflammation and increase heart health.
Brussels sprouts with maple glaze recipe

More ways to cook Brussels sprouts

This Brussels sprouts recipe is a favorite healthy side dish, perfect for any easy dinner (or even Thanksgiving). But there are lots of other great ways to prepare this healthy vegetable. Here are some more Brussels sprouts recipes that show more ways to cook them:

Brussels sprouts recipe

This Brussels sprouts recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

Print
Brussels sprouts

Brussels Sprouts with Maple Glaze

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (5 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

Here’s how to make the best Brussels sprouts recipe…ever. They’re baked until impossibly crispy and drizzled with a maple balsamic glaze.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or tamari or coconut aminos)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. (To get them perfectly crispy, make sure this is the only pan in the oven and you’re not roasting anything else at the same time.)
  2. Slice off any hard ends of the Brussels sprouts, as needed. Slice them in half lengthwise and place them in a large bowl.
  3. Mix the sprouts with the olive oil, kosher salt, and lots of fresh ground black pepper.
  4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper*, then pour the spouts onto the sheet. Turn them all cut side down.
  5. Roast for 25 minutes until very browned and tender (don’t stir!). 
  6. While the sprouts are roasting, place the maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and soy sauce in a small saucepan. Simmer 3 to 5 minutes on medium low heat until thickened slightly and reduced (this should result in about 2 to 2 1/2 tablespoons glaze). 
  7. When the sprouts are done, pour over the maple balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.

Notes

*Don’t use a silicone baking mat, since these can also make the Brussels sprouts less crispy. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can skip it and roast directly on the sheet.

  • Category: Side dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Brussels sprouts, Brussels sprouts recipe

More easy side dish recipes

This recipe is one of our top easy side dish recipes…ever! Sprouts are always a hit. But here are a few more ideas for vegetable side dishes:

A Couple Cooks - Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

Salted Cashew Caramel Energy Bites

We’re no strangers to date bites around here, but these may just top them all. Strong claim, but with good reason. If you love the flavors of buttery cashews, salted caramel, and coconut, you’re going to love these energy bites!
Just 4 ingredients and …

Salted Cashew Caramel Energy Bites

We’re no strangers to date bites around here, but these may just top them all. Strong claim, but with good reason. If you love the flavors of buttery cashews, salted caramel, and coconut, you’re going to love these energy bites!

Just 4 ingredients and 10 minutes required for these naturally sweetened, plant-based gems that are perfect for on-the-go snacking, pre- or post-workout fuel, or a healthier dessert!

Salted Cashew Caramel Energy Bites from Minimalist Baker →

Black Bean Soup

This black bean soup is about to become your new favorite back-pocket recipe! It calls for 10 ingredients, and there’s a good chance you have all of them in your pantry already. It cooks up in right around 30 minutes, and it tastes just as good l…


This black bean soup is about to become your new favorite back-pocket recipe! It calls for 10 ingredients, and there’s a good chance you have all of them in your pantry already. It cooks up in right around 30 minutes, and it tastes just as good leftover as it does hot off the stove. Best of all, it’s comforting, hearty, satisfying, and (of course!) delicious. When I cook with canned beans, I almost always start by draining and rinsing them. But in this black bean soup recipe, I pour the canned bean liquid into the pot right along with the […]

The post Black Bean Soup appeared first on Love and Lemons.

Miso Salmon

Prepare to be amazed by this miso salmon! The savory glaze is the perfect accent for this broiled fish and makes an easy dinner. Here’s an impressive dinner idea that’s packed with umami and fantastically irresistible: Miso Salmon! Miso makes magic in the kitchen: it adds incredible savory flavor to everything it touches. Here it features in a miso glaze that’s so full of flavor, you’ll want to brush a glossy swipe onto just about everything. One of the ultimate ways to use it? On a tender fillet of salmon. Brush it on before and after broiling, and it’s absolutely stunning. If fact, we couldn’t tear ourselves away from this. (Our three year old was particularly smitten.) What’s in miso glaze? The secret to this miso salmon is this tasty miso glaze. You can use it on just about anything: any type of fish (like tuna or cod) or sauteed vegetables. The star is miso, a Japanese fermented soybean paste that’s full of nutrients and savory flavor! It’s known for its intense savory notes, otherwise known as umami. You can find miso in your local grocery next to the Japanese products. There are several colors of miso, each with their […]

A Couple Cooks – Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

Prepare to be amazed by this miso salmon! The savory glaze is the perfect accent for this broiled fish and makes an easy dinner.

Miso salmon

Here’s an impressive dinner idea that’s packed with umami and fantastically irresistible: Miso Salmon! Miso makes magic in the kitchen: it adds incredible savory flavor to everything it touches. Here it features in a miso glaze that’s so full of flavor, you’ll want to brush a glossy swipe onto just about everything. One of the ultimate ways to use it? On a tender fillet of salmon. Brush it on before and after broiling, and it’s absolutely stunning. If fact, we couldn’t tear ourselves away from this. (Our three year old was particularly smitten.)

What’s in miso glaze?

The secret to this miso salmon is this tasty miso glaze. You can use it on just about anything: any type of fish (like tuna or cod) or sauteed vegetables. The star is miso, a Japanese fermented soybean paste that’s full of nutrients and savory flavor! It’s known for its intense savory notes, otherwise known as umami. You can find miso in your local grocery next to the Japanese products. There are several colors of miso, each with their own flavor.

This glaze comes together in just a few minutes and uses only 5 ingredients (plus salt). Once you whisk together the ingredients, there may still be some chunks of miso that do not dissolve: that’s ok! Just try to get it as smooth as you can. Here’s what you need for the miso glaze:

  • Miso: We like yellow or light miso for this recipe, but you can use whatever you find.
  • Soy sauce: substitute tamari or coconut aminos as necessary
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sugar: substitute maple syrup or honey if you like
  • Sriracha hot sauce
  • Salt
Miso glaze

Buy a high quality piece of salmon

The other part of this miso salmon recipe that’s important: buying a great piece of salmon! You can make it with any quality, but it tastes optimal with a high quality of fish. We splurged and used King salmon for this one, and wow! It’s beautifully tender and juicy, making for one irresistible piece of fish. But you can use other types too! Here are some pointers one how to buy a

  • Fresh salmon is best. You can find good frozen salmon, but for the very best salmon, buy it fresh from your local seafood counter.
  • Buy wild caught salmon. Wild caught is the way to go! It’s most sustainable and has the best flavor.
  • Coho is a good choice. We tend to like Coho salmon for its mild flavor: it’s a good middle of the road option in terms of price. Of course, King salmon is incredible but more of a splurge. Avoid Atlantic salmon as it is typically farmed salmon.

Ways to cook miso salmon

There are lots of ways to cook salmon. For this miso salmon recipe we chose the broiler because it is quick and easy! There are some tips on broiling salmon below. But you can also choose any salmon cooking method you like! Here are a few other options:

  • Pan Seared Salmon: Paint on a bit of the glaze when you flip the salmon to skin side down, then add a little more after it’s out of the pan.
  • Oven Baked Salmon: Use the glaze in the same way as broiling!
  • Grilled Salmon: Paint the glaze on right before you add it to the grill, then add more after grilling just like with broiling.
Miso salmon

Tips for broiling salmon

The best way to cook this miso salmon is broiling, we think! Here are a few tips

  • Let the salmon come to room temperature, or brine it (lower quality salmon). It’s important to let the salmon come to room temperature before broiling it so it cooks evenly. If you’re using lower quality salmon, you may want to brine it during this time: go to Broiled Salmon for more!
  • Broilers vary, so watch the cook time carefully! The exact timing for this broiled salmon depends on your specific broiler and the thickness of the fish. It will be different every time: so watch closely! Estimate 4 to 5 minutes for very thin salmon or 7 to 10 minutes for 1-inch thick salmon. A food thermometer is nice for judging whether it’s done.
  • Most broilers are about 3 to 5 inches from the heating element. If yours is closer, take care and watch the salmon during the cook time.
Miso salmon

Sides to serve with miso salmon

What to serve with miso salmon to make it into an easy dinner? There are so many options! The flavors are Asian inspired, so you can use Asian-style ingredients or opt for other elements that fit the vibe. Here are some of our favorite ways to accessorize miso salmon:

This miso salmon recipe is…

Pescatarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

Print
Miso salmon

Easy Miso Salmon

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (5 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

Prepare to be amazed by this miso salmon! The savory glaze is the perfect accent for this broiled fish and makes an easy dinner. 

Ingredients

  • 1 to 1 1/2 pounds high quality skin-on salmon fillets, wild caught if possible
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons light or yellow miso
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari or coconut aminos)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (or maple syrup)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Optional garnish: Sliced green onions, sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Let salmon rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, make the miso glaze: Whisk the miso, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, Sriracha and kosher salt together in a small bowl until smooth (the miso may have a few lumps depending on its texture, which is okay). 
  3. Preheat the broiler to high. Place a large sheet of aluminum foil on a baking sheet and brush it with olive oil. Pat each piece of salmon dry and place it on the foil skin side down. Brush salmon liberally with the glaze (1 to 2 tablespoons).
  4. Broil about 4 to 5 minutes for very thin salmon or 7 to 10 minutes for 1-inch thick salmon, until just tender and pink at the center (the internal temperature should be between 125 to 130F in the center). Brush with more of the glaze and serve.
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Broiled
  • Cuisine: Asian inspired

Keywords: Miso salmon

Best salmon recipes

Salmon is one of the best healthy dinner ideas! Here are some more salmon recipes to add to your repertoire:

A Couple Cooks - Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

Parmesan Pistachio Stuffed Pork Tenderloin.

This parmesan pork tenderloin is sponsored by the National Pork Board! Parmesan pistachio pork tenderloin is what’s for dinner tonight!  This flavorful weeknight meal is going to become a staple in your dinner repertoire this season. It’s exciting, delicious and a great way to bring some excitement into your kitchen. Today I’ve partnered with the […]

The post Parmesan Pistachio Stuffed Pork Tenderloin. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

This parmesan pork tenderloin is sponsored by the National Pork Board!

Parmesan pistachio pork tenderloin is what’s for dinner tonight! 

parmesan pistachio stuffed pork tenderloin with brussels sprouts

This flavorful weeknight meal is going to become a staple in your dinner repertoire this season. It’s exciting, delicious and a great way to bring some excitement into your kitchen.

stuffing pork tenderloin

Today I’ve partnered with the National Pork Board and their Pork as a Passport Campaign to bring you this delish stuffed pork tenderloin recipe. Pork tenderloin is so underrated. We love it as a weeknight meal, and it doesn’t take very long to cook either. Bonus! 

pork tenderloin ready for the oven

Pork tenderloin is also incredibly lean, making it one of our favorite meats for dinner. And we’re not alone! Pork is the number one consumed protein globally, and it really allows you to explore different cultures when it comes to cooking, especially when we’re not traveling as much. I’ve made many versions in this past, and it’s a great way to elevate your weeknight meal with tons of flavor. It feels special!

parmesan pistachio stuffed pork tenderloin with brussels sprouts

If you’re looking for inspo, I’ve made this fig and gorgonzola stuffed pork tenderloin, this grilled thai pork tenderloin and this apple, squash and goat cheese stuffed pork tenderloin. Oh and this wonderful holiday pork tenderloin too. They are all dreamy!

parmesan pistachio stuffed pork tenderloin with brussels sprouts

I’m excited to add this new one to the list. Pork is a fantastic way to transport you from your kitchen and experience exciting new flavors and dishes from cultures around the world. It’s also such a versatile cut of meat, one that can continuously bring a whole new life to the dinner table.

That’s why we’re making this parmesan pistachio pork tenderloin today! It is absolutely loaded with flavor – while using minimal ingredients. That’s a must during this busy season. 

Yes!

parmesan pistachio stuffed pork tenderloin with brussels sprouts

I absolutely LOVE the parmesan pistachio combo. Let me tell you how it goes down!

I find that throwing the pistachios in a food processor makes them the perfect consistency. So we combine the pistachios with ricotta and parmesan cheese to make the most incredible filling. It’s cheesy and nutty and savory and delicious. You can eat it with a spoon, but we’re going to stuff it in the pork tenderloin. 

parmesan pistachio stuffed pork tenderloin with brussels sprouts

I chop a ton of herbs – things like parsley and sage, though you can use what is in season! – to throw in the filling too. This combination is also ridiculously flavorful and adds wonderful aromatic value too. 

parmesan pistachio stuffed pork tenderloin with brussels sprouts

Another reason I love pork tenderloin? The options for side dishes are endless. You can serve this with some roasted vegetables or even mashed potatoes. You can throw it on top of a salad. If you’re utilizing leftovers, you can even throw it on a sandwich! 

It’s a sure fave! 

parmesan pistachio stuffed pork tenderloin with brussels sprouts

Parmesan Pistachio Pork Tenderloin

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Parmesan Pistachio Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

This parmesan pork tenderloin is stuffed with a delicious pistachio parm ricotta filling and tons of herbs. It's a show stopping meal!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 4 to 6
Author How Sweet Eats

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless pork tenderloins, 1.5 to 2 lbs each in size
  • kosher salt and pepper
  • ½ cup roasted, salted pistachios
  • 8 ounces ricotta cheese
  • ⅓ cup finely parmesan cheese
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup chopped fresh herbs, such as sage and parsley
  • brussels sprouts salad, for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a roasting pan or baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with nonstick spray.
  • Place the pork on a cutting board and get a sharp knife. I like to slice it twice to open it up so I have a lot of space to work with. I start at the bottom of the pork (about 1/4 inch from the bottom) and slice it lengthwise, then continue to cut again and open up the pork. You want to have a flat surface to work on. I place a piece of plastic wrap over top of the pork and use a meat tenderizer to pound it out to even thickness. Season the inside with salt and pepper. Repeat with the other tenderloin.
  • Place the pistachios in a food processor and blend until small crumbs remain. In a bowl, combine the pistachios with the ricotta, parmesan cheese, garlic and egg. Add a big pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
  • Divide the mixture evenly between the 2 tenderloins. Spread the ricotta mixture on top of the pork, leaving 2 inches or so around the edges so you can roll it up. Sprinkle the chopped herbs on top.
  • Tightly roll up the tenderloins and tie each with kitchen twine. Season the entire outside with the salt and pepper.
  • Place the pork on the roasting pan or baking sheet and roast for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the inside is cooked and reads about 140 to 145 degrees F. Let the pork rest for 20 minutes before slicing.

parmesan pistachio stuffed pork tenderloin with brussels sprouts

Throw it in the dinner rotation! Because FLAVOR.

The post Parmesan Pistachio Stuffed Pork Tenderloin. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Butternut Squash Curry

This butternut squash curry is an easy plant based dinner that’s vibrant and full-flavored, starring Thai red curry paste and coconut milk. You know about natural flavor pairings like peanut butter and jelly, and tomatoes and basil. Here’s another unique pairing that works like a charm: butternut squash and Thai curry paste! There’s something about the sweetness of squash and the spicy aromatic flavors of curry paste that go hand in hand. Try them together in this Butternut Squash Curry recipe! It’s easy to make, full of colorful vegetables and bursting with Thai curry flavor. The moment I took the first bite, I couldn’t stop singing its praises. Is this an authentic Thai red curry?   Curry is a very loose term. Per Bon Appetit, in many countries it was a word used by colonizers to simplify what they saw as foreign cuisines. Today, curry is usually a dish with a spiced sauce and meat or vegetables, often eaten with rice or flatbread like naan. Sometimes  curry powder is included in the sauce (like in many Indian curries), or sometimes curry paste (like Thai curries). The dish is made in many countries, including India, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and England. This […]

A Couple Cooks – Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

This butternut squash curry is an easy plant based dinner that’s vibrant and full-flavored, starring Thai red curry paste and coconut milk.

Butternut squash curry

You know about natural flavor pairings like peanut butter and jelly, and tomatoes and basil. Here’s another unique pairing that works like a charm: butternut squash and Thai curry paste! There’s something about the sweetness of squash and the spicy aromatic flavors of curry paste that go hand in hand. Try them together in this Butternut Squash Curry recipe! It’s easy to make, full of colorful vegetables and bursting with Thai curry flavor. The moment I took the first bite, I couldn’t stop singing its praises.

Is this an authentic Thai red curry?  

Curry is a very loose term. Per Bon Appetit, in many countries it was a word used by colonizers to simplify what they saw as foreign cuisines. Today, curry is usually a dish with a spiced sauce and meat or vegetables, often eaten with rice or flatbread like naan. Sometimes  curry powder is included in the sauce (like in many Indian curries), or sometimes curry paste (like Thai curries). The dish is made in many countries, including India, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and England.

This butternut squash curry is a recipe we designed in the style of a Thai red curry. This is a Thai dish with a sauce made with red curry paste and coconut milk. It can be made with different proteins like chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu. Thai cuisine does feature different types of squash and pumpkin, but usually not butternut squash since it is not a native plant. So this uses the principles and flavors of Thai red curry to highlight this tasty winter squash. 

Butternut squash curry

The key to butternut squash curry: red curry paste!

Do not make this butternut squash curry unless you can find red curry paste! This is what makes the fragrant Thai curry flavor. What is it? Red curry paste is a jarred paste that takes all the flavor of a Thai curry and concentrates it into a paste. In traditional Thai cooking, you’d make it with the real ingredients. Curry paste is a shortcut: it has all the chili peppers, garlic, lemongrass, ginger, kaffir lime leaves, cumin, coriander, and more. It brings incredible flavor and lasts for months in the fridge. A few notes on red curry paste:

  • It ranges from mild to medium spicy, based on the brand. We love using Thai kitchen curry paste which is very mild. Taste your curry paste before using it: if it’s very spicy, use less than the recipe specifies.
  • It’s easy to find near the Thai products in most grocery stores. It keeps for months in the refrigerator and you can use it in lots more recipes (see below). You can also buy it online: Thai Kitchen red curry paste.
Butternut squash curry

How to cut butternut squash: some tips!

The main part of this butternut squash curry that requires technique is cutting the butternut squash! It takes a little time to peel and cut the squash. Here are a few tips: 

  1. Watch the video: The easiest way to understand how to cut it is by showing you! Watch this quick video of How to Cut Butternut Squash.
  2. Use a serrated peeler: The easiest way to peel butternut squash is a squash peeler! It’s serrated, which makes it easier than a normal vegetable peeler. Here’s the serrated vegetable peeler we use.
  3. Cut off the neck and chop it separately from the base: Don’t try to cut the entire squash together. Chop off the neck, then peel it and chop into squares. Do the same for the base. 

Can you substitute frozen squash? (No.)

Important: don’t be tempted to substitute frozen squash in this butternut squash curry recipe! This has been optimized for fresh squash. In fact, we tried it with frozen because we thought it would be a natural swap. The squash came out mushy and waterlogged: nothing like the fresh version. So stay away from this swap for this recipe. 

A few ideas for adding protein to butternut squash curry

You can eat this butternut squash curry on its own, but if you want to load it up with more protein, here’s what to do: 

  • Add shrimp. Throw in raw shrimp in the last 5 minutes of simmering. 
  • Add chickpeas. Make a butternut squash chickpea curry by adding drained and rinsed chickpeas when you add the coconut milk. You may need to increase the salt a bit in the final seasoning.
  • Add tofu. Make Pan Fried Tofu on the side (or in advance) and add it in the last 5 minutes: pan frying it in advance gives it a nice texture. Or even easier, add tofu cubes when you add the coconut milk: this results in a soft tofu texture, but it’s just as tasty. 
How to make butternut squash curry

What to serve with butternut squash curry? 

This butternut squash curry is Thai-style, so it’s most authentic to serve it with rice. Don’t attempt to add naan: that’s for an Indian-style curry! Here are the types of rice we like to serve with a Thai-style curry: 

  • Jasmine rice (best fit): Jasmine rice is also called Thai fragrant rice: because of its beautiful popcorn-like nutty flavor. Try our jasmine rice recipes: How to Cook Jasmine Rice and Instant Pot Jasmine Rice.
  • Basmati rice (also works): Basmati rice also works, but it’s less fragrant and more often used for Indian curries. See How to Cook Basmati Rice and Instant Pot Basmati Rice.
  • Jade rice (for fun!): Jade rice is a fun option: it’s naturally dyed green using bamboo extract and has a fluffy texture almost like couscous. We served the squash curry this way and it was excellent. 

Want to know more about rice nutrition? See Quinoa vs Rice.

Butternut squashs curry

More recipes with red curry paste

When you buy a jar of red curry paste for this butternut squash curry, there are lots more ways to use it! Here are some of our top favorite recipes using curry paste: 

This butternut squash curry recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

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Butternut squash curry

Butternut Squash Curry

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (6 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

This butternut squash curry is an easy plant based dinner that’s vibrant and full-flavored, starring Thai red curry paste and coconut milk.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium butternut squash (4 cups chopped*)
  • 1 yellow onion
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
  • 3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste**
  • 15-ounce can full fat coconut milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 cups baby spinach or chopped spinach
  • To serve: jasmine rice, basmati rice or jade rice
  • Optional: Add shrimp, chickpeas, or tofu to add more protein***

Instructions

  1. Start the jasmine rice, basmati rice, or jade rice. 
  2. Peel and chop the butternut squash.  Dice the onion. Place them in a bowl together. 
  3. Mince the garlic. Cut the pepper into thin strips.
  4. In a large skillet, pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and butternut squash and saute for 5 minutes, until onions are translucent. Add the garlic and red pepper and saute for 1 minute.
  5. Add coconut milk, curry paste, turmeric, water and kosher salt and bring to a simmer. Simmer until squash is tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Add the spinach and wilt for 1 minute. Serve immediately with rice. 

Notes

*Do not substitute frozen butternut squash; the texture does not work in this recipe. 

**The spice level for red curry pastes varies based on the brand. The brand we use (Thai Kitchen) is very mild. Taste your curry paste before you make the curry and add a little less if you’re worried about the heat level. 

***Add shrimp in the last 5 minutes of simmering, or chickpeas when you add the coconut milk (you may need to increase the salt a bit at the end; taste and add more to taste). For tofu, make Pan Fried Tofu on the side (or in advance) and add it in the last 5 minutes: pan frying it in advance gives it a nice texture. Or even easier, add tofu cubes when you add the coconut milk: this results in a soft tofu texture, but it’s just as tasty. 

  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Curry

Keywords: Butternut squash curry

A Couple Cooks - Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

Fuji Apple Chicken Salad with Creamy Champagne Vinaigrette.

Welcome to my lunchtime fave: the fuji apple chicken salad! Made at HOME!  I promise this will be the last fall salad! I mean, I almost promise. Yes, I share a ridiculous amount of fall salads, especially including apples, but they are just the best salad add-in. And this one is SO good.  A year […]

The post Fuji Apple Chicken Salad with Creamy Champagne Vinaigrette. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Welcome to my lunchtime fave: the fuji apple chicken salad! Made at HOME! 

fuji apple chicken salad with champagne vinaigrette

I promise this will be the last fall salad! I mean, I almost promise. Yes, I share a ridiculous amount of fall salads, especially including apples, but they are just the best salad add-in. And this one is SO good. 

homemade apple chips

A year or two ago we started getting panera once a week for lunch while working. Mostly, my kids were obsessed with different items, but I have gone through phase after phase of their salads – there are multiples that I really love!

I’ve made the strawberry poppy seed chicken salad before and I’ve made their mediterranean kale salad with quinoa too. And! I make their baja grain bowls frequently. 

toasted brown sugar pecans

Even though we’re cooking constantly here, sometimes the dishes aren’t ready for lunch (as in, they need to be photographed!) and lunch take out has added the best spark to the day. It also helps that the salads are fairly healthy, even when I do want to get a vat of broccoli cheddar soup in a bread bowl. As delicious as this is, it puts me in a food coma and I can’t work after!

fuji apple chicken salad with champagne vinaigrette

A long time favorite of mine has been the fuji apple chicken salad. The apple chips, gorgonzola and vinaigrette bring so much life to the salad! I’ve recreated it almost exactly here, with a few exceptions.

Fuji apple chicken salad perfection:

I made my own apple chips, which aren’t quite as crunchy as store-bought ones. You know? They are still really good! Just never as crisp. You can either make your own or grab some from the store. I use these in salads year round, that’s how much I love them.

pouring champagne vinaigrette on fuji apple chicken salad

Also, I either broil or grill some chicken thighs or breasts. It’s delicious, but not necessary. If I was going to prep these for the week ahead, I’d probably use a rotisserie chicken for ease. Or any leftover grilled chicken!

I make pickled onions instead of using raw red sliced onion in the salad. Because pickled onions are ALWAYS better! The tart, briney flavor is out of this world. You can make these ahead of time, of course. I like to keep a batch in the fridge every week.

fuji apple chicken salad with champagne vinaigrette

Finally, I made a creamy champagne vinaigrette instead of a white balsamic. I modeled this after my creamy balsamic dressing in the blueberry salad this summer (which was such a hit!) and oh my word – it is SO good. I’m pretty sure panera has their dressing bottled if you just want to buy that for an extra legit salad. But mine is super close and SO good. 

fuji apple chicken salad with champagne vinaigrette

I mean, see that texture?! Crunchy and crisp and refreshing and satisfying and hearty! Everything a salad should be.

fuji apple chicken salad with champagne vinaigrette

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Fuji Apple Chicken Salad

This fuji apple chicken salad is a copycat of the delicious version from panera! Topped with a creamy champagne vinaigrette - it's so good!
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Prep Time 30 minutes
For the apple chips 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings 4 people
Author How Sweet Eats

Ingredients

fuji apple chicken salad

  • 2 fuji apples, thinly sliced (or 1 to 2 cups apple chips)
  • ½ cup pecans
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • pickled onions, for serving
  • 1 cup cubed or shredded chicken breast
  • 8 cups spring greens
  • ½ cup sliced grape tomatoes
  • ⅓ cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
  • salt and pepper

creamy champagne vinaigrette

  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • pinch of salt and pepper
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  • To make the apple chips, preheat the oven to 225 degrees F. Thinly slice the fuji apples and place the slices in a single layer on the sheet. Bake for 1 hour, then flip the slices and bake for 1 more hour. You can do this head of time and store them at room temp in a bag or container.
  • To toast the pecans: heat the pecans in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add in the brown sugar. Toss and stir constantly, as the pecans toast and the sugar melts. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until toasty. Remove and spread on a piece of parchment paper to cool. You can leave these whole or chop them.
  • To assemble the salad, toss the greens with a big pinch of salt and pepper. Top with chopped chicken, the apple chips, toasted pecans, chicken, gorgonzola, tomatoes and dressing. Toss well and serve!

creamy champagne vinaigrette

  • Whisk together the vinegar, garlic, cream, mustard, honey and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stream in the olive oil while whisking until emulsified. Serve with your favorite salad! This dressing stays great in the fridge. Just shake or whisk it to combine before serving.

fuji apple chicken salad with champagne vinaigrette

This is heavenly.

The post Fuji Apple Chicken Salad with Creamy Champagne Vinaigrette. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Flaky Vegan Gluten-free Pie Crust

Do you need a perfect flaky vegan AND gluten-free pie crust without pricey GF flour mix, without xanthan gum and other unusual ingredients? This recipe is exactly what you need. It is easy to mix, easy to roll and delicious. You can use it to make swee…

Do you need a perfect flaky vegan AND gluten-free pie crust without pricey GF flour mix, without xanthan gum and other unusual ingredients? This recipe is exactly what you need. It is easy to mix, easy to roll and delicious. You can use it to make sweet or savory pies of all kinds.  Pie crusts...

Read More

The post Flaky Vegan Gluten-free Pie Crust appeared first on My Pure Plants.