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Recipes

Healthy Eating for Life to Prevent and Treat Cancer Healthy Eating for Life for Children Healthy Eating for Life to Prevent and Treat Diabetes Healthy Eating for Life for Women

PCRM's Healthy Eating for Life series is chock-full of scientific studies, health care advice, and nutritional information, but it's the recipe section of each book that tells the real story. When you see how easy—and delicious—a healthy diet can be, you'll be hooked for life. With the help and guidance of Jennifer Raymond, a renowned vegan chef, you'll be at home in the kitchen in no time. So pick a recipe and jump right in!

Cornmeal Flapjacks : Makes 16 3-inch pancakes

Enjoy these sunny golden pancakes with fruit preserves, fresh fruit, or maple syrup.

1 cup fortified soymilk or rice milk
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
1/2 teaspoon sodium-free baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
fruit preserves, fresh fruit, or maple syrup for serving

In a large bowl, mix the soy or rice milk, maple syrup, and vinegar. Set aside. In a separate bowl, stir together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to the non-dairy milk mixture, stirring just enough to remove any lumps and make a pourable batter. Add a bit more soy or rice milk if batter seems too thick.

Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle, then spray lightly with vegetable oil. Pour small amounts of batter onto the heated surface and cook until tops bubble. Turn carefully with a spatula and cook the second sides until browned, about 1 minute. Serve immediately.

Per flapjack: 40 calories; 1 g protein; 8 g carbohydrate; 0.4 g fat; 1 g fiber; 55 mg sodium; calories from protein: 12%; calories from carbohydrates: 78%; calories from fats: 10%

 

Strawberry Smoothie | Makes about 2 1-cup servings

Strawberry SmoothieTry this cold, thick smoothie with whole grain cereal or a muffin for a delicious breakfast. You can buy frozen strawberries or freeze your own in an airtight container. To freeze bananas, peel them and break into inch-long pieces. Pack loosely in an airtight container and freeze. Bananas will keep in the freezer for about two months, strawberries for six months.

1 cup frozen strawberries
1 cup frozen banana chunks
1/2 to 1 cup unsweetened apple juice

Place all ingredients in a blender and process on high speed until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes, stopping blender occasionally to move unblended fruit to the center with a spatula. Serve immediately.

Per 1-cup serving: 121 calories; 3 g protein; 31 g carbohydrate; 0.4 g fat; 2 g fiber; 8 mg sodium; calories from protein: 3%; calories from carbohydrates: 94%; calories from fats: 3%

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Basmati and Wild Rice Pilaf | Makes about 6 cups

Basmati and wild rice give great flavor and texture to this low-fat pilaf. The nuts can be left out to reduce the fat even further if desired.

1/2 cup wild rice, rinsed
2-1/2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup brown basmati rice, rinsed
1/3 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups thinly sliced mushrooms
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
1/3 cup finely chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon marjoram
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

Combine the wild rice and vegetable broth in a saucepan. Cover and simmer 20 minutes. Add the basmati rice, then cover and continue cooking over very low heat until tender, about 50 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375°F. Place the pecans, if using, in a small oven-proof dish and bake until fragrant, about 8 minutes. Set aside.

Heat 1/2 cup of water in a large, non-stick skillet and cook the onion and garlic until all the water has evaporated. Add 1/4 cup of water, stirring to remove any browned bits of onion, and cook until the water has evaporated. Repeat until onions are browned, about 20 minutes.

Lower heat slightly and add the mushrooms, celery, parsley, thyme, marjoram, black pepper, and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes.

Add the cooked rice and toasted pecans. Stir to mix, then transfer to a baking dish and bake 20 minutes.

Per 1/2-cup (with nuts): 95 calories; 3 g protein; 16 g carbohydrate; 3 g fat; 2 g fiber; 204 mg sodium; calories from protein: 11%; calories from carbohydrates: 65%; calories from fats: 25%

 

Chili Mac: Makes 6 servings

Chili MacKids of all ages love this easy-to-make meal.

8 ounces pasta spirals or macaroni
1 onion, chopped
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small bell pepper, diced
3/4 cup textured vegetable protein
1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 15-ounce can kidney beans, including liquid
1 15-ounce can corn, including liquid
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin

Cook the pasta in boiling water until it is tender. Drain and rinse it under hot water, then set it aside.

Heat 1/2 cup of water in a large pot, then add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is soft, about 3 minutes.

Add the bell pepper, textured vegetable protein, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, spices, and an additional 1/2 cup of water. Stir to mix, then simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta and check the seasonings. Add more chili powder if a spicier dish is desired.

Tips:

  • Textured vegetable protein is made from soybeans and is low in fat and high in protein. Look for it in natural food stores and some supermarkets.
  • Pinto beans or black beans may be substituted for the kidney beans.
  • Substituting fresh sweet corn cut off the cob for the canned corn takes a little more time but adds a deliciously sweet flavor to this meal.

Per serving: 275 calories; 14 g protein; 52 g carbohydrate; 1g fat; 594 mg sodium; 0 mg cholesterol

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Garbanzo Salad Sandwich : Makes 4 sandwiches

Garbanzo beans make a delicious and very nutritious sandwich filling.

1 15-ounce can garbanzo beans, drained
1 stalk celery, finely sliced
1 green onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise (such as Nayonaise or Vegenaise)
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
8 slices whole-wheat bread
4 lettuce leaves
4 tomato slices

Mash garbanzo beans with a fork or potato masher, leaving some chunks. Add sliced celery, chopped onion, vegan mayonnaise, and pickle relish. Spread on whole-wheat bread and top with lettuce and sliced tomatoes.

Per sandwich: 268 calories; 12 g protein; 48 g carbohydrate; 4 g fat; 7 g fiber; 348 mg sodium; calories from protein: 17%; calories from carbohydrates: 69%; calories from fats: 14%

 

Hoppin' John Salad : Makes about 5 1-cup servings

Hoppin' John SaladThe down-home goodness of black-eyed peas combined with flavorful brown rice makes a hearty, delicious salad. The recipe calls for canned black-eyed peas, but you can also cook your own or use frozen ones that have been cooked according to package directions.

1 15-ounce can black-eyed peas, drained
1-1/2 cups cooked brown rice
3 green onion, chopped
1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
1 tomato, diced
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 or 2 garlic cloves, pressed

Combine the black-eyed peas, brown rice, green onions, celery, tomato, and parsley in a salad bowl.

Mix the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and garlic. Pour over the salad and toss to mix. Chill 1 to 2 hours before serving if time permits.

Per 1-cup serving: 170 calories; 4 g protein; 30 g carbohydrate; 4 g fat; 6 g fiber; 120 mg sodium; calories from protein: 9%; calories from carbohydrates: 72%; calories from fats: 19%

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Oven-Roasted Asparagus : Makes about 3 cups

This is a deliciously easy way to prepare asparagus.

1 pound fresh asparagus
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
1 teaspoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon seasoned rice vinegar
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 garlic clove, pressed

Preheat oven to 450°F.

Snap the tough ends off the asparagus then cut or break into 1-inch pieces. Place in a large bowl.

Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over high heat, stirring constantly, until they begin to pop. Transfer to a small bowl and add the soy sauce, vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and garlic. Stir to mix, then pour over the asparagus. Toss to coat evenly.

Spread in a single layer in a 9- x 13-inch baking dish. Bake in preheated oven until tender, about 15 minutes.

Per 1/2-cup serving: 27 calories; 2 g protein; 4 g carbohydrate; 1 g fat; 2 g fiber; 59 mg sodium; calories from protein: 23%; calories from carbohydrates: 51%; calories from fats: 26%

 

Golden Mushroom Soup : Makes about 2 quarts (8 1-cup servings)

Golden Mushroom SoupThis soup is delicious with toasted French bread. Add a tossed green salad for a perfectly marvelous meal.

2 onions, chopped
1 pound mushrooms, sliced
1 tablespoon paprika
1-1/2 teaspoons dill weed
1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons soy sauce or light soy sauce
1 cup water or vegetable stock
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unbleached flour
2 cups soymilk or rice milk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons red wine (optional)

Heat 1/2 cup of water in a large pot and add the onions. Cook over high heat, stirring often, until the onions are soft and all the water has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add another 1/4 cup of water, stir to loosen any bits of onion that have stuck to the pan, and continue cooking until most of the water has evaporated and onions begin to brown, about 3 minutes.

Add the sliced mushrooms and spices. Lower the heat slightly, cover and cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add the soy sauce and stock. Cover and simmer 10 minutes.

In a separate pan, mix the olive oil and flour to form a thick paste. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute, then whisk in the soymilk or rice milk and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until steamy and slightly thickened.

Add the non-dairy milk mixture to the soup. Stir in the lemon juice and red wine just before serving.

Per serving: 105 calories; 4 g protein; 17 g carbohydrate; 1.5 g fat; 337 mg sodium; 0 mg cholesterol

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Red Potatoes with Kale : Makes about 6 cups

This dish is a colorful and delicious way to enjoy kale.

4 red potatoes (about 4 cups diced)
1 small bunch kale (about 4 cups chopped)
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
5 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons water

Scrub potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Steam over boiling water until just tender when pierced with a fork, about 10 minutes. Rinse with cold water, then drain and set aside. Rinse kale and remove stems. Chop leaves into small pieces.

Heat oil in a large, non-stick skillet. Add onion and garlic and sauté 5 minutes, stirring often.

Add cooked potatoes, black pepper, and paprika. Continue cooking until potatoes begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Use a spatula to turn the mixture gently as it cooks.

Spread chopped kale leaves over potato mixture. Sprinkle with the soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and cook, turning occasionally, until kale is bright green and tender, 5 to 7 minutes.

Per 1/2-cup serving: 88 calories; 3 g protein; 18 g carbohydrate; 1 g fat; 2 g fiber; 107 mg sodium; calories from protein: 12%; calories from carbohydrates: 77%; calories from fats: 11%

 

Fettucine with Broccoli and Pine Nuts: Makes 8 1-cup servings

Fettucine with Broccoli and Pine NutsThis dish is perfect for a light supper. For a heartier meal, serve it with a bean soup and a crisp green salad.

8 ounces eggless fettucine
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 to 8 large garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons pine nuts
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or pinch of cayenne
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

1 bunch broccoli

Cook the pasta according to package directions until tender. Pour off cooking water, then rinse and drain.

Heat oil in a large skillet and sauté the garlic, pine nuts, and red pepper flakes or cayenne for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Add the tomatoes and simmer for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Break or cut the broccoli into florets. Peel the stems and slice into rounds. (You should have about 3 to 4 cups of broccoli.) Steam until crisp tender, about 5 minutes, then add to tomatoes.

Spread cooked pasta on a large platter and top with sauce. Serve immediately.

Per 1-cup serving: 151 calories; 6 g protein; 26 g carbohydrate; 3 g fat; 4 g fiber; 218 mg sodium; calories from protein: 17%; calories from carbohydrates: 64%; calories from fats: 19%

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Pueblo Pie: Makes a generous 9- x 13-inch casserole (12 servings)

Pueblo Pie is like a Southwestern lasagne, with layers of corn tortillas, tangy garbanzo spread, chili beans, corn, and a spicy tomato sauce. Serve it with a green salad for a very satisfying meal.

1 large onion, chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 4 large cloves)
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
4 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
1 12-ounce package Yves Veggie Ground Round or similar meat-free product
2/3 cup water
1 15-ounce can garbanzo beans, drained
1/2 cup roasted red pepper (about 2 peppers)
3 tablespoons tahini
3 tablespoons lemon juice
12 corn tortillas, torn in half
2 15-ounce cans vegetarian chili beans
1 cup chopped green onions
1-2 cups corn, fresh or frozen

Heat 1/2 cup of water in a large pot or skillet. Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, Veggie Ground Round, and 2/3 cup water. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes.

Process the garbanzo beans, roasted peppers, tahini, and lemon juice in a food processor or blender until very smooth.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Spread about 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce in the bottom of a 9- x 13-inch (or larger) baking dish. Cover with a layer of tortillas, then spread with one-third of the garbanzo bean mixture, holding the tortillas in place with your fingers. Sprinkle with one-third of the chili beans, green onions, and corn. Spread about 1 cup of tomato sauce over the top.

Repeat layers twice, ending with tomato sauce. Make sure all the tortillas are covered. Bake 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

Per serving (1/12th of casserole): 230 calories; 15 g protein; 35 g carbohydrate; 4 g fat; 9 g fiber; 225 mg sodium; calories from protein: 26%; calories from carbohydrates: 60%; calories from fats: 14%

 

Peanut Butter Spaghetti : Makes about 4 cups
. . . featured in the kids' book , of course!

Peanut sauce takes just minutes to prepare and gives spaghetti a whole new personality. Serve this spaghetti with lightly steamed vegetables.

8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 cup hot water
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar or other sweetener
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon ginger

Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and rinse. Set aside.

While pasta cooks, combine peanut butter, water, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan and whisk until smooth.

Heat gently until slightly thickened. Add cooked pasta and toss to mix. Serve immediately.

Per 1/2-cup serving: 151 calories; 6 g protein; 15 g carbohydrate; 8 g fat; 2 g fiber; 260 mg sodium; calories from protein: 14%; calories from carbohydrates: 39%; calories from fats: 47%

 

Summer Squash with Basil : Makes about 4 cups

Most markets sell a variety of summer squashes, including green and yellow zucchini, crookneck, and scallop squashes. Use a single variety or a mixture in this recipe.

2 teaspoons olive oil
4 medium summer squash, sliced (about 5 cups)
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Heat the oil in a large skillet and add the sliced squash. Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until barely tender, about 3 minutes.

Add the chopped basil, then cover and cook another 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Per 1/2-cup serving: 24 calories; 1 g protein; 3 g carbohydrate; 1 g fat; 1 g fiber; 69 mg sodium; calories from protein: 17%; calories from carbohydrates: 42%; calories from fats: 41%

 

Chocolate PuddingChocolate Pudding : Makes about 2 cups

This is delicious, old-fashioned chocolate pudding.

2 cups fortified soymilk or rice milk
3 tablespoons cocoa
5 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine the non-dairy milk, cocoa, cornstarch, sugar, and vanilla in a saucepan. Whisk smooth.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until pudding is very thick. Pour into individual serving dishes and chill.

Per 1/2-cup serving: 172 calories; 2 g protein; 40 g carbohydrate; 1 g fat; 2 g fiber; 2 mg sodium; calories from protein: 5%; calories from carbohydrates: 88%; calories from fats: 7%

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Apple Crisp: Makes one 9- x 9-inch crisp

Walnuts and rolled oats make a delicious topping for this crisp.

4 green apples, peeled and cored
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1-1/2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
3/4 cup walnuts, finely chopped
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt

Slice apples thinly and spread in a 9- x 9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Combine rolled oats, walnuts, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt in a bowl. Stir to mix, then spread evenly over apples.

Bake until apples are tender when pierced with a knife, about 35 minutes. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Per serving (1/9th of crisp): 192 calories; 4 g protein; 31 g carbohydrate; 7 g fat; 3 g fiber; 62 mg sodium; calories from protein: 8%; calories from carbohydrates: 60%; calories from fats: 32%

 

Fresh Apricot Crumble : Makes 9 servings

Fresh Apricot CrumbleThis is a perfect summer dessert when fresh apricots are abundant and flavorful.

4 cups coarsely chopped fresh apricots
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup sugar or other sweetener
1/4 cup nonhydrogenated soy margarine
2 tablespoons water

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Toss the chopped apricots with lemon juice and set aside.

Mix together the rolled oats, sugar, and soy margarine. Remove 1 cup and set aside. Add water to the remainder and mix until crumbly.

Pat the oat mixture into an oil-sprayed 9-inch-square baking pan. Spread evenly with apricots and top with reserved crumb mixture. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until top crust is lightly browned.

Per serving: 143 calories; 4 g protein; 30 g carbohydrate; 2 g fat; 4 g fiber; 17 mg sodium; calories from protein: 12%, calories from carbohydrates: 78%; calories from fats: 10%

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