Harvest Chili with Kale

I'm practicing fall recipes, wishing for the weather to turn sooner rather than later.  This chili is so simple and quick to make and combines lots of delicious flavors.  I really love butternut squash in this recipe, but carrots will work too.  I prefer no-salt added beans and tomatoes, trying to keep my blood pressure in check!  Even though the 'already chopped kale' is convenient, it's too tough for this recipe.  Buy fresh.  Check here for more information on kale and its benefits.  Enjoy!

Non-dairy sour cream!

Ingredients:
1 T safflower or coconut oil
2 cups diced butternut squash (or carrots)
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 bunch of kale leaves, washed and chopped (about 2 cups before cooking)
1 T chili powder
1 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
15 oz. can organic black beans, drained and rinsed
15 oz. can organic kidney beans, drained and rinsed
28 oz. can organic diced tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
Dash of Cayenne for heat (optional)

Directions:
In a large sauce pot, heat oil on medium.  Add onion and squash and cook until just tender, about 10 minutes.  Add garlic, kale, salt & pepper, and cook a few more minutes until kale is wilted.  Stir in chili powder, cumin, and oregano and cook 1 minute, stirring.  Stir in tomatoes and beans.  Simmer10 minutes until heated through.  Eat with my yummy cornbread! Makes 4 servings.

Black Bean Avocado Quinoa Salad

Since I am relatively new at preparing vegetarian and vegan dishes, I get some of my recipes from other vegan blogs and websites.  I love finding new foods to try and sharing them here.  I can't tell you how yummy quinoa is.  It's not just for vegetarians or vegans!  My feeling is, if you like rice, then you will like quinoa.  Don't be afraid to try it.  There are several recipe ideas on my blog for preparing quinoa.  It is very versatile.  Why should  you eat quinoa, you ask?   Click here for more information on health benefits. 

Chili and lime give this a nice Mexican flare!

This recipe adapted from mightyvegan.com.

Ingredients:
2 cups prepared quinoa (1 cup of rinsed quinoa, 2 cups of water or veggie stock. Boil until liquid is absorbed)
2 avocados, diced
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
1 can of organic black beans, drained and rinsed
juice from one lime
1 T olive oil
1 T chili powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. salt
dash of pepper
dash of Cayenne
(add onions, red bell peppers, or jalapenos to make it your own!)

Directions:
Mix everything together in a large bowl and let chill for an hour before serving so flavors can combine. Chow down!

This recipe shared on Amee's Savory Dish

Black Bean Mango Salsa

Have you been getting your Mango on this summer?  Here are some juicy details on Mangoes in case you didn't know:

*High in Vit. A, C and B6.

*Contain fiber and calcium

*The phenolic compound found in mangoes has been found to have powerful antioxidant and anticancer properties. 

*Being high in iron, mango is said to be very good for pregnant women as well as for people suffering from anemia. (and Vegetarians!)

*Mango is believed to be effective in relieving clogged pores of the skin. 

*The vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin E and selenium present in mangoes provide protection against heart disease. 

*Mangoes have been found to be quite helpful in treating acidity and poor digestion.
*It is being said that the Vitamin E present in mango helps hormonal system function more efficiently and thus, boosts sex life. (Gotta Love That!) 
*The anti-inflammatory properties of mango might help alleviate asthma symptoms.

So Easy and Delicious!  (Click on photo to enlarge)

 Ingredients:
1 cup of organic black beans, rinsed
2 mangoes, seeded and chopped
4 green onions
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
handful of cilantro, washed and diced
1/2 lime squeezed
pinch of salt (optional)

Mix in a bowl and serve with your favorite chips!  Sluuurrrp!

Easy-Peasy Enchiladas

Vegetarians and vegans must consume protein and calcium.  Just not from animals.  I eat plenty of beans, all varieties including lentils and garbanzo beans. I also get protein from almonds, natural peanut butter, seeds, whole grains, quinoa, tofu, soy, tempeh and green veggies.  So many choices!  **Did you know that certain animal proteins cause people to excrete more calcium than normal through their urine and  increase the risk of osteoporosis?  Yikes ladies!  That is not good.  As long as your diet contains a variety of grains, legumes, and vegetables, protein needs are easily met.  I eat these enchiladas quite frequently.  I love Mexican food.  Happy, healthy eating!

Ingredients:

White corn tortillas, about 20, warm in micro before using
15 oz. can organic black beans, drained, rinsed
4 oz. can diced green chilies
1/2 small onion, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
2 cups enchilada sauce, mild or medium (no shortening, or HFCS!)
Vegan mozzarella grated on top, optional
Oil

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F.  Saute onions and peppers a few minutes in a pan with oil. Add chilies and black beans and warm through. You can also add a cup of corn here, but I was out.   Spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce in bottom of 13x9 pan.  Roll up the tortillas with a bit of the bean mixture.  Top with the rest of the sauce and bake for 15 minutes.  You can also grate some vegan cheese on the top before baking, if desired.  Serve with guacamole made simple, salsa and a green salad.  No sour cream needed.  Sooo good!

Beautiful Burritos

The beauty of a burrito is you can put anything you want in it. Keep the ingredients healthful, and you have a nutritious, low-cal snack or meal anytime! I keep these ingredients on-hand for a quick burrito when I'm in a hurry (or when the kids are eating chicken nuggets).  Honest to goodness, you don't need meat or dairy here for a delicious, satisfying food with protein, fiber and calcium.  I can eat two, oink!

Ingredients:

Whole wheat flour tortilla (make the switch to whole wheat, your body will love you)
Black beans or vegetarian refried beans (rinse canned beans to get some salt off)
Vegan Mozzarella cheese (yes! it tastes good)
Spinach (for calcium, yay!)
Salsa, cilantro, hot sauce etc.
Avocado slices (for good fats that your brain needs)

Warm up the beans and "cheese" in the micro before adding toppings.  Fold, roll up, how ever you want to pig out!