main dish – Page 7 – Strong Roots Nutrition

October 7, 2013

Fish tacos with black beans and roasted sweet potatoes

Living in Colorado really can be as magical as it sounds. Right now, the fall colors are in full swing, the mountain ranges are capped with fresh snow, the mornings are wrap-in-a-blanket-with-a-cup-of-coffee cold, and the days are pleasantly crisp. We just returned from a weekend on the Western Slope experiencing all of this wonderful fall weather because the magic of fall in the mountains is too awesome to pass up when you're a short drive away. These fish tacos are a fall-inspired, weeknight winner. The hint of sweetness from[...]

fish, main dish, meat, vegetable

September 24, 2013

Perfect 10-minute salmon with Greek couscous

Sometimes the seasons seem to blend together, making it difficult to determine when one ends and the next begins. Other times it's a lot more obvious. This was the week where we went to bed one night after an 85-degree summer day and woke up the next morning to 55-degree fall. Fall is wonderful, particularly in Colorado. Those chilly, wrap-in-a-blanket mornings followed by beautifully brisk and sunny afternoons are divine. It's exciting to watch the aspen trees turn from green to golden yellow. Snow-capped mountains typically[...]

main dish, pasta, salad, vegetable

September 17, 2013

Ravioli salad with Tuscan kale

Homemade ravioli night is an event in my family. It's time-consuming, a labor of love, and well worth it. After our last ravioli fest a week ago, there were about 20 goat cheese, spinach, and Italian sausage -stuffed ravioli left, laid carefully on a sheet pan in our freezer. It's only right to use them quickly, and this simple recipe certainly does them justice. Ravioli salad with Tuscan kale Serves 2 4 large stalks Tuscan (also called lacinato or dinosaur) kale 1/4 cup pesto 15-20 ravioli (your choice of filling) Parmesan[...]

main dish, vegetarian, winter

January 14, 2013

Lentil “meatballs” with roasted broccoli pesto

Why lentils? Lentils are a great meat alternative, meaning they have good amounts of protein, iron, and zinc like meat, but 1) They're cheaper. A 16-ounce bag of lentils will probably run you $2. Compare this to ground beef, which is, on average, $3.80/pound. 2) They contain lots of fiber if you need it. 3) They have a much longer shelf life (you can keep them in your pantry).Fennel seeds are that sweet, licorice-y flavor that's characteristic of Italian sausage. A brushing of olive oil over your lentilballs help[...]

main dish, pasta

March 3, 2012

Goat cheese and spinach ravioli with garlic butter sauce

I've done it! Finally. I have attempted homemade ravioli several times before, but it has never turned out right. The pasta always turns out tough and a little gummy instead of soft and chewy like pasta is supposed to be, but I have found the secret. I made it 3 times before sharing it, just to be sure it was true and not a crazy fluke. Olive oil! Adding oil to the pasta dough makes it nice and tender, apparently. Goat cheese and spinach ravioli with garlic butter sauce Serves 4 Adapted from Former Chef For the[...]