summer – Page 3 – Strong Roots Nutrition

October 5, 2014

Dried lemon rounds

Lemons make a great addition to so many dishes. A little squeeze of juice can make a dish come alive, they add wonderful tartness to fresh fruit sorbets or homemade popsicles, and who doesn't love a good lemon tart? When it's the beginning of fall and we're not yet ready to give up the fresh flavors of summer, the answer might be dehydrated lemon rounds. Dried lemons are more versatile than you might think. Drop a couple into a water bottle for a gently infused drink. Toss them into soup, simmering rice, or pots of brazing meats. Pulverize them in a coffee grinde[...]

favorites, main dish, summer, vegetarian

August 11, 2014

Spicy black bean patties with chipotle barbeque sauce

These amazing guys are no generic, tasteless veggie burgers. These spicy black bean patties are packed with flavor, particularly when slathered with chipotle barbecue sauce, and they're dense and delicious enough to satisfy meat lovers and vegetarians alike. I tested them out on a group of friends when we attended a local music festival and they got a major thumbs-up. Serve alongside Southwest Quinoa Salad for bonus points. Legumes are a great source of several nutrients including fiber, folate, copper, manganese, protein, iron, and B-vitamins. B[...]

favorites, salad, side, summer, vegetarian

August 4, 2014

Southwest quinoa salad

If you live in St. Louis, it's worth checking out the Whitaker Music Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden: a summertime concert series within the rose gardens where picnics are encouraged. A fun event like this calls for a fun, packable menu like spicy black bean and corn patties with chipotle barbeque sauce, strawberry-rhubarb crumble bars, and southwest quinoa salad. This southwest quinoa salad is incredibly quick and easy to assemble, and the fresh lime juice and cilantro give intense fresh flavor that can't be beat. This is a dish th[...]

condiment, side, snack, summer, vegetable, vegetarian

July 23, 2014

Spicy dill refrigerator pickles

Cucumbers can be a valuable addition to many dishes. They add fantastic fresh flavor to my Tzatziki on some creamy-crunchy Black-Eyed Pea Falafel. A few slices of cucumber and a squeeze of lemon juice transforms ordinary water into sippable spa heaven. Sushi isn't really sushi without some cucumber strips inside. I'm totally intrigued by Joy the Baker's Cucumber Gin Salt and Pepper Cups. Homemade pickles are crazy simple to make and their flavor is unmatched by grocery store brands. Kirby cucumbers are classic for pickling, but Pe[...]

salad, side, summer, vegetable, vegetarian

July 14, 2014

Crispy kale salad with avocado and strawberries

I dreamed up this dish last summer when the farmer's markets in Denver were fantastic, and honestly, it's really delicious - the crunchy kale, sweet strawberries, and creamy avocado all provide tons of flavor. I provided a dressing here that I think works well with the bold flavors, but feel free to try your own dressing based on your tastes. Summer is the time to get your fill of berries while the prices are low and the flavor is unbeatable! Kale chips are delicious, so a kale chip salad is an obvious next step. Crispy kale salad with avoc[...]