Garam Masala Lentil & Vegetable Squash Bowls

Spiced garam masala lentils combine with an assortment of savory vegetables, nestled in a roasted acorn squash half all topped with vegan sour cream and fresh basil.

Produce On Parade - Garam Masala Lentil & Vegetable Squash Bowls - Spiced garam masala lentils combine with an assortment of savory vegetables, nestled in a roasted acorn squash half all topped with vegan sour cream and fresh basil.

Are you on Goodreads? Oh my lordy, I have discovered so many great books. My goal is to read 65 books this year and I'm already six ahead of schedule! If you're on Goodreads, add me as a friend! You can see what I'm currently reading on the right sidebar, with a link to my profile. A book of note I just finished was Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning and I really enjoyed it! I also read Cure: A Journey into the Science of Mind Over Body by Jo Marchant, which was super interesting and I definitely recommend it as well. If you're looking for a wonderful, scientific book on eating for your health (which, surprise, happens to be plant-based), check out How to Not Die by Michael Greger, MD. Those have been my favorite books in the past couple of weeks. Do you have any good books to recommend?

“Food, Inc. is like a Disney movie compared to Earthlings... It’s inside footage of factory farms; 50 billion animals a year are killed. They’re in pain, treated badly, diseased, pumped full of antibiotics. I saw the reality and just couldn’t ignore it. And I’m happier and healthier. ”
— Ellen Degeneres
Produce On Parade - Garam Masala Lentil & Vegetable Squash Bowls - Spiced garam masala lentils combine with an assortment of savory vegetables, nestled in a roasted acorn squash half all topped with vegan sour cream and fresh basil.

I really enjoy this dish, it's about my third time making/perfecting it. I adore lentils and am always trying to increasingly sneak them into pretty much everything. Broccoli and squash are two of my most beloved vegetables, so it's no wonder why I can't stop making it. I hope you enjoy it as much as Todd and I do! 

Produce On Parade - Garam Masala Lentil & Vegetable Squash Bowls - Spiced garam masala lentils combine with an assortment of savory vegetables, nestled in a roasted acorn squash half all topped with vegan sour cream and fresh basil.
Produce On Parade - Garam Masala Lentil & Vegetable Squash Bowls - Spiced garam masala lentils combine with an assortment of savory vegetables, nestled in a roasted acorn squash half all topped with vegan sour cream and fresh basil.
Produce On Parade - Garam Masala Lentil & Vegetable Squash Bowls - Spiced garam masala lentils combine with an assortment of savory vegetables, nestled in a roasted acorn squash half all topped with vegan sour cream and fresh basil.

Garam Masala Lentil & Vegetable Squash Bowls

Kathleen Henry @ Produce On Parade

Spiced garam masala lentils combine with an assortment of savory vegetables, nestled in a roasted acorn squash half all topped with vegan sour cream and fresh basil.

Ingredients

  • 3 whole acorn squash, halved and de-seeded
  • 1 large head of broccoli (florets only), chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 ½ tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 1 large onion, diced small
  • 1 large celery stalk, sliced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 tsp mustard
  • 1-2 tsp fresh chili paste, to taste
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • dash of ground black pepper
  • dash of kosher salt, to taste
  • 1 cup green lentils (or any other color, except red)
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
  • juice from 1 medium orange
  • 2 tbsp agave nectar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • vegan sour cream, for garnish
  • fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the squash halves face-down on two baking sheets and bake for about 30-50 minutes until fork tender (depending on how large they are). Remove from oven when done and set aside to cool. Once the squash is done cooking, place the chopped broccoli on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, until slightly tender.
  2. In a pressure cooker or large soup pot with a lid, heat the oil over medium low. Stir in the garam masala, turmeric, garlic, and onion. Saute about 5 minutes until fragrant and the onions have softened. Add the celery, carrots, mustard, chili paste, thyme, pepper, and salt; saute about 5 additional minutes. Stir in the lentils and vegetable broth; bring to high pressure and cook for about 10 minutes. Then, remove from heat and allow to depressurize naturally. Alternatively, bring to a boil over high heat then reduce to a simmer and cover; cook for about 40 minutes until the lentils are tender, stir occasionally.
  3. Once the lentils are tender and the broccoli is done roasting, stir the broccoli, orange juice, agave nectar, and apple cider vinegar into the lentil mixture.
  4. Place each roasted squash half on a plate and divide the lentil mixture evenly into each squash bowl. Top with vegan sour cream and fresh, chopped basil. Serve hot.

Yield: 6

Produce On Parade - Garam Masala Lentil & Vegetable Squash Bowls - Spiced garam masala lentils combine with an assortment of savory vegetables, nestled in a roasted acorn squash half all topped with vegan sour cream and fresh basil.

As usual I've got my little sous chef to help me out. It was a wet and snowy day. It was fabulous while it lasted... it didn't stick.

If you need an environmental reason to eat less meat (or just go totally vegan?)... look to none other than our ice caps. Oh wait... they're all disappearing :( Read this terrifying 'Holy Shit' article to learn all about it. Sea levels rising!!!

Roasted Carrots & Beluga Lentils with Carrot Greens Pesto

Activism Alert!

Produce On Parade

Tomorrow, October 2nd, I hope you will join me in a fast against animal suffrage. Pigs and cows are often starved before they are sent to slaughter and hopefully this cause will bring some awareness to horrible cruelty inflicted upon the animals who share this planet with us. If you decide to join in, be sure to hashtag #FastAgainstSlaughter

Okay, now onto more merry festivities. Happy World Vegetarian Day! Perhaps you have an elaborate bash tonight to celebrate? This is a wonderful dish for such an occasion. When you're trying to impress your friends with your awesome vegan culinary skills, remember it's equally important to impress yourself as well.

Maybe like me, you plan to be decked out in head to toe L.L.Bean sleepwear for the celebratory-worthy occasion of watching New Girl and The Mindy Project on Hulu. Well, this meal is perfect for that too. I've got you covered, no worries.

On a side note...positively October-appropriate dish right? Black and orange for Halloween! I've never been a huge fan of Halloween, but as of five years ago, it's become a very special day indeed. It's the day Todd and I met!

Produce On Parade - Roasted Carrots & Beluga Lentils with Carrot Greens Pesto - Roasted carrots rest atop beluga lentils, dressed with a fresh, carrot greens pesto. This exquisite dish is done in under an hour and will definitely impress.
“Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight.”
— Albert Schweitzer
Produce On Parade - Roasted Carrots & Beluga Lentils with Carrot Greens Pesto - Roasted carrots rest atop beluga lentils, dressed with a fresh, carrot greens pesto. This exquisite dish is done in under an hour and will definitely impress.

Roasted carrots rest atop beluga lentils, dressed with a fresh, carrot greens pesto. This exquisite dish is done in under an hour and will definitely impress. 

Produce On Parade - Roasted Carrots & Beluga Lentils with Carrot Greens Pesto - Roasted carrots rest atop beluga lentils, dressed with a fresh, carrot greens pesto. This exquisite dish is done in under an hour and will definitely impress.
Produce On Parade - Roasted Carrots & Beluga Lentils with Carrot Greens Pesto - Roasted carrots rest atop beluga lentils, dressed with a fresh, carrot greens pesto. This exquisite dish is done in under an hour and will definitely impress.
Produce On Parade - Roasted Carrots & Beluga Lentils with Carrot Greens Pesto - Roasted carrots rest atop beluga lentils, dressed with a fresh, carrot greens pesto. This exquisite dish is done in under an hour and will definitely impress.

Aren't these purple carrots gorgeous? They came in my CSA box!

Produce On Parade - Roasted Carrots & Beluga Lentils with Carrot Greens Pesto - Roasted carrots rest atop beluga lentils, dressed with a fresh, carrot greens pesto. This exquisite dish is done in under an hour and will definitely impress.
Produce On Parade - Roasted Carrots & Beluga Lentils with Carrot Greens Pesto - Roasted carrots rest atop beluga lentils, dressed with a fresh, carrot greens pesto. This exquisite dish is done in under an hour and will definitely impress.
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Roasted Carrots & Beluga Lentils with Carrot Greens Pesto
by October-1-2014
Roasted carrots rest atop beluga lentils, dressed with a fresh, carrot greens pesto. This exquisite dish is done in under an hour and will definitely impress. NOTES: Feel free to use green lentils in place of black or beluga. Spinach can be used in place of the carrot greens. Skinny carrots will cook faster and work better in this dish than standard, large yellow carrots.
Ingredients
  • ¼ cup + 3 Tbsp. olive oil (divided)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 5 garlic cloves (divided), minced
  • 3 cups vegetable stock
  • 2 cups beluga lentils, uncooked
  • 2 bushes (about 2 lbs.) of skinny carrots with green tops
  • -- Pesto --
  • ½ cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds
  • ¼ cup walnuts
  • heaping ¼ cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 Tbsp. liquid amino acids or soy sauce
  • ½ Tbsp. lemon juice
  • ½ cup water
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil over medium-low. Add the onion and 2 garlic cloves and sauté for about 5 minutes, until fragrant. Now, add the stock and lentils and bring to a boil stirring occasionally. Cover and reduce to a simmer for about 35 minutes, or until tender. Be careful not to overcook. Preheat oven to 400 F. Chop off the carrot greens, leaving about 1 inch, and wash very well. Place the greens (discard most of the stems) in a food processer. Wash the carrots and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet coated with a nonstick cooking spray. Lightly brush them with olive oil and sprinkle with a dash of salt and pepper. Bake at 400 F for 30-45 minutes, until tender. Add the pesto ingredients into the food processor with the greens, 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp. olive oil, and three garlic cloves. Process until smooth and creamy. The pesto should be a little more liquid than regular pesto, so add additional water as needed.Serve the cooked lentils with a few roasted carrots on top and dressed with the pesto.
Details
Prep time: Cook time: Total time: Yield: 6-8
Produce On Parade - Roasted Carrots & Beluga Lentils with Carrot Greens Pesto - Roasted carrots rest atop beluga lentils, dressed with a fresh, carrot greens pesto. This exquisite dish is done in under an hour and will definitely impress.
Produce On Parade - Roasted Carrots & Beluga Lentils with Carrot Greens Pesto - Roasted carrots rest atop beluga lentils, dressed with a fresh, carrot greens pesto. This exquisite dish is done in under an hour and will definitely impress.

Dutch Word of The Day

Happy --> Blij (blay)

Good Deed of The Day

Today, make an effort celebrate yourself. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or just trying to reduce your animal consumption. And be sure to give an animal and planet loving friend a hug, too! Happy World Vegetarian Day!

Grecian Kalamata Pasta

TGIF, yes? Gahhh, I am officially "poo-pooing" this entire week, Madeline style. Unfortunately, there won't be any playing outside this weekend. We have absolutely zero snow, 80 mph winds, and an air-quality advisory. Poo poo! Looks like it will be a weekend filled with homemade bagel baking, yogilates, Game of Thrones reading, and Modern Family watching. That actually doesn't sound too bad. You know what else doesn't sound bad? This Grecian Kalamata Pasta. It's a filling pasta dish with Greek flair, including Kalamata olives, Roma tomatoes, and spinach. Lentils give it a hefty protein boost. 

Produce On Parade - Grecian Kalamata OlivesAlso, I really like this Greek proverb so I thought I would share with you. 

Produce On Parade - Grecian Kalamata OlivesIsn't that nice?

Produce On Parade - Grecian Kalamata Olives

Grecian Kalamata Pasta    

Serves 8

Notes: Be sure to save 1/4 cup of the pasta water for the sauce. Avoid red lentils for this dish, as they wouldn't hold up as well as brown or green.

  • Sustenance: 
  • 1/2 cup brown or green lentils, dry
  • 1 cup water
  • 16 oz. pasta (penne or similar), dry
  • Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
  • Goodies:
  • 3 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped (save innards and seeds)
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 6 oz. fresh spinach (3 large handfuls), rough chopped
  • 1/2 small red onion, diced
  • 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

In a small saucepan, bring the lentils and water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and allow to cook for about 25 minutes, or until the tender. Drain and set aside.

Produce On Parade - Grecian Kalamata OlivesBring a large saucepan full of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Add pasta and cook according to package for al dente pasta. You will want it slightly undercooked for this recipe. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the water and set aside.

Produce On Parade - Grecian Kalamata OlivesMeanwhile, in a food processor add the sauce ingredients and blend until smooth.

Produce On Parade - Grecian Kalamata OlivesCut the tomatoes in half and scoop out the innards with a spoon. Add only the innards to the processor and blend until well incorporated. 

In a large frying pan, heat 1 Tbsp. of olive oil. Add in the goodie ingredients except for the olives and walnuts. Saute until the onions are browned. Cover with a lid for a minute or two during, to wilt the spinach. 

Produce On Parade - Grecian Kalamata Olives Produce On Parade - Grecian Kalamata OlivesAdd the lentils, sauce, goodies, olives, walnuts, and reserved pasta water to the cooked and drained pasta. Stir well to coat. 

Produce On Parade - Grecian Kalamata OlivesServe hot!

I like this calming song: 

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