Tag Archives: vegan
Zucchini Noodles with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
This is the perfect warm weather ‘pasta’ recipe! The simple sauce is sun-dried tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic. I served mine over zoodles (zucchini noodles), but you can also use traditional pasta. Bonus: the sauce doesn’t even require cooking…just blend, toss, and serve!
If you are using traditional pasta, cook according to package instructions. For “Zoodles”: Use your spiralizer to slice zucchini into pasta ribbons.
Heat oil in a large skillet on medium heat, add the noodles, and saute for 3-5 minutes.
Remove from heat. The zoodles will release water while they cook. Make sure to drain them well.
For the sauce, add sun-dried tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, and *olive oil to a food processor or blender.
I opted for vegan Parmesan cheese, but traditional is great too!
*If your sun-dried tomatoes are stored in oil, just omit the olive oil. Mine were dry.
Puree to a pesto-like consistency.
Return the drained zoodles to the large skill and add the tomato sauce. Toss to coat and season with salt, pepper, and additional Parmesan cheese. Garnish with additional fresh basil and enjoy!
Ingredients:
Zucchini Noodles:
4-5 zucchini
1 T olive oil
Tomato Sauce:
3 ounces (~1 cup) sun-dried tomatoes
1 cup fresh tomatoes (cherry or campari); halved
1-2 T olive oil*
1 cup fresh basil + more for serving
4 garlic cloves
2 T Parmesan Cheese + more for serving (I used a vegan Parmesan.)
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Zucchini Noodles:
Using your spiralizer, slice zucchini into long noodles or ribbons.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add “noodles” to skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until they are slightly softened. You can skip this step altogether and see the “noodles” raw as well!
Zucchini will release liquids, so when your zoodles are done cooking, drain well.
Tomato Sauce:
Add sun-dried tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, olive oil, basil, garlic and 2 Tbsp vegan parmesan cheese to a food processor or high-speed blender and puree into a pesto-like consistency.
If it has trouble mixing, add a bit more olive oil to help encourage it along. It doesn’t need to be finely pureed, just well mixed. I think a bit of texture is a good thing in this dish.
Add drained zoodles back to the skillet you cooked it in and add tomato sauce. Toss to coat and season with salt and pepper and vegan parmesan.
Serve warm with additional fresh basil and vegan parmesan cheese. Store covered in the fridge for up to a few days, though best when fresh.
This can be enjoyed hot, sightly chilled or at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics and take-along lunches!
NOTES
*If your sun-dried tomatoes are in oil, omit the extra olive oil.
Recipe adapted from: Minimalist Baker
Related Recipes:
Life Lately
Orange is the Happiest Color!
Thursday:
Early morning run with the BBC and breakfast after at Whole Foods!
Throwback Thursday. LEFT: My first marathon (5ish years ago) RIGHT: 2014 Chicago Marathon
Coffee, candles, and crystals…such a nice spot to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee. 🙂
I met up with Shyla and Corrie for a super fun Orange Theory Fitness class.
Dinner with Jason afterwards….avocado rolls and tofu stir-fry. YUM!
8 treadmill miles, a little spin bike, and some weights.
Followed by a green smoothie at Daily Juice!
Some of the Fleet Feet Race Team got together for a Spring Look Book Photo Shoot. It was so much fun trying on all of the new Spring clothes!!
The obligatory Friday night pasta dinner before Saturday’s long run…
Saturday: Pi Day!!! (Celebrate accordingly!)
Not only is my girlfriend Jenn Schott a Boston Qualifying runner, she is a very talented singer/songwriter. She used her gifts to write a song for Ian Miller (a first grader that has already undergone 3 brain surgeries, chemo, and radiation at St. Jude). Click the link to hear about his story and hear her song!
7-year-old St. Jude Cancer Survivor Ian Miller Inspires Song
***Don’t forget to enter to win this medal holder!! Just click HERE and leave a comment!!!***
There are so many races going on this weekend! What is your weekend run plan?
What’s your favorite type of pie? Mine is chocolate with lots of meringue!
If you HAD to pick one…Pie, Cake, or Cookies? Cake for me!
What was in my Sephora boxes?
Sesame Asian Quinoa
I loved this fresh and light Asian Quinoa. It’s easy to assemble and packed with healthy vegetables. It’s also flexible…use the vegetables of your choice. The sesame vinaigrette is simple and flavorful. I kept mine vegan and vegetarian, but you can easily add the protein of your choice. So, if you’re looking for a new way to spruce up your quinoa, give this one a try!
Let’s cook!
Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa and adding it to 2 cups of vegetable broth. You can also use water, but the broth adds some extra flavor. Bring it to a boil and boil for 5 minutes. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
While your quinoa is simmering, use a large skillet to saute the chopped zucchini and mushrooms in 1 Tablespoon of olive oil on medium high heat for 7-8 minutes.
To make the sesame vinaigrette, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
Time to assemble. Add the cooked quinoa, red cabbage, carrots, and edamame to the cooked zucchini and mushrooms. Pour the dressing on top and toss to combine.
Enjoy!! You can serve warm or as a cold salad.
Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa
2 cups vegetable broth or water
1 T. olive oil
1 zucchini; chopped
8 oz. mushrooms; quartered (I used baby bellas)
1 cup chopped red cabbage
1 cup shelled and cooked edamame
1 cup shredded carrots
For the dressing:
1/4 cup lite soy sauce or tamari sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped green onion
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1/4 teaspoon grated ginger
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Add vegetable broth and quinoa to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 5 minutes. Turn the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
2. In a large skillet, saute the chopped zucchini and mushrooms in 1 T olive oil for 7-8 minutes until cooked.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine the cooked quinoa, edamame, and carrots to the cooked zucchini and mushrooms.
5. Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and stir to combine.
Vegetable substitution suggestions: Broccoli, corn, and red bell peppers.
Note-Make sure you use tamari for a gluten-free salad, not all soy sauce is gluten-free. This salad is good served at room temperature or chilled.
#choosejoy
Recipe adapted from: two peas & their pod
The Friday Five
1. The Asics Storm Shelter Jacket. I bought this jacket at Fleet Feet a few weeks ago and wasn’t sure how often I’d really wear it. I have lived in it! Even through the recent polar vortex (slight exaggeration), I’ve worn it and stayed warm.
Seam-sealed, fully-lined, Waterproof zipper, Removable hood with adjusters, Zippered body vents, 360 degree 3M reflectivity, Thumbholes on Lycra wrist gaiters.
I bought mine in white, but I didn’t know that pink was available…so cute!
2. You Fresh Naturals Coco-Nut Butter– This is my favorite nut butter!
– Paleo Friendly
– Gluten Free
– Non GMO
– Vegan (except the added protein Coco-Nut Butters)
– Contain No preservatives or artificial ingredients
– Free of wheat
– Naturally sweetened
As you can see, I keep my pantry stocked! If I had to choose, Maple Vanilla is my favorite flavor!
3. I picked up my new Ultra Dirtbag Hoodie from The North Face today and I LOVE it!!!
4. I’m getting so excited for Christmas!!
5. Stop whining. Monkey’s don’t whine. The Flying Monkey Marathon is this Sunday…eek!! I’m using it as a training run for an upcoming ultra, but it’s such a tough course and I’m getting nervous. PLUS, there’s 100% chance of thunderstorms! The RD sent this email today…
Thanks to Valerie Fowler for these soggy monkeys…
#choosejoy
Ode to Oatmeal
Yes, I wrote an entire post about oatmeal. If you know me or have been reading this blog, you’re not surprised in the least. My preference is for steel cut oats, but any oatmeal will do. It’s such a safe, pre-run meal. I’ve never had a bad run after eating oatmeal for breakfast. Even my husband has been converted.
Here are a few of my recent oatmeal escapades…
Science proves that oatmeal is awesome!
1. It’s full of soluble fiber which lowers your “bad” LDL cholesterol. This fiber also makes you feel full for longer.
2. It has “slow-release” complex carbohydrates. This keeps it from spiking your blood sugar like refined carbohydrates . Refined carbohydrates lead to insulin spikes. When your insulin spikes, your body stores fat. So, the slow release carbs keep your body from storing fat!
3. Keeping your blood sugar levels under control also keeps you from reaching for quick sugar fixes…like cookies.
4. The slow release energy will keep you running strong for your entire run. Oatmeal eaten 3 hours before a run is the perfect low glycemic meal.
5. It’s a good source of whole grains. It keeps you feeling full without the heavy feeling.
6. A 2009 study in the Journal of Nutrition found that women with higher intakes of nutrient-packed whole grains have lower amounts of total body and abdominal fat.
7. Beware of the sugar-packed, instant “oatmeal” packages. It’s best to make plain jane oats and then doctor them up with your favorite toppings!
8. Speaking of toppings, oatmeal is a great conduit for other healthy foods. Cinnamon, berries, nuts, chia seeds, and my current favorite oatmeal topping…pomegranate seeds!!!
And lastly, a little oatmeal humor. Yes, if you google oatmeal jokes, they actually exist!
Do you share my love for oatmeal?
What are your favorite toppings?
If not oatmeal, what’s your favorite pre-run breakfast?
#choosejoy
Big Batch Vegetable Soup
This is my favorite vegetable soup recipe!! I’ve been making it for years. It doesn’t take all day and it tastes so much better than store bought. As the name states, this recipe makes a large pot of veggie soup. You can substitute any vegetables (fresh or frozen) to suit your tastes. It also freezes really well.
Here are the ingredients:
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot and add the onions, celery, Italian seasoning, and add salt and pepper.
Cook until the onions become translucent; around 5-8 minutes.
Add the broth, tomatoes and their juice, tomato paste, and three cups of water. Bring to a boil. Then reduce the pot to a simmer for 20 minutes.
Measure out 8 cups of veggies (fresh or frozen). Used fresh potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, green beans, and frozen peas and corn.
Add them to your soup and return it to a simmer.
Cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.
We had Krusteaz Honey Cornbread Muffins with ours (yum!)
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups chopped onions
1 cup thinly sliced celery
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Coarse salt and ground pepper
3 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
1 tablespoon tomato paste
8 cups mixed fresh or frozen vegetables, such as carrots, corn, green beans, lima beans, peas, potatoes, and zucchini (cut larger vegetables into smaller pieces)
Instructions:
Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add onions, celery, and Italian seasoning; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are translucent, 5 to 8 minutes.
Add broth, tomatoes and their juice, tomato paste, and 3 cups water to pot; bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, and cook, uncovered, 20 minutes.
Add vegetables to pot, and return to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, until vegetables are tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Let cool before storing.
I served mine with Krusteaz Honey Cornbread Muffins (a favorite in our house). Click the link for the recipe:)
#choosejoy
Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart
Progress and PT
Let’s start with last night aka Transformation Tuesday.
I posted this picture on my Instagram account. (jenchoosesjoy) These are the finish lines from my first marathon in 2010 and this year’s Chicago Marathon. After my first one, I didn’t think I’d ever run one again vs. how much I absolutely LOVED running Chicago this year.
I almost didn’t post the pictures and then I wondered why? Mostly, I just don’t like the idea of before and afters. I never actually feel like an ‘after’…more like a work in progress. So, let’s just think of it as a progress pic and I’m proud of my progress:)
Bum Knee update: It’s still a little swollen and sore but making progress. I ran 9 slow miles on Tuesday and 8 slow miles on Wednesday.
I went to my first PT appointment and I was really nervous.
It ended up being great! Leah asked some great questions about my running history, stretched, poked, and prodded my legs, scraped all up and down my right quad and knee (which strangely hurt and felt great at the same time), videoed me running on the treadmill and concluded that…
I turn my knee caps inward when I run. Who knew? Especially my right knee. The rest of my form was pretty good, so I have some exercises to strengthen the support muscles. I will also be going back for more scraping. I’m sure there’s a better term…I’ll research and get back to you:)
Random life stuff…
I got a haircut
While I was getting ready, this little nugget decided to lay in the sunny spot in front of my sink. Of course I didn’t want to disturb her sunbathing and just worked around her.
I had my favorite lunch of mâché rosettes and strawberries. It never gets old and I’m making efforts to eat a little cleaner since I’m not running as much.
I got busy making some Halloween goodies…recipe coming soon!
And don’t judge, but I was browsing through some gift shops and came across these JOY Christmas tree ornaments. I know it’s way too early, but I just has to buy them!
Don’t forget, I’m running the St. Jude Memphis Marathon to as a Hero to raise money for the St. Jude Children’s Hospital. I, along with all of the children and families, would greatly appreciate any donation. No family pays for their medical care, housing, travels, etc…thanks to private donations…incredible!!! Click HERE to make a donation.
Have you ever had to got to PT? What for and for how long?
What’s your favorite charity to support?
When do you start decorating for Christmas? I try to wait until after Thanksgiving.
#choosejoy