savory bread pudding (strata) with spinach, mushrooms, and roasted garlic

Your new favorite make-ahead-of-time breakfast!

This is one of those great “no recipe” recipes, thanks to epi’s “How to Make Strata”. They recommend a ratio of 1 part milk + 1 part eggs + 1 part cheese + 1 part add-ins (optional) + 2 parts bread. Today’s add-ins are sauteed mushrooms with sauteed baby spinach and roasted garlic. But you can add almost ANYTHING. What about leftover stewed greens with leftover jerk chicken? Or leftover jambalaya with andouille sausage and bell peppers? Chorizo and salsa with roasted tomatillos or serrano peppers? Make sure to cook your add-ins ahead of time, unless it’s a fresh herb or something delicate and fresh. If you’re using something with high water content like spinach, make sure to squeeze it before adding it so the strata isn’t soggy. I’ll share my recipe, but don’t be constrained by this: almost any cheese, any meat, any veggies would be amazing in this!

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1 part milk + 1 part eggs + 1 part cheese + 1 part add-ins (optional) + 2 parts bread

1 loaf bread, cut into bite-sized cubes

milk and/or cream (can even add cream cheese! I did, because I had some in the house, inspired by Melissa Roberts for Gourmet magazine)

soooo many eggs (I used maybe 9)

1 pack mushrooms

1/2 head garlic

1 pack spinach

3/4 brick of Swiss (or cheddar, or whatever,) or to taste, shredded

a little blue cheese, grated parmesan, or whatever you have in the house

thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, or whatever you like

salt and pepper

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toast bread in a 250 degree oven until crispy, ~5-10 minutes

roast garlic at 450 until paper is burnt, remove cloves from paper

saute mushrooms and spinach. season

butter your baking dish, and begin to layer ingredients. pour custard mixture over the ingredients. top with cheese, if desired. cover baking dish with foil, and rest between an hour and 24 hours.

preheat oven to 350. bake ~20 minutes wrapped in foil, then remove foil and continue baking for another 15 to 30 minutes depending on the size of your strata. epi says it’s set when the center no longer jiggles.

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recipe by epi

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This is REALLY good. Not only was it easy to make, it was very affordable, kept wonderfully in the fridge all week, and made me excited to eat my veggies! I can’t wait to try this with broccoli and sharp cheddar, or fresh dill and asparagus. & I think the Serious Eats suggestion for a French onion strata sounds incredible… but it is just begging for some veggies….

You are only limited by your imagination here. The internet suggests ham-and-cheese stratas, as well as some really wild-sounding variations like tomato-and-basil, butternut squash and prosciutto, and, believe it or not, a reuben strata with sauerkraut and pumpernickel bread. What’s your favorite savory bread pudding?

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roasted artichoke and spinach melts

Everything you love about spinach and artichoke dip, combined with everything you love about grilled cheese!

ROASTED ARTICHOKES:

Drain a large can of artichokes. If the artichokes are marinated in oil and spices, leave them plain. If they are packed in saltwater, rinse and toss them in olive oil and Italian seasoning like thyme and oregano. Add a few whole cloves of garlic to add to the dip. Roast at 425 until crispy.

SPINACH-ARTICHOKE DIP:

Add the following to blender: roasted artichoke hearts, one large pack of spinach that you have blanched or steamed or sauteed, red pepper flakes and black pepper to taste, a pinch of garlic powder, roasted garlic cloves (or raw minced garlic if you’re daring,) and any combination of creamy things like plain yogurt, mayo, cream cheese, or their vegan substitutions.

ARTICHOKE-SPINACH MELTS:

Butter slices of bread, sprinkle with garlic powder, and toast in your toaster oven. When it’s almost crispy garlic bread, top the slices of bread with spinach-artichoke dip and tons of shredded cheese. You can use any blend of cheeses. (I used just sharp cheddar.) Place on small baking tray and toast in toaster oven, or bake at 425 for maybe 7 min or so.

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roasted artichoke recipe adapted from Anna Stockwell @epi – sandwich recipe adapted from Deb Perelman @Bon Appetit

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Exactly as good as it sounds. Fantastic way to trick yourself into getting some serious greens!

torshi tareh (persian sour spinach)

200 g fresh cilantro/coriander, finely chopped
250 g fresh spinach, finely chopped (or any dark leafy greens)
2 tablespoons dried mint
6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
5 eggs
lemon juice or grape verjuice, to taste
canola oil and butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2/3 teaspoon turmeric powder
2 1/2 cups water
salt & pepper to taste

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heat onions in oil. when golden, add garlic and turmeric powder and saute for 1 minute.
add spinach and saute a few minutes. add cilantro, water, salt, pepper, and simmer over med-low til cooked.

dissolve flour in 3 tablespoons of cold water; pour it into the stew and stir. Add butter and lemon juice to taste (you want it sour!) and stir well.

crack the eggs into the center of the pot, do not stir.

cover the pot and cook for 3-4 more minutes. Then stir gently, cover the pot and cook until the eggs are set.

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recipe by cookingandcooking

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A great, simple way to switch up your dark leafy green routine! Great served with other Persian food, like Shirazi salad, cold cucumber yogurt soup, or lentil & butternut squash stew. I ate it with rice and plain yogurt as a great, healthy breakfast!

There are a ton of bugs going around right now – in my area, a stomach flu, pneumonia, and strep groups A and C. This combo of turmeric, garlic, and dark leafy greens is a perfect boost for your immune system! Take care of yourself as the seasons change and eat some veggies!

healthy arugula and sunflower seed vegan sandwich spread

i have been on a sandwich kick lately, since i have been baking bread for the first time in a while.

i tried this recipe from leanjumpstart for a cress and sunflower seed sandwich spread.

the recipe calls for:
a splash of water
about a cup of sunflower seeds
a tablespoon of lemon juice
a “bed” of cress
pepper to taste

mixed in a blender and ready to eat.

my recipe:
i added a cup of sunflower seeds, a splash of water, and a ton of lemon juice. then i added a few handfuls of locally grown arugula, because there was no cress at the co-op.

things it’s been amazing in so far:
– tastes like pesto when added to tomato sauce
– tastes creamy on a sandwich with tomatoes and goat cheese and a little mayo-based sandwich spread (mayo, fresh lemon juice, steak seasoning, roasted garlic, a splash of worcestershire, and horseradish mustard) and it was great
– tastes like sour pine nuts mixed into hummus or used as a dip

on its own, it tastes like sour sunflower butter, so it seems like a great way for vegans and athletes and dieters to get some extra protein and a nice kick of sour flavor.

ideas i had for it?
– sandwich spread with roasted red peppers
– caprese sandwich with tomatoes and basil, or goat cheese
– spread on bread with sharp cheddar for grilled cheese
– scooped onto a salad in clumps, like vegan ricotta, on a salad with nuts and dried fruit
– creamed up and added to coconut vegan yogurt, it would make an unbelievable vegan dipping sauce for spicy vegetables
– as a savory note added to some vegan sauce

if you want the world’s creamiest texture you may need an expensive (or at least effective) blender, but a used cheap blender makes a nice texture, partially crunchy and partially creamy, thicker than thick store-bought hummus, which some might find meaty and fun and others might find annoying and seedy. for a vegan sandwich i think the texture it adds is really interesting. i like it. i like it a lot more than i thought i would, and i have been putting it in everything.

as a meat eater i think it would go great with chicken salad with spinach, green apple, and dill on a sweet whole wheat bread.

thanks to leanjumpstart: simply clean eating habits to get in shape for your recipe “garden cress sunflower seeds spread”

15-minute broccoli, spinach, and green curry coconut soup

green curry paste (1T-1/3c, depending on your preference)
one can of coconut milk
3 cups of water
a pound of broccoli florets, chopped
a handful to baby spinach leaves
fresh cilantro leaves (coriander leaves)
salt and pepper

stir-fry the curry paste
if you’re using real Thai green curry paste, DON’T use a third of a cup unless you have a steel stomach – start with a tablespoon and add more later if it needs it
if the paste is thick, add a little water

when fragrant, add the water and chopped broccoli stems, and boil about five minutes

add the rest of the broccoli, salt and pepper, turn down the heat, and simmer until soft, about ten minutes

add the coconut milk, simmer another few minutes

turn off the heat

add the spinach leaves and cilantro

blend, adjust seasoning to taste

can top with crispy fried scallions if you’re feeling fancy, or a scoop of plain yogurt, but it’s great just as is

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modified from epicurious

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really fantastic. if you love the flavor of cilantro more than you love broccoli and spinach, it’s a great way to get all your veggies. it takes just as long to cool the soup for blending as it does to cook it.

again, seriously be careful how much curry paste you use – i’m in so much pain from heartburn. but the flavor is amazing. perfect way to use up those curry paste packets i’ve had sitting in the pantry for a year. i definitely recommend this recipe.

vegan spinach or collard callaloo

Callaloo is a soup. Or is it a sauce? Thin, or thick? It’s as thick as you want it to be! Play with the amount of water you add for your favorite consistency. Okra has a bad reputation because of its texture, but here it holds together the greens.

Callaloo is made in Jamaica, Trinidad, and all over the Caribbean! It is traditionally made with dasheen (taro) leaves. Go with any leafy green that’s fresh!

Easiest method ever. Boil everything for a while. Then eat it. That’s it!

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about 2 lbs of chopped collard, torn spinach, lamb’s quarter, kale, or whatever dark leafy greens you have (remove the toughest ribs if you’re using thick greens like collard)
1/4 cup pumpkin or other winter squash, peeled and chopped
8 okra, trimmed (fresh if you can)
1 – 2 cans of coconut milk, then fill the cans with water and add those
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 scallion, chopped
1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional – just a deseeded piece if you like it mild, or whole if you like it extra hot)
1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
2 sprigs thyme
1 tsp. parsley, finely chopped
stock, broth, or water and bouillon (as needed)
Salt to taste

Add everything to a soup pot and simmer for 30-40 minutes (with baby spinach or other young greens) or an hour (for collards or tough older greens), or until the greens are tender. Leave the heat fairly low and stir often – coconut milk will burn. You will have to add extra liquid if it gets thick, so keep an eye on it. You can add stock or broth if you have it, or even just water.

When it’s done, add a teaspoon or two of butter or margarine.

Simply Trini shows it over rice with avocado slices and chunks of meat. It’s just as good with rice and beans!

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adapted from simply trini cooking and caribbean pot

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edit 1/14/2016

It’s delicious! I made it with a pound of baby spinach, green chard, red chard, and kale, and a small golden nugget squash. I left out the parsley and okra and it was still great. If you like your greens sweet, you’ll love this!

moroccan chickpea salad

2 x 400g (14 oz) cans of chickpeas (garbanzos) drained, rinsed & strained
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup dried cranberries, apricots, or currants
1 piece of a preserved lemon, rind only, finely chopped
Juice of 1 fresh lemon
½ cup olive oil
1 tbs ground cumin
1 tbs paprika
1 tbs ground cinnamon
a handful of baby spinach leaves (optional)
¼ cup finely chopped parsley (or any fresh herb you like)

Place the chickpeas in a bowl add the onions, garlic, currants, preserved lemon, spices, olive oil, lemon juice and soy sauce in a large bowl. Toss to combine and leave to marinate for at least an hour.
Line a serving bowl with the baby spinach leaves Throw a handful of spinach in a bowl, and top with the chickpeas and parsley. Top with the yoghurt and pistachios, and drizzle with the pomegranate molasses.

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recipe adapted by friedsig and originally penned by le delicieux

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Sounds like a very pretty presentation – something I put zero effort into for my own quick lunches. I simplified this recipe to make this very elegant (but elaborate) salad completely accessible to anyone seeking a very healthy, flavorful, fast, affordable, and easy lunch to take along, or ultra-fast weeknight dinner.

I used fresh dill and basil instead of parsley, because it’s what I had in the house. I love currants, so I used those. I also added a part of a roasted jalapeno from the farmers market because I have so many, and a big pinch of smoked paprika. Recommended! Of course, hot pepper pickles are incredible in any salad.

This is one of my two favorite cold chickpea salad recipes this summer. The other is this 5 minute warm chickpea and feta salad.

Try this one!

thai salad with crispy tofu over greens

can’t wait to try this one from veggie and the beast feast.

1 chopped red bell pepper
1 chopped carrot
1 cup frozen shelled edamame
1 tablespoon olive oil
salad greens
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 green onions, sliced
¼ cup raw cashews, chopped

tofu:
1 14-ounce container extra firm tofu
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon reduced sodium tamari
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 tablespoons cornstarch

dressing:
¼ cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons unseasoned brown rice vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 tablespoon tamari
3 tablespoons honey
3 garlic cloves
1-inch square piece fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
4 tablespoons light coconut milk

toss red pepper, carrot, and edamame in olive oil and broil for 5-7 minutes, stirring/shaking the pan 3 times and checking frequently to keep the veggies from burning.

remove from oven and lower to 400 degrees.

let tofu drain, or press to remove moisture.

slice tofu and add the sesame oil and tamari and sesame seeds.

bake for 25-30 minutes, flip once.

combine everything. drizzle with dressing just before serving.

dressing: food process or blend ingredients.

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modified from veggie and the beast feast

thin crust spinach and feta pizza

Dough

1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons instant yeast*
2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon Baker’s Special Dry Milk or nonfat dry milk
3 1/2 cups King Arthur Italian-Style Flour
3/4 cup to 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons lukewarm water*
2 tablespoons olive oil
*Use the greater amount of yeast if you plan on baking the pizza right away; the lesser amount if you’ll refrigerate the dough first.
**Use the lesser amount of water in summer or humid conditions; the greater amount in winter or under drier conditions.

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1) In a medium-sized mixing bowl (or in a bread machine set on the dough/manual cycle), combine all of the ingredients to make a very soft dough. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes (or allow the dough to go through the bread machine’s dough cycle); the dough will gradually become smooth and cohesive, though it’ll remain quite sticky.

2) To bake pizza immediately, divide the dough in half, and let each half rest, covered, for about 15 minutes, while you preheat your oven to 450°F. To bake pizza later, transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl, and let the dough rise for 1 hour, then refrigerate it for up to 3 days.

3) While the dough is resting or rising (or just before you’re ready to bake pizza), start preheating the oven to 450°F, and prepare your toppings.

4) For spinach and feta pizza, thaw the frozen spinach, and squeeze it in your hands (or a paper towel, or a dish towel) until it’s very dry.

5) Heat the olive oil, and sauté the spinach, salt, and garlic for a couple of minutes, just until hot and well combined.

6) Divide the dough in half. You’ll be working with one piece of dough at a time. To make two pizzas now, set one half aside, lightly covered, while you work with the first piece. To make one pizza now, one later, return half the dough to the refrigerator, covered; use it within a day or two.

7) Lightly grease two sheets of parchment paper, waxed paper, or (last choice) plastic wrap. Lightly grease one or two large rectangular pans (half sheet pans work well), and drizzle with olive oil.

8) Sandwich the dough between the two pieces of paper, greased sides touching the dough. Roll the dough super-thin; the low protein in Italian-style flour will allow you to do this pretty easily. If the dough fights back, walk away for 10 minutes, then return and roll some more.

9) Peel the paper off one side of the crust. Place the crust, paper side up, on the prepared pan. Peel off the remaining paper.

10) Top the crust with half the spinach and half the feta. Spray lightly with olive oil spray, if you have it; this will help the feta brown a bit.

11) Bake the pizza on a lower rack of the oven for 5 minutes, to brown the bottom crust. Then move it to a middle or upper-middle rack, and continue to bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top of the crust is golden and the feta is beginning to brown.

12) Remove the pizza from the oven, and transfer it to a rack immediately, so the crust stays crisp. Serve hot.

13) Repeat with the remaining half of the dough. Or return to the refrigerator, along with the remaining topping ingredients, and bake later.

Yield: 2 large thin-crust pizzas, about 8 to 10 servings total.

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adapted from here

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This old-school recipe turned out great. I topped the dough with just a little melty cheese (mozarella or monterey jack would be great, but all I had was cheddar and that was fine) and a lot of crumbled feta. I sauteed fresh greens (not just spinach, but a blend with arugala – use whatever you have) with olive oil and a pinch of nutmeg and salt, and squeezed it before putting it on the pizza so it wouldn’t make the crust soggy. Then I added bits of kalamata olives and pickled Greek peppers, and a little oregano from the garden.

The crust came out perfectly crispy. Remember to roll it thin! It’s a great looking pizza. The recipe is really specific, but it works. I recommend this highly if you have dry powdered milk in your pantry!

raw spinach and marinated mushrooms dip

marinated mushrooms:

2 big mushrooms, finely sliced
3 TBSP olive oil
1.5 TBSP freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ tsp tamari (or nama shoyu, as you prefer)
1 small garlic clove, grated or minced
½ tsp raw mustard or other mustard
pinch sea salt
freshly ground black pepper, to taste

marinate overnight

(I add to a jar and give it a shake whenever I walk past it)

the next day, add these to your food processor with:

2 handfuls fresh spinach (or any tender leafy green like arugula, lamb’s quarter, etc.)
½ cup chopped parsley, cilantro, or your favorite mild herb
1 green onion, roughly sliced
olive oil (to taste)
pinch chili flakes

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adapted from tales of a kitchen

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Really great. Highly recommended. I subbed cilantro for parsley and it was really tasty.

This is a great snack or side dish to serve alongside bread or veggies at a party. Next time you have people over, offer them some of this raw spinach and mushrooms dip alongside baba and hummus, or beer and cheese dip, or lentil and olive dip. This is a great healthy alternative to the package of cream cheese spinach-and-artichoke dip (or a great vegan option to serve alongside it.)