As November rolls in, it’s the perfect time to get back to basics and reconnect with the simple pleasures of cooking. Amidst the hustle of modern life, we sometimes overlook treasures tucked away in the back of our fridges and pantries: herbs, nuts, and seeds.
These humble ingredients are far more than just garnishes. They are nutritional powerhouses that not only elevate the taste of a dish, but that also nourish our bodies with their many health benefits. Read on and then head to the kitchen to explore the rich world of herbs, nuts, and seeds.
Nut, Seed, and Herb Cheese
This creamy vegan cheese comes together easily and can be enjoyed spread on crudité and crackers. But don’t stop there. It’s also divine dolloped over roasted vegetables or used as an alternative to ricotta cheese in lasagna.
Buckwheat Spinach Pancake Stack
Who said pancakes can’t be enjoyed for dinner? Gluten free and protein packed, this is a fantastic dish to enjoy any time of day. Buckwheat, though it contains the word “wheat,” is gluten free and belongs to the family of pseudocereals. This group of plants produce fruits or seeds that are used and consumed like grains. Buckwheat has a strong flavor, and if you would like to mellow it somewhat, feel free to cut half the buckwheat flour with oat flour.
Curry Lemon Pistachio Quinoa
This delightfully bright and flavorful side dish might just steal the show at your next meal. Quinoa gives this recipe a nice punch of plant-based protein, while a myriad of seeds and herbs come together in a symphony of flavor.
White Bean Dill Soup with Sweet and Smokey Walnuts
This hearty plant-based soup gets its velvety creaminess from the addition of tahini, or sesame seed butter. Nut and seed butters can be added to a variety of applications to help thicken or enhance the mouthfeel of a dish. Try stirring a tablespoon or two of your favorite seed or nut butter to sauces, salad dressings, or smoothies.
No-Bake Cranberry Crumble Bars
Everyone should have an easy, no-bake, go-to dessert recipe. This one is mine. Endlessly customizable, depending on the seasonal fruit available, I particularly love how this autumnal take combines tart cranberries with earthy pecans and herbal rosemary.
