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Vegan Butternut Squash And Bean Chili

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This Vegan Butternut Squash And Bean Chili is so delicious and so comforting. Nobody’s going to miss the meat in this one!

Vegan Butternut Squash Chili

Fall means big pots of warming comfort food on the stove. It means soups and stews and homey foods. It means chili. Lots of chili.

A few months ago, Steve and I moved out of Manhattan and bought The Harvest Inn in wine country on the North Fork of Long Island. I guess most people know this already, but for those who don’t, I’m telling you now because I am sitting here trying to create a recipe for some type of breakfast chili — so far it’s been pretty fun experimenting, and eggs really do seem to go pretty well with chili… but that’s for another time…

This chili, this Vegan Butternut Squash And Bean Chili is not a breakfast chili… it’s a perfect football Sunday, snuggling on the couch with a blankie pot of chili.

I’m not one for re-making the same foods all the time. And sometimes this is to my detriment. I’ll create a recipe, cook it up, serve it to willing (or even not-so-willing) participants and then even if they love it, sometimes they’ll never see it again. Yes, it’s a problem. Well, it can be a problem for my eaters, not for me…

Anyway, I make lots of chilis. Did you know you can make chili out of anything? Yes, literally anything.

If a steaming bowl of chili gives you all the good feels, try some of these favorites of mine: Pork Chili With Bok Choy, Vegan Beet And Butternut Squash Chili, and Black Bean And Pork Chili.

Okay, back to this particular chili… tis the season for everything winter squash. So, it’s got to go into a chili. I mean, it only makes sense. Oh, and you really can substitute any winter squash or pumpkin that you like. A cheese pumpkin would be awesome. I say that with a big smile on my face because last week I bought and roasted a cheese pumpkin for the first time ever and now I’m a huge fan. Really, it’s pretty awesome that no matter what you put into your simmering pot of chili, it always ends up tasting awesome. So, even though when we think of eating seasonally, oftentimes we think of big fruit and veggie platters or salads, eating seasonally is the forte of a chili cook.

I know that it could be a concern of football Sunday fans that a pot of vegan chili may not be what your guests are looking for me. We are a big football Sunday house here, and trust me when I tell you, that nobody will be unhappy with a big bowl of this Vegan Butternut Squash And Bean Chili. I make this and serve it with a big dollop of plant-based yogurt or sour cream on top and omg when you stir it, it gets all creamy and even more amazing.

Also, I love to top it with diced avocado, shredded vegan cheese, and even sourdough croutons.

It’s 8:00 in the morning as I type this, and I want chili. Ugh… I ate the last bowl that was left in my fridge yesterday afternoon. I spent the last 3 days in Manhattan, came home ravenous, opened the fridge and there was one bowl left. Score!

Vegan Butternut Squash And Bean Chili

Here are some of the great healing ingredients in this Vegan Butternut Squash And Bean Chili:

Butternut squash is more than just a delicious vegetable; it’s really good for you. It’s a good fever reducer, it can lessen stomach pain and it can be a comfort during pregnancy when the baby feels like she’s doing acrobatics. It’s also rich in carotenoids and Vitamin B6. This means it’s good for your heart and can help lower bad cholesterol. And, because butternut squash can help reduce inflammation in the body, it benefits almost everyone.

Onions are great for your immune system; they are a natural antihistamine. Recently, I recommended that a patient with bronchitis put sliced raw onions in her socks when she went to sleep… she woke up so much better. (I know I’ve told you this before, but it really is awesome!) Onion is a superhero in the food world!

Turmeric is actually a Chinese herb (Jiang Huang). It is great for reducing inflammation throughout the body. If you suffer from aches and pains in your joints, try turmeric. It can help relieve menstrual pain and some other abdominal pains but, if you are pregnant, ask your doctor before you eat too much turmeric.

Garlic is amazing in its antiviral and antibacterial capabilities. It’s also a Chinese herb called Da Suan. It is used to kill toxins and parasites and also to reduce swelling in the body. It’s what I call a great “A” herb: anesthetic, antibacterial, anti fungal, antioxidant, antiviral, etc….

In Chinese medicine, black foods are known as the best foods to strengthen the body and nourish the blood. We recommend them for many people who suffer from chronic lower back pain, knee pain and infertility. Black beans have the highest amount of antioxidants of any bean, they are high in fiber and are good for the heart.

White beans are good at boosting energy and calming the mind. They can help improve your memory and can lower cholesterol. And, they are a great source of protein.

Bell peppers help with indigestion. If you are feeling bloated and full from over-eating a lot lately, consuming bell peppers will help reduce this feeling. They are also good for blood circulation and research has shown that they are good for people with a low appetite or anorexia.

Vegan Butternut Squash Chili

Vegan Butternut Squash And Bean Chili
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Recipe type: vegan, vegetarian, nut free, gluten free, grain free
Cuisine: chili, stew, soup
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6
This Vegan Butternut Squash And Bean Chili is perfect, simple comfort food. It will warm you up and make you smile... and it makes for great leftovers.
Ingredients
  • 2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 med onion, chopped
  • 1-1/2 lb cubed butternut squash
  • 7 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • sea salt, to taste
  • ½ tsp chipotle chili powder
  • 1 Tbs chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 28 oz can whole tomatoes
  • 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15 oz can white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 5 oz baby spinach
  • Optional toppings: diced avocado, vegan shredded cheese, dairy-free yogurt
Instructions
  1. Heat the oil in a large pot, over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and sauce 3 mins, then add the squash, garlic, bell peppers and salt. Cook, stirring, 5 mins.
  3. Stir in the chili powders, cumin, and turmeric. Cook, stirring, 1 minute.
  4. Add the bay leaf, tomatoes with their juices, beans, and broth.
  5. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer, covered, about 30 mins or until the squash is tender -- check on it often so it doesn't overcook.
  6. When the squash is tender, add the spinach, stir, and cook just until wilted.
  7. Ladle into bowls and top with yogurt, avocado, and cheese.

 

 

Easy Black Bean Soup

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This Easy Black Bean Soup is going to become your new go-to when you want something warm and comforting.
easy black bean soup

Black bean soup is one of the first things I learned to make well. It’s one of the first things that people starting asking me for the recipe for, and I loved it — the soup and the compliments!  Hmmm… maybe this humble soup is one of the reasons I realized I was meant to be a cook…

Recently, a friend of mine pulled out my old black bean soup recipe that I had given her many, many years ago. I was shocked that she still had it and that she still makes it. I remember loving this recipe too. But when I looked at it, I was reminded that this particular black bean soup recipe contains rice. The rice helped thicken the soup and made the texture pretty darn awesome.

It’s not that I don’t ever eat rice, but I really wanted to create an easy black bean soup recipe that didn’t require any grains at all, and was just as hearty and delicious as this old memory.

This Easy Black Bean Soup really is perfect. And it’s grain-free and dairy-free, but it’s still really creamy and delicious. And, I think it’s so awesome that you can find organic black beans at amazingly cheap prices now… so aside from all of the goodness in this soup, it’s a really budget-friendly meal too.

I love soup, and not just for cozy family dinners. I love to serve soup when I entertain, but I don’t use it in the traditional way. I learned long ago not to serve too many appetizers when I have people over for dinner. While it was fun, I’d end up with way too many leftovers because everyone filled up on the apps. So, now what I do is I make a delicious pot of soup and keep it on the stove. I place the bowls and the toppings on the counter, and anyone who is hungry before I’m ready to serve dinner can help themselves. It’s fun, it’s cozy, and it works.

I love to top this soup with lots of different things. Sometimes I’ll use sourdough croutons, or croutons made from grain-free bagels. Sometimes I’ll use cheese (often it’s dairy-free), scallions, or avocado. And, I’ll bet bacon or sausage would be awesome too. In short, it’s not rocket science, it’s only soup. Do it your way and have fun.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that in Chinese medicine, black foods are considered longevity foods… so there’s that.

If you’re looking for another great black bean recipe, try my Black Bean And Pork Chili.

easy black bean soup

If you eat the right foods and herbs for your unique body and circumstances, you can heal yourself. All you need is the correct information. And I’m here to give it to you.  If you want to learn more about healing whatever your specific concerns are, I’d love to help you create a healthy lifestyle plan specifically for your unique needs, so sign up for a free phone consultation and we can chat about it.

easy black bean soup

Here are some of the amazing healing ingredients in this Easy Black Bean Soup:

In Chinese medicine, black foods are known as the best foods to strengthen the body and nourish the blood. We recommend them for many people who suffer from chronic lower back pain, knee pain and infertility. Black beans have the highest amount of antioxidants of any bean, they are high in fiber and are good for the heart.

Onions are great for your immune system; they are a natural antihistamine. Recently, I recommended that a patient with bronchitis put sliced raw onions in her socks when she went to sleep… she woke up so much better. (I know I’ve told you this before, but it really is awesome!) Onion is a superhero in the food world!

Turmeric is actually a Chinese herb (Jiang Huang). It is great for reducing inflammation throughout the body. If you suffer from aches and pains in your joints, try turmeric. It can help relieve menstrual pain and some other abdominal pains but, if you are pregnant, ask your doctor before you eat too much turmeric.

Garlic is amazing in its antiviral and antibacterial capabilities. Garlic is actually a Chinese herb (Da Suan). It’s used to kill toxins and parasites and also to reduce swelling in the body. It’s what I call a great “A” herb: anesthetic, antibacterial, anti fungal, antioxidant, antiviral, etc….

easy black bean soup

Easy Black Bean Soup
Print
Recipe type: gluten free, grain free, nut free, dairy free, vegan, vegetarian
Cuisine: soup
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4-6
This Easy Black Bean soup is so creamy, delicious, and healthy. It's simple and so cozy.
Ingredients
  • 2 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 med onion, chopped
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 15-oz cans black beans, undrained
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (or can substitute bone broth)
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp chipotle chili powder, or to taste
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 Tbs unsweetened chocolate chips or raw cacao powder
  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • optional toppings: sliced scallions, shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, croutons, etc.
Instructions
  1. Heat oil in a large soup pot over med heat.
  2. Add garlic and onion. Season with salt and sauce, stirring, 5 mins.
  3. Add beans, broth, spices, and chocolate.
  4. Simmer, uncovered, 25 mins, stirring occasionally.
  5. Using a stick blender, or a regular blender, blend half of the soup and then stir it back into the pot.
  6. Stir in balsamic vinegar. Adjust seasonings and ladle into bowls.
  7. Top with your choice of toppings and enjoy.

easy black bean soup

 

Vegan Burrito Bowls

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These Vegan Burrito Bowls are healthy and delicious. The taste is incredible — sort of a Mexican-Asian party for your mouth. Oh, and did I mention how easy they are to make…?
vegan burrito bowls

Everything tastes better in a bowl. Everything is easier to make in a bowl. Everything is easier to eat in a bowl. Yes… I love my bowls…

My obsession with food bowls began many years ago, and now it seems it’s an actual real trend. Everywhere you go now, there are various bowls on menus — poke bowls, burrito bowls, Asian bowls, grain bowls, etc.

Have you jumped on the bowl bandwagon at home yet?

If not, this Vegan Burrito Bowl is the perfect starting point.

I’m someone who meal-preps… not for specific meals, but for everyday life. What I mean by this is that when I go to the market with my list (that I invariably don’t follow), and I buy all of the produce that strikes my fancy, when I get home, I like to prep it before I store it in the fridge and on the counter.

I do this not because I’m uber-organized, but because I know myself well enough to know that if I don’t cook, prep, and store it all immediately, by the end of the week I’ll be left with a fridge full of rotting mystery items. I always have big eyes in the market and high expectations of my cooking schedule. And, as the week goes on, I find that life gets in the way, or I end up eating out more often than I thought I would and then I’m left with a boatload of stuff that I don’t know what I’m going to do with.

Here’s a cute article on Why Bowls Are Better Than Plates.

So, what does this have to do with bowls or with this Vegan Burrito Bowl in particular?

Bowls are like artwork. They are like a creative outlet for me. I make them based on what’s in my fridge that’s ready to be eaten. So, whatever veggies I’ve roasted or steamed or sautéed can go into the bowl. Whatever veggie noodles or rices or slices I have cut up can go into the bowl. Avocados often make it into my bowls. Sometimes a fried egg graces the top. Whatever protein I have on hand, that’s going in too.

As to flavors… I love to mix it up. This Vegan Burrito Bowl mixes some Mexican flavors with some Asian flavors — and it is just perfect.

Also, having some favorite condiments in the fridge at all times, makes it really easy to dress the bowl. I’m a big fan of chipotle anything and different salsas so oftentimes my bowls do have a Mexican flare.

Wow, that’s a lot of talk about bowls, and I haven’t even gotten to my favorite thing about them: eating this way allows you to customize a bowl specifically for your specific health needs. And this is an awesome perk. Sometimes I make my bowl to heal a digestive issue and then I’ll make Steve’s bowl with some added stress-reduction foods…

Free healthy digestion ebook

If you want to learn more about how to heal your digestion with foods, download my free ebook here!

And if you are looking for a totally different type of bowl, try my amazing Vietnamese Meatball bowls.

Also, customizing meals for people is my favorite thing to do, so feel free to reach out in the comments below and I’ll be happy to help you work out your optimum bowl.

vegan burrito bowls

Vegan Burrito Bowls

Steve is making a rare appearance here, because he loved his bowl.

Here are some of the amazing ingredients in this Vegan Burrito Bowl:

I used to avoid soy, but after lots of research, I’m happy to say that organic soy products can be really good for you. In this bowl, I’ve used tofu. Tofu can be great for digestion and it also can help provide moisture to dry conditions in the body.

In Chinese medicine, black foods are known as the best foods to strengthen the body and nourish the blood. We recommend them for many people who suffer from chronic lower back pain, knee pain and infertility. Black beans have the highest amount of antioxidants of any bean, they are high in fiber and are good for the heart.

Broccoli has a lot of potassium and is great for brain function; it also has magnesium and calcium to help regulate blood pressure. It’s also good to clear your body of excess heat and it actually can help your vision too. I love foods that make you feel better mentally as well as physically, and broccoli is one of those foods — it can lessen feelings of irritability.

I use cauliflower for breads, crusts, rice… everything. It can be used in so many forms… and, it’s really good for you. In Chinese medicine we use it to aid in digestion and help with constipation. One of the things I find most amazing about this cruciferous vegetable is it’s ability to help with age-related memory loss (My menopausal friends will appreciate this benefit!). It contains a healthy amount of Vitamin B, Vitamin K and Omega-3 fatty acids and can help fight cancer and cardiovascular disease. Cauliflower also helps the body with detoxification and with reducing inflammation. So, as far as I’m concerned, the more the merrier.

vegan burrito bowls

Vegan Tofu Burrito Bowls
Print
Recipe type: nut-free, grain-free, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian
Cuisine: Asian, Mexican, Vegan
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 3
This Vegan Burrito Bowl will quickly become your new go-to for lunch and dinner. It is so easily customizable and so delicious.
Ingredients
  • 1 recipe Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 3 heads baby bok choy, tiny bit of the bottoms cut off, and heads sliced vertically in half or thirds
  • 6 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 4 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 head broccoli, separated into florets, stems sliced
  • 4 cups cauliflower rice
  • 1 bunch of scallions, sliced
  • big handful of pea pods
  • My condiments of choice:
  • 2 tsphot sauce (or to taste)
  • ½ cup pico de gallo
  • vegan chipotle sauce
Instructions
  1. When I make these bowls, I generally have meal-prepped the ingredients beforehand, and I highly recommend doing this. Here are the instructions for when you have not meal prepped:
  2. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
  3. Lay the cut up broccoli on a baking tray covered with parchment paper.
  4. Drizzle oil over and toss. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Roast the broccoli until it is a little charred, about 20 minutes.
  6. Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium heat and add 2-Tbs oil.
  7. Sauce the pea pods until a little bit softened, about 5 mins.
  8. Remove with a slotted spoon and add the bok choy and the garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
  9. Saute over med-high heat until it begins to char, then add ¼ cup of water, cover, and cook until done, about 5 mins.
  10. Remove with a slotted spoon, and then add the cauliflower rice. Season with salt and pepper. Add scallions. Sauce until only slightly cooked -- be careful not to overcook it; it should be only slightly softened, not mushy.
  11. NOTE: feel free to cook your veggies simultaneously in separate pans.
  12. To assemble your bowl: lay cauliflower rice in the bottom, and then arrange the tofu, beans, bok choy, and broccoli in sections on top.
  13. Top with condiments of choice.
  14. Enjoy!

vegan burrito bowls

vegan burrito bowls

Slow Cooker Dairy-Free Grain-Free Vegan Enchiladas

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These slow cooker dairy-free grain-free vegan enchiladas are so simple and delicious…

slow cooker paleo vegan enchiladas

I love anything in a wrap of any kind. I don’t know what it is, but things just taste better when they are rolled up. But when I started eating paleo, I sadly left my wraps behind. And I’ve so missed my burritos, tuna wraps, enchiladas, quesadillas… all of that great awesome “wrap-y” food. Enter… almond flour wraps. Yup, it’s these babies that allowed me to make this amazing recipe for slow cooker paleo vegan enchiladas…

If you are like me and find that your body just looks and feels better without any grains in your diet, you can make this recipe and do the happy dance. Yay! Wraps that can be cooked and that are grain free — this is the greatest invention since sliced bread…

I made these on Monday, so I did a really big happy dance, because… and I’m going to tell you this even though I am a little embarrassed to admit this… I love to watch The Bachelor. I ate my enchiladas before The Bachelor came on, so I was doubly happy. I felt full yet healthy and I was ready for my favorite mindless 2 hours of TV. It was an awesome night.

I’ve been using almond flour wraps for awhile now, but I never tried to put them in the slow cooker. Until now. And, OMG, it worked out so much better than I could ever have hoped! I adapted this recipe from Real Simple — they get the credit for the original recipe idea, and it’s just awesome!

These slow cooker paleo vegan enchiladas are stuffed with black beans and spinach and corns and deliciously creamy vegan cheese and turmeric and other great flavors. And, the slow cooker does all of the heavy lifting. All you do is mix the filling in a bowl, roll ‘m up, and off you go.

If you are looking for another great vegan slow cooker recipe, try my Vegan Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers.

slow cooker paleo vegan enchiladas

slow cooker paleo vegan enchiladas

Here are some of the great things these slow cooker paleo vegan enchiladas can do for you:

In Chinese medicine, black foods are known as the best foods to strengthen the body and nourish the blood. We recommend them for many people who suffer from chronic lower back pain, knee pain and infertility. Black beans have the highest amount of antioxidants of any bean, they are high in fiber and are good for the heart.

Turmeric is actually a Chinese herb (Jiang Huang). It is great for reducing inflammation throughout the body. If you suffer from aches and pains in your joints, try turmeric. It can help relieve menstrual pain and some other abdominal pains but, if you are pregnant, ask your doctor before you eat too much turmeric.

It is true that spinach contains iron, but it’s this vegetable’s lesser-known qualities that really hold my admiration. Spinach contains a substance that helps eliminate prostate cancer. It’s also great for your bones and also for memory loss. Diabetic patients may find that eating spinach helps combat excessive thirst and can even be good for night blindness. Spinach can inhibit the body’s ability to absorb calcium, so calcium-rich foods should be avoided when eating this leafy green.

Corn is one of the foods that if I can’t find organic, I just won’t eat because the crops are so heavily sprayed and are full of GMOs. As more people are expressing concern about GMOs, it seems to be getting easier to find good corn at the market. Corn actually benefits the gallbladder, is good for hepatitis, heart disease, and hypertension. Cornsilk is a Chinese herb (Yu Mi Xu). It’s often used to reduce edema, help with hepatitis and reduce the symptoms of some painful urinary conditions. If you can’t find organic fresh corn, buy a bag of organic frozen corn!

In Asian medicine, nuts are known to be good for your brain, heart, skin and reproductive system. Almonds are particularly nutritious. They are a good source of protein and they give you energy. And, they are gluten-free. Almonds will help relieve a cough and asthma and are also good for constipation. This recipe uses almond flour tortilla instead of traditional ones.

slow cooker paleo vegan enchiladas

Slow Cooker Dairy Free Grain-Free Vegan Enchiladas
Print
Recipe type: paleo, vegan, slow cooker, crockpot, Mexican, comfort food
Cuisine: recipe adapted from: Real Simple
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 3
This recipe is simple. And grain-free. And vegan. And comforting. What else could you ask for?
Ingredients
  • 1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 9 oz fresh spinach, steamed, squeezed dry in a clean dish towel
  • 1-1/4 cups frozen organic corn
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • sea salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • ¼ tsp chipotle chili powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 7-oz sliced vegan American cheese (I used Straight From The Heart brand), divided
  • 2 16-oz jars mild salsa
  • 6 almond flour tortillas
  • sliced radishes, sliced scallions, lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine the beans, spinach, corn, cumin, salt, pepper, turmeric, chili powder, garlic powder, and ½ the cheese.
  2. Pour one jar of salsa into the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. Lay the tortillas out on a flat surface and divide the bean mixture among them. Roll them up, and arrange them, seam-side-down, in a single layer on top of the salsa.
  4. If you have any filling left in the bowl, pour it on top of the enchiladas.
  5. Pour the second jar of salsa on top.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the salsa.
  7. Cook on low or medium heat for 2-1/2 hours, or until the cheese is melted and everything is hot.
  8. Serve with radishes, lime wedges and scallions, if desired. Enjoy!

slow cooker paleo vegan enchiladas

Vegan Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

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These vegan slow cooker stuffed peppers are so easy!

vegan slow cooker stuffed peppers

I have finally learned to love my slow cooker! Yup, it’s a red letter day. I always loved how easy it is to use it, but honestly, my food was really inconsistent when I used it. I would have to make a recipe many, many times before I finally got it right. I mean, dried out meat is pretty gross…

I feel like a lightbulb finally went off over my head: When I cook vegan food in my cooker, it’s almost always awesome. It’s funny how things work out; I’ve been trying to eat more and more vegan meals, and now my handy-dandy slow cooker has become my partner in crime.  And these vegan slow cooker stuffed peppers are so delicious, so simple, so satisfying, so filling, and so healing — OK, I know, too many adjectives… but, they really are awesome.

I was inspired to make this version of vegan slow cooker stuffed peppers when I saw Lindsay at Pinch of Yum, post her genius recipe.

Let me tell you, even if you think you don’t like vegan food, this recipe will change your mind. Nobody missed the meat at all when I served these peppers. They have a slight Mexican taste and are filled with beans and buckwheat and an amazing enchilada sauce. I sometimes get asked to suggest vegan foods to serve to non-vegans… this recipe now tops that list!

If you’re looking for another great slow cooker vegan recipe, try my Slow Cooker Vegetable Minestrone.

vegan slow cooker stuffed peppers

Here are some ways this recipe for slow cooker vegan stuffed peppers will heal you:

Bell peppers help with indigestion. If you are feeling bloated and full from over-eating a lot lately, consuming bell peppers will help reduce this feeling. They are also good for blood circulation and research has shown that they are good for people with a low appetite or anorexia. It used to be common in China to use green pepper tea to soothe indigestion.

Buckwheat lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, and it’s high in fiber. And, because buckwheat is also high in magnesium, it is the perfect food to combat heart disease. I’ve been substituting buckwheat groats in recipes that call for pasta or rice, or even quinoa… it makes a great risotto, so try it!

In Chinese medicine, black foods are known as the best foods to strengthen the body and nourish the blood. We recommend them for many people who suffer from chronic lower back pain, knee pain and infertility. Black beans have the highest amount of antioxidants of any bean, they are high in fiber and are good for the heart.

Turmeric is actually a Chinese herb (Jiang Huang). It is great for reducing inflammation throughout the body. If you suffer from aches and pains in your joints, try turmeric. It can help relieve menstrual pain and some other abdominal pains but, if you are pregnant, ask your doctor before you eat too much turmeric.

Avocados are one of my favorite foods, both for their health benefits and because they taste great. In Chinese medicine, some practitioners recommend avocados to raise the sperm count. I like them because they are good for anemia, dry skin, palpitations and hot flashes due to menopause.

Cilantro is also known as Chinese Parsley. It is good for the common cold, indigestion, and energy flow in the body. An old Chinese remedy for the common cold and even for measles was to drink cilantro and mint tea. Cilantro is one of those herbs you either love or hate; I’m a lover…

vegan slow cooker stuffed peppers

Vegan Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers
Print
Recipe type: Slow Cooker, vegan, vegetarian
Cuisine: recipe adapted from: Pinch Of Yum
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
No one will miss the meat in these stuffed peppers. They are filled with Mexican-spiced beans and buckwheat, and they are awesome!
Ingredients
  • 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds cleaned out
  • 1 cup raw buckwheat groats (you can buy these)
  • 1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 15-oz can refried beans (I used refried black beans, but choose what you like)
  • 1-1/2 cups mild enchilada sauce
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1-1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup vegan pepper jack cheese (I tried a new soy-free one: "Follow Your Heart" brand, and it was awesome), shredded or thinly sliced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • ½ cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, sliced
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine the raw buckwheat groats, all of the beans, the enchilada sauce, chili powder, turmeric, garlic powder, and half of the cheese.
  2. Pour ½ cup of water into the bottom of your slow cooker.
  3. Fill the peppers with the stuffing mixture.
  4. Stand the stuffed pepper up in the slow cooker.
  5. Let the peppers cook on high heat for 3 hours.
  6. Open the cooker and sprinkle the remaining cheese onto the tops of the peppers. Cover and leave on the warm setting so the cheese melts. I left mine like this for about an hour.
  7. Remove the peppers to plates and top with avocado, cilantro, and lime slices.
  8. Enjoy!

vegan slow cooker stuffed peppers