Tag Archives: Vegetarian

Smoky Pumpkin Pasta

Smoky Pumpkin Pasta by Alison's AllspiceI love pasta, and therefore, it is hard to believe that I have not tried this smoky pumpkin pasta before now.  The creamy sauce clings to the pasta in a way that is reminiscent of mac and cheese, but the flavors are more sophisticated.

The pumpkin really elevates the other savory flavors in the dish without getting lost itself.  Its creamy earthy tones are balanced by the smokiness of the paprika, which also brings the smallest touch of heat. Continue reading

Purple Sweet Potato and Kale Mini Crustless Quiches

Purple Sweet Potato and Kale Mini Crustless Quiches by Alison's AllspiceFriends, it has been a busy fall as usual (busy but good), and I have not been posting as often as I like to. Today I have a great fall recipe for you to try, purple sweet potato and kale mini crustless quiches, and there will be many more recipes coming once winter break has started! 

So, more about quiches! 

Quiches are supposed to be more custard-like than a fritatta or egg bake because they have more dairy in them.  I love adding cottage cheese for a portion of my dairy because it adds a boost of protein.  The little chunks also create air pockets when baking, so this recipe will yield a light and fluffy quiche.  Continue reading

Pan Seared Potato Gnocchi with Asparagus and Mushrooms

Pan Seared Potato Gnocchi with Asparagus and Mushrooms by Alison's AllspiceHave you ever tried pan seared potato gnocchi?  The soft, pillowy gnocchi get chewy and caramalized on the outside and stay tender on the inside.  I made mine with asparagus and mushrooms served with a miso sauce!

When I first tried this recipe, I tried making my own potato gnocchi.  The end result was delicious, but the process was a sticky gooey mess.  Needless to say, that recipe needs a touch more work before it comes to the blog. Continue reading

Smoked Tofu Brown Rice Onigiri with Miso Sauce

Smoked Tofu Brown Rice Onigiri by Alison's AllspiceToday we are taking a short trip around to the word with a Japanese recipe, onigiri.  My take on onigiri includes smoked tofu and brown rice, with a delicious miso sauce for dipping!  What is onigiri exactly?  Well, let me explain!

Onigiri are Japanese rice balls that are traditionally eaten as a snack or taken on-the-go for an easy lunch.  They are filled with various kinds of fillings, usually fish or briny vegetables like pickled plum or kelp. Continue reading

Fried Portabella PoBoy Sandwiches

Fried Portabella PoBoy Sandwiches by Alison's Allspice I have a secret to share.  I was obsessed with these fried portabella poboy sandwiches so much that I got sick of eating them.  They were so good that I just made them over and over and over again.

That was in spring, and now that all the summer produce is starting to wane, some fried comfort food sounds pretty good again. Continue reading

Garlicky Kale Caesar Pasta Salad

Garlicky Kale Caesar Pasta Salad by Alison's AllspiceThe first time I came across this idea to turn Caesar salad into a pasta salad, it was in a cooking magazine.  After a quick google search, it appears that I am behind in the game because kale caesar pasta salad is definitely a thing already.

I tried to make mine a little bit different by adding more garlic, and skipping the croutons, using only pasta in my pasta salad.  Also, I added red cabbage for a splash of color. Continue reading

Savory Fajita Steel Cut Oats

Savory Fajita Steel Cut Oats by Alison's AllspiceI have long read about savory oats, but it took me a long time to try them.  I was going through all the grains stashed in the back of the pantry, deciding what needed to be used first.  The steel cut oats were on the top of the list, and thus I made savory fajita steel cut oats!

The steel cut oats have a creamy texture in comparison to making a grain bowl with rice or quinoa.  Think of it like a polenta bowl instead, but made with wholesome oats. Continue reading

Fried Chickpea Gyro Salad

Fried Chickpea Gyro Salad by Alison's AllspiceWhen I first stared to eat more plant-based meals, I can across a recipe (now long lost) that marindaded and fried chickpeas.  It is such a simple process that completely transforms the humble chickpea.  Here I use a gyro inspired marinade to make fried chickpea gyro salad.

I have posted a very similar recipe before, my fried chickpea gyro bowls, made with a base of rice, chopped vegetables, and tzatziki sauce.  While I love grain bowls, I was craving a salad this time, so I adapted the recipe. Continue reading

White Cheddar Broccoli Cauliflower Soup

White Cheddar Broccoli Cauliflower Soup by Alison's AllspiceBefore I developed this recipe, I had never tried to make homemade broccoli cheddar soup.  Broccoli is (one of) my favorite vegetables, so it was about time!  I made some tweeks to my recipe, and thus named it white cheddar broccoli cauliflower soup.

For me, making a dish healthy is not about subtracting “bad” ingredients, it’s about adding more “good” ingredients.  Therefore, I tried to load my recipe with lots of vegetables to balance with the the fat from the dairy. Continue reading

Mushroom and Pickled Onion Sandwiches

Mushroom and Pickled Onion Sandwiches by Alison's AllspiceWhenever I enjoy a sandwich, I want it to be over-the-top.  So full of flavor and texture that you’ll beleive its the best food in the world.  These mushroom and pickled onion sandwiches are rather simple, yet loaded with both texture and flavor.

Lets start by discussing the texture.  The silky cheese coats the mushroom pieces helping to hold them together, pickled onions add brightness, and the lettuce and toasted bread add crunch. Continue reading