Cosmic Cashew Kale and Chickpeas with Confetti Quinoa

Kale! The new beef? I recently read an article citing kale as the new beef here http://www.organicauthority.com/health/reasons-kale-is-the-new-beef-nutritious-sustainable.html

I am so excited to share some recipes I've found using this wonderful plant dubbed as one of the world's healthiest foods here http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=38

Are you ready to have your socks knocked off??   Let's go!

First off we have Cosmic Cashew Kale and Chickpeas with Confetti Quinoa... YUMM!

 

I love this recipe, it's so creamy you won't believe it's vegan!

It does take a smidge advanced planning to soak the cashews, other than that it's easy peasy.

I found this recipe on fatfreevegan.com 

Cosmic Cashew Kale and Chickpeas

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup raw cashews
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon vegetable bouillon or broth powder
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
• 1 1/2 cups chickpeas (or one 15-ounce can, rinsed and drained)
• 1 bunch kale, central stems removed and leaves thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Hot sauce, to taste
• 2 to 4 tablespoons fresh basil, minced

Instructions

1. Soak the cashews for an hour in hot water or overnight in room-temperature water. Drain. Place them in a blender and add 3/4 cup water, 1 clove garlic, and 1 teaspoon of broth powder (or 1 bouillon cube). Blend at highest speed until completely smooth. Set aside until needed.
2. In a large non-stick skillet, cook the onion until it begins to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add the red bell pepper and garlic, and cook for another minute. Add the chickpeas, kale, and two tablespoons water. Cover immediately and reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring often, until kale is tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the reserved cashew sauce, oregano, and salt, black pepper, and hot sauce to taste. Cook, stirring, until sauce thickens. If sauce becomes too thick, add a little water to thin. Add the fresh basil just before serving over Confetti Quinoa.

Preparation time: 1 hour(s) | Cooking time: 20 minute(s)

Number of servings (yield): 4

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition (per serving): 276 calories, 97 calories from fat, 11.5g total fat, 0mg cholesterol, 209.8mg sodium, 718.5mg potassium, 35g carbohydrates, 7.8g fiber, 6.3g sugar, 12.5g protein, 8.1 points.

Confetti Quinoa

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed very well
• 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
• 2 cups hot vegetable broth
• 1/4 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 green onions, green parts only, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. In a medium-sized saucepan, toast the damp quinoa for a few minutes until it begins to dry out. Add all remaining ingredients EXCEPT the green onions, cover, and cook on low until all the liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Stir in the green onions and serve hot.

Preparation time: 5 minute(s) | Cooking time: 20 minute(s)

Number of servings (yield): 4

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition (per serving): 168 calories, 24 calories from fat, 2.6g total fat, 0mg cholesterol, 228.9mg sodium, 283mg potassium, 29.6g carbohydrates, 3.4g fiber, <1g sugar, 6.8g protein, 4.6 points.