You can use a green apple instead if you can’t find jicamas. The jicama is similar to a turnip but it’s usually eaten raw in salads and it has a mild sweet flavor. Ingredients: 1 jicama, peeled and diced 1 mango, peeled and diced 1/2 can black beans, rinsed 1 jalapeno pepper (optional) 1/4 cup…

Ingredients for 8 servings: 4 small acorn or winter squashes, halved, seeds scooped out 1 package soy meat crumbles (soy meat that resembles ground beef) 1/2 green bell pepper, diced 1/2 onion, diced 1 celery rib, diced 1 can corn 1 bunch Italian parsley, chopped 1 1/2 cups quick cooking barley (can sub. brown rice…

The perfect soup for a rainy day! Ingredients for the soup: 2 cartons vegetable broth 1/2 onion, diced 2 carrots, diced 2 stalks celery, diced 1/2 bell pepper, diced 2 potatoes, diced 1 bay leaf 2 cloves garlic, pressed 1 teaspoon dried oregano 2 zucchinis, diced or sliced 1 can diced tomatoes or 2 fresh…

This is one of the most traditional dishes in El Salvador and it brings back childhood memories because this is one the first meals I learned how to cook. The plantain is a type of banana and can be eaten as a side dish or dessert, it requires cooking, and it’s popular in Latin American, Caribbean, and African dishes….

I can’t believe it’s tofu! My mom came up with this recipe and I am not a big fan of tofu but this was pretty tasty. Recipe courtesy Mirna Alvarado Ingredients: 1/2 lb. firm tofu, drained and sliced 1 zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch slices 1 Japanese eggplant, cut into 1/4-inch slices 1 yellow summer squash,…

This easy potato and corn chowder will fill your tummy and it takes less than 30 minutes to cook. Recipe courtesy Toby George Ingredients: 5 large potatoes, cubed (white rose, yellow, red, or any potato that you don’t have to peel) 1/2 onion, chopped 2 leeks, thinly sliced (optional) 1 garlic, pressed (use more if…

This is one my favorite pasta salads. It has tons of flavor and it’s healthy for you. Ingredients: 2 cups whole grain elbow pasta (or any bite sized pasta) 1 onion, chopped (I prefer scallions in this dish) 1 red or yellow bell pepper, chopped 1 (6 ounce) can sliced black olives 3 tomatoes, diced 2 fresh…

Try my version of pasta e fagioli. It’s hearty and delicious and it can be made in under 30 minutes or throw everything in the crock pot so you can have a yummy bowl of soup when you get home from work. Ingredients: couple of fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs (sub. Italian seasoning) 1 bay…

Here’s a spicy and satisfying meal you can make in less than 15 minutes. Use it as a filling for tacos or burritos. Ingredients: 1/2 large onion, diced 1/2 large green bell pepper, diced 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed (optional) 1/2 yellow or red bell pepper, diced 1 link Trader Joe’s Soy Chorizo (vegan…

Stuffed baked apples are so delicious! You won’t miss the apple pie. I promise. Ingredients: 6 medium apples (any kind of apples are good for this recipe) 3 tablespoons grape seed or olive oil 4 tablespoons agave nectar 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (sub. almonds, pecans, etc.) 1/2 cup…