February 2023 Plant-Based Recipes and Updates from Melissa
Celebrate American Heart Month with Healthy Choices!
Welcome, readers. On this mild winter morning, I am enjoying a mango avocado smoothie - a bag of avocados ripened and the mango pieces were frozen: great for freshness and convenience!
If you’re having trouble finding good fruits and veggies right now, here are some in season, according to the USDA: apples, avocados, beets, cabbage, grapefruit, kale, oranges, pears, pineapples? and Swiss chard. We have had some fantastic pears lately, but it is hard to be patient until they ripen, which has taken at least a week!
High Protein Pasta with Broccoli and Red Peppers
Try this easy Italian-style meal featuring black soybean spaghetti! And learn more about other higher protein pasta: most also provide extra fiber too.
Wondering what to serve with pasta? For a plant-based meal, if you have regular wheat pasta you could wind up with something that’s not very filling. Adding cooked lentils, chickpeas, cannellini beans, or meatless meatballs with sauce can help. And check out these ideas for salads, side dishes, and bread to round out your meal: The 16 Best Vegan Side Dishes for Pasta.
Plant-Based Diet Updates
Here is an article with tips for protein sources from Legumes, Nuts and Seeds, and Whole Grains: The Best Protein Sources for Vegans, Vegetarians and Plant-Forward Eaters by Janet Helm MS, RDN, U.S News & World Report.
Have you ever made your own oat milk? I think it is the best plant-based choice for cappuccino and lattes and works well for soup and baked goods. This article in Forksoverknives.com explains how simple it is to make your own: a great way to save money! But note that it’s not fortified with calcium and vitamin D like commercial brands.