Tag Archives: asparagus

Cauliflower “Rice” Veggie Rolls with Asparagus, Roasted Red Pepper & Thai Basil

Cauliflower “Rice” Veggie Rolls with Asparagus, Roasted Red Pepper & Thai Basil

Both the grilled peppers and cauliflower rice can be made ahead; just make sure to refrigerate until ready to use. Plan to not cook the asparagus ahead of time- that way you won’t lose its vibrant green color.

INGREDIENTS:Asparagus, Roasted Pepper and Thai Basil Sushi Roll
2 Bell Peppers, red, washed
24 Asparagus stalks, thin, washed & trimmed
1/3 Cauliflower head, washed, trimmed + chopped into medium pieces
1 tsp Mirin
1 tsp Simple syrup
1 tsp Vinegar, rice
1/2 tsp Sesame seeds, white
4 Nori sheets
26-36 Thai basil leaves (substitute regular basil leaves if unavailable)

PREPARATION:
Grill red peppers, turning occasionally, until all sides are black. Place peppers in a bowl; cover bowl in saran wrap and let peppers rest for 20-30 minutes. Unwrap bowl; remove and discard pepper skins, stems & seeds. Cut roasted pepper into long strips.

Steam asparagus until al dente, about a minute. Throw asparagus into ice bath to stop cooking; remove from water.

Place cauliflower, mirin, simple syrup and rice vinegar into food processor. Chop until cauliflower pieces are about the size of rice grains. Stir in sesame seeds.

To assemble: Place 1 nori sheet on sushi mat. Thinly spread cauliflower mixture over nori sheet, leaving a 1/2 inch “lip” of one side bare. Place a row of basil leaves in middle of cauliflower (running parallel to bare lip.) Lay some pepper strips on top of basil leaves. Lay 3 steamed asparagus stalks over pepper, allowing the asparagus heads to extend beyond the end of the roll. Take three more asparagus stalks and trim to fit the space left at the end of the first three stalks, again allowing for some length so that the asparagus tips will stick out of veggie roll end. Roll mat slowly toward “lip”; wet bare Nori lip with water and rub onto roll to seal.
Dampen a chef’s knife with a moist cloth. Carefully slice roll into 6-8 pieces. For easier cutting, make sure to clean and re-moisten blade with damp cloth in between each slice.

GARNISH OPTIONS: soy sauce*, wasabi, and/or pickled ginger

*use wheat-free soy sauce or Tamari if preparing gluten-free

Makes 4 veggie rolls
Serving size: 1 roll


Veggie Quiche with Potato Crust

Veggie Quiche with Potato Crust

Veggie Quiche with Potato Crust

This dish is great for any brunch or lunch; serve it alongside a small salad of mixed greens. For a variation, substitute whatever veggies you enjoy in place of any or all of the ones suggested. It’s a great way to utilize any leftovers at the end of a week.

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup Sun-dried tomatoes

1/3 cup Water, warm

2 tsp Olive oil

1/2 medium Onion, peeled and chopped

1 clove Garlic, peeled and chopped

1 cup Asparagus, trimmed and chopped

1 cup Mushrooms, stems removed and sliced

1/2 cup Red Bell Pepper, seeded and minced

3/4 cup Artichoke hearts, sliced in eighths

1/8 cup Parsley, fresh, chopped

1 tb Basil, fresh, chopped

1/4 tsp Nutmeg, fresh grated

1/4 tsp Sea salt

1/8 tsp White pepper

1/8 tsp Chili flakes

2 medium Potatoes, red, washed and sliced very thin

1/3 cup Emmental Cheese, fresh grated

3 each Eggs, whole, large

5 each Eggs, large, whites only

1/2 cup Sour Cream, low-fat, organic

1 large Tomato, seeded and sliced thin

2 tb Asiago cheese, fresh grated

non-stick spray

PREPARATION:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Pour water over the sun-dried tomatoes until fully covered, and allow to soak for about 30 minutes, or until they become soft and plump. Strain liquid off , reserving a 1/4 cup of the liquid and discard the rest. Coarsely chop the tomato.

Heat olive oil in a large saute pan. Add onions and garlic and saute on medium heat until onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add asparagus, mushrooms, red pepper, artichoke hearts, parsley, basil, nutmeg, salt, chili flakes and white pepper and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Spray a 9-inch pie pan lightly with non-stick spray. Lay the potato slices on the bottom and sides of the pan, making sure to overlap them slightly and cover pan completely.

In a large bowl whisk together the whole eggs, egg whites  and water to combine.  Add the sun-dried tomatoes, Emmental cheese, sour cream, and whisk another 30 seconds.  Add the  sauteed vegetables and mix until everything is fully coated with the liquid egg mixture; pour into pie pan on top of arranged potato slices. Top quiche with the tomato slices; sprinkle tomato slices with the asiago cheese.

Bake quiche for one hour, or until very firm. Cover the top with aluminum foil after about 45 minutes, or once the top is browned. Rest quiche 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

YIELD: 8 SERVINGS