COOKING FOR THE NINE DAYS

Cooking for the Nine Days does not have to as be dairy packed or as fattening as you think. I like use this time of year to look through my pantry or freezer and incorporate the under- utilized ingredients into spontaneous vegetarian dinners! From smoothie bowls to veggie burgers, the plant based options are endless!

QUINOA VEGGIE BURGERS

Combine basic vegetables with basic seasoning and you get flavor packed veggie burgers! This recipe couldn’t be any easier. It is  also the best way to repurpose your leftover grains or vegetables from last night’s dinner!

2 carrots, diced

3 celery stalks, diced

1 yellow onion, diced

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 can cannellini beans 

1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley/cilantro/dill)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or matzo meal)

2 tbs. oil

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. paprika

1/2 tsp. turmeric

1. Heat up a wide pan on medium high heat, and sauté the carrot, onion and celery with the oil for 10-12 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

2. Add in the spices and herbs and stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Shut the flame and set aside to cool.

3. Meanwhile, add the quinoa beans and half of the sautéed vegetable mixture to a food processor, and pulse until a chunky, sticky batter is formed.

4. Transfer the mixture into a bowl, then add the rest of the sautéed vegetables and matzo meal. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the mixture to thicken slightly.

5. Using damp hands, form tennis balls out of the batter and flatten them onto a parchment paper lined baking tray. Repeat until all the patties are formed.

6. Bake on 400 degrees for 35-40 minutes until the burgers are firm and lightly browned. Allow to cool, as they will continue to firm up. Serve at room temperature or freeze individually for up to 3 weeks.

ACAI SMOOTHIE BOWL

Making your own smoothie bowls at home is super fun and easy to do with the right preparation. Simply freeze your favorite fruits, and blend with yogurt, juice or milk! Acai delivers a tart raspberry like flavor that makes this smoothie an awesome breakfast or snack!

1 4oz. frozen acai packet

1/2 cup frozen blackberries (or blueberries)

1 frozen banana

1 cup frozen strawberries

Water if necessary (add in 1 tbs. at a time)

1. Add all of the ingredients to a high quality blender or food processor and blend until thick and creamy.

2. Top with fresh fruit, granola, coconut flakes, nuts and seeds!

CHEFS TIP:

CUSTOMIZABLE VEGGIE BURGER FORMULA:

2 CUPS CHOPPED VEGETABLES:

• sweet potatoes 
• onion
• carrots
• mushrooms
• spinach 
• kale
• corn
• squash 
• broccoli 
• cauliflower
• zucchini
• bell peppers

1 CUP COOKED GRAINS:

• brown rice
• quinoa
• bulgur wheat
• millet

1 1/2 CUPS LEGUMES:

• canned beans
• lentils 
• chickpeas
• peas

1/4 CUP HERBS:

• parsley
• cilantro 
• dill
• basil
• scallions

3 TEASPOONS SPICES:

• paprika
• garlic powder
• curry powder
• Italian seasoning 
• cumin

1/2 CUP DRY BINDER:

• ground oats
• bread crumbs
• almond meal 
• cornmeal
• matzo meal