tomatoes

Southwest Style Chickpea Pasta

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This recipe was entirely unintentionally crafted. But hey, they say the best things happen when you don't plan them, right!? Anyway, I was making my usual effortless chickpea pasta dinner, when I decided I was craving something mildly sweet. While corn isn't exactly chocolate, it's a starchy vegetable and therefore inherently adds an element of sweetness. (Remember, starch is a form of sugar). I added in the corn kernels, which prompted me to kick the southwest theme up a notch. That's when the paprika sealed the deal. If I had some cojita cheese on hand, I would have definitely sprinkled a teaspoon or two on top, so if that sounds good to you, go for it! Feel free to add in whatever vegetables you think might pair nicely with this dish - oh, and then share it with me!! You guys constantly give me a ton of #foodinspo, so keep me posted :) 

Ingredients (serves 1):

  • 3/4 dry cup chickpea pasta (I used Banza)
  • 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 
  • 3 medium pearl tomatoes, quartered 
  • 2 cloves garlic, diced 
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (corn in water, no sugar added) 
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt 
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 

Directions: 

  1. Add halved tomatoes and diced garlic to nonstick pan on stove top over medium heat. You may add a bit of water if contents begin to stick. Allow to saute for about 8 minutes. 
  2. While veggies are sauteing, boil water to begin to make the chickpea pasta (may follow instructions on box). 
  3. Add corn kernels, paprika, salt, and garlic powder to tomato mixture on stove top. Mix ingredients with spatula and turn heat down to low. Continue to allow to cook for another ~5 minutes. Sauce should appear to have a thicker and chunky consistency. 
  4. Once pasta is cooked, drain water and add noodles to bowl. Add tomato sauce and allow to cool a minute before enjoying. Note: may add paprika to taste, if desired. 

Breadless Pizza Bowl

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Inspired by eating a TON of cauliflower pizza on Monday night, thanks to our girl @officialcauligirl, we created yet another healthy spin on the classic cheesy slice. We love this recipe because it's super simple (if you can read this, you can make it) and delicious. It combines the flavors of garlic, basil, juicy tomatoes, and melted cheese into a bowl that won't leave you feeling guilty or thinking about your next trip to the gym. Make this for a snack, side dish, or appetizer. 

Ingredients (serves 1): 

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes or San Marzano tomatoes, halved 
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • fresh or dried basil to taste (we use ~1/2 teaspoon dried)

Directions: 

  1. Add olive oil and tomatoes to pan on medium heat. Allow to saute for about 8 minutes before adding the garlic powder and basil. Continue to saute for total of 10-12 minutes. Move around with spatula to prevent burning.
  2. Once sauteed, move hot contents to bowl and add Parmesan cheese. Allow to melt for about 2 minutes. 
  3. Enjoy! May add additional garlic powder or basil if desired. 

Balsamic Tomatoes

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Tomatoes are among our favorite versatile vegetables (well, fruits technically). They can be used to make the base of a sauce, thrown into almost any salad, enjoyed simple and plain, or served as a side dish. These balsamic tomatoes are incredibly easy to make and serve as a delicious compliment to just about any meal. Here's how to make them:

Ingredients (serves 2): 

  • 10 tomatoes on the vine, cut into 4 slices (cut horizontally and again vertically) 
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
  • thyme
  • salt 
  • optional: balsamic reduction 

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. While oven is heating, slice tomatoes as instructed above
  2. Add olive oil to nonstick baking tray and add tomatoes. Drizzle balsamic vinegar and add a pinch of salt and thyme
  3. Bake tomatoes for about 25 minutes
  4. May drizzle 1/2 teaspoon balsamic reduction to enhance flavor post-baking 

Eat Your SPF: How To Protect Your Skin Through Your Diet This Summer via Elite Daily

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As nutrition experts, we are most frequently asked questions about food as it relates to the waistline. Don't get us wrong, we love talking about slimming foods! But we have to admit we get extra excited when we are asked about food as it relates to health, in terms of preventing disease or combating cell damage. 

Check out our piece on foods that help prevent against sun damage on elitedaily.com. 

That's right, there are certain foods that are particularly high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, which help to negate free radical damage, such as that caused by the sun. Be sure to check out which foods you want to make sure you're eating enough of this summer!