I love making this recipe as a side whenever I make Carnitas, Shredded Beef or even Skirt steak platter for my family. I typically already have all these ingredients (jalapeno, cilantro, onions, garlic, etc) on hand so making this side only requires a little bit of extra prep work the night before when I soak the beans. Beans are such a good source of fiber and protein and this recipe is much much better for you than any canned refried beans, those tend to have hidden trans fats and sodium. Think of the sofrito almost like a base or a sauce that you add to the beans. It’s a more traditional way of making beans and very effective at imparting flavor. You can also use sofrito in rice. As you can tell, I make a ton of dishes that are Latin-inspired in flavor. I love this cooking style and its use of fresh, simple ingredients that really pack a punch. I find Latin American and even Tex Mex dishes to be fairly easy to modify and make “Sown Life approved” because they already call for lots of herbs, spices veggies and protein. Not only are these recipes crowd pleasers and favorites, but when I make them I feel like I’ve given my body the best and most nutritious foo I can and that makes me happy. Enjoy this dish! Sofrito ingredients: 1 red bell pepper, seeded 1 jalapeno pepper (optional) 1 small bunch of cilantro (this is where I use […]

I don’t eat grain every day but I haven’t taken it completely out of my diet because I am not in the business of deprivation. When I do make a grain side, recently it’s been brown rice. I find that a reasonable serving of brown rice, coupled with protein, digests very well and doesn’t leave me bloated. For many of us, as we age and change, it makes more sense to be careful about the carbohydrates we choose. I will sometimes pass on the rice at dinner but I will have it the next day at lunch with leftovers. It makes more sense for my body to have grain in the middle of the day because I need the energy. But my active 21-year-old son needs those with dinner! A big part of my health journey has been to realize that you don’t have to be afraid of grain. My philosophy is you need to know how it makes your body feel and if it will help you reach your goals or not. This Mexican rice recipe is filled with veggies and delicious flavors, you will feel good serving it to anyone, knowing they are getting the best possible choice. Ingredients: 1 cup brown rice 1 tbs. olive oil 1 14 ounce can tomato sauce 8 ounces chicken stock 1 tsp. sea salt ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 cup frozen corn 1 cup frozen peas Directions: 1. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil. Add […]

This dish is my nutrient dense, flavorful and wholesome answer to traditional green bean casserole. Out with the canned cream of mushroom soup and fried onion ring topping. No thank you! Give me all the goat cheese, roasted cashews and fresh herbs and mushrooms. Yum! This dish is so rich in flavor I guarantee you will not miss the old recipe one bit. I am really excited to make this! Don’t be afraid to add your own spin on traditional dishes! Especially any tweaks that add nutrition, flavor and freshness. Ingredients: 1 pound green beans ¼ cup chopped roasted and salted cashews 2 shallots ¼ cup butter ½ pound mushrooms sliced 1 tsp. Thyme ¼ cup sherry ½ pound chevre goat cheese ¼ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. Pepper ½ cup grated parmesan   Directions: 1. In a medium-size saucepan, cover green beans in salted water. Boil until green beans are just done, (still have a snap to them). 2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and saute shallots until translucent. Add mushrooms and saute until mushrooms are browned. 3. Deglaze pan with sherry and let simmer for about 1 minute. 4. Lower heat to medium-low and stir in goat cheese until melted. Add thyme, half of the parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. 5. Stir in green beans until evenly coated. 6. Sprinkle with nuts and the other half of the parmesan cheese. 7. Pour into a small casserole dish and put in the oven at 350 […]

Quinoa has now become a household name and rightfully so. It is not actually a grain but an edible seed that is free of gluten and a complete protein. One serving size equals about 8 grams of protein which is very high for a plant based food. Now you can find a red, white or black variety on just about any supermarket shelf. Each has it’s own texture and cooking time and I use all three interchangeably. Quinoa is a great substitute for other grains and is easy to prepare. This salad is one of my “go to” recipes. I make a large batch at the beginning of the week and use it in many different variations. It is excellent for breakfast with a fried egg on top, alone as a light lunch, or a hearty dinner alongside chicken, salmon or a sweet potato. Ingredients: 1 cup dried quinoa, rinsed and cooked 2 carrots chopped or shredded 1 red bell pepper chopped 3 green onions chopped (I use the whole thing) 1 handful parsley chopped 1/2 cup raisins 1/2 cup toasted, slivered almonds or pepitas 1 1/2 TBS. curry powder (or to taste) Salt & Pepper Drizzle of Olive Oil Juice of 1/2 lemon Directions: 1. Cook quinoa according to the package and add all the chopped vegetables      2. Sprinkle curry powder into the mixture followed by salt and pepper to taste   3. Drizzle Salad with olive oil and lemon juice.   4. Stir it all together and enjoy! I hope you enjoy this as much […]