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Category: African Food

Moroccan Lentils and Tomatoes

Take your plant-based cooking on a flavorful journey with Moroccan Lentils and Tomatoes! Combining the rich culinary traditions of the Mediterranean and North Africa, this dish is a celebration of warm, earthy spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, paired with the sweetness of organic raisins and the heartiness of lentils and kale. Topped with crunchy pumpkin seeds and fresh cilantro, it’s a satisfying mix of textures and flavors that’s both nourishing and delicious. Perfect for a cozy meal or as a way to add some global flair to your plant-based dishes, this recipe is easy to make, nutrient-packed, and bound to become a kitchen favorite!

Nichole Dandrea-Russert, MS, RDN · September 4, 2024 · 2 min read
Quinoa and Jackfruit Apricot Tagine
Quinoa and Jackfruit Apricot Tagine is a splendid fusion of sweet and savory, beautifully capturing the essence of Moroccan-inspired cuisine. This hearty dish features a base of organic quinoa and young jackfruit, simmered in a rich vegetable broth infused with a blend of aromatic spices including cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, paprika, allspice, and cinnamon. Yellow onion and fennel bulb add depth to the tagine, creating a robust flavor profile that is enhanced by the sweetness of dried apricots. Garnished with fresh parsley, this tagine is a wholesome, plant-based meal that promises to satisfy your palate with its unique ingredients and rich, comforting spices. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, it brings a piece of Moroccan tradition right to your table.
Nichole Dandrea-Russert, MS, RDN · June 6, 2024 · 2 min read
Ful Medames
Ful medames, also simply known as fūl, is an Egyptian stew made with cooked (then smashed) fava beans, olive oil, and cumin. Other optional ingredients include parsley, garlic, onion, and lemon juice. Ful medames are traditionally made in and served out of a large metal jug and are often eaten for breakfast. However, there are many ways to enjoy this dish, including as a side to leafy greens, as a dip for veggies, or as a spread in a wrap.
Nichole Dandrea-Russert, MS, RDN · February 27, 2024 · < 1 min read
Savory Turmeric Fonio Porridge
The heart of this dish is fonio, a gluten-free ancient grain known for its delicate texture and nutty taste. Infused with a tangy coconut lime blend, this savory, creamy and hearty breakfast is a delightful refresh to your go-to morning porridge. Turmeric adds a bright and cheery color, plus plenty of healing benefits. Savory Turmeric Fonio Porridge is a delightful and nutritious choice that promises a wholesome nourishment every bite.
Nichole Dandrea-Russert, MS, RDN · October 10, 2023 · 2 min read
Sweet and Savory Moroccan Vegetable Stew
This Sweet and Savory Moroccan Vegetable Stew is a warm and nourishing way to explore the flavors of Moroccan cuisine, including the sweet fruitiness of figs! As the stew simmers the figs soften and infuse their sweetness, creating a thick and luscious base for the veggies. Together with protein-packed chickpeas, and nourishing vitamin and mineral-rich veggies like sweet potato, carrots, zucchini, and green beans, this dish is packed with delightful flavors and textures to tantalize your taste buds. Enjoy the nourishing richness of this vegetable stew over a bed of quinoa or brown rice and a dollop of creamy plant-based yogurt on top to tie it all together!
Rosie Mackay MS, CNS, LDN · August 8, 2023 · 2 min read
Berbere Spice Blend
Berbere is a mix of dried spices traditionally used in Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine. It’s used to flavor stews or as a rub for grilled meat. (It would be delicious rubbed on grilled tofu or tempeh!) Creating your own spice blend helps to minimize unwanted additives and preservatives found in some store-bought spice blends. These spices are packed with anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, not to mention plenty of flavors. Use them often to create delicious and nutritious plant-based recipes!
Nichole Dandrea-Russert, MS, RDN · January 13, 2023 · < 1 min read
Homemade Harissa

Sauces, dressings, and spreads can uplift just about any meal. And, when you make them with whole plant-based foods, they can elevate the meal in both flavor and nutrition. Harissa is a smoky and peppery paste with origins in Tunisia and Algeria. The beauty of harissa is that you can alter the heat depending on which types of peppers you use. For example, substitute more bell peppers for the pasilla peppers if you prefer no spice or use the pasilla peppers if you like a little spice. If you love it hot, add a little cayenne pepper. Make harissa paste for the week and rub it on tofu, add it to soups or mix it with yogurt to make a dressing or sauce.

Nichole Dandrea-Russert, MS, RDN · August 17, 2022 · 2 min read