Archive

Linguine with Cauliflower Pecan Alfredo

Description

A classic pasta dish gets a nutritious makeover. Swap out traditional Alfredo sauce ingredients for better-for-you pecans, cauliflower and milk that come together with linguine to make a hearty and delicious meal. Recipe by Katie Morford, Mom’s Kitchen Handbook.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2/3 cup raw pecan halves
  • 1 cup oat milk (or milk of your choice)
  • 2 cups medium cauliflower florets
  • 1 large clove garlic
  • 1 pound linguine
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese or vegan Parmesan, plus more for garnish, if desired

Instructions

  1. Put the pecans in a blender and cover with the oat milk. Leave to soak, but don’t blend yet.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower and garlic and boil until tender enough to easily pierce with a knife, about 5 to 6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to scoop out the cauliflower and garlic, drain well, and add to the blender.
  3. Bring the water back to a boil and add the linguine. Cook according to package directions until al dente.
  4. While the linguine cooks, add the lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper to the blender. Puree until smooth.
  5. When the linguine is done, scoop out 1/2 cup of the pasta water and set aside. Drain the linguine and return immediately to the pot. Add the pecan/cauliflower sauce, Parmesan, and enough pasta cooking water so the sauce lightly coats the pasta.
  6. Serve immediately.

Sheet Pan Pecan-Crusted Chicken and Veggies

Description

Nothing beats a one-pan meal the whole family will love! Pecan-crusted chicken is added to a sheet pan alongside carrots and red potatoes for a complete meal that requires just 15 minutes of prep and little clean-up. Recipe by Aubrey Cota, Real Housemoms.

Ingredients

  • Veggies:
    • 1 pound baby red potatoes, quartered
    • 1 pound baby carrots
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil or pecan oil
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • Pecan-Crusted Chicken:
    • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds)
    • 1/2 tablespoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 cup raw pecan pieces or finely chopped raw pecan halves
    • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
    • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
    • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
    • 2 eggs
    • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. For the veggies: Spray a sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray or oil. Place potatoes and carrots on the pan. Toss vegetables with oil, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  3. For the chicken: Slice chicken horizontally into 4 cutlets. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. In a shallow bowl combine the pecans, breadcrumbs, 1/2 tablespoon salt, thyme, and garlic powder. Adjust salt to taste.
  5. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
  6. Dip chicken in eggs, then dredge in the pecan mixture, coating both sides. Place on the sheet pan.
  7. Place sheet pan in oven and bake for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken over and stir the vegetables. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, until golden brown and juices run clear. Remove chicken from sheet pan and transfer to a plate to rest. Cook the vegetables for an additional 5 minutes.
  8. Serve chicken, carrots, and potatoes immediately. Garnish with parsley if desired.

California Walnut Meatless Meatballs

Description

You won’t miss the beef in this healthier version of the classic Italian favorite.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup minced onion
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • California Walnut Pesto or Muhammara Sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Heat oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more.
  3. Transfer to a food processor with walnuts, rice, roasted red peppers, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, Italian seasoning, and egg. Pulse until combined, but not mushy.
  4. Form into 8 equal balls and place on prepared baking sheet. Cook for 12 minutes or until firm to the touch. Serve with California Walnut Pesto or Muhammara Sauce.

California Walnut Steak House Burger Patty

Description

These beefy tasting burgers get their flavor from a steak house seasoning.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups California walnuts
  • 3/4 cup red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3/4 cup cooked red lentils
  • 6 tablespoons caramelized onions, chopped
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons steak house seasoning
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • Optional: add 1 egg and ¼ cup of panko for firmer texture
  • Additional oil for brushing

Instructions

  1. Place walnuts in a food processor and pulse to coarsely chop. Add kidney beans and lentils and pulse to combine.
  2. Add caramelized onions, Worcestershire sauce, steak house seasoning, olive oil and salt and pulse to blend but not mushy. Form into 4 large patties.
  3. Heat grill or flat top. Brush patties with olive oil and cook for 2 minutes on each side or nicely seared.