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Categories Dine, Recipes

The world’s quickest vegetarian meal

The world’s quickest vegetarian meal

Author Shani - Lemon Tree Nutrition
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes

Equipment

  • A medium glass or ceramic mixing bowl
  • A large plate or lid to cover the bowl
  • A medium-sized pot
  • Fork

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup dry couscous fine or medium
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup virgin olive oil
  • 2 cups water boiling
  • 1 can organic chickpeas or beans of choice
  • 1 jar high-quality, organic pasta sauce, 650 ml
  • Salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste

Instructions
 

  • Place the dry couscous in a medium bowl. Add the salt and olive oil. Mix well with a fork until all the couscous turns a bit shiny.
  • Add the boiling water, quickly stir with a fork and cover with a large plate, lid or plastic wrap. Bowl must be completely covered. Set aside for 5-10 minutes.
  • In the meantime, pour the pasta sauce into a pot and bring to simmer. Add drained chickpeas or beans and mix. Bring to simmer again. Add salt, pepper and garlic powder if needed, to taste.
  • With a fork, fluff the prepared couscous to separate the grains as much as possible.
  • To serve, place the desired amount of couscous in a small bowl, top with the prepared sauce.

Notes

For a spicier version, replace the pasta sauce with an Indian-style cooking sauce such as Tikka Masala sauce or a prepared sauce for butter chicken (a vegetarian version).
Categories Dine, Recipes

Carrot and Red Lentil Soup

Carrot and Red Lentil Soup

Author Shani - Lemon Tree Nutrition
It’s a chilly evening, and you are craving a super quick, easy-to-make dish that will satisfy your hunger, nourish you and, most importantly, be delicious. I give you one of my favourite soups to make and eat. It’s high in fibre, satisfying, delicious and super-quick to prepare. Plus it’s vegetarian!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes

Equipment

  • A medium-sized pot
  • A sharp knife
  • Serving bowls

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ½ large onion chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic finely chopped
  • 1 stick celery chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
  • 2 carrots chopped
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Fresh ground pepper to taste
  • 1 litre carrot juice or water
  • ½ cup red lentils thoroughly washed and drained of access water
  • Optional your favourite chopped herbs

Instructions
 

  • In a pot, heat olive oil. Add the onion and saute until the onion turns translucent. Add garlic, celery, ginger and carrots. Cook until softens.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients and cook for about 15 minutes until lentils are soft.
  • If the soup is too thick, add some more carrot juice or water.
  • Adjust spices to taste.
  • To serve, place the desired amount in a serving bowl and garnish with your favourite herbs, such as cilantro, basil, parsley, dill or mint.

Notes

For a spicier version, while mixing in the spices add some chilli flakes or a bit of chilli pepper powder.
The quantities here are for about 4 servings. You can double all ingredients to have more as this soup is great the next day too.
Categories Recipes, Snack

Scrumptious Chocolate-Banana Muffins

Scrumptious Chocolate-Banana Muffins

Author Shani - Lemon Tree Nutrition
I love a fruit & chocolate combo. Maybe it is the different flavours and textures that complement each other or because I feel chocolate makes everything better. So I took some ripe bananas I had on the counter and combined them with some rich cocoa powder into these gorgeous, soft, chocolaty muffins. With whole wheat flour for extra fibre and some protein powder for a more filling treat, these muffins will keep you fuller for longer. Plus, all ingredients go into one bowl to save on dirty dishes and work. In about 45 minutes from now, you could bite into your new favourite muffin.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Baking 20 minutes

Equipment

  • Bowl
  • 12-muffin baking tray
  • Parchment paper baking cups

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ripe, large bananas peeled
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup coconut sugar
  • ½ cup grapeseed oil (or olive oil)
  • 6 tablespoons cocoa powder unsweetened
  • 1.5 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 scoop chocolate protein powder optional
  • Dark chocolate chips optional

Instructions
 

  • Heat oven to 350 F or 180 C.
  • Line a muffin baking tray with parchment paper baking cups. Set aside.
  • In a medium bowl mash the bananas with a fork.
  • Add to the mashed bananas the sugar, eggs, oil and cocoa powder and mix with the fork until combined.
  • Add to the mixture flour, baking soda and baking powder. Add chocolate protein powder if using. Mix with the fork until well combined. Overmixing can decrease fluffiness.
  • Fill each baking cup with the chocolate mixture to reach ⅔ of its height. Top with some chocolate chips, if using.
  • Bake for about 15-20 minutes. Muffins are ready when a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out almost dry with a few crumbs attached, and the muffins’ top is a bit bouncy.
  • Let cool in the baking tray for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring the muffins onto a cooling rack.

Notes

These muffins freeze well. To freeze, muffins should be completely cooled to room temperature and kept frozen in an air-tight container.
Categories Recipes, Sip

Naturally sweetened hot chocolate with spices

Naturally sweetened hot chocolate with spices

Author Shani - Lemon Tree Nutrition
Hot chocolate goes together with cold nights, a cozy blanket and a good book, Christmas time etc. The store-bought version may be full of sugars and additives, so here is a healthier, nourishing and satisfying version.
The spices listed can be omitted or personalized based on your preferences. The use of dates to sweeten this hot chocolate provides many benefits. Dates are a good source of iron, magnesium, fibre, vitamin B6 and potassium.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes

Equipment

  • A small pot
  • Blender with a lid
  • Your favourite mug

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup of preferred milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 3-4 Medjool dates pitted
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder unsweetened
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • A pinch of ginger powder and grated nutmeg optional

Optional

  • Whipped cream dairy or plant-based
  • Grated dark chocolate regular or vegan
  • 1 cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Place the pitted dates in a small bowl and top with about ½ cup of boiling water. Set aside.
  • In a small pot, place your milk of choice and heat until small bubbles form on the surface. Remove from heat and carefully pour into your blender.
  • Drain the dates and add to the blender. Add the cocoa and spices.
  • Start blending on a low and carefully increase speed to allow all ingredients to blend and for the mixture to be smooth.
  • Carefully pour into a mug.
  • To serve, garnish with whipping cream and a cinnamon stick, top with grated dark chocolate, sprinkle some cinnamon powder.

Notes

*This beverage can be made dairy or plant-based. You can increase or decrease the number of dates used to adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Categories Dine, Recipes, Snack

High-Protein Oat Pancakes

High-Protein Oat Pancakes

Author Shani - Lemon Tree Nutrition
As a mother to two athletic boys and as an active person myself, I had to find creative ways to incorporate more protein in each meal. Here is an easy way to turn a breakfast favourite into a high-protein meal that will keep anyone feeling fuller for longer. You can make these pancakes gluten-free if you ensure the ingredients provided are GF such as the oats and the baking powder.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 39 minutes

Equipment

  • Food processor or blender
  • Frying pan
  • Small ladle
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups large oats (GF if preferred)
  • 2 large ripe bananas
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup water or milk of choice
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder (GF if preferred)
  • Coconut oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • Place oats in a food processor or blender and process until the texture resembles sand.
  • Peel the bananas and chop them into bite-size pieces. Add to the processed oats.
  • Add the eggs, yogurt, water or milk, honey or maple, and salt and blend until smooth.
  • Add the baking powder and blend for another 20 seconds. Allow to sit for 15 minutes. Mixture should be slightly runny and not too thick. Add more liquid if necessary.
  • Heat a large flat frying pan or a pancake pan on medium-high heat. Place a teaspoon of coconut oil in the pan and let it melt. With a heat-proof baking brush, spread the oil to cover the cooking surface of the pan.
  • With the ladle, place the desired amount of pancake mixture and fry until a few small bubbles form at the top of the pancake, and the bottom is golden-brown. Flip the pancake and fry for another minute on the other side.
  • Place the cooked pancakes on a dish and cover them with tin foil to keep warm while the other pancakes are being cooked.
  • Repeat the frying process with the rest of the mixture.

Notes

These pancakes are more on the neutral side - not sweet or salty, so any toppings of your choice would work well. Here are some options:
Maple syrup, honey, Blueberry sauce, whipped ricotta, nut butter, chocolate sauce, cocoa nibs, chopped nuts, desiccated coconut or coconut flakes.
Categories Dine, Recipes

Epic & Colourful Summer Salad

Epic & Colourful Summer Salad

Author Shani - Lemon Tree Nutrition
I hereby give you your new go-to summer salad. Seriously, it doesn’t get better than this. This salad truly has it all - it’s filling, crunchy, satisfying and colourful. For lunch or as a side for dinner, you pick!
This vegetarian salad provides a nice balance between healthy carbs, fats and protein. It is high in fibre, good nutrients, and the whole family can enjoy it.
Bonus: If you don’t have a certain vegetable, just swap it with whatever you have in the fridge.
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Prep Time 20 minutes

Equipment

  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup chilled, cooked grain of choice: quinoa, whole-wheat couscous or bulgur
  • ½ can pre-cooked chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 1 red bell pepper cubed
  • 1 yellow bell pepper cubed
  • 1 carrot grated
  • 2 Roma tomatoes cubed
  • ½ cup fresh peas
  • 1 bunch flat-leaf parsley finely chopped
  • Black olives pitted and halved, optional
  • Dried cranberries or raisins optional for some sweetness

Dressing

  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
  • 1 tablespoon liquid honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper powder
  • ½ teaspoon teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions
 

  • Begin with preparing the dressing: Place all dressing ingredients in a jar, close with a lid and shake until well combined. Set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, place the chilled grain of choice, chickpeas, bell peppers, carrot, tomatoes, fresh peas and parsley.
  • With a tablespoon, mix all ingredients. If adding black olives, cranberries or raisins, add them now and mix.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
  • Refrigerate for an hour before serving to allow the flavours to set.
Categories Dine, Recipes

Classic Chickpea Hummus

Classic Chickpea Hummus

Author Shani - Lemon Tree Nutrition
Chickpea hummus is a staple in Middle-Eastern cuisine. Chickpeas are high in fibre, complex carbs, plant protein, vitamins and minerals. Pair it with some veggie sticks or whole wheat pita bread and you got yourself a nutritious and satisfying snack or even a meal.
Bored with regular chickpea hummus? Look at the notes for optional flavours and colours.
*Please note this dish contains sesame paste.
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Cook Time 20 minutes

Equipment

  • Food processor or blender

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can pre-cooked chickpeas
  • ½ cup Tahini (sesame paste)
  • 1 clove of garlic peeled and chopped or ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • warm water

Instructions
 

  • Place the canned chickpeas in a colander, drain juices and rinse well with tap water.
  • Place drained chickpeas in a food processor or a blender and blend for 30 seconds just to break up the chickpeas a little.
  • Add Tahini (sesame paste), garlic, salt, cumin and lemon juice.
  • Add 1/2 cup of warm water and process/blend to a smooth consistency, scraping the sides and adding a bit more water until desired texture has been achieved. The ideal texture would be silky. Please note, the hummus gets firmer after a while. If you have added too much water, add one tablespoon of Tahini at a time until preferred consistency has been achieved.
  • Taste the hummus and fix seasoning if required. Serve warm or at room temperature.
  • Leftover should be kept in an air-tight glass container in the fridge, for about 2 days.

Notes

Here are some delicious modifications to your hummus:
  • Roasted peppers Hummus- Before starting the blending process, add 1 roasted red pepper.
  • Pink Hummus - Before starting the blending process, add 1 small cooked cubed beet.
  • Bean dip - Replace cooked chickpeas with cooked white beans.
Serving options:
  • With whole wheat pita bread (classic in the Middle East); veggie sticks; or even diluted with some extra water to turn into a dressing to drizzle over greens.
  • Middle Eastern style serving - In a small plate, spread 2 tablespoons of fresh hummus in a circular way (view picture), drizzle with a bit of olive oil, garnish with some whole cooked chickpeas, and sprinkle a bit of sweet paprika and chopped parsley on top.
Categories Recipes, Sip

Powerful Ginger Tea

Powerful Ginger Tea

Author Shani - Lemon Tree Nutrition
Ginger has been shown to have some antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties and even help with the prevention of some diseases. Upset stomach, nausea, common colds etc. can all get some relief with this powerful root.
Warm or cold, lightly sweetened or not - it’s delicious anyway. Please note that the end result of this tea is quite spicy. You can choose to dilute it to your liking with more water.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes

Equipment

  • A medium-sized pot
  • A mug (for warm tea) or tall glass (for cold tea)

Ingredients
  

  • 2-inch root of fresh ginger organic
  • 6 cups water
  • Sweetener of choice - ie. honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar etc. optional
  • couple of slices of fresh lemon optional
  • 1 cinnamon stick optional

Instructions
 

  • Wash the Ginger root and cut diagonally into thin slices.
  • Place in a pot and cover with water.
  • Bring to boil, then lower to medium-low heat.
  • Simmer for about 20 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat. At this point, you can leave the ginger pieces in the tea or discard them.
  • Serve hot in a mug or cold in a tall glass with a few ice cubes*
  • If you wish, you can add to the last 5 minutes of cooking, lemon slices, sweetener of choice, or a cinnamon stick.

Notes

*If you find the flavour too strong, you can place only half of the tea in your cup or mug and add an equivalent amount of water or as needed.
This tea is delicious warm or cold.
Categories Recipes, Sip

The Iron Booster

The Iron Booster

Author Shani - Lemon Tree Nutrition
Low iron levels in our blood have been shown to negatively affect us in many ways, such as feeling low on energy, tiredness etc. This beautiful purple smoothie has a variety of iron-enhancing ingredients plus lots of vitamin C to help the iron be better absorbed in our body.
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Prep Time 5 minutes

Equipment

  • A powerful blender
  • A large glass cup or Mason jar

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup plant-based milk of choice
  • 1 cup blueberries frozen
  • ½ banana peeled, fresh or frozen
  • 1 handful leafy greens
  • ½ beet cooked
  • 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
  • 1-2 Medjool dates or figs more if you prefer sweeter
  • ½ cup ice optional

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients in a powerful blender in the order listed above. Blend thoroughly until smooth. Add more water or milk if needed to your desired consistency.

Notes

Vitamin C is heat, light and oxygen-sensitive, therefore this smoothie is best consumed as soon as possible after prep. Vitamin C can help with the absorption of iron in our body.
Categories Recipes, Sip

Protein Mango Mania

Protein Mango Mania

Author Shani - Lemon Tree Nutrition
Need extra protein today? This delicious smoothie provides us with protein, healthy fats and complex carbs. It’s an easy and delicious way to get some protein into your body. Don’t miss out on the celery that contains natural sodium to can help replenish some electrolytes after a sweaty workout.
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Prep Time 5 minutes

Equipment

  • A powerful blender
  • A large glass cup or Mason jar

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup milk of choice
  • 1 cup chopped mango frozen
  • ½ banana fresh or frozen
  • ½ celery stick
  • 1 scoop Vanilla or unflavoured protein powder
  • ½ cup Greek Yogurt
  • ½ cup ice optional

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients in a powerful blender in the order listed above. Blend thoroughly until smooth. Add more water or milk if needed to your desired consistency.

Notes

This smoothie is wonderful during a hot summer day. Celery contains natural sodium which can help replenish electrolytes and the protein powder can help with muscle-building after a workout. It is best consumed as soon as possible after prep to take the most advantage of its benefits.
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