by Feeling Great | Aug 3, 2023 | Dinner Recipes, Recipes, Vegetarian Recipes
Quinoa with Roasted Pumpkin, Zucchini, and Basil Pesto
Why This Dish Is a Nutritional Powerhouse
Looking for a healthy, protein-packed meal that fuels your body? This quinoa with roasted pumpkin, zucchini, and basil pesto is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Perfect for post-workout recovery or a satisfying meal, it delivers the right balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
- Quinoa – A gluten-free grain with a low glycemic index. It provides complete protein with all essential amino acids, making it ideal for muscle repair.
- Pumpkin – Rich in carotenoid antioxidants, it supports the immune system and fights inflammation. Plus, its high potassium content helps restore electrolytes, making it great for workout recovery.
- Zucchini & Fresh Herbs – Basil and parsley provide anti-inflammatory benefits, aid digestion, and support detoxification.
- Garlic & Black Pepper – Natural digestive stimulants with powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
- Healthy Oils – Walnut or flaxseed oil adds omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart health and reducing inflammation.
Quinoa with Roasted Pumpkin, Zucchini & Basil Pesto Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 600g pumpkin, cut into chunks
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 6 baby zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (boil for 15 minutes, rinse well)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Small bunch of parsley, chopped
- 1–2 tablespoons pesto (adjust to taste)
Method
- Preheat oven to 200°C.
- Toss pumpkin and red onion with olive oil, cinnamon, and black pepper.
- Roast for 30–40 minutes or until tender.
- Sauté zucchini for 2–3 minutes in a pan. Lightly season and set aside.
- Combine roasted vegetables, quinoa, zucchini, parsley, and pesto. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve as is or garnish with garden herbs and crumbled feta.
Optional Additions
- Add feta, ricotta, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Toss in baby spinach or sautéed kale for added nutrients.
- Sprinkle chopped pistachios before serving for a crunchy texture.
Enjoy this nourishing quinoa dish, packed with flavors and health benefits!
by Feeling Great | Jun 19, 2023 | Snack Recipes
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Fruit Cake – Moist, Delicious & Easy to Make
The Perfect Healthy Treat for Any Occasion
This gluten-free pumpkin fruit cake is not only moist and flavorful, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. Using grated raw pumpkin keeps the cake naturally sweet and soft, while nuts and dried fruit add the perfect crunch and chewiness.
With warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, this cake is packed with flavor—perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a nutritious breakfast option. Best of all, it’s made with wholesome ingredients that nourish your body while satisfying your sweet tooth.
Why This Cake is Good for You
Pumpkin – A Superfood for Your Health
Pumpkin is rich in carotenoid antioxidants and packed with omega-3 fatty acids, making it an excellent anti-inflammatory food. Many age-related diseases—including obesity, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, and dementia—are linked to chronic inflammation. Adding more pumpkin to your diet can help reduce inflammation and support overall health.
Eggs – A Nutritional Powerhouse
Eggs provide high-quality protein that helps repair tissues, strengthen the immune system, and keep you full longer. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and choline, which are important for brain health.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 250g (2 cups) grated raw pumpkin
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or paste
- ¼ cup macadamia nut oil, light olive oil, or coconut oil
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda (bicarb soda)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup (160g) raisins
- 2 cups almond meal
- Optional garnish: walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts
How to Make Gluten-Free Pumpkin Fruit Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 150°C (fan-forced) or 170°C (conventional oven).
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:
- Grated pumpkin
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Oil
- Honey or maple syrup
- Baking soda
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger
- Raisins
Step 3: Add the Almond Meal
Stir in the almond meal until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Tin
Line a 10.5cm x 26cm loaf tin with baking paper. Pour the batter into the tin and smooth the top.
Step 5: Garnish and Bake
If desired, sprinkle walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts on top. Place in the oven and bake for 75 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tip: If the top starts browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the cake cool for 30 minutes before taking it out of the tin. Enjoy it at room temperature for the best texture and flavor!
A Healthy, Gluten-Free Treat for Everyone
This pumpkin fruit cake is perfect for:
- Gluten-free diets – made with almond meal instead of flour
- Natural sweetness – no refined sugar, just honey or maple syrup
- Nutrient-dense ingredients – full of protein, fiber, and healthy fats
Make it today and enjoy a delicious, nourishing treat that you can feel good about!
You want more Gluten-Free Recipe? Moist Almond Flour Banana Cake and the Coconut Orange Macaroons If you love both recipe, share us your experience! and Book Here for a personalized plan.
by Feeling Great | Jun 4, 2023 | Dinner Recipes
Massaman Curry with Pumpkin & Fish – A Nourishing Comfort Food
This rich and flavorful Massaman curry has the perfect balance of heat and spice without being overwhelming. It’s warm, creamy, and packed with nutrients, making it an excellent comfort food for winter.
Why This Curry Is Good for You
This dish is not only delicious but also loaded with health benefits:
- Chili, garlic, and cardamom – Support digestion and relieve gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Pumpkin – Packed with carotenoid antioxidants to strengthen the immune system.
- Fish – A great source of protein and omega-3s, which reduce inflammation, support brain health, and promote heart health.
- Black pepper – Contains piperine, which enhances digestion and fights inflammation.
Massaman Curry Recipe (Serves 4)
Ingredients
Curry Base:
- 120g Massaman Curry Paste (recipe below)
- 200ml coconut water (see notes)
- 400ml pumpkin seed milk (or almond, rice, or soy milk)
- 400ml vegetable stock
- 320g roasted pumpkin, puréed
- 120g diced onion
- 40g cashew nuts, chopped
Protein Options:
- 600g chicken breast, prawns, organic tofu, tempeh, or firm white fish
- Or swap for plant-based protein sources like lentils, green peas, or mung beans
Seasonings:
- 2-3 tbsp tamarind paste (or lime juice)
- 3-4 tbsp tamari soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1-2 tsp honey (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper
How to Make This Nourishing Curry
- Prepare the Curry Base: Purée half the roasted pumpkin until smooth.
- In a large pan, combine Massaman Curry Paste, coconut water, pumpkin seed milk, vegetable stock, pumpkin purée, and onions.
- Simmer for 10 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally. The pumpkin purée thickens the sauce.
- Put in half the seasonings, mix well, then taste and adjust as needed.
- Add your choice of protein. If using fish, simmer for 5-6 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Gently stir in the remaining roasted pumpkin chunks. If the pumpkin is fresh from the oven, arrange it in serving bowls instead.
- Divide the curry into bowls, top with cashew nuts, and garnish with Thai basil, coriander, or spring onions.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Massaman Curry Paste Recipe (Serves 4)
For the best flavor, make this authentic Massaman curry paste from scratch.
Ingredients
- 20g dried red chili, seeds removed (7–8 pieces)
- 20g garlic (6 cloves)
- 50g shallots (about 1 small shallot)
- 1 lemongrass stalk, white part only
- 2 tsp ground cardamom
- 2 tbsp cold-pressed coconut, olive, or macadamia oil
- 2 clove pods, smashed
Directions
- Chop the chili, garlic, shallots, and lemongrass into small pieces.
- Smash cardamom pods and cloves using a mortar and pestle.
- Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender or pound together until smooth.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Helpful Notes & Variations
- Richer Flavor: Replace coconut water with coconut milk for a creamier texture.
- Swap the Pumpkin: Use roasted sweet potato instead.
- Make It Vegan: Opt for tofu or plant-based proteins instead of meat or fish.
- Extra Heat: Add fresh chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Final Thoughts: A Hearty & Healthy Dish
This Massaman curry with pumpkin and fish is rich, nourishing, and packed with immune-boosting ingredients. It’s the perfect comfort food for winter, full of warming spices and healthy fats.
Tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments! If you love it, pass it along to friends and family!
by Feeling Great | Apr 24, 2023 | Dinner Recipes, Lunch Recipes, Recipes
Quinoa and Pumpkin Fritters: A Nutritious & Flavorful Delight
A Tasty Twist Quinoa and Pumpkin Fritters a Café-Inspired Favorite
Craving a healthy yet satisfying meal? These quinoa and pumpkin fritters are inspired by a local café, bringing together wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors. Topping them with creamy avocado mash and zesty salsa enhances every bite.
Light, crispy, and packed with nutrients, this dish makes a perfect brunch, lunch, or light dinner. Serve with a side salad or enjoy them on their own!
Here’s the Delicious Quinoa and Pumpkin Fritters Recipe (Serves 4–6)
Fritters
- 500g pumpkin
- 170g quinoa
- 1 liter water
- 3 small spring onions, finely chopped
- ⅓ bunch parsley, finely chopped
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Coconut oil for frying
Avocado Mash
- 2–3 small avocados, peeled and mashed
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2–3 limes, juiced
- Salt & pepper to taste
Salsa
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 1–2 Lebanese cucumbers, finely chopped
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 4 Tbsp olive or macadamia oil
Method
-
Roast or Steam the Pumpkin
- Scoop out the seeds but leave the skin on.
- Roast in a medium oven (30–40 minutes) until soft.
- If short on time, steam with the skin off instead.
-
Cook the Quinoa
- Bring water to a rolling boil in a saucepan.
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly, then add to boiling water.
- Cook for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water and set aside to cool.
-
Prepare the Fritter Mixture
- Peel the roasted pumpkin and mash the flesh in a large bowl.
- Mix in the cooked quinoa, onion, parsley, parmesan, eggs, salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
-
Fry the Fritters
- Heat coconut oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions into the pan, shaping into patties.
- Cook for 4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
- Remove and continue with the remaining mixture, adding more oil as needed.
-
Prepare the Toppings
- Avocado Mash: Combine mashed avocado, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Salsa: Mix onion, cucumber, and tomato. Drizzle with red wine vinegar and oil.
-
Serve & Enjoy!
- Top fritters with avocado mash.
- Sprinkle with rocket leaves and a spoonful of fresh salsa.
Love this recipe? Share it with your friends!
by Feeling Great | Dec 14, 2022 | Dinner Recipes
Restorative Red Lentil Dahl
A Nourishing, Comforting Red Lentil Dahl Meal for Any Season
This Restorative Red Lentil Dahl is a creamy, fragrant, and nutrient-packed dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. With warming spices, red lentils, and coconut milk, it’s both comforting and deeply nourishing. Plus, it’s easy to prepare in bulk, making it great for meal prep or sharing with friends.
For an extra nutritional boost, add leafy greens like kale, spinach, or silverbeet. Serve with brown rice, red rice, or quinoa for a balanced, hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp fennel
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp good-quality salt
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 cup pumpkin, diced
- 1 cup sweet potato, cubed
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 2 handfuls leafy greens (kale, spinach, or silverbeet)
- Coriander, fresh or powdered, for garnish
How to Make Red Lentil Dahl
- Prepare the Lentils: Rinse the red lentils thoroughly 3-4 times until the water runs clear.
- Simmer the Base: In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the pumpkin, sweet potato, and carrots. Simmer over low-medium heat for about 15 minutes until the lentils break down.
- Cook the Spices: In a separate pan, heat coconut oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them pop. Stir in garlic and turmeric, cooking for 30 seconds before adding the rest of the spices.
- Combine & Serve: Pour the spice mixture into the lentils and stir well. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve warm.
Optional Additions
- Extra Vegetables: Add chopped leafy greens during the last few minutes of cooking or serve with steamed greens on the side.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy with brown rice, red rice, or quinoa for a satisfying meal.
This rich, nourishing dahl is packed with protein, fiber, and warming flavors. Give it a try, and if you love it, share it!
For more recipes, you can also try this Soothing Red Lentil and Vegetable Soup and share with us your experience!
Want to feel great and be healthy? BOOK HERE so we can start making your personalized health plan.
