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 | Aug 1, 2023 | Breakfast Recipes, Recipes
Nutritious Quinoa Porridge – A Wholesome & Hearty Breakfast
Quinoa Porridge: A Warm and Nourishing Start to Your Day
When you need a comforting and filling breakfast, this Nutritious Quinoa Porridge is the perfect choice. Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, it fuels your body while keeping you satisfied for hours. The natural sweetness of apples and the warmth of cinnamon make this dish both delicious and nutritious.
Quinoa is not a true grain but rather a superfood related to leafy greens like spinach. It’s gluten-free, low GI, and a complete protein, meaning it provides all nine essential amino acids needed for repair and recovery.
Meanwhile, flaxseeds offer omega-3 fatty acids, which help support heart health, immunity, and inflammation control. Apples add a natural sweetness and fiber boost, making this porridge both tasty and healthy—no added sugar needed!
Easy Quinoa Porridge Recipe (Serves 1)
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk of choice (coconut, almond, or rice)
- 1.5 cups pre-cooked quinoa (cook a batch and freeze portions)
- 1 handful fruit of choice (frozen cherries, diced pear, grated apple, or banana)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground linseed (flaxseed) or LSA (linseed, sunflower seed, almonds) (optional)
Method
- Combine all ingredients in a small pot.
- Gently warm for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Spoon into a bowl and enjoy a nourishing, energy-boosting breakfast!
This easy quinoa porridge is perfect for busy mornings or meal prepping ahead of time. Give it a try and enjoy a healthy, delicious start to your day!
by Feeling Great | Aug 1, 2023 | Dinner Recipes
Minestrone Soup – A Hearty, Nourishing Meal
A Simple, Flavorful One-Pot Dish
Minestrone soup is a versatile and nourishing meal that can be adapted based on the ingredients available. Each time I make it, I switch up the vegetables, making every batch unique and flavorful.
One of the best things about this soup is that it’s easy to prepare and lasts for several days, making it perfect for meal prep. Instead of using vegetable stock, I rely on the natural flavors of fresh vegetables, which infuse beautifully into the broth.
For an extra burst of flavor, I love stirring in a spoonful of pesto just before serving. This simple addition elevates the taste to a whole new level.
Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like fennel, carrots, beans, kale, and fresh herbs, this minestrone is as healthy as it is delicious. Let’s dive into the recipe!
What Makes This Soup So Good?
This hearty minestrone is filled with nutrient-dense ingredients that support digestion, immunity, and overall well-being.
- Carrots – Rich in antioxidants that support a healthy immune system.
- Fennel – Aids digestion and helps reduce bloating.
- Beans – A great source of protein and fiber for stable blood sugar and gut health.
- Kale – High in vitamins A, C, and K, plus essential minerals for strong bones.
- Parsley – Contains anti-inflammatory properties and detoxifying chlorophyll.
- Garlic & Black Pepper – Boosts digestion and has anti-inflammatory benefits.
Minestrone Soup Recipe
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 onions, diced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 large carrots, roughly chopped
- 1 bunch Tuscan black cabbage (cavolo nero/kale), sliced
- 1 bunch parsley, chopped
- 600ml pureed tomatoes (fresh or tinned)
- 1 x 400g can cooked beans (borlotti, cannellini, or black beans)
- 1 liter water
- Sea salt & black pepper to taste
- Pesto for serving
- Grated Parmesan (optional)
Method:
- In a large pot, heat a little olive oil and sauté the onions, smoked paprika, fennel, garlic, celery, and carrots for 5 minutes.
- Wash and chop the kale, then add it to the pot.
- Pour in the pureed tomatoes, beans, and water until the vegetables are covered.
- Cover and let it simmer for 30 minutes until the soup thickens and the carrots are tender.
- Season with sea salt and black pepper, then stir in the chopped parsley.
- Serve hot with a spoonful of pesto and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Customization & Serving Tips
- Add extra protein by including more beans or chopped chicken.
- Experiment with different beans like black beans, edamame, or broad beans.
- Include seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, leeks, pumpkin, or broccoli.
- Spice it up with a dash of chili for extra heat.
Final Thoughts?
This nutritious, comforting soup is perfect for any season. Enjoy every spoonful and feel the warmth from within!
For more Soup Recipe, Click Here! To Book Session with me, Book Here.
by Feeling Great | Jul 31, 2023 | Drinks Recipes, Recipes
Healthy Homemade : A Warm & Velvety Hot Chocolate Drink
Hot Chocolate Drink: A Nourishing and Guilt-Free Treat
Hot Chocolate Drink? As the colder months roll in, cravings for something warm, sweet, and comforting start to set in. This Healthy Hot Drink is the perfect way to satisfy those cravings while keeping things nutritious and wholesome.
This homemade hot choco is the perfect blend of creamy texture, deep chocolate flavors, and natural sweetness without any refined sugars or artificial ingredients.
Choosing high-quality cocoa or cacao powder makes all the difference. Cocoa is packed with beta-carotene, calcium, zinc, iron, and potassium, but most importantly, it’s an excellent source of magnesium, which supports bone health, muscle function, and immune strength.
Simple & Delicious Hot Chocolate Drink Recipe (Serves 2)
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups almond or coconut milk
- 1 heaped tablespoon cacao powder
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Small pinch of sea salt
Method
- Add all ingredients (except honey) to a small saucepan.
- Gently heat over low-medium heat, stirring until well combined.
- Remove from heat and stir in honey.
- Pour into mugs and enjoy!
Final Touch
This rich and velvety hot chocolate drink is a great way to indulge without guilt. What’s your favorite cozy drink? Let me know in the comments!
by Feeling Great | Jul 2, 2023 | Dinner Recipes, Recipes
Nourishing Chicken Soup: A Comforting & Healing Recipe
Why This Chicken Soup Is Good for You
This nourishing chicken soup is simple, flavorful, and perfect for any time of the day. It’s packed with protein, healthy carbohydrates, and immune-supporting ingredients. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving something warm, this soup is a delicious and wholesome choice.
Key Health Benefits
- Protein-Packed – Chicken, eggs, and quinoa provide essential amino acids for muscle repair and recovery.
- Nutrient-Rich Carbs – Quinoa helps maintain steady energy levels throughout the day.
- Immune-Boosting Spices – Ginger and coriander offer antiviral and anti-inflammatory benefits, making this soup soothing and restorative.
Customizable & Versatile: Make It Your Own
This soup is incredibly flexible. Swap ingredients based on what you have or your dietary needs.
- Vegan or Vegetarian? Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken.
- Want a Richer Flavor? Try BBQ shredded duck instead.
- Switch the Grains – Replace quinoa with brown rice, barley, or buckwheat.
- Add Some Heat – A little chili gives an extra kick.
- Boost Nutrition – Toss in spinach, kale, or broccoli for extra vitamins.
Nourishing Chicken Soup Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 600g skinless chicken thighs (organic preferred)
- 1 liter water
- 1 liter vegetable or chicken stock
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 2 free-range eggs
- 1 bunch coriander leaves, chopped
- 4 spring onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp finely shredded ginger
- 1 tbsp tamari soy sauce (or to taste)
- White pepper, to taste
- Few drops toasted sesame oil
How to Make Nourishing Chicken Soup
- In a large saucepan, combine chicken, water, and stock.
- Add ginger and let simmer over low heat for 1 hour with the lid on.
- Remove chicken, chop finely, and return it to the broth.
- Stir in beaten eggs, then season with soy sauce and white pepper.
- Place cooked quinoa into serving bowls, then ladle the soup over it.
- Garnish with spring onions, coriander, and a touch of sesame oil.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this healing, nourishing soup!
Time-Saving Tips for a Quick Meal
- Use 100% stock instead of water for a richer, faster broth.
- Choose sliced chicken breast to reduce cooking time.
- Opt for tofu or beans if vegan—only 5-6 minutes of simmering needed.
- With these quick swaps, the soup is ready in just 10 minutes!
Final Thoughts: A Simple, Healing Soup for Every Occasion
This nourishing chicken soup is a fantastic go-to meal when you need comfort, warmth, and nutrition. It’s easy to make, fully customizable, and loaded with immune-boosting ingredients.
Tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below! If you loved it, pass it along to someone who might enjoy it too!
