Spicy Portobello Mushroom Chili

It might seem strange to call this chili, as it contains neither meat nor beans. Nevertheless, the portobellos add a meaty texture to this spicy dish that is reminiscent of traditional chilies. The mushrooms are simmered in a rich and spicy tomato base, along with some red bell pepper, resulting in a comforting dish that will heat you up and satisfy any cravings for spiced up food. Needless to say, mushroom fanatics like myself with also get their fungus fix. I served this alongside some sweet potato fries, but it would be quite good with brown or white rice too. To fill it out further, serve with a leafy green salad on the side.

Easy Egg Curry with Urad Dal and Tamarind

Eggs don't feature all that often on my menus, but when they do, I enjoy spicing them up. My latest egg curry was served up for a light dinner when I wanted something protein-packed but not terribly time consuming. Hard-boiled eggs are here served smothered in a spicy and tangy tamarind-based tomato sauce with urad dal. The addition of tamarind adds a pleasant sweetness to the curry, with texture from the urad dal and some zestiness from the tomato.

Broccoli, Quinoa and Black Bean Burrito with Cashew Sauce

One of the reasons, among many, that I don't tend to eat out or carry in is because the food that I make in my own kitchen is not only more affordable, but also much more interesting and nourishing than most of the restaurant offerings available. Take this vegan version of a Mexican classic — the burrito. Wraps are among my favorite comfort foods. When you make them at home, you can control the quality and number of ingredients that get all wrapped up.

In this instance, you won't miss the cheese because it's perfectly balanced, packed full of protein, and quite satisfying with a lingering sensation of spice. The inclusion of nutritional yeast as part of the sauce adds taste and texture that is very much like cheese. One of my dining companions was rather surprised when I told him that the meal was vegan, without any cheese, soy or otherwise. It's that good and the meal got rave reviews. I served it up with some baked sweet potato fries and a homemade tomato salsa.

Buttermilk Lemon Scones

Often when I want a quick solution to fill out and complement a meal, I will make up a batch of scones or biscuits. They don't take long to prepare and there is no substitute for homemade preparations. Over the years I have gained a bit of a reputation for making some fine quick breads, and after years of practice and the quest to create that perfect biscuit that rises well with a flaky and layered texture, I think my efforts have been rewarded. Key to the process is to use cold butter, not to overwork the dough, and to fold the dough over a few times during the kneading stage.

These savory scones with just a hint of sweetness have a citrus-y burst from fresh lemon zest and go well with any number of meals or just on their own with a pat of butter. They are certainly fancy enough to serve as part of your holiday meals too.

Simple Lemon Urad Dal

As much as I enjoy cooking, there are days when I want a meal to come together with little fuss. Dal soups and curries are always a fine choice. Nourishing and warming, oftentimes such easy preparations are the ultimate comfort food. Soothing and modestly spiced with a lemony undertone, this creamy urad dal pairs well with basmati rice. To dress the meal up a bit more, consider serving the dal with cracked black pepper rice.

Brussels Sprouts Risotto

It seems that many people dislike or generally tend to avoid Brussels sprouts, a distaste that usually seems to have been born out of childhood experiences with a plate of bland, soggy and over-boiled vegetables. Their flavor is a bit more on the bitter side than many vegetables, which might also explain why children aren't so fond of them, but these little green cabbage-like buds are very healthy and should appeal to the adult palate once given a chance. Well, even as a child I'd never actually disliked Brussels sprouts, but nevertheless I seem to have largely neglected them in my meal plans. I'm not really sure why.

Quinoa Cookies with Dark Chocolate Chunks

Cookies are something you never grow too old to indulge in. Though I've developed more of a taste for savory things, that doesn't mean decadence has to be sacrificed along with flavor. I just use less sweetener generally in my treats and desserts with attention to more wholesome ingredients that contribute plenty of flavor in their own right.

Enter quinoa cookies with fine dark chocolate chunks. These chewy cookies are sweet, but now overly so, with the goodness of nutty quinoa complemented by the chocolate, some vanilla and a hint of almond extract. They are easy to make up and a good way to use up any leftover quinoa and, in my opinion, fine enough to grace any holiday plate too.

Curried Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie with Portobello Mushroom Sauce

I found out recently that my husband is a big fan of shepherd's pie. I suppose the subject never really came up before because when I met him, I was a long time vegetarian. The occasion for the conversation was a take-out meal from a vegan restaurant that had a version of shepherd's pie on the menu. Traditionally, shepherd's pie is neither vegetarian nor vegan. Technically not a pie as there is no pastry involved, it's more like a casserole. The usual components are a ground meat base, such as beef or lamb, with vegetables and a topping of mashed potatoes. It's inexpensive to make and one that many remember from their childhood as classic comfort food.

Middle Eastern Inspired Spicy Chickpea, Eggplant and Tahini Stew

Many of my ideas for recipes are inspired not only from my extensive cookbook collection, but also from fellow bloggers. This is one such recipe that I was energized to make after reading a fairly recent post by Rosa Mayland. Rosa not only posts must-try creative recipes, but also photo essays that are breathtaking and reflections that are always thoughtful and considered.

Rosa certainly got my attention with this Middle Eastern inspired dish because it included some of my favorite ingredients. These days it seems I never can get enough eggplant or chickpeas, and with the Middle Eastern touch, complete with tahini, I was sure that this dish was not to be missed. I made some changes based on my preferences and what I had on hand, but many thanks to Rosa for the inspiration.

The addition of tahini here adds a nuttiness that is reminiscent of peanut butter. It adds a somewhat gritty coating to the plump chickpeas, and the pepper and eggplant contribute a pleasant texture and contrast to the tangy tomato broth. Spiced up with the flavors of the Middle East and some hot peppers I grew this past summer, and with the addition of fresh mint and lemon juice, this dish is one to look forward to and easy enough to make anytime of the week. Serve with rice for a complete and balanced meal.

Curried Red Kidney Beans with Paneer (Paneer Rajma)

One of my all time favorite dishes, especially enjoyable during the winter months, is rajma, a robust north Indian classic featuring plump red kidney beans in a thick and spicy tomato gravy. Just as there are countless ways to prepare Mexican-inspired chili stews ever so popular in the Western world, there are likewise many variations on the rajma theme.

This particular version elevates the rajma experience a level as it incorporates succulent cubes of paneer cheese into the mix making for a substantially more filling dish that is especially unique and satisfying. In addition to adding texture, paneer acts as a vehicle for the aromatic spices, further enhancing the dining experience.

Consider serving this when cooking for a larger crowd. It's always been a popular dish with my family and friends and is ideally complete when served with Indian flatbreads, vegetable sides and rice.

The recipe I present here is inspired by Lord Krishna's Cuisine by Yamuna Devi. This extensive cookbook was my very first introduction to Indian cooking, and I highly recommend it to both novice and veteran cooks alike. I've gifted it and recommended the book on more than a few occasions and a few of my dinner guests have purchased the book after tasting some of my creations inspired by the delicious recipes contained within. I frequently refer to it as the bible of Indian cooking as the recipes are easy to follow, though they vary in complexity, and a wide variety of traditional Indian dishes are presented. With nearly 800 pages, recipes for beans and legumes, grain, breads, vegetables, cheese, chutneys and sauces, snacks and sweets, and beverages, in addition to a very helpful glossary of terms and definitions are offered up.

Kalamata Olive Bread with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

There is nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread, especially when you add some cheese, olives and sun-dried tomatoes into the mixture. This easy quick bread is guaranteed to be eaten up as fast as the time it takes to make. Rustic, flavorful and just about the ideal accompaniment to any Italian meal or just as is for a light lunch with a pat of butter if desired, this one ought to be on the menu all the time, at least once a week.

Creamy Puy Lentils with Tahini, Cumin and Red Onion

As I rarely use canned beans, I have to think ahead and soak legumes and grains the night before. On those occasions when I forget, lentils are usually the solution because they require little soaking time, if any at all. Here peppery marble specked French Puy lentils come together with Middle Eastern tahini and cumin flavors in an easy but nourishing and palate pleasing dish. Puy lentils hold together well when cooked and they don't need soaking. In this case, simply simmer them up until tender and then add them later in the dish. Spicy, nutty and fresh, served with brown rice or some olive oil coated lightly toasted pitas, everything you need for a nourishing meal is here, especially when a side salad or vegetable dish makes an appearance at the table.

Staple Corner: How to Make Your Own Za'atar

My first taste of this popular Middle Eastern herb and sesame seed blend was an extraordinary burst of tangy, zesty and salty flavors. I make a lot of spice blends for my kitchen from scratch, but never one that tasted so good just on its own. In fact, it is eaten almost on its own, often served with just bread and olive oil. Highly aromatic as well as delicious, consider using za'atar to make simple oil or yogurt dressing or sprinkle it on fresh tomato slices or Middle Eastern vegetable dishes.

Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal Pudding Cake

Oatmeal is pretty standard breakfast fare around my house, but it's usually simply cooked on a stove-top and served plain with a little milk, maple syrup and some berries. But I do enjoy going the extra step once in a while to make a baked oatmeal pudding, and with plenty of pumpkin purée in the freezer, it was an easy choice to go with a baked pumpkin oatmeal with all the pie spices that fill the kitchen with delicious aromas.

Soft, creamy and chewy, this oatmeal pudding comes out of the oven like a flour-less coffee cake, and is as nourishing as it is simple to put together. Soaking rolled oats in plain good quality whole fat yogurt overnight before baking breaks down the grain's complex proteins into easily digestible components and results in a delightful spongy and almost custardy texture in the finished cake. And, of course, there's pumpkin and some toasted pecans… It's not too sweet, either, sweetened with just a quarter cup of maple syrup, but you can make it a sweeter dessert pudding cake by increasing the maple syrup to a half cup. You can use canned pumpkin easily as long as it is not the already spiced and sweetened pumpkin pie filling.

Vegan Black Bean Brownies

Considering how much I adore legumes and how important a role they play in my daily diet, I suppose it's no wonder they recently showed up in a dessert. Mind you, these earthy brownies are not too sweet and healthy enough to eat for breakfast in addition to a snack. The beans, combined with the dried cherries, cocoa and vanilla add an almost coffee-like taste and if you wish, to bring that out further, add a few teaspoons of brewed strong coffee to the mixture.

I could hardly wait for these to cool in the pan before eating a few. Because they have black beans in them, they are more substantial than most brownies I've encountered, and as a consequence, I put off eating dinner because I was rather stuffed!

Vegetable Coconut Sambar

Spicy sambars are generally the first course of traditional South Indian meals, followed up by brothy and lighter rasams and other vegetable dishes, such as poriyals. These thick soup-like creations can be made up of pretty much any vegetables you have on hand and are typically served with rice and other accompaniments. A typical base for sambars is tamarind, dal and yogurt. They are substantial enough to serve as the main course of the meal, as I did with this one with some rice on the side and some Indian flat breads.

Here, an easy paste is prepared for inclusion, and the base is one of toor dal and tamarind, with eggplant, pepper, potato and drumstick as the starring vegetables. I think this must be my first time cooking with drumstick. It is easily found at Asian and Indian grocery stores. Long and skinny, it is somewhat squash like and a popular addition to curries, dal dishes and soups. It comes from the Moringa tree. In addition to the immature seed pods, which are known as the drumsticks themselves, the leaves, mature seeds and even the roots are edible.

The texture of the drumstick adds a nice contrast to the softer eggplant and potato as the outside of the drumstick stays rather firm during the cooking process. This is fiery version of sambar with toor dal, coconut, slightly bitter fenugreek and sweet tamarind. I would suggest it is best served with a hot bed of fresh cooked white rice to cut some of the heat, pappadums as an appetizer, and some Indian flat bread if you are serving as a main meal.

Fig Salad Dressed with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Figs are not something that appear on my table very often, and the reason surely must be because the fig season seems so dearly short. It is certainly not about the sweet and unique taste they contribute to dishes, especially salads such as this balsamic dressed one with bitter radicchio, fresh basil and peppery watercress. This is a bold salad that can be enjoyed year round as a bit of hunting in even modest size cities will result in figs to adorn this dish. In this case, these figs were imported from Israel and I had no reason to complain about freshness, despite the fact they were imported from overseas.

Savory Coriander, Black Pepper and Cheese Shortbread

Just one nibble and you will be hooked on these savory coriander and black pepper shortbread bites with Gruyère cheese. I've made them on the smallish side so when I say I ate three of this little melt-in-your-mouth shortbreads in one sitting, I don't feel so guilty. Besides, it is no secret that I adore small things, and that preference extends from my eating habits into most other aspects of my life, with the exception of long pieces of well crafted music and literature.

Black-Eyed Pea Curry with Coconut and Tomato

Humble preparations often steal much of the attention at the dinner table and black-eyed peas dishes certainly do just that. A particularly earthy legume, they just so happen to shine when served up for dinner with modest spicing, and in this case, some creamy coconut milk and robust tomatoes to fill everything out. Very easy to prepare, making it a good go-to recipe for days when there is little inclination or time to cook up something more elaborate, serve with some rice or other favored grain and a vegetable side and your mid-week meal turns into a veritable nourishing feast.

Thai-Style Creamy Coconut Lentil Mushroom Soup

My experience cooking Thai food is relatively recent, but since I started experimenting a few years ago it has probably become my favorite cuisine — aside, of course, from Indian. I find the unique fragrances and flavors of Thai ingredients — coconut, lemongrass, galangal and, of course, chilies — quite irresistible, as well as being easy to combine with all sorts of vegetables to make healthy and delicious meals.

I've lately been making an effort to incorporate even more vegetables into my meals, and the presence of part of a head of cauliflower and some homemade Thai green curry paste in my refrigerator led naturally enough to a Thai-style vegetable soup. With the addition of earthy green lentils, tangy tomatoes, red peppers, bean sprouts, plump oyster mushrooms — also an essential of Thai cooking, in my humble opinion; coconut milk, tamari sauce and an assortment of spices, the result was a creamy, fragrant, hearty and nourishing soup that made the best of a blending of Thai and other south Asian cuisines. Each bowl — and in fact each spoonful — was a wonderful contrast in seasonings and textures that made it a big hit with me, my husband and my best friend Basil.

Pumpkin Energy Bites

It is time to celebrate the pumpkin season once again. While I do not relish the onslaught of winter, the fall harvest is a treat to be savored. This year, I bought a larger pumpkin, in addition to two smaller ones, roasted them up, and what I didn't use right away, I froze in 1 cup bags for future use to keep me going year round, because pumpkin is just not about 2 months of the year.

Pumpkin pie is coming soon, but energy bites keep me going throughout the day and they make for a fine quick breakfast. Yes, these do contain some chocolate, but it is fine quality dark chocolate and who says chocolate can't be enjoyed in moderation for breakfast? Certainly not me. Besides, with all of the other good nut, seed and dried fruit stuff in these little bites, you would have to be a strict purist without any real gain if you eschewed these delights. Just saying…

Whole Wheat and Corn Paratha

Indian meals are always a special treat when served with homemade flat breads. One of my favorites are flaky and substantial parathas, a griddle-fried bread often made with whole wheat flour and folded over a few times during the kneading and rolling process to create a layered bread that puffs during frying. They tend to be somewhat rich, especially if you use ghee or butter, as they are brushed several times during rolling and drizzled with butter or oil while cooking. Sometimes they are stuffed with vegetables and chutneys. Whether stuffed or more basic, they are always delicious as a snack or meal accompaniment.

Miso Noodle Soup with Mixed Vegetables and Paneer

Asian and Indian flavors come together here for one nourishing and stunning bowl of soup. White shiro miso nestles up with tender plump golden brown cubes of fried paneer cheese and loads of vegetables — snap peas, mushrooms, bean sprouts, red pepper, corn and kale. To fill it out even further, rice noodles make an appearance for an extra creamy bowl of bliss. My husband asked if I used coconut milk here, but it wasn't even necessary, as much as I adore adding coconut to soups and grains.

Raw Peanut Butter Truffles

Raw and healthy homemade treats are pretty much a staple in my house these days. Sometimes you want a sweet that is satisfying, without the guilt, and these little truffles certainly fall into that category. They come together in hardly anytime at all, and with a bit of patience, as they are best chilled in the fridge before serving, these little bites will provide a nice dose of protein and most importantly, satisfaction to the palate. Decadence in this case is good for you.

Chickpea Quinoa Pumpkin Burgers

Holidays are a low key affair with me, and although they are often an opportunity to celebrate with more elaborate food spreads, I really need no excuse to fuss around in the kitchen for hours to create unique and special meals. This past weekend was Thanksgiving in Canada and I went with something easy, preferring not to spend too much time cooking, but as humble as these little burgers might sound, they are actually an exquisite way to celebrate pumpkin season with the company of friends. Just because.

Packed full of protein, these spicy patties with a moist and meaty texture are a perfect vegetarian substitute when the craving for a "burger" hits. Chickpeas provide the base and the addition of quinoa and tahini adds a pleasant undertone of nuttiness to accompany the sweet pumpkin. The mingling of flavors is hard to resist, as is the fragrance that fills the kitchen while they are baking, and an experience your palate won't soon forget. Yes, they are that good.

Indian Mung Bean and Toor Dal Soup

Sometimes a simple legume soup with loads of ginger and warming spices is just what is needed, especially when one is cold and has a tender tummy. The pictures really don't do this soup justice, but a glance at the ingredients ought to portray an idea of the goodness within. It's an easy soup to prepare and is made up with staples most cooks familiar with Indian food will likely have on hand at any given time. The addition of coconut milk adds a pleasant creaminess to the soup that tempers the spices somewhat and fills out the legumes. Earthy whole mung beans and toor dal are a match made in heaven.

Roasted Vegetable Stuffed Omelette

I don't tend to eat eggs all that often, but there are times when eggs demand to be cracked from their shells and made into something packed full of goodness and protein. Omelettes are always wonderful with little adornment, but to top it up a notch, I folded them up with some oven-roasted vegetables for an especially satisfying and filling dinner. The assortment of peppers, eggplants and mushrooms is my own choice, but the roasted flavors and textures blend wonderfully … feel free to use your own vegetable ideas, but just make sure that they're all fairly soft and quickly roasting vegetables. Just right for these chilly fall days.

Cornbread with Brown Rice

I've made several different types of cornbread over the years, but my basic yet classic preparation of cornbread always seems to remain a favorite with my husband and best friend Basil. There is nothing to it really expect the exceptional flavor of cornmeal with a tiny bit of sweetener which isn't even needed. I switched things up this time around though and included some cooked brown rice for added nutrition and substance. The nutty flavor of the rice was especially appealing and complementary to the grainy cornmeal.

This bread is excellent just smothered with butter or as an accompaniment to any meal, especially ones featuring soups and stews. Simplicity is bliss in this instance.

Sindhi Curried Spinach and Vegetables

I adore spinach and this lusciously creamed green dish turned out to be a incredibly versatile one. Similar to the North Indian malai sak I made several years ago, this dish from the Sindh region of Pakistan is much heartier with more vegetables — potatoes, carrots, eggplant and peppers — as well as a more complex flavor. I put together this tasty curry to go along with coconut rice, but as I had lots left over, I served it the next day with scrambled eggs and later on as a chutney with samosas. This dish is perhaps not particularly photogenic, but I assure you, it's fabulous, especially considering the multiple ways you can serve this spicy vegetable-packed curry.

A Complimentary Video from a Fan of Lisa's Kitchen

What a surprise and treat to wake up to. A fan took the trouble of making a short video featuring Lisa's Kitchen. Thank you! Now I have a theme song.

Greek Salad with Hummus Dressing

I adore Greek salad. Loads of crisp vegetables combined with plump olives and creamy Feta cheese all dressed up with an olive oil and vinegar dressing never fails to please. This time around, I was inspired by Joanne's rather unconventional take on this classic and adorned the whole beautiful bowl with a hummus-based dressing. Pleased by the success of my Greek salad with avocado, I made avocado hummus to begin with and then turned it into a thick and creamy dressing for the salad. It's fun to change things up from time to time and this made for one nourishing and satisfying meal, served up with classic buttermilk biscuits.

This is not the first time I have played around with hummus with excellent results. I still crave my homemade hummus pizza. The uses of hummus are as wide and vast as the imagination of the cook

Lentil-Quinoa Falafel with Coconut-Fenugreek Sauce

Considering how much food I share here on my space, it might come as a surprise to some readers that my appetite is not always the best. I suppose that is one of the reasons I take such care to make good food with a kick to stimulate hunger.

Also, again perhaps because of my petite appetite, I adore little bites, such as falafels which were on the menu again recently. These are not your most traditional falafels as chickpeas don't show up here, but French lentils, quinoa and soft goat cheese surely make for a unique, creamy falafel with a wonderful nutty and peppery flavor. These baked falafels are crisp, though they almost literally melt in your mouth. To make the dinner more filling as I was sharing with friends, I served them up in pita pockets, and with a dill pickle on the side and served with a divine coconut and fenugreek sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, you really don't need anything else except perhaps a side salad.

Potato Patties Stuffed with Spiced Green Peas (Aloo Matar Tikki)

One of the most enjoyable aspects of ordering take out or dining in Indian restaurants is the savory appetizers that begin the meal. Samosa, pakoras and bhajis are among my favorites. Because these little delights are somewhat time consuming, I don't often find the time to make them at home, but I assure you, it's well worth the effort, and for the most part, such savories are not difficult to prepare and serve up. There is nothing like reproducing some of India's finest offerings in your own kitchen.

Cranberry Bean, Barley and Fennel Soup

I happened across something the other day at my local grocery store that I'd never seen before … fresh beans in their pods! It's really rather odd that I've only ever cooked with dried beans, since beans form such an important part of my diet, but I'd never been able to find them before at any grocer or market despite the fact that Ontario grows plenty of beans … although apparently mostly white pea beans.

Portobello Mushrooms in a Creamy Mushroom Sauce

I've made this recipe three times now. First, because these are a mushroom lover's dream — spice blackened meaty portobellos smothered in a zesty, creamy mushroom and fenugreek leaf sauce. I also wanted to test the recipe a few times to get it right and my first attempts at photos were not up to par because of poor lighting. This set of photos I think relays a better idea of the dish.

Skinny Masala Biscuits

Savory quick breads are one of my specialties and I think I have a new favorite. Considering how much I enjoy all things Indian, it's not surprising these ones pack a bit of heat. Not quite a cracker and not exactly a biscuit, these savory spicy delights are just the ideal accompaniment to go along with your favorite curry or if you please, a snack all on their own. They are that good with all of the glorious seasoning and spice. I even enjoyed them for breakfast. They have a somewhat flaky texture with a bit of a crunch. You can roll them a bit thinner if you want them a bit crispier.

Zesty Green Pea and Jalapeño Pesto Pasta

If you're looking for a simple and tasty way to take advantage of the last offerings of the fresh garden pea harvest, this pasta dish is loaded with flavor from a zesty and lemony pesto made from peas, plenty of fresh herbs, lemon, sun-dried tomatoes and a jalapeño for a nice little added kick. Fresh garden peas are also tossed in with the pasta to present a beautiful and colorful plate with that wonderful burst of sweet green pea goodness popping in your mouth. It's a great way to enjoy the end of the summer, and best of all, it takes little time for preparation and cooking, and is delicious served either hot off the stove or cold as a salad.

Herbed Sour Cream and Yogurt Mini Biscuits

If you are looking for a rich buttery biscuit, then look no further than these cute little sour cream and Greek yogurt biscuits made in a mini muffin tin. Light and fluffy, they are not for those on a diet however. I suggest making them when you are sharing dinner with family or friends because I speak from experience when I say the temptation to eat more than two is awfully hard to resist.

Cabbage and Egg Noodle Kugel

I will confess that until now I was unfamiliar with kugel. It is a baked Jewish dish, somewhat like a casserole or pudding, made with noodles and eggs and sometimes potatoes. There are endless variations with different vegetables, seasonings and sweeteners — sometimes nuts or dried fruit and cinnamon are included. Depending on how sweet they are, they can be served as a side, for dessert or for breakfast or brunch. These savory and slightly sweet cabbage and leek snack-size kugels make for an excellent breakfast.

Chickpea and Paneer Tomato Curry

I've often thought of adopting a vegan diet, but there are just a few things that I would sorely miss and paneer cheese is surely on the top of that list. Here luscious cubes of tender paneer and plump buttery chickpeas are spiced and cozied up with tomatoes and herbs. The gravy really brings out the goodness of the essential ingredients in this satisfying dish. Paneer always pairs so well with any number of legumes, and we must not forget the spice.

Raw Cocoa Nut Butter Cups

I'm gradually "unbaking" my way through Rawsome Vegan Baking by Emily von Euw. For those unfamiliar with this inspired cookbook, a wide array of unique raw creations featuring cookies, bars, cakes and cupcakes is offered up complete with droolworthy photos. It should be sinful really, but in fact the recipes, sweetened naturally and often containing nuts, dried fruits, cocoa or carob and coconut oil to bind, are actually good for you. I've tried quite a few recipes so far from this book and truly this is one of the most interesting cookbooks published so far this year.

Curried Lentil Vegetable Soup with Roasted Chickpeas

Legumes appear on my menu pretty much everyday and chickpeas usually make their appearance at least once a week in some shape or form. Since this has been a rather cool summer, I decided to feature them in a stunning soup. Roasted chickpeas I've always enjoyed but I've yet to share a recipe with my readers in this space. Here they are roasted with spices and then featured as a topping for a nourishing lentil and vegetable soup with creamy coconut milk.

The list of ingredients might seem long, but the process is really quite straightforward. The soup can be served without the roasted chickpeas with ideal results, but the addition of the lightly browned and slightly crunchy peas really elevate this spicy soup into something extra special. It's well worth the effort and won't fail to delight the taste buds and impress your family and friends.

Coconut Rice with Fragrant Seeds and Spices

Because you can never have enough ideas to dress up rice. It truly is a blank canvas that doesn't get enough respect. I am more than happy to eat rice with little adornment, but the possibilities to make it into an even more interesting side are endless. And satisfying. With a little extra effort, dinner can be a more joyous affair.

Sri Lankan Coconut Roti

There's a new favorite curry accompaniment on the menu. I adore savory Indian breads and crêpes, and while most of the preparations are straightforward, many of the options are somewhat time consuming because of the frying time involved. This recipe comes together in hardly anytime at all and if you shape them into small units, a few will fit on the pan at the same time with only a few minutes required per side to cook the dough and brown them up.

Soft and bready, with coconut adding some richness and natural sweetness, the chilies add a bit of heat to complete the experience. Not only do they go well with legume mains and curried vegetable sides, they also make a fine breakfast alongside some chutney. Do consider doubling the batch — any leftover rotis will keep well for at least another day and can easily be reheated in a 180° oven wrapped in foil.

Chickpeas Dressed with Fresh Basil Pesto

I adore summer for many reasons. Pretty much half of the year in Canada is dark and cold, so warmer weather and sunshine ought to be enjoyed. Of course, as someone who focuses on fresh ingredients and good flavor, I also relish the wonders of what I plant in the backyard each summer. Peppers are prominent in all their glory, as are tomatoes and herbs.

Usually two kinds of basil are an annual treat. Lemon basil just happens to be my favorite. Here I have used some of my harvest and pulsed it up to make a pesto to dress plump and buttery chickpeas.

Green Pea Falafel

I'm still enjoying the local fresh green pea harvest, and although these might not be your tradition falafels as chickpeas are absent except for a bit of besan flour, these unusual green pea falafels loaded with fresh herbs and seasoned with spices really make for a fine summer meal adorned with vegetables and some fresh chutney. I enhanced their green goodness with an avocado mango salad with cilantro and roasted cashews which served as a vibrant and colorful chutney itself.

Baked Cherry Oatmeal Dessert Puddings

It's amazing how cooking in ramekins can turn a fairly ordinary recipe into something that looks gourmet. That's just what I did with a baked cherry oatmeal breakfast pudding that I enjoyed recently, turning them into these gorgeous soft and spongy cherry and oatmeal dessert puddings with a few tweaks like marinating the cherries in balsamic vinegar to deepen their flavor. They were also an excuse to use up some the bags of fresh sweet cherries that somehow keep arriving at my house.

Green Pea Pulao with Cashews

Local garden peas are always something to savor and here I've dressed up rice with their plump texture and green goodness. Throw is some golden fried cashews, herbs and some Indian spice and you have a fine accompaniment to any meal, especially Indian legume curries. Grains never need be boring, and although I enjoy a pot of rice with little adornment, rice really is a blank canvas to explore to complement a culinary experience.