Super pumped to introduce my friend Kristen Carli on the blog today! I’ve known Kristen for years and am so excited she has finally launched her blog MOSTLY GREEN. She’s up and coming in the nutrition/recipe space and as you all know – RECIPES AREN’T MY FORTE! My goal was to bring you a few people I really trust this year to share a couple of their favorite recipes with you. As you know, I started my vegetarian (vegan-ish) journey back in April 2017 and have never turned back. I’ve been so inspired by some of my favorite plant based bloggers to get creative in the kitchen. But, I like easy and convenient things!
I love Kristen’s motto! She says “I will forever be an advocate for the plant-based diet….but I am not losing any sleep if, every now and then, animal products make their way onto my plate.” Her simplified approach is exactly the reason I love her. Today she is sharing two of her favorite recipes as of lately. You can always find more on her blog and/or instagram!
Tofu ‘BLT’ with Avocado Garlic Aioli
For the avocado garlic aioli:
2 avocados
2 cloves of garlic
¼ cup vegan mayo
Juice of ½ a lemon
Salt
Pepper
Ingredients: (makes up to 6 sandwiches)
1 French baguette or ciabatta, sliced (homemade is best!)
3 tomatoes, sliced
1 head of romaine lettuce
1 block of extra firm tofu
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon + ½ teaspoon sesame oil
A few dashes of Sriracha
Carli says, “So many people assume that healthy food is both complicated and lacking in flavor. Who could blame them? We’ve all seen tofu act as a punchline in 90’s era family sitcoms. But man, oh, man… they got it wrong. Every week I make a batch of this marinated tofu and store in the refrigerator. This 5 minute lunch is perfect to whip up on a busy day.”
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Cut tofu into slices. Place in a glass tupperware. Cover with 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and a few dashes of sriracha. Store refrigerated for up to one week.
- Prepare the avocado garlic aioli by placing all ingredients in a food processor and blending. Store in a jar for up to 2 weeks.
- Heat remaining ½ teaspoon of sesame oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cook two slices of tofu, flipping until browned and crisp on both sides.
- Spread avocado garlic aioli onto bread. Place 2 tomato slices and a few lettuce leaves on bread. Add warm tofu slices. Enjoy!!
‘Better than Beef’ Lentil Tacos
Ingredients: (makes 10-12 tacos)
1 pack of prepared lentils (I LOVE the prepared lentils from Trader Joe’s!)
¼ of a yellow onion, diced
12 six inch taco tortillas
3 bell peppers, sliced
¼ cup shredded lettuce
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ cayenne pepper
2 tsp olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Optional Extras:
Black olives
Guacamole
Lime juice
Cilantro
Salsa
Hot sauce
Carli says, “Even plant-based folks crave a hearty meal every-so-often…especially after a tough workout. So, here is a dish that is simple to put together, and packed with the nutrients you need to keep your body fueled up and ready to tackle those new-year fitness resolutions.” I swear, trader joe’s easy lentil packs are my JAM! I use them so often in everything and legitimately takes 3-4 minutes to cook in the microwave if you really don’t want to use the stove (LOL…..AKA ME EVERYDAY).
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp of olive oil and diced onion.
- Cook the onion until it is translucent, then add the prepared lentils to the skillet. Add seasoning and stir to combine. Cook until warm throughout, about 5 minutes.
- In the meantime, heat another skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp olive oil and sliced bell peppers. Add salt and pepper to taste. Heat until edges and skin become browned, even a bit charred.
- Scoop a spoonful of lentil mixture on each tortilla. Add sauteed peppers and lettuce. Top with any other extras as desired!
Quick facts about Kristen:
Kristen Carli graduated from the University of Arizona with a B.A. in Psychology. But after a few years, she jumped back into school at Arizona State University to begin studying nutrition and dietetics in order to become a registered dietitian.
Her goal is to help others to simplify their relationship with food through an uncomplicated, mostly plant-based approach. Along the way, she shares things she’s learned in her studies, recipes she loves, and other nuggets of information to drive us all towards a healthier life.
