////// RECIPES TO TRY | North Star Nutrition

Recipes to Try!

Roasted Broccoli with
Pomegranate Glaze

Who says broccoli can't be craveable?! Transform the classic green vegetable that's brimming with B-vitamins, fiber, and cancer-preventing compounds into a scrumptious side dish that you'll want to serve for both casual weeknight dinners and festive holiday get-togethers. Although steaming broccoli is the healthiest method of cooking to retain the most nutrients, roasting it in the oven for just ten minutes gives it a slight crisp and delicious nutty flavor that even picky eaters will enjoy. And drizzling on a sweet, tangy, mouthwatering pomegranate glaze and sprinkling with antioxidant-rich, ruby-red pomegranate seeds adds beautiful colors and flavors that transform it into the perfect dish to serve at your holiday table!

Ingredients:

(Makes 2 servings; multiple for additional servings. Choose organic whenever possible.)

1 cup broccoli florets

1 tbs avocado oil

Pinch of salt

Pinch of garlic or onion powder (optional)

1 tbs balsamic glaze

1 tsp pomegranate juice

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees

2. Wash broccoli florets in cold water and dry off well. Place in a large bowl and spray or brush with avocado oil until lightly coated. Sprinkle on salt and garlic or onion powder, if desired.

3. Place florets onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, until slightly crispy. Remove from oven to cool.

4. Add balsalmic glaze, pomegranate juice, and apple cider vinegar to a small bowl and whisk until well blended.

5. Place broccoli florets onto a serving plate and drizzle with glaze. Sprinkle on pomegranate seeds to add a beautiful ruby-red color and holiday cheer!

10-Minute Pumpkin Soup

Ready in just ten minutes, this soup is the perfect quick lunch to make on a chilly autumn afternoon. Filled with fiber, protein, beta-carotene, antioxidants, healthy fats, and delicious fall flavors, it will have you feeling warm and cozy in no time! It can even form the base for a speedy weeknight dinner by simply tossing in some chopped vegetables, such as kale and zucchini, and mixing in black beans, cooked turkey, or chicken to bump up the protein. No matter how you serve it, you’re sure to add this easy, mouth-watering soup to your weekly rotation!

Ingredients:

(Makes 2 servings. Choose organic whenever possible.)

1 cup canned pumpkin

1 cup low sodium vegetable broth, chicken broth,
or bone broth

1/4 cup milk of choice

1/4 cup hemp or pumpkin seeds

1 tsp maple syrup (optional)

1/8 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/8 tsp garlic powder

Pinch of black pepper

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend for 30 seconds or until mixture is completely smooth.

2. Pour into a pot and heat on stove on medium setting for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Ladle into a bowl or mug and enjoy with whole-grain crackers or bread. Or transform it into an easy dinner by adding in some chopped vegetables and turkey, chicken, or black beans.

Dragon Fruit Smoothie

So what exactly is a “dragon fruit,” you ask? Although it may sound like something out of Game of Thrones, dragon fruit (also known as “pitaya”) is actually a magenta-colored fruit grown from cactus species in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world. The scaly spikes on its exterior may look menacing, but the inside red or white flesh has a sweet, juicy taste that is sort of like a cross between a strawberry and a watermelon. It’s very high in fiber and antioxidants, including the same ones that give beets their bright pinkish-red color. And although it may seem exotic, dragon fruit can now be purchased in the form of frozen fruit chunks or freeze-dried powder at many larger grocery and health-food stores. It combines especially well with strawberries in this beautiful, refreshing smoothie that makes a perfect quick breakfast or snack and will have you feeling summer vibes in no time!

Ingredients:

(Makes 1 serving. Choose organic whenever possible.)

1/2 cup frozen dragon fruit chunks*

1/2 cup frozen strawberries

1 small ripe banana

2 tbs hemp seeds**

1 tbs nut butter of choice

3/4 - 1 cup plant-based milk***

Notes:

*Or sub 2 tsp freeze-dried powder + additional strawberries

**Optional, but adds healthy omega-3 fats and protein

***Almond, oat, hemp, cashew, or coconut would work.

Instructions:

Add all ingredients into a high-speed blender, starting with the frozen fruit.
Blend on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute until completely smooth and blended.
Pour into a tall glass and enjoy with a paper or reusable straw!