by Chef Leander
New Recipes This Week!
July 9, 2021
Savory Avocado & Olive Side Salad (Super Easy!)
Just thinking about this salad makes my mouth water. It has the perfect marriage of flavors. And the kick of the lime finish makes this a great side salad or a palette cleanser before the main course. Plus it takes less than 15 minutes to make!
The Best Brownies Ever–Vegan, Gluten-free, Sugar-free
Vegan brownies made from fruit sugar and black beans. Yes, really! Super-easy to satisfy any sweet tooth. And they can be in the oven in 15 minutes.
Last weeks favorite!!! Watermelon 4th of July Salad
A delicious salad with watermelon and jicama. If you don’t know it, Jicama is an easy-to-find root vegetable with a sweet taste and a satisfying crunch. It’s also low-calorie and dairy-free. Great for any summer gathering! (Add some chili-lime (Tajín) seasoning for some extra kick!)
Amazing Black Bean Brownies
When I first switched to plant-based eating, a friend gave me a vegan, black bean brownie recipe and asked how a vegan would make them. Three years later, this is the result. These are a go-to treat for me. In fact, it’s the only brownie recipe I make these days.
I’d love your feedback!
Amazing Black Bean Brownies (Gluten-Free)
These amazing brownies take the cake for the best brownies ever. Thick, rich, chocolatey and absolutely scrumptious. Every time I serve these, people beg for the recipe. Finally a truly satisfying vegan brownie!!
Share by Email
Print Recipe
Add to Favorites
Ingredients
- 2½ TBSP flaxseed, ground
- 1 orange, zest and juice, ~1/3 c (80 ml)
- ½ cup date sugar (this recipe is sugar free--date sugar is dried fruit, not refined sugar)
- 1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 12 pecan halves
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 12-well standard muffin pan or line the wells with silicon muffin "papers".
- Zest the orange, then juice the orange. Some pulp in the juice will be fine.
- Prepare Flax Egg: Put the ground flaxseed in a small bowl. If necessary, add water to the orange juice to total 1/3 cup (80 ml). Set aside for 5 minutes.
- Put the date sugar in the blender and pulse to refine the sugar. Process 30 seconds. When the sugar is fine, add the flax egg, black beans and continue processing until smooth. Add remaining ingredients (except for the pecans) and puree.
- The mix should be the consistency of a thick cake batter (just barely pourable). If needed, thin the batter by working in 1 TBSP water at a time.
- Spoon the batter into the 12 muffin cups. Top with the pecan halves or substitute walnut halves if you prefer.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Set the brownies aside to rest for one hour before baking them.
- Bake for 23-26 minutes until the brownies are dry on the top and the edges have begun to shrink.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 30 minutes in the pan on a rack. It is good if they are still a bit "pudding like" in the middle. They will solidify as they cool.
- Store in an airtight container for a few days--if they last that long!
Notes
This recipe can easily be made in a mixer, but if you have a food processor, the texture will be more refined.
Want a yummy topping? Check out our Cashew Hibiscus Cream!
Support us at PatreonPatreon.com/chefleander
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Amazing Black Bean Brownies (Gluten-Free)
Amount per Serving
Calories
92.98
% Daily Value*
Fat
6.67
g
10
%
Saturated Fat
4.36
g
27
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.82
g
Monounsaturated Fat
1.11
g
Sodium
115.74
mg
5
%
Potassium
92.87
mg
3
%
Carbohydrates
9.97
g
3
%
Fiber
1.99
g
8
%
Sugar
5.55
g
6
%
Protein
1.21
g
2
%
Vitamin A
25.35
IU
1
%
Vitamin C
5.83
mg
7
%
Calcium
43.12
mg
4
%
Iron
0.69
mg
4
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Don't miss a single recipe ! ! !Subscribe to our YouTube channel!
NOTICE: Small Kitchen BIG TASTE is an Amazon Associate and, as such, we earn from your qualifying purchases. Any item you purchase once you click on an image on our “Store” page supports Small Kitchen BIG TASTE. We appreciate it when you shop in our store and help us continue to put out delicious content.
Savory Avocado & Olive Side Salad (Super Easy!)
Looking for something unusual for your next meal? This is a perfect alternative to guacamole dips. I can’t remember another time I’ve seen avocado and briny Kalamata olives combined. Try it! You won’t be disappointed.
Savory Avocado & Olive Side Salad (Super Easy!)
Just thinking about this salad makes my mouth water. It has the perfect marriage of flavors. And the kick of the lime finish makes this a great side salad or a palette cleanser before the main course. Plus it takes less than 15 minutes to make!
Share by Email
Print Recipe
Add to Favorites
Ingredients
- 1 ea ripe avocado
- ⅓ cup kalamata olives, sliced in half
- 2 TBSP fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Trader Joe's Chili Lime Seasoning, optional
Instructions
- Cube the avocado into a small bowl.
- Add the olives, cilantro and lime juice. Toss to mix.
- Divide into small bowls.
- Garnish with a dash of Trader Joe's Chili Lime Seasoning (optional).
Support us at PatreonPatreon.com/chefleander
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Savory Avocado & Olive Side Salad (Super Easy!)
Amount per Serving
Calories
43.56
% Daily Value*
Fat
3.58
g
6
%
Saturated Fat
0.47
g
3
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.33
g
Monounsaturated Fat
2.59
g
Sodium
351.89
mg
15
%
Potassium
48.13
mg
1
%
Carbohydrates
4.45
g
1
%
Fiber
1.73
g
7
%
Sugar
0.69
g
1
%
Protein
0.48
g
1
%
Vitamin A
132.89
IU
3
%
Vitamin C
9.91
mg
12
%
Calcium
23.09
mg
2
%
Iron
0.32
mg
2
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Don't miss a single recipe ! ! !Subscribe to our YouTube channel!
NOTICE: Small Kitchen BIG TASTE is an Amazon Associate and, as such, we earn from your qualifying purchases. Any item you purchase once you click on an image on our “Store” page supports Small Kitchen BIG TASTE. We appreciate it when you shop in our store and help us continue to put out delicious content.
New Recipes This Week!
July 2, 2021
Honeydew Agua Fresca
A simple-to-make Agua Fresca with no added sugar! The concentrate stores in the fridge. Just add water and ice. A delicious way to cool off and hydrate in the summer heat.
Lentil Veggie Salad
Dinner 911—A five-minute salad that is as delicious as it is nutritious. It’s great when it’s too hot to cook, but it’s a hit all year round!
Watermelon 4th of July Salad
A delicious salad with watermelon and jicama. If you don’t know it, Jicama is an easy-to-find root vegetable with a sweet taste and a satisfying crunch. It’s also low-calorie and dairy-free. Great for any summer gathering! (Add some chili-lime (Tajin) seasoning for some extra kick!)
Watermelon 4th of July Salad
A one-of-a-kind salad! I tasted something like this in the Trailblazers executive dining room in 1995. Anytime watermelon is in season, this is my go-to salad—and only four simple ingredients! It’s a 3-point shot for sure. Nothing but net! And the CROWD GOES WILD!!
4th of July Watermelon Salad: Unique, Tasty, Vegan (Dairy Free)
A delicious salad with watermelon and jicama. If you don’t know it, Jicama is an easy-to-find root vegetable with a sweet taste and a satisfying crunch. This recipe is also low-calorie and dairy-free. Great for any summer gathering!
Share by Email
Print Recipe
Add to Favorites
Ingredients
- 3 lbs watermelon, 1" cubes
- 1 lb jicama, 1/2" cubes
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 TBSP Trader Joe's Chili Lime Seasoning (optional) (garnish)
Instructions
- Into a large serving bowl: Cube the watermelon and the jicama in approximately equal size cubes. Chop the cilantro. Put about 1/2 the chopped cilantro into the salad. Save the rest in a paper towel for another use. Add the lime juice to the bowl. Toss gently.
- NOTE: Be conservative with the cilantro. The cilantro flavor will "bloom" as it sets overnight in the refrigerator. You can always add more the next day (but it's hard to take it out one little fleck at a time!!!)
- Optional garnish: If you're daring, add a small sprinkle of Trader Joe's Chili Lime Seasoning after it is on the plate. If you are familiar with the hispanic Tajin, it's quite similar.
Notes
To get 3 lbs of watermelon cubes, start with a small (4-5 lbs, 1.8-2.25 kg) watermelon.
Jicama is an easy-to-find root vegetable with a sweet taste and a satisfying crunch. If you’ve never used it before, look for it among the produce. Just peel it and cube it. Or cut it into sticks for a satisfying surprise on a veggie plate with hummus, salsa, or queso dip.
Support us at PatreonPatreon.com/chefleander
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
4th of July Watermelon Salad: Unique, Tasty, Vegan (Dairy Free)
Amount per Serving
Calories
75.32
% Daily Value*
Fat
0.33
g
1
%
Saturated Fat
0.04
g
0
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.12
g
Monounsaturated Fat
0.07
g
Sodium
27.1
mg
1
%
Potassium
289.31
mg
8
%
Carbohydrates
18.76
g
6
%
Fiber
3.72
g
16
%
Sugar
11.72
g
13
%
Protein
1.53
g
3
%
Vitamin A
1051.43
IU
21
%
Vitamin C
27.94
mg
34
%
Calcium
22.14
mg
2
%
Iron
0.82
mg
5
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Don't miss a single recipe ! ! !Subscribe to our YouTube channel!
NOTICE: Small Kitchen BIG TASTE is an Amazon Associate and, as such, we earn from your qualifying purchases. Any item you purchase once you click on an image on our “Store” page supports Small Kitchen BIG TASTE. We appreciate it when you shop in our store and help us continue to put out delicious content.
Lentil Veggie Salad — Dinner 911
An instant meal couldn’t be any easier. I learned this recipe from the “sample’s desk” at my Trader Joe’s. Funny thing is, I can’t find any employees who have heard of this recipe. I ask at every store. So I’m spreading this around. It’s a favorite, especially for a cool, summer salad meal.
Lentil Veggie Salad — Dinner 911
Dinner 911—A five-minute salad that is as delicious as it is nutritious. It’s great when it’s too hot to cook, but it’s a hit all year round!
Share by Email
Print Recipe
Add to Favorites
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pkg Trader Joe's cooked lentils
- 1 pkg Trader Joe's Healthy 8 Chopped Veggie Mix
- 1 bottle Trader Joe's Goddess Dressing
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl: Gently stir the dressing into the lentils until the lentils separate.
- CHEF'S SECRET: add two tablespoons vinegar to the empty dressing bottle, replace cap, shake vigorously, and add the remaining loosened dressing to the salad.
- Add the cut vegetable mix. Toss gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill until ready to serve.
- For leftovers: I like to add a tablespoon of vinegar to the next-day leftovers. It helps freshen the taste.
Support us at PatreonPatreon.com/chefleander
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Lentil Veggie Salad — Dinner 911
Amount per Serving
Calories
181
% Daily Value*
Fat
3.84
g
6
%
Saturated Fat
0.32
g
2
%
Sodium
145.8
mg
6
%
Carbohydrates
9
g
3
%
Fiber
2
g
8
%
Sugar
0.8
g
1
%
Protein
2.64
g
5
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Don't miss a single recipe ! ! !Subscribe to our YouTube channel!
NOTICE: Small Kitchen BIG TASTE is an Amazon Associate and, as such, we earn from your qualifying purchases. Any item you purchase once you click on an image on our “Store” page supports Small Kitchen BIG TASTE. We appreciate it when you shop in our store and help us continue to put out delicious content.
Simple Honeydew-Infused Water
Honeydew, cucumber, and lime combine deliciously in this refreshing infused water. More interesting than plain water. Hydrating without added sugar or chemicals.
Simple Honeydew-Infused Water (Rehydrating)
Tomorrow’s forecast high is 115℉ (46.1℃). Looking for a healthy beverage to beat the heat? With 3 ingredients and 10 minutes, you will have a delicious, light beverage. You may even be transported to a beach in Hawaii! (Your results may vary.) NOTE: If this video appears to be duplicate of the Agua Fresca video also published this month, it's because we filmed this episode during the pandemic on Groundhog's Day. The preparation is the same, but the recipe proportions are different.
Share by Email
Print Recipe
Add to Favorites
Ingredients
- 1 lbs honeydew melon cubes
- 1 inch cucumber
- 1 limes, juiced
- 1⅓ cups water
- water and ice for serving
Garnishes
- mint leaves
- cucumber sliced thinly
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
Make the concentrate:
- Peel the honeydew, remove the seeds, and cut the honeydew into medium cubes. Put the honeydew into a large blender. Add the cucumber and the lime juice. Blend at high speed for 1 minute (or long enough to do 10 pushups or jumping jacks).
- Suspend a nutmilk bag over your largest pot. Pour the blended mixture into the bag, and let it drip through for 10 minutes. Use your hands to squeeze the remaining liquid through the bag.
- Pour the concentrate into a quart (1 liter) jar and refrigerate.
To serve the Infused Water:
- To make Infused Water, use 1 TBSP (15 ml) of concentrate in a drinking glass. Add ice and thinly sliced cucumber to the glass. Fill with water and garnish with a slice of lime. This is also a wonderful rehydrating drink to carry in your water bottle.
- Optional Garnishes: thin slices of cucumber, a sprig of mint, a wedge of lime.
Support us at PatreonPatreon.com/chefleander
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Simple Honeydew-Infused Water (Rehydrating)
Serving Size
15 ml
Amount per Serving
Calories
4.59
% Daily Value*
Fat
0.02
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
0.01
g
0
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.01
g
Monounsaturated Fat
0.01
g
Sodium
2.47
mg
0
%
Potassium
27.65
mg
1
%
Carbohydrates
1.21
g
0
%
Fiber
0.14
g
1
%
Sugar
0.95
g
1
%
Protein
0.07
g
0
%
Vitamin A
6.55
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
2.53
mg
3
%
Calcium
1.48
mg
0
%
Iron
0.03
mg
0
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Don't miss a single recipe ! ! !Subscribe to our YouTube channel!
NOTICE: Small Kitchen BIG TASTE is an Amazon Associate and, as such, we earn from your qualifying purchases. Any item you purchase once you click on an image on our “Store” page supports Small Kitchen BIG TASTE. We appreciate it when you shop in our store and help us continue to put out delicious content.