Garden Fresh Zucchini and Black Bean Pasta Stirfry

 

Zucchini Squash/Courgette fresh from the garden

My friend/roommate brought home a box of zucchini squash from his Granma's garden, telling me and my boyfriend Jason to help ourselves! I am attempting to grow my own zucchini in our little garden, but I planted late and might have to opt. for just the zucchini flowers (yes, they are edible, and yes, they are delicious!).

With only 17 cals/100g, zucchini (along with most veggies and fruit) are considered a functional food. A functional food is basically a term that means you get the most amount of nutrients for the least amount of calories/energy. You get "more bang for your buck". Zucchini (especially the golden variety) are rich in flavonoid poly-phenolic antioxidants, very good source of potassium, rich in vitamins A and C, and moderate source of B vitamins (including folate) and minerals; iron, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc.

What I would really like to make is zoodles (zucchini noodles), but unfortunately, I don't have a spiralizer to slice the zucchini properly to do that. One day, I will! So, I decided on black bean noodles instead and slice up the zucchini in a stirfry. I make these black bean noodles often, They are an excellent source of fibre and protein and not a high source of carbs, like most pasta varieties. With black beans being the only ingredient, they are also gluten free! Where can you find these? Costco, if you are lucky! If not, Save on Foods, in the natural foods section/aisle.



 

Black Bean Pasta Stirfry

For this stirfry, I simply chopped up the zucchini plus some other veggies I had at home (onion, carrot, bell pepper), friend them on med-high heat with avocado oil, added some shrimp, and made my simple stirfry sauce. Then, served over the black bean pasta! Easy-peasy, fast, healthy meal!



Thai Red Curry Lentils

  

 Most of the time when I cook something good, it happens by accident. I'll start with an idea and then just start throwing extra stuff in.. whatever I have in the fridge that I think I should use up soon and extra spices. I love flavor (who doesn't?!), but not a lot of salt. Instead of grabbing for the salt shaker next time you think your food is lacking in flavor, try adding something from the spice cabinet instead. If you don't feel confident about mixing your own flavors there are lot's of spice mixes you can purchase at local markets and online.

I am now going to write down everything I make, as I go long with any extra additions. I feel like I have had so many good eats lately that I would love to share, but I never have the recipe to be able to share it. I started today with this vegan and gluten free Red Curry Lentil recipe. I've made something similar to this a few times in the past. I made this with the vegetables I had on hand and you can do the same... you don't have to use the exact same veg and portions that I used. The next I make it, I'm probably going to use different ones anyways ;)

Thai Red Curry Lentils 

Ingredients:

• 3 cups water

• 1 can (400ml) lite coconut milk

• 1 cup red lentils (dry)

• 1 can (227ml) sliced bamboo shoots

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 tomato, diced

• 1 zucchini/courgette, diced

• 1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced

• 1 tomato, diced

• 2 carrots, peeled, and chopped

• 3 Tbsp. Thai Kitchen red curry paste

• 1 tsp. raw coconut sugar

• 1 Tbsp. low sodium tamari sauce

• 1 tsp. ground ginger

• 1/2 tsp. cayenne papper

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients in to a large pot, bring to a boil, and then reduce heat and simmer for approx. 20 mins. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Add something new to your grocery list!

 

This morning I chopped up some fresh purple potatoes for breaky. Yams are usually are my choice potato, but I thought I'd change things up this time. I love food and having a big selection of it, but at times I can be guilty of eating a lot of the same foods frequently and cooking the same meals. It's so important to eat a variety to ensure you aren't missing out on any nutrients. So, next time you are at the grocery store or market, try picking up an item or 2 that you normally wouldn't! It doesn't have to be exotic or completely new to you.. maybe you just haven't had a zucchini for a few months or maybe you usually add a banana to your smoothie and want to swap it for avocado! If you are unfamiliar with the foods or haven't prepared them before, look up some recipes and ideas online!