Thanksgiving side dishes/3 recipes

A sweet, scrumptious and truly delightful healthy dessert made from 3 ingredients that will finish off any meal perfectly. To say it refreshes the palette is an understatement. With such a simple method and the sublime result, this recipe is not one to miss out on!

Hummus is such a simple thing to make that you could easily prepare it at home, and it also tastes much better than the shop bought options mainly due to the freshness of the ingredients. We’ve gone for a slightly different twist with this hummus dish and used split peas instead of chickpeas. It makes 6 coconut naans and a couple of pots full of delicious split pea hummus.

Peppers are always versatile with the benefit of being fat free and full of vitamin A and C, a fail safe when catering for most dietary restrictions. This pleasing simple dish can be a healthy light meal or a filling addition to a protein based meal.

A tasty, substantial dish with many health benefits. Recent studies show that eating tofu lowers the risk of a number of age related diseases. Tofu contains high levels of isoflavones, one is called Genistein, that inhibits the growth of cancer cells because of it’s antioxidant properties. Tofu is versatile as can be bought in different consistencies depending on the recipe, firm for grilling, soft for casseroles and silken for desserts.

A vegetable cawl recipe specifically created for St. David’s Day which is celebrated every year on the 1st March, in remembrance of the patron saint of Wales. As the Welsh say, “Do the little things” and nourish your body. The recipe serves 6 bowls, as per the image, with 3 quenelles each.

In celebration of St Patrick’s day we’ve created this scrumptious colcannon stuffed and shamrock shaped ravioli recipe, that’s accompanied by a delectable saffron and sun-dried tomato oil to top the dish off. You’ll certainly feel like you’ve got the luck of the Irish if you try it. If you’re wondering how the shamrock originally became associated, well according to Irish legend, Saint Patrick used the three-leafed plant as a metaphor for the Holy Trinity when he was first introducing Christianity to Ireland.

This recipe is ideal for any get together but maybe bear it in mind for your New Year’s Eve party, easy to make and so healthy too – just in time for those resolutions! Cashews may be small but they have huge benefits. Studies have shown that eating a fistful of nuts may reduce the risk of heart disease, cashews contain powerful antioxidants called Lutein and Zeaxanthin which are absorbed directly by our retina and help prevent age related macular degeneration, they are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, they have a great percentage of dietary fibres and have many more positives. We know one New Year’s resolution you’re going to make!

A healthy vegan recipe, ideal for using up leftover Christmas day vegetables on Boxing Day. It’s a light dish perfect after the indulgences of Christmas day. Chickpea flour is naturally gluten free, chickpeas are a super source of protein, fibre and iron. The skin of vegetables and fruit are quite often a good source of nutrition in itself, the dark skin of the Zucchini/courgette is high in soluble fibre which slows digestion and stabilises sugar levels. The dark skin of the Eggplant/Aubergine is full of fibre, potassium, magnesium and antioxidants, Tomato skin is full of antioxidants too so before removing skins bear this information in mind.

You don’t want to supersede these Super seeds with anything else, they provide you with so much nutrition. Flaxseeds have been eaten for thousands of years, they are a plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids which according to various studies help to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, support heart health and help to prevent some cancers, not to mention protecting against cognitive decline. Flaxseeds contain high levels of mucilage gum, this is a gel-forming fibre that is beneficial for intestinal health, this gum keeps food in the stomach for longer allowing more absorption of the food’s nutrients. Fennel seeds contain dietary fibre so these also benefit intestinal health. Both seeds have antioxidants that fight the harming free radicals as well as many vitamins. Enjoy a super Chanukah.

A healthy flavoursome take on an Italian classic. Nutritional yeast has a nutty cheesy flavour making it a good alternative for a vegan diet, especially as it is a complete protein. Other benefits are all the B vitamins which are important for everyone’s health but more so for those on a vegan/vegetarian diet. This yeast is rich in Selenium which helps to repair cell damage therefore helping to reduce the risk of cancer. It has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, it improves digestion and as it is rich in folate pregnant women should include this in their diet. Just a few reasons to get familiar with this cosmopolitan dish.

These delicious sweet potato balls are a fantastic, easy and healthy starter recipe. They’re vegan, gluten free and can be frozen to be saved for another day. You could also serve these as a nutritious and delicious side dish if you’d prefer.

If you’re looking for a green smoothie recipe that’s nutritious and delicious then this is the one for you. It’s made with only 3 ingredients and the grapes give this healthy drink a real sweet taste, unlike other green smoothies that can sometimes taste quite bitter. It makes the perfect healthy breakfast or snack!

This delicious salmon salad recipe is super simple, really refreshing and totally delicious. It makes a fantastic easy lunch or side dish and you can even prepare it the night before and take as a grab and go lunch. For this recipe you can use fresh lemon juice instead of adding a dressing.

One of the most popular north Indian dishes, Matar Paneer is a staple in almost every household. A delicious curry dish made with cottage cheese, green peas and tomato puree based sauce, it is simple to make yet packs in a punch with the flavours. Best enjoyed with naan, chapatti or rice, it is the ultimate dish for the vegetarians looking to get their daily dose of protein while tickling their taste buds with something appetising and flavoursome.

Thai Red Curry is easily the most popular dish from Thailand. Made with an aromatic mix of fresh vegetables, herbs & spices, and red chilies; it offers a harmony of tastes and textures that is truly amazing. Its rich, spicy and bold taste, with a subtle hint of sweetness, is effectively hot without being overpowering. It’s warm and comforting and just perfect for days when you are craving for something simple yet indulgent. A traditional spicy Thai Red Curry is usually best enjoyed with fragrant steamed rice but in some places, it is also eaten with noodles.

Ice Worms were first introduced to Upper Canada by Chatham's original settlers in the 1800's. Most Ice Worm dishes are homemade from family recipes that have been passed down for generations, and are often available for sale at local convenience stores or specialty food shops in and around the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. Although not available commercially for sale due to Health Canada restrictions on some of the ingredients (mainly the worms) you will still see Ice Worms being sold along the highways of Canada's deep south near the shores of Lake Erie, and in small communities along the Thames river around Chatham, Ontario.