This is a vegan makeover of a traditional Spanish favorite. While paella is usually served with mussels, sausage and shrimp, this one includes several varieties of mushrooms, artichokes and red bell pepper. You can be creative with this recipe, adding different vegetables such as peas, carrots, or green beans.

This is a great dish for everyone who wants to eat vegan while still avoiding soy. This is because while most vegan recipes substitute tofu in place of meat, this recipe uses mushrooms as the main ingredient. So go ahead! Get cooking, you soy-free vegans!

Couple of cooking tips:

Sometimes all the liquid in the recipe will not fit in the pan initially. Simply gradually add the liquid as it is absorbed. Also, be sure that you test your boundaries of fear and allow the bottom of the pan to burn just a bit. The char is the signature mark of good paella.

I love sweet potato fries, but it is hard to find a good healthy version that isn’t fried. This recipe has a few extra steps to ensure crispy fries, and some zesty seasonings for delicious fries that are sure to become a favorite in your household!

Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

Ah, the sweet potato. I love sweet potatoes prepared a variety of ways because they taste so good, you hardly believe they are actually good for you. Sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber, which is great for healthy digestion. They also contain iron, calcium, selenium, vitamin C, and a hefty dose of most of the B vitamins. Beta carotene, is a carotenoid that converts into vitamin A in the body. Carotenoids are beneficial for the prevention of cancer and promoting eye health, as well as improving cognitive function and cardiovascular health.

The Secrets to Crispy Oven-Baked Fries

Soak your potatoes

Soaking potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes after they are sliced removes extra starch. It is also very important that you dry them completely after soaking. Drain the water and pat dry with paper towels before adding oil and seasonings.

Use parchment paper and don’t crowd

Parchment paper prevents sticking and helps create a layer of air underneath fries, ensuring more even cooking on all sides. Spreading them in a single layer with a bit of space around them also helps.

Use cornstarch

Add your seasonings to a couple tablespoons of cornstarch and toss your fries in the mixture before baking.

Be patient

Take the time to rotate and flip your fries halfway through baking time. Rest time after fries are baked helps them crisp up even more. Also be sure to add your salt last, after baking.

Make it a Meal

Pair your sweet potato fries with Vegan Mushroom Lentil Burgers for a healthy spin on a classic American meal. For another sweet potato recipe, check out these Mexican Sweet Potato Skins.

All hail tacos! Jackfruit is a great ingredient for vegans. When they are young, the jackfruit has little to no flavor and takes on the flavor of the spices that you put around them. Plus, jackfruit shreds easily and has a finished texture that is like pulled pork or shredded chicken. Be sure to start your Avocado Crema in advance because your cashews need to soak overnight.

What is Jackfruit?

The jackfruit, also known as jack tree, is the largest fruit tree in the world. The fruit has a spiky outer skin and is greenish or yellow in color. It has a distinctive sweet flavor that lends itself to a wide variety of dishes. I like it because it makes a great a meat substitute due to its texture, which is comparable to shredded meat.

Jackfruit not only tastes delicious, but it provides a moderate dose of vitamins as well. It contains vitamin A, C, riboflavin, magnesium, potassium, copper, and manganese. Uniquely for a fruit, jackfruit contains 3 grams of protein per serving. It is also low on the glycemic index, so it does not pose a risk of blood sugar spikes the way many fruits do.

Ready to try it?

While it is uncommon to find fresh jackfruit in grocery stores in the U.S., it is available canned or in pouches. So you can try these Jackfruit Tacos any time of year, no matter where you live!

Make it a Meal

Complete this Mexican meal with these Stuffed Sweet Potato Skins.

Nothing screams summer like fresh strawberries and ice cream. So how about combining the two for the ultimate summer treat? This vegan strawberry ice cream recipe uses coconut milk for a silky, creamy texture. Don’t scrimp here: canned full-fat coconut milk is a must for this recipe to turn out right.

Why Strawberries ROCK

Fresh strawberries are loaded with healthy antioxidants that are great for heart health. Additionally, they are rich in micronutrients, such as minerals, vitamin C, and folate, and non-nutrient elements, such as phenolic compounds, that are essential for human health. These super fruits are anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and are a great source of fiber as well.

Note that strawberries are listed as #1 on the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen list for pesticide contamination. Be sure to always splurge for organic strawberries. Their porous skin absorbs pesticides and other chemicals, so no amount of rinsing and washing will remove all pesticides from your berries.

And Coconut Milk Too

Coconut milk is high in LDL (healthy) cholesterol and may help decrease overall cholesterol levels as well as the risk of heart disease. It also contains a lipid called lauric acid, which many can support the immune system. Coconuts also contain medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which improve metabolism and increase weight loss.