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My recipe, Gluten-Free Pasta with Leeks, Peas, Feta, & Roasted Red Pepper Romesco, is over on GFreeLaura today!

gluten free pasta with roasted red pepper sauce 1024x554 Pasta with Leeks, Peas, Feta, and Roasted Red Pepper Romesco

I found GFreeLaura through Twitter awhile back and tweeted her to say I loved her bio slogan: “Young, wild & #glutenfree.” That turned into us planning guest posts for each others’ blogs since we both share a love of the gluten-free lifestyle.

roasted red pepper romesco 1024x874 Pasta with Leeks, Peas, Feta, and Roasted Red Pepper Romesco

And a quick funny story about this recipe: I had a red pepper on hand, as well as gluten-free pasta and leeks left over from butternut squash mac and cheese with leeks, so I used my handy dandy sourcing skills and performed a Boolean search on Google for a fitting recipe:

(noodles OR pasta) AND “red pepper” AND leeks

I then tweeted my old boss the following: “I now use #Boolean searches for everyday things, like finding recipes on Google. #sourcerproblems.”

His response: “@cmroman Ah we raised you well. #perfectstudent #sourcing.” Haha!

gluten free pasta with feta peas and leeks 1024x682 Pasta with Leeks, Peas, Feta, and Roasted Red Pepper Romesco

 



DSC 05611 1024x721 Apple Cheddar Tartine with Spicy Mustard

If you had shown me this recipe or given me this open-faced apple cheddar sandwich a year ago, I would have politely wholeheartedly declined. Sweet apples, sharp cheddar, and spicy mustard? Nooooo thanks (says former me).

But current me says, “The sweetness and slight crunch of the Gonagold apples, the sharpness of the New York cheddar, and the spiciness of the mustard? Bring it on!”

Add to the pretty amazing mix of flavors the fact that this is insanely easy to make- pretty much a winner for a snack or as part of a meal!

Just spread bread (gluten-free if you need) with spicy mustard then layer with thinly sliced apples and sharp cheddar. Broil until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. 

DSC 0560 1024x682 Apple Cheddar Tartine with Spicy Mustard

P.S. For a more hearty snack or meal (albeit not vegetarian), consider adding sliced chicken a la Iowa Girl Eats.

DSC 0576 1024x787 Spicy Butternut Squash & Tofu Masala

Remember how I used to make tofu masala relatively frequently? I decided to revamp the recipe to include butternut squash, which means I have another easy fall recipe for you!

Ingredients

  • 1 block of firm tofu
  • 1 jar of Trader Joe’s Masala Simmer Sauce
  • 1/2 butternut squash
  • 1 leek
  • 1/2 onion
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Dried red chili peppers
  • Soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil (all optional)
DSC 0573 1024x725 Spicy Butternut Squash & Tofu Masala

Preparation

1. Press tofu (you can do this with a tool like the Tofu Xpress or with this method)

2. If desired, marinate pressed tofu with soy sauce (gluten-free if need be), garlic, rice vinegar, olive oil, and/or sesame oil for added flavor

3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut butternut squash in half and remove seeds (put aside for my next recipe!). Drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried red chili pepper flakes. Put in baking pan with about an inch of water on bottom. Roast half of the squash until tender, about 30 minutes. Cut into bite-sized cubes.

4. Trim, clean, and slice leeks. Peel and chop onion. In a skillet over medium low, saute leeks and onion with olive oil and red chili peppers until tender.

5. Add all other ingredients (tofu, butternut squash, and masala sauce) to the skillet and simmer for 20-30 minutes.

Enjoy over rice (gluten-free) or with naan (unfortunately not gluten-free)!

DSC 0582 1024x682 Spicy Butternut Squash & Tofu Masala
P.S. Ever used a Tofu Xpress? I hadn’t until I moved in with my roommate, who has one. It’s a pretty convenient little contraption that presses the water out of tofu, making it better for grilling and baking. It can also be used to press water out of things like sliced eggplant (I used it for eggplant moussaka the other day) and thawed spinach or kale (which I did for this spiced lentil kale soup from Oh She Glows). It comes for the pretty hefty price tag of about $39. It’s nice to have in the kitchen, but I’m not sure I’d paid that much for it! So thanks, roommate icon smile Spicy Butternut Squash & Tofu Masala

Nothing says fall to me like butternut squash. I’m so obsessed that my friend once told me if I had a word cloud for my life, butternut squash would be in big letters (“That’s what she said” would probably be in huge letters too…).

And leeks in soup? Such a delicious way to get a creamy texture without dairy. If you’re my friend, you’ve probably heard me go on and on about potato leek soup.

You could even play around with this soup by adding a potato for an even creamier texture. Or mix up the spices by subbing basil and oregano for the nutmeg.

Or just follow my recipe icon smile Easy Butternut Squash & Leek Soup in the Crockpot

5228197922 c336eac362 Easy Butternut Squash & Leek Soup in the CrockpotPhoto credit

  • 1/2 large butternut squash (peeled, de-seeded, and chopped into bite-sized chunks)
  • 1 1/2 leeks (trimmed, cleaned, and sliced)
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 1 clove of garlic (diced)
  • 4 chicken bouillon cubes and 4 cups of water or 4 cups of chicken broth or 4 cups of vegetable broth
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Nutmeg

4137937933 85b16b5022 z Easy Butternut Squash & Leek Soup in the CrockpotPhoto credit

Prep vegetables. Combine broth and vegetables in Crockpot. Sprinkle 2-3 dashes each of salt, pepper, and nutmeg on top. Cook on low in Crockpot for 6-7 hours. Allow to cool for several minutes, then blend with an immersion blender (or leave chunky if desired). Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

P.S. Do your hands ever get itchy, red, and start peeling when you handle butternut squash? Mine do and I found out why: butternut squash dermatitis! The best solution is to wear gloves or buy pre-chopped butternut squash.

I’m not going out of town this weekend (WOOHOO!), which means I did some pretty serious stocking up on groceries at Trader Joe’s and the farmers’ market yesterday. I also bought some nonperishables,  including quinoa, red lentils, and nutritional yeast, from the bulk section of Whole Foods last week.

My boyfriend and I kicked off the week with an amazing home-cooked meal of Trader Joe’s Garlic & Herb Sirloin Steak (cooked on the grill then dipped in this horseradish dipping sauce), a green bean casserole (adapted from this gluten-free recipe), and mashed parsnips with caramelized onions, feta, and horseradish (inspired by the meal at the wedding I went to this past weekend). Not too shabby for a Monday night (or any night!), huh?

DSC 0666 1024x682 Recipes That Caught My Eye This WeekIngredients for horseradish dipping sauce

Here’s what else caught my eye online this week:

This week, I’ll also be making butternut squash leek bisque, an eggplant dish, and spinach quinoa turkey meatloaf. I haven’t found the recipes that I’m using yet, so feel free to send me suggestions!

DSC 0670 1024x989 Recipes That Caught My Eye This WeekCooking with these beat up bad boys this week

I recently had half a package of firm tofu left over from another recipe, so I decided to make an Indian meal with it. Luckily, I found a jar of Trader Joe’s Masala Simmer Sauce in the back of my pantry. After a quick Google search, I stumbled across a recipe for Quick Indian Soup from Inside the Kaganoff Kitchen.

masala simmer sauce trader joes Easy Masala Simmer SoupThe star of the show

Here is my adapted version:

  • Firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • Trader Joe’s Masala Simmer Sauce (you can use another brand, but I prefer TJ’s!)
  • Onions, diced
  • Carrots, sliced
  • Broth or bouillon
  • Rice (I used Cashew Basmati microwavable rice from Target)
  • Hot pepper, chopped (optional)
  • Canned tomatoes (I didn’t have any but I bet they’d be good!)

In a pot, cook onions and carrots in olive oil over medium until onions are translucent. Add simmer sauce and two cups of broth or two cups of water with two bouillon cubes. Simmer on medium-low until carrots are soft. Add tofu and heated rice; simmer until all ingredients are warmed.

 Easy Masala Simmer SoupPhoto credit

DSC 0001 1024x682 Cold Sesame Asian Noodles with Tomatoes & Cucumbers

After a recent trip to the NC State Farmers’ Market, I had leftover tomatoes and cucumbers. Given my new obsession with rice noodles, I decided to whip up an almost no-cook lunch of cold Asian noodles with marinated tomatoes and cucumbers. It’s super easy, but I recommend preparing it a few hours in advance (if not the night before) so the vegetables have time to soak up the marinade.

I haven’t included measurements because this dish is nearly impossible to mess up.

  • Tomatoes, chopped
  • Cucumbers, chopped
  • Onion, finely diced
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sesame oil
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Rice noodles
  • Chicken or firm tofu, drained, pressed, and cubed (optional)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Sriracha (for added spiciness)

In a Tupperware, combine chopped vegetables with several dashes of rice vinegar and sesame oil. Sprinkle sugar and salt on top, cover with lid, and put in fridge for several hours or overnight.

To add protein and staying power, add chopped chicken. I marinated mine overnight in soy sauce, red chili peppers, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ground ginger, but you could just use salt, pepper, and olive oil. Cook using this fool-proof method. If you choose to use tofu, just marinate it and saute over medium heat with olive oil in a skillet.

Prepare rice noodles according to directions (usually you boil water, toss in noodles, boil for 3 minutes, and drain).

Combine all ingredients and garnish with sesame seeds and sriracha, if desired.
DSC 0004 1024x984 Cold Sesame Asian Noodles with Tomatoes & Cucumbers

I hesitate to call this a recipe because it’s so simple and adaptable. As I was putting together an elaborate breakfast spread, I came up with sausage breakfast bites when I poked my head into my fridge and saw some key leftovers.

Because it was such an easy thing to whip up, I decided to play with several other variations.

Breakfast Bites

  • Prepared pizza dough, gluten-free or not {I use Red Mill}
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Sausage 

DSC 0002 1024x682 Insanely Easy {Gluten Free} Pizza BitesGrease muffin tin. Press pizza dough into bottom. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top

DSC 0003 1024x682 Insanely Easy {Gluten Free} Pizza BitesBreak sausage into small bite-sized bits and fry in a skillet until thoroughly cooked. Pat with a paper towel to soak up grease. Drop one or two pieces on top of the dough and cheese.

DSC 0004 1024x682 Insanely Easy {Gluten Free} Pizza Bites

Spread more pizza dough on top. Bake on 375 until the dough is cooked {15-20 minutes}.

Other Variations

DSC 0015 1024x682 Insanely Easy {Gluten Free} Pizza Bites

  • Buffalo chicken: mozzarella cheese, red onions, chicken, and buffalo sauce
  • Caprese: tomato sauce, basil, and mozzarella cheese
  • Hawaiian: pineapple and ham
  • Mexican: black beans, red onions, corn, cilantro, and cheese
  • Any other combination that you normally put on a pizza!

DSC 0013 1024x682 Insanely Easy {Gluten Free} Pizza Bites

screen shot 2012 07 16 at 4 57 01 pm On the Menu for the Week {Getting Back Into the Routine}
Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4

Eggs over medium with sour cream & green tomatillo salsa at Flying Biscuit

Zatarain’s New Orleans Style Jambalaya Mix with bell pepper, onions, and sausage

Buffalo chicken crack dip {corn} quesadillas

Ginger & cumin marinated tomatoes

Cool as a cucumber salad

Chicken satay with peanut sauce

Spinach and garlic butter steak pinwheels

 Peanut Lime Sauce with Chicken and Rice Noodles Photo credit

It’s very rare that I actually measure ingredients when I prepare dishes, but I was determined to make this recipe easily replicable. I served it with chicken, rice noodles, and vegetables {see below} but you could also use it as a dipping sauce! Either way, this easy no-cook peanut sauce is adaptable and pretty dang delicious!

Serves 1.

Peanut Lime Sauce
  • 2 tbsp smooth or crunchy peanut butter
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • juice of 1/2 lime
  • 2 tsp soy sauce {I use gluten-free Tamari}
  • 1-2 tbsp peanuts
  • 4 tsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1-2 small clove of garlic
  • 1 tsp finely grated fresh ginger
  • Several dashes of cayenne pepper

Combine all ingredients; stir or blend in Magic Bullet until well-mixed. Store in fridge until needed.

Chicken & Rice Noodles
  • Julienned carrots
  • Chopped jalapenos
  • Thinly sliced onions
  • Cilantro
  • Sesame seeds
  • Sriracha

Prepare chicken using this method or buy a rotisserie chicken if you’re pressed for time! Prepare rice noodles according to package. In a small skillet, saute carrots, onions, and jalapenos over medium with olive oil until tender. If desired, heat peanut sauce in skillet.

Layer rice noodles, chicken, and vegetables in bowl; pour peanut sauce over; and garnish with cilantro, sesame seeds, and sriracha.
 Peanut Lime Sauce with Chicken and Rice Noodles
Notes
  • For best results, leave sauce in refrigerator overnight. This will allow the flavors to blend completely
  • I bought a rotisserie chicken, tore it into pieces, and let it sit in the sauce overnight to marinate. You could do the same with chicken breasts
  • You could also garnish with basil or mint
  • This dish can be served hot or cold; I prefer it hot
  • Make it vegetarian just by leaving off the chicken
pixel Peanut Lime Sauce with Chicken and Rice Noodles
+Cristina Roman