Spaghetti squash is a winter squash that has long, tender, noodle-like flesh that makes a fun alternative to pasta. Winter squash are prized for their abundant B-vitamins, including B1, B3, B6, pantothenic acid and folate. Their carotenoid content provides antioxidant benefits. Winter squash contains moderate amounts of Omega 3 fats in the form of alpha-linolenic acid, which plays a role in supporting cognitive function.


Prep
1 spaghetti squash
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 medium shallot
4 cloves garlic
2 medium beets
½ cup cauliflower
2 carrots
½ cup fresh basil

Preheat oven to 350°.
 
Cut spaghetti squash lengthwise, scoop out seeds and spread coconut oil over cut sides. Place squash cut sides down in a baking dish and bake 45 minutes or until tender.
 
Peel and chop shallot, garlic, beets and cauliflower. Chop carrots and basil.

Sauce
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
1½ cup vegetable broth
½ cup coconut milk
1 teaspoon Himalayan salt
 
Heat coconut oil in a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic and cook until shallot is translucent, stirring frequently. Add beets, carrots, thyme, and rosemary, and cook for a few more minutes.
 
Add ½ cup broth, coconut milk and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
 
Remove from heat; use an immersion blender or carefully transfer to a countertop blender and puree along with 1 cup broth. Return to pot, add basil and warm for a few more minutes.

Serve
When squash is done, scoop out flesh and fluff with a fork. Divide among plates and drizzle with sauce.
 
Preparation: 1 hour
Serves: 4

They are a good source of vitamin B and iron. Beets are a source of betalains, which have been shown to provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and detoxification support. B-vitamins have been shown to prevent brain atrophy. This soup is a delicious way to introduce beets into your family’s repertoire. Beet’s bright pigment can stain, so be careful!





Prep
6 large beets
2 shallots, finely chopped
½ inch fresh ginger, grated
2 limes, juiced
 
To roast beets, preheat oven to 350°.
 
Wash beets gently to leave skin in place. Trim, leaving an inch or so of the stem and taproot.  Place in a baking dish with about ½ cup water, cover and bake until soft, about 45 minutes. Allow to cool slightly, rub skin off and dice.
 
Peel and finely chop shallots. Grate ginger. Juice limes.

Soup
1 teaspoon cumin, ground
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1 quart (32 oz., or 4 cups) chicken or vegetable stock
1 15-oz. can coconut milk
2 tablespoons cilantro

 
Sauté shallots, cumin and ginger in coconut oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. When shallots are soft, add beets and stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Let cool slightly, then use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to puree. Stir in coconut milk and lime juice.

Serve
Ladle into bowls, garnish with cilantro.
 
Preparation: 10 minutes, plus 45 for roasting
Serves: 4

Prep
1 pound shiitake mushrooms
3 limes
2 shallots
2 cloves garlic
1 cup cilantro
2 teaspoons salt
4 tilapia fillets

Prep mushrooms by wiping clean and slicing thinly.  Juice two limes and slice the other into wedges. Peel and thinly slice shallot. Peel and press or mince garlic. Roughly chop cilantro.
 
Mix salt and lime juice, pour over tilapia.

Fish
3 tablespoons coconut oil
2 teaspoon chile powder
1 teaspoon pepper

In a skillet, heat coconut oil and cook fish over medium heat 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove from pan and set aside.
 
Add shiitake mushrooms, shallot, salt, pepper, garlic and chile powder to skillet. Cook for another 2 or 3 minutes, or until mushrooms are soft.

Serve
4 cups mixed baby greens
 
Divide fillets among dishes, top with mushrooms. Serve on a bed of mixed baby greens. Garnish with a slice of lime and cilantro.
 
Preparation: 15 minutes
Serves: 2

Prep
quinoa
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 shallot, chopped
3 cups spinach, chopped
2 carrots
½ inch ginger

Cook quinoa according to package directions, enough to make four servings. Peel and finely chop garlic and shallot. Chop spinach. Shred carrots. Grate ginger.

Stovetop
½ tablespoon white vinegar
4 eggs
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons coconut oil
¼ teaspoon turmeric
 
Heat one inch of water along with vinegar in a shallow pan over high heat. When the water begins to simmer, lower heat to medium and gently crack eggs into water, add salt and pepper. Continue to simmer until whites are opaque.
 
Sauté shallot, garlic and spices in coconut oil; add quinoa and spinach. Continue cooking until spinach is just wilted; keep warm until ready to serve.

Serve
Divide quinoa and spinach mixture into bowls, serve with an egg.
 
Preparation: 20 minutes
Serves: 4