Detox time

After an amazing, yet tiring week's vacation in Puerto Plata, I'm ready for something that will help me get back on the health wagon. I took yesterday off and did groceries but didn't really plan out any meals for the week. I've decided that soup is on the menu tonight. I'm disappointed that I didn't remember to buy celery, but I'll have to do without. I generally make minestrone soup, but have no beans or regular potatoes. SO, what I've got here is a homemade vegetable soup, chock-full of deliciousness!

Veggie Soup for the "gotta make up for the terrible eating on vacation" Soul

Your shopping list:

1-2 Tbsp Olive oil
1 large onion, diced
4-5 garlic gloves
1 large sweet potato, cut into bite sized pieces
1 med zucchini, chopped
2 med carrots, chopped
1 head of broccoli, chopped
handful of green beans, cut into bite sized pieces
handful of spinach
1 large can diced tomatoes, no salt added
handful of mushrooms, sliced
turmeric, to taste
1 litre chicken broth
salt and pepper, to taste
oregano, to taste
basil, to taste

What to do with it:

1. in a large pot, heat olive oil
2. add onion, garlic and carrots to pot and  cook, stirring often for 5 mins
3. add green beans, zucchini to pot and stir well
4. mix in diced tomatoes, mushrooms and broccoli
5. pour broth into the pot and stir in seasonings
6. simmer for 20-30 mins (or until veggies are cooked enough for you)
7. Enjoy :)

Fries that don't end up on your thighs

I love potatoes. I would eat them all every day if my diet would allow it. Unfortunately, they're not the healthiest side dish. Thankfully, I also love sweet potatoes! This is a recipe that my momma made for us pretty often back in the day and was the only way I enjoyed them until recently. It's a great way to spice up a meal and takes pretty much no time at all to make! I love the combination of sweet and spicy it creates.

"Spicy Yam Oven Fries"

inspired by my wonderful mom!

Your shopping list:

1 1/2 - 2 yams or sweet potatoes
2 Tbsp soy sauce (or use tamari like my mom does. It's the best option if you're gluten intolerant because there's less wheat)
1 1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp mustard powder
1/4 tsp garlic podwer
1 Tbsp olive oil

What to do with it:

1. Preheat oven to 400 F
2. Cut the yams/sweet potatoes into thirds, then slice like fries and place in a medium sized bowl
3. Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl, and then pour over the fries
4. Arrange the fries on a baking sheet, and bake for approx 10 minutes.
5. Enjoy!