MOST RECENT POST...

Bible Food - The Book of Galatians

Image
For some strange reason, occasionally I get a whim to find out what people in the "Biblelands" would have eaten at the time of the writing of a particular piece.  Apart from the references to meat and dairy, much of what the people ate in those days, in that place, sounds like a good fit for a touring vegan.  Today we did a little dip into the Book of Galatians,  a letter (epistle) written by the apostle Paul to the Christian communities in Galatia.   Scholars date Galatians to around AD 48–55. If it was written earlier, it would be one of Paul's first letters, possibly before the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15, AD 49), which addressed the issue of Gentile converts following Jewish customs.   The main theme of the letter is justification by faith rather than adherence to the Mosaic Law. Paul strongly argues against the teaching that Gentile Christians must follow Jewish laws (like circumcision) to be saved. He defends his apostleship, emphasizes the role of grace, ...
Post a Comment

Recipe for Beet-Barley Borsch


This is another wonderful soup recipe from the collection of Wyona Hertwig, foodie, artist, and kind human. Many of her recipes reflect the garden produce, fruit and herbs that would have been used in the recipes of her Mennonite ancestors who came to Canada from ''Russland'' (Russia).

SOAK: 1 C. Barley groats, approximately 4 hours

IN SOUP POT:
  • 3 Qts. Water
  • 1 C. pre-soaked Barley
  • 2 medium Beets, coarse-grated
BRING TO BOIL.  Then TURN DOWN HEAT to SIMMER 30 - 45 minutes.
  • 1/2 C. Onion Flakes
  • 1/2 medium head of Cabbage, chopped fine
  • 2 Vegetable Bouillon Cubes
  • OPTIONAL: Add 1 or 2 C. crushed Tomatoes
  • EDIT: if you find this recipe to be too bland and want some suggestions for spicing it up, please see the comment below (from ''Unknown'') for great additions that she made to the soup. If you want to keep it vegan, you will probably want to nix the chicken bouillon, but you could add some poultry seasoning (the mix of herbs that generally go into cooking chicken). Please feel free to comment on what additions you made to the borscht recipe that made it more to your taste!
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
SERVE with a dollop of Cashew Sour Cream Recipe by whirling up the following in your blender:

CASHEW SOUR CREAM:
*1 C. Water
*1 C. raw Cashews (presoaking them in water softens them)
*1 T. Lemon juice
*1/2 tsp. Celtic Sea Salt
*1 T. Coconut Oil, melted over hot water

Health Note: According to Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consuming at least 3 grams of barley beta-glucan daily can help lower blood cholesterol levels, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Whole-grain barley, a fiber-rich grain, also helps regulate blood sugar by reducing the glucose response after meals. Regular consumption of barley-based breakfast cereals over several weeks to months can improve both cholesterol levels and blood sugar regulation. However, since barley contains gluten, it is not suitable for people with gluten-related disorders such as celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or wheat allergies.

Other Recipes of Wyona's that 
highlight barley as an ingredent include:











Comments

Anonymous said…
I made this soup and followed the cooking instructions other than roasting the beets before cooking. I found it to be bland and added salt, smoked garlic powder, provincial herb mix, dill and chicken bullion. I would not add the cabbage until later it the cooking process it was a little mushy
September 24, 2024 at 9:00 AM
Cynthia Zirkwitz said…
Thanks for the comment! I personally learn a lot from the real cooks who comment on here. Knowing what herbs and spices to use in a recipe is a feature of genius! I think when you mention ''provincial herb mix'' you meant what is commonly known as Herbes de Provence: ''an aromatic mixture of dried Provençal herbs and spices, which traditionally includes thyme, basil, rosemary, tarragon, savory, marjoram, oregano, and bay leaf.'' Used a lot in savory French recipes. A really great addition to any soup cook's pantry!
September 24, 2024 at 10:38 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Pecan Nut "Meatballs" Recipe (dairy-free, egg-free)

Image
Delicious Pecan Nut Meat Balls Looking for an easy recipe that amazes even the most jaded pallet? This delicious plant-based recipe for pecan nut meat balls fits the bill!  Ingredients: *4 C. Wholewheat or Gluten-Free Bread Crumbs or Cooked Rice (cool) *1 cups/120 g chopped Pecans *2 tablespoons/  Soy / Tamari Sauce *1/2 teaspoon/ 1.5 g  Sage *1/2 teaspoon/ 1.5 g  Thyme *1/2 teaspoon/1.5 g  Basil *1/2 cup/60 g  Celery , finely diced *1/2 cup/30 g  Parsley , chopped *1 tablespoon / 7.5 g.  Cornstarch or Tapioca Flour or Sweet White Rice Flour * 1 large Onion , chopped *1 tablespoon/15 g  Coconut Oil * 1 cup/240 ml.  Vegetable or Mushroom Broth (made with bouillion cubes or otherwise) METHOD: 1.      In a large bowl toss together the breadcrumbs (or rice), chopped pecans, soy sauce or tamari, sage, thyme, basil, celery, parsley and constarch. 2. SAUTE 1 chopped Onion in 1 tablespoon  Coconut Oi...
Read more

Recipe for Nuteena-like Sandwich Spread (Vegan) (Gluten-free)

Image
Popular Nuteena was removed in 2005 Wikipedia image Nuteena was a popular vegetarian sandwich spread (analog) that is no longer sold.  This is a homemade sandwich-filling recipe that strives to replicate the flavor and munching experience of the original. PUT IN BLENDER: *15 oz./425 g can garbanzo beans/chickpeas, drained (save liquid) *2/3 cup/ 160 ml garbanzo liquid (from can or liquid from cooking) *1 1/2 tablespoons/22 ml tomato paste *1/4  teaspoon/1.25 g onion powder *1/4 teaspoon/5 ml lemon juice 💞Blend all above ingredients until smooth. 🍜Pour into a large bowl and add following ingredients:  *2/3 cup/ 120 g olives, chopped *1/3 cup/80 g peanut butter Mix well.  🥪Makes 1 1/2 cups of yummy spread.   Delicious when topped with sprouts and minced sweet onion on crackers, or used as a sandwich filling with your favorite bread or bun. I would love to read your comments about this recipe-- have you tried it yet? Did you add or subtrac...
Read more

Shirley's Sweet and Sour Sauce

Image
Pineapple Sweet and Sour Sauce   This wonderful Sweet and Sour Pineapple sauce recipe from Elder Shirley Gong at the Port Alberni Adventist Church does not have some of the less attractive ingredients of commercial sauces (for example, no food coloring).  Use it as a sauce alternative for the Veggies and Pan Noodles , also a recipe of Shirley's.   INGREDIENTS Makes 6 Servings 1/2 C. Brown Sugar (or Coconut Palm Sugar) 11 T. Corn Starch 1 can Pineapple Chunks in Juice 1/3 C. Vinegar or Lemon Juice 1 T. Soy Sauce 1 small chopped Green Pepper METHOD: Mix Sugar and Starch together Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan, EXCEPT the pepper Heat slowly to a boil, stirring frequently. Add chopped Pepper Simmer 3 - 5 minutes. Add to your recipe.
Read more

3 Delicious Beet Recipes: Vegan & Gluten-Free:

Image
Why Cook with Beets? Beets are not only vibrant and flavorful but also packed with essential nutrients that make them a powerhouse ingredient in plant-based cooking. Healthy Beet Nutrition AI-generated image Nutritional Benefits of Beets: Rich in fiber – Supports digestion and gut health. High in folate (Vitamin B9) – Essential for cell growth and heart health. Loaded with nitrates – May help lower blood pressure and improve athletic performance. Good source of manganese – Supports bone health and metabolism. Contains Vitamin C – Boosts immune function and collagen production. Antioxidant powerhouse – Helps fight inflammation and oxidative stress. Whether roasted, blended, or shredded, beets bring a natural sweetness and earthy flavor to many dishes. Here are three delicious, gluten-free, and vegan recipes to showcase their versatility! 1. Gluten-Free, Vegan Best Beet Burger The Best Beet Burger-- Vegan and Gluten-Free AI-generated by Adobe Firefly. Makes 4 - 6 patties Ingredients: Bee...
Read more

Pecan Nut Roast (Vegan, No Added Oils, Gluten-Free)

Image
This pecan nut roast is one of the most popularly viewed recipes on this site.  And it should be cooked up anytime you want a simple, delicious, high nutrient-dense dish for your family or to take to a potluck. Watch this short video  where Dr. Michael Greger of NutritionFacts.org explains what scientific studies show to be the health benefits of the pecan in staving off cancer!  Measure and assemble the following ingredients: 4 C. Water 1 C. Pecan Halves (or pieces) 1 1/2 tsp. Salt 1 T. Chicken-style Seasoning (Optional) 1 T. Nutritional Yeast 1 T. Turmeric powder (Optional) 1 C. Chopped Onions 3 C. Rolled Oats Blend together: Water, Pecans, Salt, Chicken-Like Seasoning, Nutritional Yeast, Turmeric (no pecans?  Substitute walnut pieces). Add the blended items to a bowl.  Then ad in the onions and oats.   Let stand for at least 30 minutes. I laid down a layer of Parchment Paper in my pan-- you could just dust it with flour   Spo...
Read more

Gluten-Free Millet Pie Crust

Image
Here are two gluten-free vegan pie crust recipes using millet flour—one for a savory veggie pie and one for a banana cream pie. Each recipe includes the full instructions for the pie. Why Use Millet Flour? Millet flour is a nutritious, gluten-free alternative to wheat flour, offering a mild, slightly nutty flavor.  It’s rich in fiber, protein, and essential minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and iron, which support digestion, heart health, and energy metabolism. Millet also contains vitamins, and is particularly abundant in Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and B2 (Niacin), and is also a very good source of other B vitamins, including B9, folic acid.  Unlike over-refined flours, millet has a low glycemic index, making it a great choice for balanced blood sugar levels. Its light texture works well in both sweet and savory dishes, making it an excellent base for gluten-free baking. Savory Roasted Vegetables with Millet-Olive Oil Crust Savory Millet Crust for a delectable Roast Vegetable P...
Read more

Blueberry-Hibiscus Latte

Image
A blueberry hibiscus latte, sweetened with maple syrup, offers a creamy, caffeine-free burst of summer. Perfect for cozy chats or solo sips!   Here is another tasty hot drink that doesn't keep you awake at night with a caffeine surge. The blueberry flavor reminds me of my BFF Linda because we went through a period of drinking blueberry tea when we met for our little world-fixing chats back in the day! Hibiscus is described as a powerhouse of nutrition. There are also a couple of cautions worth knowing about. You can read more about it here . I actually have quite a few blueberries in my freezer, so this is something I can enjoy often. I guess you could also make this latte using both hibiscus and blueberry tea, but I think most blueberry tea powders have something in them to amp up the flavor and you are probably better off using something more natural. But you get to decide! Ingredients: (about 2 servings) *1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries or 2 tablespoons dried blueberries 💚 ...
Read more

Tunah Spread

Image
  Tunah Spread This is a very simple spread, a veganized version of tuna spread that can be used on sandwiches, wraps, in pitas, as a salad base, as a filling for buns, and as a snack spread on rice cakes.  The "secret" flavoring is a small amount of kelp or dulse or nori granules. **If you are on blood thinners or other medicines that your health person told you to limit your salt/sodium, please ask about the kelp in this recipe! This warning was on the package of kelp I used. Also, it is a good idea to ask the person in the Health Store where you buy the granulated sea vegetable if that is the best quality that they have in stock. Very cheap sea vegetable granules are more apt to be contaminated by impurities (such as sewage sludge!). But fortunately, there are very high quality organic, clean sea vegetable granules available as well.     Tempting Tunah Sandwich INGREDIENTS: 1  14-oz. can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed 1/2 cup (or less)...
Read more

Pineapple Chick'n and Rice Casserole (vegan)

Image
  Recreate the tropical flavors of Hawaii with this family-friendly vegan Pineapple "Chicken" Bake! Made with soy curls, coconut milk,  and crushed pineapple, it's a nostalgic, comforting dish perfect for potlucks. INGREDIENTS: 3 cups of mock chicken or soy curls cooked in chick'n broth and pressed dry ------------------------------- 1 1/2 cups uncooked rice or quinoa 1 cup coconut milk 1 1/4 c. water ----------------------- 1 cup broth + remaining coconut milk ---------------------------------------------- 1 red onion, chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped 2- 8 oz. cans of crushed pineapple (pour off juice) (green onion for garnish) This recipe is a family-friendly, vegan version of what is often called Hawaian Pineapple Chicken . It was a popular recipe for dinner parties in the 70s when so many people had begun to holiday in Hawaii and wanted to recreate that lovely experience. I veganized the conventional  recipe using soy curls and it was a big hit at a weekend p...
Read more

5 Recipes for 5-Ingredient Vegan Meatballs

Image
 New vegans and old vegans alike are often searching for recipes that are quick to put together, with as few ingredients as possible, and with the deliciousness factor that attracts the fussy and suits those with stricter dietary requirements (such as gluten-free).  Following are five simple recipes for vegan meatballs, each with only five basic ingredients. Each recipe is versatile and can be customized with your favorite spices or sauces! (5 5-ingredient sauce recipes HERE. ) Lentil-walnut vegan meatballs with spaghetti 1. Lentil-Walnut "Meatballs" Ingredients: 1 cup cooked lentils ½ cup finely chopped walnuts ½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed) 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari 1 tsp garlic powder Purchase Organic Lentils  from Amazon Canada   or from Amazon.com Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Mash the lentils with a fork or food processor until slightly chunky. Mix in walnuts, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Form into balls and place ...
Read more