The Story Behind the Recipe

Rhubarb Crisp is one of my more nostalgic desserts. My Grandma and Mom both would grow loads of rhubarb in the spring, and once the first stalks were picked, I knew a delicious Rhubarb Crisp wasn’t far behind. I’ve shared a recipe for Rhubarb Crisp in a Jar here in Kitchen Treaty, but I hadn’t yet done one in full crisp form.

Now, my Mom and Grandma always made straight-up rhubarb crisp – I never even tried the strawberry rhubarb combination until adulthood. And there is absolutely a place for a rhubarb-only situation AND one with strawberries!

This crisp is an exemplary example of the combo, which really does work so well together. The sweetness of the strawberries complement the tartness of the rhubarb so well. And so, today I’m sharing Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp recipe that rivals the rhubarb crisps my mom and Gran used to make, but makes me nostalgic nonetheless.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Recipe Ingredients

For the filling:

• Strawberries – You’ll need 1 1/2 pounds fresh strawberries, which amounts to about 4 cups. Take off the tops and cut them in half, or into quarters if they’re large.
• Rhubarb – You’ll want three large stalks, which comes out to about 4 cups sliced. I sliced them into pieces about 1/2-3/4″ thick.
• Sugar – Without it, rhubarb is tart!
• Orange zest & juice – The bright note of citrus really helps highlight the strawberry and rhubarb flavors.
• Vanilla – I am a huge fan of vanilla extract in my fruit crisps, and so I’ve got it in both the filling and the topping for this Rhubarb Strawberry Crisp recipe.
• Flour – A couple of tablespoons of all-purpose flour helps to thicken the filling.

For the oat crumble topping

• Oats – Rolled oats are a must for a crisp topping, in my book.
• Flour – Helps to hold the crisp together and give it body.
• Brown sugar – For rich sweetness.
• Pumpkin pie spice – This is the secret ingredient I was talking about! The combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves just really peps up this fruit crisp topping. You don’t strictly have to add it, but I do highly recommend it!
• Salt – I like to use a fine-grain sea salt in my baked goods.
• Pecans (optional) – Sometimes I like to add some finely chopped nuts to my crisp topping for some crunch and heft.
• Butter – Brings the crumble together and helps make it nice and crispy once it bakes.
• Vanilla – More vanilla because YUM!

Adaptations/Variations

• Gluten-Free Rhubarb Crisp – Swap oat flour for the all-purpose flour in the topping and cornstarch or tapioca flour for the flour in the berries. Use certified GF oats.
• Dairy-Free & Vegan Rhubarb Crisp – Use vegan butter.

How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

1. First, you’ll cut up your strawberries and rhubarb. Place them in a large bowl gently stir in the sugar, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla, and flour.
2. Pour the fruit filling into a 9″x13″ baking dish.
3. In another bowl, make the topping. Mix together the flour, oats, sugar, salt, and, if using, the pumpkin pie spice and pecans. Make sure it’s well-combined.
4. Melt the butter and pour it over the top along with the vanilla extract.
5. With a spatula or wooden spoon, stir the melted butter into the crumble mixture until it’s all moistened and holds together when you squeeze it.
6. Evenly distribute the crumb topping over the top.
7. Bake your Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is browned.
8. Remove from oven and let it cool for 15-30 minutes to thicken a bit.
9. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Both heavenly!

Jump to the full, printable recipe

I hope this old-fashioned strawberry rhubarb crisp is as nostalgic – and delicious – for you and your family as it is for us! It’s super easy to whip up and helps make use of the inevitably huge rhubarb harvest that happens every spring. What a great problem to have!

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Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

A juicy, sweet, tart rhubarb-strawberry filling topped with a crunchy streusel topping. What fruit crisp dreams are made of!

Course Dessert

Keyword rhubarb strawberry crisp, strawberry rhubarb crisp, strawberry rhubarb crisp recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes minutes

Total Time 50 minutes minutes

Servings 12

Calories 282kcal

Author Kare

Equipment

• 1 9×13 baking pan

Ingredients

For the filling

• 1 1/2 pounds fresh strawberries 5 cups; hulled and halved or quartered if larger berries
• 1 pound rhubarb 4 cups; about 3 large stalks
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar 145g
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice 14g
• 1 teaspoon pure vanille extract
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the crumble topping

• 1 cup rolled oats 105g
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 105g
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar 120g
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice optional but highly recommended!
• 1/8 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt 2g
• 1/2 cups chopped pecans optional
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter 8 ounces/1 stick; melted
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Prep the berries & rhubarb

• Place the strawberries and rhubarb in a large bowl. Stir in the granulated sugar, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons flour until well-combined. Pour into a 9"x13" baking dish.

Make the topping

• In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, oats, sugar, salt and the pumpkin pie spice and pecans if using.
• Add the melted butter and vanilla and stir together until combined.
• Pour the crumble topping over the top of the rhubarb and strawberries making sure to cover all of the fruit.

Bake

• Bake until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is golden brown, 35-45 minutes. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

Gluten-Free Option:

Swap oat flour for the all-purpose flour in the topping and cornstarch or tapioca flour for the flour in the berries. Use certified GF oats.

Dairy-Free/Vegan Option:

Use vegan butter.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 282kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 32mg | Potassium: 274mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 288IU | Vitamin C: 37mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 1mg

More Fruit Crisp Recipes

• Apple Cranberry Crisp
• Rhubarb Crisp in a Jar
• Cherry Crumble

The post Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

Start here if you’re new to grain bowls:

• Learn the basic formula
• Jump to easy recipe ideas

I know it’s going to be an excellent week when I’ve got all of my grain bowl components prepped and in the fridge for fast, easy, and healthy meals all week long.

If Grain Bowls look intimidating to you or you’re just not sure how to build one, or if you’re looking for new buddha bowl ideas, this is the article for you! My aim is to include loads of options and inspiration – I want to bowl you over with grain bowl ideas! I know, I know, that was a stretch. Carrying on …

What is a Grain Bowl?

Grain bowls aren’t actually new – they’re more like a modern name for a very classic way of eating: building a meal around a grain, then adding vegetables, protein, and sauce.

Across many food cultures, this “base + toppings” structure has existed for centuries. In Asia, it shows up in rice bowls like bibimbap. In the Mediterranean and Middle East, it appears in grain-and-legume-based meals paired with vegetables, herbs, and yogurt or tahini sauces. Worldwide, people have long combined starches, vegetables, and proteins in a single bowl.

What is on the newer is the Western “grain bowl” trend, which grew popular in the 2010s along with interest in meal prep, plant-based eating, and customizable “build-your-own” meals. The appeal is simple: grain bowls are flexible, balanced, and endlessly adaptable.

What is a Buddha Bowl?

A Buddha Bowl is essentially a grain bowl but vegetarian or vegan. It’s more veggie-forward and often served cold or room temp, which makes it even easier to prep ahead (no reheating when serving!)

But why is it called a Buddha Bowl? Apparently because a full bowl resembles the rounded “belly-like” appearance of Buddha. It could also be because it’s connected loosely to Buddhist-inspired vegetarian eating traditions.

Why You’ll Love Grain Bowls

• Perfect for meal prep – I’ll often prepare a grain, roast a vegetable, clean some greens, and make a sauce, then keep the components in the fridge. Then it’s just a matter of opening a can of beans, chopping up an avocado or another veg, and assembling the bowl.
• Solves the lunch conundrum – I don’t know if it’s just me, but lunch is the most difficult meal of the day! It’s so hard to come up with healthy vegetarian options that come together quickly (it’s the time of day when I have the smallest amount of time). So when I’ve got grain bowl ingredients prepped and ready, lunch is a breeze.
• SO easy – Once you have the components prepped, it’s super easy to assemble grain bowls for quick nutritious meals.
• Endlessly customizable – Hate kale? Swap in some arugula! Not a fan of tofu? There are plenty of other protein options available! It’s super easy to create your very own “house” grain bowl that is fine-tuned to your tastes.

How to Make A Grain Bowl

1. First, add your grain base.
2. Next, arrange the main veggie(s) to the side.
3. Add the protein.
4. Pile on the greens.
5. Add toppings and garnishes.
6. Drizzle with sauce.
7. Devour!

Easy Grain Bowl Recipe Ideas

With all of the ingredient options available to you, the combos are pretty much endless. But here are some of my favorites:

Sweet Potato & Chickpea Grain Bowl

Quinoa with roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, shredded kale, and a delicious green goddess dressing, lots of pickled red onions, pepitas, creamy avocado, and micro-greens.

Black Bean & Sweet Potato Grain Bowl

Brown rice topped with crisp lettuce, black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, avocado, and cilantro lime dressing. Pepitas are a great addition too!

Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Rice, farro, or bulgur with roasted or fresh red bell peppers, cucumber, spinach, and chickpeas with crumbled feta and Kalamata olives. Drizzle with Greek salad dressing or Tzatziki sauce, or add a generous dollop of hummus.

Peanut Thai Veggie Grain Bowl

On a base of brown rice, add crispy pan-fried tofu, fresh spinach, steamed broccoli, and sliced bell peppers. Drizzle with peanut sauce and garnish with salted peanuts.

Veggie Sushi Grain Bowl

Seasoned rice with carrots, cucumbers, avocado, edamame, sesame seeds, and sesame-wasabi dressing. Yum!

Meal Prepping Grain Bowls

One of the best things about buddha bowls? They’re perfect for meal prep.

I pick a protein and a grain, and start with prepping those. Place them in an airtight container and place them in the fridge, then prep your veggies. Store those in the fridge, and whip up some sauce. Place that in a jar or container. Now you have a whole grain bowl meal prep kit on your refrigerator shelf for super easy lunches and dinner all week long!

I hope that having more information about how to make a grain bowl is inspiring to you! I just love that they’re so great for meal prep and are so easy to customize to match any craving I might have. Here’s to beautiful Buddha bowls in your future!

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Grain Bowl Formula (How to Build a Perfect Buddha Bowl)

Grain bowls (also known as Buddha Bowls) are my favorite way to make sure I'm getting a good amount of veggies and fiber in my diet. They're full of nutrients, ridiculously satisfying, perfect for prepping ahead of time, and endlessly customizable!

Course dinner, lunch

Diet Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword buddha bowl, grain bowl

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 1 bowl

Author Kare

Ingredients

1/2 cup grain base (choose one)

• rice white or brown
• farro
• quinoa not a grain but a seed that acts like a grain
• bulgur
• couscous a pasta, but behaves like a grain
• buckwheat

3/4 cup protein (choose one)

• tofu baked tofu, pan-fried tofu, or air-fryer tofu
• edamame
• chickpeas
• black beans
• white beans like navy beans or cannellini beans
• cooked lentils
• peas
• chopped hard-boiled eggs

1 cup veggies (1/2 cup roasted or fresh veg + 1/2 cup greens)

• roasted sweet potatoes
• roasted butternut squash
• roasted cauliflower
• roasted broccoli
• roasted carrots
• sliced cucumbers
• shredded raw carrots
• cherry tomatoes
• sliced bell peppers
• baby arugula
• baby spinach
• shredded kale
• shredded cabbage
• shredded romaine lettuce
• mixed spring greens

1/4 cup garnish/toppings (choose one or more)

• avocado
• pickled red onions
• fresh herbs
• cheese if dairy is ok
• micro-greens
• pumpkin seeds
• sunflower seeds
• sesame seeds
• hemp seeds
• chopped nuts
• olives

3 tablespoons sauce/dressing (choose one)

• lemon tahini sauce
• green goddess dressing
• cilantro lime sauce
• pesto
• peanut sauce
• vinaigrette

Instructions

• Place the grains in a medium-size serving bowl. Arrange the protein, veggies, greens, and garnish/toppings over the grains. Drizzle with dressing and serve.

Notes

Cooking time is basically just for assembly, not for cooking individual components. 

The post Grain Bowl Formula (How to Build a Perfect Buddha Bowl) appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

The combination of textures in a creamy, full-of-flavor dressing are, in a phrase, on point.

Red grapes add a sweet, juicy bite, and toasted pecans + bits of crunchy celery add a satisfying crunch. And that creamy dressing, made with tangy Greek yogurt, mayo, lemon and dill … this creamy chickpea salad is so, SO good stuffed inside a croissant.

The Story Behind the Recipe

I’m always excited about the recipes I share with you, but this creamy chickpea salad sandwich is one that I’m extra excited about. It hits on all fronts: It’s super easy to make, perfect for making ahead, and – oh yeah – tastes amazing!

I’ve been seeing a lot of chicken salad recipes with grapes and pecans, and I felt driven to make a version with chickpeas. I am SO GLAD I DID.

Ingredients

For the chickpea salad:

• Chickpeas – I use two cans, which equates to about four cups of chickpeas.
• Pecans – Chop them pretty finely and toast them. Worth it!
• Celery – For that classic chicken salad flavor and a bit of satisfying crunch.
• Onion – Red onion is perfect. I mince it VERY finely because I love the flavor and the bit of crunch but don’t want to find a huge piece of onion in my chickpea salad sandwich.
• Grapes – Many chicken salad recipes called for halved grapes, but I go one step further and quarter them. For me, this just makes more sense for a chickpea version because chickpeas are on the smaller side and in something like this, the textures are more satisfying when the sizes can match up. Plus, you’re more likely to get a sweet juicy grape in very bite!

For the dressing:

• Greek yogurt – Full fat, plain. Sour cream will work as a sub, too, but I like the added health benefits of Greek yogurt (protein, probiotics, etc.) (source)
• Mayonnaise – Adds another note of creamy flavor. Use your favorite brand.
• Lemon juice – From one medium or large juicy lemon.
• Dill – You can use fresh minced dill, or I’ve provided an option for dried dill if that’s what you have on hand.
• Salt & pepper – This one calls for quite a bit of salt because in my opinion, the chickpeas and Greek yogurt need it. If you’re not sure or don’t like a lot of salt, go ahead and start with 1/2 teaspoon then add more at the end if you feel it needs it.

For the sandwiches:

• Croissants – HIGHLY recommend filling croissants with this creamy chickpea salad. But you can also use plain ol’ bread if you prefer.

Tips for Success

• Toast the pecans first. This will give them a chance to cool off a bit before you add them to the salad.
• Mash the chickpea salad. But only a little! This helps the chickpea salad to hold together a bit better inside your sandwiches.

I hope this Creamy Chickpea Salad Sandwich is a winner for you, too! I threw this one together, tweaking here and there where I felt it needed it, and on first taste I thought it was an immediate homerun. It’s SO awesome for making ahead and keeping in the fridge for quick and easy lunches and snacks. Winner winner chickpea dinner!

Favorite Chickpea Recipes

• Vegetarian Tuna Salad Sandwiches with Chickpeas
• Buffalo Chickpea Green Salad
• Massaged Kale Salad with Chickpeas and Avocado
• Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Noodle Casserole
• Chickpea & Tomato Curry

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Creamy Chickpea Salad Sandwiches with Red Grapes & Toasted Pecans Recipe

Chickpeas, juicy grapes, crunchy pecans, and celery in a creamy lemon-dill dressing, piled into buttery croissants and devoured! This creamy Chickpea Salad Sandwich might just be the BEST (and easiest!) vegetarian sandwich!

Course lunch

Keyword chickpea chicken salad, chickpea salad, chickpea salad sandwich, creamy chickpea salad, vegetarian chicken salad

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 411kcal

Author Kare

Ingredients

For the chickpea salad:

• 1/2 cup pecans chopped and toasted
• 2 15-ounce cans chickpeas drained and rinsed
• 1 cup diced celery about 2 stalks
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion about 1/2 small onion
• 1 cup red grapes quartered

For the dressing:

• 2/3 cup Greek yogurt can substitute sour cream
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh minced dill or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried dill
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt + more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper + more to taste

For the sandwiches:

• 6 croissants

Instructions

Toast the pecans

• Lightly chop the pecans and add them to a medium skillet over medium heat. Toast, stirring occasionally until fragrant and ever so lightly golden. Remove from heat. When toasting nuts, you want to be sure to remove them from the heat before you think you need to, because they will continue toasting off heat and can burn easily.

Prep chickpea salad ingredients

• To a large bowl, add the chickpeas, celery, onion, grapes, and toasted pecans. Toss gently to mix together.

Make the dressing

• To a small bowl, add the Greek yogurt, mayo, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until combined.

Mix the salad

• Pour the salad dressing over the salad ingredients and combine well.
• Using a potato masher, mash the salad 3-4 times just to smash a few chickpeas then remix it all together. This will help it to be more homogenous and hold together better when inside the sandwich.
• Taste the chickpea salad and add more salt and pepper if desired.

Assemble sandwiches

• Slice croissants in half horizontally and add 3/4 cup to 1 cup of chickpea salad to the bottom half of the croissant. Top with other half. Cut in half vertically and serve.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

Vegan option:

The mayo and Greek yogurt make this non-vegan as-is, but a couple of simple swaps will get you there. I’d recommend vegan mayo and either store-bought or homemade vegan sour cream for the Greek yogurt.

Gluten-free option: 

Use a gluten-free croissant or a couple of slices of your favorite GF bread. Or just serve this up on a bed of lettuce and bypass the bread altogether.

Meat option:

If you’re making sandwiches for meat-eaters and vegetarians eating together, I’d divide the pecans, grapes, celery, and onion between two medium-size bowls. Add half the chickpeas to one and about a cup of cooked, chopped chicken to the other. Divide the dressing between the bowls and mix together. Voila! Chicken salad and chickpea “chicken” salad!

 

 

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwich | Calories: 411kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 708mg | Potassium: 244mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 536IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 2mg

The post Creamy Chickpea Salad Sandwich with Red Grapes & Pecans Recipe appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

I know that garlic bread is pretty straightforward, but over the years, I’ve perfected the recipe for amazing garlic herb bread, and I thought it was time I share!

Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Recipe
• Why You’ll Love This Garlic Bread
• Ingredients
• Adaptations/Variations
• How to Make Garlic Bread
• Tips for Success
• What to Serve with Garlic Bread

• Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
• Read Comments & Reviews

The Story Behind the Recipe

I know, I know – garlic herb bread is super easy, so why publish recipe for it? Well … I’ve made a lot of it over the years, and I just thought it was overdue! So here I am. Everyone needs a good simple garlic bread recipe!

That’s it – that’s the story.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Bread

My recipe calls for chopped fresh garlic that’s first lightly sautéed in olive oil to help tame the spicy bite that fresh garlic sometimes delivers.

The bonus is that this warm olive oil helps soften the butter for spreading over your French bread. Perfect!

It’s SO easy to make, and it’s a hit with everyone every time.

Ingredients

• French bread – The typical big loaf of French bread that you find in the bakery department of most grocery stores.
• Garlic – Lots of it! You’ll want four medium fresh cloves of garlic, minced finely.
• Olive oil – For sautéing the garlic and adding a bit of flavor.
• Butter – I start with unsalted to better control the level of salt in the recipe. Try to start with room temp butter or butter that’s close to it. The warm olive oil will help, too.
• Parsley – I like a good amount of chopped fresh parsley in my garlic bread. It adds some visual interest and tastes great!
• Salt – I like to use a coarse kosher salt in my garlic bread recipe, which really helps to highlight the flavors.

Adaptations/Variations

• Extra herby garlic herb bread – Include some fresh thyme or rosemary for more herbal deliciousness.
• More garlic, mo’ better! – Add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for extra garlic goodness!
• Vegan/dairy-free – Sub in your favorite vegan/dairy buttery substitute.
• Gluten-free – You can use the garlic butter spread on just about any bread you like, including a GF loaf!
• Garlic bread from baguette – Just smear the filling inside a baguette instead of French bread. The instructions will be the same.

How to Make Garlic Bread

I first like to start by warming my fresh garlic with some olive oil to help cook it. Then, mix the garlic and olive oil with the butter, salt, and parsley.

Cut your French bread loaf in half lengthwise, and smear the garlic butter equally on each half. Place the loaf back together, and wrap in foil. Place on a baking sheet and bake.

Then, open it up, keeping the foil on the baking sheet to help with easy clean-up, and bake it a bit more until completely melted and crisped up around the edges.

Place the two halves of the bread back together, slice, and serve!

Tips for Success

• Make sure your butter is as soft as possible. Move it out of the fridge an hour or two in advance, or in a pinch, you can try microwaving it to brown it, but try to avoid completely melting it, because it’s harder to spread that way.
• Do NOT let the garlic turn brown in the olive oil. When I was taking a culinary course, I participated in an exercise that demonstrated how browned/burned garlic can add an unpleasant bitter flavor. We cooked up two batches of garlic, allowing one to brown, and then placed both batches in water and had to taste the water. The brown garlic colored the water brown and, yup, it tasted SO bitter! I am SO careful not to let my garlic get super golden or brown in all of my recipes now.

I hope this becomes your go-to garlic bread recipe like it has become mine! It’s a super delicious way to make a buttery, garlicky bread that goes well with so many different dishes.

What to Serve with Garlic Bread

• Soup! In a few days, I’m sharing a Vegetable Lasagna Soup that practically begs for buttery, garlicky bread, so stay tuned! It’s equally delicious with a thicker soup like this Roasted Winter Veggie Chowder or Hearty Bean Stew.
• Pasta! Serve it up with red lentil pasta sauce over spaghetti or with creamy pumpkin pasta.

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Easy Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe

Buttery, garlicky perfection! This homemade garlic bread is easy and delicious, with a couple of tricks for perfect garlic bread goodness.

Keyword garlic bread, garlic herb bread, homemade garlic bread

Servings 8

Calories 272kcal

Author Kare

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic minced finely
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley minced finely
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place a large sheet of foil on a large baking sheet.
• Cut your loaf of French bread in half length-wise (horizontally), so that you have two big slabs, a top and a bottom. Set it on the foil with the cut part up.
• Set a small saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil. When hot, add the garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and tender but not browned at all. Remove from heat.
• Place the butter in a small or medium bowl and mash it with a fork. Add the garlic and olive oil mix, salt, and parsley. Mix well.
• Using a spatula or butter knife, slather the butter mixture onto the two halves of your French bread.
• Put the bread together and wrap it with foil.
• Bake in the foil for 10 minutes, then open up the foil and lay it on the pan, and open up the bread so that the buttered sides are facing up. Bake for 10-15 more minutes, until the butter is completely melted and the edges of the bread are lightly browned.
• Remove from the oven, place the halves back together, and cut into slices. Serve.

Notes

Vegan/dairy-free option:

Sub in your favorite vegan/dairy buttery substitute.

Gluten-free option:

You can use the garlic butter spread on just about any bread you like, including a GF loaf!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 272kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 522mg | Potassium: 78mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 513IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 2mg

The post Garlic Bread Recipe appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

We’ve got chickpeas, broccoli, and pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce, topped with cheddar and baked until melty and bubbling. Vegetarians don’t have to miss out on the casserole comfort when we have this cheesy, creamy chickpeas with pasta recipe!

Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Recipe
• Why You’ll Love This Chickpeas with Pasta Recipe
• Ingredients
• Adaptations/Variations
• How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Noodle Casserole
• Tips for Success
• More Chickpea Comfort Food Recipes
• Get Good Recipe Karma

• Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
• Read Comments & Reviews

The Story Behind the Recipe

Fall is just about here, and with it, I’m craving all the comfort food. I’m also craving easy dinner recipes that have the bonus of easy leftovers for lunches or another dinner later on in the week. I’m also craving pasta and creamy broccoli cheddar.

Basically, this Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Noodle Casserole is the result of all of my cravings.

I wanted to riff on tuna noodle casserole, but make it vegetarian, hence the chickpeas … but then I was really liking the idea of adding a cheesy component, and broccoli seemed like a natural addition.

I wrote down a recipe I thought would work and gave it a try, fully expecting to have to tweak it before the recipe hit prime time. It was perfect the first time. I LOVE it when that happens!

Why You’ll Love This Chickpeas with Pasta Recipe

It’s easy to make with homemade, wholesome ingredients. It starts with onion and garlic and some seasonings, then we add flour to make a roux. From there, we add veggie broth, milk, and cheese, creating a full-of-flavor, luxuriously creamy sauce. Stir in the pasta and broccoli and pour it into a casserole dish. Top with cheese, bake until bubbly, dig in!

All you need is a simple salad with a light vinaigrette alongside, or even just a hunk of bread, considering your casserole has some veggies already!

Ingredients

• Pasta – I love using curly pasta (rotini shape) in my chickpea pasta casserole. For an added boost of protein and in keeping with the theme, I like to opt for chickpea pasta, but plain ol’ pasta will do.
• Broccoli – You’ll want it blanched so that it’s cooked just right when you serve your casserole. It’s a pain to cook it separately, so I like to throw the broccoli in with the pasta in the last couple of minutes of cooking. Easy peasy way to accomplish blanched broccoli!
• Butter – I like to use unsalted in order to better control the overall salt levels. You can use half and half olive oil and butter instead, if you want to add a dose of healthy fats.
• Flour – To thicken the sauce for a luxuriously creamy result.
• Thyme, dried mustard, and smoked paprika – These herbs/seasonings add some nice flavor notes and highlight the cheesy flavor.
• Onion & garlic – For a nice backbone of flavor.
• Veggie broth – Grab some low-sodium vegetable broth at the store, or save your scraps and make vegetable broth in your Crock Pot!
• Milk – You can use dairy milk or your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk. I like to use full-fat oat milk in this one just because it’s super creamy and it’s what I usually have on hand.
• Chickpeas – One can (about 1 1/2 cups), drained and rinsed.
• Cheddar cheese – I like to use sharp cheddar for a nice cheesy boost of flavor.
• Salt & pepper

Adaptations/Variations

• Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Noodle Casserole: Substitute vegan butter, vegan milk, and vegan cheddar, or you can even leave out the cheese entirely. It will still have excellent flavor!
• Vegan Chickpea Noodle Casserole: Leave out the cheese and top with breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs. You can even sauté some celery and red bell pepper and/or add some cauliflower florets with the broccoli to increase the veggie factor.
• Gluten-Free Chickpea Noodle Casserole: Use chickpea pasta or swap in brown rice pasta or another gluten-free pasta.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Noodle Casserole

First, you’ll want to cook the pasta, but only to al dente (it will cook the rest of the way in the oven). In the last couple of minutes of cooking the pasta, toss in the broccoli so it’ll blanch. Drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander and set aside.

Next, you’ll make the creamy sauce. Just sauté the onion, add the flour and seasonings and cook, stirring frequently, then add the garlic.

Slowly pour in the broth and milk, stirring frequently, until thick and rich.

Now, you’ll toss in the cooked pasta and broccoli as well as the chickpeas and some of the cheddar. Taste and add more salt and pepper if you like.

Scoop the mix evenly into the baking dish and top with the rest of the cheese.

Bake until bubbly comfort food casserole perfection and devour!

Tips for Success

• Cook the pasta JUST until al dente. Otherwise, the end result might have mushy, overcooked pasta.
• Cook the flour for the full three minutes. This is important to prevent any raw flour taste.

More Chickpea Comfort Food Recipes

• BBQ Chickpea Sloppy Joes
• Slow Cooker Pumpkin, Chickpea, & Red Lentil Curry
• Vegetarian Chicken Noodle Soup (with chickpeas)
• Lemon Chickpea Orzo Soup
• Chickpea & Rice Soup
• Chickpea Tomato Curry
• Vegetarian Wellington
• Vegetarian White Bean Chili

Get Good Recipe Karma

If you love this recipe (or even if you don’t!) please, please, please come back and leave a rating! It’s so helpful for me to make sure this chickpea casserole recipe is just right – and it’s super beneficial for other readers, too.

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Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Noodle Casserole Recipe

Creamy, cheesy, full-of-flavor and super satisfying! This cozy chickpea casserole hits all the right notes and makes the perfect comfort-food meal.

Keyword broccoli cheddar chickpea noodle casserole, chickpea casserole, chickpea pasta, chickpeas with pasta recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Calories 493kcal

Author Kare

Ingredients

• 8 ounces rotini pasta I like to use chickpea rotini pasta to increase the protein
• 4 cups broccoli florets 1/2-inch to 1-inch in size
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion diced
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 medium cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk I use full-fat unsweetened oat milk but 2% or whole milk work too
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt + more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper + more to taste
• 15 ounces chickpeas 1 can, drained and rinsed
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese about 6 ounces; shredded; divided

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F and have an 8"x8" baking dish ready.
• Cook the pasta JUST TO AL DENTE, according to package directions. When the pasta has about 2 minutes left to cook, add the broccoli to the still-cooking pasta. Drain the pasta and broccoli and set it aside.
• Set a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter in the pot, then add the onions. Saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the flour, thyme, dry mustard, and smoked paprika and cook, stirring continuously for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
• Slowly pour in the vegetable broth, whisking continuously. Add the milk. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
• Stir in the cooked pasta and broccoli, the drained can of chickpeas, and 2 cups of the cheese. Taste and add more salt and pepper if desired.
• Pour the mixture into your baking dish and top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar, spreading it evenly over the top.
• Bake until bubbly and the cheese is melted, 20-25 minutes. Serve.

Notes

Storage/reheating notes:

Cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm leftovers in the microwave or gently over the stovetop (you can add a splash of water or broth if needed).

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 493kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 865mg | Potassium: 412mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1193IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 414mg | Iron: 5mg

The post Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Noodle Casserole Recipe appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

This fresh and easy Greek pasta salad brings orzo pasta, veggies, olives, and feta together with a Greek vinaigrette, and it’s absolutely divine. One of my fave pasta salad recipes yet!

I love this fresh and easy pasta salad so much. It’s packed with fresh veggies – crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy red bell peppers. Fresh mint and parsley add bright flavor. Then there’s the full-of-flavor, Greek-salad inspired vinaigrette with oregano and Dijon mustard.

Oh, and can’t forget the Kalamata olives and salty feta. And tender orzo. Basically this salad is a conglomeration of everything I love. Except the word “conglomeration” is not the tastiest-sounding word, but I’m sure you catch my drift. It’s DELISH.

Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Recipe
• Why You’ll Love Greek Orzo Salad
• Ingredients
• Adaptations/Variations
• How to Make Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
• Tips for Success
• More Pasta Salad Recipes

• Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
• Read Comments & Reviews

The Story Behind the Recipe

I’m a huge fan of pasta salad, and especially orzo pasta salad. There’s just something about that rice-sized pasta that works so well in a pasta salad, soaking up the flavors around it, adding amazing texture, yet letting the veggies shine.

In the past, I’ve created an orzo chickpea olive salad, an orzo chickpea cherry tomato salad, and an orzo pasta salad with hazelnuts and cherries.

But I’ve been on a massive Greek salad kick this year, so it was time to combine the classic elements of Greek salad with pasta salad, and here we are: Greek Orzo Pasta Salad.

Why You’ll Love Greek Orzo Salad

Well, for one, this salad tastes amazing! It’s so fresh and lively.

It’s also super meal-prep friendly: It’s one of those refrigerator-friendly salads that you can make ahead of time and enjoy all week long as a side dish or easy lunch salad.

It’s also the perfect potluck or BBQ salad. Be prepared for recipe requests!

Ingredients

• Orzo pasta: You’ll want about half a box, or 8 ounces, of orzo.
• Cherry tomatoes: Grape tomatoes will work, too. Cut them in half, or, if they’re large, go ahead and quarter them.
• English cucumber: I love English cucumbers because you don’t have to peel them and they’re always crisp and full of flavor. If you use a standard cuke, you’ll want to peel it first. Persian cucumbers are great in this, too!
• Red bell pepper: Feel free to substitute orange or yellow if you like. Bonus: An even MORE colorful Greek pasta salad!
• Feta: I love the salty and creamy notes feta adds to the mix. It also doesn’t get more Greek than that!
• Kalamata olives: Grab the already-pitted ones to make it easier on yourself.
• Parsley & mint: Fresh herbs add so much flavor and pretty color.

For the dressing:

• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Red wine vinegar: White wine vinegar or champagne vinegar will also work.
• Dijon mustard: Adds flavor and emulsifies the dressing.
• Garlic: Finely mince it, or use a Microplane zester to get it extra fine.
• Oregano, salt, & pepper

Adaptations/Variations

• Add 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (shown in the ingredients photo but not strictly necessary) for a bonus boost of flavor.
• Swap the orzo for a straight-up Greek pasta salad: You don’t have to use orzo if you can’t find it or don’t want to! Any small or medium pasta shape will do. Small shells or rotini are especially good.
• Vegan option: Omit the feta cheese. This salad is still delicious without it! You might want to add a pinch or two extra of salt, or some extra olives, to compensate for it. 
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free orzo pasta. 

How to Make Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

First, you’ll want to cook the orzo so that it has time to cool.

Next, mix together the vinaigrette. I love the shortcut of mixing the vinaigrette right in the bottom of the salad bowl. Less dishes!

Then, add the veggies, feta, olives, and herbs to the bowl along with the cooled orzo.

From there, toss everything together. You’re done!

Tips for Success

• For the flavors to really meld, place your Greek orzo pasta salad in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
• You can make this salad up to 4 days ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a quick stir to freshen it up before serving. I might sprinkle a few extra fresh herbs on top right before serving too, just to make it look extra pretty.

More Pasta Salad Recipes

• Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad
• Chickpea Orzo Salad with Olives & Capers
• Cherry Tomato Chickpea Orzo Salad
• Pea Pesto Pasta Salad
• Cherry Hazelnut Orzo Salad

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Greek Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe

The perfect combo of pasta salad + Greek salad! Fresh, crisp veggies pair up with tender pasta, fresh herbs, salty Kalamata olives, and creamy feta plus a full-of-flavor Greek vinaigrette.

Keyword greek orzo salad, greek pasta salad

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Calories 207kcal

Author Kare

Ingredients

For the salad:

• 8 ounces orzo pasta about 1 1/3 cups
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1/2 English cucumber chopped; about 1 cup
• 1/2 red bell pepper diced; about 1 cup
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint minced

For the Greek vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove minced or finely grated
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

• Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and let cool. If you're in a hurry, you can rinse it with cold water to cool it, but I prefer not to rinse if it I can avoid it.
• Make the Greek vinaigrette right in your salad bowl. Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a large bowl until emulsified.
• Add the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, feta, olives, parsley, and mint to the bowl.
• Add the cooled orzo to the bowl.
• Stir gently but thoroughly, coating all of the ingredients with the vinaigrette.
• Serve immediately, or, for best flavor, chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to melt together.

Notes

Vegan option: 

Omit the feta cheese. This salad is still delicious without it! You might want to add a pinch or two extra of salt, or some extra olives, to compensate for it. 

Gluten-free option:

Use gluten-free orzo pasta. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 207kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 331mg | Potassium: 174mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 540IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Greek Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

Juicy, sweet-tart cherry pie filling is topped with a crunchy, buttery lid and baked until bubbling and golden brown, and it is SO good! Though, I have to say, Cherry Crumble is even better when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Cherry Crumble is so easy to make and super portable – perfect to bring to potlucks, BBQs, and parties. Just beware, because this might be all people request from here on out!

Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Recipe
• Cherry Crumble Ingredients
• Adaptations/Variations
• How to Make Cherry Crumble
• Tips for Success
• More Cherry Recipes
• More Easy Dessert Recipes

• Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
• Read Comments & Reviews

The Story Behind the Recipe

I don’t know what it is about cherry desserts, but they’re SO good! Especially recipes with canned cherry pie filling. I admit, I go back and forth on ingredients like canned cherry pie filling because I have sort of been conditioned to use “whole foods,” and store-bought canned cherry pie filling often contains a couple of ingredients that don’t necessarily fit into that category.

But canned cherry pie filling is, frankly, absolutely delicious. And I now believe in more of an “everything in moderation” mindset. Plus, it’s such an easy shortcut for when you need a fast and easy dessert. So, I say, embrace the canned pie filling! (If you’d still rather go homemade, I suggest this homemade cherry pie filling recipe which uses frozen cherries. Brilliant!)

This cherry crumble could just as easily be called a cherry crisp, but because there aren’t a ton of oats in the topping and there is more filling than the crisps I’m used to, I decided to call it a crumble.

Cherry Crumble Ingredients

The list of ingredients for this cherry crumble is really simple! Here’s what we’ve got:

For the cherry filling:

• Cherry pie filling – The canned stuff you find in the baking section at your local grocery store. This recipe calls for two cans – lots of cherries! Yum!
• Sugar – Plain old white granulated sugar.
• Cornstarch – This helps thicken the filling so it stays together a bit better.
• Lemon juice & zest – Bright lemon flavor helps to balance the sweetness of the pie filling.
• Vanilla – Pure vanilla extract adds an extra note of flavor. You can leave this ingredient out if you like.

For the crumble topping:

• Flour – All-purpose flour is used here, though whole wheat flour would work.
• Rolled oats – I use thick rolled oats, not quick cooking, though I’d imagine quick oats would be fine too.
• Brown sugar – I prefer light brown sugar in this cherry crumble.
• Cinnamon – This perks up the flavors in the crumble and pairs so well with the cherries.
• Salt – Helps enhance the flavors and counteract the sweetness.
• Butter – Make sure it’s cold!

Adaptations/Variations

• Vegan option: All you need to make this vegan is to swap out the butter for vegan butter or coconut oil.
• Gluten-free option: Replace the flour in the topping with oat flour or a one-for-one gluten-free flour substitute.

How to Make Cherry Crumble

First, add the cherry filling ingredients to a bowl and combine. If you have a few little lumps of cornstarch, it’s okay – they’ll dissolve when you cook your cherry crumble.

Then, pour the cherry filling into a casserole dish.

Mix together the crumble topping by tossing together all of the ingredients except the butter. Then, cut the butter into small cubes and distribute it into the dry ingredients with a pastry blender or your fingers.

Spread it evenly over the top of the cherry filling.

Now, it’s time to bake!

It takes a bit to bake, but it’s worth it. Cook for nearly an hour, until the cherry filling is deliciously bubbly and the top is browned.

Tips for Success

• Start with cold butter, straight from the fridge. Room-temp butter won’t develop into crumbs for the crumbly topping, resulting in a soggier topping.
• Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipping cream. The cool, creamy counterpoint goes perfectly with the sweet cherry crisp.

More Cherry Recipes

• Cherry Hazelnut Orzo Salad
• Chocolate Cherry Scones
• Pitting a Cherry without a Pitter
• Cherry Mojitos
• Cherry Ice Cream

More Easy Dessert Recipes

• Raspberry Lemon Icebox Cake
• Chocolate Wacky Cake
• Easy Raspberry Tart
• Mango Sorbet
• Cranberry Apple Crisp

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Easy Cherry Crumble Recipe (with Canned Cherries)

Sweet, juicy cherry pie filling covered with a golden buttery brown lid. The ultimate easy fruit dessert! Best served with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword canned cherry pie filing recipe, cherry crisp, cherry crumble, cherry crumble recipe, recipe for cherry crisp, recipes with canned cherry pie filling

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 50 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Author Kare

Equipment

• 1 9-inch casserole dish

Ingredients

For the cherry filling:

• 2 cans cherry pie filling 21 ounce cans [for a total of 42 ounces filling]
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the crumble topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon fine-grain salt or table salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold; cut into cubes

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F and have an 8-inch or 9-inch square or round baking pan ready.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry pie filling, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. If there are a few cornstarch lumps, that's okay! They'll dissolve when baking.
• Transfer the pie filling mixture to your 8- or 9-inch baking dish, pie dish, or small casserole dish. Spread it out evenly.
• In another mixing bowl, prepare the crumble topping. Combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is well incorporated and the consistency of coarse crumbs (the butter can be pea-sized all the way to large blueberry-sized).
• Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the cherry pie filling.
• Bake until the filling is bubbling and the topping is golden brown, 50-60 minutes.
• Remove the cherry crumble from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm or cold with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Notes

Storage:

Cool cherry crumble and cover with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. 

Vegan/dairy-free option:

Substitute a vegan butter or coconut oil for the butter in the topping.

Gluten-free option:

Substitute oat flour or a one-for-one GF flour substitute for the all-purpose flour in the topping. 

The post Easy Cherry Crumble Recipe (with Canned Cherries) appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

When you’re looking for a straight-up, classic, no-frills pasta salad, this is the best macaroni salad for the job!

Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Recipe
• Ingredients
• Macaroni Salad Adaptations/Variations
• How to Make Macaroni Salad
• Tips for Success
• More Pasta Salad Recipes

• Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
• Read Comments & Reviews

The Story Behind the Recipe

I created this recipe a handful of years ago, when we were knee-deep in strange COVID times. And by “created” I mean I wanted to replicate deli-style, classic, creamy macaroni salad in all its glory.

Some veggies, but not a lot. Super, duper creamy and flavorful dressing – far from dry. Perfectly al dente pasta, preferably elbow macaroni.

I focused on a flavorful dressing and just a few crunchy but not dominant veggies. I hit on this combo and stopped there. I’ve made this SO many times since then, and have shared it with others who have requested it. It was past time to share it here!

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni – Go with the classic, nothing else will do! Okay, so you can absolutely use a different medium pasta. Penne, rotini, bow tie. But I am very, very partial to elbow macaroni for this creamy pasta salad.
• Red onion – I like the mild taste and the color that some finely diced red onion adds to this macaroni salad.
• Celery – Cut small, for a bit of flavor and crunch.
• Red bell pepper – Adds some more pretty color and the fresh crunch is delicious!
• Parsley – You can stir some in, or garnish the top. Your choice!
• Dill pickles & juice – Dice up some dill pickles. It’s necessary! Plus, some juice from the jar adds tangy flavor to the creamy dressing.
• Mayo – Real, whole, full fat mayo
• Yellow mustard – Straight up classic mustard, please! Though I’d imagine Dijon would add nice flavor too.
• Sugar – I know, an odd ingredient for macaroni salad! But this adds a touch of sweetness to the dressing that makes this salad taste like the deli classic.
• Salt & pepper – Adjust to your taste.

Macaroni Salad Adaptations/Variations

• This salad is easily made vegan by subbing a vegan mayo.
• Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free pasta. I love brown rice pasta for pasta salads.
• Add more veggies if you like. I won’t judge! Cucumbers, peas, blanched broccoli, carrots … whatever you like!
• Add cubes of cheese, beans, or salami for a heartier pasta salad.

How to Make Macaroni Salad

It’s super easy to make. Just cook your pasta, let it cool, chop your veggies, add your dressing, and toss it all together!

Tips for Success

• Salt your pasta water. It’s true, it does add more flavor to pasta!
• Cook your pasta al dente. If your pasta is overcooked, your macaroni salad can end up being a bit mushy.

More Pasta Salad Recipes

• Israeli Couscous & Green Lentil Salad
• Pea Pesto Pasta Salad
• Orzo Chickpea Pasta Salad with Olives
• Orzo Salad with Chickpeas & Cherry Tomatoes
• Peanut Noodle Salad

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Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe

Classic, creamy macaroni salad with a mayo-based dressing! This traditional macaroni salad is exactly what you think of when you picture macaroni salad.

Keyword classic pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, easy pasta salad, macaroni salad, pasta salad with mayo

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 411kcal

Author Kare

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni about 2 cups
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced about 3/4 cup
• 1/4 red onion, diced about 1/4 cup
• 1 celery stalk, diced about 1/2 cup
• 2 tablespoons finely diced dill pickles
• 2 tablespoons minced parsley for garnish [optional]

Instructions

• Cook the pasta to al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside to cool.
• In a medium bowl, add the mayo, mustard, dill pickle juice, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir together until well-combined. Add the macaroni along with the diced veggies and pickles. Toss until the macaroni and veggies are evenly coated. Taste and add more salt and pepper if you feel it's needed. Garnish with parsley if desired.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

Vegan option:

This salad is easily made vegan by subbing a vegan mayo.

Gluten free option: 

Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free pasta. I love brown rice pasta for pasta salads.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 411kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 544mg | Potassium: 155mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 488IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

Just throw cherry tomatoes and blocks of cheese in a baking dish, bake until tender and soft …

… Then just stir it, add the spinach and add a little pasta water to make a sauce, and stir in your cooked pasta! This Boursin Pasta recipe is seriously SO easy and so, so good.

Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Recipe
• About This Recipe for Boursin Pasta Bake
• Boursin Pasta Recipe Ingredients
• Adaptations/Variations
• How to Make Baked Boursin Pasta
• Tips for Success
• What to Serve With Baked Boursin Pasta
• More Cheesy Pasta Recipes

• Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
• Read Comments & Reviews

The Story Behind the Recipe

Okay, so here’s what I have to admit that I really dislike TikTok. I tried it back when it was first becoming popular, and I hated it. I’d just be scrolling (and scrolling and scrolling) along when WHAM! Something super disturbing would slap me in the face. Maybe it was a cute little dog getting hurt. Maybe it was people laughing in a distraught crying kid’s face. I don’t know, I’m sensitive. I didn’t like that feeling. Yet it was also weirdly addicting, but ultimately, I peaced out of TikTok.

But then Instagram came up with a version of TikTok called Reels, and, yeah. I can handle those! I think that’s more … my demographic? Gen X here, so, you know. That and Facebook.

There are still a few slap-me-in-the-face moments, but the algorithm is super dialed in now so they’re pretty few and far between. Basically it’s recipes, home decor, cute dogs (especially dachshunds, my kid is obsessed), and Taylor Swift (my kid and I are both obsessed).

Anyway, since I opted out of TikTok, I’ve missed out on the whole FoodTok viral recipe genre. Many of those recipes make their way over to Instagram, so I do see some now and then. But I suspect I miss a lot of others. (Note that I tried TikTok again recently to peruse FoodTok and it was still a hard nope for me! It’s crazy over there!)

I realize my loathing of TikTok makes me sound old. I mean, at this point, I kind of am. The other day, my kid and I were talking about TikTok and I accidentally called it Tik-Tac, and now if we ever reference it it’s going to be in an old lady voice with the phrase “oh, oh, you found it on the Tik-Tac?!”

Anyway, I digress.

Baked Feta Pasta was, I believe, one of the first viral TikTok recipes. Basically, you take a hunk of feta, place it in a baking dish, and roast it up with the tomatoes. Then, you stir the melty feta and juicy baked tomatoes, and it makes a cheesy sauce that’s amazing with pasta. I’m a fan and have made it a gazillion times, more or less.

But I have to admit, I like this variation, Boursin Pasta, even better. (This Boursin Pasta, by the way, is also known as TikTok Boursin Pasta – it was viral there too. Can’t get away from it!)

Maybe someday I’ll get back on that there Tik Tac to share about it. But for now, I’m just going to share it here. And maybe on Facebook and Instagram!

About This Recipe for Boursin Pasta Bake

I really like that Boursin cheese has garlic and herb flavors. And if you like that too, you can actually use two blocks of Boursin.

I find that two blocks are a bit overwhelming, so, enter: Cream cheese! Half a block of cream cheese along with one hunk of Boursin makes a full-of-flavor sauce that’s luxuriously creamy and makes the perfect Boursin pasta bake, in my opinion.

We’ve also got some spinach in there because that’s how I like to roll with my Boursin pasta bake.

Boursin Pasta Recipe Ingredients

• Cherry tomatoes – Any will do. They’ll bake up bubbly and soft, then you smash them and mix them all up and it’s Boursin cheese pasta heaven!
• Garlic – A few cloves, cooked, then smashed into the sauce. Yum!
• Olive oil – Use your fave.
• Italian seasoning – This easy dried herb mix adds wonderful flavor to this Boursin cheese pasta recipe. Grab a bottle from the store, or make your own Italian seasoning replacement at home!
• Salt & pepper – To taste.
• Boursin cheese – I use the most common Boursin cheese, the garlic and fine herbs version.
• Cream cheese – Half a block (4 ounces) of your standard cream cheese.
• Spinach – This is optional, but I love the added heft and nutrition, and I think the spinach is so good with the creamy cheese sauce.
• Lemon juice – This just adds a nice hit of brightness and vibrant flavor to your baked Boursin pasta.
• Pasta – I use penne here, but use any pasta you like! I do think that medium tubular pastas are best with the creamy sauce.
• Parmesan and parsley – For a little added flavor and color, garnish with these two ingredients.

Adaptations/Variations

• One dish, two ways: Stir cooked, shredded chicken into the meat-eaters’ portions.
• Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Brown rice spirals would be delicious!
• Double up on the Boursin and omit the cream cheese for an extra Boursin-y Boursin pasta recipe.
• Add more pasta. If you want to stretch this baked Boursin pasta recipe to feed more people, you can use up to 12 ounces pasta instead of the 8 ounces the recipe calls for. You may want to increase the amount of pasta water to 1 cup to compensate for the extra pasta.
• Add a touch of heat with crushed red pepper flakes tossed in with the seasonings or sprinkle individual portions with a pinch or two when serving.

How to Make Baked Boursin Pasta

It’s so easy to make this Boursin cheese pasta recipe!

Preheat your oven, then toss the tomatoes and garlic with the olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.

Make space in the center and place your Boursin cheese and cream cheese in the middle.

Bake until the cherry tomatoes and garlic are soft, and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Meanwhile, cook and drain your pasta.

Use a fork to smash the cherry tomatoes and garlic and start mixing the sauce together.

Stir in the spinach and lemon juice, then drizzle in some of the reserved pasta water. Stir until a sauce forms. It will be a bit thin at first.

Add your pasta and toss everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in a little more pasta water.

Top with Parmesan and fresh parsley and serve!

Tips for Success

• Boursin can be expensive! The best place I’ve found to buy it is Costco. They sell a three pack for the same price that I’ve found for one at other retail stores.
• Chop up the spinach so it’s smaller and more bite-size, and also is able to wilt directly within the sauce. Be sure to add it when the cheese and tomatoes are bubbling hot, before you add the pasta and pasta water, which should give it ample time to wilt/cook.

What to Serve With Baked Boursin Pasta

• Hearty kale salad stands up to the bold flavors in this TikTok baked pasta dish.
• A simple loaf of garlic bread goes perfectly with this Boursin pasta!
• How about some classic Wacky Cake for dessert?!

More Cheesy Pasta Recipes

• One-Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac
• The Best Macaroni & Cheese Recipe Ever
• Veggie Mac & Cheese
• Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

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Baked Boursin Pasta

TikTok-famous Boursin pasta with Boursin garlic & herb cheese plus cream cheese, baked together with tomatoes & garlic, for a super creamy pasta sauce that's ridiculously easy to make!

Course Main Course, pasta

Cuisine American, Italian

Keyword baked boursin pasta, boursin cheese pasta recipe, boursin pasta, boursin pasta bake, boursin pasta recipe, boursin tomato pasta

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 457kcal

Author Kare

Equipment

• 1 9"x13" baking dish
• 1 large pot or Dutch oven

Ingredients

• 10 ounces cherry tomatoes
• 5 garlic cloves peeled but left whole
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 5.2 ounces Boursin garlic & herb cheese 1 package
• 4 ounces cream cheese 1/2 block
• 8 ounces penne pasta or another favorite medium pasta
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed [plus more to taste]
• 3 cups baby spinach leaves, lightly chopped about 3 ounces

Toppings

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped parsley

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375℉. 
• Add the cherry tomatoes, garlic cloves, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, and olive oil to a 9×13” baking dish. Toss until everything is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. 
• Create space in the center of the baking dish and place the Boursin cheese and cream cheese in the middle of the tomatoes and garlic cloves. 
• Place the baking dish in the oven and cook for 30-35 minutes or until the tomatoes and garlic are soft and fork-tender. 
• While the dish is baking, boil the pasta per the directions on the package. Then set the pasta aside. Reserve 3/4 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
• When done baking, use a fork to mash the tomatoes and garlic. Add the lemon juice and the spinach to the baking dish and stir to combine it with the softened cheeses, tomatoes, and garlic. 
• Add 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water to the sauce in the baking dish and mix it together. Pour the cooked pasta into the baking dish and toss to coat it in the sauce. If the sauce seems to need to be thinned out more, add the remaining cooking water.
• Taste and add more salt, pepper, and lemon juice if desired. Garnish the pasta with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired. Serve. 

Notes

Aug. 1, 2024 recipe update: Reduced the amount of lemon juice from 2 tablespoons to 1 tablespoon (plus more to taste) based on reader feedback that the lemon was a bit too strong.

Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water.

One dish, two ways option

Stir cooked, shredded chicken into the meat-eaters’ portions.

Gluten-free option

Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Brown rice spirals would be delicious!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 457kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 410mg | Potassium: 481mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 2856IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 94mg | Iron: 2mg

The post Baked Boursin Pasta appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

The fact that it comes together quickly and easy in a single pan is a bonus! We love this vegetarian chili mac – and I think (hope!) you will too.

When I tell you I’ve been working on this One-Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac recipe for YEARS, I’m not exaggerating! It’s not that vegetarian chili mac is a complicated recipe, it’s just that it took me a bit of time, moving away from it and coming back to it, and then finally several chili mac dinners over the past couple of years – to get it just right.

The result is a perfectly cheesy chili mac recipe that’s super hearty – and delicious! – despite its meatless status.

Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Recipe
• Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Vegetarian Chili Macaroni
• Vegetarian Chili Mac Ingredients
• Adaptations/Variations
• How to Make One-Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac
• Tips for Success
• Can I Freeze Chili Mac?
• More One Pot Pasta Recipes

• Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
• Read Comments & Reviews

The Story Behind the Recipe

I created a vegetarian chili mac recipe over a decade ago for another website, and always wanted to circle back around to it, because something about it didn’t feel quite perfect. I felt like I used a bit too much chili powder to make up for the fact that it was a relatively quick recipe – there wasn’t much time for the flavors to all develop. I also suggested cooking the pasta in a separate pan, which felt like a step we might not have to make – couldn’t the pasta cook up in the pan right with the chili?

I added this one back into my “recipes I’m developing” folder, and over the past couple of years, I’ve been making vegetarian chili mac for dinner every few weeks, until I got it just right.

My first goal was to make this a one-pot chili mac without having to cook the pasta separately. I took a cue from Recipe Tin Eats’ chili mac recipe, where she cooks the pasta right in the pan with everything else, after browning the ground beef.

I added the broth and macaroni right to the pan, and, yay! Easy peasy vegetarian chili mac in one pot.

This method has bonus of time, which turns out to be a win-win. The extra 10 minutes or so that it takes the pasta to cook also allows the chili flavors to develop without having to go overboard on the chili powder.

My first recipe called for 2 tablespoons of chili powder. This one takes more like 2 teaspoons. (I think it’s perfect this way, but if you want more chili powder, go for it!)

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Vegetarian Chili Macaroni

Well, first of all, this vegetarian chili mac tastes amazing! It’s hearty and a little spicy and cheesy. Total comfort food.

If you’re feeding meat-eaters, I’m willing to bet they won’t miss the ground beef that you find in traditional chili mac recipes. My resident meat-eater is a huge fan of this vegetarian chili mac. But I have provided an easy option to give this the one-dish-two-ways treatment, for half vegetarian chili mac and half with meat.

I use two cans of beans for some extra heartiness and protein, and I think that it’s the perfect pasta-to-bean ratio.

I’m willing to bet you’ll also love how easy this one-pot vegetarian chili mac is to make! The one-pan preparation is so satisfying, and half the time is hands-off. Just enough time to whip up a salad or easy veggie side.

Vegetarian Chili Mac Ingredients

• Kidney beans – I use two cans of cooked kidney beans in this vegetarian chili mac. I like that they’re big and hearty and even a little – dare I say – meaty. I also feel like using two cans instead of one provides the perfect bean-to-pasta ratio.
• Pasta – I like to use classic elbows in my chili mac, but other medium tubular pasta shapes work great too. Penne is great!
• Crushed tomatoes – I prefer my chili mac without any chunks of tomatoes, but if you like it that way, feel free to sub in some diced tomatoes. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes would be great.
• Veggie broth – I like to use low-sodium vegetable broth to better control my salt levels.
• Onion & green pepper – These veggies add flavor and some nutrients. Win-win!
• Garlic – Garlic + chili flavors = a must.
• Oregano, chili powder, and cumin – The chili trifecta.
• Cheese – I like to use sharp cheddar in my chili mac recipe. Feel free to use medium or mild if you prefer.
• Salt & pepper – adjust to your liking.

Adaptations/Variations

Dietary Adaptations:

• Vegan Chili Mac & Cheese – Leave out the cheese, or swap in a vegan cheese that melts well.
• Meaty Chili Mac & Cheese – After sauteeing the veggies and garlic, add lean ground beef and cook until no longer pink. Continue with the recipe.
• One Dish Two Ways – Cook 1/2 pound of ground beef in a separate skillet. Before topping your chili mac with cheese, move half of it over to the skillet with the ground beef. Top both with some cheese and serve.
• Gluten-Free Vegetarian Chili Mac – Swap in your favorite GF pasta. Watch your cooking times as it may take a longer or shorter amount of time to cook. Splash in more broth if needed.

Ingredient Substitution Ideas:

• Change up the beans: Feel free to use your favorite beans, or swap one can of kidney beans for another! I’ve used black beans, cannellini beans, and chili beans. All good!
• Use whole wheat pasta: Sometimes I sub in a whole grain pasta for a heartier veg chili mac. Also excellent!

How to Make One-Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac

It’s simple! First, sauté your onion and green pepper until tender. Add the garlic and oregano, and sauté for another minute. Then, add the chili powder and the cumin and cook, stirring, until the veggies are coated and the dish is nice and aromatic.

From there, add the tomatoes, beans, veggie broth, and pasta. Cook until the pasta is tender, then add some of the cheddar cheese, stirring until melted. Top with more cheddar and scallions and cilantro if you like.

That’s it! I told you this One Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac was easy. 😊

Tips for Success

• Add sugar if it’s tasting acidic: Some canned tomatoes are rather acidic; if you find your chili mac is tasting acidic, I recommend stirring in a teaspoon or two of granulated sugar or honey. Sounds weird, but it does an amazing job of taming the acidity and rounding out the flavors!
• Add more broth if needed: If your pasta hasn’t cooked through but your chili mac is getting dry, splash in some more broth, a little at a time, until cooked through.

Can I Freeze Chili Mac?

Yes! Now I will say, freezing, thawing, and reheating pasta dishes can make pasta a bit mushier than you might like. So keep that in mind.

To freeze any leftovers, just allow it to cool to room temp, then place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Label it and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge then place it in a skillet to warm gently over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if it gets too dry. I like to top it with a little extra cheese to make it look extra appetizing.

It can be reheated in the microwave, too.

More One Pot Pasta Recipes

• One-Pot Pasta Primavera
• One-Pot Pasta Florentine
• One-Pot Creamy Pumpkin Pasta
• Vegetarian Pasta e Fagioli

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One-Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac

This hearty, saucy, and cheesy chili mac is comfort food nirvana! It comes together quickly and easily in a single pan, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Course entree, Main Course

Keyword one pot chili mac, one pot vegetarian chili mac, one pot vegetarian chili mace, vegetarin chili mac and cheese

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 392kcal

Author Kare

Equipment

• 1 large skillet

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 medium yellow onion diced; about 1 cup
• 1 small green bell pepper diced; about 1 cup
• 2 medium garlic cloves minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 14 ounces crushed tomatoes 1 can
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 15 ounces kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1 can
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni pasta 2 cups
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded

Instructions

• Set a large pan over medium-low heat and add the olive oil. When hot, add the onion and bell pepper along with a little pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and tender, about 7 minutes.
• Add the garlic, oregano, chili powder, and cumin. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, beans, macaroni, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir well to combine.
• Increase the heat to high, until boiling, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
• Cook, stirring frequently to keep the pasta from sticking, until the pasta is just tender, about 12 minutes. If the mixture gets very dry, splash with a little more veggie broth.
• Remove from heat and stir one cup of the cheese, until melted. Taste and add more salt and pepper if desired.
• Cover with the remaining cheddar and place the lid on the pan to trap the heat and melt the cheddar, one minute or so.
• Serve with cilantro, chopped scallions, and sour cream if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat leftovers in a microwave or on the stovetop in a lidded pan with a splash of water. 

To freeze any leftovers, just allow it to cool to room temp, then place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Label it and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge then place it in a skillet to warm gently over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if it gets too dry. I like to top it with a little extra cheese to make it look extra appetizing.

It can be reheated in the microwave, too.

Vegan option:

Leave out the cheese, or swap in a vegan cheese that melts well.

One Dish Two Ways option:

Cook 1/2 pound of ground beef in a separate skillet. Before topping your chili mac with cheese, move half of it over to the skillet with the ground beef. Top both with some cheese and serve.

Gluten-Free option:

Swap in your favorite GF pasta. Watch your cooking times as it may take a longer or shorter amount of time to cook. Splash in more broth if needed.

Substitution Ideas:

• Swap one or both cans of kidney beans for another. I’ve used black beans, cannellini beans, and chili beans. 

• Use whole wheat pasta of GF pasta in place of the pasta.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 392kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 500mg | Potassium: 562mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 704IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 254mg | Iron: 4mg

The post One-Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.