Creamy Tomato Pesto Soup

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup - The creamiest, richest soup you have ever had that’s dairy-free! 

During the colder months, my mother would make homemade creamy tomato soup with grilled cheese. I’m not much of a soup person, but it was MY FAVORITE! Ever since then, I still drool dream about it to this day! What takes her soup above the rest is love (obviously), fresh herbs, and heavy cream. Well since heavy cream is a no go for this gut, I made a few changes to the recipe. 

It’s a very simple recipe, actually. If you are crunched for time and need to have soup asap, (because, don’t we all?) then you will only need five ingredients to make this soup. But, if you really want to make your mom’s old recipe jealous, whip up a quick pesto drizzle as a garnish. Dipping your dairy-free/gluten-free grilled cheese in that winning combination will not disappoint your taste buds, trust me.

For this recipe, if you are wanting a smooth, “bisque” texture, I would recommend getting a blender or immersion blender. Now, onto the recipe! 

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with! 

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Creamy Tomato Basil Soup - The creamiest, richest soup you have ever had that’s dairy-free! 

Makes 4-6 servings

Ingredients: 

• 1 white onion (sliced)

• 4 cloves garlic (smashed)

• 1 Tbsp grass fed butter (or ghee, coconut oil)

• 5-8 sprigs fresh oregano (strip leaves from the stem)

• 1 can (28 oz) fire roasted organic crushed tomatoes 

• 1 can lite coconut milk unsweetened

Pesto drizzle

• 1 bunch (.75 oz package) fresh basil

•  ¼ cup oil

• 4 cloves garlic

• 1 Tbsp feta (or DF cheese)

Directions: 

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and saute until translucent. Add can of tomatoes, oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes or until slightly thickened. 

2. To make the pesto drizzle, add basil, garlic, and feta to a processor. While the processor is on low, pour the oil through the feed tube gradually. Scrape down the sides and add more oil if necessary. Season to taste with salt and pepper and transfer to a small bowl. If you do not have a processor, finely chop ingredients and combine in a small bowl.

3. Transfer tomato mixture to a blender and process until smooth (remember, mixture is hot!). Alternatively, use an immersion blender, process until smooth.  

4. With soup over low heat, add coconut milk. Season to taste with sea salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. 

When ready to serve, drizzle pesto and/or additional coconut milk and serve! 

Notes: 

• I love using this brand for organic canned tomatoes.

Baked Hot Chicken

A healthier twist on the classic Nashville hot chicken. Baked, gluten-free, dairy-free, and full of spicy flavors!

Living so close to Nashville, it’s imperative that you get Nashville hot chicken; it’s a cardinal sin if you don’t! As I’m getting older, my body takes a little longer to recover from all the grease and gluten. I mean, YOLO when you can but sometimes it takes a toll on your body!

What’s my solution? I created a healthier twist on the beloved hot chicken. I use coconut oil to decrease the amount of grease. I also chose to bake the chicken. That way, I’m only dying to get seconds and thirds instead of just dying from the grease! So, let’s talk about this chicken!

The trick to getting chicken moist and flavorful is all in the marinade. Typically, buttermilk is used in creating a moist chicken (sorry for using moist three times!). However, I used almond milk to keep this recipe dairy-free. The trick here is to add lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to the plant-based milk of your choice. The acidity helps to thicken and basically curdle the almond milk. You won’t even notice a lack of buttermilk, and when you add it all with pickle juice and lots of seasonings, you get an awesome Nashville hot chicken!

The breading is simple using a gluten-free baking flour. Lightly coat/spray the chicken with coconut or avocado oil to crisp the outer coat. Chicken thighs are best with this recipe as the skin releases mouthwatering juices into the meat underneath as it cooks. The skin also protects the meat from direct heat, which helps the thighs to cook gently and to retain its moisture.

A complexity of sweet and spicy flavors are incorporated into the hot chicken. What really takes the chicken over the top is using honey infused with chili peppers. I love using this brand as you can find it in most grocery stores!

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

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Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken thighs

• 3 Tbsp pickle juice

• 1 cup GF baking flour

• Hot sauce (optional)

• Coconut oil or avocado oil

Buttermilk mixture

• 1 cup unsweetened plant based milk (almond)

• 1 Tbsp ACV or fresh lemon

Seasonings

• 1 Tbsp cayenne

• 1 Tbsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp creole seasoning

• 1 tsp sugar

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Dashes of red pepper flakes

Directions

1. To make the “buttermilk”, add vinegar to the milk and sit for 10 minutes or until milk mixture is curdled/activated.

2. Whisk all seasonings together in a small bowl. Remove ¾ of seasoning mixture and coat the chicken thighs inside a Ziploc bag. Add the “buttermilk” mixture along with pickle juice and a couple dashes of hot sauce (optional). Toss to coat and refrigerate for 2 hours or up to overnight.

3. When ready to cook, preheat oven to 425 degrees.

4. Prepare the flour mixture by whisking ¼ of seasoning mixture to 1 cup GF baking flour.

5. Working with one piece of chicken at a time, dredge chicken into flour mixture both sides and place chicken on a baking rack. Repeat until all chicken is coated.

6. Spray or brush tops of chicken with melted coconut oil or avocado oil.

7. Bake chicken for 20-25 minutes. Take chicken out and coat tops with hot sauce (optional). Flip the chicken and spray or brush bottom of chicken with oil until coated.

8. Place back in the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until chicken reaches and internal temperature of 165 degrees.

9. Let chicken cool for 5 minutes and then drizzle honey with infused chili peppers (optional but so worth it!)

Turkey Taco Spaghetti Squash Boats

Turkey taco spaghetti squash boats is a great recipe to make for a guilt-free, low carb taco night. Perfect for meal preps and a hit among kids!

When I think of spaghetti squash, I think spaghetti = Italian, right? So, that is pretty much all I have done when cooking spaghetti squash. I have made shrimp alfredo, chicken parmesan, and the classic marinara to name a few, but it never occurred to me to use spaghetti squash in a different way. After posting a poll on my IG, it turns out many of you would like to see how spaghetti squash can be used for a Mexican inspired dish!

Needless to say, after experimenting I was surprised at how spaghetti squash and Mexican flavors paired so well together! My husband was hesitant at first but it was love at first bite for him -- he now asks for these squash boats every week!

Hey, if I can make this every week then I would be happy as a clam. For a #tacotuesdaynight, it has to be the easiest recipe to bake while preparing the toppings. While your spaghetti squash is cooking, you are preparing the meat mixture that goes inside the boats while prepping all the fun and healthy toppings. As soon as your boats are done baking, add all your favorite toppings and dig in! And the best thing when you’re done eating? You don’t have as many dishes to wash!!

You can make this recipe kid-friendly by omitting/using less of the spicier seasonings. Other than that, these squash boats would be great to add to your taco night! With that said, you will find that this recipe can be customized to your preference. For example, in my hubby’s boat, I added extra beans and cheese while my boat sticks to the recipe but with 5 maybe 20 dashes of hot sauce (love my spicy food)!

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

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Turkey taco spaghetti squash boats is a great recipe to make for a guilt-free, low carb taco night. Perfect for meal preps and a hit among kids!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb lean ground turkey

• 3 cloves garlic

• 2 cans low-sodium black beans ((drained/rinsed))

• 1 large spaghetti squash

• 1 cup fresh salsa or pico de gallo*

• 1 tsp each garlic powder, ground cumin, and chili powder

• 1/2 tsp each smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt

• 1/4 tsp pepper

• couple dashes of red pepper flakes

Toppings

Lime wedges, fresh salsa, pico de gallo*, romaine lettuce, cheese, avocado, cilantro, jalapenos, peppers, hot sauce

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Slice squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.

2. Drizzle halves with olive oil and season with S&P. Place squash cut side down on baking sheet and roast for 45-50 minutes. When done, use a fork to scrape out the squash flesh.

3. While your spaghetti squash is cooking, make the meat mixture.

4. Drizzle oil in a skillet on medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and saute for about 2 minutes or until fragrant. Add the ground turkey and cook until slightly pink, then add all of your seasonings, fresh salsa, and black beans.

5. Turn the heat off and set meat mixture to the side.

6. Transfer cooked squash flesh to the meat mixture and combine. At this point, taste mixture to see if you need to add more S&P/seasonings/hot sauce for personal preference.

7. Transfer squash mixture to your now scraped spaghetti squash bowls and top with optional cheese.

8. Bump up the oven temperature to 400 degrees and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until your cheese is nice and bubbly or your naked boat is nice and warm.

9. Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

NOTES

1. Pro tip: Place the whole squash in the microwave for 5 minutes for an easier slice!

2. Pico de gallo recipe

3. If you are using a smaller spaghetti squash, then use just 1 can black beans.  

Grilled Shrimp Summer Salad

Grilled shrimp summer salad is loaded with protein, antioxidants and summer produce that will quickly become a summer meal staple!

The grill is my kitchen during the spring and summer seasons. Grilling is a straightforward process -- it’s easy and quick. Plus who wouldn’t want to be outside with sun rays and the amazing aroma of grilled food in the air?

That’s why this grilled shrimp summer salad has been playing on repeat all summer long! When my husband and I come home after our evening workout, we usually just want to eat something light yet nutrient dense to replenish our bodies, but we don’t want to be slaving away in the kitchen while we are starving! A salad is a perfect solution to this dilemma.

What’s great about salads is that they are versatile so even if you do not have all the ingredients or the produce is no longer in season, you can add whatever you like.

Aside from the grilled shrimp, this recipe has three components: pineapple salsa, blueberries, and basil vinaigrette. So, for example, if pineapples are not in season, use another fruit like peaches or oranges. Have fun with the ingredients and customize this salad to YOUR preference!

Another great thing about salads is that if you make everything in bulk then it just takes minutes to prepare a salad each night. Just put everything in containers and add/take away things to your salad depending on what mood you are in!

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!  

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Grilled shrimp summer salad is loaded with protein, antioxidants and summer produce that will quickly become a summer meal staple!

INGREDIENTS

Grilled Shrimp Marinade

• 12 oz large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)

• 1/2 tsp cayenne

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp chili powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp cumin

• 2 dashes red pepper flakes

• Juice and zest of 1 lemon

• 2 Tbsp EVOO

Pineapple Salsa

• 1 cup fresh pineapple

• 1 jalapeno

• 1 small bunch cilantro

• 1 large red tomato

• 1/2 red onion

• Juice of 1/2 lime

• S&P to taste

Blueberry and Basil Vinaigrette

• 3/4 cup fresh blueberries

• 4-8 basil leaves (depending on preference)

• 1/2 lemon

• 1 tsp dried minced onion

• 1-2 tsp honey

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup EVOO

• S&P to taste

Grilled Shrimp Marinade

1. Combine shrimp, seasonings, lemon, and oil to a Ziploc bag-making sure the shrimp is fully covered. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile, soak 6-10 small skewers in water.

2. From the shrimp from the fridge and thread 6-8 shrimp on each damp skewer.

3. Very lightly brush a cast iron griddle or grill grate with oil. Heat the grill to medium. Grill the shrimp for 5-7 minutes, turning over once halfway through.

4. Place the shrimp skewers on a plate to cool. Sprinkle additional red pepper flakes if you like!

Pineapple Salsa

1. Finely dice all ingredients and in a bowl, combine all ingredients. Store in fridge until ready to use.

Blueberry and Basil Vinaigrette

1. Put all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. Add additional oil or water if the mixture is too thick.

2. * Due to the natural pectin found in the blueberries, this dressing will quickly begin to gel. Use immediately or blend in additional liquid to make it pourable.

Directions:

1. Prepare your salad by adding greens, alfalfa sprouts, grilled shrimp skewers, pineapple salsa, vinaigrette and your favorite toppings! Enjoy!

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls

Grilled chicken burrito bowls with Pico de Gallo made easy at the comfort of your own home!

This grilled chicken burrito bowl was inspired by the notable chain restaurants Chipotle and Moe’s. It can be so tempting to go through their lines and simply tell them what you want: Your choice of protein, black or brown beans, white or brown rice, and finish it off with toppings (hello, Pico de Gallo!). Well, this recipe is just like that -- tailor it exactly how you want it, or even add things that Chipotle/Moe’s, etc. may not have! With this recipe, I’m making it with my personal preferences and a special grilled chicken marinade recipe. I’ll even show you how easy it is to make Pico de Gallo.

My grilled chicken burrito bowl recipe is gluten and dairy-free using clean and simple ingredients that, in my opinion, is much healthier than eating out while saving you a lot of money!

As you know, a burrito bowl is complex in flavor because there are many components like veggies, protein, and carbs that each play a different role. I would say this recipe can take up to 40 minutes to make, but that’s only if you are making rice. You can cut some time off by using instant rice, or by preparing the ingredients ahead of time. I often tend to have my veggies already cut and ready to use in the fridge, so if you’re like me, then this burrito bowl can be made very quickly.

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!  

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Grilled chicken burrito bowls with Pico de Gallo made easy at the comfort of your own home! 

INGREDIENTS

Grilled Chicken Marinade

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast

• 2 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp pepper

• juice of one lime

• 2 Tbsp EVOO

Pico de Gallo

• 1/2 white onion (diced)

• 2 roma tomatoes (diced)

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

• juice of 1/2 lime

• 1 jalapeno diced ((spicy version))

Cilantro Lime Rice

• 1 cup sprouted brown rice

• 2 cups water or low sodium chicken broth

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

• juice of 1/2 lime

• S&P to season

Toppings

• grilled corn

• sliced avocados

• lime wedges

• hot sauce

• romaine lettuce

• black beans

• diced jalapenos

DIRECTIONS

Grilled Chicken

1. Combine seasonings, EVOO, lime, and chicken into a gallon size Ziploc bag and sit in the fridge to marinate for two hours or overnight (preferred).

2. Cook chicken on the grill on medium heat for 5-7 minutes and flip for an additional 5-7 minutes or until cooked through.

3. Let sit until you are ready to assemble the burrito bowl.

Pico de Gallo

1. Combine all ingredients and sit until ready to assemble.

Cilantro Lime Rice

1. Add rice and water (or broth) to a rice cooker and cook on the brown rice setting until fluffy and fully cooked. If you do not have a rice cooker then cook in a medium saucepan for about 30-35 minutes or until rice is fully cooked.

2. Toss in cilantro, lime, and seasonings until fully mixed and set aside.

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl

1. Meal prep - Divide chicken, pico de gallo, rice and toppings into meal prep containers.-Tip: separate cold toppings like avocado, lime wedges and lettuce into Ziploc bags or stasher bags to keep fresh before eating.