Food

Gleaning inspiration from Scandinavian cuisine, this unconventional stir-fry incorporates some of the most important elements of the health-hiking New Nordic diet—namely, fish, root vegetables, and whole grains. Arctic char is a sustainable seafood option that is rich in omega-3 fats, but you can also use rainbow trout or salmon. Most fish counters will do the skinning for you.

High on rye

This is an artichoke-centric take on French potato salad. It’s particularly good in the spring, when new potatoes, artichokes, and leeks are in season and at their most tender. But this salad can be a good option any time of year by trading out the artichokes for whatever is vibrant and seasonal at the market: broccoli, green beans, and radicchio are all good options.

This hearty and warming rice porridge dish is popular in many Asian countries. This variation incorporates sweet butternut squash, which not only provides this dish with a good amount of vitamins A and C, but it also adds its cheerful sunny colour.

Tip

It’s easy to see why shakshuka is such a popular breakfast item throughout the Middle East, and particularly in Israel. Endlessly customizable and relatively simple to prepare, it can be easily scaled up or down. Traditional shakshuka is made by poaching eggs in a spicy tomato sauce. This recipe is a play on tradition, and instead of using tomatoes, it uses a garden’s worth of greens and herbs.

Tip

One of Vietnam’s most famous dishes, pho is also its breakfast of choice. At its most basic, pho is a clear broth with rice noodles, herbs, and thin slices of meat. On a chilly morning, this is the perfect way to fuel up for the day.

Tip

Before you call the falafel police, let me preface this by saying these are not traditional falafel. They don’t have chickpeas and they aren’t fried and crunchy. But, I would like to emphasize that these are superfood falafel packed with healthy fats from walnuts, tempeh, flaxseeds and avocado oil. What makes these even healthier is that they’re baked instead of deep-fried. And when paired with the vegan tzatziki sauce, you can almost imagine yourself dining at a seaside restaurant in Santorini with the warm Mediterranean breeze caressing your beautiful face. Almost.

To make a perfect flax egg …

An ice cream recipe that’s made of vegetables and requires no churning? I know what you’re thinking: “This must be a soup recipe, right?” Wrong! Vibrant purple sweet potatoes shine in this health-ified vegan version of ice cream and get a creamy helping hand from luscious, full-fat coconut cream. A high-speed blender does all the churning and mixing necessary, resulting in a luxurious ice cream that’s equal parts delicious, beautiful and easy.

To make it soft-serve style …

You might typically associate pasta with lunch or dinner, but pasta for breakfast is totally a thing. And it’s incredibly delicious in this eggless quiche. The secret to this creamy yet light plant-based quiche? Tofu! Tofu gets a cheesy and creamy upgrade from nutritional yeast and coconut milk, and when paired with a buttery linguine, it’s a match made in heaven. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your vegetable add-ins or toppings. In the spring, try adding asparagus, and in the summer, add some lightly cooked zucchini.

To press tofu quickly …

Dosas are a South Indian staple consisting of a rice and lentil crepe accompanied by sides, usually a couple of types of chutney. Masala dosa is a popular breakfast option in India, and it’s not hard to see why. The flavourful potato filling is just the thing to put a spring in your step first thing in the morning.

Tips

• Asafetida is a gum from a varietal of giant fennel that has been dried and ground into a powder. When raw, it has an unpleasantly strong flavour and smell, yet when cooked it mellows and gives a garlicky essence to dishes.
• Chana dal is the split kernel of a variety of chickpea known as desi or bengal gram. Ground up in the chutney, it lends a slightly earthy flavour while absorbing some of the water to ensure the chutney is not too soupy. It can be found already roasted at some grocery stores and Indian food markets.

This quickly blended soup uses fermented miso paste, sweet raw corn, green onions and zucchini, turning creamy without any dairy whatsoever. A sweet-spicy fruit swirl brings everything together.

Learn to salsa

An almost entirely edible melon bowl holds a rich, vanilla-imbued coconut cream, dukkah (an Egyptian nut and spice sprinkle) and fresh berries. Bursting with flavor, this beauty takes your morning fruit salad to the next level.

Sleep on it

Whether you build this meal in a bowl or a jar or serve it family style, this raw “noodle” main course will satisfy your need for the punchy tastes of Thai cuisine

Avo can-do

Snack smart on Valentine’s Day and whip up this wholesome smoothie bowl. Tart raspberries, sweet cherries, creamy almond butter, and floral rosewater taste like dessert, but deliver the goodness.

Tip

This is a vegan take on a classic French dish and is every bit as warm and inviting as the original. The gremolata is optional but highly recommended, as it helps bring a bit of brightness and freshness to the dish. Try serving this over soft polenta, mashed potatoes, brown rice, or pasta.

Tip

Warm and tender mushroom “scallops,” sharp and tangy grapefruit, earthy sumac, and sweet basil all play together harmoniously in this first-course salad.

Tip

Start the evening off by taking a little dip with your Valentine. This versatile starter is quick to whip up and, best of all, can be made ahead of time. Pair it with chopped vegetables, your favourite crackers, or oven-roasted root vegetable fries.

Tip

Based on the Italian aperitif the spritz, this non-alcoholic kombucha version brings warming ginger, cherry juice, and orange together for a kid- and adult-friendly special occasion red beverage.

Send your sweetie to bed with this nightcap and they’ll be sure to have sweet dreams. Studies have shown that compounds in red beetroot have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, thus making this beautiful bevvy not only good but good for you too.

Tip

Bittersweet grapefruit, tart pomegranate, and sweet maple syrup combine to make a seasonally inspired faux sangria for lovebirds of all ages.

Tips

Valentine’s Day isn’t complete without chocolate. This drinkable dessert gets its dark red hue from cherry juice, cocoa powder, and dark chocolate, all packed with heart-healthy antioxidants.

Tip

Warm, soothing, and perfectly spiced, this ruby-red mulled tea makes a sweet afternoon sip or cozy nightcap.  

Spice things up with a spicy, savoury Caesar renewed with carrot juice. Tomato juice provides lycopene, taking care of your Valentine’s heart.

Tip

Don’t be surprised if this dessert gets you a few extra smooches. While the chocolate mousse is delicious on its own, the extra flourishes make it truly special. Feel free to substitute any type of bean aquafaba if you don’t have a can of black beans on hand.

Tip

Low in calories, high in fibre, shredded reds offer oodles of goodness to heart health as well as to your appetite. Topped with walnuts, this is the ultimate delicious side dish to any meal and hugely good for you too. Coupled with roasted garlic, red cabbage builds on heart health and immunity!

Wine pairing