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    Your Christmas Menu Is Sorted With These 6 Healthy Festive Recipes

    Want healthy festive recipes that will leave you seriously satisfied?! These are delicious, fresh and allergen-friendly! Therefore you have a Christmas menu that suits (and can easily be tweaked for) all dietary requirements. Below is a healthy menu that’s perfect for our hot sunny, South African festive season: indulgent, but feel-good.

    If you have a gluten-free guest: no adjustments necessary! All these recipes are gluten-free.

    If you have a vegetarian guest: replace the fillet in the Beef Tagliata with gorgeous grilled mushrooms. Then replace the salmon in the Trout Tartare with heirloom tomatoes (think different colours and sizes and textures).

    If you have a vegan guest: Do the above step and simply leave out the ricotta in the Herby Cress Salad and replace the yoghurt in the Raspberry and Yoghurt Tartlets with coconut yoghurt.

    READ MORE: I Tried 3 Viral Recipes And Here’s How It Panned Out

    Healthy Festive Starter: Trout Tartare

    Start off the menu with a refreshing recipe that requires minimal prep and no cooking. A few quality ingredients and you have a crowd-pleasing, effortless festive appetiser. Because what could be better than silky diced fish seasoned with zesty lime, sesame oil, spring onions, chives and a hint of chilli?

    Healthy Festive Main: Beef Tagliata with Roasted Rosa Tomatoes

    Who said your table had to be adorned with gammon, turkey and lamb? This Beef Tagliata is light and succulent and perfectly complemented by sweet and flavourful roasted Rosa tomatoes. Bon appetit!

    READ MORE: 5 Low-Calorie Smoothie Recipes That Legit Taste Like Milkshakes

    Healthy Festive Side Dish 1: Herby Cress Salad with A Crunch

    This watercress salad with flavour-packed homemade dressing is fresh, easy-to-make and uber crunchy thanks to the assortment of nuts and seeds. Best part? It’s easily customisable. Don’t add the cheese if you have vegan or dairy-free guests.

    Healthy Festive Side Dish 2: Whole Baked Baby Sweet Potatoes

    Everyone loves garlicky, well-spiced potatoes. And you’re going to love these sweet potatoes even more. With very few steps, you’ll be able to pop these in the oven and basically forget about them. We love fuss-free festive recipes!

    READ MORE: The 2 Hangover-Curing Recipes You’ll Need This Festive Season

    Healthy Festive Side Dish 3: Asparagus, Bean and Tenderstem Broccoli Salad

    Every festive feast needs a salad that no one can get enough of and every one demands the recipe for. This will be that dish. Fresh, crunchy and perfect for South African summer, this is guaranteed to be on your table every year from now.

    Healthy Festive Dessert: Raspberry and Yoghurt Tartlets

    Here at WH, we love recipes that make use of seasonal ingredients. Take full advantage of the summer berry season by treating yourself and your guests to the tangy and slightly sweet goodness of our Raspberry and Yoghurt Tartlets! This is a perfect summer dessert of creamy Greek yoghurt, fresh raspberries and zesty lemon. Yum! More

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    Healthy Alternatives To Fried Chips

    We all know that traditional fried chips can be a guilty pleasure, but who says you can’t enjoy a tasty plate of chips while still making nutritious choices? We sure as heck won’t say it. What we will do, is show you how different vegetables can be transformed into scrumptious healthier chips that will satisfy your cravings without compromising on flavour or nutrition. Get ready to discover some creative ways to serve and enjoy some guilt-free delights.

    How to Incorporate Healthy Fries into Your Diet

    When it comes to incorporating nutritious chips into your diet, the possibilities are endless. You can experiment with different vegetables and flavours to create a variety of deliciousness. One idea is to start by choosing your base vegetable. Sweet potatoes, beetroot, parsnips, butternut the choices are limitless. Simply slice them into thin strips or wedges, toss them in olive oil and seasonings like garlic powder or rosemary, then bake them in the oven until they’re golden brown. You should try:

    Packed with essential nutrients, beetroots are a great source of fibre, folate (vitamin B9), manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C

    Carrots contain many nutrients, including beta-carotene and antioxidants, that may support your overall health as part of a nutrient-rich diet.

    High in potassium, which can help keep your blood pressure in check, butternut squash is a rich source of fibre, antioxidants, and minerals

    Rich in several important nutrients and antioxidants that may improve immunity and enhance digestive health

    Peppers are excellent sources of vitamins A and C, potassium, folic acid and fibre.

    Sweet potatoes are nutritious, packing a good amount of vitamin A, vitamin C and manganese into each serving.

    By using different vegetables and a few simple cooking techniques, you can create a variety of tasty options that are not only satisfying but also good for your body. The best part is that you can customise them to suit your taste preferences by adding various seasonings and spices. Here’s how to make some.

    Eggplant

    A nutrient-rich food, eggplants contain fibre, vitamins and minerals that can benefit your overall health.

    Eggplant Chips

    There’s a crispy coating on this medium-soft vegetable, which helps the chips keep their shape. Eggplant has a mild and subtly sweet flavour that can easily pair well with bolder seasonings and sauces. 

    Prep Time 5 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes mins

    Servings 1

    1 Medium sized eggplant¼ cup Flour1 Egg white 1 cup Panko¾ cup Grate Parmesan 2 tbsp Olive oil½ each Garlic powderKosher salt to tastePepper to taste
    Cut eggplant into 6cm-long sticksIn one bowl, combine flour, garlic powder and ParmesanIn another bowl whisk egg whites. Then dip eggplant into whitesLastly dip into panko cupPlace on sheet tray and drizzle olive oilRoast in oven at 200°C for 12 minutes, flipping every 8 minutes

    READ MORE: 5 Healthier ‘Adult’ Ice Lollies To Eat If You’re Watching Your Weight

    Baby Marrow

    Baby marrow, also known as courgette or zucchini, contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. Cooked baby marrow is particularly high in vitamin A, though raw contains slightly less.

    Baby Marrow Chips

    These chips are especially good and incredibly crispy and flavourful. Baby marrow has a mild flavour, slightly sweet and slightly bitter, with a rich feel.

    Prep Time 5 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes mins

    Servings 1

    2 Medium babymarrows 1 Egg white¼ cup Flour or panko½ cup Grated ParmesanSalt and pepper to taste
    Cut marrows into 6cm-long sticks and 1cm thickDunk marrows in beaten egg whiteThen dip in cup flour or pankoThen dip into ParmesanPlace on a sheet trayRoast in oven for 220°C for 20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes Then add salt and pepper to taste

    Green Beans

    Green beans help fight inflammation and are a good source of folate and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. Green beans also are a good source of protein and fibre.

    Green Beans Chips

    Green beans are slightly sweet and have a slightly grassy or earthy flavour. They go nicely if you mix with garlic, onion, parsley or toasted sesame seeds. These are not pretty but they are deliciously flavourful.

    Servings 2

    3,5 kg Green beans¼ cup Flour1 Egg white1 cup Panko ¾ cup Grated Parmesan2 tbsp Olive oil1 tbsp Onion powder½ tsp Salt and pepper
    Trim your bean endsIn a bowl mix flour, egg white, panko, ParmesanPlace on sheet tray and drizzle olive oilRoast for 220°C for 10 minutes, shaking pan at 5 minutesThen sprinkle salt and pepper

    READ MORE: Magnesium Is Brilliant For Sleep And Cramps – Here’s How To Get Enough Of It More

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    Try This Tasty Snowy Angel Cake Recipe For Christmas

    Angel cake is made with egg whites alone – no yolk or butter – and is magically light so it’s perfect for summer and its pure, white snowiness is an ingenious nod to Christmas. Cook’s Tips: To cool, place the neck of a wine bottle through the ring of the cake tin, with the cake facing down – this helps the cake shrink away from the sides of the tin. Omit the filling and icing and simply serve slices as a base for strawberries and cream. More

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    The Healthy & Crunchy Watercress Salad That’s Perfect For Summer Lunches

    Looking for a new favourite healthy salad recipe for the summer? You’ve come to the right place. This watercress salad (with flavour-packed homemade dressing) is fresh, easy-to-make and uber crunchy thanks to the assortment of nuts and seeds.

    READ MORE: Exactly How To Make A Healthy Pizza With 6 Delish Topping Variations

    The best part? It’s easily customisable. Don’t add the cheese if you are vegan or dairy-free. Alternatively, you can substitute with your favourite vegan cheese (Woolworths has a large range).

    Either way, you’ll use this healthy salad recipe time and time again, whether it’s for al fresco dinners with friends or when you’re meal prepping to help you reach those goals.

    READ MORE: This Tinned Tuna Nicoise Salad Is The Ultimate Quick Dinner Or Work Lunch

    Herby Watecress Salad with Crunchy Nuts & Seeds

    This watercress salad with flavour-packed homemade dressing is fresh, easy-to-make and uber crunchy thanks to the assortment of nuts and seeds. Best part? It’s easily customisable. Don’t add the cheese if you are vegan or dairy-free.

    Prep Time 10 minutes mins

    Course SaladCuisine Healthy

    Servings 6 people

    2 Tbsp Flaked almonds2 Tbsp Pumpkin seeds2 Tbsp Sunflower seeds1 Tbsp Sesame seeds3 Handfuls Watercress1 Handful Coriander1 Handful Basil50 g Ricotta or chevin (optional)Salt and pepperFor The Dressing:1 tsp Mustard1 tsp HoneyJuice and zest of half a lemon2 Tbsp Extra-virgin olive oilPinch chilli flakes
    Toast the seeds in a large dry pan until you hear a popping noise and the sesame seeds and almond flakes turn slightly golden.Toss the leaves together in a large bowl. Next, add the seeds.Whisk the dressing ingredients together and pour into the bowl. Then toss the leaves to coat.Plate the dressed leaves and seeds on a large platter before dotting small pieces of cheese among the leaves. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

    Keyword Easy Meals, healthy, Healthy Recipes, vegetarian More

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    These Raspberry And Yoghurt Tartlets Make The Tastiest & Cutest Summer Dessert

    Looking for a delicious and fresh summer dessert? This easy raspberry tart recipe uses ingredients you probably have in your pantry.

    READ MORE: This Is The Best Coffee Ice Cream Recipe Ever… And It’s Healthy

    So take full advantage of the summer berry season by treating yourself and your guests to the tangy and slightly sweet goodness of our Raspberry and Yoghurt Tartlets!

    This is a perfect combo of creamy Greek yoghurt, fresh raspberries and zesty lemon. And if you have a vegan or dairy-free guest, you can easily replace the Greek yoghurt with dairy-free coconut yoghurt.

    READ MORE: 5 Healthier ‘Adult’ Ice Lollies To Eat If You’re Watching Your Weight

    Quick And Easy Raspberry Tart Recipe

    Raspberry and Yoghurt Tartlets

    Take full advantage of the summer berry season by treating yourself and your guests to the tangy and slightly sweet goodness of our Raspberry and Yoghurt Tartlets! This is a perfect summer dessert of creamy Greek yoghurt, fresh raspberries and zesty lemon. Yum!

    Prep Time 15 minutes mins

    Course DessertCuisine Healthy

    Servings 6 people

    1½-2 Cups Cashew nuts7 Medjool dates, pitted1 Pinch SaltBaking Spray1 Cup Double-thick Greek yoghurt/dairy-free coconut yoghurt1 tsp Vanilla extract or pinch vanilla seeds1 Tbsp Honey/agave syrup200 g RaspberriesFresh mint leavesSprinkle Powdered sugar
    Place 1.5 cups of cashew nuts and the dates in a food processor. Blitz until well-combined (add more cashews if needed, so the mixture is sticky, but workable).Spray six mini tartlet trays (or one large tart tray) with a baking spray. Then press the date and nut mixture into the tray(s) and place in the freezer for one hour.Mix the yoghurt, vanilla and honey together.Remove the tart(s) from the freezer and spoon the yoghurt mixture inside. Top with the raspberries.Serve the tart(s) with a few sprigs of mint and a light sprinkle of powdered sugar.

    Keyword dessert, Easy Meals, healthy, Healthy Recipes More

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    10 Low-Calorie Cocktails Worth Sipping On This Summer

    Even the fastest and fittest like to let their hair down (and so do we!), but we might as well get some nutrients out of our cocktails, right? These low-calorie cocktails pack a punch and are nutritionally dense, too. Each low-calorie cocktail contains fruits and veg that deliver nutritional benefits beyond the buzz you’ll feel while sipping away. Let Happy Hour begin!

    Cocktail Essentials

    Get your cocktail on with these essential tools – and consider yourself the bartender aficionado of the party.

    Cocktail Making Kit

    With this kit, you’ll find all the essentials you need to create any cocktail. You’ll find a strainer, stirrer and multiple other tools.

    Woolworths Vivi Coupe

    These are so pretty to drink from and are the correct size for cocktails, including margaritas and zingers. Pour away.

    Humble & Mash Spirit Stones

    These won’t dilute your drinks and keep them cool while you shake up your infusion. Plus, they’re neutral-coloured and can complement any drink.

    Beat-The-Bloat Zinger

    Big up the beet – the plant pigment betacyanin, which gives the veg its rich colour, has been found to ward off cancer. Beetroot also stimulates the liver’s detoxifying function, making it the ultimate damage-minimising mixer for a boozy blend.

    Prep Time 15 minutes mins

    Course Appetizer, DrinksCuisine Cocktails

    Servings 2Calories 125 kcal

    5 cm ginger4 beetroot50 ml vodka or ginice to tastesplash soda waterrosemary sprigs to garnish
    Peel the ginger, then juice with the beetroot. Pour into a shaker with vodka or gin (not both) and shake well.Pour over ice, add a splash of soda and garnish.

    Keyword Beetroot cocktail

    READ MORE: Make These 4 Low-Calorie Cocktails If You’re Watching Your Weight

    Kickstarter Kiwi Margarita

    With 12 kiwis, this is only three short of a rugby team. Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants and potassium, the kiwi is the rugged forward of fruits, tackling the fat in your blood and kicking sleep problems into touch.

    Prep Time 10 minutes mins

    Course cocktails, DrinksCuisine Cocktails

    Servings 2Calories 444 kcal

    1 lime12 kiwis peeled50 ml tequilaice2 tsp Himalayan salt2 tsp coconut sugarpinch Cayenne pepper30 ml organic rice syrup
    Juice the lime and kiwis; blend with tequila and ice.In a saucer, mix the salt, coconut sugar and cayenne; set aside.Put the syrup into a second saucer.Dip the glass rims in the syrup, then the salt concoction. Pour in the cocktail and serve.

    Keyword kiwi margarita

    READ MORE: 5 Healthier ‘Adult’ Ice Lollies To Eat If You’re Watching Your Weight

    Vodka Sour

    Put the sweet in this sour with rice syrup – a fructose- free alternative to the traditional cocktail syrup. Like the rice it’s made from, the syrup contains energy- enhancing B vitamins.

    Prep Time 10 minutes mins

    Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

    Calories 165 kcal

    5 cm ginger70 ml vodka20 ml organic rice syrup20 ml lemon juice2 egg whitesicepinch cinnamon
    Peel and juice the ginger, then add to a cocktail shaker along with the vodka, rice syrup, lemon juice and egg whites.Mix first without ice, then add ice and shake. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

    Cucumber Spritz

    Glugging your cucumber is just as good for your skin as donning two slices monocle-style – its inflammation-busting antioxidants soothe puffiness. The fruit is also rich in elasticity-boosting silica. Bottoms up!

    Prep Time 10 minutes mins

    Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

    Servings 2Calories 78 kcal

    1 cucumber50 ml gin50 ml sparkling watermint handfulcucumber slices to garnish
    Chuck cucumber into juicerStir with gin and sparkling water, then pour into highballs and garnish with mint and cucumber.

    READ MORE: The 2 Hangover-Curing Recipes You’ll Need This Weekend

    Pear Sipper

    To keep your diet from going pear-shaped, load up on, well, pears. A Brazilian study found those who ate them daily consumed fewer overall kilojoules thanks to satiety-boosting fibre.

    Prep Time 10 minutes mins

    Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

    Servings 2Calories 169 kcal

    2 pears, peeled2 tbsp cinnamon50 ml spiced rumpinch of nutmegpear slices, to serve
    Toss the pears into a juicer, then mix the juice with the cinnamon in a shallow pan and warm gently over a low heat.Stir in the spiced rum and serve in glasses garnished with nutmeg and pear slices.

    Hail Mary

    Deadlines doing your face no favours? Lycopene, found in tomatoes, can boost levels of procollagen to help keep your skin elastic and youthful. Sip those eye bags away.

    Prep Time 10 minutes mins

    Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

    Servings 2Calories 102 kcal

    4 tomatoes1/2 beetroot1/2 cucumber1/4 lemonpinch ground Cayenne pepper50 ml vodkaicecelery sticks and cherry tomatoes to garnish
    Juice the tomatoes, beetroot, cucumber and lemon, then add a pinch of cayenne.Mix in a shaker with vodka and ice, and showcase your third-base wrist action.Serve in highballs with celery and a cherry tomato, then knock ’em back!

    READ MORE: How To Add More Vegetables To Your Diet, Even If You’re Busy

    Power Daiquiri

    This packs a potassium one-two punch, thanks to the bananas and spinach. A trial of cyclists found that the humble banana powered them through intensive exercise as effectively as a sports drink. It’s recovery fuel and a party starter.

    Prep Time 2 hours hrsCook Time 10 minutes mins

    Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

    Servings 2Calories 78 kcal

    1 banana1/4 lime, plus wedges to serve15 g baby spinach30 ml organic rice syrup50 ml light rum
    Pre-party prep: cut the banana into six pieces and freeze.Juice the lime and add to a blender with the banana. Juice the spinach and whizz with the rice syrup, then the rum and serve with lime wedges.

    Berry and Basil Bellini

    Studies have shown basil to be antifungal and antibacterial, bolstering your immunity as you rack up countless bar tabs on the party circuit. And strawberries can reduce the risk of heart disease in women by 32 percent if consumed three times a week. Cheers!

    Prep Time 10 minutes mins

    Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

    Calories 113 kcal

    50 g fresh basil, finely chopped plus extra to serve400 g strawberries200 ml sparkling white wine
    Purée the basil and strawberries.Divide between two Champagne flutes, top up with sparkling wine and decorate with extra basil.

    READ MORE: The 27 Best Wines For Any Occasion You Can Imagine

    Mocha Martini

    Being caffeine-free, the buzz in this Martini comes from its theobromine, a compound in raw cacao that triggers mood- lifting “happy hormone” serotonin. It gets better: polyphenols in coffee (even decaf) sharpen cognitive function!

    Prep Time 1 hour hrCook Time 10 minutes mins

    Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

    Servings 2Calories 158 kcal

    120 ml decaffeinated espresso30 ml organic rice syrup4 tsp raw cacao powder70 ml vodkaice
    Brew four shots of decaf espresso and leave to cool. Meanwhile, create a paste by mixing rice syrup and raw cacao powder.Combine everything with ice cubes and shake. Pour from a height into two Martini glasses. Dust with cacao powder to serve.

    Piña Colada

    Coconut oil’s lauric acid wards off infections and boosts collagen for healthy skin.

    Prep Time 1 hour hrCook Time 10 minutes mins

    Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

    Servings 2Calories 321 kcal

    1 pineapple, chopped2 tbsp coconut oil50 ml golden rum32 ice cubespinch unsweetened desiccated coconutpineapple wedges, to serve
    Freeze half your pineapple in advance.Come cocktail hour, juice the fresh pieces, then blitz in a blender with the frozen chunks and coconut oil.Add the rum and ice and blend for 30 seconds.Serve with a sprinkle of coconut and a pineapple wedge.

    This story was written by Julia Scirrotto; Photograph by Helena Yankovsk/Unsplash More

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    The Easy Trout Tartare Recipe You’ll Be Making All Summer Long

    This refreshing trout tartare recipe requires minimal prep and no cooking. A few quality ingredients and you have a crowd-pleasing, effortless appetiser.

    READ MORE: 5 Healthier ‘Adult’ Ice Lollies To Eat If You’re Watching Your Weight

    Trout is a super underrated summer protein. It’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin B6 and B12, selenium and niacin. And what could be better than hitting your protein goals with silky diced fish seasoned with zesty lime, sesame oil, spring onions, chives and a hint of chilli?

    READ MORE: Try These Veggie Sosaties Even Meat Lovers Will Love

    Try This Delicious Trout Tartare Recipe

    Trout Tartare

    This refreshing recipe requires minimal prep and no cooking. A few quality ingredients and you have a crowd-pleasing, effortless appetiser. Because what could be better than silky diced fish seasoned with zesty lime, sesame oil, spring onions, chives and a hint of chilli?

    Prep Time 15 minutes mins

    Course AppetizerCuisine Healthy

    Servings 6 people

    400 g Boneless, skinless trout (or salmon)1 Shallot, sliced into super-thin rings2 Spring onions, finely sliced1 Tbsp Chives, finely chopped2-3 Limes, one cut into six thin wedges2 tsp Sesame oil1 Tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil, plus extraPinch chilli flakesFresh tarragon or flat-leaf parsley leaves, for garnishingSalt and freshly ground black pepper
    Slice the trout into one-centimetre pieces.Place the shallot, spring onions and chives in a glass bowl. Then add the zest from one lime and one tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice, as well as the sesame oil, one tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of chilli flakes. Whisk to combine, then add the fish, tossing to combine. Next, taste to check the flavour and add more lime juice, if needed.Divide the tartare between six small plates or bowls and garnish each with a few tarragon or parsley leaves, a drizzle of olive oil and a thin lime wedge.Season with salt and pepper and serve.

    Keyword Easy Meals, fish, Healthy Recipes, No-Cook Recipes More

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    How To Make Perfectly Baked Sweet Potatoes Every Time

    Let’s be honest, we’ve all had a severely undercooked or overcooked baked sweet potato. Well, you’ll never have either again thanks to our recipe that shows you exactly how to bake sweet potatoes to ensure they’re delicious every single time. Thank us later!

    READ MORE: You Need To Make This Yummy Cauliflower Recipe With A South African Twist

    Everyone loves garlicky, well-spiced potatoes. And you’re going to love these sweet potatoes even more. With very few steps, you’ll be able to pop these in the oven and basically forget about them. Who doesn’t love a fuss-free recipe?

    READ MORE: Try These Veggie Sosaties Even Meat Lovers Will Love

    Whole Baked Baby Sweet Potatoes

    Everyone loves garlicky, well-spiced potatoes. And you’re going to love these sweet potatoes even more. With very few steps, you’ll be able to pop these in the oven and basically forget about them. We love fuss-free recipes!

    Prep Time 8 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

    Course Side DishCuisine Healthy

    Servings 6 people

    12 baby sweet potatoes, scrubbed clean and patted dryOlive oil1 tsp Smoked paprika1 tsp Salt 1 tsp Freshly ground black pepper1 Clove Garlic, sliced into thin slices
    Preheat the oven to 180˚C and line a large tray with parchment paper.Place the baby potatoes, about two tablespoons olive oil and the spices in a large mixing bowl. Massage the oil and spices into the skin of the potatoes before placing the potatoes on the baking tray. Bake for one hour or until the potatoes are cooked through and the skins are caramelised in areas. Don’t forget to turn the potatoes once about halfway through the cooking time.Sauté the garlic slices in a little olive oil until just turning golden, then remove immediately from the heat.Remove the potatoes from the oven and serve on a platter drizzled with the garlic slices and oil from the pan.

    Keyword Easy Meals, Healthy Recipes, vegetarian More