"Super Bowl-Ready "Cheesy" Bean Bake: Perfect with Corn Chips!"

Are you ready for this year's Super Bowl? 

You may still be looking for the perfect Super Bowl appetizer that’s both hearty and crowd-pleasing? Look no further! This Bean Bake is the ideal dish to enjoy with a big bowl of crispy corn chips. Packed with two types of canned beans, tomatoes and a blend of savory seasonings, and creamy (regular or plant-based )cheeses, it’s the kind of comfort food that’s sure to be a hit at your Super Bowl party. Blend with your choice of melted grated cheeses: grated cheddar, feta vegan cheeses.—and of course this dish meets gluten-free standards as well. 

Touchdown! Oil-Free Smashed Potatoes: A Winner for Game Day Super Bowl

Looking for a game-day snack that’s delicious, hearty, and guilt-free? These oil-free smashed white or sweet potatoes are the perfect choice. They’re a great way to enjoy a crispy tasty treat without the extra calories or fat. 

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to add something healthier to your Super Bowl spread, these smashed potatoes are sure to impress.

My family is excited about the final Super Bowl play off game this Sunday which will determine if the Eagles (Our Philly team) will make it to the Super Bowl again this year~!

Regardless of which team wins and makes it to the Superbowl, you know you are going to want some hearty snacks while watching the game. 

In the past, I've served a variety of dips such as guacamole, spinach and artichoke dip, and loaded hummus. ( follow links for recipes) This year I adding these delicious smashed potatoes to the mix of appetizers. 

They are easy to make and they come out very crispy. A great alternative  to high fat foods. 

Why Choose Smashed Potatoes?

Potatoes are a beloved Super Bowl snack for good reason. They're versatile, filling, and everyone loves them! But what sets this recipe apart is that it's oil-free, which means you can enjoy the flavors you love without worrying about excess fats. The combination of white potatoes and or sweet potatoes brings a balance of creaminess and sweetness, making for a satisfying and nutritious dish.

By baking these potatoes and then smashing them, you get the crispy edges of roasted potatoes while maintaining the soft, fluffy interior. It’s the perfect mix of textures, making them the ideal base for all sorts of fun toppings and dips.

Why Oil-Free?

Traditional smashed potatoes and roasted potatoes are often cooked with oil or butter to add flavor and crispiness. However, by making them oil-free, you not only cut back on tons of calories and unhealthy fats but also let the natural flavors of the potatoes shine through. This recipe focuses on seasoning and herbs, letting the vegetables speak for themselves without the need for added fat.

Ingredients ;

• 6 medium white potatoes, washed and unpeeled
• Optional Seasonings: 
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky kick!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley work well)
• salsa 

How to Make Oil-Free Smashed Potatoes:

1. Prep the Potatoes

Start by washing the potatoes well. Since you’re keeping the skins on, make sure to scrub them clean. 

2. Steam the Potatoes

Instant Pot: Place a steamer basket in the liner of the IP. Add 2 cups of water. Add washed whole unpeeled potatoes to the steamer basket.  Secure lid on the IP. Set to cook for 13 minutes. When done, allow to sit for 10 more minutes then carefully release the steam manually according to the manufacturer's instruction. When all steam is released, carefully open the lid. 

 Pre-heat oven or air-fryer to 425 degrees

Place the whole potatoes on a parchment lined sheet to go into the air-fryer or oven. Using a potato masher (or anything to smash down the potatoes), smash, not mash, the potatoes. Season with seasonings of choice and then bake for 25 minutes until crispy. If not crispy enough, turn up to 450 for 10 more minutes. 

Tips for the Perfect Smashed Potatoes:

• Use a variety of potatoes: Mixing white potatoes and sweet potatoes gives you a wonderful balance of flavors, but feel free to experiment with different types like Yukon Gold or purple potatoes for a colorful twist.
• Don't overwork the potatoes: The key to a perfect smashed potato is not over-smashing them. You want them to be a bit chunky for texture.
• Play with seasonings: If you love spice, throw in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for some heat. If you're into more savory flavors, consider adding fresh rosemary, thyme, or even nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. How about a little salsa?

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Super Bowl :

• Healthy but satisfying: You get all the flavor without the heavy oils and fats typically found in game-day snacks.
• Easy to make in bulk: You can easily scale this recipe up to feed a crowd, and it holds up well if you need to prepare it in advance.
• Customizable: You can serve these smashed potatoes with an array of toppings to suit everyone's tastes—whether you're into spicy, cheesy, or herby flavors, there’s a topping for you.

Smashed Sweet Potato 

Final Thoughts:

I really love these amazing smashed potatoes.  This simple recipe makes a wonderful side dish for any meal that is hearty, super crispy, and delicious. Add any toppings of your choice and enjoy!!! It's also allergy friendly and meets gluten-free, dairy-free, and parve standards. 

Savory Banana Soup - Savor the Unexpected

Bananas in your soup? Savor the unexpected. 

I am really excited about this absolutely unique soup. I've never made, tasted, or even heard of anything like it before. 

Instant Pot Lentil Soup with Red and Brown Lentils

Nothing beats a warm, comforting bowl of Instant Pot lentil soup, and this one’s extra special because it brings together both red and brown lentils in the same pot—double the lentils, double the flavor! The red lentils cook down into a creamy base, while the brown lentils stay firmer for a nice bite—so every spoonful is packed with goodness. 

 Lentils Provide Valuable Plant-Based Protein

Healthy, protein-rich, and super easy to make in the Instant Pot or stove top, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights or just warming up on a chilly weekend. 

Don’t have an Instant Pot? No worries—this recipe works just as well on the stovetop too.

Nutrient-packed, fiber-rich, low in fat, and most importantly high in protien, this plant-based lentil soup is satisfying and delicious.  

I love this easy lentil soup because the red and brown lentils meld together, creating a comforting, layered flavor. In addition, I like to toss in a variety of vegetables, as well as my little secret timesaver—a simple jar of salsa. With its mix of tomatoes, garlic, peppers, onions, and just a hint of spice, salsa works perfectly together with the earthy lentils. Pick the heat level that suits your taste—mild, medium, or hot. I usually stick with mild, but if you enjoy a bit of spice, go ahead and turn up the heat!

Tastes great, can be kept in the refrigerator up to 5 days, and is a wonderful starter for any meal. A simple fusion of flavors that meet gluten-free, dairy-free, oil-free, and parve standards. A soup everyone can enjoy!

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup of red lentils ( washed and cleaned) 
• 3/4 cup of brown lentils (washed and cleaned) 
• 2 med-large white potatoes, peeled and chopped 
• 1 cup of sliced or chopped carrots
• 1 medium zucchini, chopped bite size  
• 1 16 ounce jar of organic chunky salsa 
• 1 16 ounce jar of water (use the empty salsa jar) 
• 1 32 ounce container of vegetable broth (about 4 and 1/2 cups)
• ( my favorite vegetable broth is Tabatcnicks)
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder 
• Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste  

Directions: 

Place all of the ingredients in the Instant Pot liner. Secure the lid, set to pressure cook for 16 minutes. When done, allow to sit for 5 minutes then release pressure manually according to manufacturing directions. When all steam is released, carefully open the lid. 

The Differences Between Red and Brown Lentils 

•  Red lentils are sweeter and milder in flavor, and they cook much faster, usually breaking down into a soft, mushy texture, which makes them great for thickening soups and stews. 
• Brown lentils, on the other hand, have an earthier, slightly peppery taste and hold their shape better during cooking, offering a firmer, more hearty texture. Because of this, brown lentils are perfect for dishes where you want distinct lentils to stand out, while red lentils are ideal for smooth, comforting blends. 
• Combining both red and brown lentils creates a balanced soup with a mix of flavors and textures, making it both satisfying and hearty.

My Notes: 

**If your vegetables are large, add a little more water to the soup pot. 

It's been cooler in South Florida lately with morning temps around 49 degrees ( it goes up to the sunny low 70's during the day) . I heard it will be back to 80 in a few days. 

I really don't need an excuse to make and eat soup, but the cooler temperatures coaxed me a little.

For an incredible selection of easy, healthy, homemade soup recipes, read a sample of my soups cookbook on Amazon to see if you might like to buy a copy for yourself or for a gift.  Link: plant-based soups cookbook 

Click on link to go to Amazon to read a sample of my book :  plant-based soups cookbook (affiliate link to Amazon)

Disclaimer: I am an an affiliate for Amazon and may receive a small compensation if you click on a link from my blog and make a qualified purchase.

The Broccoli Salad You'll Actually Like To Eat

Broccoli in salad ? 

Yes, and it tastes great!!

The key is to "blanch" the broccoli so it stays vibrant, green, and tasty. 

My friend Noreen served this delicious salad at a recent gathering of friends and everyone really liked it. It uses baby salad greens as its base, some blanched broccoli, red onion, slivered almonds, sun dried tomatoes, and olives.

Asian Peanut Noodle Dish

If you're looking for a quick, savory, and satisfying meal, this rice noodle dish in a creamy vegan peanut sauce is the answer. Packed with flavor and texture, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual lunch, or even to take to a pot luck dinner.