Author Archives: Ella Dereza

Lima Bean Soup with Brown Rice

lima bean soup

This Lima Bean Soup with Brown Rice is one of my favorite soups when it comes to quick and nutritious lunches. For me, soup is a comfort food, that comes from my childhood and cultural background. In the country where I come from, soup is normally served for lunch, almost daily. It is also believed […]

Roasted Butternut Squash with Kale & Walnuts

roasted butternut squash with kale and walnuts

When it comes to pumpkin season, I usually only cook one dish, which is my absolute favorite: Pumpkin-millet porridge with coconut milk. But this time I decided to discover more goodies from this autumn fruit. And I cooked the Roasted Butternut Squash with Kale & Walnuts. Pumpkin contains magnesium, calcium, and iron, as well as […]

Easy Pumpkin Stew with Kidney Beans

pumpkin stew with kidney beans

Another warm & hearty recipe. This simple and tasty Stew can be served on its own, with fresh bread or pitta. Or you can have it with brown rice, quinoa, couscous, or Wholesome Coconut Milk Mashed Potatoes. This is a bright, juicy, and healthy dish that is very easy to prepare. To balance the natural […]

Pickled Red Onions in 2 Easy Steps

pickled red onions

🧅 Pickled Red Onions – A Kitchen Favorite Pickled Red Onions are a staple in my kitchen. Their tangy, slightly sweet flavor adds a perfect punch to just about anything—from salads and tacos to burgers, rice bowls, and more. Easy to make and endlessly versatile, this is one recipe you’ll keep coming back to. ✅ […]

Creamy Cashew Cream (Vegan and Dairy Free)

cashew cream, lemon, cashew nuts

Why Cashew Cream Is a Plant-Based Essential When I made the switch to a dairy-free lifestyle, one thing I missed most was creamy textures—sour cream, rich sauces, and velvety dressings. That changed the moment I discovered cashew cream, a game-changing, plant-based alternative that’s now a staple in my kitchen. Not only are cashews a nutritious […]

Rice Salad with Roasted Carrot

rice salad with roasted carrot and beetroot

This Rice Salad provides the body with essential nutrients and can be a healthy addition to your daily menu. Health Benefits of the Rice Salad Carrots and beets are rich in fiber and antioxidants. And these root vegetables can be a good source of folate, manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. Did you know that […]

Stuffed Bell Pepper Recipe

stuffed bell peppers with chickpeas and goat cheese

We loved stuffed bell peppers in our family. For every special occasion or holiday, we served stuffed peppers to the table. Usually, the staffing consisted of a mixture of rice, minced meat, and onion. I will later prepare the vegetarian variation of that delicious dish, replacing the meat with a plant-based alternative. But for now, […]

Pumpkin Soup with a Secret Ingredient

cream of pumpkin soup

Puree soups, especially with cream, are my favorites. Even those who are not pumpkin fans (like my husband 😊) will love the creamy and rich flavor of this delicious Pumpkin Soup. When it comes to cooking, I will always look for the perfect balance of taste and nutrition profile. Regarding this Pumpkin Soup recipe, the […]

Green Smoothie to Boost Your Energy

green smoothie, cucumber, pineapple, banana, baby spinach and hemp seeds

A green smoothie is an extremely healthy drink that consists of leafy vegetables (spinach in my case) and fruits. One that adheres to a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition, include this miracle drink in the menu, as with regular use, your body is cleansed and generally healed! Ingredients for Green Smoothie 1 cup baby spinach […]

Special Hot Sauce Adjika

hot sauce adjika

My Friends, This Recipe is a Must! This Special Hot Sauce Adjika is a staple in our kitchen—and a favorite among our friends. Whenever guests come to visit, we always gift them a small jar as a warm welcome. It’s become a tradition! Abkhazian (Georgia) adjika is considered the queen of hot spices. It is […]