Mains — Nicki Royle

spicy red lentil stew

spicy red lentil stew

If you live in Canada then you know winter has finally arrived (Brr). I developed this plant based stew the other day when I was craving something warm and hearty yet super flavourful and healthy. All ingredients were staples I already had so it was super easy to throw together and let simmer while I went about my chilly day. Potatoes, chickpeas and lentils simmered in a spicy red curry sauce served on quinoa with fresh cilantro is my kinda meal. I skipped the coconut milk this time so if you’re looking for a relatively low fat option this recipe is for you. And remember, healthy cooking during the winter and a Global pandemic is all about being versatile with what you have - so feel free to replace or add extra of any vegetable you love!

vegan, Stew, CurryNicki RoyleFebruary 2, 2021curry, stew, vegan, plant based, lentil, chickpea, potatoComment

lentil bolognese

lentil bolognese

This plant based lentil bolognese did not disappoint. Packed with veg and super simple to make, it’s my ultimate healthy comfort food! I had most of these ingredients on hand so was able to throw this together without leaving my house. But if you don’t you can also make a ton of substitutions to this and it will still turn out great so be creative and use what you have. Enjoy and stay well xo

pasta, veganNicki RoyleApril 5, 2020lentil, bolognese, pasta, basil, veganComment

zoodle primavera

zoodle primavera

An oldie but a goodie and turns out zoodles are actually pretty tasty. Low cal zucchini noodles, fresh tomatoes, onion, meaty artichoke hearts, baby spinach and garlic tossed in zesty lemon juice. A super light plant based meal that is perfect for any night of the week.

Nicki RoyleNovember 29, 2019zucchini, noodles, pasta, vegan, lemon, garlic, artichoke, spinachComment

creamy carrot and chive soup

creamy carrot and chive soup

Sick season in Canada has officially arrived. Lucky for me I’ve had a bag of carrots straight from Dads garden sitting in my fridge that I’ve been dying to use. There’s nothing better than a super simple carrot soup. This one is extra special and inspired by my Momma who makes the best carrot soup I’ve ever had! Super Sweet garden carrots, lots of fresh garlic, chives and creamy coconut milk makes this recipe my new go to for plant based carrot soup.

soupNicki RoyleNovember 21, 2019soup, carrot, chive, veganComment

vegan thai beef and basil skillet

vegan thai beef and basil skillet

This plant based recipe is all about fresh flavours. Super versatile and easy to whip up for lunch or dinner using a skillet only. Savoury thai veggie crumble sautéed with fresh basil, sweet peppers, garlic and green onion. Served over basmati rice, topped with marinated basil and green onion in fresh lime juice.

Nicki RoyleMay 13, 2018skillet, beef, basil, rice, dinner, vegan, plant based, thaiComment

udon noodle stir fry with fried tofu

udon noodle stir fry with fried tofu

I’ve had many firsts since switching to a plant based diet and Udon noodles have by far been one of my best discoveries! Not a whole lot of nutritional value in them but they are amazing when tossed with a ton of veggies and can be a great carb option to keep you fuller for longer. They can be used in soups, stir frys and even as a pasta substitute. This recipe was a no brainer for me and was what got me hooked on Udon noodles! Super easy, full of flavour and best of all satisfying!

Nicki RoyleNovember 6, 2017udon, noodle, stir fry, bok choy, spinach, dinner, vegan Comment

cabbage roll casserole

cabbage roll casserole

I’m a polish girl through and through so cabbage rolls have always been a favourite of mine. Seriously though how could you not LOVE them? This recipe is super easy and cheap! It has all those familiar flavours but is totally plant based and best of all healthy! Throw it all together in 10 minutes, bake and forget about it.

Nicki RoyleNovember 1, 2017casserole, tomato, cabbage, dinner, vegan, lunch, riceComment

egg roll skillet

egg roll skillet

As an avid egg roll lover (my Mom’s homemade egg rolls are the bomb!) I knew it was only a matter of time before I came up with a plant based version. This super quick and easy egg roll skillet has all those familiar flavours we know and love. Roll into traditional egg rolls or keep it light and serve with brown rice, either way this recipe is a keeper.

Nicki RoyleMay 18, 2017cabbage, egg roll, vegan, tofu, skilletComment

pangoa bowl with spicy bbq tofu

pangoa bowl with spicy bbq tofu

This super fresh and satisfying Pangoa bowl is the perfect plant based meal. Roasted corn, avocado, black beans, cilantro, cherry tomatoes, green onions, thai chill peppers + fresh lime juice with spicy bbq tofu on a bed of brown rice.

Nicki RoyleMarch 18, 2017bbq, tofu, avocado, riceComment

sweet potato shepherd's pie

sweet potato shepherd's pie

Had too much of a good thing? Help ease your body back into a healthy meal routine with this plant based shepherd’s pie. A super savoury veggie filling topped with gravy and decadent whipped sweet potatoes and chives. Trust me, you’re gonna want to try this one!

Nicki RoyleJanuary 9, 2017sweet potato, pie, skillet, gravyComment

roasted pumpkin + sage soup

roasted pumpkin + sage soup

It’s not fall without pumpkins - and they are everywhere! I picked mine up at our local farmers market last week and have been looking forward to creating, and eating this soup ever since. With only a handful of plant based ingredients it's the perfect soup to whip up on a chilly fall day!

Nicki RoyleNovember 19, 2016pumpkin, sage, soupComment

the best bolognese sauce

the best bolognese sauce

A classic family favourite, and the best bolognese sauce around. As a pasta LOVER this super tasty, nutrient rich sauce has been a tradition for years in my family so I thought it was time to share a plant based version. Grab a glass of wine, start cooking and enjoy!

Nicki RoyleOctober 26, 2016spicy, sauce, pasta, bologneseComment

fall cleanse kale salad

fall cleanse kale salad

Still full from all that tasty thanksgiving food? Kick start your metabolism with this super satisfying and body cleansing fall kale salad. Truth is the more leafy greens you eat, the more you will crave.

Nicki RoyleOctober 12, 2016kale, fall, salad, squash, chickpeaComment

roasted butternut squash + cremini mushroom salad

roasted butternut squash + cremini mushroom salad

This roasted butternut squash and cremini mushroom salad has been a summer fav in my kitchen. Fresh peppery arugula, roasted veg, creamy avocado, tangy asian dressing and raw walnuts. This meatless meal has it all!

Nicki RoyleJuly 12, 2016salad, arugula, butternut squash, avocado, walnutComment

sweet potato + lentil curry

sweet potato + lentil curry

This saucy sweet potato and lentil curry is a super simple dish made from fresh, flavourful plant based ingredients. Vitamin A rich sweet potato and loads of protein packed lentils that will leave you feeling satisfied. Whip up this quick curry for dinner tonight and have a bowl or two!

Nicki RoyleJune 27, 2016curry, lentil, sweet potato, vegan, cilantroComment

quinoa chili

quinoa chili

This plant based quinoa chili is great if you are looking for a one pot meal that is hearty and delicious, yet super healthy. Packed with a ton of vitamin rich veggies, high fiber quinoa and protein packed beans that will leave you feeling satisfied, not stuffed.

Nicki RoyleMay 31, 2016chili, quinoa, vegan, tomato Comment

creamy hummus pasta salad

creamy hummus pasta salad

This weeks recipe challenge was to create a healthy, yet satisfying pasta salad that could replace the traditional high-calorie, high-fat salads we all love. Quick and easy to throw together; a creamy fresh dill hummus tossed with large pasta shells and all your favourite summer veggies. Bring this colourful pasta salad to all of your bbq's this year for a tasty plant-based salad option.

Nicki RoyleMay 21, 2016salad, pasta, hummus, dill, vegan Comment

grilled portobello salad

grilled portobello salad

The perfect low-calorie salad for a quick, healthy lunch or dinner. All you need is a few plant based ingredients to whip up this super delicious and satisfying meal. Tasty grilled portobello mushrooms served on a bed of arugula topped with walnuts, blackberries and a fresh orange-balsamic dressing. Try adding more leafy greens to your diet to fuel your body and keep you feeling fuller longer.

Nicki RoyleMay 14, 2016salad, vegan, walnut, mushroomComment

phuket carrot soup

phuket carrot soup

This carrot soup is made from just a handful of plant based ingredients. Thai flavours make a sweet and savoury soup packed with nutrition to help cleanse the body and promote healthy organs.

Nicki RoyleMay 4, 2016soup, carrot, vegan, coconutComment

roasted red pepper pasta

roasted red pepper pasta

This recipe is great if you have extra pasta taking up space in your cupboard. A delicious creamy roasted red pepper and eggplant sauce tossed with pasta and sautéed mushrooms. Top with sweet basil leaves and pea shoots for a fresh finish on a super simple pasta dish.

Nicki RoyleApril 26, 2016pasta, eggplant, red pepper, veganComment