Crispy Tempeh & Warming Mixed Grains In Harissa Dressing

Comfort food that packs a nutritional punch! Lots of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, and more polyphenols than you can shake a fork at.

You will need

• 1 lb cooked mixed whole grains (your choice what kind; gluten-free options include buckwheat, quinoa, millet)
• 7 oz tempeh, cut into ½” cubes
• 2 red peppers, cut into strips
• 10 baby plum tomatoes, halved
• 1 avocado, pitted, peeled, and diced
• 1 bulb garlic, paperwork done but cloves left whole
• 1 oz black olives, pitted and halved
• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp harissa paste
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (ideally tamari)
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 2 tsp black pepper, coarse ground
• 1 tsp red chili flakes
• 1 handful chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• ½ tsp MSG or 1 tsp low-sodium salt

Method

(we suggest you read everything at least once before doing anything)

1) Preheat the oven to 400℉ / 200℃.

2) Combine the red pepper strips with the tomatoes, garlic, 2 tbsp of the olive oil, and the MSG/salt, tossing thoroughly to ensure an even coating. Spread them on a lined baking tray, and roast for about 25 minutes. Remove when done, and allow to cool a little.

3) Combine the tempeh with the soy sauce and nutritional yeast flakes, tossing thoroughly to ensure an even coating. Spread them on a lined baking tray, and roast for about 25 minutes, tossing regularly to ensure it is crispy on all sides. If you get started on the tempeh as soon as the vegetables are in the oven, these should be ready only a few minutes after the vegetables.

4) Whisk together the remaining olive oil and harissa paste in a small bowl, to make the dressing,

5) Mix everything in a big serving bowl. By “everything” we mean the roasted vegetables, the crispy tempeh, the mixed grains, the dressing, the chia seeds, the black pepper, the red chili flakes, and the flat leaf parsley.

6) Serve warm.

Enjoy!

Want to learn more?

For those interested in some of the science of what we have going on today:

• Grains: Bread Of Life, Or Cereal Killer?
• Tempeh vs Tofu – Which is Healthier?
• Our Top 5 Spices: How Much Is Enough For Benefits?

Take care!