Spicy Avocado Pesto Penne (Vegan Friendly)

Inspired by: http://www.vegalicious.org/2007/04/07/spinach-pasta-with-avocado-pesto-and-pistachios/

Ingredients:

2    large avocados or 3 small one's
2    tbs chili sauce*
4    cups of basil
1    lime juiced
3    garlic cloves
1/2 tsp sea salt
2    tbs olive oil 
3    roma tomatoes (diced)
1    cup artichoke hearts

Your choice of pasta

Directions

Process together the avocado, chili, lemon juice, and basil. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water so that the blender can process the ingredients. Add chopped garlic, salt, and olive oil and continue to puree.  

Prepare your choice of pasta to your liking.

In a separate sauce pan combine tomatoes, artichoke hearts and a little bit of oil and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. Once your pasta is ready, add pasta and pesto sauce to the sauce pan and toss well.

Enjoy!

* You can change the amount of chili sauce you use or omit it completely. You can also add 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese to this dish if you want it vegetarian instead of vegan.

Easy Chickpea Medley (Veg Recipe)

For the Veggie Lover in you...


To create this fresh party in your mouth you'll need about 15-20min and:

• 1 can (15ounce) of chick peas (soak in water for a few minutes and rinse)
• 1 bunch of parsley finely chopped
• 1 garlic crushed/finely chopped
• 1 small red onion finely chopped
• 2 small tomatoes diced
• 1 lime
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (can be substituted for whatever other vinegar you like)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Drain chickpeas and in a medium sized bowl combine with all the veggies (onion, tomato, garlic, parsley). Mix balsamic and olive oil together and add to bowl. Add the juice from the lime and stir. Sprinkle salt to taste.

You can play with this easy dish and switch up the veggies (i.e. cucumber and tomato with oregano and just olive oil will make it Greek-ish) while still getting your awesome dose of protein a la chickpea love.

If you want to use dry chickpeas, you can! But be sure to soak them overnight. Your teeth will thank you.