Let’s start with this colorful and fresh salad that is packed with nutrient dense veggies. The zucchini ribbon gives a nice crunch while the roasted sweet potatoes add a nice hearty texture. You don’t normally see prunes in a salad but I think they are a nice switch up from other sweeter dried fruits like cranberries.
Hearty California Prune Salad
3 cups cooked quinoa 2 cups cubed roasted sweet potato 1 zucchini, ribboned 1 cup white kidney beans, strained and drained 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup fresh arugula 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves 50g or 1/4 cup California prunes 1/2 an avocado, sliced
Dressing:
handful of fresh mint 4 California prunes 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil juice of one lime 3 cloves of garlic season to taste 1/4 cup water
Method:
I love this recipe, it is such a fun twist on roasted butternut squash! Next time you have a family gathering and need to bring a side dish, this is the perfect crowd pleaser. The prune glaze gives just the right amount of sweetness to balance the starchy squash. When you’re reducing it over the oven your house will smell amazing!
Glazed butternut squash
Ingredients:
For the squash:
1 butternut squash, halved lengthwise. 3 tbsp. olive oil 5 sprigs of rosemary One bunch of thyme Season to taste
California Prune glaze:
8-10 California prunes, coarsely chopped 1/4 cup butter 1/2 cup brown sugar dash of maple syrup 1/4 tsp onion powder 2 cloves garlic, smashed rosemary stick, whole, use as a stir stick to infuse flavor
Method:
My last California prune dish is a Moroccan Vegan Chickpea Tagine. A Tagine actually refers to both the traditional North African pot as well as the stew that is cooked in it. Obviously, you don’t need a Tagine to make this dish but if you feel like getting real authentic, you should be able to find one at an ethnic food shop. As an added bonus they are just a beautiful piece of cookware to help up your shelf game.
Moroccan Vegan Chickpea Tagine
Ingredients:
2 tbsp. olive oil 1 medium-sized sweet white onion – finely chopped 3-4 large cloves of garlic 1 tbsp. vegetable stock paste 2 tbsp. curry powder 1 tbsp. turmeric powder 1 tbsp. cumin spice 1 tsp. smoked paprika 1/2 tsp. cinnamon pinch of chilli flakes 2 398 mL can of chickpeas, drained and strained 1/4 – 1/2 cup green olives 1 cup crushed tomatoes 1 400 ml can coconut milk 1-2 cups hot water 8 California prunes – roughly chopped 1/4 cup green onion + more for garnish season to taste 1/4 cup cilantro seeds of one pomegranate 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved fresh lemon juice
Method:
Prunes, Not Just For Juice
California Prunes were a fun ingredient to use for all three of these recipes. As you can see, they are so versatile and can be used so many different ways. Try adding them to baking, smoothies, juices, or dip in some nut butter and enjoy them on their own. They also keep really well in an airtight glass container. I also love using them because they are just so good for you:
Research shows that a serving of about 5 California prunes helps build bone health and slow bone loss in postmenopausal women. In addition to helping support healthy bones, California prunes help support heart and digestive health. Prunes low glycemic index and dietary fiber help manage blood sugar levels. California Prunes are naturally sweet and contain no added sugar. A source of dietary fiber, a serving of 5 prunes is only 100 calories. California produces the highest quality prunes in the world.
I hope I’ve inspired you to look in your fridge or pantry and pick out an ingredient that you bought for a specific recipe that you could use for something else. When I first decided to use California Prunes I was a little stumped as to what I could make. Once I started playing around with different flavors though, the creative juices started flowing. So, get in your kitchen and start playing around, who knows what amazing recipes you might come up with! Check out the recipe here and don’t forget to let me know what you think over at @foodbymaria! Tag #foodbymaria and #fearnotfoodisyourfriend so I can see all your beautiful recreations. For more California prune recipes, check out californiadriedplums.org and follow @CAforPrunes!
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by California Prunes
