Natale Stuffed Portobellos

The inspiration for this recipe came from Chance Genovese's Italian heritage. "I wanted a dish that used traditional ingredients of Italy but were easily found at the local market," says Genovese, who adopted a meat-free diet at a very young age. "Above all, I knew the dish had to be easy to prepare in the chaos of a holiday celebration."

ingredient list

Serves 4

Mushrooms

• 1/4 cup Bragg extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbs. Spectrum balsamic vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)
• 4 large portobello mushroom caps

Filling

• 2 Tbs. breadcrumbs
• 1 Tbs. Bragg extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 8 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)
• 1/2 cup light cream or Silk soy creamer
• 10 oz. fresh spinach leaves (8 cups)
• 1/4 cup grated Asiago cheese
• 4 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, chopped

Directions

1. To make Mushrooms: Preheat oven to 375ºF. Whisk together oil, vinegar, and garlic in bowl. Brush mushroom caps with oil mixture, and place on baking sheet. Roast 30 minutes, or until tender. Drain on paper-towel-lined plate.

2. To make Filling: Toast breadcrumbs on baking sheet 2 to 3 minutes, or until light brown. Set aside.

3. Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté 5 minutes, or until soft. Add sun-dried tomatoes and garlic; sauté 30 seconds. Stir in cream, and cook 2 minutes. Add spinach, and cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until spinach is wilted. Stir in cheeses, and cook 2 to 3 minutes. Spoon Filling into mushroom caps, and top with toasted breadcrumbs.

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Enchiladas

Right from the start, the originality and flavor profile of this recipe made it a standout for VT taste testers. "My wife and I eat this dish a lot in the fall and winter months. We make it when we're having guests (vegetarian and not) because we know everyone will enjoy it," explains James McNulty. "It can be made the night before and it travels well, so it's great for a potluck or a holiday party."

ingredient list

Serves 8 (makes 16 enchiladas)

Sauce

• 1 15-oz. can tomato sauce
• 1 3/4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 tsp. ancho chile powder
• 1 tsp. Simply Organic chili powder
• 1 tsp. Simply Organic garlic powder
• 1 tsp. Simply Organic onion powder
• 1 tsp. Simply Organic dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. Simply Organic chipotle chile powder

Filling

• 1 Tbs. Spectrum extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced (1 cup)
• 1 1/2 lb. sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (3 cups)
• 1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 16-oz. jar prepared medium salsa
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
• 1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce, drained and minced
• 1 15-oz. can Eden Organic black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 12-oz. round queso fresco, divided

Enchiladas

• Spectrum extra virgin olive oil, for brushing baking dish
• 16 6-inch corn tortillas, warmed
• 2 limes, cut into wedges
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cup sour cream, for garnish
• Cilantro sprigs, for garnish, optional

Directions

1. To make Sauce: Bring all ingredients to a simmer in saucepan over medium heat. Whisk to combine, then remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

2. To make Filling: Heat oil in separate saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté 3 to 5 minutes, or until soft. Add sweet potatoes, tomatoes, salsa, garlic, chipotle chile, and 1/2 cup water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 30 to 40 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are soft. Mash mixture with potato masher until combined. Add black beans, and cook 5 minutes. Stir in half of queso fresco, and remove from heat.

3. To assemble Enchiladas: Preheat oven to 350ºF. Brush 13- x 9-inch baking dish with oil. Spread 1/2 cup Sauce in bottom of dish. Fill tortillas with Filling. Roll, and pack close together seam-side down in baking dish. Top with remaining Sauce and queso fresco. Bake 15 minutes.

4. Adjust oven to broil. Broil Enchiladas 5 minutes, or until cheese is browned and bubbly. Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with lime wedges, avocado slices, sour cream, and cilantro sprigs, if using.