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Herby Turkey Greens And Beans Soup

This Herby Turkey Greens And Beans Soup has tons of protein and lots of healthy greens and herbs… who could ask for anything more?
Herby Turkey Greens And Beans Soup

It’s winter here in New York, but spring is on the way. I can feel it. It’s that weird time of year when it can be snowing, freezing, and windy one day and then springlike the next day. With these warmer days and it now staying light outside until a whopping 5:30pm, spring is in the air. But it’s still soup season. Okay, it’s always soup season here, but this soup really does take both spring and winter into account.

To me, winter means soup. Hot comforting soup. It also means blankets on the couch in front of the fireplace and Netflix. Add a cozy bowl of soup to that picture and that’s movie-like to me.

Spring means fresh herbs. It also means the fresh smell of morning dew and new beginnings. Add a bowl of this delicious soup and a good book, and that’s also perfection to me.

So, this is the perfect seasonal soup for this weirdo of a season.

It’s also the perfect nutritional  mix. It’s got turkey and beans for protein. It’s got tons of leafy greens for… well, everything. And to make it the best soup ever, it’s got a whole boatload of fresh herbs. Soup is the perfect dish to experiment with and make it however you like it. So, just because I used turkey, it doesn’t mean you need to use turkey. I have also made this with ground chicken. And I’m sure lamb would be so awesome. And just because I used collard greens and kale, again, you do you. Chard would be great here as well. Or mustard greens — any green that’s kind of sturdy will do. That being said, wilty soft spinach sound pretty good too…

My favorite part of this recipe, the thing that truly makes it extra special is the huge amount of fresh herbs that we add at the end. So fresh, so delicious, so healing. I used dill because I love the taste. I also used parsley. Again, at the risk of repeating myself, have it your way.

I need to give credit to The New York Times for the original recipe. That’s where I got the idea to really cram all those herbs into this Herby Turkey Beans And Greens Soup; it’s a genius idea.

Here’s your challenge: Every single time you cook a big pot of anything, add as many leafy greens and fresh herbs as you can. They make everything better.

Herby Turkey Greens And Beans Soup

This recipe has a lot of healing ingredients:

Turkey is a healthy meat. Make sure you buy organic turkey whenever possible. Recent research has shown turkey helps lower the risk of pancreatic cancer; however I did read some research that suggests that if you eat the skin along with the meat, some of this value is reduced, so don’t eat too much skin — this recipe uses ground turkey so it has no skin involved… Turkey also has a great protein-to-fat ratio, so it keeps you feeling full with less potential for weight gain. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin B and selenium. And, in Chinese medicine, turkey is thought of as a qi-booster, so it can be good for low energy levels.

White beans are good at boosting energy and calming the mind. They can help improve your memory and can lower cholesterol. And, they are a great source of protein.

Kale is everywhere these days. And there’s a lot of mixed reviews on whether it’s worth the hype. I like to use it sometimes, but not in every recipe. This dark leafy green is a great source of fiber and calcium. It’s also rich in many minerals, including magnesium, iron and potassium. One serving contains 200% of the daily requirements of Vitamin C and 180% of Vitamin A.

Collard greens are great for you. They help build strong bones, lessen constipation, help reduce stress and act as a detoxifying food. They have almost no calories but do have a lot of fiber. They contain vitamins A, C, and K and are filled with minerals like calcium and manganese. One of the best things about collards is that they are great at preventing the buildup of bad cholesterol.

Dill is considered a chemoprotective in that it can help neutralize some carcinogens. It also helps fight bacteria in the body.

Parsley has been shown to reduce tumors in the lungs and to neutralize the effects of carcinogens, including cigarette smoke. It is high in vitamins A and C, and is good for your heart. This herb is also a natural breath freshener. So, if you have a chance to use more than a few sprigs as a garnish, go for it.

Garlic is amazing in its antiviral and antibacterial capabilities. Garlic is actually a Chinese herb (Da Suan). It’s used to kill toxins and parasites and also to reduce swelling in the body. It’s what I call a great “A” herb: anesthetic, antibacterial, anti fungal, antioxidant, antiviral, etc.

Bone broth is filled with bone marrow and essential fatty acids — these things promote optimal brain health. It also contains glycine, which is an amino acid that helps with memory, concentration, stress, and focus. The glucosamine in bone broth can reduce inflammation and strengthen the bones. It’s also great for your skin, hair, and nails. This is a great thing to use for a quick soup base, or to just sip on during the day.

Herby Turkey Beans And Greens Soup

Herby Turkey Greens And Beans Soup
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Recipe type: gluten free, grain free, dairy free, nut free, simple, comfort food
Cuisine: soup, stew
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 8
This Herby Turkey Beans And Greens Soup has tons of healthy protein and lots of leafy greens and herbs.
Ingredients
  • 2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 med onions, chopped
  • 2 med carrots, peeled and chopped
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 Tbs tomato paste
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • big pinch dried hot red pepper flakes, or to taste
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 10 smashed garlic cloves
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 6 cups bone broth
  • 3 15-oz cans white beans
  • 1 bunch black kale, thick stems/veins removed and discarded, leaves roughly chopped
  • 1 bunch collard greens, thick stems/veins removed and discarded, leaves roughly chopped
  • 1 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
  1. In a large heavy pot, heat the olive oil over med heat.
  2. Add the onions and carrots and a sprinkle of salt and cook, stirring often, about 8 minutes, or until slightly softened.
  3. Add the turkey, seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat until the turkey starts to get some color, about 7 minutes.
  4. Add tomato paste, cumin, red pepper flakes, chili powder, and garlic cloves. Cook stirring, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add bone broth and beans. Cook, uncovered, 20 minutes.
  6. Add leafy greens and cook another 15 minutes or until the collards are softened.
  7. Stir in fresh herbs and cook another 3 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
  9. Ladle into bowls and enjoy!

 

Grain-Free Creamy Lemon Rice Soup

This Grain-Free Creamy Lemon Rice Soup is an amazingly cozy soup. It’s got it all — lemony zing, a creamy texture, and healing ingredients. This is perfect for a cold autumn or winter day.
creamy lemon rice soup

My name is Stacey and I’m a soup addict. I could eat soup all day everyday, all year round. Sometimes I like a thinner brothy soup, other times I like a creamy cozy soup. This one falls into the latter category — this Grain-Free Creamy Lemon Rice Soup is thick, velvety, comforting, and hearty.

I think I’ve always loved soups. When I was a kid, my favorite soup was wonton soup from the local Chinese restaurant — I would eat that first and sometimes as my only food (with those crispy crunchy fried noodles) instead of all of the other food that was ordered.

As an adult, my tastes have changed… okay, maybe not that much because I would probably still love that wonton soup…

One of my favorite soups and one of my all-time most-requested recipes is my White Bean And Kale Soup. It too is creamy and hearty. So, it makes sense that the creaminess in this lemon rice soup is achieved the same way — with white beans. What you taste in this soup is lemony goodness, but there are blended up beans hidden in here, making for an extra creamy and delicious and nutritious soup.

I like to use bone broth in place of regular broth in all of my soups. Bone broth is so good for so many things, it seems silly not to make this easy switch. I have been using store-bought bone broth lately, but I intend to start making my own again. If you want to make homemade bone broth, try out this recipe from my friend Daniela at Calm Eats.

If you need an even better reason to try this soup, white beans are good at boosting energy and calming the mind. They can help improve your memory and can lower cholesterol. And, they are a great source of protein. So, this soup is a slam dunk.

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There are other foods too that can help you reduce anxiety and stress. Download my free ebook now to learn all about them.

creamy lemon rice soup

Here are some of the great healing ingredients in this Grain-Free Creamy Lemon Rice Soup recipe:

Bone broth is filled with bone marrow and essential fatty acids — these things promote optimal brain health. It also contains glycine, which is an amino acid that helps with memory, concentration, stress, and focus.  You can make your own bone broth, but you don’t have to anymore. Bone broth is now available in tons of markets. (See the recipe below for the awesome ready-made bone broth I used in this soup recipe.) It’s sold in boxes just like chicken or vegetable broth. The glucosamine in bone broth can reduce inflammation and strengthen the bones. It’s also great for your skin, hair, and nails. This is a great thing to use for a quick soup base, or to just sip on during the day. Sometimes I’ll have a hot cup of bone broth first thing in the morning for a quick healing pick me up.

White beans are good at boosting energy and calming the mind. They can help improve your memory and can lower cholesterol. And, they are a great source of protein.

Onions are great for your immune system; they are a natural antihistamine. Recently, I recommended that a patient with bronchitis put sliced raw onions in her socks when she went to sleep… she woke up so much better; they actually can rid the body of bacteria. (I know I’ve told you this before, but it really is awesome!) Onion is a superhero in the food world!

Celery actually helps stop bleeding — so if you or anyone you know has just had surgery, start adding celery to your dishes! Celery is also great to help lower blood pressure and it’s been known to help with insomnia.

Carrots help strengthen the organs in your body. They also are good for the eyes (this is their claim to fame) and they promote healthy digestion. Many moons ago, people used to make carrot tea to ward off measles and to prevent cancer. Carrots help detoxify the body and in today’s world of Chinese medicine, they are prescribed to ease constipation and tonsillitis.

Garlic is amazing in its antiviral and antibacterial capabilities. Garlic is actually a Chinese herb (Da Suan). It’s used to kill toxins and parasites and also to reduce swelling in the body. It’s what I call a great “A” herb: anesthetic, antibacterial, anti fungal, antioxidant, antiviral, etc….

creamy lemon rice soup

Grain-Free Creamy Lemon Rice Soup
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Recipe type: grain-free, gluten-free, nut-free
Cuisine: soup
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
This Grain-Free Creamy Lemon Rice Soup is so rich and delicious. It's the coziest healing soup that's perfect for those cool autumn and winter days.
Ingredients
  • 3 Tbs ghee (or can use unsalted butter)
  • 1 med onion, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 15-oz can white beans, undrained
  • 4 cups bone broth, divided
  • 1 cup water
  • juice of 2 small lemons
  • 2 bay leaves
  • ½ cup orzo (I use grain-free chickpea orzo, or if not grain-free can substitute rice)
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 Tbs snipped fresh dill
Instructions
  1. Heat ghee in a large soup pot over med heat.
  2. Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Season with salt and pepper and sauce until the veggies start to soften, about 5 mins.
  3. Stir in the white beans and ½ cup broth, and sauce, stirring, for 2 mins.
  4. Transfer this mixture to a blender and whiz it up until creamy, or use a stick blender until creamy.
  5. Pour the pureed bean mixture back into the pot and stir in 3-1/2 cups broth and 1 cup of water.
  6. Add the lemon juice.
  7. Add bay leaves and salt. Add a generous amount of black pepper.
  8. Let simmer 20 mins.
  9. Add spinach and orzo and cook until the orzo is al dente.
  10. Stir in the parsley and dill.
  11. Ladle into bowls and enjoy!

creamy lemon rice soup

 

 

 

Healthy Chicken Piccata

This Chicken Piccata is going to quickly become your new go-to recipe. It’s simple, healthy, and delicious… and it makes for some awesome leftovers.
healthy chicken piccata

Chicken Piccata. Even just the name reminds me of my past. I remember going to old-school Italian restaurants with my family and my favorite thing to order was chicken piccata. But Healthy Chicken Piccata was never a thing. Who knows what ingredients and preparations they used to get it to taste so amazingly delicious… but it definitely wasn’t anything akin to healthy.

I kind of miss those old red-sauce places. You know the ones — they had plastic red and white checkered tablecloths with centerpieces that were made from old wine bottles with candles and all the wax dripped down the sides and hardened. Here in Manhattan there are some of these places left, but you really have to search hard for them.

Calling all of my New York City people: if you know of any of these awesome Italian restaurants, please let me know — I would love to try them. Just being in this environment and smelling all of the amazing aromas coming from some of these grandma-run kitchens, puts me in a good mood and de-stresses me.

A good chicken piccata needs to be lemony and a little buttery. The chicken needs to have a tasty coating and there should be lots of capers all around. And it needs to be cozy, warming, and comforting. This recipe accomplishes all of that while still keeping it healthy. And OMG, it is so good!

And, I have to tell you, this kind of comfort food can be really de-stressing.

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Speaking of reducing stress (which… I mean, who isn’t trying to do this?), if you haven’t already done so, you can download my free ebook all about how to use foods to reduce your stress.

healthy chicken piccata

Keep scrolling for the recipe… but I feel the need to tell you here that capers are one of the foods that can stimulate the happiness center of your brain and can help with your stress levels!

healthy chicken piccata

Here are some of the great healing ingredients in this recipe for Healthy Chicken Piccata:

Garlic is amazing in its antiviral and antibacterial capabilities. Garlic is actually a Chinese herb (Da Suan). It’s used to kill toxins and parasites and also to reduce swelling in the body. It’s what I call a great “A” herb: anesthetic, antibacterial, anti fungal, antioxidant, antiviral, etc….

Lemon peels contain calcium, potassium and vitamin C. Lemons are good for your stomach, they help detoxify your body, they balance your pH and they act as an antibacterial. If you have a sore throat or a cough, go for lemons to make things better. Lemons are great for quenching your thirst, and, in China, many years ago, hypertension was treated by drinking tea made from lemon peels. This recipe uses zested lemon peel and lemon juice. This recipe uses both the juice and the zest.

Chicken is something I push people to buy organic if possible. Organic chicken is a great, healthy protein to give you energy, lessen the pain of some types of arthritis, and boost your system when you are particularly weak — like after surgery or childbirth. People who have some conditions that we consider “excess heat” conditions should limit the amount of chicken they eat. So, if you have an illness that gives you a bright red tongue or severe dryness in your body, check with your doctor first. For example, if you have a lot of burning stomach acid, you should avoid chicken for awhile…

Capers, although small in size, are a big source of anti-oxidants, and they actually can make you feel better emotionally because they activate the “happiness” center of your brain.

Ghee is one of the best fats to cook with. Ghee is a clarified butter that has had the milk solids removed and it is lactose free. And, it has the delicious taste of butter.  It has a high smoking point, and it doesn’t have to be refrigerated. I recommend buying organic ghee if possible. Ghee contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) which has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease.

healthy chicken piccata

Healthy Chicken Piccata
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Recipe type: nut free, gluten free
Cuisine: chicken, Italian
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
This Healthy Chicken Piccata recipe is going to quickly become your go-to chicken recipe anytime you need a quick delicious meal.
Ingredients
  • 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • salt and pepper
  • 1-1/2 cups flour of your choice (I used sprouted quinoa flour because that's what I had on hand, but you can use tapioca flour, rice flour, or any non-sweet flour)
  • 2 Tbs dried minced onion flakes
  • ¼ cup ghee (you may not need this much, but have it on hand)
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil (you may not need this much, but have it on hand)
  • juice and zest of 1 large lemon
  • 1 large shallot, chopped
  • 4 large garlic cloves, chopped
  • 3 Tbs capers
  • 1-1/4 cups chicken stock or bone broth
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
  1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
  2. Put the flour in a shallow pie plate. Add a generous amount of salt and pepper and the dried minced onion flakes. Stir to combine.
  3. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture so that it's well coated on all sides.
  4. Heat 2 Tbs of ghee and 2 Tbs of oil in a large pan over med heat. When hot, add the chicken and let brown on one side, then flip and brown on the other side, about 5-mins per side. Then, cover, reduce heat, and let cook for another few minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Remove the cooked chicken to a plate -- you may have to repeat with any remaining chicken.
  6. When all of the chicken is cooked and removed from the pan, add the shallot and garlic to the drippings in the pan and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
  7. Add the capers, lemon juice and zest to the pan. Now add the broth. Simmer for about 5 mins or until the sauce is reduced a bit.
  8. Stir in 1 or 2 Tbs of ghee and let simmer 1 min.
  9. Add the chicken back into the pan, sprinkle parsley on top, and serve it right in the pan.
  10. Enjoy!

healthy chicken piccata

Fresh Vegetable Minestrone Soup

This fresh vegetable minestrone soup is packed with fresh veggies and herbs — it is truly amazingly delicious and healing. It’s like a hug in a bowl… Food really is the best medicine!
fresh vegetable minestrone soup

We are not vegetarians here in my house. I lean that way, but the rest of my family does not. So, oftentimes when I make a vegan or a vegetarian dish, some people — who shall remain nameless — don’t feel like they’ve had a “real” meal. They feel gypped. I, of course, think this is ridiculous, but sometimes it’s just not worth the fight or even an explanation.

And then sometimes I can make a vegetarian dish that’s so hearty, nobody thinks twice about it. That’s this Fresh Vegetable Minestrone Soup. It’s so jam-packed with so many things, nobody will miss the meat.

Vegetable-forward soups are my favorite kind of soups. Don’t get me wrong, I love a meatball soup and my Cheeseburger Soup is a huge favorite in my house.  BUT, they are not my beloved fresh veggie soups.

Some people like creamy, smooth soups. Some people like hearty, chunky soups. I love them all. This Fresh Vegetable Minestrone Soup is of the hearty, chunky variety and it is awesome. It’s a great clean-out-the-fridge soup because really, almost anything you’ve got will taste great in this recipe.

I like to add lots of immune-boosting ingredients to my soups and this one is no exception.  Oregano, scallions, and garlic are present in this recipe. Each one of these ingredients packs a big immune-boosting punch and together they are exceedingly powerful, making it perfect for the cold damp months of winter here in New York. And, because I’m not concerned with keeping this soup completely vegetarian, I like to use bone broth for the base of it — extra healing power!

One of the things I teach my clients is that’s it much easier to stay on track with whatever healthy eating/lifestyle plan you are on, if you always keep a big pot of soup in your fridge. I love to make one soup each week and then I can have something healthy and delicious to eat when I come home ravenous. This soup serves this purpose really well because it makes for great leftovers — I’ve even eaten it cold straight from the fridge. Others in my house will heat it up with some Parmesan cheese on top or with a piece of crusty bread hidden at the bottom of the bowl. Have it your way…

If you are a vegetarian soup fan, you will also love my recipes for White Bean And Kale Soup, Slow Cooker Vegan Split Pea Soup, and Paleo Carrot Soup.

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For more great ways to boost your immune system, download my free ebook: How To Be Healthy When Everyone Else Is Sick.

And, if you want to switch up your minestrone game, take a look at all of the minestrone recipes on Feed Feed — they look awesome!

 

fresh vegetable minestrone soup

Here are some of the amazing healing ingredients in this Fresh Vegetable Minestrone Soup:

Garlic is amazing in its antiviral and antibacterial capabilities. Garlic is actually a Chinese herb (Da Suan). It’s used to kill toxins and parasites and also to reduce swelling in the body. It’s what I call a great “A” herb: anesthetic, antibacterial, anti fungal, antioxidant, antiviral, etc….

Scallions, as I tell you often, are one of my favorites. In Chinese medicine, the root of the scallion is a healing herb (Cong Bai). I always keep scallions on hand in my refrigerator so that I can whip up a batch of cold and flu fighting tea (scallion roots and ginger) the second anyone feels that scratchy throat coming on. It helps the body sweat out toxins. Scallions are antiviral and antibacterial; they are good for the common cold and general nasal congestion — just don’t eat too many if you have a fever.

In Chinese medicine, we use tomatoes to aid in digestion and to help detoxify the body. They are also good to combat excess cholesterol, lessen inflammation and curb asthma. Tomatoes can also quench thirst, and they can help fight some kidney infections.

Zucchini cools your body off and makes you feel better during those hot days of summer. It helps your body release excess heat and it will make your mind feel more calm.

Oregano is a powerful antioxidant and it is great at fighting bacteria. It’s also known as an herb that brings joy and happiness to people. I even just bought a bottle of oregano essential oil and I put a drop in our smoothies a few weeks ago when Steve had a cold… it’s powerful stuff!

Potatoes are good at soothing ulcers and neutralizing acid in the stomach and they help relieve constipation. These tubers also can help relieve arthritic inflammation. So, even though sweet potatoes are thought of as the white potato’s more nutrition sister, regular old potatoes can be just what the doctor ordered.

Broccoli has a lot of potassium and is great for brain function; it also has magnesium and calcium to help regulate blood pressure. It’s also good to clear your body of excess heat and it actually can help your vision too. I love foods that make you feel better mentally as well as physically, and broccoli is one of those foods — it can lessen feelings of irritability.

It is true that spinach contains iron, but it’s this vegetable’s lesser-known qualities that really hold my admiration. Spinach contains a substance that helps eliminate prostate cancer. It’s also great for your bones and also for memory loss. Diabetic patients may find that eating spinach helps combat excessive thirst and can even be good for night blindness. Spinach can inhibit the body’s ability to absorb calcium, so calcium-rich foods should be avoided when eating this leafy green.

Parsley has been shown to reduce tumors in the lungs and to neutralize the effects of carcinogens, including cigarette smoke. It is high in vitamins A and C, and is good for your heart. This herb is also a natural breath freshener. So, if you have a chance to use more than a few sprigs as a garnish, go for it.

Bone broth is filled with bone marrow and essential fatty acids — these things promote optimal brain health. It also contains glycine, which is an amino acid that helps with memory, concentration, stress, and focus.  You can make your own bone broth, but you don’t have to anymore. Bone broth is now available in tons of markets. It’s sold in boxes just like chicken or vegetable broth. The glucosamine in bone broth can reduce inflammation and strengthen the bones. It’s also great for your skin, hair, and nails. This is a great thing to use for a quick soup base, or to just sip on during the day. Sometimes I’ll have a hot cup of bone broth first thing in the morning for a quick healing pick me up.

fresh vegetable minestrone soup

Fresh Vegetable Minestrone Soup
Print
Recipe type: dairy free, gluten free, grain free, nut free, vegetarian option, vegan option
Cuisine: soup
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
This Fresh Vegetable Minestrone Soup is simple, delicious, and healing. It will boost your immune system and keep you healthy!
Ingredients
  • 2 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
  • 6 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 leek, cleaned well and sliced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 scallions, sliced (make sure to put the roots into the soup too -- they are a Chinese herb that will help keep colds away)
  • 1 cup tiny potatoes, scrubbed
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 1 med zucchini, quartered lengthwise, then sliced
  • 1 14.5-oz can diced tomatoes
  • 2 tsp chopped fresh oregano
  • ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tsp toasted onion powder (or substitute any onion powder)
  • 1 qt bone broth or vegetable broth
  • 1-1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1-1/2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1-1/2 cups broccoli florets, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup small-shape grain-free pasta (or pasta of choice)
Instructions
  1. Heat oil in a large soup pot over med heat.
  2. Add garlic, leek, bay leaf, and scallions (with roots). Saute, stirring, 5 min.
  3. Add potatoes and carrots. Cook, stirring, 3 min.
  4. Add zucchini, cook, stirring, 2 min.
  5. Add tomatoes, oregano, parsley, onion powder, broth, and vinegar. Let simmer about 10 mins or until the potatoes are just cooked through.
  6. Bring to a boil and add the pasta, broccoli, and spinach. Reduce heat and let simmer until the pasta is al dente, about 5- to 10-min.

fresh vegetable minestrone soup

Paleo Pasta With Sardines, Anchovies, And Breadcrumbs

This paleo pasta with sardines, anchovies, and breadcrumbs is my favorite pasta ever! Even if you think you don’t like sardines and anchovies, you will love this recipe.paleo pasta with sardines, anchovies, and bread crumbs

When I was in Lake Como, Italy, I had my favorite pasta dish ever. I took the recommendation of our waiter and ordered a dish that had sardines in it.

I don’t think had I ever had pasta with sardines before. And, honestly, I don’t think it sounded great at the time. But, the setting was beautiful, the night air fragrant, and the wine was flowing. I was all in.

To this day, I can say with certainty that I have never ever had food that good before and — until now — I haven’t had it since.

This paleo pasta with sardines, anchovies, and breadcrumbs is my take on that glorious pasta dish. I’ve made it paleo friendly, and I’ve used buckwheat ramen noodles. And it is delicious. This pasta dish is one I’ve been making on repeat when I’m home alone for dinner. It’s easy. It’s so healing, and it takes me back to Italia… oh my…

I’ve given this recipe to a few people and everyone who has made it loves it as much as I do. I make it when I’m solo for dinner, because I can’t pull out sardines and anchovies in front of my family, without them refusing to eat it. Their loss! The sardines and anchovies don’t taste fishy at all but they give this sauce a deliciously briny taste and when the breadcrumbs are added, the sauce becomes textured and thickened and mouth watering.

Sardines are great to build bone strength and to elevate your mood. Have I convinced you to try this recipe yet?

 

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I don’t know about you, but foods that de-stress me and make me happy are high on my list! Make this recipe for paleo pasta with sardines, anchovies, and breadcrumbs and download my free ebook to learn about natural remedies to help reduce anxiety and stress. 

paleo pasta with sardines, anchovies, and bread crumbs

Here are some of the great healing ingredients in this Paleo Pasta With Sardines, Anchovies, And Breadcrumbs recipe:

Sardines reduce inflammation, boost mood, help with weight loss, and build bone strength. They also can help keep you stay hydrated and cool and can help reduce a fever.

Anchovies can help lower cholesterol and are good for heart health. They are also good for brain health and can help keep your skin looking younger and healthier. They are rich in iron and help with circulation.

Buckwheat is great to eat if you have diarrhea. It also helps lower blood pressure, stops some types of sweating, and has a good amount of vitamin E. It also contains antioxidants that can help fight cancer and heart disease. Buckwheat is a seed, not a grain, so no inflammation here!

Parsley has been shown to reduce tumors in the lungs and to neutralize the effects of carcinogens, including cigarette smoke. It is high in vitamins A and C, and is good for your heart. This herb is also a natural breath freshener. So, if you have a chance to use more than a few sprigs as a garnish, go for it.

Chickpeas actually help calm the spirit. They relieve anxiety and soothe irritability… it kind of makes you realize why hummus is so popular. I used chickpea crumbs instead of traditional breadcrumbs in this recipe.

Garlic is amazing in its antiviral and antibacterial capabilities. Garlic is actually a Chinese herb (Da Suan). It’s used to kill toxins and parasites and also to reduce swelling in the body. It’s what I call a great “A” herb: anesthetic, antibacterial, anti fungal, antioxidant, antiviral, etc….

paleo pasta with sardines, anchovies, and bread crumbs

I love to customize recipes for specific health concerns. Let me customize a pasta recipe for you that will work for whatever’s going on in your body now… I’m such a geek that I really do get excited about doing this. So CLICK HERE to be taken directly into my calendar to sign up for your free phone consultation… I’d love to create a soup recipe that addresses your specific needs!


Paleo Pasta With Sardines, Anchovies, And Breadcrumbs
5.0 from 1 reviews
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Recipe type: paleo, grain-free, dairy-free, nut-free, quick
Cuisine: pasta, seafood, fish
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 2
This paleo pasta with sardines, anchovies, and breadcrumbs will transport you to Italy. It's a quick dish to make, it's so healing, and it is amazingly delicious.
Ingredients
  • 2 cakes buckwheat ramen (or pasta of your choice)
  • 3 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 can sardines
  • 1 small jar anchovies
  • ½ bunch parsley, chopped
  • dried hot red pepper flakes, to taste
  • ¾ cup chickpea crumbs (or breadcrumbs of your choice)
  • 1 28-oz can whole tomatoes
  • 10 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
  • ¼ cup pitted kalamata olives
  • sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta al dente and drain.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Chop up the sardines and anchovies and add them to the oil in the skillet.
  4. Add the parsley and red pepper flakes.
  5. Cook, stirring, 5 mins.
  6. Add the tomatoes, garlic, and olives.
  7. Break up the tomatoes with the back of a spoon, then lower the heat to low, and let simmer 15-20 mins. Season with salt and pepper.
  8. Pour the sauce over the pasta and enjoy!

 

Dairy Free Creamy Cauliflower Bone Broth Soup

This Dairy Free Creamy Cauliflower Bone Broth Soup is creamy, delicious, and healing! It’s topped with crispy spicy chickpeas and fried herbs… oh my!
cauliflower bone broth soup

I’m so happy that fall is in full swing here in New York City. The leaves are changing and they are just gorgeous. Every time I go outside, I’m engulfed by amazing vibrant reds and yellows and oranges. It makes me happy. And, it makes me crave soup.

The other day, I came inside and my head was still filled with all of these bright autumnal colors. I threw open the windows, let the crisp air inside, and I set about making a healing pot of soup.

I find it amusing that with all of these hues in my head, the soup I ended up creating is so deliciously devoid of bright colors. I just love the creamy whiteness of this dairy free creamy cauliflower bone broth soup. There’s something about it that’s just so calming. It’s as smooth as velvet, with such a pleasant mild flavor, that I just can’t seem to get enough of it.

One of the favorite combinations is a smooth creamy soup base that’s topped with some really flavorful and textured toppings. So, I topped this delicate soup with some bold spicy crispy chickpeas and some fried herbs. OMG… this is truly mouth watering.

One of the simplest ways you can make your soups as healing and as flavorful as possible, is to use a good quality bone broth in place of traditional broth or stock or water. Of course you can make your own homemade bone broth, but these days there are so many awesome pre-made bone broths on the market, your healing pot of comforting soup can be ready in no time at all. (See the recipe below for the bone broth I used in this soup recipe.)

As a wellness/health coach here in Manhattan, I teach many of my clients to use cauliflower for breads, crusts, rice… everything. It can be used in so many forms… and, it’s really good for you. In Chinese medicine we use it to aid in digestion and help with constipation. One of the things I find most amazing about this cruciferous vegetable is it’s ability to help with age-related memory loss (My menopausal friends will appreciate this benefit!). It contains a healthy amount of Vitamin B, Vitamin K and Omega-3 fatty acids and can help fight cancer and cardiovascular disease. Cauliflower also helps the body with detoxification and with reducing inflammation. So, as far as I’m concerned, the more the merrier. And, as in this soup, it makes an awesome substitute for cream!

I love to customize recipes for specific health concerns. Let me customize a skillet recipe for you that will work for whatever’s going on in your body now… I’m such a geek that I really do get excited about doing this. So CLICK HERE to be taken directly into my calendar to sign up for your free phone consultation… I’d love to create a soup recipe that addresses your specific needs!

This soup will help keep you youthful inside and out. Read this article to learn more foods you can add into your diet to help keep you young and healthy — there are lots of great recipes in this article too!

cauliflower bone broth soup

Here are some of the awesome healing ingredients in this recipe for Dairy Free Creamy Cauliflower Bone Broth Soup:

Bone broth is filled with bone marrow and essential fatty acids — these things promote optimal brain health. It also contains glycine, which is an amino acid that helps with memory, concentration, stress, and focus.  You can make your own bone broth, but you don’t have to anymore. Bone broth is now available in tons of markets. (See the recipe below for the awesome ready-made bone broth I used in this soup recipe.) It’s sold in boxes just like chicken or vegetable broth. The glucosamine in bone broth can reduce inflammation and strengthen the bones. It’s also great for your skin, hair, and nails. This is a great thing to use for a quick soup base, or to just sip on during the day. Sometimes I’ll have a hot cup of bone broth first thing in the morning for a quick healing pick me up.

Cauliflower helps digestion and is great to eat if you are experiencing constipation. It can help with age-related memory loss and it contains a healthy amount of Vitamin B, Vitamin K and Omega-3 fatty acids and can also help fight cancer and cardiovascular disease. Cauliflower also helps the body with detoxification and with reducing inflammation.

Garlic is amazing in its antiviral and antibacterial capabilities. Garlic is actually a Chinese herb (Da Suan). It’s used to kill toxins and parasites and also to reduce swelling in the body. It’s what I call a great “A” herb: anesthetic, antibacterial, anti fungal, antioxidant, antiviral, etc….

Onions are great for your immune system; they are a natural antihistamine. In the winter, I eat lots and lots of onions… I guess I should feel sorry for the people close to me! Recently, I recommended that a patient with bronchitis put sliced raw onions in her socks when she went to sleep… she woke up so much better; they actually can rid the body of bacteria. (I know I’ve told you this before, but it really is awesome!) Onion is a superhero in the food world!

Chickpeas actually help calm the spirit. They relieve anxiety and soothe irritability… it kind of makes you realize why hummus is so popular…

Parsley has been shown to reduce tumors in the lungs and to neutralize the effects of carcinogens, including cigarette smoke. It is high in vitamins A and C, and is good for your heart. This herb is also a natural breath freshener. So, if you have a chance to use more than a few sprigs as a garnish, go for it.

Sage is great for your digestion, especially if you have loose stools. It’s also good for memory loss and for Alzheimer’s.

cauliflower bone broth soup

If you make this Dairy Free Creamy Cauliflower Bone Broth Soup, please be sure to let me know in the comments below. I love hearing how you like a recipe, and I love to answer your questions! If you make it, be sure to take a photo and tag me and post it on Instagram.

Dairy Free Creamy Cauliflower Bone Broth Soup
Print
Recipe type: gluten free, dairy free
Cuisine: soup
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4-6
This Paleo Cauliflower Bone Broth Soup is so creamy and so healing! It's simple to make, and it's one of the most comforting soups you will ever have.
Ingredients
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp chipotle chili powder
  • ¼ tsp turmeric
  • Pink Himalayan salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 med onion, chopped
  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into chunks
  • 16 oz. bone broth of your choice (I used this awesome bone broth)
  • handful of fresh parsley leaves
  • handful of fresh thyme leaves
  • white truffle oil, for drizzling on top of each bowl of soup
Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  2. Line a rimmed baking tray with parchment paper and spread the chickpeas out on it.
  3. Drizzle about 2 tsp oil onto the chickpeas. Sprinkle on the smoked paprika, chili powder, chipotle chili powder, and turmeric. Toss until evenly coated.
  4. Place the tray in the oven and set your timer for 10 minutes. Check the chickpeas. If they are not crispy yet, stir them up and put them back in the oven, checking them every 5 minutes so that they do not burn. They are done as soon as they are a bit crispy.
  5. Remove them from the oven and set aside.
  6. In a large stockpot, heat 1 Tbs oil.
  7. Add the onion. Season with salt and pepper.
  8. Saute over medium heat until beginning to soften.
  9. Add the cauliflower.
  10. Season again with salt and pepper.
  11. Add the bone broth.
  12. Stir.
  13. Cover and cook over low heat, until the cauliflower is softened, and a fork can easily be stuck through the center of one of the larger pieces. Mine took about 25 minutes.
  14. Meanwhile, heat 2 Tbs oil in a small skillet. Add the sage leaves, and let fry about 30 seconds or until crisp. Remove to a paper towel with a slotted spoon.
  15. Next, add the parsley leaves and let fry until crisp. Transfer to the paper towel.
  16. Transfer half of the cauliflower onion mixture to your blender. Cover the blender with a clean dish towel and hold it tightly over the top. Blend until completely smooth. Transfer the blended mixture to a bowl and then blend the rest of the soup. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper if necessary.
  17. Ladle the creamy soup into individual bowls.
  18. Top with chickpeas, sage leaves, and parsley.
  19. Drizzle generously with truffle oil.
  20. Enjoy!

paleo cauliflower bone broth soup

Eating To Ward Off Cancer

Eating to ward off cancer means removing the foods from your diet that cancer cells feed on, while simultaneously adding in the food, herbs, and supplements that cancer cells hate. Read more

Cold Cucumber Herb Soup

This Cold Cucumber Herb Soup is filled with healing superfoods and greens. Make a pitcher and keep it in the fridge for the hot summer days ahead! Read more

Paleo Buffalo Chicken Meatballs With Ranch

These Paleo Buffalo Chicken Meatballs With Ranch are the perfect make-ahead food… and they are healing!

paleo buffalo chicken meatballs

Everyone seems to have a go-to dish that finds it way into every party or entertaining occasion. You know the one. It’s the one you can make easily, that can be made in advance, that looks pretty, and that everyone seems to like. For me, that dish is usually some type of meatball.

Meatballs are awesome. They make me happy. Dunno why… it just is so.

There are so many kinds to be made.

I love to think of the occasion, the season, the diners, and, then I figure out what kind of balls are called for.

These past few months alone, I think I’ve made Vietnamese meatballs, Italian meatballs, turkey meatballs, cheese-stuffed meatballs, and now… these Paleo Buffalo Chicken Meatballs.

So, are people tired of my meatballs? Nope. Why is that? Because no two varieties ever taste the same. And, I never serve them quite the same way.

If you’ve never had a baked meatball hero casserole, you haven’t fully lived.

And meatballs on skewers with grilled veggies… yum.

And, my personal favorite… meatball soup.

Okay, I guess I better get back to the present recipe, because, these Paleo Buffalo Chicken Meatballs With Ranch are quickly becoming a favorite in our house. First, they are made with ground chicken, which in my opinion tastes way better than turkey. Second, I use Paleo breadcrumbs. There are companies that actually sell these in bags now (ask me, and I’ll fill you in), or you can make them yourself out of store-bought or homemade grain-free bread. The scallions and parsley keep the balls fresh tasting. And the Buffalo sauce makes them… well… Buffalo-y.

Oh, and did I mention that there’s a dairy-free ranch dipping sauce? Well, there is and it’s the perfect compliment to the spiciness of these delicious meatballs.

But, perhaps the best part about this recipe is that after you bake the meatballs in the oven, you transfer them to your slow cooker, add the sauce and then they cook slowly and stay warm up until you are ready to serve them. Easy peasy. Make ahead meatballs… just awesome.

So, if you are a meatball lover like I am, you should also try my recipe for Lamb Meatballs With Herbs And Kale.

paleo buffalo chicken meatballs

paleo buffalo chicken meatballs

Here are some of the great healing ingredients in these Paleo Buffalo Chicken Meatballs With Ranch:

Chicken is something I push people to buy organic if possible. Organic chicken is a great, healthy protein to give you energy, lessen the pain of some types of arthritis, and boost your system when you are particularly weak — like after surgery or childbirth. People who have some conditions that we consider “excess heat” conditions should limit the amount of chicken they eat. So, if you have an illness that gives you a bright red tongue or severe dryness in your body, check with your doctor first. For example, if you have a lot of burning stomach acid, you should avoid chicken for awhile…

Scallions, as I tell you often, are one of my favorites. In Chinese medicine, the root of the scallion is a healing herb (Cong Bai). I always keep scallions on hand in my refrigerator so that I can whip up a batch of cold and flu fighting tea (scallion roots and ginger) the second anyone feels that scratchy throat coming on. It helps the body sweat out toxins. Scallions are antiviral and antibacterial; they are good for the common cold and general nasal congestion — just don’t eat too many if you have a fever.

Parsley has been shown to reduce tumors in the lungs and to neutralize the effects of carcinogens, including cigarette smoke. It is high in vitamins A and C, and is good for your heart. This herb is also a natural breath freshener. So, if you have a chance to use more than a few sprigs as a garnish, go for it.

Cashews are really a multi-tasking nut. I use them all the time so I say it all the time: Cashews have a lower fat content than most other nuts. Most of the fat in cashews is unsaturated and is made up of oleic acid; this is the same acid that is found in olive oil, making these nuts a heart-healty choice. The cashews give this dip a velvety, creamy texture.

Nutritional yeast gives things a cheese-y taste without using any dairy and it adds amino acids and Vitamin B, iron, zinc, and selenium to your diet. Nutritional yeast is a complete protein and also contains fiber, so it’s a really good thing!

paleo buffalo chicken meatballs with ranch

Paleo Buffalo Chicken Meatballs With Ranch
Print
Recipe type: meatballs, chicken, appetizer, main course
Cuisine: paleo, whole30
Author:
Serves: 44 balls
Meatballs are awesome, and these have just the right amount of spice... add the dipping sauce and oh my... so delicious!
Ingredients
  • For meatballs:
  • 2 lb ground chicken
  • 1-1/2 cups Paleo breadcrumbs (I ground up almond flour bread slices, but you can buy Paleo crumbs in a lot of markets now)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp dried minced onion flakes
  • 4 scallions, sliced
  • 2 Tbs minced fresh parsley
  • sea salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup paleo-friendly Buffalo wing sauce
  • For ranch dip:
  • ⅓ cup healthy mayonnaise (I used a chickpea based one)
  • ⅓ cup non-dairy plain yogurt (I used a cashew yogurt)
  • juice of ½ a lemon
  • 1 tsp raw apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tbs nutritional yeast
  • sea salt, to taste
Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  2. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  3. Place all meatball ingredients into a large bowl and mush it up with your hands until it is combined.
  4. Roll into golf-ball size balls and arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheets, making sure they are not touching each other.
  5. Bake in the oven for 7 minutes.
  6. Flip the balls over and bake for an additional 6 minutes.
  7. Place the balls into your slow cooker.
  8. Pour the Buffalo sauce over the meatballs.
  9. Set the cooker on low and cook for 2 hours, then leave them on warm until you are ready to serve them.
  10. Make the ranch dip:
  11. Combine all of the ingredients in a blender until smooth and creamy.
  12. Stick toothpicks in the meatballs and serve them alongside the dip, or place the balls on a platter and drizzle them with the sauce.
  13. Enjoy!

paleo buffalo chicken meatballs with ranch

Paleo Meatloaf

Sometimes you just need a comforting paleo meatloaf… and oh how good the leftovers are…

paleo meatloaf

I’m a pretty fickle foodie. One month I’m all gung-ho vegan and then another month I’m all about the meat. This month I’m a little bit vegan and a little bit meat-y. But, I am almost always a Paleo eater. I learned many years ago that my body feels best without grains and without dairy. But, if I eat grass-fed organic meat, I’m also good. So, believe you me, I love to take advantage of those facts.

This meatloaf came to be last week when I was craving meat. I didn’t even realize it at the time, but all week long I was making recipes out of various types of ground meat. It’s making me laugh now when I think back on Steve’s face when I put a different variety of meatballs in front of him several meals in a row. Then, I moved on to meatloaf. Which I happen to love.

Truth be told, I love meatloaf, but nobody else in my house does. So, that means there’s a boat-load of leftover meatloaf in my fridge each time I make it. Have you ever made a leftover meatloaf wrap for lunch… OMG it’s sooooo good. And this time, I even made a bolognese sauce out of a few slices. Then, I made a sweet potato hash with meatloaf chunks one day. I don’t know why, but my family will eat all of these reconstituted meatloaf recipes, but they back away from the fresh thing. Go figure.

I’ve probably made hundreds of different types of meatloaf over the years. I figured it was about time I made a traditional meatloaf that was also paleo-friendly.

Take my word for it, you are not going to miss the bread in this meatloaf. And your gut will thank you. Oh, and your tastebuds will be pretty happy too…

This meatloaf has no grains and no dairy. It’s made with homemade ketchup, but you can buy a jar of paleo ketchup if you’d prefer to use that. I hid some hemp seeds in the loaf for some extra nutrition and I ground up some zucchini for a little added moisture. I think the next time I make it, I may even try to substitute some mushrooms for the zucchini and see how that tastes.

Bottom line: even if your family says no to meatloaf — like my crazy crew — make this anyway, because you will love it, and the leftovers are amazing!

If you like this recipe for paleo meatloaf, you will also love my recipe for Paleo Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs!

paleo meatloaf

paleo meatloaf

Here are some of the awesome healing powers of this paleo meatloaf:

Beef is good for a lot of ailments. It’s good for edema/swelling in the body, it helps many people with their weak back and knees and, believe it or not, it’s good for that bloated, distended feeling we sometimes get in our stomachs. In the olden days, beef was stewed for hours so that the liquid could be sipped to combat chronic diarrhea. I use grass-fed beef whenever possible.

Onions are great for your immune system; they are a natural antihistamine. Recently, I recommended that a patient with bronchitis put sliced raw onions in her socks when she went to sleep… she woke up so much better; they actually can rid the body of bacteria. (I know I’ve told you this before, but it really is awesome!) Onion is a superhero in the food world!

Parsley has been shown to reduce tumors in the lungs and to neutralize the effects of carcinogens, including cigarette smoke. It is high in vitamins A and C, and is good for your heart. This herb is also a natural breath freshener. So, if you have a chance to use more than a few sprigs as a garnish, go for it.

Hemp seeds are a superfood. They are high in protein, easily digestible, and contain a full complement of amino acids. They contain disease-fighting phytonutrients that are good for your blood, immune system, tissues and skin. Hemp contains a specific fatty acid that acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory. It also helps balance hormones, making it a great choice to fight the symptoms of PMS. This super seed is also good for your liver and your brain.

Zucchini cools your body off and makes you feel better during those hot days of summer. It helps your body release excess heat and it will make your mind feel more calm.

In eastern medicine, nuts are known to be good for your brain, heart, skin and reproductive system. Almonds are particularly nutritious. They are a good source of protein and they give you energy. And, they are gluten-free. Almonds will help relieve a cough and asthma and are also good for constipation. This recipe uses almond flour.

In Chinese medicine, we use tomatoes to aid in digestion and to help detoxify the body. They are also good to combat excess cholesterol, lessen inflammation and curb asthma. Tomatoes can also quench thirst, and they can help fight some kidney infections.

paleo meatloaf

Paleo Meatloaf
Print
Recipe type: paleo, whole30
Cuisine: meatloaf, comfort food
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 8
This meatloaf is comfort food to the max. It's got everything you need and want and it makes for the best leftovers ever!
Ingredients
  • 1 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • sea salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 5 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 2 lb ground beef
  • 1 small zucchini, grated and squeezed as dry as possible
  • ⅓ cup almond flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 Tbs ketchup
  • ⅓ cup minced fresh parsley
  • ⅓ cup hemp seeds
Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. Line a 9x5-in. loaf pan with parchment paper.
  3. In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
  4. Add the onion and some salt and pepper.
  5. Cook, stirring, until the onions begin to soften, then add the garlic and stir for an additional 30 seconds.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, squeezed grated zucchini, almond flour, eggs, ketchup, parsley, and hemp seeds, and cooked onion mixture.
  7. Get in there with your hands, and mush it up until combined.
  8. Put the meat mixture into your lined loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
  9. Bake for 30 minutes, then spread the ketchup on the top and bake for an additional 40 minutes, or until its' cooked through.
  10. Remove from oven and let cook slightly.
  11. Slice and enjoy.
  12. Store the leftovers in the fridge and make lots of great stuff with it all week!

paleo meatloaf