Baked Pesto Tofu Herb-Infused Baked Tofu with Homemade Basil Pesto Ingredients: 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves 2 tablespoons pine nuts (or walnuts) 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast 1 garlic clove 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 2 tablespoons lemon juice 3 tablespoons olive oil Optional: cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for garnish Directions: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Press tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut into cubes. In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, garlic, salt, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth to create pesto. In a bowl, gently toss tofu cubes with the pesto until fully coated. Spread tofu cubes on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and slightly crispy. Serve warm with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. Garnish with cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers, if desired. Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes Kcal: 215 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #bakedtofu #veganpesto #plantbasedprotein #meatlessmeal #easyveganrecipes #dairyfree #pestotofu #basiltofu #highproteinvegan #veganentree #crispypanbaked #tofulover #pestoinspired #glutenfreevegan #ovenbakedtofu #healthyveganmeals #freshherbs #nutritiousdinner #vegancomfort #pestorecipes 💚 This Baked Pesto Tofu is an herb-packed, protein-rich delight that’s perfect for meatless Mondays! 🌱🔥

Italian Pot Roast Slow-Cooked Italian Herb Pot Roast with Rich Tomato Sauce Ingredients: 3 to 4 lbs beef chuck roast Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 large onion, sliced 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups crushed tomatoes 1 cup beef broth 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional) 2 teaspoons dried oregano 2 teaspoons dried basil 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) 2 bay leaves 3 large carrots, cut into chunks 3 celery stalks, cut into chunks Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Directions: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Season the beef roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until deeply browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove roast and set aside. In the same pot, add onions and garlic and sauté until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, red wine (if using), oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer. Return the roast to the pot, nestling it into the sauce. Add carrots and celery around the roast. Cover the pot and place it in the oven. Cook for 3 to 3½ hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork. Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 3 hours 30 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 6 servings #italianpotroast #potroast #slowcookedbeef #comfortfood #italianrecipes #beefroast #homemadefood #slowcooking #heartymeals #dinnerideas #familymeals #rusticcooking #beefrecipes #soulfood #italianflavors #easyrecipes #onepotmeals #comfortmeals #weeknightdinner #foodie Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this Italian Pot Roast slow-cooked to tender perfection in a fragrant tomato and herb sauce. A perfect family dinner! 🍖🍅🌿

Ground Chicken Caprese Italian-Inspired Ground Chicken with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon dried oregano Salt and black pepper to taste 2 large tomatoes, sliced 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Directions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add ground chicken, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat, until fully cooked and browned, about 8-10 minutes. Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices on a serving platter. Spoon the cooked ground chicken over the tomatoes and mozzarella. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Add red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately with crusty bread or over a bed of greens. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings #groundchicken #capresesalad #italianrecipe #easydinner #freshingredients #healthyrecipes #mozzarella #basil #balsamicglaze #lowcarb #mealprep #weeknightdinner #quickmeals #proteinpacked #flavorful #comfortfood #simplemeals #homecooking #freshflavors #chickenrecipes Fresh, flavorful, and easy to make — this Ground Chicken Caprese is the perfect Italian-inspired dinner that comes together in minutes! 🍅🍗🧀

Vegetable Soup Hearty Garden Vegetable Soup Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 carrots, sliced 2 celery stalks, sliced 1 zucchini, diced 1 cup green beans, chopped 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes 6 cups vegetable broth 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried basil Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped Directions: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add carrots and celery and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in zucchini, green beans, and diced tomatoes with their juice. Pour in vegetable broth and add thyme and basil. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until vegetables are tender. Stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes Kcal: 110 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings #vegetablesoup #healthysoup #gardenfresh #plantbased #veganrecipes #souprecipe #comfortfood #lowcalorie #cleaneating #easyrecipes #veggiesoup #homemade #veganfriendly #glutenfree #dinnerideas #mealprep #soupseason #healthymeals #familyfriendly #heartymeal Warm up with this hearty Vegetable Soup—packed with fresh garden veggies and comforting flavors. Perfect for cozy dinners! 🥕🥒🍅

Slow Cooker Italian Beef Tender Slow-Cooked Italian Beef with Aromatic Herbs and Juices Ingredients: 3 lbs beef chuck roast 1 cup beef broth 1 (8 oz) jar pepperoncini peppers, sliced, juice reserved 1 medium onion, sliced 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon olive oil Hoagie rolls or Italian sandwich buns, for serving Optional: provolone cheese slices, giardiniera for topping Directions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Place the sliced onion and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the seared beef on top of the onions. Pour beef broth, reserved pepperoncini juice, Worcestershire sauce over the beef. Add pepperoncini peppers, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until beef is tender and easily shredded. Remove beef from slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return shredded beef to the slow cooker and mix with juices. Serve on hoagie rolls with optional provolone and giardiniera. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 hours (low) | Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 6 servings #slowcookerbeef #italianbeef #comfortfood #slowcookereats #beefroast #italianflavors #setandforget #heartymeals #weeknightdinner #easyrecipes #sandwichideas #juicybeef #meatlover #familydinner #homecooking #slowcookedgoodness #beefsandwich #foodiefavorites #crockpotmeals #tendermeat 🍖 Melt-in-your-mouth Slow Cooker Italian Beef is the ultimate comfort food sandwich! Perfect for busy days and easy meals. 🥖🔥