Recipes — Dehydrated Garlic

5 Delicious BBQ Side Dish Recipes to Kick Off Summer The Tasty Way

When it comes to summer cookouts, burgers and grilled corn on the cob often steal the show. But, let us tell you that these treats wouldn't taste the same if they hadn't side dishes to up the ante. From refreshing and colorful veggies to easy-to-chew legumes, sides help add a little variety to the mix by introducing various flavors and textures to your menu. So, if you are ready to give your backyard party a tasty makeover, these five delicious BBQ side dish recipes will definitely hit the spot. Happy summer, everyone!

1. Baked Beans With Bacon Bits

Usually stationed next to grilled corn, baked beans are a summer cookout staple. However, this recipe goes way beyond the classic version by adding various drool-worthy ingredients to the mix, from bacon and Worcestershire sauce to feta cheese and molasses.
Ingredients:
1 ¼ cup dehydrated red beans
3/4 cup TVP bacon bits
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
2 tbsp dehydrated garlic
2/3 cup fresh tomato puree
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
½ cup molasses
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
1 tsp cayenne pepper
½ cup Feta cheese, crumbled
1 tbsp olive oil
Directions:

1. In a small pan, add 2 ½ cups of water and the red beans. Simmer for about 10-15 or until they are fork-tender. Remove from water and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, add 1 ½ cups of warm water and the TVP Bacon Bits to a bowl. Let them sit for about 15 minutes until the hydrate, and then remove the water. If needed, squeeze the Bacon Bits with your hands and pat them dry with a paper towel. This will remove all excess water.
3. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over low-medium heat.
4. Then, add the onion and cook for a couple of minutes until they turn golden.
5. Add the rest of the ingredients (besides the Feta cheese), turn the heat to low and place a lid on top of the saucepan.
6. Let the dish cook on the stove for about an hour or alternatively, transfer to a baking dish and bake to 350F until the sauce is thickened.
7. Once it does, remove from heat and sprinkle with Feta cheese. Serve.

2. Cucumber, Peppers and Fried Halloumi Salad

Let's be honest: Everything tastes better with cheese. But, mozzarella sticks and melted Parmesan are not exactly grill- friendly. That's why you need to break out the halloumi. This Greek cheese has an abnormally high melting point, which means you can fry it to your heart's content. So, are you ready to impress your guests?
Ingredients:
1 cup freeze dried cucumber dices
½ cup freeze dried red bell peppers
½ onion, peeled and chopped
5oz halloumi cheese
¼ cup olive oil
¾ cup balsamic vinegar
¾ tsp red pepper flakes
Salt, for seasoning
Directions:

1. Add 1 cup of water and the bell peppers in a saucepan and simmer for 10-20 minutes until they hydrate. Remove them from water and squeeze out the excess water.
2. Then, add 1 cup of water and the cucumber in a bowl and set aside for about 10 minutes.
3. While the cucumber rehydrates, grill the halloumi in a grill pan until it turns golden on both sides.
4. By now, the cucumber is rehydrated, so remove the excess water and add it along with the remaining ingredients in a salad bowl. Make sure you mix them well and season with more salt if needed.
5. Chill for 15-20 minutes and serve.

3. Sweet Corn Fritters

Despite looking fancy, fritters are one of the simplest summer side dishes to make, and this recipe is no exception. Featuring sweet corn as the main ingredient, this variation is the epitome of summer in one bite. The best part? You can serve these fritters with just about any dipping sauce, from guacamole to queso.
Ingredients:
1 cup freeze dried sweet corn
1/3 cup semolina flour
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup milk
½ tsp baking powder
½-1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
A handful of cilantro, finely chopped
Directions:

1. In a pan, add 1 cup of water and the sweet corn and simmer for 10-20 minutes or until they hydrate. Once hydrated, remove from water and squeeze away all remaining liquid. Set aside.
2. In a bowl, add the semolina and all-purpose flours, salt, pepper, cilantro, and baking powder. Whisk together.
3. Pour the milk gradually while stirring and combine the ingredients even more.
4. Stir in the sweet corn until the kernels are coated.
5. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
6. Using your hands, form balls with the mixture while pressing the mound until it's flattened.
7. Cook each ball for about 5 minutes or until it's brown on both sides. Serve immediately.

4. Parmesan Potato and Tomato Bake

If you are looking for an easy and yummy way to balance out the meat-to-veggies ratio of your summer cookout menu, this bake is a no-brainer. Containing various earthy ingredients such as potatoes, tomato, and zucchini, this BBQ side dish will undoubtedly make everyone smile out of contentment.
Ingredients:
½ cup freeze dried potatoes
½ cup dehydrated zucchini
2 tsp dehydrated garlic
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
3-4 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, for seasoning
Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F.
2. In a bowl, combine the all the ingredients and mix well until they are evenly combined.
3. Transfer to a baking dish along with 2 cups of water and bake for about 40 minutes or until they turn golden.
4. Once cooked through, remove from the oven and set aside to cool. You can sprinkle the veggies with more cheese if you want.

5. Mango Salsa

It's not every day that we see a tropical fruit making it into a salsa recipe, but we're totally digging it. Featuring basic ingredients, this Sriracha-infused salsa is also very easy to whip up, minimizing your time in the kitchen. Friendly tip: This dip may even work as an out-of-the-box topping for your baked pitas. So, get as creative as possible.
Ingredients:
½ cup freeze dried mangoes
1 tomato, seeded and diced
1 red onion, peeled and diced
2 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped
The juice of 2 limes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp Sriracha sauce
Directions:

1. In a bowl add 1 cup of water and the mangoes and let them sit until they hydrate.
2. Once they do, remove them from the water and get rid of excess fluids.
3. In a Ziploc bag, add the lime juice, salt, and red onion. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.
4. Add all the remaining ingredients in a large bowl and mix them well.
5. Chill for about an hour and serve with tortilla chips, grilled meat or oven-baked pitas.

Final Thoughts

Newsflash: Steaks and hot dogs are not the only way to enjoy a BBQ feast. Truth is there's a wide variety of side dishes which can be even tastier than the usual culprits. So, gather your squad and get cooking 'cause another moment without these flavors is another moment wasted. Don't forget the drinks! #foodphilosophy

 

5 Must-Try Dehydrated & Freeze Dried Food Snack Recipes You'll Drool Over

We've all been there: It's around mid-afternoon, and what was once a tummy rumble has evolved into full-blown hunger. At this point, you are unable to control yourself. So, you instinctively reach for anything that can tame this feeling, whether it's a calorie-packed candy bar or a sugar-laden latte. Unfortunately, going down that road is as unhealthy as it sounds.
If you are looking for a quick but nutritious alternative, dehydrated and freeze dried foods are a great place to start. These bite-sized versions of our favorite veggies and fruits contain the same amount of nutrients as the real deal, and are equally tasty and require very little prep time, which makes them the perfect candidate for when you are going down with the afternoon munchies. So, what's not to like?
So, if you are ready to shake up your old eating habits and make some healthy adjustments, these delicious freeze dried food snack recipes are worth a spot in your recipe book. Let the snacking begin!

1. Dark Chocolate Bark with Berries

Not that dark chocolate doesn't taste great as is, but a few crunchy (nutrient-dense) additions sure wouldn't hurt. This sweet treat is great for anyone with a sweet tooth that still wants to sneak some antioxidants and fiber into their body. Plus, it takes less than 15 minutes to make. So, what are you waiting for?
Ingredients:
10 ounces dark chocolate
1 1/4 cups freeze dried Berry De-lite Blend
2-3 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Directions:

1. Line a baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. (Tip: Opt for the low heat setting to prevent it from burning and sticking to the bottom of your pot. Patience is key during this step.)
3. Once the chocolate is smooth, remove it from the heat and stir in 1/4 of the freeze dried berry de-lite blend. Optionally, you can add the honey during this step.
4. Then, pour it onto the pan and spread it into an even layer. At this point, you decide how thick your bark is going to be.
5. Sprinkle the remaining one cup of freeze dried berries and place it into the freezer for 20-30 minutes or until the chocolate hardens.

2. Tropical Trail Mix

Touché: Trail mix and a healthy diet don't always see eye to eye. But, what happens if you replace the usual suspects (see: M&Ms, milk chocolate drops, and pretzels) with some healthier-for-you options like freeze dried fruit? You get full access to a delicious, low-cal snack, that's what happens! So, next time you whip up a batch of homemade trail mix, skip the sugary fixins, and opt for a handful of freeze dried apples, apricots, bananas, mangos, or anything your heart desires.
Ingredients:
1 cup whole almonds, preferably roasted
1 cup cashews
½ cup pepitas
¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1 cup freeze dried Tropical De-lite Blend
¼ cup dark chocolate chips
Directions:

1. In a bowl, add all the ingredients and mix until they are evenly combined.
2. Store leftovers in air-tight containers.

3. Homemade Crackers with Garlic & Rosemary

Contrary to popular belief, crackers are super easy to make at home. That being said, it's unnecessary to spend a bunch of money on the store-bought versions which -let's not forget- are also packed with sodium and hard-to-pronounce preservatives. So, if you want to snack smart and watch out for your health, this recipe is a definite keeper.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup olive oil
2 tsp baking powder
1-2 tbsp dehydrated garlic (granulated)
1-2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup water
1 tsp pepper
Poppy seeds, for garnish (optional)
Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400^oF.
2. In a bowl, combine all the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic, and rosemary).
3. Then, add the water and olive oil and mix well. If the dough is still a bit dry, add a couple of tablespoons of water.
4. Flour a surface and transfer the dough.
5. Using a rolling pin, thin it out as much as possible and cut it into round or square shapes.
6. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
7. Place the soon-to-be crackers onto the tray and make small holes on them using a fork.
8. Optionally, sprinkle with poppy seeds.
9. Bake them for 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden.

4. Blueberry Energy Balls

Sure, granola bars seem like the best option to beat a midday slump, but did you know that this “healthy” snack is actually drenched in sugar? To avoid negating an hour's worth of treadmill action, energy bites do exactly what their name suggests; they refill your empty energy tank and keep you going until lunchtime rolls around. Isn't that what snacks are supposed to do, anyway?
Ingredients:
¾ cup rolled oats
¼ cup unsweetened coconut, shredded
4 tbsp chia seeds
4 tbsp nut butter (peanut & almond work the best)
4 tbsp maple syrup
¼ cup coconut oil
1/3 cup freeze dried blueberries, halved
Directions:

1. In a bowl, add the nut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil and blend until they are well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients (oats, chia seeds, coconut, and blueberries).
3. Pour the nut butter mixture into the second bowl and mix well.
4. Cover with a dry towel and set it aside for 30 minutes minimum.
5. Using a tablespoon, form small balls of the mixture and place them in a container.
6. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

5. Banana Strawberry S'mores

From their sweet flavor to their gooey texture, s'mores know what it takes to become a front-runner snack. However, sun-soaked days and a campfire are not the only excuses to indulge in this classic graham cracker, marshmallow, and chocolate combo. If you are ready to treat your taste buds to a new (healthier) s'mores version, this delicious freeze dried food snack recipe is a dream come true.
Ingredients:
6 Graham crackers, cut in half
6 ounces dark chocolate, cut into six large chunks
12 marshmallows
¼ cup freeze dried strawberries – sliced or whole
¼ cup freeze dried banana slices
Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400^oF.
2. Crack each Graham's cracker in half and use one as the top layer and one at the bottom.
3. Arrange them on a large plate and coat them with the freeze dried banana slices and strawberries.
4. Then, top with the chocolate chunks.
5. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the marshmallows on top of it.
6. Roast them for 3-5 minutes or until they turn brownish. Remember to rotate them so that they don't burn.
7. Once roasted, remove them from the oven and place them on top of the chocolate.
8. Lastly, add the second cracker on top and serve.

So, which one of these recipes you can't wait to try? Do you have any dehydrated or freeze dried food snack recipes that you'd like to share with us? Let us know in the comments section down below!

 

6 Healthy Holiday Recipes That Are Next-Level Good

The holidays are almost here, and along with the festive Christmas lights and the cheerful drinks, we are this close to going through grandma's good old recipe book for some tasty inspiration. Unfortunately, while some of these recipes still have what it takes to impress a crowd, others need a serious (preferably, healthy) makeover. So, it's time to be original. From earthy and savory to fruity and sweet, these six holiday recipes hit the spot without putting you in a food coma. Grandma would be proud!

Side Dishes

1. Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Chives

Let's be honest: few holiday recipes can top the cozy and comforting feeling that comes with a scoop of mashed potatoes. However, some of the dish's main ingredients aren't exactly the epitome of healthy. Combining garlic's anti-inflammatory properties⁽¹⁾ with chive's digestion-friendly profile⁽²⁾, this holiday recipe adds a healthy twist to the classic dish without discounting on flavor.
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
2 cups dehydrated potato dices
½ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2-3 tbsp dehydrated garlic (granulated)
1 tbsp dehydrated chives
Salt, for seasoning
Directions:

1. In a bowl, add the dehydrated potato dices along with 4 cups of water.
2. Let them rehydrate for a couple of hours.
3. Once fork-tender, transfer the potatoes to a bowl and mash until smooth.
4. Meanwhile, add the cream, butter, chives, and granulated garlic in a pot and simmer.
5. Once heated, gradually stir the cream mixture into the potato bowl until they are fluffy.
6. Season with salt for extra taste, and serve immediately.

2. Cheesy Cauliflower Bites

In case you haven't heard, cauliflower is the new potato. So, if you want to wow your guests with an out-of-the-box holiday recipe, cheesy cauliflower bites are it. Plus, this winter vegetable is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants.
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
3 cups freeze dried cauliflower pearls
1 cup Parmesan or Cheddar cheese, grated
½ cup heavy cream
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1/3 tsp dehydrated garlic (granulated)
Salt and pepper, for seasoning
Directions:

1. In a bowl, add the dehydrated cauliflower along with 3 cups of water.
2. Once fork tender, drain the water.
3. Preheat the oven to 400^oF, and butter a baking dish.
4. Pour the heavy cream into the cauliflower bowl as well as the garlic, cayenne pepper, grated cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. With your hands, form bite-sized balls and place them on the buttered baking dish.
6. Press them down with your palm, making them a bit flat, and bake for about 30 minutes or until they turn golden.
7. Once ready, remove from the oven and let them cool for a while before serving.

Main Dishes

3. Fancy Carrot Soup

If you want your holiday meal to look fancy, but you can't afford the time to cook, then this soup recipe is all you need. Taking less than an hour to put together, this holiday dish is the food equivalent of a hug.
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
2 cups dehydrated carrots
1 cup canned tomato sauce
½ cup Greek yogurt
1 tsp dehydrated garlic (granulated)
1 tbsp olive oil
¼ tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper, for seasoning
Directions:

1. In a food processor, add the carrots and tomato sauce, and blend until smooth. You may need to add some water during this step.
2. Transfer the puree to a pot and the Greek yogurt, garlic and powders, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Also, add a glass of water.
3. Bring the ingredients to a light simmer and let them cook for about 10 minutes.
4. Once cooked, remove from heat and serve immediately.

4. Beef-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Many people believe that eating healthy during the holidays is a dream that will never come true. However, this beef-based holiday recipe is here to prove everyone wrong. Containing various tasty ingredients (beef and sweet potatoes are just the beginning), this dish will make even picky eaters smile with joy.
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
4 large sweet potatoes, washed and scrubbed
1 ½ cups TVP Beef Bits
1/3 cup dehydrated onion
2 tsp dehydrated garlic (granulated)
3 tsp chili powder
1 15-ounce can of tomato sauce
½ cup Parmesan or Cheddar cheese, grated
Salt and pepper, for seasoning
Directions:

1. In a bowl, add the TVP beef bits along with 3 cups of warm water. Set aside for 15 minutes until the beef is rehydrated.
2. Meanwhile, poke the sweet potatoes with a fork and microwave them for about 10 minutes until they are fork-tender.
3. Cut them in half and scoop out some of the flesh to make room for the beef.
4. Once the meat is rehydrated, drain it from the excess water, and transfer it to a skillet.
5. Add a few tablespoons of water, and give the beef a light simmer.
6. After a couple of minutes, add the onion, garlic, and chili powder and keep simmering until the meat is cooked through.
7. Stir in the tomato sauce and simmer for 10 more minutes. Set aside to cool.
8. Spoon the beef mixture into the potatoes and top with grated cheese.
9. Bake for 5-10 minutes in a preheated oven or until the cheese is melted.

Desserts

5. Apple Oatmeal Cookies

Apples are to Christmas what pumpkin is to fall. That said, this delicious fruit shouldn’t be missing from the holiday table. Crammed alongside other tasty ingredients, such as oatmeal and cinnamon, this holiday recipe is a must for every host who wants to impress.
Servings: 15-20 cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup freeze dried apples
1 ½ cup rolled oats
¾ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg, beaten
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract
White chocolate (melted), for garnish
Directions:

1. In a bowl, add the freeze dried apples along with 1 cup of warm water. Set aside for 15 minutes until they are rehydrated.
2. Preheat the oven to 400^oF.
3. In a bowl, add the flour, oats, baking soda, and cinnamon and combine well.
4. Whisk in the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar.
5. Once mixed, add the vanilla extract and the egg.
6. Add the apples and mix well.
7. Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
8. Using your hands, form balls, and place them on the baking pan.
9. Press them down a bit using your palm.
10. Bake them for 10-12 minutes or until they turn brownish.
11. (Optional)You can top them with melted white chocolate.

6. Festive Trail Mix

If you're looking for a last-minute festive dessert recipe, then a trail mix is the way to go. How come? It takes minutes to put together, plus you can play with the season's colors merely by adding some red and green M&Ms.
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
1/3 cup freeze dried cherries
1 cup roasted unsalted peanuts
½ cup milk chocolate chips
1/3 cup freeze dried blackberries
½ cup roasted unsalted almonds
1/3 cup green and red M&Ms
Directions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and serve.

 








References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103721/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17566890