Every month I'm reviewing the weekly Cooking with Abs recipes and rounding them up in a blog post! I'd love to hear if you make any of these or which one you'd like to try most. If you missed my blog post all about what is Cooking with Abs, read the post here.
Chickpea cookie dough
This is a vegan recipe created by Caitlin Shoemaker from frommybowl.com.
Review
I was a little hesitant with this one because I’m not really into recreating treats and breads, especially when texture will be compromised.
The texture is a little grainy but definitely not as bad as it could be. It has a similar taste to cookie dough while still being something different.
Its such an easy recipe, just 5 ingredients and blend! It also stores very well in the fridge or freezer if you wanted to make a big batch.
Rating
I would rate this recipe 4 / 5 stars.
Recommendation
I would make it again and I would not recommend this to the average person looking for a cookie dough snack, but I would recommend it to vegans or healthy eaters who want a protein packed treat.
Movement
We didn't do a workout together this day.
Black Lentil Curry - Urad Dal
This is a homemade indian meal created by Bani & her mum from @mylovechronicles.
Review
This was a fabulous experience! Here’s a little on the backstory: about a year ago I was left with some random pantry items. This month, I told myself I needed to start using them up! One items was an unopened bag of little dried black lentils. (Dried chickpeas were another item, hence the previous week’s recipe.)
I didn’t know what the black lentils were exactly or how best to use them so I asked on instagram stories! An acquaintance in Ndola helped me out! She let me know the indian name — urad dal, explained how to prepare them traditionally and even extended an invitation to learn!
I don't have a full recipe written out for this one, but it is basically a typical curry base with small black lentils.
Rating
I would rate this 3.5 / 5 stars. It had good flavour, but no spice/heat, I'm sure I'd enjoy it more with fresh chili and spices in it! Also, I love meat and different ingredients in curries but this is lentils only so it did feel a little bland in that aspect, but tasty.
Recommendation
I would definitely make this again and plan to! Next time I’ll add in spice and maybe some bell peppers or chicken to give it more umph! I highly recommend this to anyone who loves vegetarian lentil curries.
Movement
Lots of talking and girl time but no movement this week!
Mango green smoothie bowl
This is a paleo and whole30 recipe created by yours truly, Abby Temfwe.
Review
If I worked from home or had more slow mornings (with electricity, because Zambia….) I would make this and any versions of smoothie bowls all the time! I really love smoothie bowls and I always find them fulfilling while being refreshing and leaving me feeling great!
This is my go to because I absolutely love mango smoothies and making them green!
The toppings are flexible, any combination of dried and fresh fruit, nuts and seeds are great options. I'm particular when it comes to texture in food but I really love the thick smoothie base with all the different textures and flavours of the toppings.
Rating
I would rate this recipe 4.5 / 5 stars
Recommendation
I will definitely make this again and I recommend it to anyone who likes smoothies and smoothie bowls. Option to take out the greens, but really, you can hardly taste them.
Movement
Garden yoga following a youtube video
Walking and hiking around railroads, trails and a spring for about an hour
Chopped Asian-Inspired Chicken Salad
This is a paleo and whole30 recipe created by Alex from thedefineddish.com.
Review
This recipe does take a little long and has a lot of ingredients. But once you have the chicken cooked and shredded, all the veggies cut and have made the sauce, you just combine it all together!
The great thing about all the different ingredients, is the flavour and crunch it provides. I did expect it to give more a flavour burst so if I were to make it again, I would add more garlic, ginger and spice! It is a another delicious, light and fulfilling option.
Rating
I would give this 3.5 / 5 stars
Recommendation
I would definitely recommend this as long you have the time. It would be better to make in a big batch to have leftovers. I would also recommend adding more ginger, garlic and spice as I said in the review.
Movement
Squats and lounges around the garden holding a friends baby and toddler
5 minute Abs from app
6 minute core strength circuit
Top rated recipe of the round up
Out of all four recipes, I would pick the smoothie bowl as my favourite! It may sound bias since we didn't follow someone else's recipe for that one...but it really came down to the way it stood out the most. The combination of flavours, the tart and sweet from fresh mango, the variety of toppings and the thick smoothie base. Yum!
Which one would you like to try to make the most?
Did you enjoy the February Recipe Review Round up?
Let me know if you make any of them and what YOU think!
Comment below or let me know on instagram! @wholefoodabroad
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