FOOD

Let food be thy medicine. Learn how changing your diet from animal-based to plant-based can help eliminate or control diseases like cancer and diabetes, and then put it into practice by following our easy plant-based recipes.
Avatar photoMaría Hummel
My Recipes
Vegan Melted CheeseBy María HummelOne of the characteristics that people miss most about cheese when they stop using it is its texture when it melts. This version of vegetarian cheese has a texture very similar to melted cheese, and therefore is excellent for use in recipes such as Salvadoran pupusas or any other recipe that requires melted cheese.
Sofrito BoricuaBy María HummelThe sofrito is one of the most important ingredients of Puerto Rican food, since it is used to make almost all the most important dishes. The wonderful thing about this recipe is that it is very simple, healthy, and also easy to prepare. It can be used to flavor many stews and dishes, including soups and rice.
Chia PuddingBy María HummelChia seeds are well known for their high content of nutrients, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber. With this attractive presentation you can provide a pretty nutritious and healthy dessert on special occasions or whenever you like.
Surprise CookiesBy María HummelBecause these cookies are made without refined flour, they are much healthier than other recipes since they have much more fiber and a good amount of protein. However, since they are sweetened, it is recommended that diabetics consume them in very moderate amounts and as part of a program to eliminate insulin resistance.
Baked TostonesBy María HummelTostones (also known as patacones, tachinos, fried or sliced) are undoubtedly very delicious. However, because it is traditionally a fried dish, it contains high calories and fat. Fortunately, instead of frying, you can bake, which makes them a much healthier option.
Healthy PupusasBy María HummelPerhaps the most traditional dish in El Salvador, pupusas have reached international popularity. They are usually filled with cheese, pork rinds or refried beans and served with tanned cabbage and tomato sauce. For this healthy version we use vegan cheese to reduce both the amount of calories and saturated fat, although they can also be filled with red or black “flipped” beans, which can be prepared without fat.
Mushroom PozoleBy María HummelThe pozole is a tasty traditional Mexican dish that is usually prepared with pork, and that is very easy to prepare. This vegetarian version is much lighter since it is much lower in fat, especially saturated fats. The vegetables that are added at the time of serving make this recipe provide a good amount of fiber and nutrients for the body.
Vegetarian AjiacoBy María HummelThis delicious Colombian dish is usually prepared with chicken, but in this vegetarian version chickpeas or peas are used to add vegetable protein and substitute meat. In this way we obtain a very tasty yet nutritious and healthy dish.
Kale SaladBy María HummelKale is one of the most concentrated micronutrient vegetables full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Because of its texture and strong flavor, it is sometimes difficult to eat it raw. But if the very finely chopped leaves are mixed with the lemon dressing, the flavor will be much softer and the result will be a wonderful salad.
Brown Rice and Black-Eyed Peas (Gandules)By María HummelRice with pigeon peas is extremely popular in Puerto Rico, as well as other countries in the Caribbean and northern South America. Many times it is served on special occasions, such as Christmas and other parties. This healthier version is prepared with brown rice and is  100% vegan, so it contains more fiber and less fat than traditional version.
Black Bean EnchiladasBy María HummelEnchiladas are one of the most recognized dishes of Mexican cuisine. Its preparation includes the use of some hot sauce, and it is usually stuffed with beef or chicken, and cheese. This version is lighter and healthier since no ingredients of animal origin or oil are used. However, they retain their traditional flavor.
Green Baked FalafelBy María HummelFalafel is a highly appreciated dish in the Middle East. It's typically made of chickpea or bean balls or croquettes that are fried and served with tahini sauce, hummus or pita bread. For a healthier version, this falafel is baked instead fried, and has green leafy vegetables for more nutrition.
Macaroni and CheeseBy María HummelWith this recipe, macaroni and cheese can be not only healthy, but delicious! There will be no more need to use commonly available ultra-processed mac and cheese on the market because this version will delight both children and adults.
Shepherd’s PieBy María HummelThis is a traditional dish in many countries in Latin America as well in other places. The original version almost always has beef, therefore, contains lots of bad cholesterol. By using chickpeas and vegetables, this vegetarian version provides plenty of protein and fiber, as well as excellent taste and texture.
Chipped MushroomBy María HummelPeruvian cuisine is well known throughout the world for its quality and flavors. This simple vegetarian version of "Sautéed Loin" does not need meat to give it an exquisite taste and texture. It can be served with brown rice or with any other accompaniment.
Low-Fat TamalesBy María HummelThis tamale is prepared with zero refined fats (such as oil or vegetable shortening) or saturated fats (such as lard), and yet retains all the flavor and texture of the original tamales. Your family will be surprised how delicious these healthy tamales are!
Vegetarian SeasoningBy María HummelIt is very common in Latin American cuisine to use the famous "bouillon cubes" or "powdered consommé", either flavored with chicken, beef or tomato. Unfortunately, these products can have a very high sodium level, in addition to other chemical ingredients that could be harmful to health. This recipe provides a healthy alternative for these products, which can be used to give a good flavor to any dish.
Red Chili SauceBy María HummelThis is a basic sauce that can be used to make many Mexican dishes, such as Pozole and Enchiladas. I prefer to use peppers that are not spicy, but that is really up to each person. The taste of this homemade sauce is far superior to the processed sauces that often have chemical ingredients to preserve them.
Gallo PintoBy María HummelThis simple but appetizing dish is usually eaten for breakfast in both Costa Rica and Nicaragua, although it is also served at other times of the day. It can be done with black or red beans. It is usually accompanied with corn tortillas or male bananas if desired, but for a more balanced meal for diabetics, we recommend accompanying it with a steamed salad or vegetables.
Italian Chickpea and Quinoa SoupBy María HummelAlthough quinoa is of South American origin, it complements very well with the Italian seasoning of this recipe. This soup is perfect for cold or rainy days, but it will delight palates at any time of the year.
Honduras BaleadasBy María HummelBaleadas are one of the most appreciated dishes of Honduran cuisine. Because it consists of an omelet stuffed with beans and a variety of other ingredients, they look a lot like Mexican tacos and burritos, although with a peculiar Honduran touch. Because they are simple and easy to prepare, they are an excellent choice for a quick breakfast or lunch.
Cashew Sour CreamBy María HummelThis cream is fantastic for any dish that has sour cream. For a cream with a more neutral flavor you can simply skip the lemon juice. When refrigerated it is kept in good condition for at least four to six days.