Blogger Spotlight: Valentina Chiappa of Parole Vegetali!

This week, the spotlight is shining on Valentina Chiappa of Parole Vegetali! Valentina brings us the most wonderful classic Italian recipes, but turned vegan! Not only that, but she also explores recipes from around the world. Plant-based for several years, Valentina believes that our food choices can make the world a better place. We love the way that she spreads the love for natural cooking and experimenting with flavors and cuisines. If you want to try some incredible recipes made with care, look no further than Valentina! We found some of our favorites of her recipes from our Food Monster App to get you started.

Don’t forget to check out our Blogger Spotlight Archives where we feature our amazing bloggers and their recipes every week!

1. Buckwheat Lasagna With Pumpkin Cream and Herbed Bread Crumbs [Vegan, Gluten-Free]

Image Source: Buckwheat Lasagna With Pumpkin Cream and Herbed Bread Crumbs [Vegan, Gluten-Free]

This Buckwheat Lasagna With Pumpkin Cream and Herbed Bread Crumbs is easy to make, but it looks and tastes like a dish you could order at an Italian restaurant. The buckwheat noodles provide a rustic feel that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin cream, leeks, sautéed mushrooms, and a topping of herbed bread crumbs. There’s no final baking method for this lasagna — you just layer everything and then you’re good to go!

2. Savory Spinach Flan With Rosemary Potato Purée [Vegan, Gluten-Free]

Image Source: Savory Spinach Flan With Rosemary Potato Purée [Vegan, Gluten-Free]

Flan might be better known as a sweet, pudding-like dessert, but it can also be made savory, like this gorgeous Savory Spinach Flan With Rosemary Potato Purée. Made from spinach and silken tofu, its soft texture and subtle flavor served with creamy rosemary potato purée make this a delicacy worthy of any dinner party!

3. Vegetable and Pesto Stuffed Kohlrabi [Vegan, Gluten-Free]

Image Source: Vegetable and Pesto Stuffed Kohlrabi [Vegan, Gluten-Free]

Kohlrabi is one veggie that doesn’t get nearly enough love. A relative of cabbage, it can be eaten raw, mashed, or even stuffed, like in this simple recipe. In this Vegetable and Pesto Stuffed Kohlrabi, fresh kohlrabi is packed with a mixture of mashed potato, carrot, and celery and topped with pesto made from kohlrabi and celery leaves — no food waste, here! Just be sure to save the veggie scraps for making soup stock.

4. Loaded Veggie Hoagie [Vegan]

Image Source: Loaded Veggie Hoagie [Vegan]

Say “hello” to the sandwich of your dreams. This Loaded Veggie Hoagie has greens, tomatoes, an abundance of caramelized onion, meaty mushrooms, sliced seitan, and a generous amount of cashew cheese — yum! This sammie is so loaded, you might need to find someone to share it with … but it’s okay if you don’t.

5. Spinach, Leek, and Carrot Quiche [Vegan]

Image Source: Spinach, Leek, and Carrot Quiche [Vegan]

This rustic Spinach, Leek, and Carrot Quiche is very tasty despite only requiring a few simple ingredients. The lattice arrangement of the sautéed leeks along with the bright and beautiful gingery carrots will wow whoever has the honor of sharing this quiche with you. It is an excellent healthy option to bring to picnic and parties.

6. Raw Portobello and Shallot Burger [Vegan]

Image Source: Raw Portobello and Shallot Burger [Vegan]

These Raw Portobello and Shallot Burgers are a must-make for any mushroom lover. Portobello mushroom caps and shallots are marinated in a simple sauce of tamari, olive oil, and fresh herbs, then dehydrated until they take on color. They’re paired with a simple mustard avocado cream, fresh sliced apples, and greens.

7. Zucchini and ‘Cheese’ Stuffed Focaccia [Vegan]

Image Source: Zucchini and ‘Cheese’ Stuffed Focaccia [Vegan]

Enjoy one of your favorite breads, focaccia, with a savory twist! Sandwiched between these slices of whole-wheat Zucchini and ‘Cheese’ Stuffed Focaccia is a layer of a rice-based cheese spread, sautéed zucchini, and plenty of fresh basil, mint and chives. These bites are an ideal dish to bring to brunches and gatherings.

8. Whole Wheat Radicchio Ravioli [Vegan]

Image Source: Whole Wheat Radicchio Ravioli [Vegan]

These Whole Wheat Radicchio Ravioli are made with a mix of spelt flour and whole wheat flour to give a strong flavor. The filling is made from fermented tofu and radicchio, which gives a complex and cheesy taste. Each ingredient that makes up the dish is designed to balance and enhance the other flavors.

9. Nettle Gnocchi with Dried Tomatoes and Spring Onions [Vegan]

Image Source: Nettle Gnocchi with Dried Tomatoes and Spring Onions [Vegan]

Nettles can be used in the kitchen in soups, risottos, ravioli stuffing, pancakes, pasta pesto or simply sautéed as a side dish. In this case, they’re used for Nettle Gnocchi with Dried Tomatoes and Spring Onions! This delicious dish is seasoned in a simple but tasty way.

10. Savory Saffron Kombu Congee [Vegan, Gluten-Free]

Image Source: Savory Saffron Kombu Congee [Vegan, Gluten-Free]

Congee is a is a rice pudding that’s commonly served throughout Asia. This delectable salty Savory Saffron Kombu Congee checks all of our boxes for a tasty meal. The creamy congee is mixed with fresh green beans, bitter arugula, tender carrots, strips of kombu, and a bit of saffron that gives this umami-bomb a subtle nuance that’s truly special.

Be sure to check out Valentina‘s page to find more of her amazing recipes, as well as her website! You can also find more of her recipes on our Food Monster App, which is available for both Android and iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 10,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to new recipes every day. Check it out!

Lead Image Source: Loaded Veggie Hoagie [Vegan]