My High protein and high fibre cereal turned out to be a bit disappointing in the satiety department! I was hungry after only 3 hours which is disappointing because the bowl was about 600 calories and packed with protein, fibre, and healthy fats.
What gives, cereal? It did last me much, much longer than a normal bowl of cereal would, so I guess that is progress.
There was a possible confound in my study though! I worked out after breakfast for 45 minutes on the elliptical, which I am sure increased my appetite more than usual. In conclusion, replication of this study is required, but I don’t see myself relying on cereal too much!
By noon, I was more than ready for lunch.
I had a big salad composed of mixed Romaine greens, carrot, tomato, warm red lentils mixed with hummus, with a drizzle of my Better than bottled balsamic vinaigrette.
I loved this huge bowl and gobbled it up.
Along side of my salad, I tried something new…
Have you ever heard of a Verrine?
I hadn’t…until I saw it on Tartelette the other day!
According to Wiki, A Verrine is ‘a confection, originally from France, made by layering ingredients in a small glass. It can be either sweet or savoury, making a dessert or snack.’
Cool, huh? Reminds me of a parfait. I searched Verrine on google images and I was delighted to see soooo many Verrine pictures!
I can see myself having a lot of fun with these! As you know, layering is totally my soft spot. ;)
The first thing you do is roast the peppers for about 40 minutes. I used 2 red peppers and some chopped onion.
Cook the quinoa on the stove top and just before everything is ready, make the avocado cream sauce.
Layer and serve!
This Verrine was DELICIOUS! I think I’m in love. :)
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Light and Fresh Avocado Cream Verrines
Lightly adapted from Tartelette.
Yield: 2 servings
- 2 peppers, chopped with seeds removed
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1/2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of Kosher salt & Black pepper
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1.5-2 cups vegetable broth (or water + couple pinches salt)
- 2 small avocados
- Juice of 2 limes (1/4 cup)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped Cilantro
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- kosher Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400F and line a pan with parchment or non-stick mat. In a bowl, mix together the EVOO, salt, pepper, onion, and red pepper. Scoop onto pan and roast for about 40 minutes just until they begin to blacken. Watch closely after 25-30 minutes.
2. In a medium sized pot, combine the quinoa and veggie broth and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook 15 to 20 minutes until the quinoa is light and fluffy. Add more water or broth if it begins to dry out. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature.
3. In a medium sized bowl, mash the avocado with the rest of the ingredients (lime juice, cilantro, onion, salt and pepper) until smooth with a fork. Layer the verrine with a layer of peppers, a layer of avocado cream, a layer of quinoa. Repeat once or twice. repeat. Makes 2 servings.
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Enjoy your Saturday!
J’adore! LOVE the French influence. :) Your version is much lighter than the verrines usually served here AND it features quinoa, avocado and cilantro (three things that I could actually be happy eating every day, especially together) – BRAVO! Can’t wait to try it! And I too seem to never be filled up from cereal (what IS it about cereal?) but I still love it, I Just end up eating two breakfasts! haha Or have you thought of adding yogurt? (soy yogurt, of course) Makes it creamier and I find, more hearty and protein-filled. OR just be more French and lay off the elliptical? ;) JK
Thanks for another fab recipe, keep up the Frenchified fare – love it!
Bisous from Paris, Rebecca
Okay, I haven’t tried it yet, but this might become my favorite OSG recipe! Love everything about it! I love the ingredients and I love the presentation! I can’t wait to try it.
I’d never heard of a verrine. Looks delish, I will try one soon!
The verrine looks BEAUTIFUL. Your photos always make me smile without fail!!
That sounds so good, and pretty easy! Now I’m craving avocado!
That looks so good! It’s like a meal parfait!
Weird thing to compliment, but those carrots look awesome! Is it weird to crave carrots? :D
It’s amazing how much better food tastes when it looks beautiful, too!
Hi Angela,
The verrine made with quinoa and avocado is looking absolutely delightful, loved the natural flavors and fibres, just perfect to gobble any time of the day….cheers !
Great idea. I love anything layered also.
Cereals always seem to fill me up as long as its a healthy bowl! Maybe cereals are not filling for you because its just the way your body works
This verrine looks delicious. What a great idea!
I saw Helene’s post and drooled over it! Her photography and recipes are just gorgeous, as are yours, of course!
Love this recipe and for the 411 on just what makes a verrines.
Sorry your cereal proved to be less than filling. Darn. Hate it when that happens!
I have seen layered dishes but never knew they had a name!!! Your looks amazing…those roasted red peppers are drool worthy!!!!
That looks like a great cute idea. Too bad about the cereal. I have been into buckwheat cereal. Not sure it would have that many cals in and hold you much longer though.
Oooh yum! I have heard of verrines (Epicure came out with some glasses/recipes last fall), but have yet to try them…..I want to now!
Mmmmmm. This looks delicious! Perfect for spring!
PS – I just made your Ultimate Vegan Walnut Lentil Loaf and it was amazing! My entire family loved it! Thanks! :-)
I saw so many sweet verrines on my trip to Paris! I had no idea that’s what they were called though! And I don’t think I’ve seen a savory one before…
ooooooh yummy…a verrine sounds fantastic! layering is the best :)
Fantastic recipe – makes me think it would be excellent in a little cup type container and taken along for lunch – would be so easy to store in the fridge – though I am not sure if avocado would be the right filling for making ahead.
I can’t remember if I have commented before but I have been enjoying reading this blog recently and have given you a Stylish Blogger award – http://gggiraffe.blogspot.com/2011/04/memes-are-due-thanks-are-due.html – pass on if you have the time or inclination or just take it as a sign of my enjoyment of your blog :-)
Layered food rocks! It looks beautiful as does that huge bowl of salad. I always look forward to reading your blog daily, it puts a smile on my face and encourages me to make good food and exercise choices throughout the day. Im trying to tone up for my wedding this year and already i have easily lost a small amount of weight in the two weeks i have been eating nearly all vegan meals and running again. I feel great and your right, you do glow from the inside out! many thanks.