Stress Less & Keep It Simple l Easy Vegetarian Meals l Home and Healing with Lyka

Hello Beautiful Soul!

In today’s video, I’ll be cooking some delicious and healthy vegetarian recipes while sharing encouragement about keeping life simple, focusing on what truly matters, and not sweating the non-value adding stuff. 💛

Life doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the best recipes are simple, nourishing, and made with love. And the same goes for our daily lives. Let’s learn to let go of unnecessary stress and embrace peace, purpose, and joy.

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ChefSofi Mortar & Pestle : https://amzn.to/4n7dSGG
USA Pan Baking Sheet & Cooling Rack: https://amzn.to/3VoqMnJ
Lodge Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven: https://amzn.to/3JVkXM2
Redchef Ceramic Pot & Pans: https://amzn.to/46fDCek
Eurolux Cast Iron Citrus Juicer: https://amzn.to/47gYC5t
Wooden Chopping Board: https://amzn.to/45sLcAE
Knife Set: https://amzn.to/46Rj6Sc

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🥘 RECIPES IN THIS VIDEO

Tofu Menudo (Vegetarian Twist with Marinated Tofu)
Ingredients:
1 block firm tofu, cubed
2 tbsp coconut aminos
1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp thyme
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, diced
1 potato, diced
½ cup green peas
1 cup tomato sauce
½ cup water or vegetable broth
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:
1) Marinate the tofu: In a bowl, mix coconut aminos, soy sauce, olive oil, thyme, garlic powder, and pepper. Toss in cubed tofu until coated.
2) Bake the tofu: Spread tofu on a lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and slightly crispy.
3)Cook the menudo: In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
4) Add carrots and potatoes, cooking for 3–5 minutes.
5) Stir in tomato sauce, water/broth, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer until veggies are tender.
6) Add the baked tofu and green peas. Mix well and cook for another 3–5 minutes.
7) Serve hot with rice or quinoa.

Low-Carb Chocolate Popsicles
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt for dairy-free)
3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2–3 tbsp monk fruit sweetener (adjust to taste)
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:
1) Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
2) Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
3) Pour into popsicle molds.
4) Freeze at least 4 hours or until solid.

Almond Flour Banana Bread
Ingredients:
3 ripe bananas, mashed
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup coconut oil (melted)
2 ½ cups almond flour (or 2 cups of almond flour & 1/2 cup coconut flour – adds a denser, slightly sweeter flavor)
monk fruit sweetener (optional for additional sweetness)
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
Pinch of salt

Instructions:
1) Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line with parchment.
2) In a bowl, mash bananas, then whisk in eggs, vanilla, and coconut oil.
3) Add almond flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until combined.
4) Pour into pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.
5) Let cool before slicing.

Creamy Mushroom Pasta (Vegetarian, Dairy-Free Option)
Ingredients:
8 oz pasta of choice (whole wheat or low-carb)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
½ cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
1 tsp mustard
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
Juice of ½ lime
Fresh basil for garnish
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:
1) Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2) In a large pan, heat oil and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
3) Add mushrooms and cook until tender.
4) In a bowl, whisk together almond milk, yogurt, mustard, and nutritional yeast.
5) Pour sauce into pan, stir well, and let it thicken slightly.
6) Add the cooked pasta, mix until coated.
7) Squeeze lime juice and garnish with fresh basil.

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Sometimes we carry too much, too many worries, too many expectations, too many unnecessary things. But life becomes lighter and more joyful when we focus on what truly matters. In this video, I’ll be cooking some healthy vegetarian food and a sweet treat. And while we cook together, I’ll share something that’s been on my heart. learning how to not complicate life and how to let go of the nonvalue adding stuff. So, grab your apron or just sit back and relax because this video is for you. [Music] Hello beautiful soul. It’s me Leica. Welcome to my channel. [Music] [Music] Today we’re making some delicious vegetarian meals and desserts that are not only yummy but also healthy. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Now, let me be clear. We’re not fully vegetarian. My family and I still eat meat, but there are certain times in the year when we intentionally go on a no meat, no, or low sugar, low carb diet. It’s our way of giving our bodies a little reset, keeping it light, and honoring our health. And honestly, it’s also fun to try new recipes. [Music] Let’s start with our first dish, tofu menudoodle. [Music] For this, I’ll be using tofu as a substitute for meat. Here’s what we’ll need. Onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, green peas, tomato sauce, a sprinkle of chili flakes if you want a kick, and of course, salt and pepper to taste. [Music] Now, while I prepare these ingredients, let’s chat. [Music] You know what? I’ve been reflecting on how we sometimes make life harder than it needs to be. [Music] We complicate things. We worry about small details. Stress over stuff that doesn’t even matter. And we drain our energy on things that don’t add value to our lives. [Music] For example, maybe you’ve stressed out about how perfectly your house looks before guests come. When in reality, what they remember most is how you made them feel. [Music] Or maybe you’ve spent hours overthinking what people might think of you when honestly they’re probably not even paying that much attention. [Music] I’m guilty of these. [Music] I realized that life gets simpler when we focus on what truly matters and let go of what doesn’t. [Music] Now, let’s make something refreshing and sweet. Low carb popsicles. [Music] For this recipe, I’ll blend together almond milk, yogurt, cocoa powder, monk fruit sweetener, and a splash of vanilla. [Music] [Music] After blending, just pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze it for at least 4 hours. [Music] This is perfect for a guilt-free snack. [Music] Next, let’s bake banana bread. But instead of using regular flour, we’re going with almond flour for a low carb version. [Music] I’ll start by mashing ripe bananas, then adding eggs, vanilla, and coconut oil. Once the wet ingredients are well combined, I’ll fold in the almond flour, mix it up, and pop it in the oven to bake. [Music] And don’t worry, everything I make today will be listed in the description box for you. One way I keep life from getting complicated is by asking myself, does this add value to my life or is it just noise? [Music] For example, I’ve learned not to stress over social media likes or whether my day went exactly as planned. Those are nonvalue adding things. [Music] But spending time with my family, talking to God, reading scripture, and creating memories, those things add real value. [Music] I’ve been practicing saying no to unnecessary stress and yes to what nourishes my soul. [Music] This journey is still a work in progress for me, but I’m trying. [Music] Now, let’s move on to our last recipe. Creamy mushroom pasta. [Music] We need some onions, garlic, and mushrooms. [Music] First, saute the onions and garlic until fragrant. Then, add the mushrooms and cook them until they’re soft. [Music] For the sauce, I’m mixing almond milk, yogurt, a touch of mustard, and nutritional yeast. [Music] Once it’s creamy, I’ll pour it into the pan with the mushrooms. Then add the cooked pasta and stir until everything is coated. [Music] To finish, I’ll squeeze in some lime juice and garnish with fresh basil. Simple, healthy, and satisfying. [Music] Before we wrap up, I want to leave you with this thought. Jesus said in Matthew 6:34, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” [Music] That verse reminds me that life doesn’t have to be complicated. [Music] Oh, is it good? [Music] When we trust God with the big and small things, we don’t need to waste energy on what doesn’t matter. [Music] So ask yourself, what can you release today? What little stress, worry, or perfectionism can you let go of so you can focus more on what brings true joy? [Music] God didn’t call us to live stressed, but to live in peace and purpose. Thank you so much for being here with me today. Your presence means more than you know. [Music] Until next time, may you find peace in the present and purpose in every small thing. [Music] And don’t forget, share this video so our community can grow. And subscribe if you haven’t already. I’ll see you in the next one. Bye, beautiful soul.