Celebrating Youth Day | Red Lentil Tacos Fiesta | Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry | Quinoa Porridge

International Youth Day is a remarkable occasion to honor the grace, energy, and dedication of young people. Their vibrant participation transforms any event into a joyous celebration, deserving not just recognition but a feast of their favorite foods.

Youth are the shining stars of our world and the architects of tomorrow. Their enthusiastic involvement in celebrations reflects their radiant spirit. This day is a unique opportunity to engage them with vibrant flavors and innovative ideas that mirror their diverse tastes and aspirations. By offering healthy, satisfying meals that reflect their preferences, we create a menu that honors their brilliance and acknowledges their profound impact on our future. As we gather to enjoy these nourishing dishes, let’s celebrate the youth who inspire us and their essential role in shaping the world to come.

To amplify the celebration, let their desires guide the menu and make August unforgettable. Whether for aYouth Day event or trying new recipes at home, empower them to participate. Let’s fuel their passions with a celebration of flavors and dive into delicious recipes, including a refreshing quinoa salad, vibrant lentil dishes,a delightful quinoa dessert, a summer soup, and a savory stir-fry recipe. Let's create a culinary journey that celebrates youth.

1. Refreshing Gazpacho Soup - Perfect Summer Cooler

Embrace the freshness of youth with every spoonful of the Gazpacho soup recipe, a testament to the energy and zest of your spirit!

Ingredients:

•  6 ripe tomatoes, chopped

•  1 cucumber, chopped

•  1 bell pepper, chopped

•  1 tablespoon Pride of India’s minced onion

•  1 tablespoon Pride of India’s minced garlic

•  1/4 cup olive oil

•  3 tablespoons vinegar

•  1 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt

•  1/2 teaspoon black pepper & cumin

Directions:

2. In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, minced onion, and garlic.

3. Blend the vegetable mixture until smooth.

4. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in the olive oil, vinegar, salt, black pepper, and cumin.

5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

6. Serve chilled, garnished with sliced tomatoes and fresh basil or parsley. Enjoy your refreshing gazpacho!

2. Perfect Red Lentil Taco Fiesta - A Fun & Flavorful Option

Celebrate the boundless creativity of youth with these fun and flavorfulred lentil tacos, bringing joy and excitement to every bite!

Ingredients:

•  1 cup Pride of India’s red lentils, rinsed

•  1 tablespoon olive oil

•  1 teaspoon Pride of India’s minced onion

•  1 teaspoon Pride of India’s minced garlic

•  1 & 1/2 tablespoon Pride of India’s Everyday Seasoning

•  1 teaspoon ground cumin

•  Salt and pepper

•  Taco toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, avocado, salsa, vegan cheese, fresh cilantro, lime juice

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add minced garlic & onion, sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.

2. Add red lentils and enough water to cover them (about 2 cups). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until tender and thickened.

3. Stir in Everyday seasoning, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

4. Warm tortillas and spoon the lentil mixture onto each tortilla.

5. Add your favorite taco toppings. Enjoy!

3. Easy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry - A Protein-Packed Sizzle

Fuel your ambitions with the power-packed garlicshrimp stir-fry recipe, embodying strength and determination.

Ingredients:

•  1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

•  1 teaspoon Pride of India’s minced onion

•  2 tablespoons Pride of India’s minced garlic

•  2 tablespoons sesame oil

•  1 red bell pepper, sliced

•  1 cup peas

•  2 carrots, thinly sliced

•  3 tablespoons soy sauce

•  1 tablespoon honey

•  1 teaspoon Pride of India’s sesame seeds

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce and honey. Set aside.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add remaining sesame oil. Add minced garlic and onion, sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Add red bell pepper, peas, and carrots. Stir fry for about 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.

5. Return cooked shrimp to the skillet. Pour soy sauce and honey mixture over shrimp and vegetables, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

6. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the stir fry. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.

4. Sesame Quinoa Crunch Salad - A Healthy and Satisfying Salad

Nourish your dreams with this wholesome crunchy sesame quinoa salad recipe, reflecting the health and vitality of your youthful journey!

Ingredients:

•  1 cup Bolivian white Quinoa, rinsed

•  2 cups water

•  1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

•  1 cucumber, diced

•  1 carrot, grated

•  1 red bell pepper, diced

•  1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

•  1 avocado, diced (optional)

•  2 tablespoons white sesame seeds 

Sesame Dressing:

•  1/4 cup soy sauce

•  2 tablespoons rice vinegar

•  1 tablespoon sesame oil

•  1 tablespoon Pride of India garlic minced

•  1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

•  1 teaspoon grated ginger

•  Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Bring water to a boil in a pan. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until tender. Let it cool.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.

3. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast sesame seeds until golden brown and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.

4. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, avocado, cucumber, carrot, red bell pepper, cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine. 

5. Sprinkle generously with Everyday Seasoning and serve chilled or at room temperature.

5. Creamy Quinoa Porridge with Luscious Toppings - A Warm Hug in a Bowl

Ingredients

•  1/2 cup Pride of India's White Quinoa

•  1 cup almond milk

•  1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

•  Pinch of salt

•  Maple syrup to taste

•  Optional: Vanilla extract

Directions

1. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water.

2. In a saucepan, combine quinoa, almond milk, cinnamon, and salt.

3. Bring to a boil, then simmer until quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed.

4. Stir in maple syrup and vanilla extract.

5. Serve warm and top with your favorite toppings like berries, date paste, chopped nuts, coconut flakes, nut butter, or super seeds like chia or flax.

Pairing your warm quinoa porridge with a perfect latte made with turmeric spice mix will provide a delicious and nutritious start to your day, celebrating the vitality and creativity of youth!

In essence, Youth Day is a time to celebrate the vibrant energy and creativity of the younger generation. By featuring dishes that reflect their dynamic spirit and diverse tastes, we honor their role in shaping our world. From the refreshing Gazpacho Soup to the flavorful Red Lentil Tacos and Creamy Quinoa Porridge, these recipes not only delight the taste buds but also symbolize the vitality and innovation of youth. As we enjoy these dishes, let’s remember to embrace and support the dreams and aspirations of young people everywhere, recognizing their essential role in our shared future.

Happy Youth Day!