We love the idea of homemade ice cream. But when most recipes call for special machinery and lots of heavy cream, it’s easy to give up and Google the nearest fro-yo shop. Before you fill up on the next-best thing, take a peek at these 9 healthy, five-ingredient scoops that leave the endless churning to the pros.
9 easy ice cream recipes for a quick-fix cold treat
We’ll let you in on a secret: Cherry flavor gets approximately 200% more exciting with the addition of vanilla — that’s just simple math. Top with halved cherries and ready your spoon. If you can’t get your hands on a whole vanilla bean, vanilla extract works just as well.
Make a thick ice cream base by cooking down coconut milk and honey until slightly golden. Then pat yourself on the back: You just made healthier sweetened condensed milk. Offset the rich coconut milk with tart lemon juice and whip with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Be sure to taste test before freezing.
That can of coconut cream in your pantry has been waiting for this moment. First, chill it in the fridge overnight. Then blend it up with dates for sweetness, cocoa powder for chocolatey richness, and a little almond milk for consistency. Congrats! You’ve just created the stuff of vegan dessert dreams (all without hauling out the ice cream maker).
A few bites into this mango coconut ice cream and you may mistake your kitchen for a tropical island. Blend the coconut milk and frozen mango until smooth or leave in a few solid fruit pieces for some texture. We think serving with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of shredded coconut makes it even better.
Chocolate ice cream you can eat for breakfast? Sign us up. This maple-sweetened mixture of frozen banana and avocado is a sweet way to snack after a workout or even before a long workday (who are we to judge?). It makes a great after-dinner treat too.
Not only is this raspberry ice cream a delightful shade of pink, the recipe also calls for a big splash of electrolyte powerhouse coconut water. The best part: There’s no additional freezing required, so this dish is ready in 5 minutes.
Peanut butter and banana might seem a better combo than PB&J after a few bites of this ice cream. Freeze banana slices, then blend with peanut butter in a powerful blender or food processor. Soft-serve lovers will want to dive in immediately, but this ice cream can be frozen for optimal scooping.
Calling all chocoholics! You wouldn’t know from the way it looks, but this rich ice cream gets its silkiness from coconut milk and a ripe avocado. It’s sweetened with banana and a touch of agave (swap the latter for maple syrup if you’re not a fan). Mix up the the ice cream base, then stick it in the freezer for a good few hours to firm up.
No-churn doesn’t mean less fancy. Join the finer things club with this dreamy blueberry ice cream.
Dairy- and refined sugar-free, this dessert is a result of creamy cashews and plump dates blended with fresh blueberries. The lavender can easily be omitted if you can’t find culinary-grade flowers — don’t worry, the ice cream will be just as refreshing without.
Sure, an ice cream maker can be a useful kitchen accessory if you’re regularly churning out frozen desserts.
But if you don’t happen to have one (or just don’t feel like waiting for its hour-long cycle before you dig into something cold and sweet), give these 9 recipes a whirl… or a blend… or a process. You’ll land yourself with faster, easier ice cream access — and, if you ask us, that’s never a bad thing.
from Greatist Health RSS Feed https://bit.ly/3Zq2iur
Nothing proves cooking is fun like watching your favorite food-as-entertainment TV show.
But if you, like me, have become a recipe connoisseur while harvesting every corner of Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, etc., you’re no doubt in need of something fresh.
Streaming some well-known and hidden food show gems will not only give you a slew of new eclectic recipe ideas to try, it can also scratch a bit of the travel itch too.
Luckily for you, I’ve watched a few good ones and am willing to share them here. So, hitch your horse to my wagon, friends — we’re going for a ride to streaming flavor town!
When it came time to pick a partner, comedian and actress Amy Schumer chose wisely by marrying chef Chris Fischer.
He’s worked under Mario Batali, was presented with the James Beard Award for his book, The Beetlebung Farm Cookbook, named after his family’s farm in Martha’s Vineyard, and teaches Amy all (well, most) of what he knows in this Food Network show.
The recipes vary in terms of difficulty, and include things like chicken wings with honey and soy sauce, all the way to fancy-shmancy fennel (Chris is obsessed with fennel), radish, and cucumber salad with tuna dressing.
In each episode, Amy makes a special cocktail to go along with the dish, and her banter makes the show feel like a comedy special with an educational twist.
Award winning activist, model, and cookbook author Padma Lakshmi guides viewers on a diverse culinary trek across the United States. The restaurants and outdoor eateries she visits are primarily family owned, and staffed by generations of food lovers eager to tell the stories behind some of their most popular dishes.
From El Paso, Texas to Paterson, New Jersey, she explores where the best regional dishes can be found, where their recipes originated, and how food has been — and always will be — a tie that binds.
David Chang’s name has become synonymous with unique flavors and unexpected pairings. Founder of the Momofuku restaurant group, his latest Netflix show “Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner” has him traversing four different cities around the world, usually with a celebrity guest by his side, to experience what they’re serving up.
In each episode, Chang and his guest are exposed to something fantastic they would have otherwise never experienced on their own. Chang’s excitement for food is contagious, so if you find yourself wanting to follow along on more foodie journeys with him, his other Netflix show “Ugly Delicious” is a great one too.
This YouTube channel has become known for its short, conversational, and stylishly shot food videos. The most popular of the bunch is “Hot Ones,” hosted by Sean Evans, which features celebrity guests being interviewed while eating wings that get hotter and hotter with each question.
Others worth checking out are “The Burger Show,” hosted by Alvin Cailan and George Motz, and “Gochi Gang,” hosted by Reina Scully, which focuses on Japanese comfort food.
If you spend an hour watching a few videos featured on the “First We Feast” channel, you’ll have more of a diverse understanding of food than your average person. Don’t watch any of these on an empty stomach though or you’ll tear up with food jealousy.
Steve Jenkins and his partner Derek Walter were working as a realtor and professional magician, respectively, until their lives took an unexpected turn.
When they were presented with the opportunity to rescue a pig named Esther, they took her in under the pretense that she was a “mini pig,” but a few years later she grew to a thicc and sassy 600 pounds.
Esther the Wonder Pig’s fighting spirit led the guys to get involved in vegetarian and vegan cooking by launching a YouTube channel called “What’s Cooking In Esther’s Kitchen.” This show is all about how to make plant-based meals Esther would approve of.
Another great option on YouTube is “Vegan Black Metal Chef.” You might not think a guy screaming out the steps of preparing delicious vegan meals would be soothing, but it oddly is.
The man behind the corpse paint is Florida cook and musician Brian Manowitz. As the story goes, he quit eating animal-based foods when he was in college. He then got the idea for the videos while dreaming up ways to show people that it’s not hard to be vegan once you get a few great recipes under your (bondage) belt.
Samin Nosrat is a James Beard Award-winning cookbook writer, as well as a columnist for The New York Times Magazine’s “Eat” column. She hosts the Netflix show “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat” where she travels all over the world showing the ways different cultures put those four components to best use.
It’s a deceptively simple combination that makes some of the most delicious meals to ever hit a plate. Bon appétit!
Sharing my tips on how to whiten teeth with baking soda and how to do this at home. As always, talk with your dentist before doing anything to your teeth. As we all know, I am not a dentist and do not work in the dental industry. Just sharing my experience!
Hi friends! How’s the morning going so far? I’m getting ready for a little photoshoot, and also have a podcast interview later today. I hope you have a wonderful day ahead!
For today’s post, I’m doing a little reader’s request and sharing my experience whitening my teeth with baking soda. I often get questions about what I use for my teeth, and my routine is pretty simple. I tend to stay away from conventional whitening products and whitening procedures because they increase my tooth sensitivity and I don’t love the ingredients.
Having a whiter smile can definitely boost your confidence, and standard teeth whitening products can be hard on the budget. Not all of them are effective, they can contain sketchy ingredients, and there are a few household ingredients that can be used to help whiten teeth, including baking soda! I’m dedicating this post to sharing my experience whitening my teeth with baking soda and my favorite dental products. 🙂
How To Make Teeth Whiter With Baking Soda
Baking soda is my #1 favorite way to whiten my teeth. While baking soda can be an effective teeth whitening agent, there are things to consider before using it. I’m going to share a couple of precautions before diving into the actual methods. (And another friendly reminder to talk to your dentist before doing anything with your teeth.)
Is It Safe To Brush Your Teeth With Baking Soda
Yes, in most cases. While it’s safe to use baking soda to whiten teeth, it can be abrasive when used in large quantities. Baking soda, when overused, can corrode the tooth’s surface enamel. You just want to make sure you don’t use it too frequently, leave it on your teeth for too long, or use too much. A little goes a long way!
How To Use Baking Soda To Whiten Teeth
Baking soda paste
This is my go-to method. I start by topping my toothbrush with baking soda and add a little bit of water to make a paste. I add as much as needed to have enough for my entire mouth. I gently place the paste on my teeth and keep it here for about 3 minutes to set. Then, I scrub, using the toothbrush, and rinse. Word to the world: it tastes HORRIBLE. I kind of just curl my lips up and try to avoid tasting it. I do this once a month, but my dental hygienist said it would be fine to do once a week.
Baking soda with toothpaste
You can also mix a little baking soda with your toothpaste, or use a toothpaste that contains baking soda.
Baking soda mouthwash
This can be a cheap and effective alternative to tradition alcohol-based mouthwash. Simply mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 cup of warm water, swish, and rinse. (Make sure not to swallow the mixture.)
Baking soda and lemon
This is a common method, but not one that I’ve tried or would recommend. I think that it would be too intense and feel like it’s unnecessary since the baking soda and water does the trick on its own.
Baking Soda Teeth Whitening Before And After
I was thisclose to sharing some before and after pics but there was no good way to do it without you seeing all of my pores or into my nose lol. So let’s just say trust me that there’s a visible difference when I do this.
Some more of my favorite dental products for shiny, happy teeth and a healthy mouth:
– A tongue scraper. I got mine from Thrive Market and P wanted her own, so now she has one, too. (Use this link and you’ll get 40% off your first order!) This is one of the first things I do each day, and I do this at night before bed, too.
– This mouthwash; also from Thrive Market! (It was on sale 50% off last time I checked)
– Cocofloss. This is the BEST floss in all the land. Once your try Cocofloss, you’ll never go back. It’s super thick, has natural flavors, and feels like a loofah for your teeth; it gets everything out from between your teeth.
– Oil pulling. I oil pull in the morning when I have time or before bed. I simply add a teaspoon of coconut oil to my mouth and swish around while I get ready for the day or for bed(about 10 minutes), then I rinse and brush.
– A waterpik. Sometimes I fall out of the routine, but I try to Waterpik before bed every night. I notice a huge difference when I do this regularly.
– Our go-to toothpaste for the whole family is Tom’s fluoride-free whitening
– I also can’t stress the importance of regular cleanings enough. We used to dread the dentist, but now that we’ve found a family-friendly dentist who is so reasonable in his recommendations (shout out to the best!), it has made a huge difference. I’m also fortunate that our insurance covers cleanings every 4 months, so I get my teeth cleaned 3x a year.
Do you use any whitening products on your teeth? What’s your go-to?
Sharing some recent Amazon finds as we finish up winter and head into spring!
Hi friends! How was the weekend? I hope you had a wonderful one! We didn’t end up making it to Mt. Lemmon because they lost power and roads were closed for half of the weekend. Instead, we joined some friends for Goat Yoga and a day of fun – I’ll share pics in Fri Faves! – and had a little dinner get-together. It ended up being the perfect weekend: good time with friends, goats (we all know I’m obsessed and would have 12 if I could), amazing food, and a little shopping. 🙂
I’ve been loving Amazon for everything lately, especially since I can usually get quick shipping with Prime and don’t have to leave my house.
The fashion options are often at amazing prices, especially for trendier pieces when I don’t want to spend that much. They also have SO many of my favorite brands available (like Rails, Paige, and Mother Denim).
I’m not going to buy any more winter-y clothes so I can get ready for spring and wanted to share some of the things I’m loving from Amazon as we start to (hopefully) transition into warmer weather. Ready for some sun!
Hi hi! Happy weekend and happy Rodeo break to my Arizona friends! (Rodeo is a big thing out here; in February, there’s always a 2-day break from school.) What do you have going on this weekend? We’re *supposed* to head to Mt. Lemmon to play in the snow, but as of right now the roads are closed. Fingers crossed we can make it up there.
I’ve been wanting to share some pics from Trevor’s wedding last weekend! He got married last year (they eloped in Vegas!) and it was time for their big wedding celebration with the fam. It was held at a local residence on an exquisite property, which felt more like a botanical garden than someone’s actual home. It was so beautiful!!
The Pilot was the officiant and crushed it, of course. The ceremony was heartfelt, humorous in just the right spots, and personalized for them. Their vows were so beautiful, too.
They had a Photo Booth, a DJ (who played a Selena mix that just set my soul freeeeeee), and dinner was catered by Seis Kitchen.
(dress is here! An Amazon find that made me feel like the flamenco dancer emoji. The fabric was way better than I was expecting!)
I treasure the times where we have so many of our family members together in one spot, and loved getting to see and spend time with everyone.
It’s time for the weekly Friday faves party! This is where I share some of my favorite finds from the week and around the web. I always love to hear about your faves, too, so please shout out something you’re loving in the comments section below.
Not a fave from the week: Dear Evan Hansen. I’d never seen it live, but knew all of the songs. I had high hopes and was thinking it would definitely hit my top 10… and it was disappointing. The acting was over the top in a melodramatic way and fell flat. Ya win some, ya lose some.
We tried this Caesar dressing on salad with homemade sourdough croutons this week and it was a home run. We’ll absolutely be adding it into the rotation.
Brunch at The Monica with live music on the patio. Tucson friends, definitely check it out! It’s a Charro restaurant and everything was fresh, well-seasoned, and perfectly-cooked.
This was the chicken sausage hash, which had a ton of roasted veggies:
Fashion + beauty:
Before the wedding, madre and I had our makeup done at Sephora and 10/10 will do it again. It was $60 and it was SO nice to have a professional do my makeup instead of quickly trying to put my face together in between getting the girls ready. When I got home, I just had to help the girls, do their hair, and throw my dress and shoes on.
She used some new-to-me products that I loved (and ended up purchasing) so I thought I’d share the goods:
– This primer. I NEVER use foundation primer but noticed how it smoothed out my pores and made the foundation last longer. (Color: medium tan sand)
– This foundation. She matched the shade perfectly to my skin tone and it was super lightweight with great coverage.
– This concealer. The texture is smooth and silky; not chalky at all.
– This eye primer. I think Tarte discontinued theirs and have been looking for a replacement. This one does the trick and has a light shimmer.
Hi friends! I’m so thrilled about today’s podcast episode because it’s with someone I’ve been following on IG for a long time and truly admire: Meg Langston! I reached out to her to see if she’d come onto the show and was so pumped when she said yes. 🙂 This episode is PACKED with info and actionable tips; be sure to listen to this one! (Also, follow her on IG here if you don’t already!)
Here’s what we talk about:
– Background and what inspired you to become an NTP
– What are some of the things women could do to support metabolic health
– Some of the effects of stress on the body + what does adrenal fatigue mean
– Ways to support progesterone and help improve symptoms of burnout and adrenal fatigue
Meg is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Root Cause consultant and Restorative Wellness Practitioner. She works with women to help restore their metabolic health in order to recover from hormone imbalances, restore periods and recover digestive dysfunction. She believes the body talks back to symptoms and through body literacy and a food first approach healing and feeling their best self can happen!
Check out Nutrisense here and use the code TFP for $30 off and 1 month of free dietitian support! The dietitian support is invaluable and helps you assess your data, make changes, and run experiments.
The weather is cooling down, and I’m still obsessed with my sauna blanket. It feels even BETTER when it’s chilly outside and you can use the code FITNESSISTA15 for 15% off! This is one of my favorite ways to relax and sweat it out. I find that it energizes me, helps with aches and pains, I sleep better on the days I use this, and it makes my skin glow. Link to check it out here. You can also use my discount for the PEMF Go Mat, which I use every day!
I love love love the meals from Sakara Life! Use this link and the code XOGINAH for 20% off their meal delivery and clean boutique items. This is something I do once a month as a lil treat to myself and the meals are always showstoppers. I’m enjoying a shipment this week; the lavender parfait has been my favorite so far.
Get 15% off Organifi with the code FITNESSISTA. I drink the green juice, red juice, gold, and Harmony! (Each day I might have something different, or have two different things. Everything I’ve tried is amazing.)
If any of my fellow health professional friends are looking for another way to help their clients, I highly recommend IHP. You can also use this information to heal yourself and then go one to heal others, which I think is a beautiful mission.
Thank you so much for listening and for all of your support with the podcast! Please be sure to subscribe, and leave a rating or review if you enjoyed this episode. If you leave a rating, head to this page and you’ll get a little “thank you” gift from me to you.
Sharing a super delicious and healthy homemade peanut butter protein bars recipe! Perfect for meal prep and grab-and-go snacks. Plus, they’re gluten-free and dairy-free.
Hey! How are you? I hope your morning is going well! I’m here getting everything together for Spring Shape Up – workouts and meal ideas go out on Friday! – and hopping on a podcast interview. I hope you have a lovely morning!
How about a little protein bar with your morning coffee?
I love protein bars as an on-the-go snack because they’re healthy yet delicious. At the same time, I don’t usually love the ingredients for many of the ones on store shelves. My top bars right now are these good! bars (which are impossible to find; usually Sprouts has them), Aloha, and the chocolate whole foods bars.
Homemade peanut butter protein bars
While it is possible to find tasty ones with good ingredients, they can also be a bit on the pricey side! They’re so quick and easy to make at home, way less expensive, and they don’t require any cooking or baking skills. Peanut butter is one of the popular ingredients used in protein bars (and one of my fave flavors!), so today, I’m sharing a peanut butter protein bar recipe that you can make at any time!
What Is A Protein Bar Good For
A quick snack when you don’t have time for a full meal
Sometimes it gets busy and instead of skipping a meal because you don’t have time to make a full meal, I’m ALL about relying on convenience. If these are in the fridge ready to go, you can enjoy one along with a hard-boiled egg or an apple – it’s perfect if you don’t have time to actually cook anything. Is it a substitute for a real meal? Nope! Buuuut it can give you extra fuel and nutrients when you’re on a time crunch and in a hurry.
For travel
I love wrapping up a homemade protein bar and popping it in my tote bag when we’re traveling, along with the usual suspects: jerky, tea, an apple, some chocolate, LMNT packs, trail mix, and a tuna pouch. I can never find any of my go-to protein bars at the airport, so it’s nice to have one on hand that you know you enjoy.
Post-workout fuel
These are great if you’re heading to the gym and then have to head straight to an appointment or back to work. It gives you a burst of protein, carbs, and healthy fats, plus it’s portable and not messy. 😉
Late-night snacks
Despite what you may have heard, it is not harmful to eat before you go to bed if it’s macro-balanced. Sometimes if you’re hungry, you may need a bit of protein and carbs to prevent a glucose crash in the night, disputing sleep. Just make sure that it’s balanced and not too sugary, which makes these bars an excellent choice. More of my favorite pre-bedtime snacks include hard-boiled eggs and some fruit, yogurt with some grain-free granola, and deli meat rolled up with hummus.
Peanut Butter Protein Bar Recipe
Ingredients
Vanilla or chocolate protein powder (I like NOW Foods, DNS, and Truvani)
Peanut butter
Oats
Maple syrup
Mini chocolate chips
Coconut oil
Vanilla extract
Sea salt
Monk fruit (*optional)
How To Make Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Step One
Grind the oats into a flour in a high-speed blender or a food processor. You can make them into a fine flour or leave them with a bit more texture, depending on your preference.
Step Two
Add the oats to a bowl, along with the protein powder, sea salt, and mix well.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, stir together the maple syrup, vanilla, and peanut butter. If you want this to be less sweet, use a majority of almond milk instead of maple syrup. This also depends on the sweetness of the protein powder.
Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, and then stir in the mini chocolate chips.
Step Four
Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined 9×9 baking dish and set in the fridge to set slightly.
Step Five
Mix the coconut oil and chocolate in the microwave for about 30 seconds and stir until melted.
Step Six
Drizzle the chocolate over the bars and place back into the fridge to set, about 30 minutes.
Step Seven
Remove from the fridge and cut into bars. Keep stored in the fridge in a covered container for up to one week.
A healthy and delicious snack recipe you can make in advance to enjoy throughout the week.
Author:Gina Harney // The Fitnessista
Ingredients
1 large scoops (70g) vanilla or chocolate protein powder (I like NOW Foods, DNS, and Truvani)
3 oz peanut butter
80g oats (about 1 cup) ground into flour
3 oz maple syrup
1 oz almond milk or water
2 oz mini chocolate chips (plus an extra 2 oz for drizzling)
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
Monk fruit (*optional)
Instructions
Step One
Grind the oats into a flour in a high-speed blender or a food processor. You can make them into a fine flour or leave them with a bit more texture, depending on your preference.
Step Two
Add the oats to a bowl, along with the protein powder, sea salt, and mix well.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, stir together the maple syrup, vanilla, and peanut butter. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, and then stir in the mini chocolate chips.
Step Four
Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined 9×9 baking dish and set in the fridge to set slightly.
Step Five
Mix the coconut oil and chocolate in the microwave for about 30 seconds and stir until melted.
Step Six
Drizzle the chocolate over the bars and place back into the fridge to set, about 30 minutes.
Step Seven
Remove from the fridge and cut into bars. Keep stored in the fridge in a covered container for up to one week.
Notes
If your protein powder is on the sweet side, use more almond milk and less maple syrup to hold them together. If your protein powder is not sweet, add the maple syrup and a little monk fruit and stevia according to your preference!
Are you going to make these??
Please let me know how they turn out!!
xo
Gina
More of my favorite meal prep staples and healthy snacks:
If a truly perfect dish exists, it just might be shakshuka. Easy to make, both comforting and exciting, healthy, inexpensive, and composed of ingredients you likely regularly have on hand, it checks all the boxes for an ideal meal. Plus, it’s fit for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner!
As long as you like eggs and tomatoes, you’ll love this one-pan marvel — but even if you don’t do one or another of those ingredients, you can still make a version that appeals to you.
What is shakshuka?
Shakshuka (also spelled shakshouka), in it simplest form, is a warmly spiced vegetarian dish of saucy tomatoes, often with peppers or onions, with eggs cracked right into the mix, usually left whole and simmered to desired doneness.
Haya Molcho, restaurateur and author of the Tel Aviv cookbook/travelogue, notes that “many families make [the sauce] over the weekend” because “you can prepare the ragout and use it over several days for different dishes such as pasta, as a bread spread, or as shakshuka.”
Today, shakshuka is most strongly associated with the Middle East and Israel in particular, where it was introduced by Jewish immigrants from Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, and Libya.
It’s always been an affordable, filling, and undemanding meal, so it’s no wonder it keeps gaining popularity all over the world.
Its inclusion in renowned Israeli chef Yotam Ottolenghi’s 2011 cookbook Plenty helped spread the word, and nowadays, Instagram is a steady source of tantalizing shakshuka shots.
Is shakshuka the same thing as eggs in purgatory?
While they have no direct connection to each other, Mexican huevos rancheros, Italian eggs in purgatory, and Turkish menemen (which scrambles its eggs) are all similar to shakshuka, proving that the combo of eggs and tomatoes is universally appealing. Eggs in purgatory (eggs cooked in marinara sauce) is the closest analogue.
What does “shakshuka” mean?
Shakshuka is a fun onomatopoeia, as its name means, roughly, “shaken” or “mixed up” (also reflective of shakshuka’s casual composition).
Cooking shakshuka basically just involves nudging things around a pan (a cast-iron skillet is the most common vessel, but whatever works). There are no theatrics, no tricks to master, no pitfalls except potentially burning things, but moderate heat and occasional stirring easily prevent that.
Is shakshuka good for you?
Generally speaking, yes! Shakshuka is packed with vegetables — especially tomatoes. Tomatoes are high in the antioxidant lycopene, which has been shown to have multiple health benefits like reducing inflammation and potentially lowering blood pressure.
Then, of course, there’s the significant protein you’ll get from eggs (6 grams each). Meanwhile, eggs come with other nutrients like choline (which supports brain function) and lutein and zeaxanthin (which boost eye health).
If you don’t eat eggs, you can substitute silken tofu for a vegan version (purists will fight you, but it works). And good news for GF folks: Shakshuka is almost always gluten-free.
How do you make shakshuka?
At the most basic level, making shakshuka simply means cracking some eggs into a thick tomato sauce — but beyond that, there are lots of ways to shake up your shakshuka.
Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time cooking the dish, you can alter the basic formula by adding almost anything that appeals, like more vegetables, such as chopped eggplant, peppers, potatoes, artichokes, and squash. Greens like kale, spinach, and chard also add color and nutrition.
If you want to keep it vegetarian but add more substance, stir in beans, chickpeas, or lentils. Or if you’d like meat, add that, too — sausages like merguez or chorizo, ground beef, lamb, or chicken, and even fish or shellfish all work. Seriously, anything goes.
Then season it with smoked paprika, sumac, chili powder, za’atar, or your other favorite spices.
Finally, sprinkle on as much cheese as you please — feta is a classic choice — or leave it off entirely. Same goes for labneh (thickened yogurt), harissa or other hot sauce, and any other garnishes, like olives, fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley), fried shallots, preserved lemon… The choices are many, and they’re all yours.
You can even subtract and substitute for the main components, although it will no longer be traditional (and maybe not technically shakshuka) — but everywhere it’s enjoyed, there are countless variations offered, and personal spins on shakshuka are part of its beauty.
So feel free to go with a green sauce based on leafy vegetables and/or herbs if you’re not feeling tomatoes, or swap in silken tofu for the eggs for a vegan version that still feels a lot like the real thing.
What do you serve with shakshuka?
Once you’re done tinkering with — or just following — the basic shakshuka formula, simply add pita, flatbread, challah, or slices of any rustic crusty bread for sopping up the sauce. Or do as Sababa author Adeena Sussman suggests and serve it with crispy latkes.
In any case, you’ll be certain to come back for more.
Shakshuka recipes
Try one of these shakshuka recipes to get started.
This is a pretty classic version of the dish, streamlined and simple, with diced tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, garlic, cumin, and paprika, plus eggs of course. You can leave the yolks as runny as you like, or cook until they’re set.
Our slightly more involved take on shakshuka amps up the garlic, adds Anaheim chiles and feta cheese to the tomato sauce, and tops everything off with zhug, which is sort of like a spicy Yemeni pesto, made from cilantro, parsley, more garlic, and za’atar.
But this version is more like a Mexican interpretation, with a sprightly green tomatillo sauce. When they’re in season, you could try substituting green tomatoes for some or all of the tomatillos.
This recipe demonstrates how easy (and delicious) it is to add extras to your shakshuka, like eggplant, leafy greens, and chickpeas. Check your fridge for any languishing produce that would be good to toss in — the dish will be happy to welcome it into the fold.
Shakshuka without eggs is really just a sauce, or maybe a tagine. But if you can’t or don’t eat them, try simmering soft dumplings of silken tofu in the tomatoes instead. Tofu adds protein, sure, but also evokes the tender texture and floating-islands look of the poached eggs in the original.
No matter what kind you make, if you don’t mind cleaning two pans afterward, you can cook grains like kasha, couscous, quinoa, or rice and ladle the shakshuka over the top.
If you’re craving meat, you can add something as basic as ground beef to shakshuka, but spicy chorizo is especially ideal paired with warming tomato sauce and gentle eggs. Try subbing in merguez sausage too if you can find it.
If you want to think of shakshuka as a method rather than a specific dish, you can get even more creative.
Scour the web and you’ll find suggestions as novel as leftover chili baked shakshuka, but cooking fish in a more traditional rendition of the sauce (whether instead of or in addition to the eggs) makes for a great weeknight dinner.
Isn’t it interesting that various cultures around the globe all came up with basically the same idea: rich poached eggs swimming in a hearty tomato sauce? If you ask us, it just goes to show that these simple ingredients are a match made in flavor heaven. With a handful of pantry staples, you can shake up any version of shakshuka you like.
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Getting your contacts online is sometimes easier and cheaper than buying from the eye doc — that’s crystal clear. But deciding which site to shop at? That’s a little out of focus.
So where will you find exactly what you’re looking for? Here’s a bird’s-eye view of the best places to shop online.
A quick look at the best places to buy contacts online
How we chose the best online options for buying contacts
With a bajillion online contacts suppliers out there — offering everything from pink zebra fashion lenses to multifocal lenses for astigmatism — choosing the best options is no small feat. Here’s how we decided which companies made the cut.
Price. Sure, you could pay an arm and a leg (and maybe an eye) for pricey contacts, but why pay top dollar if you don’t have to? The companies on our list feature a range of reasonable prices. Plus, many take insurance or can be used as out-of-network providers for reimbursement after purchase. To sweeten the financial deal, several even provide free shipping.
Variety. Everybody has different priorities for what makes the perfect pair of eyeball pasties — er, contacts. The options listed here offer a variety of contact types, brands, and additional products (like glasses) so you can choose which works best for you.
Ease of use. It’s no fun slogging through a clunky website or jumping through a thousand hoops just to place a dang contacts order. Our selections feature easy-to-use websites and smooth purchasing processes. (Because isn’t convenience the whole point of ordering online?)
Vetting. We put every brand through a thorough vetting process to make sure they’re not making any unsupported health claims or engaging in shady business practices. We also make sure they have a good reputation by digging into customer reviews and ratings on their own sites and on sites like Better Business Bureau. Only brands that passed that vetting process made our list below.
Pricing guide
To get a feel for each retailer’s general price point, we compared prices for the same 90-pack of daily lenses. (Except for the direct-to-consumer brands. For those, we looked at the price of their line.)
In-network: Anthem, Blue View Vision, Davis Vision, Spectera, SuperiorVision, United Healthcare Vision
Number of contacts brands
11
Shipping cost
free standard shipping
Shipping time
1–7 business days
Return policy
free returns or exchanges on unopened contacts indefinitely, free replacement on ripped contacts
Summary:1-800 Contacts has a huge, easy-to-search selection of daily and monthly lenses, plus lenses for dry eyes, astigmatism, and multi- or bifocal needs.
The brand has a “gajillion percent promise” that includes price matching, free returns and exchanges for any reason, and free replacements for ripped contact lenses.
Text or email your prescription or have them reach out to your eye doc directly. Also amazing? For $20, you can take an app-based eye test to update your prescription — no trip to the doctor needed.
Heads up, though: The online vision exam isn’t available in every state. Plus, it doesn’t replace a comprehensive eye exam. Boo. Use this link to check your eligibility.
Reviews: One of our editors is a 1-800 Contacts loyalist, and she says it’s super easy to submit your prescription and reorder when you run out, since the site keeps your past orders and prescription on file. She also loves the discount you get when you buy multiple boxes at once and how easy it is to apply insurance benefits at checkout.
Some reviewers say they’ve had technical glitches with the 1-800 Contacts website, and that customer service could use an upgrade. But others rave that its low prices and easy process are the best in the biz.
Summary: Great deals, plus, first-time buyers get an additional 20 percent off, and orders over $99 ship free. There are 34 different brands to choose from and all kinds of lens types.
And like 1-800 Contacts, you can take an online vision exam (depending on what state you live in) to update your prescription. But unlike 1-800 Contacts, it’s free! Just remember this does *not* replace a comprehensive in-person eye exam.
The downside? This site doesn’t accept insurance, but you can use your health savings account (HSA) or federal savings account (FSA) if you have one.
Reviews: Users dig the hassle-free ordering process and (obvi) the rock-bottom prices — though some say shipping times take longer than expected.
In-network: Aetna, Anthem Blue View Vision, Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Vision, EyeMed, Cigna, Davis Vision, EyeMed, Humana, NVA, United Healthcare, VSP
Number of contacts brands
11
Shipping cost
free standard shipping
Shipping time
7–9 business days
Return policy
free returns for 30 days
Summary: This brand is billed as a more affordable and more sustainable (read: less packaging) alternative to traditional contact brands.
In addition to glasses, Warby Parker sells 10 other major contact brands, too, claiming to do so without any hidden fees, but the prices for those offerings really aren’t much different from other online retailers’ prices. They do offer a mini trial pack for $5, though.
We love that you can easily renew an expired prescription using WP’s online vision test *or* head into a brick-and-mortar store near you for a full eye exam. We also appreciate that you get 15 percent off your first order and free shipping no matter what.
Reviews:Planet-conscious users are in love with their space-saving, lower impact flat packs. Reviewers are also big fans of Warby Parker’s customer service, saying it’s super easy to get help when things go wrong. They also appreciate having the option to visit an in-person store for more hands-on help or to get a full eye exam.
In-network: most major insurance providers including Aetna Vision Preferred, Anthem Blue View Vision, EyeMed, Humana Vision, Superior Vision
Number of contacts brands
14
Shipping cost
free standard shipping
Shipping time
7–10 business days
Return policy
return unopened products within 6 months, but customer pays return postage
Summary: If you have vision insurance, Contacts Direct makes it as easy as possible to use your coverage.
Just add your insurance info at checkout and your provider will be charged directly (you’ll be notified if you have to pay anything out of pocket). If your provider isn’t in-network, a representative can help you file a claim at checkout via chat. You can apply your FSA/HSA dollars too.
Reviews: Reviewers also gush over Contacts Direct’s easy-to-use website, competitive prices, and ample variety. But if you’re not happy with your purchase, be prepared: You’ll have to pay for shipping and handling on returns.
Summary: Lens.com has been around since 1995, pretty much since the beginning of the interwebs, so they have the whole customer service thing down. If you don’t like the contacts you bought, you can return them for free with no questions asked.
They’ve also got a mega selection of major brands, and you can renew your prescription online with a virtual vision test. The brand’s standard prices are definitely midrange, but take note: Lens.com periodically offers shockingly deep discounts.
Reviews: Reviews are raving. People can’t get enough of how quick and easy it is to order from Lens.com. Most say shipping and delivery were quick, too. Others are happy with the competitive prices offered on popular brands.
return unopened products within 60 days, but customer pays return postage and restocking fee
Summary: Want that wild-child, just-got-back-from-Coachella look? (Or just wanna see what you’d look like with green eyes?). Explore a rainbow of optical fashions with WebEyeCare’s colored contacts. Seven different packs provide jewel-toned hues like turquoise, amethyst, and sapphire.
While you’re at it, you can shop for new sunnies or readers from super popular brands like Ray-Ban, Burberry, and GUESS.
Reviews: An easy-peasy website and budget-friendly prices make for tons of satisfied reviewers. But some users complain that WebEyeCare’s customer service is lacking.
Summary: Eyeconic is a one-stop shop for contacts, glasses, and shades, featuring sought-after brands like Ray-Ban, Gucci, and Nike. Their massive variety also means Eyeconic has a wide spectrum of pricing — for glasses, you’ll find options from about $95 to $500.
Fortunately, Eyeconic accepts several insurance plans and offers free shipping.
Reviews: Tons of reviewers are happy with their experience and satisfied with the prices — especially peeps with VSP insurance (VSP owns Eyeconic, so you get a real deal). BUT many reviewers also complain of delayed shipments and incorrect orders.
Aetna, Ameritas, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue View Vision, EyeMed, GEHA, Humana, Optima Health Plan, PlusProvider, and more.
Number of contacts brands
21
Shipping cost
free “green” and ground shipping
Shipping time
7 business days
Return policy
free returns for 30 days
Summary: Not just a strip mall chain, LensCrafters offers contacts options online that users say are super comprehensive and decently priced.
Offering affordable glasses and sunglasses as well, they take most vision insurance plans and make it easy to check your eligibility too. And if you need to update your Rx before placing your order, just schedule an appointment at one of the brand’s brick-and-mortar stores.
Reviews: Reviewers are v satisfied with the wide range of options they get at LensCrafters. Many say the customer service in brick-and-mortar stores is top-notch, but a few complain that online customer service is lacking.
Aetna, Ameritas, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue View Vision, EyeMed, GEHA, Humana, Optima Health Plan, PlusProvider, and more.
21
free “green” and ground shipping
7 business days
free returns for 30 days
How to choose the best online contacts supplier
Seeing your way clear to the best online contacts retailer will depend on a variety of factors.
Insurance. If you have vision insurance, start by looking for a retailer that accepts your specific insurance. While most insurance plans won’t cover 100 percent of contacts cost, it’ll still help you save some money.
Product selection. The next most important factor to consider is what products the retailer carries. Did your ophthalmologist recommend a specific brand and type of contact for you? Do you need glasses and contacts? Are you looking to spice things up with colored contacts? Make sure you’re picking a website that has all your needs covered.
Prescriptions and eye exams. Some retailers offer easy online vision tests to renew expired prescriptions, which can be hella convenient if your current prescription is working for you. If you need a whole new prescription, some sites (like Warby Parker and Lens Crafters) have brick-and-mortar locations where you can go get an eye exam and then order online.
Price.If your insurance doesn’t cover contacts or if your insurance benefits don’t cover a full year’s worth of contacts, you’ll want to shop around to find the best bang for your buck. (Use our pricing guide as a jumping-off point!)
Return policy. Keep a company’s shipping and return policies in mind. Finding a retailer with an easy returns and exchanges policy could keep you from amassing a shelf full of contacts that don’t actually work for you.
Company reputation.A company’s reputation and user reviews are other key indicators of quality — so go ahead down the rabbit hole of Trustpilot or Better Business Bureau write-ups to get insider deets.
Tips for buying contacts online
Ordering contacts online is fabulously convenient and usually super simple. But before you go ordering a lifetime supply of visual aids, consider these tips.
Saving money
Shop sales! Lots of online contacts retailers offer discounts throughout the year. (Hellooooo Black Friday deals.)
Buy in bulk. If your prescription is unlikely to change and you’ve found a product you like, bulking up almost always saves some green.
Check out subscriptions. Choosing a company that offers monthly subscriptions isn’t just easy on your wallet — it’s one less thing to think about each month.
Opt for retailers with free shipping and returns. No need to rack up the cost with dang shipping charges.
Discounts. Ask your eye doctor if they have coupons, deals, or recommendations for online contacts purchases.
Using insurance
Always double-check your vision insurance coverage to determine your out-of-pocket costs before choosing an online retailer. (Boring, we know, but necessary.)
If you’re buying contacts out of network, try filing a reimbursement claim after your purchase. Your insurance provider may surprise you with some cash back.
Prescription contacts are an eligible expense with a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). Just note that FSA funds often expire at the end of the year.
Script tips
Need an updated Rx? It’s possible to get a prescription for contacts via your device (because in-person healthcare is so 2019). 1-800 Contacts offers this service for $20. Just keep in mind that this does *not* replace a comprehensive eye exam and works best if your old prescription was working well for you.
If your eye doctor has recommended a specific brand of contacts, listen up! Don’t try substituting a cheaper brand; your doc knows best.
Never try to order contacts without a valid prescription.
Frequently asked questions
Is it OK to buy contacts online?
Of course! Buying contacts online is a super convenient way to get ’em. Just make sure you’re buying from a reputable brand and take things like budget, insurance, return policy, and shipping time into consideration before ordering.
What is the best place to buy contact lenses online?
For start-to-finish convenience, good variety, and insurance coverage, we’re fans of 1-800 Contacts. But if you’re looking for snazzy colored lenses, dreaming of sustainable packaging, or need to snag some glasses along with your contacts, you may prefer a different site. Before you purchase, play internet detective to compare options based on your top priorities.
How do I get the best deal on contacts?
Just because you want to see better doesn’t mean you want to glimpse a massive charge on your credit card. So how do you cut costs on contacts? Start by determining your insurance coverage — it’s possible you’ll have little to no out-of-pocket costs.
No insurance? Check out budget-friendly retailers like Warby Parker or Discount Contacts, or consider buying in bulk to save money. And don’t forget to chat up your optometrist — they may have coupons or insider recommendations for you.
Is it safe to buy contacts online?
As long as you purchase from a reputable company, safety shouldn’t be an issue when ordering contacts online. Still, if you’re concerned you might not like the online experience (or are worried about getting an incorrect order), choose a retailer with a generous return policy.
Can I order contacts online with an expired prescription?
This one’s a hard no. It’s actually illegal for retailers to sell contacts to anyone without a valid, current prescription — so don’t try. That said, several contacts companies provide virtual eye exams so you can get a prescription without leaving the couch.
Can I trust 1-800 Contacts?
If you’ve ever had a bait-and-switch experience with online shopping (and haven’t we all?), you may feel skeptical of trusting the internet with something as important as your eyesight. Not too sure about 1-800 Contacts? Here are some comforting stats: 1-800 Contacts is accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), where they have an A+ rating.
On the other hand, their customer rating on BBB isn’t stellar (averaging 2 out of 5). On Trustpilot, they get slightly higher marks at 3.2 out of 5.
Is 1-800 Contacts cheaper than Walmart?
1-800 Contacts tops our list for best overall online contact retailer but that doesn’t mean they’re always the cheapest. You may find lower prices at Walmart. That said, price differences between the two usually aren’t that dramatic. When we compared products, Walmart’s options were only a few dollars less than those of 1-800 Contacts.
The bottom line
Once you’ve got a prescription in hand, it’s not hard to get eyes on great contact lens deals online. With a few clicks, you’ll be on your way to better vision, no appointment required! Just be sure to give some thought to priorities like budget, insurance, return policy terms, and shipping time before committing any contacts to your virtual shopping cart.
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