Top 10 Most Popular Posts of 2019

Another year of amazing food in the books! It’s hard to believe that we’re starting a new decade but I love looking back and reflecting on my most viewed posts of the year and thinking about how I can make this bigger and better moving forward. Expect plenty of approachable, plant-forward recipes in 2020 along with even more cooking and nutrition resources too. For now, here’s my annual round-up of the top ten most popular posts on LeanneRay.com for the year. Cheers! 🥂

10. Maple Tahini Snack Balls

If you were to ask what recipe of my own that I make most often at home, it would have to be this one. It’s a unique take on the classic oatmeal ball and the sweet/salty combo is insanely good.

9. Instant Pot Chicken Stew

“Set and forget” instant pot (affiliate) meals have become a new favorite of mine this year and some variation of this chicken stew always makes it in to the rotation. It’s basically a bunch of pantry staples, plus whatever you have on hand and comes together in just 40 minutes. A great January meal!

8. The Formula for a Seriously Satisfying Grain Bowl

This older post continues to do well which I LOVE because it’s completely customizable and more of a method than it is a recipe. Grain bowls (affiliate) are a great way to clean out your fridge and guarantee a balanced meal.

7. Espresso Banana Bread with Dark Chocolate

This banana bread was definitely a fan favorite! I won a recipe contest hosted by Manitoba Milling with this recipe and I’m still so obsessed with how delicious it turned out. If you love the coffee/chocolate combo, you must give it a try! The use of a flax egg and milk alternative make it vegan.

6. The Easiest Mason Jar Sangria

My mason jar sangria made my top 10 list for the second year in a row thanks to being included in a BuzzFeed roundup! I still swear by this for summer entertaining because it’s easy to make-ahead and the presentation is super fun.

5. Roasted Delicata Squash with Pepita Pesto

Delicata squash was all the rage this fall and if you haven’t tried it yet… get on it! The half moons crisp up beautifully on high heat and the edible skin gives great crunch. Pesto is optional, but highly recommended.

4. Basic Banana Overnight Oats (+3 Flavor Variations)

Another meal prep recipe (and a testament to my mason jar problem 😆) the base recipe for my favorite overnight oats is a great introduction to oats. This post also has three ideas for adding extra flavor: carrot cake, blueberry peanut, and mocha! I love waking up to these in the fridge.

3. Tortellini Pasta Salad with Grilled Vegetables and Goat Cheese

Why make pasta salad with anything BUT tortellini again? This salad repurposes leftover grilled vegetables for an awesome light lunch or side dish. Goat cheese, fresh vinaigrette and basil ribbons really amp up the flavor.

2. Sweet & Spicy Turmeric Roasted Carrot

Perhaps the easiest side dish I’ve ever made (but also one of the most flavorful). The charred edges on these turmeric roasted carrots take them over the top! Warm flavors like cinnamon and brown sugar pair perfectly.

1. Pumpkin Fig Smoothie

Is it really surprising that a pumpkin recipe takes the top spot? Even though it seems seasonal, I would happily drink this all year around because it tastes like dessert but is actually packed with nutrients! I love adding hemp hearts on top for added texture and protein.

Did you make any of these recipes in 2019? Leave me a comment with your favorite! If you have two extra minutes, consider leaving me a rating and/or review on the actual post. Thanks for your on-going support!