Welcome to Leafy Recipes!

My name is Olivia Moretti, and I’m a 38-year-old chef living in Asheville, North Carolina. Though I was born and raised in the U.S., my roots run deep into the heart of Italy—Naples, to be exact—where my grandparents kept a garden so lush it seemed to feed half the neighborhood. It was there, between the scent of basil and the hum of bees, that my love for food was born.

But my path to the kitchen wasn’t linear. I dabbled in music, studied biology, and spent a brief (and disastrous) stint in accounting before realizing that the only time I felt truly alive was when I was chopping, stirring, and tasting. Everything I know, I learned from my father. He was the soul of our kitchen, a man who could coax magic from the simplest ingredients. We cooked together nearly every day, and he taught me not just how to prepare food, but how to feel it, understand it, and respect it. Those hours with him in the kitchen were the best moments of my life, and through this blog, I want to share some of those good vibes with all of you.

I lost him in April 2024, and not a day goes by that I don’t think of him. This blog, this journey—it’s my way of staying connected to him. Every recipe I share, every story I tell, is a thread back to those precious moments we shared in the kitchen. His spirit lives on in every simmering pot and every fragrant loaf I pull from the oven.

Over the years, my own dietary needs and health challenges led me to explore vegetarian and gluten-free cooking. What started as necessity blossomed into passion. I discovered the beauty of working with whole, seasonal vegetables, ancient grains, and naturally gluten-free flours. I love the challenge of transforming humble ingredients into something vibrant, comforting, and nourishing. I don’t see dietary restrictions as limitations—they’re invitations to get creative.

My kitchen is my sanctuary, a place where color, texture, and aroma come together in joyful harmony. I believe food should be a celebration, not a compromise, and I aim to prove that through every dish I create. Whether it’s a rustic lentil and mushroom ragù or a delicate almond flour torta scented with citrus and olive oil, my goal is to make vegetarian and gluten-free cuisine that even the most skeptical eaters will fall in love with.

I cook for people like me—those who want to eat mindfully without sacrificing flavor or pleasure. My hope is to inspire others to see that eating well doesn’t mean giving up traditions, but rather reimagining them with care and intention. And if you ever find yourself in Asheville, follow the smell of rosemary and roasted garlic—you’ll probably find me there, humming a little tune and cooking something that tastes like home.

What LeafyRecipes Offers

At LeafyRecipes, we’re dedicated to showcasing how exciting plant-based and gluten-free meals can be. Olivia works tirelessly to bring you recipes that are full of flavor and variety, showing you that these types of meals are anything but boring.

Here’s what you’ll discover on the blog:

• Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes: Whether you’re fully committed to a plant-based lifestyle or just exploring it, you’ll find a wide range of recipes to enjoy. From comforting mains to light bites and salads, there’s always something new to try.
• Gluten-Free Options: Navigating a gluten-free diet doesn’t mean giving up on taste. Olivia develops gluten-free recipes that are bursting with flavor and appeal. If you’re avoiding gluten or just curious about gluten-free cooking, there’s plenty of inspiration waiting for you.
• Quick and Simple Meals: We understand that life can be fast-paced, so Olivia focuses on recipes that are easy to prepare and don’t take too much time. With meals that can be on the table in 30 minutes or less, LeafyRecipes has you covered when you’re short on time but still want something delicious.
• Kitchen Tips and Tricks: Beyond recipes, Olivia shares tips and tricks to improve your time in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking for ways to improve your knife skills, cook with new ingredients, or store food efficiently, you’ll find helpful advice throughout the blog.

Join the LeafyRecipes Community

LeafyRecipes is more than just a recipe blog—it’s a growing community of food enthusiasts who love exploring new flavors and dishes. We invite you to share your thoughts, ask questions, and engage with fellow readers both in the comments and on our social media platforms.

Whether you’re here for a quick meal idea or on a journey to explore new types of cooking, we’re thrilled to have you join us. Let Olivia be your guide in the kitchen, as you create satisfying meals that will excite your taste buds and bring joy to your table.