To see images of my past posts & get links to the recipes – look on my Pinterest board – HERE.
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My good friend, Edi Verdugo, joins me for this two-parter to make his family’s recipes. The green salsa will be in part 2. Consider making vegan nachos using the rice, beans & salsa.
Click the link below to watch.
Vegan Mexican Pinto Beans (for the Instant Pot)
INGREDIENTS
3 cups dry pinto beans
9 cups water
1 large onion – ends cut off & peeled but still whole
1-2 TBS garlic salt (to taste)
S & P to taste
DIRECTIONS
Put everything in the instant pot & cook on manual for 45 minutes.
The beans will look watery but they are supposed to be. Season to taste.
Vegan Mexican Rice
INGREDIENTS
1-2 TBS olive oil
1 1/2 cups long grain rice
1 (7 3/4) ounce can hot tomato sauce
1 TBS bouillon
DIRECTIONS
Toast the rice in the olive oil until it becomes fragrant & looks a bit golden. Do not overcook it.
Add the rest of the ingredients & cook rice according to package directions.
To see images of my past posts & get links to the recipes – look on my Pinterest board – HERE.
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All my posts now have a VERY customizable PRINT & PDF option. Create a PDF & save the recipe to your computer or print it out. It offers a “remove images” option & you can delete any part of the post you do not need before printing. The button is below by the Twitter & Facebook links.
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OK – this episode features the awesome Neil Hamburger, local comedian, song man, magician & lounge act. Neil happens to be vegan & so I invited him to make tamales on my channel. Tamales have always intimidated me & I have never attempted making them myself. Don’t let the length of this episode frighten you. It is not long because it was hard to make tamales but because Neil is a fascinating conversationalist.
Click the image below to watch us make tamales from scratch, discuss vermin-infested chili factories, Greek cheese & serial killer yard sale finds, Tiffany Amber Thiessen – and more!
Vegan Tamales
This will make about 8-12 tamales – depending on how large you make them. Depending on how fat they are – you might have extra stuffing ingredients.
INGREDIENTS
1 large package of corn husks (get more than you need because lots of them will be too small or torn) – soaked in warm water for an hour
4 cups masa flour
1 cup corn grits
6 cups vegan stock
1 package of soyrizo or other vegan chorizo – minced (optional)
Heat a little olive oil in a saute pan. Add the mushrooms, cumin & chili powder & saute until soft. Mix in the garlic & saute another minute or so. S&P to taste. Set aside to cool.
for the beans
Drain the beans. In a stock pan, heat them & stir in the bay leaf, garlic powder & chili powder. Set aside to cool.
for the tamales
In a large bowl, mash 2/3 of the butter & then smoosh in a cup of masa flour. Add 1 cup of stock & combine. Add the remaining 3 cups of masa & 3 cups of stock – one cup of each at a time – alternating. ! cup masa – one cup stock. Combine. Repeat. When all four cups of masa & stock are blended with the butter, add the rest of the butter & the cup of grits and the can of green chilies. Combine – only using as much stock as you need to keep it in a cookie dough consistency. It should not be soupy.
To assemble the tamales – find a large & untorn husk and put it on the counter – small side on the bottom – wide at the top. (The video will show this far better than I can explain in words.) Then, put a small handful of masa in it. Pat it flat & add a small amount of whatever fillings you like in any combination you prefer. Again – watch the video to see Neil expertly assemble a few of these. Then – fold the bottom up – folding the masa from the bottom over some filling. Fold the sides in pressing the masa over the filling from the sides. Basically, create a veggie-stuffed masa Twinkie, then fold the bottom of the husk up, fold one side in & then the other. If they are overstuffed & squirting out the top, simply double wrap them but put the open end on the bottom so the bottom fold encloses the opening. Video shows this clearly. Then 0 you can move on & make the rest or use a strip of husk (or kitchen twine) to tie them shut. Repeat until all the masa is gone.
Neil steamed his tamales in his electric steamer for 65 minutes. I steamed mine in an Instant Pot for 45 minutes. I steamed mine upright. I used a little terra cotta pot to keep mine upright. Neil steamed his flat.
Now – you can let them cool & freeze them for the future or eat them immediately – garnished as you like. See? Not hard at all!
To see images of my past posts & get links to the recipes – look on my Pinterest board – HERE.
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All my posts now have a VERY customizable PRINT & PDF option. Create a PDF & save the recipe to your computer or print it out. It offers a “remove images” option & you can delete any part of the post you do not need before printing. The button is below by the Twitter & Facebook links.
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Click the image above to watch the video.
Vegan Keto Curry Soup with Cauliflower Rice & Kale
Feeds 6 very well
INGREDIENTS
1-2 TBS olive oil
I onion – diced
1 head of kale – ribs removed & chopped
1 head of cauliflower
8 carrots – chopped
5-6 ounces coconut milk
8-10 cups vegan stock
4 garlic cloves – chopped
2 TBS curry powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp crushed red pepper
DIRECTIONS
Heat the oven to 400 degrees.
Cut the cauliflower into florets & spray with cooking spray (or toss in a little oil). Roast at 400 for about 30 minutes. Once cooled, rice the cauliflower by pulsing a few times in a food processor or using the grater blade. Or – grate the cauliflower manually. Set aside.
Heat 1-2 TBS olive oil & saute the onions until soft. Add the garlic & spices & stir for a minute. Add all the other ingredients & bring to a boil. Simmer until the carrots are tender. Season with S&P. Add more water or stock if it gets too thick.
To see images of my past posts & get links to the recipes – look on my Pinterest board – HERE.
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All my posts now have a VERY customizable PRINT & PDF option. Create a PDF & save the recipe to your computer or print it out. It offers a “remove images” option & you can delete any part of the post you do not need before printing. The button is below by the Twitter & Facebook links.
To see images of my past posts & get links to the recipes – look on my Pinterest board – HERE.
All my posts now have a VERY customizable PRINT & PDF option. Create a PDF & save the recipe to your computer or print it out. It offers a “remove images” option & you can delete any part of the post you do not need before printing. The button is below by the Twitter & Facebook links.
Click the image above to watch the video.
This is as easy as a dish can be! It took me less time to make the chicken & broccoli than it did to make the rice. Easy, delicious & as spicy (or not) as you please. Ok – I list 11 ingredients but I only used snap peas because I had them. Use them, lose them, substitute them with something else. Your call.
Vegan Spicy Chinese Barbecue Chicken with Broccoli
Heat the oil & saute the jalapenos & scallion slices for a minute or two. Add the remaining sauce ingredients & the chicken. Heat for a few minutes until the chicken is warmed & the sauce thickens a bit. Lower heat & set aside.
Boil water & blanch the broccoli & peas (if using) for 5 minutes then drain. You can either add the broccoli to the chicken & sauce or simply serve it beside the chicken.
Plate with some rice & garnish with sesame seeds & scallion slices.
To see images of my past posts & get links to the recipes – look on my Pinterest board – HERE.
All my posts now have a VERY customizable PRINT & PDF option. Create a PDF & save the recipe to your computer or print it out. It offers a “remove images” option & you can delete any part of the post you do not need before printing. The button is below by the Twitter & Facebook links.
Click the image above to watch the video.
OK! Vegan Thai Pad Gra Prow – Spicy Beef & Basil – with Wide Rice Noodles!!! I added fresh noodles that I bought at Bangluck but this would go just as nicely over rice – or in lettuce wraps.
This dish is very easy & doesn’t use anything especially exotic. I recommend it very highly!
Vegan Thai Pad Gra Prow – Spicy Beef & Basil – with Wide Rice Noodles & Bok Choy
SERVES 2 well
INGREDIENTS
A 1-2 TBS sesame oil (or olive oil)
7 (or more) ounces vegan beef (I used seitan)
16 ounces fresh rice noodles (or cooked pasta or cooked rice)
1/2 red bell pepper – sliced into strips
1/2 small onion – diced
2 jalapenos – diced
2 heads bok choy – cleaned (optional) & chopped a bit
5 garlic cloves – chopped
1 TBS liquid aminos (or soy sauce or tamari) – plus extra
1 tsp dark soy sauce – plus extra if you think it needs more
1 tsp vegan oyster or mushroom sauce
1 TBS sambal oelek
1/2 tsp agave nectar (or brown sugar)
1/2 – 1 cup basil leaves (I used a mixture of Thai sweet basil & Thai holy basil but any basil will do – Thai ones being preferred)
GARNISH – lime wedges, cilantro
DIRECTIONS
If using noodles – separate them under cold running water. If using pasta or rice – cook it & set aside.
Heat the sesame oil (1 or 2 TBS) in a wok or large saute pan.
Add the red bell pepper, onion & jalapenos. Saute until soft. Add all the other ingredients except the garlic & basil (and the garnish). Heat the noodles & meat through & let the bok choy wilt. I added a bit of extra liquid aminos here because I thought the dish needed a tad more salt & moisture. This is your call. Once the bok choy is wilted & the ingredients are well-combined – stir in the garlic & basil.
To see images of my past posts & get links to the recipes – look on my Pinterest board – HERE.
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All my posts now have a VERY customizable PRINT & PDF option. Create a PDF & save the recipe to your computer or print it out. It offers a “remove images” option & you can delete any part of the post you do not need before printing. The button is below by the Twitter & Facebook links.
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My debut novel is out! Check it out! I think it is HILARIOUS! I hope you will, too!
OPTIONAL – 1-3 TBS black soy sauce for a richer color
Scallions – green parts sliced – as garnish or sesame seeds or additional sliced basil.
DIRECTIONS
Heat 1-2 TBS sesame oil in a pan & add the eggplant. Add a little salt & some crushed red pepper. Add the diced onion. Saute over medium heat until tender but not mushy. Maybe 5-8 minutes.
Add 2-3 TBS sesame seeds & the garlic & the ginger. When the garlic begins to brown add the tomato sauce, brown sugar, sriracha, sambal oelek (or chili garlic sauce), molasses, soy sauce, rice vinegar, & water. Simmer over med-low heat for ten minutes. Add the eggplant & onions & simmer another 5 minutes. Stir in some chopped basil (if using).
Serve over rice garnished with additional chopped basil, the scallions & some additional sesame seeds.
To see images of my past posts & get links to the recipes – look on my Pinterest board – HERE.
Click the image below to watch the video for this recipe. Plus – watch it to meet my newest foster dog – an adorable & brave trauma rescue from Uruguay and hear how I met Rachel Maddow, Fairuza Balk, Doyle from the Misfits & more!
This chicken & broccoli comes together faster than the rice – so – if you have warm, cooked rice ready – you can serve this in ten minutes. None of the ingredients are particularly exotic but it is GENUINELY spicy. I like a lot of heat & this took it to my limit – so – if you are more timid in the spice department – cut the spicy things way back or drop them completely. I used – as always – Beyond Meat brand vegan chicken because it is absolutely the best on the market. It comes in 9 ounce packages.
1-5 dry red chilies – halved & seeded (VERY optional as these are VERY spicy – and if you use hem – do not chew & swallow them – but pick them out when you eat)
1/2 cup vegan hoisin sauce
1-2 TBS sriracha sauce
1-3 tsp crushed garlic (I used jarred)
1 TBS ginger (I used jarred)
Broccoli for 2 – fresh or frozen
Salted peanuts
Sliced scallions as garnish
Cooked rice for 2
DIRECTIONS
Cook the rice. If you are using fresh broccoli – steam it a few minutes until it is done to your taste & set aside. If using frozen – cook it according to directions & set aside
Heat 1 TBS olive oil in a pan. Saute the jalapeno & red chili – if using them. When the jalapeno is softens (a few minutes) – add the garlic & ginger & saute 1 minute. Add the hoisin & sriracha and the chicken & heat the chicken through.
Assemble the bowls with the rice, broccoli & chicken & garnish with peanuts & scallions.
To see images of my past posts & get links to the recipes – look on my Pinterest board – HERE.
All my posts now have a VERY customizable PRINT & PDF option. Create a PDF & save the recipe to your computer or print it out. It offers a “remove images” option & you can delete any part of the post you do not need before printing. The button is below by the Twitter & Facebook links.
The photo just above is from the wonderful blog – The Iron You. It is their Eggplant Parm Rice Casserole and it is that recipe that inspired mine here. There are a few subtle changes but the primary difference is that I used cauliflower rice rather than real rice and I made it vegan. That way – this dish is very light & nearly guiltless. Is is very easy to make & comes together in less than 45-60 minutes – 30 of which are in the oven. It is a surprisingly tasty recipe & chock full of fresh vegetables.
Eggplant Parmesan Casserole with Cauliflower Rice (Vegetarian or Vegan)
Serves 8
INGREDIENTS
1 large head of cauliflower
2 eggplants – cut into 1/4 inch slices
Olive oil
1 cup basil – chopped
2 large shallots (or 1/2 small onion) – diced
2 cups cherry tomatoes – quartered (reserve a few extra to garnish)
2-3 cups vegan mozzarella – according to your preference (I used 3 cups)
1-2 cups grated vegan Parmesan – according to your preference
S&P
1 TBS oregano
1 TBS crushed red pepper (optional)
1 cup vegetable stock
1 1/2 cups of your favorite pasta sauce
3 (or more) vegan sausages – cooked
Parsley or basil – chopped as garnish
DIRECTIONS
If you have a grill or grill pan, spray some olive oil on the eggplant (or toss them in a light coating of olive oil or dressing) & grill on each side until a bit charred & soft. Set aside.
If you do not have a grill or grill pan – follow Iron You’s oven method directions: Preheat oven to 400°F and place a rack in the middle. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and grease them with vegetable oil. Set aside.
Fill a large bowl with cold water, add 1 teaspoon of salt and stir until it dissolves completely.
Add eggplant slices and let them sit for at least 20 minutes to draw out the bitterness. Fish the eggplant slices out of the water, pat them dry, and arrange them on a single layer on prepared baking sheets. Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until the slices turn deep brown on top.
Remove the slices from the baking sheets and carefully transfer them on a plate to cool.
Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees.
Cook sausages & chop.
Cut the florets from the cauliflower & either grate them on a box grater or using the grater of your food processor (the FAR neater way to go). Set aside.
Toss the tomatoes with basil, a pinch or S&P & the oregano & crushed red pepper & set aside.
Heat a TBS or so of olive oil in a large frying pan (large enough to hold all the cauliflower rice) & saute the shallots or onion until soft. Add the cauliflower rice & the stock. Over high heat – saute until the cauliflower is soft & the bulk of the stock has evaporated. Stir in the tomato & basil mix and the sauce.
Grease a casserole pan (I used cooking spray) and layer 1/3 of the rice on the bottom. Top with half the eggplant and 1/3 of the cheese and 1/2 the sausage. Add another 1/3 of the rice, remaining eggplant and 1/3 of the cheese & the remaining sausage. Top with a final layer of rice & cheese.
Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted & the casserole is heated through.
Let sit for 10 minutes & then serve with parsley or basil & maybe extra diced tomato.
To see images of my past posts & get links to the recipes – look on my Pinterest board – HERE.
All my posts now have a VERY customizable PRINT & PDF option. Create a PDF & save the recipe to your computer or print it out. It offers a “remove images” option & you can delete any part of the post you do not need before printing. The button is below by the Twitter & Facebook links.
Click the image above to watch the video. I had a head of purple cabbage in my fridge that was the size of a basketball. I decided to add half of it to some leftover rice to accomplish two things: not waste all the cabbage & to extend the quantity of rice with some guiltless & vibrant cabbage. I am very happy with the result both in color & the crunch the cabbage adds to the texture. I recommend it very highly.
Purple Cabbage Fried Rice
INGREDIENTS
(I used a tad more cabbage than rice but the ratio is up to you.)
2 cups cooked rice
2 cups chopped purple cabbage
1/2 onion – diced
1 cup grated or slivered carrots
1-5 cloves garlic – chopped
2 or more TBS fresh minced ginger
1 TBS sesame (or other) oil
DIRECTIONS
Heat the oil in a large wok or saute pan. Add the onions, & cabbage & saute until they begin to soften. Add the carrots, rice & ginger & stir to combine & warm through. Add the garlic and saute another minute or two. Serve.
Vegan Spicy Lemongrass & Ginger Beef
Serves 2 very well (this is HALF the recipe I made in the video)
INGREDIENTS
2 or 3 stalks of lemongrass – cut into 3″ lengths & smashed with the handle of a knife (to bruise them & release the flavor. The cooked lemongrass is inedible so pick around it in the finished dish.) . Or – use the juice of 1/2 lemon.
8+ ounces seitan (or other meat replacement like – Beyond Meat Chicken or Gardein beef or pork products)
3 dry red chilies (optional – they are quite spicy) – crumbled a bit
2 TBS dark soy sauce (it gives the seitan that dark & beefy color)
1 TBS liquid aminos (or soy sauce or tamari)
1 TBS shao xing rice wine
2 TBS brown sugar
Potential garnished: sliced red or green jalapeno peppers, basil or mint or cilantro leaves
DIRECTIONS
Heat the oil in a wok or large pan & add the dry red chilies – if using. Add the lemongrass & saute a minute or two. Add the green beans & saute on high heat until they begin to sear a bit.
Add the remaining ingredients. Add about 1/4 cup water to aid in steaming the beans a bit & create some sauce. Heat through – until the sauce thickens. Serve with rice.
To see images of my past posts & get links to the recipes – look on my Pinterest board – HERE.
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All my posts now have a VERY customizable PRINT & PDF option. Create a PDF & save the recipe to your computer or print it out. It offers a “remove images” option & you can delete any part of the post you do not need before printing. The button is below by the Twitter & Facebook links.
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Click the image above to watch the video.
My friend, Katie, turned me on to kitchari. Apparently, you can eat it – JUST IT – for 1-7 days straight & it calms your digestive tract & detoxes you system but with the added benefit of feeling like decadent comfort food. Also – mung beans are dirt cheap. (Articles on the subject are linked at the bottom of this post). This recipe makes about 7 quarts which is a fuckton so – unless you are feeding a lot of people or want to freeze some – consider reducing the recipe.
I used an Instant Pot to make mine but this can be done in a slow cooker or stove top. I really recommend Instant Pots, though, because they steam, pressure cook, slow cook, cook rice, cook cakes, saute, cook eggs & clean windows. I got my huge one HERE for just over $100 & I am VERY happy with it. I can now get rid of several other appliances.
***NOTE – I soaked my beans on the counter overnight & in the fridge a second night but this is not necessary. If you want to move more quickly – boil some water, add your beans & let them soak for an hour.
Ayurveda Kitchari – Vegan Mung Bean Stew
Caters a party so be ready for a lot
INGREDIENTS
3 cups mung beans (I used half whole green & half split green – as seen above) – soaked (see ***NOTE above)
1-2 TBS coconut oil or olive oil
1 onion – chopped
6 garlic cloves – chopped
1 TBS turmeric
1 TBS ground cumin
1 TBS (or more – to taste) salt (I used pink Himalayan)
1 TBS ground mustard
1 TBS ground coriander
1 TBS ground pepper
1 TBS ground fenugreek (optional)
1/4 tsp asafoetida
1 (15 oz) can coconut milk (I used lite)
6 TBS minced ginger
1 cup cilantro
Vegetables are optional. Use any you prefer but I added:
5 small turnips – diced
5 small golden beets – diced
1 large sweet potato – diced
5 oz baby kale
1 tomato – diced
6 cups water
2 cups basmati (or other long grain white rice)
(If you are making your rice separate from the stew, as I did, it is nice to add a tsp cumin SEEDS & 6 green cardamom pods to it as it cooks but that is not necessary.)
GARNISH – coconut butter, cilantro, crushed red pepper
DIRECTIONS
Quick soak your beans (see note above) if you did not soak them overnight or for 2 days, as I did.)
Traditionally, the rice is cooked in the same pot with everything else. My Instant Pot was not large enough so I cooked it separately. This is your call – or maybe your pot size will determine your choice but it does not matter much either way.
Rinse the rice. Set aside.
Heat the oil in a very large pot (or your Instant Pot – my pot is 8 Quarts) and soften. Add the garlic & spices & stir to combine.
If you are using a slow cooker, transfer the onions & spices to it. Everything else is the same no matter whether you are slow cooking, Instant Pot cooking or going stove top. Only the cooking time will vary.
Now, add everything else to the pot. If your pot is easily deep enough to hold the rice, too, add that. If you are cooking the rice in the same pot – add 4 additional cups of water to the 6 cups used if you are cooking the rice separately (assuming your rice directions ask for 2 cups water per 1 cup rice. Adjust accordingly if your rice has different directions). Or – just cook the rice separately as the package directs. If you are making your rice separate from the stew, as I did, it is nice to add 1 tsp cumin SEEDS & 6 green cardamom pods to it as it cooks but that is not necessary.
Slow cooker – cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Stove top – bring to a boil uncovered for 5 minutes. Reduced heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes or more or until everything is tender.
Instant Pot – seal & cook manually for 10 minutes.
If it is to thick, thin it with extra water. If it is too thin, let is simmer, uncovered, for a while longer.
Serve with rice (if you cooked it separately) and garnish with coconut butter (burns fat & lowers cholesterol) and lots of cilantro & maybe some crushed red pepper.
Here are some articles for more info on kitchari & using it to detox:
To see images of my past posts & get links to the recipes – look on my Pinterest board – HERE.
To watch the video, click the image above.
I had cabbage & I had a desire for some old school comfort food. I was Googling around looking for inspiration & saw this thing of beauty by Proud Italian Cook:
Both my friend, Rose, and I were blown away & both swore to make it immediately. And we both did. I think she stuck with the original recipe but I had to make it vegan & make it before work – including going to the store to buy a different kind of cabbage – Savoy cabbage – so I could get that pretty lace effect – so I had quite a task ahead. My cabbage, ultimately, was not quite as vascular as the one Proud Italian Cook used & my oven heats unevenly – so I did not get quite the forest effect they did & I browned one side. No matter! This was easy to make & is really delicious & quite the show stopper!
I would have just used two bags of the Beyond Meat rather than add tofu but I only had one bag. I used frozen tofu that I thawed & then squeezed the water out. It gives the tofu a spongy-texture that resembles ground beef more than raw tofu does. It also has the added benefit of removing lots of the moisture.
I also added maitake mushrooms (seen above) and 2 grilled zucchini – simply because I had them. You could fill your cake with whatever traditional filling you would use for cabbage rolls or use this recipe or tweak this recipe. I used Rao’s sauce for ease & because it is the best jarred sauce on the market. You can use your own favorite – homemade or from a jar. Whatever you decide – I promise you will be delighted with this unexpected & regal reinvention of the humble stuffed cabbage roll.
Vegan “Tree of Life” Cabbage Cake (Stuffed Cabbage Tower)
Serves 4-6 (depending on appetites)
INGREDIENTS
1 large head of Savoy (or other green) cabbage
2+ TBS olive oil
9 oz vegan beef crumbles (or 18 oz or more and skip the tofu below)
1 lb tofu – frozen, thawed, water squeezed out & crumbled
1 onion – diced
4 garlic cloves – minced
1 celery stalk – chopped
1/2 to 1 lb mushrooms – chopped (optional)
1/4 cup parsley – chopped
1-3 tsp fresh thyme (or oregano) – less if you use dried
1 1/2 cups cooked rice (I used brown basmati)
S&P to taste
24 oz of your favorite red sauce
1 cup or so of Grated vegan Parmesan – optional
DIRECTIONS
Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
Core the bottom of the cabbage (leaving it in tact) & place in a deep pot cored-side down. Add 2-3 inches of water & bring to a boil – covered – for 5 minutes. Plunge into cold water & when it is cool enough to handle – carefully peel the leaves away & place on paper towels to dry.
Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan & then cook the onions, celery and mushrooms (if using) until soft (my photos do not reflect the proper order & it doesn’t really matter). Add the beef, tofu, and garlic, thyme, parsley rice & 1 cup marinara. Blend well. Season with S&P.
Grease a deep, round casserole or souffle-type dish & then arrange the prettiest and largest leaf on the bottom. Place another leaf on top of that and up the sides of the dish all around. Layer in some beef mixture (maybe 1/2 inch) & top with another layer of cabbage. Repeat until you reach the top or run out of filling. Finish with cabbage on top making sure to tuck it in the dish all around. Drizzle the top with olive oil and a sprinkling of about half your cheese (if you are using vegan or real cheese) all over. The cheese can be eliminated completely with little impact on this recipe.
Bake for about 40 minutes. Let it rest then invert a serving plate over the casserole dish, then carefully flip it over. Top with more warmed marinara & some of your cheese. Cut into slices and serve with additional warmed marinara and more grated cheese.
To see images of my past posts & get links to the recipes – look on my Pinterest board – HERE.
To watch the video – click the image above.
Living alone can make eating all the food I buy difficult. I buy produce with a thousand inspirations in my head – often forgetting that I have to eat everything I make myself. That can get difficult – especially with produce like avocados & leafy greens that have a short shelf life. Yesterday – I made a Spicy Vegan Szechuan Beef & Vegetable Stir-Fry (seen above) that used a lot of the veggies I had around – but – it did not use everything. I also had a lot of leftover basmati rice. So – I dreamed up this salad. I used a little (1 cup) of the rice I had. You could use more – or less – depending on how light you want this to be. You could also use quinoa or brown rice or some ancient grain of your choice. Or – as I do in the video – use grated cauliflower in place of rice. Whatever you decide – this salad is full of nutrients & tastes clean & light & fresh. If you do not add the avocado – this salad will keep in the fridge for a few days. Just add the avocado just before serving.
Vegan “Eat Your Greens” Warm Broccoli Rice Salad with Rainbow Chard, Basil, Mint, Avocado & Citrus Vinaigrette
Serves 2-4 depending on appetite
INGREDIENTS
2 TBS olive oil (or coconut oil)
1 cup cooked rice or other grain (optional) or 1 medium head of cauliflower – grated
1 head broccoli – grated or pulsed in a food processor
1 cucumber – chopped
1 zucchini – chopped
Avocado – amount at your discretion – sliced
2-3 scallions – sliced
1 bunch (6-8 leaves) rainbow chard (or other greens of your choice) – ribs removed & chopped
1/3 cup fresh basil – chopped
1/3 cup fresh mint – chopped
Pepitas (or other nuts) – amount at your discretion
GARNISH: basil, mint, lime wedges
for the dressing
2 TBS olive oil
2 TBS cider vinegar
2 TBS fresh lime (or lemon) juice (or a combination)
1 tsp lemon or lime zest
2 TBS Dijon mustard
1 or 2 TBS agave (I used 2 but might go less next time)
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
S&P to taste
DIRECTIONS
Whisk the dressing together & adjust flavors to suit your tastes.
Pulse the broccoli in a food processor or grate it (grating is very messy). Do the same with the cauliflower – if you are using it n place of rice.
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over high heat. Add the broccoli & cauliflower/rice & toss. Add the zucchini & chard. Add a few TBS water & cover the pan & remove from heat. You just want to warm everything through & get the chard & broccoli & zucchini wilt a bit.
In 5 minutes or so – put the rice mixture in a large bowl (or in the pan) & toss in the scallions, mint & basil & cucumber & some (not all) the dressing.
Put some of the warm salad on plates & garnish with avocado slices, pepitas, extra basil and/or mint, lime wedges, additional dressing & freshly cracked pepper.
To see images of my past posts & get links to the recipes – look on my Pinterest board – HERE.
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All my posts now have a VERY customizable PRINT & PDF option. Create a PDF & save the recipe to your computer or print it out. It offers a “remove images” option & you can delete any part of the post you do not need before printing. The button is below by the Twitter & Facebook links.
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Click the image below for a video of this recipe. In it there is an easy & inexpensive recipe, a peek at all my dogs & look at my trip to Chicago to see 90210 The Musical! Complete with a clip from the show! #EmilyValentine
OK – I decided I had to make these for two reasons. 1) Sir Mix-a-lot & his Baby Got Back song. Is there EVER a time when this song doesn’t sound great? For a novelty-sounding song – it really holds up over time. Anyway – one line is “Red beans & rice didn’t miss her.” While that makes it sound like red beans & rice give you a huge ass – this recipe is clean & healthy. I hear this song at the gym rather frequently & it always makes me crave red beans & rice.
2) It has been hot as FUCK this week and these can be made stove-top (or in a crock pot) – minimizing the heat added to my already sweltering kitchen.
I am sitting at my desk in my un-air-conditioned office (the hottest room in my house) – I will simply show what it was like outside before 10AM today:
Yes. That says 100 degrees at 9:58 am. UGH!!!!!!!!
So – I will keep this brief & slink down to my kitchen – the coolest room in my house – for the remainder of the day.
One note – I used two kinds of veggie sausage here but I am not 100% certain either is vegan (though I think they are). Just check the brand you use to be sure – assuming you are vegan.
Also – I browned the two Field Roast links you see there before adding the other ingredients & that was sort of a waste of time because they just got sort of soggy after the stock was added. So – I browned additional sausage:
and set it aside & just added it at the end – sort of like a garnish. That way, it retained it seared qualities. You can do this – or not – your call. Combined – the two varieties of sausage made this a “meatier” dish than it need be but those fake sausages are yummy – so fuck it. I did add a couple of zucchinis to lighten the beans up a bit.
Presoaking beans overnight not only cuts down on cooking time by up to 25 percent, it also helps the beans cook evenly without splitting. It’s easy, too (if you remember to do it). Still, we prefer the “power soak” method. Not only is it faster than soaking beans overnight, it also breaks down more of the complex sugars that can make beans hard to digest. The process is simple: Place beans in a pot and cover with water by three inches. Bring to a boil and simmer briskly for two minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for one hour. Drain. Your beans will be ready to use in your favorite recipes.–Kay Chun
Healthy Spicy Vegan Red Beans and Rice
Feeds a lot – 6 or more
INGREDIENTS
Cooked rice ( I used brown basmati)
1 lb dry small red beans (soaked overnight or quick-soaked as outlined above) – try to use small red but kidney will do in a pinch
Olive oil
4 celery stalks – chopped
1-3 chipotle peppers in adobo (I used 3 & these beans were SPICY!) – minced
1/2 large onion – diced
2 zucchinis – cubed (optional)
1-2 jalapeno peppers – seeded & diced (I used two)
4 garlic cloves – minced
1 bell pepper – diced (traditional in the dish – but I didn’t have one & I didn’t miss it)
2 tsp dry thyme
3 bay leaves
1 TBS dry rub (I used that Road Kill stuff above but any rub you like will do)
1-3 tsp Creole seasoning (I used Zatarain’s)
Vegan sausage (I ended up using 6!) – in a quantity you feel suits your taste – sliced
5+ cups vegetable stock
Scallions for garnish
DIRECTIONS
Quick-soak the beans if you did not soak them overnight (instructions are above). The soaking helps to stop the gas beans are famous for giving us.
As I explained above, you might want to brown your sausage & set it aside – and add it at the very end – so it retains its texture better. If texture doesn’t matter to you – just add it with the onions. Or – divvy it up & do a little of both – as I ended up doing.
Cook your rice.
Heat 2-3 TBS olive oil in a LARGE stock pot & saute the sausage until browned & either set it aside or just continue. Some vegan sausage is pretty dry & you might need more olive oil. Add onions, celery, bell pepper (if using), jalapeno & saute til softened a bit. Again – add more olive oil if you think it is getting too dry. Add chipotle, zucchini, dry rub, thyme, Creole seasoning, bay leaves & garlic & stir to incorporate & then add the red beans & 5 cups of stock.
Then bring this all to a boil. Lower the heat & cover & simmer for 2 hours or so – or until the beans are tender. Stir every once in a while & add water if it gets too thick. I added 1-2 cups of water by the time it was all said & done. At some point – when the beans are soft – smash a cup or two with a wooden spoon against the pot – or (as I did) – drop an immersion blender in there & mash a cup or two – so there is a thick broth.
When you are ready to serve, put some rice on each plate, add the red beans & garnish with sausage (if you set some aside) & chopped scallions. A cold beer or two – and you are good to go!
To see images of my past posts & get links to the recipes – look on my Pinterest board – HERE.
Click the image below to watch the video.
When I went to Dallas in 2015 to MC an event for the Humane League there – everyone kept talking about how awesome these vegan fish sticks are. So – I bought some as soon as I got home. My first effort with them was these vegan fish tacos.
They were delicious! The fish sticks are triangle-shaped and almost as large as the palm of my hand – and they have 90 calories each. I am a huge fan.
So – I got it in my head that I wanted sushi. My first thought was to make tempura chicken with Beyond Meat chicken & tempura batter but I discovered that I had no tempura batter & then I decided I didn’t want to fry anything, anyway. Then these guys jumped into my mind! So – while these are not fish & not in tempura batter – they are breaded & they made an excellent substitute.
I buy my nori at Bangluch Market because it costs about $1.25 for a package where Gelson’s charges almost $5 – so I recommend looking in ethnic stores for ethnic supplies. I bought the fresh ginger & wasabi at Gelson’s.
Sushi Rice
2 cups sushi rice
2 cups water
2 TBS sugar
2 TBS rice vinegar
1 TBS salt
Put the rice & water in a pan. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low & cover. Cook for 25 minutes.
Let the rice cool & then mix in the other ingredients.
Vegan “Fish Tempura” Sushi Rolls
INGREDIENTS
Gardein fishless fillets (or other brand) – cooked according to package instructions
Carrots – cut into sticks
Daikon – cut into sticks
Cucumber – cut into sticks (I forgot to use mine)
Avocado – sliced
Nori sheets
Sesame seeds – white & black
Wasabi, ginger & soy sauce for dipping.
DIRECTIONS
Get all your ingredients ready. Press some rice onto the nori – leaving about an inch on one end uncovered. Layer the ingredients & roll tightly. Wet the naked end of the nori with water on your fingertips. roll until the seam side is down & rub the roll back & forth on the counter a few times to better seal the seam. Cut with a sharp wet knife.
Serve with ginger & wasabi & soy sauce & a sprinkling of sesame seeds.
To see images of my past posts & get links to the recipes – look on my Pinterest board – HERE.
All my posts now have a VERY customizable PRINT & PDF option. Create a PDF & save the recipe to your computer or print it out. It offers a “remove images” option & you can delete any part of the post you do not need before printing. The button is below by the Twitter & Facebook links.
Click the image below to watch the video.
Vegan Vietnamese Fresh Salad Rolls
Ingredients:
1 package clear edible rice spring roll sheets (Here on Amazon)
FILLING OPTIONS:
1 package vermicelli rice noodles, prepared according to package directions
Tofu or other protein
Basil – fresh (Thai sweet or hot basil is nice, too, if you can find it)
Mint – fresh
Cilantro – fresh
Butter lettuce, washed and separated into leaves – ribs removed
Carrots, peeled & cut into very thin matchsticks
Cucumber, peeled and cut into very thin strips
Avocado
Purple cabbage
Bell pepper strips
Asparagus
Mango
Papaya
Sprouts
Micro greens
Be sure you have the type of wrappers pictured below (or another brand) and not egg roll or wonton wrappers. Those are an entirely different breed & need cooking.
Directions:
Prepare the noodles & vegetables in advance – being sure they are washed & dried. Have a large bowl of warm water ready for dipping the spring roll wrappers.
1 Dip a sheet of spring roll wrapper into water very quickly, no longer than a second or two (or they will get too soggy) and lay flat on a work surface.
2 On one edge, lay a small handful of noodles, some basil & mint leaves, some pressed tofu, some cucumber & carrot strips, purple cabbage, avocado & some micro greens (or whatever fillings you are using) – being careful not to overstuff the wrapper.
3 Roll up burrito style, tucking in the sides, then continue to roll up-but not too tightly or the spring roll wrapper will tear.
You will, no doubt, need a few attempts to get one right. Be patient – it gets easier. Be prepared to throw a bunch away or to settle for some funky shaped rolls! They should be served fairly quickly after preparing them. Too much time in the fridge after assembly will dry them out. These can be filled with nearly anything so feel free to get creative!
Delightful-Delicious-Delovely 