epicureanvegan, Author at Epicurean Vegan

Quinoa Pilaf with Cranberries and Almonds

March 11, 2010 by epicureanvegan

This is one of my favorite side dishes.
Quinoa is not a grain, but actually a seed, but certainly looks, cooks and tastes like a grain. It’s even called a “supergrain” because of it’s many benefits and easy digestibility. Quinoa is packed full of protein, magnesium, and fiber. Research has also found that eating this fabulous seed…can help prevent breast cancer, diabetes and insulin resistance. So dig in!

INGREDIENTS:
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 small red onion, chopped
1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and drained
2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup dried cranberries
2/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted

DIRECTIONS:
Heat oil in a medium pot over medium high heat. Add onions and cook, stirring often, until just softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add quinoa and toast, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Stir in broth and salt and bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium low, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in cranberries, cover again and continue to cook until liquid is completely absorbed and quinoa is tender, 8 to 10 minutes more. Toss with almonds. Enjoy!

Recipe source: Whole Foods

Seitan* Tostadas with Avocado Dressing

March 7, 2010 by epicureanvegan

Well…the (*) indicates that seitan may not be the right choice for these tostadas–the original recipe called for chicken so I figured chicken-style seitan would be the ideal substitute. I guess I can’t always be a vegan-recipe-master. Next time, I will try refries with Boca brand “beef” crumbles. But I wanted to share the recipe for the Avocado Dressing that is fantastic! It would go great with tacos, burritos, or as a salsa.

INGREDIENTS:
Avocado Dressing:
6 Tbs vegetable oil
4 Tbs cider vinegar
4 tsp minced pickled jalapeno peppers
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 avocados, peeled, pitted and diced
2 tomatoes, chopped
1/3 C cilantro, chopped (I added, but optional)
The Rest:
I recommend trying 1 can refried beans with 1 bag Boca Ground Crumbles or possibly using a taco seasoning mix with the seitan.
1 pkg, 10-count tostada shells
Vegan cheddar, shredded
Tofutti sour cream
Lettuce, chopped

DIRECTIONS:
For the dressing: Combine all ingredients, cover and refrigerate until ready to use (top “meat” with it).

Recipe source: Creme de Colorado Cookbook

Honey-Glazed Tofu on Couscous

March 6, 2010 by epicureanvegan

I have a stack of magazines, each with at least ten Post-Its sticking out, marking delicious-looking recipes to try. Facing a hungry family, I looked through this arsenal of dinner options. This one is from Healing Foods Cookbook from Vegetarian Times. Calling for 2 tsp of black pepper, it had a bit of a kick–I definitely loved it, but if you don’t, I’d cut the pepper dose in half. The recipe also called for (2) 10-oz of extra firm tofu, but I used just (1) 14-oz and that was more than enough. I made a couple of other alterations, but I’ll post the original recipe with my changes.

INGREDIENTS:
Honey-Glazed Tofu:
2- 10 oz pkgs. extra-form tofu (I used 1- 14 oz pkg.)
2 tsp cracked black pepper
2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/4 C vegetable oil
1/2 C honey
Pumpkin Seed Couscous:
2 C low-sodium vegetable broth
2 medium carrots, chopped–1 cup (I didn’t have any…oops)
1 C frozen edamame, thawed
2 tsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1-1/2 C whole wheat couscous (I used regular)
1/2 C toasted pumpkin seeds (I used toasted sliced almonds)

DIRECTIONS:
To make Honey-Glazed Tofu: Place tofu between two plates and set heavy pot (or cans) on top. Drain 10 mins and pat dry. Cut tofu into 3/8″ thick slices. (I didn’t get a ruler out–just went for it).

Combine pepper, thyme, and salt in a small bowl. Coat tofu slices with pepper mixture and set aside.

To make Pumpkin Seed Couscous: Bring broth, carrots, edamame, olive oil, and salt to a boil in a covered saucepan. Remove from heat, and stir in couscous. Cover 5 mins, then fluff with a fork.

Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil and honey in a large skillet over medium-high heat until bubbling. Place seasoned tofu in pan and cook 3 mins. Turn and cook 3 minutes more, spooning thickening sauce over tofu.

To serve: Stir pumpkin seeds into couscous. (I sprinkled them on top of single servings to keep them from getting soft or soggy, especially for leftovers). Spoon onto plates and top with Honey-Glazed Tofu. It will feed about 6 people. Definitely delicious and I think any leftover tofu would be great for sandwiches, too. Enjoy!

Product Review: Vegan Gourmet Nacho Cheese Alternative

March 5, 2010 by epicureanvegan

The quest for tasty queso seems to be a never-ending task for vegans. The queso recipe posted earlier, is pretty darn good, but does require a lot more ingredients, so if that doesn’t appeal to you, the folks at Follow Your Heart have a great alternative and just as they claim…it DOES MELT! And $3.69 for 10-oz is not bad.

I chopped the block and added it to my electric fondue pot. FYH says you can melt it in a sauce pan as well. It is thick and solid enough to shred over tortilla chips and microwave, too.

After about 15 minutes, the “cheese” definitely resembled nacho cheese and quite surprisingly, tasted like it, too. It certainly has a spicy kick, but at the same time, that was about all I could really taste. That cheesy taste just wasn’t there–which is good in a way, too, because fake cheese can taste, well…fake. This didn’t taste like that, but it just was lacking something.

So what’s a vegan to do? I decided to add about 1/3-1/2C of rice (Galaxy Foods) Shredded “cheese” and it really gave it a much more cheesy taste and texture. It was just what it needed. The only thing that changed was, of course, the consistency. It made it a bit more elastic-y. It didn’t really allow one to “dip” a chip, but more, “scoop” the cheese. The taste was outstanding though–the closest that pre-packaged vegan cheese is to regular nacho cheese.

Follow Your Heart not only makes many great products such as Veganaise and salad dressings, but they are one of the most environmentally conscious companies around. Their manufacturing plant in California operates on 100% solar energy and used all recycled products in their facility. Check out the April 2010 issue of VegNews for more!

Potato-Leek Soup

February 28, 2010 by epicureanvegan

This is an all-time favorite that is really simple and always delicious. It’s incredibly easy to prepare by using a food processor or even an immersion blender. The recipe is simple and a great base for then adding other ingredients such as veggie ham, peas, carrots or other herbs of your choice. You can also puree it to your desired consistency. I like this soup with some chunkiness to it, but feel free to blend away if you want it creamier.

INGREDIENTS:
2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2″ pieces
4 leeks, thinly sliced
3 Tbs Earth Balance
4 C vegetable broth
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp white pepper
1-1/2 C soy milk (or other non dairy milk)
Fresh chives, chopped (optional)
Tofutti sour cream (optional)
Vegan cheddar, shredded (optional)

DIRECTIONS:
In a large soup pot, saute the leeks in the Earth Balance for 5-7 minutes, or until the leeks are soft and tender.

Add the potatoes, broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 20 mins.

Remove from heat and in batches, scoop out (broth and all) into a food processor and add about a 1/4 to 1/2 C of soy milk. Now…like mashed potatoes, I like my potato soup with chunks of potato–none of this smooth whipped stuff. So…where you stand on the potato-texture debate, will determine how long you process the soup. For me, I just whirl it around for about 3-5 seconds–just enough to mix it all together and be left with small chunks. Otherwise, whirl away until you’ve reach your desired consistency. I then transfer each batch to a large bowl. Repeat the previous steps and then transfer back into the soup pot. I like to serve a bowl of this with a dollop of sour cream and some chopped chives. A little vegan cheddar cheese never hurts though. Enjoy!

Edamame Pate Sandwiches

February 23, 2010 by epicureanvegan

I always love a good sandwich and this is a great one from Vegetarian Times. The recipe calls for arugula, but I’ve never been a big fan, so I switched it out with romaine lettuce. Between the pate and the roasted red peppers, this lunch is full of flavor! I think the pate would be great served on toasts for an appetizers as well.

INGREDIENTS:
1-1/4 C frozen shelled edamame, thawed
1/2 C walnuts
1/3 C mint leaves, packed
1 green onion, chopped
1/2 tsp salt
3 Tbs lemon juice
8 slices whole grain bread (I used sourdough)
2 C arugula
4 jarred roasted red peppers, drained
2 small cucumbers, thinly sliced

DIRECTIONS:
Puree edamame, walnuts, mint, green onion, and salt in a food processor until finely chopped. With the motor running, add lemon juice and 3 Tbs water. Process until smooth. Spread each of 4 bread slices with 1/3 C pate. Add 1/2 C arugula, 1 roasted red pepper, and cucumbers to each. Top with remaining bread slices. Enjoy!

Processor “Cheese” Danish Pastry

February 19, 2010 by epicureanvegan

Impress your neighbors and wow the in-laws with your pastry chef-like skills by making this surprisingly easy danish. The original recipe is from Nigella Lawson‘s How To Be A Domestic Goddess cookbook and so for some time, I’ve been dying to veganize this recipe. I made several alterations, but I am so impressed with how flaky and delicious they came out. Don’t freak out by all the directions–it was actually quite simple. Plus, you don’t actually need to use a food processor–a mixer will work just fine.

INGREDIENTS:
1/4 C warm water
1/2 C soy milk
1 large egg (1 Tbs ground flax seed mixed with 3 Tbs water)
2-1/4 C all-purpose flour
1 pkg (1/4 oz) rapid-rise yeast
1 tsp salt
1 Tbs sugar
1 C unsalted butter, cut into thin slices (Earth Balance sticks)
Filling:
Pinch of salt
1 C ricotta cheese (Tofutti cream cheese)
1 Tbs lemon zest (I used a lime)
1 large egg, beaten (again, 1 Tbs ground flax seed + 3 Tbs water)
3 Tbs unsalted butter, melted and cooled (Earth Balance)
Glaze:
1/3 C sugar
1/4 C water

DIRECTIONS:
Pour the water and milk into a measuring cup and add the flax seed mixture, beating with a fork to mix. Put to one side for a moment. Get out a large bowl, then put the flour, yeast, salt and sugar in the processor, and give one quick whirl just to mix. Add the cold slices of Earth Balance and process briefly so that the butter is cut up a little, though you still want visible chunks of at least 1/2″. Empty the contents of the processor into the large bowl and quickly add the wet ingredients. Use your hands or a rubber spatula to fold the ingredients together, but don’t overdo it: expect to have a gooey mess with some butter lumps pebbling it. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, put in the refrigerator, and leave overnight or up to 4 days.

To turn it into pastry, take it out of the refrigerator, let it get to room temperature, and roll it out to a 20″ square. (This was fairly easy–it rolls out very nicely). Fold the dough square into thirds, like a business letter, turning it afterward so that the closed fold is on your left, like the spine of a book.

Roll out again to a 20″ square, repeating the steps above 3 times. Cut in half, wrap both pieces and put each in the refrigerator for 30 mins. (Just gently fold and wrap with plastic wrap–worked great).

So for the filling:
Combine the cheese, sugar, salt, lemon zest, egg-replacer, and Earth Balance. (I used the food processor)
Then you’re ready!
First of all…the recipe is intended to make 6 large danishes. For the first batch I made 3 large ones and decided on the second batch to make smaller ones, which I personally thought worked much better.
Roll out one of the pastry dough halves into a big rectangle (recipe doesn’t specify exactly how big…) Divide into thirds and place a tablespoon of cheese filling on each piece of dough. Fold the opposite corners up together and seal with a pinch.

Place on baking sheets prepared with waxed paper and brush with the sugar/water glaze. The recipe then calls for them to rise for about 1-1/2 hours. Yeah, that didn’t happen for me, but apparently that was no big whoop because they came out great. Preheat oven to 350 and bake 15 mins or until puffy and golden brown.

I then made a lime icing (since I used lime zest) by combining about a cup of powdered sugar and then drizzled in lime juice, stirring and adding more juice to get the consistency I wanted. I then drizzled the danishes with the icing…

For the second batch, I made smaller ones and spread out the filling more. I brushed them with the glaze and this time, they baked about 20 mins.

These really came out amazing and I will make these again and again! Enjoy!

“Chicken” Wrap

February 18, 2010 by epicureanvegan

This is just a pretty simple wrap that is not only great as a post-workout snack, but perfect for a sack lunch. In an effort to get my son to eat less animal products, this is ideal! On Sunday nights, I throw a bag of Boca brand “chicken” nuggets in the oven and then cut each one into fourths and store in the fridge for a week of lunches. I also chop up some tomato and cucumbers as well. Ten minutes of prep time and you have a week of lunches!

INGREDIENTS:
1 bag Boca “chicken” nuggets (or you can use their “chicken” patties and cut them up), baked and chopped up
Small flour tortillas or pitas
Your favorite wrap ingredients, such as:
Romaine lettuce, Tofutti cheese slices, cucumber, sprouts, tomato, hummus, vegan ranch dressing, bell pepper. Try Tofutti cream cheese mixed with fresh chopped chives—it makes a great spread.
Like I said, this is perfect for getting your kids to eat a healthier sack lunch at school, because we all know that every so often, half the PB&J goes in the trash!
What are some of your favorite (easy) vegan wrap ideas?

Vegetable Chili

February 18, 2010 by epicureanvegan

A great, hearty vegan meal! And such a cinch to make. I added about 7-oz of Gimme Lean Ground Beef Style, but it’s certainly optional. You can use any meat alternative you’d like, or even add about a 1/2 cup of barley.

INGREDIENTS:
7-oz (half a tube) Gimme Lean ground beef style (optional)
1 small eggplant, cubed
1 onion, chopped
2 tsp minced garlic
2 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1-28oz can diced tomatoes, juice and all
2 to 2-1/2 cans of water (I use an empty kidney bean can)
1 small can tomato paste
1 pkg. chili seasoning
Salt, to taste
Vegan cheddar, shredded
Tofutti sour cream

DIRECTIONS:
Saute the Gimme Lean with the garlic until browned. Basically, combine everything in a large soup pot and simmer for about 30 mins. Serve in individual bowls (about 8 servings) salt to taste, top with cheese and a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy!

Peanut Butter Hummus

February 17, 2010 by epicureanvegan

I think this is a great hummus variety, especially for kids who aren’t crazy about regular hummus. Spread this on a tortilla with sprouts and veggies and it’ll make a healthy lunch. It’s also great on apples or celery.

INGREDIENTS:
1 15-oz can garbanzo beans
1/3 C warm water
4 Tbs peanut butter
2 Tbs olive oil
3 Tbs lemon or lime juice (I used lemon)
1 clove garlic
I added 1/2 tsp of cumin

DIRECTIONS:
Add all ingredients into a food processor and blend well. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy!

Recipe source: About.com