Epicurean Vegan

Healthy Eating for Discriminating Palates

Navigation

Pasta with Asparagus and Lemon Sauce

by

Pasta with Asparagus and Lemon Sauce -- Epicurean VeganChances are, you already have the ingredients for this light and easy meal. You can also add your favorite other veggies like broccoli, tomatoes or mushrooms. It’s a pretty versatile meal; just customize to suit your veggie tastes. It’s also a breeze to make, so you’ll have time to throw together a salad and maybe even some garlic toasts.

INGREDIENTS:
1-2 Tbs olive oil
2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 C chopped fresh parsley
3/4 C coarsely chopped fresh basil
1/2 C white wine
1/2 C lemon juice
1/4 C soy milk
1 to 1-1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 bunch asparagus, chopped into 2″ pieces
8-oz spaghetti

DIRECTIONS:
Steam the asparagus–about 15 mins. Cook pasta according to package instructions.  Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet and add the garlic, parsley and red pepper and cook for 3-4 mins. Add the steamed asparagus and saute for another 3 mins . Add the white wine and lemon juice–simmer until about 1/2 of the juices are cooked off. Stir in the soy milk and cook for 1 min. Stir in basil and cook a few minutes more.

Pasta with Asparagus and Lemon Sauce -- Epicurean VeganToss with the pasta and if desired, top with vegan Parmesan cheese and enjoy!

Chive-Flecked Spud Muffins

by

Chive-Flecked Spud Muffins -- Epicurean VeganHmmm..these dinner muffins from 1000 Vegan Recipes cookbook, are so good! They definitely taste best warm with some Earth Balance margarine on them. Easy to prepare, they make the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

INGREDIENTS:
1-3/4 C all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 C leftover mashed potatoes (If you don’t have mashed potatoes on hand, cook a couple in the microwave and when they cool down, cut in half and scoop out of the skins into a bowl. Mash with soy milk and olive oil or margarine).
1/2 C soy milk
1/4 C canola or grapeseed oil (I just used olive oil)
2 Tbs plus 1 tsp minced fresh chives

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400. Lightly oil a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, soy milk, oil and chives, stirring until blended. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just moistened. (It resembled mashed potatoes, actually).

Chive-Flecked Spud Muffins -- Epicurean VeganSpoon batter into muffin cups. Bake for 22-25 mins until golden brown. Serve warm.

Recipe source: 1000 Vegan Recipes

Crispy Kale Leaves

by

Crispy Kale Leaves -- Epicurean Vegan“They’re weird, but I can’t stop eating them.” This is what my husband said. It’s so true–they’re like paper thin potato chips! They kinda just melt in your mouth but certainly have a crunch–and so good! And did you know…kale is considered an aphrodisiac? Just so you know! 😉 This recipe comes from Vegetarian Times.

INGREDIENTS:
1 lb kale, rinsed and patted dry
2 Tbs olive oil
1/2 tsp kosher salt

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 325. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray (I used foil). Tear kale into 3″ pieces, removing tough stems. Transfer leaves to a bowl. Toss kale leaves with the oil, until well coated.

Crispy Kale Leaves -- Epicurean VeganSpread on a baking sheet and bake 15 mins. (I did 10). Turn kale with tongs and bake another 10-15 mins (I did 7 more mins) or until edges are browned and leaves are crispy. Sprinkle with salt. Serve warm or cold.  Enjoy!

Chocolate Truffles

by

Chocolate Truffles -- Epicurean VeganOh my…these will be the perfect ending to your Valentine’s Day dinner! (or any dinner for that matter.) You won’t believe these tasty, decadent treats are vegan.

INGREDIENTS:
1-1/2 C Vegan chocolate chips, such as SunSpire brand (Ghiradelli makes a great vegan chocolate chip)
8 oz Tofutti cream cheese
3 C Confectioners’ sugar
1-1/2 tsp Vanilla
Stuff to roll them in: sweetened cocoa, sprinkles, confectioners’ sugar, toasted coconut, finely chopped nuts, or cinnamon and sugar.

DIRECTIONS:
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips. In a food processor, cream the cream cheese, about 1 min. Add the confectioners’ sugar, about a cup at a time. Combine until smooth.

Chocolate Truffles -- Epicurean VeganAdd the melted chocolate and vanilla to the food processor and blend until well combined.

Chocolate Truffles -- Epicurean VeganTransfer to a bowl and chill for 1 hour.

Chocolate Truffles -- Epicurean VeganWhen ready to make, shape into 1″ balls and roll in your favorite yummies, such as sprinkles or nuts. Chill for another hour before devouring!

Another suggestion would be using just a cup of chocolate chips and adding 1/2 C of peanut butter and melt together. Enjoy!

Chocolate Truffles -- Epicurean Vegan

Recipe source: veganchef.com

Avocado Chimichurri Bruschetta

by

Avocado Chimichurri Bruschetta -- Epicurean VeganAnother great one from Vegetarian Times that I brought to a friend’s fiesta not long ago—it was a hit! If you need a break from the ever-trusty guacamole, this is a great alternative. The recipe was requested from several of the guests. I have since made this several times and I always double, or even triple the sauce recipe and use 6-8 avocados. It makes a big batch, but it will be gone in no time. I’ll also use two baguettes. Either way, this will be favorite that everyone will love.

INGREDIENTS:
2 Tbs lemon juice
2 Tbs red wine vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs)
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 C olive oil
1/4 C chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 C chopped fresh parsley
2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and cubed
6 1/2″ thick slices whole-grain or ciabatta bread, toasted (I sliced a baguette)

DIRECTIONS:
First, for the bread, I sliced one baguette (I doubled the recipe), brushed the slices with olive oil, then sprinkled them with garlic salt. I put them under the broiler (on high) for about 4 mins.

Avocado Chimichurri Bruschetta -- Epicurean VeganCombine lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, red pepper flakes, oregano, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk in olive oil, then stir in cilantro and parsley. Fold in avocados. Spoon mixture onto toasted slices and serve.

Enjoy!

Avocado Chimichurri Bruschetta
 
Print
Another great one from Vegetarian Times that I brought to a friend's fiesta not long ago---it was a hit! If you need a break from the ever-trusty guacamole, this is a great alternative. The recipe was requested from several of the guests. I have since made this several times and I always double, or even triple the sauce recipe and use 6-8 avocados. It makes a big batch, but it will be gone in no time. I'll also use two baguettes. Either way, this will be favorite that everyone will love.
Author:
Ingredients
  • 2 Tbs lemon juice
  • 2 Tbs red wine vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs)
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • ¼ C olive oil
  • ¼ C chopped fresh cilantro
  • ¼ C chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and cubed
  • 6½" thick slices whole-grain or ciabatta bread, toasted (I sliced a baguette)
Directions
  1. First, for the bread, I sliced one baguette (I doubled the recipe), brushed the slices with olive oil, then sprinkled them with garlic salt. I put them under the broiler (on high) for about 4 mins.
  2. Combine lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, red pepper flakes, oregano, and black pepper in a small bowl.
  3. Whisk in olive oil, then stir in cilantro and parsley. Fold in avocados. Spoon mixture onto toasted slices and serve. Enjoy!

 

Tempeh (or Seitan) in Hearty Mushroom-Mustard Sauce

by

Tempeh (or Seitan) in Hearty Mushroom-Mustard Sauce -- Epicurean VeganThis is another outstanding recipe from Vegetarian Times, this time, from their Healing Foods Cookbook. I used chicken-style seitan instead of tempeh and served it over mashed potatoes. I doubled it–making about 5 servings. Plus, taking less than 30 mins to make, I will certainly be making this again and again.

INGREDIENTS:
4 Tbs olive oil, divided
1 7-oz pkg tempeh, cut into 1/2″ cubes (I used 2 pkgs Westsoy seitan–blue box)
1 Tbs low sodium soy sauce
10 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
8 oz shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced (I didn’t have these so I just used more cremini mushrooms)
2 Tbs all-purpose flour
2-1/2 C lager, such as Samuel Adams Boston Lager (I used Dundee Lager–I don’t think it matters, plus I didn’t completely double this–used about 3-1/4 cups)
2 Tbs Dijon mustard
2 green onions, white and green parts finely sliced

DIRECTIONS:
Heat 2 Tbs oil in 12″ skillet over medium heat. Cook tempeh (if using seitan, keep in mind that seitan cooks faster than tempeh–it’s just a matter of browning it, which doesn’t take more than 5 mins) cubes in oil 7-10 mins, or until browned on all sides, stirring frequently. Add soy sauce and cook 2 mins, or until pan is almost dry. Transfer tempeh to a paper-towel-lined plate.

Tempeh (or Seitan) in Hearty Mushroom-Mustard Sauce -- Epicurean VeganAdd remaining 2 Tbs oil and mushrooms to pan, and sprinkle with salt to taste, if desired. Saute 10 mins or until browned and slightly caramelized, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in flour. Cook 1-2 mins or until flour begins to brown, stirring constantly. Increase heat to medium-high, add lager and mustard, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 15 mins, or until the sauce thickens. Stir in tempeh; simmer 5 mins more. Serve sprinkled with green onions.

Tempeh (or Seitan) in Hearty Mushroom-Mustard Sauce -- Epicurean VeganNOTE: The recipe suggests that for a sweeter take on the sauce, stir in 1 Tbs agave nectar with the mustard and use use just 1-1/2 C of lager plus 1 cup of water.

Enjoy!

Tempeh (or Seitan) in Hearty Mushroom-Mustard Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

Sesame Tofu Sandwiches

by

Sesame Tofu Sandwiches -- Epicurean VeganI really love marinated tofu sandwiches. They’re easy to make, will last the whole week and it’s so simple to create your own marinades. I first came across this idea from Lauren Ulm of Vegan Yum Yum and her recipe for Smoky Miso Tofu Sandwiches. After making her recipe several times, I decided to changes things up and come up with my own marinade using some of my favorite ingredients.

INGREDIENTS:
1 lb extra-firm tofu
2-1/2 Tbs red miso
2 Tbs tamari
1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1 Tbs brown rice syrup
About 1/8 C toasted sesame seeds
Avocado slices
Tomato slices
Spinach
Veganaise
Your favorite sandwich bread (I like to toast it)

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400. Drain and press tofu. Meanwhile whisk together miso, tamari, sesame oil, garlic, and brown rice syrup. It makes about a cup. For a kick, add 1/8-1/4 tsp of cayenne to the marinade. Or try smoked paprika.

Slice pressed tofu into 13-18 slices. I wanted the tofu to be a little thick, so I got 13 slices out of this one. Line a baking sheet with foil. Brush one side of a tofu slice with the marinade and place it on the pan (marinaded side down) then brush the top. Repeat until all slices are covered. With 13 slices, I could layer it on pretty thick. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and bake for about 15-20 mins, depending on how thick of slices you have. 17 mins worked great for mine.

Sesame Tofu Sandwiches -- Epicurean VeganAdd your favorite sandwich toppings. I toasted the bread, used some Veganaise, avocado slices, tomato slices and spinach. Try roasted red peppers, vegan cheese, sprouts, cucumbers, bell pepper…the list goes on.
Besides great for sandwiches, these baked tofu slices could be diced up for salads (green or pasta), tossed over cooked rice, or steamed vegetables or just to munch on.   Enjoy!

Sesame Tofu Sandwiches -- Epicurean Vegan

Iced Oatmeal Cookies

by

Iced Oatmeal Cookies -- Epicurean VeganYum! This recipe comes from Vegetarian Times (February 2010 issue) and they are quite delicious and easy to make. The recipe calls for a 1/4 C of applesauce and of course, I didn’t have any. We’re not big applesauce eaters here and I knew that any leftovers would turn different shades of green and white, so I opted to make my own. I just chopped up 1/2 a Grannie Smith–skins and all–and threw it into the food processor with a 1/4 cup of water and a tsp of sugar. Worked beautifully! The lemon-flavored icing is the perfect accompaniment to these cookies!

INGREDIENTS:
2 Tbs flaxseed meal
1 C oat flour (I ground 1-1/2 C of oats to reach a cup of oat flour)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 Tbs margarine (I used Earth Balance)
1/2 C light brown sugar
1/4 C sugar
1/4 C applesauce (or they recommend prune puree)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-1/2 C old-fashioned oats
1/2 C raisins or dried cranberries (I used 1/4 C golden raisins and 1/4 C of orange-flavored craisins)
Icing:
3/4 C confectioners’ sugar
2 Tbs lemon juice

DIRECTIONS:
Stir together flax meal and water in a small bowl; set side. Whisk together oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl; set aside. Beat margarine, brown sugar and sugar with an electric mixer, 1-2 mins, or until light and fluffy. Add applesauce, vanilla and flax meal mixture and beat until smooth. Stir in oat flour mixture with a spatula or wooden spoon. Add oats and raisins/craisins, stir to combine. Cover and chill 2 hours or overnight. (I went with the 2 hours)

Iced Oatmeal Cookies -- Epicurean VeganPreheat oven to 350. Line baking pans with parchment paper or coat with cooking spray. (I like to use the parchment or waxed paper). Roll cookie dough into golf ball-sized rounds, and place them 1-1/2″ apart on baking sheets. Flatten each cookie to 1/4″ thickness with the bottom of a drinking glass dipped in water.

Iced Oatmeal Cookies -- Epicurean VeganBake 10-12 mins or until cookies look dry on top and are just starting to brown.
Meanwhile, to make icing: Whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Icing should be thick, but spreadable. Gently brush icing on hot cookies with a pastry brush. (On the second batch, I waited until the cookies cooled to ice them and I liked that better–the icing didn’t “melt” into the cookies). Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Makes about 24 cookies. Store cookies in an airtight container. Enjoy!

Spinach Dip

by

Spinach Dip -- Epicurean VeganA friend shared this recipe with me several years ago and it’s a classic; I make it often for get togethers. I sometimes hollow out a round sourdough loaf to create a bowl and serve in that, but of course, that’s optional. The recipe calls for a leek soup mix, but a vegetable soup mix will work great too.

INGREDIENTS:
1 box (10 oz) chopped frozen spinach (I like Cascadian Farms brand)
1 can water chestnuts, chopped
1 C Tofutti sour cream
1 C Veganaise
1-1.8oz packet dried leek soup mix
Round sourdough loaf (optional)

DIRECTIONS:
Thaw spinach. I like Cascadian Farms brand because it comes in a plastic bag inside the box. I snip a corner of the bag off and drain as much liquid as I can out. I then wrap the spinach in a thin cotton napkin and squeeze any remaining liquid out of the spinach. Combine all ingredients, mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve. Then add to the bread bowl, if using. Serve with veggies, bread pieces and crackers. Enjoy!

Spinach Dip
 
Print
A friend shared this recipe with me several years ago and it's a classic; I make it often for get togethers. I sometimes hollow out a round sourdough loaf to create a bowl and serve in that, but of course, that's optional. The recipe calls for a leek soup mix, but a vegetable soup mix will work great too.
Author:
Ingredients
  • 1 box (10 oz) chopped frozen spinach (I like Cascadian Farms brand)
  • 1 can water chestnuts, chopped
  • 1 C Tofutti sour cream
  • 1 C Veganaise
  • 1-1.8oz packet dried leek soup mix
  • Round sourdough loaf (optional)
Directions
  1. Thaw spinach. I like Cascadian Farms brand because it comes in a plastic bag inside the box. I snip a corner of the bag off and drain as much liquid as I can out. I then wrap the spinach in a thin cotton napkin and squeeze any remaining liquid out of the spinach. Combine all ingredients, mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve. Then add to the bread bowl, if using. Serve with veggies, bread pieces and crackers. Enjoy!

 

Pita Chips

by

Pita Chips -- Epicurean VeganI can’t remember where I got this recipe–I thought it was from the Sonoma Diet Cookbook where I got the fabulous hummus recipe, but nope…anyway, doesn’t matter. They’re wonderful and not hard to make at all. And the great thing, is that you can make as little, or as much as you want. You can also use flavored olive oils, too. I like to use both wheat and white pitas and on one 14″x14″ baking pan, I can get 2 whole pitas. That’s 32 pitas chips on one pan.

INGREDIENTS:
2 pkgs pitas
1/4 C olive oil
Dried basil
Garlic Salt

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 450. Slice the pita in half, then each half into 4 triangles. Then take each triangle and pull them apart to make two triangles. You should get 16 triangles from one pita.

Pita Chips -- Epicurean VeganPour the olive oil in a small bowl and lay the pita pieces on the baking pan, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with the garlic salt and basil.

Pita Chips -- Epicurean VeganBake for 4 mins.

Pita Chips -- Epicurean VeganWe’re having friends over tonight and I can’t wait to dig into these and the hummus. I also have some great black olive tapenade that my sister gave me that I think will be very tasty with these pita chips. Enjoy!

Categories

Archives

Popular Posts

StudioPress Premium WordPress Themes: Foodie Theme