Dinners Archives - Page 13 of 31

Vegan White Lasagna

October 8, 2012 by epicureanvegan

So there are moments in history where you want to slap your forehead and say, “Seriously?” The OJ Simpson acquittal. . . Lady GagGag’s meat dress . . . the recent attacks on Sesame Street . . . Oh, and the terrible call that cost cost the Green Bay Packers the game against the Seattle Seahawks a couple of weeks ago . . .(that’s for you, Jessie)! I had a moment of forehead-slapping-followed-by-a-REALLY? when I forgot a key ingredient in this meal. Pesto. See . . . I even made it:

But I made it earlier in the day and forgot to use it. Wheresma pesto? In the fridge. For those of you unfamiliar with “wheresma,” let me give you a brief history. My dear and wonderful husband apparently earned the nickname, “Wheresma” because he often asked, “Where’s my (this)?” “Where’s my (that)? Enduring, right? No. Wheresma makes an appearance every once in while . . .

Anyhoo . . . I have to admit, the lasagna just wasn’t the same without the pesto. I highly recommend you don’t forget this ingredient. It was still tasty and leftover-worthy, but it didn’t have the flavor I was hoping for, so don’t forget the pesto!

INGREDIENTS:
Ricotta:
1 12-oz extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
1/3 C nutritional yeast
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 Tbs lemon juice
1/4 C vegan mozzarella
Pesto:
4 C basil leaves
1 C Italian leaf parsley
1 C pine nuts
4 cloves garlic cut into small pieces
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 C lemon juice
2/3 C olive oil
6 Tbs vegan Parmesan cheese
White sauce:
3 Tbs Earth Balance
1/4 C flour
2 C almond milk
1/2 C white wine
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
Dash of nutmeg
1/3 C nutritional yeast
The rest:
12 lasagna noodles
5 C kale, chopped
2 C mushrooms, sliced
1 C onion, diced
olive oil
Vegan mozzarella, optional

DIRECTIONS:
Save yourself a headache by making the ricotta and pesto a day ahead, or at least earlier in the day. (Just don’t forget about them). For the ricotta, combine everything but the vegan mozzarella in the food processor. Blend until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the cheese. To make the pesto, combine everything but the pine nuts and Parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth. Add the nuts and Parm and blend well.

I like using traditional lasagna noodles, as opposed to the no-boil variety. The trick is to not boil them too long. They’ll cook the rest of the way later on in the oven. I also made a small batch (8″x8″) pan, which meant cutting 2-3″ off the noodles in order to fit the pan. I ended up with 4 layers, but feel free to make 3 layers in a 9×13″ pan. So . . .to begin, start boiling the noodles. Meanwhile, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and cook 5-7 minutes, or until the onions get tender. Add the mushrooms and kale and cook a few more minutes, until the mushrooms soften and the kale wilts.

To make the sauce, melt the Earth Balance. Slowly whisk the flour, a little at a time until you reach a thick paste.

Whisk in the milk a little bit at a time until there aren’t any clumps left. Stir with a whisk over medium-high heat until thickened, about 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Preheat the oven to 350. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water. Pour about half of the sauce mixture on the bottom of an 8×8″ baking dish. Lay 3 lasagna noodles (you’ll need to cut the noodles to fit) on the bottom of the pan. Spread on about 2 Tbs of ricotta on each noodle, then a layer of the pesto. Top with a thin layer of the mushroom/kale mixture.

Repeat layers, ending with the final three lasagna noodles. Pour the rest of the sauce on top. Sprinkle with some vegan mozzarella if you’d like.

Cover and bake for 40 minutes. Enjoy!

Vegan White Lasagna

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

Ricotta:
1 12-oz extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
⅓ C nutritional yeast
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 Tbs lemon juice
¼ C vegan mozzarella
Pesto:
4 C basil leaves
1 C Italian leaf parsley
1 C pine nuts
4 cloves garlic cut into small pieces
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ C lemon juice
⅔ C olive oil
6 Tbs vegan Parmesan cheese
White sauce:
3 Tbs Earth Balance
¼ C flour
2 C almond milk
½ C white wine
¼ tsp salt
⅛ tsp black pepper
Dash of nutmeg
⅓ C nutritional yeast
The rest:
12 lasagna noodles
5 C kale, chopped
2 C mushrooms, sliced
1 C onion, diced
olive oil
Vegan mozzarella, optional

Directions

Save yourself a headache by making the ricotta and pesto a day ahead, or at least earlier in the day. (Just don't forget about them.) For the ricotta, combine everything but the vegan mozzarella in the food processor. Blend until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the cheese.
To make the pesto, combine everything but the pine nuts and Parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth. Add the nuts and Parm and blend well.
I like using traditional lasagna noodles, as opposed to the no-boil variety. The trick is to not boil them too long. They'll cook the rest of the way later on in the oven. I also made a small batch (8"x8") pan, which meant cutting 2-3" off the noodles in order to fit the pan. I ended up with 4 layers, but feel free to make 3 layers in a 9x13" pan. So . . .to begin, start boiling the noodles. Meanwhile, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and cook 5-7 minutes, or until the onions get tender. Add the mushrooms and kale and cook a few more minutes, until the mushrooms soften and the kale wilts.
To make the sauce, melt the Earth Balance. Slowly whisk the flour, a little at a time until you reach a thick paste.
Whisk in the milk a little bit at a time until there aren't any clumps left. Stir with a whisk over medium-high heat until thickened, about 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Preheat the oven to 350. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water. Pour about half of the sauce mixture on the bottom of an 8x8" baking dish. Lay 3 lasagna noodles (you'll need to cut the noodles to fit) on the bottom of the pan. Spread on about 2 Tbs of ricotta on each noodle, then a layer of the pesto. Top with a thin layer of the mushroom/kale mixture.
Repeat layers, ending with the final three lasagna noodles. Pour the rest of the sauce on top. Sprinkle with some vegan mozzarella if you'd like.
Cover and bake for 40 minutes. Enjoy!

Quinoa and Black Bean Burgers with Guacamole

October 6, 2012 by epicureanvegan

Quinoa and black beans are two proteins that are just meant to be together. The original recipe for the burgers is from Vegetarian Times, but I made a few alterations. I also added a slice of Daiya cheese (Havarti style wedge) and I made some guac to top it off. The recipe also calls for steak seasoning, and as a vegan, I don’t typically stock up on that stuff, so I went with a blend of Old Bay and a Garlic and Wine seasoning. And don’t expect a dry consistency with these burgers—they’re crispy on the outside and soft and moist inside. These can be made ahead, and even frozen, so they make a great lunch as well when you don’t have a lot of time.

INGREDIENTS:
Burgers:
1/2 C quinoa (I used a blend of red, wheat, and black quinoa which I found in the bulk section of the store)
1 C onion, chopped fine
6 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped fine
1 15-oz can black beans, drained, rinsed, and divided
2 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1 tsp Garlic & Wine seasoning
1/4 C flax seed
5-6 hamburger buns
Guacamole:
2 ripe avocados, peeled and seeded
1/2 C diced tomatoes
2 Tbs red onion, diced
1 Tbs lime juice
1/4 C cilantro, optional
2 tsp Mt. Elbert All Purpose Seasoning from Savory

DIRECTIONS:
In a small saucepan, combine 1-1/2 cups of water with the quinoa and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a skillet, combine the onion and sun-dried tomatoes. The oil left on the tomatoes will be plenty of oil for sauteeing. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until the onion softens. Add 3/4 cup of the black beans, garlic, seasoning, and 1-1/2 cup of water. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed.

Transfer the bean mixture to a food processor, along with 3/4 cup of the quinoa and process until smooth.

Transfer to a bowl and add the rest of the black beans and quinoa. I also added some flax seed to the mix. Season with salt and pepper.

(Yes, I know, it looks really unappetizing right now…)

I made these earlier in the day, so I covered the mixture and let it cool in the fridge for about an hour. When you’re ready to make the patties, preheat the oven to 350. Spray a pan with cooking spray and set aside. Make 5-8 patties (depending on how large you make them) and place onto the pan.

Bake for 20-22 minutes, then flip and bake another 12 minutes.

Meanwhile, to make the guac, mash the avocados with a pastry blender. Add the other ingredients and combine thoroughly.

If using Daiya cheese, throw a slice or two onto the burgers during the last minute of baking—it’ll melt quickly.

Enjoy!

Quinoa and Black Bean Burgers with Guacamole

Quinoa and black beans are two proteins that are just meant to be together. The original recipe for the burgers is from Vegetarian Times, but I made a few alterations. I also added a slice of Daiya cheese (Havarti style wedge) and I made some guac to top it off. The recipe also calls for steak seasoning, and as a vegan, I don't typically stock up on that stuff, so I went with a blend of Old Bay and a Garlic and Wine seasoning. And don't expect a dry consistency with these burgers---they're crispy on the outside and soft and moist inside. These can be made ahead, and even frozen, so they make a great lunch as well when you don't have a lot of time.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Serves: 5-6

Ingredients

Burgers:
½ C quinoa (I used a blend of red, wheat, and black quinoa which I found in the bulk section of the store)
1 C onion, chopped fine
6 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped fine
1 15-oz can black beans, drained, rinsed, and divided
2 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1 tsp Garlic & Wine seasoning
¼ C flax seed
5-6 hamburger buns
Guacamole:
2 ripe avocados, peeled and seeded
½ C diced tomatoes
2 Tbs red onion, diced
1 Tbs lime juice
¼ C cilantro, optional
2 tsp Mt. Elbert All Purpose Seasoning from Savory

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine 1-1/2 cups of water with the quinoa and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a skillet, combine the onion and sun-dried tomatoes. The oil left on the tomatoes will be plenty of oil for sauteeing. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until the onion softens. Add ¾ cup of the black beans, garlic, seasoning, and 1-1/2 cup of water. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
Transfer the bean mixture to a food processor, along with ¾ cup of the quinoa and process until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl and add the rest of the black beans and quinoa. I also added some flax seed to the mix. Season with salt and pepper.
I made these earlier in the day, so I covered the mixture and let it cool in the fridge for about an hour.
When you're ready to make the patties, preheat the oven to 350. Spray a pan with cooking spray and set aside. Make 5-8 patties (depending on how large you make them) and place onto the pan.
Bake for 20-22 minutes, then flip and bake another 12 minutes.
Meanwhile, to make the guac, mash the avocados with a pastry blender. Add the other ingredients and combine thoroughly.
If using Daiya cheese, throw a slice or two onto the burgers during the last minute of baking---it'll melt quickly.
Enjoy!

Mushroom and Barley-Stuffed Peppers

September 26, 2012 by epicureanvegan

I know, stuffed peppers again?! But they’re so easy to change up and try new ingredients combinations. Like most stuffed peppers, these are easy to make, but allow some extra time, especially using barley as it takes 45 minutes to cook.

INGREDIENTS:
3 bell peppers, cut in half and seeds and stems removed
1 C pearl barley
2-1/2 C vegetable broth (I recommend Better than Bouillon vegetable base)
1 Tbs olive oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 large onion, diced
1-1/2 C mushrooms, sliced
1/4 C pepitas
2 Tbs fresh rosemary, minced
1/2 to 1 tsp shallot salt
Black pepper, to taste
2 Tbs white wine
3 Tbs Earth Balance margarine, divided
Parmezano Sprinkles, optional

DIRECTIONS:
In a medium sauce pan, bring the broth to a boil. Add the barley, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil and garlic. Add the onions and cook until tender and slightly browned. Add the pepitas, rosemary, shallot salt, and pepper. Cook another 5 minutes over medium to low heat.

Once the barley is cooked, add it to the skillet, along with the mushrooms, and stir well to combine. Add the white wine and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.

Stuff the peppers with the filling and press down, adding as much as possible to each one. Place them into a large baking dish. Add a cup of water to the dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 30 minutes. Once baked, top each pepper with a half a tablespoon of Earth Balance, replace the foil, and let sit for 5 minutes. Top with the Parmezano Sprinkles, and enjoy!

Mushroom and Barley-Stuffed Peppers

Like most stuffed peppers, these are easy to make, but allow some extra time, especially using barley as it takes 45 minutes to cook.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Serves: 3-6

Ingredients

3 bell peppers, cut in half and seeds and stems removed
1 C pearl barley
2-1/2 C vegetable broth (I recommend Better than Bouillon vegetable base)
1 Tbs olive oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
½ large onion, diced
1-1/2 C mushrooms, sliced
¼ C pepitas
2 Tbs fresh rosemary, minced
½ to 1 tsp shallot salt
Black pepper, to taste
2 Tbs white wine
3 Tbs Earth Balance margarine, divided
Parmezano Sprinkles, optional

Directions

In a medium sauce pan, bring the broth to a boil. Add the barley, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 45 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375.
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil and garlic. Add the onions and cook until tender and slightly browned. Add the pepitas, rosemary, shallot salt, and pepper. Cook another 5 minutes over medium to low heat.
Once the barley is cooked, add it to the skillet, along with the mushrooms, and stir well to combine. Add the white wine and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
Stuff the peppers with the filling and press down, adding as much as possible to each one. Place them into a large baking dish. Add a cup of water to the dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 30 minutes.
Once baked, top each pepper with a half a tablespoon of Earth Balance, replace the foil, and let sit for 5 minutes. Top with the Parmezano Sprinkles, and enjoy!

Baked Tofu Tacos

August 22, 2012 by epicureanvegan

This was a delicious experiment. The Eighth Grader suggested these tacos, so why not? Tofu’s the chameleon of plant-based foods. I had bought some seasoning mix from Savory Spice Shop that we thought sounded interesting, and decided to try it out on these tacos.

I think it works best to try to marinate the tofu in the seasoning for a few hours. (These tacos tasted even better the next day).

INGREDIENTS:
16-20 oz extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
2 Tbs seasoning mix of your choice, divided
2-4 Tbs olive oil, divided
1 onion, sliced
Taco shells
Lettuce, shopped
Tomatoes, chopped
Salsa
Avocado, sliced

DIRECTIONS:
Cut the tofu into little slabs . . .

Line a baking sheet (preferably with sides to catch the oil) with foil. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of the seasoning mix with about 1 to 1-1/2 Tbs of olive oil. Brush the foil with a little of the mixture, then line the pan with the tofu. Brush the tops and sides of the tofu with the olive oil mix. If you can cover and leave the tofu for an hour or two, that would be great. You can also combine the the 2 Tbs of the mixture and olive oil in a bag or dish with the tofu and marinate it that way.

Preheat oven to 375. Bake the tofu for about 15 minutes, or until the edges start to brown. Turn the tofu slices and brush the remaining seasoning/oil mix on the other side. Bake another 15 minutes or so, again, until the edges begin to brown.

While the tofu is baking, saute the onion slices in a little olive oil over medium heat.

Once baked, cut each slice in half, longways.

I transferred the tofu to the onion pan.

Scoop into some taco shells, add a slice or two of avocado, some lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa. Enjoy!

Baked Tofu Tacos

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

16-20 oz extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
2 Tbs seasoning mix of your choice, divided
2-4 Tbs olive oil, divided
1 onion, sliced
Taco shells
Lettuce, shopped
Tomatoes, chopped
Salsa
Avocado, sliced

Directions

Cut the tofu into little slabs
Line a baking sheet (preferably with sides to catch the oil) with foil. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of the seasoning mix with about 1 to 1-1/2 Tbs of olive oil. Brush the foil with a little of the mixture, then line the pan with the tofu. Brush the tops and sides of the tofu with the olive oil mix. If you can cover and leave the tofu for an hour or two, that would be great. You can also combine the the 2 Tbs of the mixture and olive oil in a bag or dish with the tofu and marinate it that way.
Preheat oven to 375. Bake the tofu for about 15 minutes, or until the edges start to brown. Turn the tofu slices and brush the remaining seasoning/oil mix on the other side. Bake another 15 minutes or so, again, until the edges begin to brown.
While the tofu is baking, saute the onion slices in a little olive oil over medium heat.
Once baked, cut each slice in half, longways.
I transferred the tofu to the onion pan.
Scoop into some taco shells, add a slice or two of avocado, some lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa. Enjoy!

Portobello Wraps

August 15, 2012 by epicureanvegan

After the delicious portobello wrap I had at Ouray Brewery last weekend, I decided to make my own. I had purchased some Vegenaise Chipotle Spread a couple of weeks back and figured it was high time to try it out.

This certainly has a zip to it, so go easy if you’re not keen on really spicy food. However, I did use chipotle olive oil and cumin in this meal, so that could have added some heat as well. Overall, an excellent spread or dipping sauce, plus dinner was ready in about 15 minutes.

INGREDIENTS:
3 large portobellos, washed, stems removed, and cut into slices
1/4 of a medium head of red/purple cabbage, sliced into strips
1/2 large red onion, cut into strips
Olive oil
1/4 to 1/2 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 spinach tortilla wraps
Romaine leaves
Tomato slices
Vegenaise Chipotle Spread
Optional: sliced black olives

DIRECTIONS:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the red onion and cabbage and cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften.

Add the portobello mushrooms and cook another 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Add the cumin, salt, and pepper.

Layer some Vegenaise onto the tortilla, then one large romaine leaf. Scoop some mushroom filling on next, then top with a few tomato slices (and black olives, if using). Roll up tightly and cut diagonally in the middle. Enjoy!

Portobello Wraps

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

3 large portobellos, washed, stems removed, and cut into slices
¼ of a medium head of red/purple cabbage, sliced into strips
½ large red onion, cut into strips
Olive oil
¼ to ½ tsp cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 spinach tortilla wraps
Romaine leaves
Tomato slices
Vegenaise Chipotle Spread
Optional: sliced black olives

Directions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the red onion and cabbage and cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
Add the portobello mushrooms and cook another 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Add the cumin, salt, and pepper.
Layer some Vegenaise onto the tortilla, then one large romaine leaf. Scoop some mushroom filling on next, then top with a few tomato slices (and black olives, if using). Roll up tightly and cut diagonally in the middle. Enjoy!

Cashew Stir-fry with Noodles

July 31, 2012 by epicureanvegan

Sorry for the absence…I haven’t been making new dishes over the last couple of weeks, but instead, have been relying on some old favorites like enchiladas, creamy cashew pasta, and tofu sandwiches. We are leaving Wednesday for Santa Fe and Taos, so it was a good time to use up the veggies in the fridge. I’m excited to bring you lots of wonderful vegan food and news from New Mexico. It’s been ten years since we’ve there and we’re looking forward to going back. Of course, any road trip is not complete in my household without an accident/injury a day or two before leaving. (Last year, the Eighth Grader got his two front teeth knocked out during a trampoline incident. We were supposed to drive to Southern CO for a wedding. It didn’t happen. Spring Break this year was altered after the kid’s appendectomy). It was my turn, I guess. I got a little too excited trying out my new mandolin slicer Sunday night…

I should have seen it coming. I’ve heard the horror stories associated with the mandolin, but I bought one the other day anyway. First time I use it, I slice a pretty large chunk off my right pinkie finger. I’m lucky though, it could have been worse. I was millimeters short of taking off bone and nail! Yikes. Good thing I married an Eagle Scout. He kept me calm and got it wrapped up. I ended up going to urgent care yesterday morning and they cleaned it up good, wrapped it, and I have to go back today to have it looked at. The doc said it will take several months to heal. 🙁 The mandolin is in timeout.

Had I not been an idiot and lost part of an appendage, I probably would have used it to make this stir-fry, but I decided to stick with a good old-fashioned knife. It was slow-going, but I had some help. I picked up some East-West Stir-fry Sauce and these awesome ramen noodles from Hakubaku. Both were outstanding. The sauce had a mild flavor with just a tiny bit of zip. I used about 1/2 the jar, but feel free to use as much or as little as you’d like.

INGREDIENTS:
2 medium zucchinis, cut into sticks
6 mushrooms, quartered
6 celery stalks, sliced
1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 can bamboo shoots, drained
6 green onions, sliced
1-2 handfuls of cashews
3 Tbs freshly grated gingerroot
1 jar East-est Stir-fry Sauce
9.5-oz Hakubaku noodles
Olive oil

DIRECTIONS
Heat about a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Add the zucchini, celery, and bell pepper. Cook until they begin to get tender, about 7-9 minutes.

Add the bamboo shoots and ginger. Cook another 5 -7 minutes.

The noodles will take four minutes to cook in boiling water, so when you toss them in to cook, add the mushrooms, green onion, and cashews to the skillet. Cook 2 minutes…then add the sauce. Stir well to combine and saute to heat the sauce.

Drain the noodles and serve them topped with some stir-fry. Enjoy!

Cashew Stir-fry with Noodles

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis, cut into sticks
6 mushrooms, quartered
6 celery stalks, sliced
1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 can bamboo shoots, drained
6 green onions, sliced
1-2 handfuls of cashews
3 Tbs freshly grated gingerroot
1 jar East-est Stir-fry Sauce
9.5-oz Hakubaku noodles
Olive oil

Directions

Heat about a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Add the zucchini, celery, and bell pepper. Cook until they begin to get tender, about 7-9 minutes.
Add the bamboo shoots and ginger. Cook another 5 -7 minutes.
The noodles will take four minutes to cook in boiling water, so when you toss them in to cook, add the mushrooms, green onion, and cashews to the skillet. Cook 2 minutes...then add the sauce. Stir well to combine and saute to heat the sauce.
Drain the noodles and serve them topped with some stir-fry. Enjoy!

Vegan Potatoes au Gratin

July 10, 2012 by epicureanvegan

We’re a potato-loving crowd around here. We’re certainly loving the leftovers of these, too. I didn’t want to overdo the carbs with this meal, so I steamed some kale and carrots, and had a side of fresh fruit salad.

INGREDIENTS:
8 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced very thin
3 Tbs vegetable broth
1 garlic clove, minced
2 Tbs arrowroot
1 tsp salt (or Old Bay Seasoning)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1-1/2 C almond milk
1 C shredded vegan cheddar, divided
3 slices of bread (the heels of the load are ideal for this)
3 Tbs vegan margarine, divided
Paprika

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400. Spread half of the potato slices on the bottom of a 9×13″ baking pan. In a medium saucepan, heat one tablespoon of the Earth Balance and add the garlic. Cook for a minute. Add the broth or water and bring to a boil. Whisk in the arrowroot and cook for a minute over medium heat. Slowly add the almond milk and whisk as you go. Raise the heat and little and continue stirring until it begins to thicken. Add the salt, pepper, dry mustard, and nutmeg. Stir in half of the vegan cheese.

Once the cheese is mostly melted, spread half of the milk mixture on top of the potatoes in the pan.

Layer the remaining potatoes on top, then spread the rest of the sauce on top. To make breadcrumbs, combine the slices of bread and remaining 2 Tbs of Earth Balance in a food processor. Pulse until crumbly and sprinkle on top of potatoes, along with the rest of the cheese.

Sprinkle the top with paprika. Cover and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender (check using a fork or toothpick).

Enjoy!

Vegan Potatoes au Gratin

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

8 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced very thin
3 Tbs vegetable broth
1 garlic clove, minced
2 Tbs arrowroot
1 tsp salt (or Old Bay Seasoning)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dry mustard
⅛ tsp nutmeg
1-1/2 C almond milk
1 C shredded vegan cheddar, divided
3 slices of bread (the heels of the load are ideal for this)
3 Tbs vegan margarine, divided
Paprika

Directions

Preheat oven to 400. Spread half of the potato slices on the bottom of a 9x13" baking pan. In a medium saucepan, heat one tablespoon of the vegan margarine and add the garlic. Cook for a minute. Add the broth or water and bring to a boil. Whisk in the arrowroot and cook for a minute over medium heat. Slowly add the almond milk and whisk as you go. Raise the heat and little and continue stirring until it begins to thicken. Add the salt, pepper, dry mustard, and nutmeg. Stir in half of the vegan cheese.
Once the cheese is mostly melted, spread half of the milk mixture on top of the potatoes in the pan.
Layer the remaining potatoes on top, then spread the rest of the sauce on top. To make breadcrumbs, combine the slices of bread and remaining 2 Tbs of vegan margarine in a food processor. Pulse until crumbly and sprinkle on top of potatoes, along with the rest of the cheese.
Sprinkle the top with paprika. Cover and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender (check using a fork or toothpick). Enjoy!

Guac & Bean Tacos

July 8, 2012 by epicureanvegan

If you need a fast and fresh dinner (or lunch) these are ideal. I really like La Tortilla Factory’s homemade style tortillas for these. They’re a cross between a corn and flour tortilla and are the perfect size.

INGREDIENTS:
4 avocados
1/2 C white or red onion, diced
1/2 to 1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp lime juice
1 can black beans, undrained
1/2 C fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tomato, diced
Tortillas
Lettuce, chopped

DIRECTIONS:
Mash the avocados and add the onion, lime juice, and garlic salt.

In a small sauce pan, heat the beans, stirring often, until heated through. Get ready to assemble . . .

Layer on some avocado mixture, cilantro, beans, and tomatoes. Enjoy!

Guac & Bean Tacos

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

4 avocados
½ C white or red onion, diced
½ to 1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp lime juice
1 can black beans, undrained
½ C fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tomato, diced
Tortillas
Lettuce, chopped

Directions

Mash the avocados and add the onion, lime juice, and garlic salt.
In a small sauce pan, heat the beans, stirring often, until heated through. Get ready to assemble: Layer on some avocado mixture, cilantro, beans, and tomatoes. Enjoy!

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

July 7, 2012 by epicureanvegan

The (soon-to-be) Eighth Grader picked these out from Lightlife. The original recipe is for 12 rolls, but one large head of cabbage had about 8 good leaves to use, so we had some leftover filling. If you plan on making 12, you’ll probably want to pick up 2 heads of cabbage. These we actually pretty easy to make and were really flavorful and delicious, not to mention healthy. One roll is only 275 calories! You can also customize these rolls to suit your tastes—mix it up by adding your favorite ingredients. Next time, I’ll try mushrooms and zucchini. Keep in mind, the recipe calls for cooked rice, so you’ll want to get that going first. Also, you’ll need to steam the leaves ahead of time as well.

INGREDIENTS:
1 pkg Gimme Lean “beef”
2 Tbs olive oil
8-12 cabbage leaves
1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 C cooked rice
15-oz can tomato sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
3 Tbs brown sugar
3 Tbs apple cider vinegar
2-4 Tbs water

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cabbage leaves, remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the garlic, onions, and peppers and cook until tender.

Add the Gimme Lean. You could chop it up before adding it, or just dice it up with a spatula in the pan. You’ll want small clumps, or pieces. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper and continue cooking until the “beef” begins to brown.

Add the rice…

In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, brown sugar, and cider vinegar. Reserve a 1/4 cup; set aside. Add the remaining sauce to the pan and combine it well with the veggie mixture. After you’ve drained the cabbage leaves, pat them dry. Lay a leaf out flat and add about a 1/3 cup of the mixture in the center.

Fold in the sides, then roll up. You can also secure it with a toothpick if needed, but I found that these rolled up fine and stayed put.

Place the rolls in a 9×13 baking pan. Pour about 2-4 Tbs of water int he bottom of the pan to keep the leaves moist.

Mix 2 Tbs of water with the reserved 1/4 cup of sauce and pour it over the rolls.

Cover and bake for 35-40 minutes. Enjoy!

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

The (soon-to-be) Eighth Grader picked these out from Lightlife. The original recipe is for 12 rolls, but one large head of cabbage had about 8 good leaves to use, so we had some leftover filling. If you plan on making 12, you'll probably want to pick up 2 heads of cabbage. These we actually pretty easy to make and were really flavorful and delicious, not to mention healthy. One roll is only 275 calories! You can also customize these rolls to suit your tastes---mix it up by adding your favorite ingredients. Next time, I'll try mushrooms and zucchini. Keep in mind, the recipe calls for cooked rice, so you'll want to get that going first. Also, you'll need to steam the leaves ahead of time as well.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

1 pkg Gimme Lean "beef"
2 Tbs olive oil
8-12 cabbage leaves
1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 C cooked rice
15-oz can tomato sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
3 Tbs brown sugar
3 Tbs apple cider vinegar
2-4 Tbs water

Directions

Preheat oven to 350. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cabbage leaves, remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the garlic, onions, and peppers and cook until tender.
Add the Gimme Lean. You could chop it up before adding it, or just dice it up with a spatula in the pan. You'll want small clumps, or pieces. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper and continue cooking until the "beef" begins to brown.
Add the rice.
In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, brown sugar, and cider vinegar. Reserve a ¼ cup; set aside. Add the remaining sauce to the pan and combine it well with the veggie mixture. After you've drained the cabbage leaves, pat them dry. Lay a leaf out flat and add about a ⅓ cup of the mixture in the center.
Fold in the sides, then roll up. You can also secure it with a toothpick if needed, but I found that these rolled up fine and stayed put.
Place the rolls in a 9x13 baking pan. Pour about 2-4 Tbs of water int he bottom of the pan to keep the leaves moist.
Mix 2 Tbs of water with the reserved ¼ cup of sauce and pour it over the rolls.
Cover and bake for 35-40 minutes. Enjoy!

Artichoke and Lemon Linguine

June 23, 2012 by epicureanvegan

While at the farmer’s market last weekend, I picked up some Artichoke Lemon pasta. You can order it at Pappardelle’s Pasta.

I threw together a dish with a light, creamy roux and some vegetables and it came out delicious—and fast too. Dinner was ready in less than 30 minutes. Keep in mind, you’ll have three different pots/pans going at the same time, but don’t be alarmed, it’s easy to make, especially if you have all of your ingredients chopped, sliced, and ready to go before hand.

INGREDIENTS:
8-oz Artichoke Lemon linguine
1-2 C fresh basil, chopped
4-5 large mushrooms, sliced
14-oz can artichoke hearts, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbs olive oil
2 Tbs vegan margarine
2 Tbs flour
1/2 C almond milk
Dash of salt, pepper, and nutmeg
1 Tbs lemon juice

DIRECTIONS:
In a small skillet, heat the olive oil and garlic. Add the artichokes and cook for 8 minutes, stirring often. Meanwhile, cook the pasta for 5-7 minutes. I have found that this pasta tends to cook faster than commercial brands, so keep an eye on it. Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook another 5 minutes.

While this is happening, get your roux going. Melt the vegan margarine in a small saucepan. Whisk in the flour and cook for a minute. Slowly pour in the almond milk and whisk it until smooth. It will thicken up pretty quickly.

Add the lemon juice, salt, pepper, and nutmeg and blend well. For the veggie mixture, once the mushrooms are tender, reduce the heat to low and stir in the basil.

Combine the sauce and the veggies with the pasta and blend everything together.

Enjoy!

Artichoke and Lemon Linguine

I threw together a dish with a light, creamy roux and some vegetables and it came out delicious---and fast too. Dinner was ready in less than 30 minutes. Keep in mind, you'll have three different pots/pans going at the same time, but don't be alarmed, it's easy to make, especially if you have all of your ingredients chopped, sliced, and ready to go before hand.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

8-oz Artichoke Lemon linguine
1-2 C fresh basil, chopped
4-5 large mushrooms, sliced
14-oz can artichoke hearts, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbs olive oil
2 Tbs vegan margarine
2 Tbs flour
½ C almond milk
Dash of salt, pepper, and nutmeg
1 Tbs lemon juice

Directions

In a small skillet, heat the olive oil and garlic. Add the artichokes and cook for 8 minutes, stirring often. Meanwhile, cook the pasta for 5-7 minutes. I have found that this pasta tends to cook faster than commercial brands, so keep an eye on it. Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook another 5 minutes.
While this is happening, get your roux going. Melt the vegan margarine in a small saucepan. Whisk in the flour and cook for a minute. Slowly pour in the almond milk and whisk it until smooth. It will thicken up pretty quickly.
Add the lemon juice, salt, pepper, and nutmeg and blend well. For the veggie mixture, once the mushrooms are tender, reduce the heat to low and stir in the basil.
Combine the sauce and the veggies with the pasta and blend everything together. Enjoy!

Vegan White Lasagna

Quinoa and Black Bean Burgers with Guacamole

Mushroom and Barley-Stuffed Peppers

Baked Tofu Tacos

Portobello Wraps

Cashew Stir-fry with Noodles

Vegan Potatoes au Gratin

Guac & Bean Tacos

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Artichoke and Lemon Linguine

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