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Black Rice & Lentil Thai Bowls with Cashew-Coconut Curry Sauce

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Black Rice and Lentil Thai Bowls with Cashew-Coconut Curry Sauce -- Epicurean VeganYou’re going to need a big bowl to fit in all this goodness. It’s easy to go overboard with different veggies and toppings, but I think I found a great combination for these Thai bowls. Not only are they vegan, but they’re gluten-free too. The flavors of the sauce mingle beautifully with the steamed cauliflower, tofu and kale. The pepitas also add a nice extra crunch as well. Served warm or cold, these bowls are great to take to work for a filling, protein-packed lunch.

INGREDIENTS:
2-1/2 C vegetable broth
1 C black rice
1 C green lentils
1 head cauliflower
14-oz extra firm tofu, drained, pressed and cubed
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 carrots, grated
3 C kale, chopped
1 C green onion, sliced
1/2 C pepitas
Cashew-Coconut Curry Sauce:
1 C cashews, soaked in hot water for about an hour
2 cloves garlic
1 can coconut milk
1 Tbs fresh ginger, grated
2 Tbs peanut butter
Juice from one lime
1 Tbs curry powder
1 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS:
To begin, combine the rice, lentils and vegetable broth in a large soup pot and bring to a boil. Stir, reduce heat, and cover; cook for 40-45 minutes. This will give you plenty of time to get everything else prepared: chop the veggies, saute the tofu and steam the cauliflower. For the tofu, I just sauteed the cubes in a dry skillet until slightly browned. Steam the cauliflower florets for about 8-10 minutes—not too much though because you want to avoid making the cauliflower too mushy (unless you like that sort of thing). I prefer them to have a little bit of crunch. To make the sauce, toss the garlic cloves in a food processor and mince. Next, add all of the other sauce ingredients and puree for several minutes until completely smooth. Transfer to a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until it thickens just a little—only a couple of minutes.

Black Rice and Lentil Thai Bowls with Cashew-Coconut Curry Sauce -- Epicurean VeganOnce the rice and lentils are done, fluff with a spoon. To serve, start with some rice-lentil mixture, then add the kale, tofu, cauliflower, carrots, green onions, sauce and top with the pepitas. Absolutely delicious! Enjoy!

Black Rice & Lentil Thai Bowls with Cashew-Coconut Curry Sauce
 
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You're going to need a big bowl to fit in all this goodness. It's easy to go overboard with different veggies and toppings, but I think I found a great combination for these Thai bowls. Not only are they vegan, but they're gluten-free too. The flavors of the sauce mingle beautifully with the steamed cauliflower, tofu and kale. The pepitas also add a nice extra crunch as well. Served warm or cold, these bowls are great to take to work for a filling, protein-packed lunch.
Author:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 2-1/2 C vegetable broth
  • 1 C black rice
  • 1 C green lentils
  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 14-oz extra firm tofu, drained, pressed and cubed
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 carrots, grated
  • 3 C kale, chopped
  • 1 C green onion, sliced
  • ½ C pepitas
  • .
  • Cashew-Coconut Curry Sauce:
  • .
  • 1 C cashews, soaked in hot water for about an hour
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 Tbs fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 Tbs peanut butter
  • Juice from one lime
  • 1 Tbs curry powder
  • 1 tsp salt
Directions
  1. To begin, combine the rice, lentils and vegetable broth in a large soup pot and bring to a boil. Stir, reduce heat, and cover; cook for 40-45 minutes.
  2. This will give you plenty of time to get everything else prepared: chop the veggies, saute the tofu and steam the cauliflower.
  3. For the tofu, I just sauteed the cubes in a dry skillet until slightly browned.
  4. Steam the cauliflower florets for about 8-10 minutes---not too much though because you want to avoid making the cauliflower too mushy (unless you like that sort of thing). I prefer them to have a little bit of crunch.
  5. To make the sauce, toss the garlic cloves in a food processor and mince. Next, add all of the other sauce ingredients and puree for several minutes until completely smooth. Transfer to a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until it thickens just a little---only a couple of minutes.
  6. Once the rice and lentils are done, fluff with a spoon.
  7. To serve, start with some rice-lentil mixture, then add the kale, tofu, cauliflower, carrots, green onions, sauce and top with the pepitas. Absolutely delicious! Enjoy!

 

A Spectacular Superfood Salad

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A Spectacular Superfood Salad -- Epicurean Vegan

So what’s a superfood, you might ask? Well, according to the online dictionary, it’s “a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being.” That sounds about right. Chances are, your fridge and pantry are stocked with these very ingredients and a salad is a great way to make the most of them—all in one bite. You won’t find meat and dairy labeled as superfoods. Ever. (Okay, some people consider salmon a superfood, but it’s really the omegas they’re after, which are readily found in plant foods). I made a very light dressing to coat the salad, also packed with immune-boosting deliciousness, so dig in and feel super energized, super healthy, and super happy with this spectacular superfood salad!

The super benefits:

Kale: high in fiber, iron, Vitamin K, C, and A; an anti-inflammatory food, supports cardiovascular health and is full of antioxidants.
Spinach: high in Vitamin A, K, D and E; good source of omega-3 fatty acids, loaded with antioxidants (fights cancer & inflammation), rich in calcium and magnesium, as well as carotenoids for eye health.
Pepitas (pumpkin seeds): high in magnesium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fiber and anti-inflammatory properties. They’re also high in tryptophan—you know, the “sleep hormone” found in turkey? Sprinkle some pepitas on your next Thanksgiving dish and enjoy the same post-meal nap without the dead bird.
Walnuts: cancer-fighting properties, heart health benefits, extremely high in antioxidants, as well as Vitamin E, folate, melatonin and omega-3 fatty acids.
Red onion: high in quercetin, a bioflavonoid with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, cancer-fighting, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
Blueberries: said to help with memory decline, reduce heart attack risk, and are full of antioxidants. Also high in Vitamin K, manganese and fiber.
Chia seeds: high in protein, fiber, phosphorus, manganese, calcium and potassium. They also contain healthy antioxidants and are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Garbanzo beans (chickpeas): high in fiber, protein, manganese, and iron. They can also stabilize blood sugar and help lower one’s cholesterol.

A Spectacular Superfood Salad
 
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Author:
Recipe type: Salad
Serves: 8-10
Ingredients
  • 2 heads of kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves chopped small
  • 3 C spinach, chopped small
  • 2 C fresh or dried blueberries
  • 1 C red onion, diced small
  • 1 15-oz can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ C pepitas
  • 1 C walnuts, chopped
  • .
  • Dressing
  • .
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbs yellow miso
  • 1 Tbs tahini
  • 1 Tbs nutritional yeast
  • 1 T lemon juice
  • ½ tsp chia seeds
  • ¼ C water
Directions
  1. Toss all of the salad ingredients together in a large bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Let the dressing sit about 10 minutes to allow the chia seeds to thicken the dressing just a bit.
  3. Add the dressing to the salad and toss to coat thoroughly. Enjoy!

 

Tofu-Avocado Bowl with Cilantro-Ginger Cashew Sauce

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Tofu Avocado Bowl with Cilantro-Ginger Cashew Sauce -- Epicurean VeganIt’s been a busy spring, but I hope to get back to posting more regularly very, very soon. I’m excited to bring you this new recipe that is a “smorgasbord of flavors,” as The Husband called it. (That’s a good thing, I found out). This weekend, we went to WaterCourse Foods in Denver where I thoroughly enjoyed their Street Tacos that had a cilantro cream sauce. I have no idea how they made theirs, but it inspired me to make my own. Then came the veggies, rice and tofu and an incredible meal was born! (Sorry, a little dramatic). But I think you’ll really love this easy to make meal (no judgment here if you lick the bowl).

INGREDIENTS:
Cilantro-Ginger Cashew Sauce:
1 C raw, unsalted cashews, soaked for at least an hour in hot water
1 Tbs white or yellow miso
1/3 C packed cilantro leaves
2 Tbs lime juice
1 large clove of garlic, minced
1 Tbs fresh ginger
1 tsp salt
1/4 C water
1/4 C unsweetened, unflavored almond milk
The rest:
1-3/4 C vegetable broth
1 C wild rice (I used Lundberg Jubilee variety)
14-oz extra firm tofu, drained and pressed, cut into 6-7 slabs
1-1/2 C snowpeas, ends trimmed and cut in half
3/4 C green onion, sliced
2 carrots, grated
Shallot salt (or regular salt)
1-2 avocados, sliced
Cooking spray

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DIRECTIONS:
Start with preparing the rice. Combine the broth and rice in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover for 40 minutes. Meanwhile, to make the amazing sauce, drain the cashews and transfer them to the food processor. Add the other ingredients and puree. Scrape the bowl a few times and process until completely smooth.

Tofu-Avocado Bowl with Cilantro-Ginger Cashew Sauce -- Epicurean VeganSpray a large skillet with cooking spray and place over medium-high heat. Place the tofu slabs in the skillet, season with shallot salt. Turn the tofu once one side is browned. Season once again with shallot salt.
Tofu-Avocado Bowl with Cilantro-Ginger Cashew Sauce -- Epicurean VeganOnce the tofu is done, transfer to a cutting board and cut each slab into 3 long pieces, then again in half.
Tofu-Avocado Bowl with Cilantro-Ginger Cashew Sauce -- Epicurean VeganAdd the snowpeas and green onion to the same skillet. Over medium heat, saute the veggies for just a few minutes; enough to soften them a little. If need be, spray the skillet again with cooking spray. Stir in the carrot and cook another few minutes. Season with a little shallot salt, if you’d like.
Tofu-Avocado Bowl with Cilantro-Ginger Cashew Sauce -- Epicurean VeganTo assemble, start with rice, top with the vegetable mixture, then add the tofu and avocado. Drizzle, drop or dump some sauce on top. Then . . . mix it all together and enjoy!
Tofu-Avocado Bowl with Cilantro-Ginger Cashew Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

Tofu-Avocado Bowl with Cilantro-Ginger Cashew Sauce
 
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I'm excited to bring you this new recipe that is a "smorgasbord of flavors," as The Husband called it. (That's a good thing, I found out). This weekend, we went to WaterCourse Foods in Denver where I thoroughly enjoyed their Street Tacos that had a cilantro cream sauce. I have no idea how they made theirs, but it inspired me to make my own. Then came the veggies, rice and tofu and an incredible meal was born! (Sorry, a little dramatic). But I think you'll really love this easy to make meal (no judgment here if you lick the bowl).
Author:
Ingredients
  • Cilantro-Ginger Cashew Sauce:
  • 1 C raw, unsalted cashews, soaked for at least an hour in hot water
  • 1 Tbs white or yellow miso
  • ⅓ C packed cilantro leaves
  • 2 Tbs lime juice
  • 1 large clove of garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbs fresh ginger
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ C water
  • ¼ C unsweetened, unflavored almond milk
  • The rest:
  • 1-3/4 C vegetable broth
  • 1 C wild rice (I used Lundberg Jubilee variety)
  • 14-oz extra firm tofu, drained and pressed, cut into 6-7 slabs
  • 1-1/2 C snowpeas, ends trimmed and cut in half
  • ¾ C green onion, sliced
  • 2 carrots, grated
  • Shallot salt (or regular salt)
  • 1-2 avocados, sliced
  • Cooking spray
Directions
  1. Start with preparing the rice. Combine the broth and rice in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover for 40 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, to make the amazing sauce, drain the cashews and transfer them to the food processor. Add the other ingredients and puree. Scrape the bowl a few times and process until completely smooth
  3. Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and place over medium-high heat. Place the tofu slabs in the skillet, season with shallot salt. Turn the tofu once one side is browned. Season once again with shallot salt.
  4. Once the tofu is done, transfer to a cutting board and cut each slab into 3 long pieces, then again in half.
  5. Add the snowpeas and green onion to the same skillet. Over medium heat, saute the veggies for just a few minutes; enough to soften them a little. If need be, spray the skillet again with cooking spray. Stir in the carrot and cook another few minutes. Season with a little shallot salt, if you'd like.
  6. To assemble, start with rice, top with the vegetable mixture, then add the tofu and avocado. Drizzle, drop or dump some sauce on top. Then . . . mix it all together and enjoy!

 

Empowered Noodle Bowl + A Giveaway of The Oh She Glows Cookbook!

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The Oh She Glows Cookbook -- Epicurean VeganI was thrilled to have an opportunity to post a recipe from Angela Liddon’s The Oh She Glows Cookbook AND be able to give a copy away to one lucky reader! I’ve been glued to this cookbook since I received it because not only is it full of beautiful photographs (about every recipe has a pic), but the recipes look downright delicious. Like Liddon, I had some unhealthy eating (or should I say, not eating) habits before I went vegan. I can truly say that a vegan diet saved my life. This is a great cookbook to have in your collection because it is full of tasty, healthy recipes that use only whole, minimally-processed ingredients. If you’ve been a fan of the Oh She Glows website, you’re going to love this cookbook with 75 brand-spankin’ new recipes, plus 25 updated reader favorites. So if you want to win this beautiful cookbook, leave a comment; it’s that easy! You have until midnight (PST) on Sunday, April 6. I’ll announce the winner on Monday, April 7th. 

Empowered Noodle Bowl -- Epicurean Vegan

You’ll love Liddon’s Empowered Noodle Bowl, two ways: Thai Peanut & Orange-Maple Miso on page 153. I decided to make both dressings and honestly, I can’t tell you which one is my favorite; they’re both delicious. The Thai Peanut is thicker with some garlic kick, whereas the Orange-Maple Miso is a tad thinner and milder. They’re both easy enough to make, so why not do both? This is a fantastic lunch or light dinner, that comes together rather quickly. I like how the veggies take precedence over the noodles—it’s not a heavy pasta dish, but rather, a bowl of fresh veggies with some noodles thrown in and coated with a tasty dressing. A winner for sure.

Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
Thai Peanut Sauce
1 large garlic clove
2 Tbs toasted sesame oil
3 Tbs natural smooth peanut butter
2 tsp grated fresh ginger
3 Tbs fresh lime juice
2 Tbs + 1 tsp low-sodium tamari
1-2 tsp granulated sugar
Orange-Maple Miso Dressing
3 Tbs light miso
2 Tbs rice vinegar
1 Tbs toasted sesame oil
1 Tbs tahini
1/4 C fresh orange juice
1 Tbs water
1 tsp maple syrup
Salad
4 oz gluten-free soba noodles
Extra virgin olive oil, for the noodles
16 oz bag frozen shelled edamame, thawed
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 English cucumber, diced
1 carrot, julienned
4 green onions, chopped
1/4 C cilantro, chopped
Sesame seeds, for serving

DIRECTIONS
To make the Thai Peanut sauce, combine all of the ingredients in a food processor and blend until completely smooth. Do the same for the Orange-Maple Miso Dressing.

Empowered Noodle Bowl -- Epicurean VeganCook the noodles according to instructions on the package (5-9 minutes). Drain, rinse under cold water and transfer to a large bowl. Drizzle with a little of the olive oil, then toss with the veggies and dressing of your choice. Top individual servings with sesame seeds and enjoy! If you like the looks of this recipe, you’re going to want this cookbook, so leave a comment and you just may get it! Good luck!

Empowered Noodle Bowl -- Epicurean VeganWith the Thai Peanut Sauce
Empowered Noodle Bowl -- Epicurean VeganWith the Orange-Maple Miso Dressing

 Reprinted by arrangement with AVERY, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, A Penguin Random House Company. Copyright © GLO BAKERY CORPORATION, 2014.

Quinoa & Kale Pitas with Tahini Dressing

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Quinoa and Kale Pitas with Tahini Dressing -- Epicurean VeganThese are packed with some of my favorite ingredients! Quinoa is loaded with protein and the kale is well . . . it’s kale! We all know kale is high in iron, calcium and several vitamins. Check out these 10 Health Benefits of this super green. I also threw in some pepitas, which are rich in vitamins, beta carotene, and protein. I made a pretty big batch so that I can nosh all week (especially post workouts), but feel free to halve the recipe if you’re fearful of getting quinoa’d out. (Inconceivable! 😉 )

INGREDIENTS
Filling
2 C tri-color quinoa
4 C vegetable broth or water
1 Tbs olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 C red onion, diced
3/4 C green onion, sliced
2 C mushrooms, diced
1 bunch kale, leaves removed and chopped (stems discarded)
3/4 C pepitas
Dressing
2 large cloves of garlic
1 Tbs tahini
2 Tbs yellow/light miso
1/4 C nutritional yeast
1/2 C unsweetened almond milk
1/2 C cold water
2 Tbs chia seesds
1/4 tsp black pepper
The rest
Pita pockets
Avocado slices

DIRECTIONS
I recommend making the dressing first. It’ll be a little runny, but letting it sit for 20 minutes or so, will allow the chia seeds to do their thing and thicken up the dressing. In a food processor or blender, combine all of the dressing ingredients and blend until smooth. Set aside.

Quinoa and Kale Pitas with Tahini Dressing -- Epicurean VeganIn a large soup pot, combine the broth (or water) with the quinoa. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover, and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until all of the liquid has been absorbed.

Quinoa and Kale Pitas with Tahini Dressing -- Epicurean VeganMeanwhile, heat the olive oil and garlic in a large skillet. Add the red and green onions. Saute until softened and a tiny bit browned. Add the kale and mushrooms and saute until the the kale is bright green, about 5 minutes.
Quinoa and Kale Pitas with Tahini Dressing -- Epicurean VeganFold the veggies and pepitas into the cooked quinoa.
Quinoa and Kale Pitas with Tahini Dressing -- Epicurean VeganI placed a little dressing inside the pita,  along with a slice or two of avocado, then added the filling, and topped with some more dressing. Enjoy!
Quinoa and Kale Pitas with Tahini Dressing -- Epicurean Vegan

Quinoa & Kale Pitas with Tahini Dressing
 
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These are packed with some of my favorite ingredients! Quinoa is loaded with protein and the kale is well . . . it's kale! We all know kale is high in iron, calcium and several vitamins. Check out these 10 Health Benefits of this super green. I also threw in some pepitas, which are rich in vitamins, beta carotene, and protein. I made a pretty big batch so that I can nosh all week (especially post workouts), but feel free to halve the recipe if you're fearful of getting quinoa'd out. (Inconceivable! 😉 )
Author:
Ingredients
  • Filling
  • 2 C tri-color quinoa
  • 4 C vegetable broth or water
  • 1 Tbs olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 C red onion, diced
  • ¾ C green onion, sliced
  • 2 C mushrooms, diced
  • 1 bunch kale, leaves removed and chopped (stems discarded)
  • ¾ C pepitas
  • Dressing
  • 2 large cloves of garlic
  • 1 Tbs tahini
  • 2 Tbs yellow/light miso
  • ¼ C nutritional yeast
  • ½ C unsweetened almond milk
  • ½ C cold water
  • 2 Tbs chia seesds
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • The rest
  • Pita pockets
  • Avocado slices
Directions
  1. I recommend making the dressing first. It'll be a little runny, but letting it sit for 20 minutes or so, will allow the chia seeds to do their thing and thicken up the dressing. In a food processor or blender, combine all of the dressing ingredients and blend until smooth. Set aside.
  2. In a large soup pot, combine the broth (or water) with the quinoa. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover, and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until all of the liquid has been absorbed.
  3. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and garlic in a large skillet. Add the red and green onions. Saute until softened and a tiny bit browned. Add the kale and mushrooms and saute until the the kale is bright green, about 5 minutes.
  4. Fold the veggies and pepitas into the cooked quinoa.
  5. I placed a little dressing inside the pita, along with a slice or two of avocado, then added the filling, and topped with some more dressing. Enjoy!

Quinoa & Veggies with a Tahini-Miso Dressing

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Quinoa and Veggies with a Tahini Miso Dressing -- Epicurean VeganQuinoa is such a fantastic lunch option. It’s packed with protein and it can be made so many different ways, that it’s pretty hard to get bored with it. I wanted a light dressing for this and came up with this tangy tahini-miso goodness. I also love adding nuts for a bit of crunch to these types of dishes, so I threw in some toasted almond slivers. Delish!

Alter Eco Rainbow Quinoa, Quinoa and Veggies with a Tahini Miso Dressing -- Epicurean Vegan

INGREDIENTS:
1 C quinoa (I like this Rainbow Quinoa from Alter Eco)
2 C vegetable broth or water
1-1/2 to 2 C mushrooms, sliced
6 green onions, sliced
1 C cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 C slivered almonds, toasted
Dressing:
1 tsp tahini
1 Tbs yellow miso
1/8 C almond milk
2 Tbs nutritional yeast
1/8 tsp ginger
1/8 tsp garlic powder
pinch of salt

Quinoa and Veggies with a Tahini Miso Dressing -- Epicurean Vegan

DIRECTIONS:
Rinse the quinoa in fine mesh strainer with cold water. Combine it with the broth (or water) in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until there is just a little bit of water left, about 12-15 minutes. Add the mushrooms and green onions, but don’t combine—cover and let the veggies steam 3-4 minutes. For the dressing, whisk all of the ingredients together until smooth.

Quinoa and Veggies with a Tahini Miso Dressing -- Epicurean VeganOnce the mushrooms have softened, stir them into the quinoa. Add the tomatoes, nuts and dressing. I recommend adding a little dressing at a time in case you don’t want it all. I had a little left over.

Quinoa and Veggies with a Tahini Miso Dressing -- Epicurean VeganGently fold and combine everything. Enjoy!

Quinoa and Veggies with a Tahini Miso Dressing -- Epicurean Vegan

Quinoa & Veggies with a Tahini-Miso Dressing
 
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Quinoa is such a fantastic lunch option. It's packed with protein and it can be made so many different ways, that it's pretty hard to get bored with it. I wanted a light dressing for this and came up with this tangy tahini-miso goodness. I also love adding nuts for a bit of crunch to these types of dishes, so I threw in some toasted almond slivers. Delish!
Author:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 C quinoa (I like this Rainbow Quinoa from Alter Eco)
  • 2 C vegetable broth or water
  • 1-1/2 to 2 C mushrooms, sliced
  • 6 green onions, sliced
  • 1 C cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ C slivered almonds, toasted
  • Dressing:
  • 1 tsp tahini
  • 1 Tbs yellow miso
  • ⅛ C almond milk
  • 2 Tbs nutritional yeast
  • ⅛ tsp ginger
  • ⅛ tsp garlic powder
  • pinch of salt
Directions
  1. Rinse the quinoa in fine mesh strainer with cold water. Combine it with the broth (or water) in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until there is just a little bit of water left, about 12-15 minutes.
  2. Add the mushrooms and green onions, but don't combine---cover and let the veggies steam 3-4 minutes.
  3. For the dressing, whisk all of the ingredients together until smooth.
  4. Once the mushrooms have softened, stir them into the quinoa. Add the tomatoes, nuts and dressing. I recommend adding a little dressing at a time in case you don't want it all. I had a little left over.
  5. Gently fold and combine everything. Enjoy!

Garbanzo-White Bean Truffle Spread

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Garbanzo-White Bean Truffle Spread -- Epicurean Vegan

This is a variation on the white bean truffle spread that I decided to whip up for our July 4th party. I’ve made the original version several times, but I wanted to change things up a little and I’m thinking I like this new version even better!

INGREDIENTS:
1 15-oz can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
1 15-oz can Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 large (or two medium) clove of garlic, halved or quartered
1 tsp salt
5-6 large green onions (white and green parts) sliced
4 Tbs lemon juice
2 Tbs truffle oil

DIRECTIONS:
Add the salt and garlic to a food processor and process until the garlic is pretty well chopped up. Add the beans, lemon juice, salt, and green onions; puree until smooth. While the machine is running, add the truffle oil; blend well. If you have time, let it chill for an hour or two before serving. Enjoy on crackers, toasted baguette slices, or veggies.

Garbanzo-White Bean Truffle Spread -- Epicurean Vegan

Garbanzo-White Bean Truffle Spread
 
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Author:
Ingredients
  • 1 15-oz can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
  • 1 15-oz can Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 large (or two medium) clove of garlic, halved or quartered
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 5-6 large green onions (white and green parts) sliced
  • 4 Tbs lemon juice
  • 2 Tbs truffle oil
Directions
  1. Add the salt and garlic to a food processor and process until the garlic is pretty well chopped up.
  2. Add the beans, lemon juice, salt, and green onions; puree until smooth.
  3. While the machine is running, add the truffle oil; blend well.
  4. If you have time, let it chill for an hour or two before serving.
  5. Enjoy on crackers, toasted baguette slices, or veggies.

Macadamia Nut Cheese

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Macadamia Nut Cheese -- Epicurean Vegan

I was immediately smitten when I saw this recipe for macadamia nut “goat cheese” over at The Holy Kale. I haven’t met many nut cheeses I didn’t like, and this one looked too delicious not to try. I followed the recipe as it was written, but when I tasted it, I found into be incredibly bland. After all, there wasn’t any seasonings besides the tarragon it was rolled in. . . I took matters into my own hands because I sure the heck wasn’t going to waste the $7 I spent on two cups of macadamia nuts! A little salt, lemon juice, olive oil, and agave saved the day . . . and the cheese! Other than the texture, I don’t think this resembles goat cheese, but that doesn’t mean it’s not tasty–it most certainly is!

INGREDIENTS:
2 C macadamia nuts (I used unsalted), soaked for 24 hours in water
1 cap veggie Probiotic
1/2 C water
2-3 Tbs lemon juice
2 Tbs olive oil
1 tsp, or to taste, salt
1-2 Tbs agave
2-3 Tbs fresh tarragon, chopped

DIRECTIONS:
After soaking the nuts, drain and transfer to a food processor along with 1/2 a cup of fresh water and the contents of the probiotic capsule. Blend until smooth (you will probably need to periodically scrape the sides).

Macadamia Nut Cheese -- Epicurean Vegan

Wrap in a cotton napkin or a few layers of cheese cloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.

Macadamia Nut Cheese -- Epicurean Vegan

Keep wrapped in the cloth and place into a bowl. Do not seal the bowl.

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Let it sit for 2 days on the counter and ferment. Unwrap . . .

Macadamia Nut Cheese -- Epicurean Vegan

. . . and transfer to a bowl. Using a fork, blend in the lemon juice, salt, and oil. Taste and adjust seasonings/flavorings if need be. Wrap the cheese in plastic wrap, shaping into a log.

Macadamia Nut Cheese -- Epicurean Vegan

Refrigerate for several hours to overnight to allow the flavors to meet and mingle. The longer you let it percolate the better! Spread the chopped tarragon on a cutting board and roll the log over it. Drizzle with agave and serve with crackers. This would also be excellent crumbled over a salad. Delicious and worth the long process! Enjoy!

Macadamia Nut Cheese -- Epicurean Vegan

Macadamia Nut Cheese
 
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I was immediately smitten when I saw this recipe for macadamia nut "goat cheese" over at The Holy Kale. I haven't met many nut cheeses I didn't like, and this one looked too delicious not to try. I followed the recipe as it was written, but when I tasted it, I found into be incredibly bland. After all, there wasn't any seasonings besides the tarragon it was rolled in. . . I took matters into my own hands because I sure the heck wasn't going to waste the $7 I spent on two cups of macadamia nuts! A little salt, lemon juice, olive oil, and agave saved the day . . . and the cheese! Other than the texture, I don't think this resembles goat cheese, but that doesn't mean it's not tasty--it most certainly is!
Author:
Ingredients
  • 2 C macadamia nuts (I used unsalted), soaked for 24 hours in water
  • 1 cap veggie Probiotic
  • ½ C water
  • 2-3 Tbs lemon juice
  • 2 Tbs olive oil
  • 1 tsp, or to taste, salt
  • 1-2 Tbs agave
  • 2-3 Tbs fresh tarragon, chopped
Directions
  1. After soaking the nuts, drain and transfer to a food processor along with ½ a cup of fresh water and the contents of the probiotic capsule. Blend until smooth (you will probably need to periodically scrape the sides).
  2. Wrap in a cotton napkin or a few layers of cheese cloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
  3. Keep wrapped in the cloth and place into a bowl. Do not seal the bowl.
  4. Let it sit for 2 days on the counter and ferment. Unwrap and transfer to a bowl. Using a fork, blend in the lemon juice, salt, and oil. Taste and adjust seasonings/flavorings if need be. Wrap the cheese in plastic wrap, shaping into a log.
  5. Refrigerate for several hours to overnight to allow the flavors to meet and mingle. The longer you let it percolate the better! Spread the chopped tarragon on a cutting board and roll the log over it. Drizzle with agave and serve with crackers. This would also be excellent crumbled over a salad. Delicious and worth the long process! Enjoy!

Vegan Herbed Cream Cheese

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Vegan Herbed Cream Cheese -- Epicurean Vegan

I think non vegans would find it pretty hard to know this is nondairy. (And when is it not fun to fool omnivores)? This is a Tofutti cream cheese-based dip/spread, but you could easily reverse the ratio of cream cheese and sour cream in this recipe and make it a sour cream-based one. It works great as a dip, dolloped on a baked potato, cracker spread, bagel topper, or sandwich condiment. It was ideal for veggie wraps . . .

Veggie Wraps -- Epicurean Vegan

INGREDIENTS:
12-oz container of Tofutti cream cheese
1/4 C Tofutti sour cream
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 Tbs dried minced onion
1 tsp salt
2 large green onion, sliced
1 Tbs lemon juice

DIRECTIONS:
Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Store in an airtight container and keep chilled until using. Enjoy!

Immune-Boosting Salad with Baked Tempeh

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Immune-Boosting Salad with Baked Tempeh -- Epicurean Vegan

Whether or not you’re fighting a cold or illness, this is the perfect salad to eat to boost your immune. No one wants to be sick during the holidays. It also doesn’t help that we tend to not eat or drink as healthy during these yuletide times. Instead of throwing back some harmful meds with a measly glass of OJ while you’re sick, head for the fridge (or ask someone politely) to fix this cold-fighting bowl of awesomeness. If anything, steam some kale, eat a raw orange bell pepper, and a bowl full of white mushrooms. Then repeat.

INGREDIENTS:
1 bunch of kale, torn from stem and chopped small (high in iron, vitamins C, A & K, antioxidants, omega-3s (anti-inflammatory), fiber, and calcium)
1 small bunch of spinach, stems removed and chopped small (1 C=337% of the RDA of vitamin A!! vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, beta-carotene, manganese, zinc and selenium)
1 orange bell pepper, chopped small (vitamin C and B-6, fiber, and antioxidants)
10-12 white mushrooms, stems removed and chopped, (great sources of potassium, riboflavin, niacin, and selenium. They’ve also been proven to reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancers)
2 large carrots, shredded (beta carotene, vitamin A, cancer-preventing properties, and alpha-carotene and lutein, which fight heart disease)
6-7 green onions, sliced thin (Quercetin, an antioxidant and anti-histamine, chromium, vitamin C, fiber, manganese, vitamin B6, potassium, and copper)
1/2 C pepitas (high in vitamins C, D, E, and K. They are rich in beta carotene (that is converted into vitamin A in the liver),  rich in the eye protective carotenoid lutein. A handful of these will deliver 9 grams of protein, along with manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, copper and zinc. They are also rich in omega-3 fats and are also shown to reduce inflammation. Definitely a super food!)

Dressing:
2 cloves garlic, cut in half (boosts hydrogen sulfide production=protects against various cancers, including breast, prostate and colon cancer and protects the heart. Raw garlic’s antimicrobial fights viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. Its also helps fight asthma, bronchitis, inflammation, rashes, bug bites, tooth aches, ear infections and other infections i.e. Staph and MRSA. Unlike antibiotics that weaken your immune system, garlic actually boosts your immune system)
1/3 C sunflower seed butter (calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, copper, manganese, and magnesium. Also a great source of B vitamins: thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin, and  B6, folate, and pantothenic acid. Folate is also essential during pregnancy for proper fetal development. Let’s not forget protein and the healthy, unsaturated fats)
1/4 C tahini (Packed with B vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5 and B15, protein and calcium)
3 Tbs lemon juice
1 Tbs light miso (Protein, has probiotics, B vitamins, especially B12, fights cancers, high in antioxidants, and can even help lower cholesterol)
1/4 C nutritional yeast (TONS of B vitamins, protein, and fiber. It’s also low in sodium)
1/4 C chia seeds (Omega-3 and 6 oils, protein, and antioxidants. Considered a super food, chia seeds not only support the immune system, they balance blood sugar levels, support the cardiovascular system, give you energy, aid in weight loss, help detox the body, and provides fiber, iron, calcium, niacin (B-3), phosphorus, and magnesium. Did I mention brain-boosting, too?!)
1 C water

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Tempeh (optional)
8-oz pkg. tempeh, cut into small cubes (high in fiber, easy to digest, low sodium, and contains antioxidants. It also helps balance blood sugars)
1/4 C soy sauce
1 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed (see above)
1 Tbs olive oil
Salt and pepper

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Whew! Did you get all that?! Talk about a loaded salad!

DIRECTIONS:
If you’re adding tempeh, you’ll want to start that now. Combine the tempeh with the soy sauce (preferably low-sodium),  Worcestershire sauce, oil, garlic, and salt and pepper in a large ziplock bag; coat the tempeh thoroughly. Line a baking sheet with foil and pour the tempeh on the sheet. Bake at 375 for 5 minutes, stir around, then bake another 5 minutes.

Baked Tempeh

 Combine all of the salad ingredients in a large bowl, then chop up the tempeh into even smaller pieces; add to the salad.

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To make the dressing, combine all of the dressing ingredients in a blender and blend 2 minutes, or until completely smooth. It makes about 2-1/2 cups.

Tahini-Miso Dressing -- Epicurean Vegan

You can pour the dressing over the entire salad and blend well, or keep it separate. If you store it separately, keep in mind that it will probably set up in the fridge; you’ll need to add some water and/or lemon juice to it to thin it out some more. I hope all of you are staying healthy and continue to do so during these oftentimes stressful days! Enjoy!

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