Lunches Archives - Page 10 of 10

“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?

Sesame Tofu Sandwiches

February 9, 2010 by epicureanvegan

I 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.

Add 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!

Hot Rice with Cold Lemon, Basil and Tomato

February 1, 2010 by epicureanvegan

This is a fast and easy side dish from The kind Diet that is very flavorful. For variety, I sometimes omit the basil and add grated ginger root instead. This also makes a light, refreshing lunch or snack. I really like the Arborio rice (risotto rice)–it’s a great change from regular white rice.

INGREDIENTS:
1 C Arborio rice
2 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
3 Tbs fresh lemon juice
3 pinches of fine sea salt
2 pinches ground black pepper
1/2 C (or as much as you want) tomato, diced
2 Tbs chopped fresh basil

DIRECTIONS:
Place the unrinsed rice in a saucepan with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 10-15 minutes or until mostly tender but still a little firm in the center of the grain. Drain off any excess water and transfer rice to a mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, lemon juice (grated ginger if using), salt and pepper. Mix well and addd the tomatoes and sprinkle basil (if using) on top. Toss to combine and serve. Makes about 4 servings. Enjoy!

Recipe source: The Kind Diet

Fresh and Healthy Soft Tacos/Burritos

January 29, 2010 by epicureanvegan

When I don’t have a lot of time but I want my family and I to have a satisfying, healthy dinner, this is one of my go-to meals. I typically have the ingredients all the time and with so many different ingredient options, it’s easy to make the whole crew happy! Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a great option for lunch or dinner.

INGREDIENTS:
1 C cooked rice
1 can refried beans
1/4-1/2 C salsa
vegan cheese, shredded
diced avocado
sliced green onion
cilantro, chopped
Small flour tortillas
Tofutti sour cream
Other tasty options: diced or shredded cucumber, sprouts, lettuce

DIRECTIONS:
Combine cooked rice (I use Minute Rice), refries and salsa in a medium pan, heat on low-medium heat. Stir until heated through.

Separate other ingredients into small bowls and I like to start with the sour cream, then layer the beans/rice mixture, then top with cheese, avocado slices, etc. on a warmed tortilla.

Voila! You’re ready to eat! Served with a salad, this is a quick, delicious and healthy meal. Enjoy!

Tempeh Burgers

January 25, 2010 by epicureanvegan

It didn’t take much to throw these together–which was good, because I didn’t have a lot of time–and with leftovers, the next day’s lunch is a breeze. Tempeh is an excellent source of protein, manganese and B12, not to mention low in fat, calories and devoid of cholesterol. No wonder it’s the perfect alternative to a beef burger!

INGREDIENTS:
1 (8-ounce) package tempeh
1/4 cup low-sodium tamari
2 tablespoons mirin (Japanese rice cooking wine)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp Liquid Smoke

DIRECTIONS:
Cut the tempeh in half, then slice each half into thinner slices. Steam the tempeh for 10-15 mins. In a small bowl, combine tamari, mirin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper and Liquid Smoke. Place half of the marinade in a shallow bowl or dish, then add steamed tempeh. Pour the rest of the marinade and be sure to coat the pieces thoroughly. Marinate in the refrigerator 30-60 mins.

When ready to prepare, heat a large nonstick skillet with 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Cook the tempeh–3-4 mins on both sides.

Serve on buns, or open face. Here are suggestions of toppings:
Guacamole or avocado slices
Tomato
Vegan cheese
Lettuce
Mustard
Ketchup
Sliced jalapeno peppers
Onions
Pickles
I liked mine with Veganaise, vegan cheese and tomato. The hubby and son liked guacamole, cheddar cheese and ranch dressing (I’ve only been able to convince them to be part-time vegans). Load up on your favorite ingredients and enjoy!

English Muffin and Avocado Delight

January 21, 2010 by epicureanvegan

I’m really not sure what to call this–“delight” is really an understatement. I needed a snack that was fresh and flavorful, so I scoured my kitchen for ideas. I had avocados that I was needing to make something with and voila! And idea was born…The avocado paired beautifully with the roasted red pepper and balsamic vinegar. Plus, ot was so easy to throw together.

INGREDIENTS:
1 English muffin, sliced in half and toasted
1 small tomato, sliced or for even more flavor, a slice of roasted red pepper
1 small avocado, sliced
1-1/2 tsp hummus
Balsamic vinegar
Spinach leaves, optional

DIRECTIONS:
Spread hummus evenly on both slices of English muffin. Top with a tomato slice and 2-3 avocado slices. Drizzle with a little balsamic vinegar. It’s that easy! My tastebuds were loving me! Enjoy!

Hurry Up Alfredo

January 21, 2010 by epicureanvegan

This comes from Lauren Ulm’s cookbook, Vegan Yum Yum and is by far the best non-dairy “cheese” sauce I’ve tasted yet! The only thing I changed was adding 1/2 C Tofutti sour cream which made this sauce perfectly creamy!

INGREDIENTS:
3-4 C small pasta
Sauce:
1 C soy milk
1/3 rounded raw, unsalted cashews
1/4 C nutritional yeast
3 Tbs tamari (or soy sauce)
2 Tbs Earth Balance (or Smart Balance) margarine
1 Tbs tahini
1 Tbs lemon juice
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp paprika
1 pinch nutmeg
1 pinch salt
Black pepper, to taste
2-4 garlic cloves
I added 1/2C Tofutti Sour Cream and used SMOKED paprika and WOW! It was so creamy and flavorful!

DIRECTIONS:
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add noodles. Cook until tender, but not mushy. Meanwhile, to make sauce, mix all sauce ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth. When noodles are finished, drain and return to pot. Add as much sauce as you’d like and heat and stir. (What I did is transfer the sauce to a small saucepan and heat–this is also when I added the Tofutti sour cream. Then I just ladled the sauce on a serving of pasta). Top with Rice Parmesan and enjoy!

Note: for leftovers, I don’t recommend microwaving them. Keep sauce separate from pasta leftovers and reheat sauce in a pan over the stove and nuke the noodles. Sauce gets too dried out otherwise.

Recipe source: Vegan Yum Yum

Miso Soup with Tofu and Baby Spinach

January 21, 2010 by epicureanvegan

This soup has all my favorite ingredients! Mushrooms, spinach, tofu, green onion….It’s a very light soup that would go great with half a sandwich and is tasty, tasty, tasty! Plus, with prep and cook time, it was ready in about 25 minutes. This is great soothing soup–it’s the new chicken soup. Add or substitute your favorite ingredients like celery, leeks or shredded carrot.

INGREDIENTS:
6 C water
1 1/2 C baby spinach leaves, cut into thin strips
1/2 C thinly sliced mushrooms
3 Tbs minced scallions (about 3 large green onions)
1 Tbs Tamari or other soy sauce
1/3 C mellow white miso paste
4 oz extra firm silken tofu, drained and cut into 1/2″ dice

DIRECTIONS:
Place the water in a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the spinach, mushrooms, scallions, and tamari. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until the vegetables soften, about 3-6 mins. Reduce the heat to low. Place 1/4 cup of the soup mixture in a small bowl and add the miso, blending well. Stir the mixture back into the soup and add the tofu and simmer for 2 minutes, being careful not to boil. Serve hot. Serves 4. Enjoy!

Recipe source: Vegan Planet

Smoky Miso Tofu Sandwiches

January 21, 2010 by epicureanvegan

I love sandwiches, but I typically don’t post any unless they are unique and out-of-this-world. This sandwich is just that! The baked tofu slices will keep in the refrigerator for a while for future lunches, snacks, pasta salads, etc. I end up making a batch every couple of weeks. When it comes to sandwiches, anything goes! Add your favorite ingredients. I like mayo, roasted red pepper, spinach, a Tofutti cheese slice. I sometimes substitute the roasted red pepper for tomato. My husband likes to add some balsamic vinegar. Just go for it!

INGREDIENTS:
1 block extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed
3 Tbs red miso
3 Tbs lemon juice
3 Tbs sugar
3 Tbs tamari or soy sauce
1 Tbs nutritional yeast
1/4 tsp Liquid Smoke flavoring
Your favorite sandwich bread

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 425. Wrap drained tofu in a few paper towels. (What I do is wrap in paper towels, place in/on a large dish or plate. Top with a plate and then stack 2-3 heavy cans on the plate. I press down just a little. I wait 5 mins then re-wrap tofu again in new paper towels and repeat. Works great.) Meanwhile, mix together the miso, lemon juice, sugar, tamari, yeast, and Liquid Smoke to make the marinade. Unwrap tofu and cut many thin, width-wise slices with a large knife. (Don’t use a serrated knife–you don’t want to saw your way through the tofu. I like it a bit thick and got 17 slices, but depending on how thick or thin you want it, you can get 20 slices.)

I then line a large cookie sheet with aluminum foil. I brush one side of each tofu slice with the marinade, placing the brushed side down. Then I brush the other side. Let the slices absorb the mariade for 10 mins, then brush just the tops again. Bake for 20 mins (unless you go really thin with the slices–check after 10 mins). Remove from the oven and let the slices cool on the sheet. (I like them a bit warm.) The tofu should be darkened around the edges, but not burned.

To make a sandwich, I toast a couple slices of sour dough and add my favorite sandwich toppings! Here’s some suggestions:
roasted red peppers
spinach
vegan cheese slices
cucumber
tomato
avocado
sprouts
Dijon mustard
bell pepper
The ideas are endless. What your favorite sandwich ingredients?
I store the leftovers in a well-sealed container in the fridge. Dice up the slices for pasta salad, stir fry, rice, or just plain snack on it! Enjoy!

Recipe source: Vegan Yum Yum

“Chicken” Wrap

Sesame Tofu Sandwiches

Hot Rice with Cold Lemon, Basil and Tomato

Fresh and Healthy Soft Tacos/Burritos

Tempeh Burgers

English Muffin and Avocado Delight

Hurry Up Alfredo

Miso Soup with Tofu and Baby Spinach

Smoky Miso Tofu Sandwiches

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