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Quick & Easy Lentils with Spinach & Mushrooms

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Quick and Easy Lentils with Spinach and Mushrooms -- Epicurean Vegan

As much as I love to cook, there are times when I want to spend as little time in the kitchen preparing a meal as possible. We’re busy—we’ve got places to go, things to do, people to see! And I’m guessing you’re the same way. Unfortunately, the Standard American Diet (SAD) has allowed us to spend practically no time in the kitchen preparing healthy meals, but rather digging into a greasy bag or a plastic container of some deli salad that’s been sitting all day.

Thankfully, I’ve discovered these ready-to-eat lentils from Trader Joe’s.
Quick and Easy Lentils with Spinach and Mushrooms -- Epicurean Vegan

I think I paid $2.99 for this 1 lb 1.6-oz package that contains 5, 1/2 cup servings. First, let’s talk figures: We’re looking at 8 grams of fiber, 9 grams of protein, and 20% of your daily intake of iron—and that’s just in half a cup! Lentils contain no fat or cholesterol either. Even though lentils are high in carbs, that’s okay because whole grains gives us the slow and steady release of glucose that our bodies need to keep going. Plus, in case you haven’t heard . . . fiber is awesome. It helps control your weight because it adds volume to foods without a lot of calories so you feel fuller longer. It also helps stabilizes blood sugar so you don’t go from satisfied to ravenous in a matter of two hours.

Okay, are you convinced? Good.

Anyway, I threw this together in about 20 minutes. We had been out of town, so the fridge contents were sparse, but I was able to scrounge up some items.  I also had some leftover Cilantro-Cashew Sauce in the freezer that I defrosted in some hot water. I sauteed some onion, mushrooms, and spinach, then topped these bowls with some pepitas and fresh chives. Check out THIS LIST of other sauces you could easily whip up in no time.

Quick and Easy Lentils with Spinach and Mushrooms -- Epicurean VeganINGREDIENTS:
1 pkg. Trader Joe’s Ready-to-Eat lentils (in the produce section)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2-3 C mushrooms, sliced
3-4 C fresh spinach, chopped
Salt and pepper
Juice from half a lime
Pepitas
Fresh chives, chopped
Sauce of your choice (see above)

DIRECTIONS:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and add the garlic; saute for 2 minutes over medium heat. Add the onion and cook 5-7 minutes, or until they soften and begin to brown. Add the mushrooms and cook 3-4 minutes. In the meantime, heat the lentils by making 3 slits in the bag and cooking for 3 minutes on high in the microwave. Then add them to the skillet and mix in well. Add the spinach and cook until it begins to wilt.
Quick and Easy Lentils with Spinach and Mushrooms -- Epicurean VeganSeason with salt and pepper, then add the lime juice. Stir to combine. Serve in bowls and top with pepitas, chives and sauce. Enjoy!

Quinoa & Kale Bowls with Orange-Tahini Sauce

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Quinoa & Kale Bowls with Orange-Tahini Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

I love fresh veggie bowls. They’re so easy to make, plus you can customize them they way you like ’em. I also love to experiment with the sauces and dressings. I think you’ll enjoy this Orange-Tahini Sauce, but to really make it a hard decision, here’s a list of other dressings to suit your fancy:

Cashew-Curry Sauce

Thai-Curry Sauce

Peanut Sauce

Cashew-Coconut Curry Sauce

Cilantro-Lime Cashew Sauce

Coconut-Garlic Cashew Sauce

Cilantro-Ginger Cashew Sauce

Lemony-Almond Butter Dressing

Tahini Dressing

Thai Peanut Sauce

Orange-Maple Miso Dressing

(I obviously like to make cashew-based sauces!) There’s a ton of variations of veggie bowls out there, but sometimes, simplicity is the way to go. These fresh and delicious, gluten-free and soy-free bowls are easy to make and chances are, you already have the ingredients in  your fridge, so chop chop!

INGREDIENTS:
Bowls
1 C quinoa
2 C vegetable broth
4-5 C chopped kale
1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
2 C cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
pepitas
Orange-Tahini Sauce
3/4 C tahini
1/2 C orange juice
1 Tbs sesame oil
2 Tbs white wine vinegar
1 Tbs tamari
1 Tbs agave
salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:
In a medium saucepan, combine the broth and quinoa. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and cover. Cook until all the liquid has been absorbed. Pile the kale on top and replace the lid. Let the kale steam for about 10 minutes, then stir it into the quinoa.
Quinoa and Kale Bowls with Orange-Tahini Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

To make the sauce, combine everything in a food processor and blend until smooth. I then transferred it to a squeeze bottle. Assemble the bowls by placing a scoop or two of the quinoa mix in a bowl and top with garbanzo beans, avocado, cherry tomatoes, pepitas, and sauce. It’s that easy. Enjoy!

Quinoa & Kale Bowls with Orange-Tahini Sauce
 
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There's a ton of variations of veggie bowls out there, but sometimes, simplicity is the way to go. These fresh and delicious, gluten-free and soy-free bowls are easy to make and chances are, you already have the ingredients in your fridge, chop chop!
Author:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • Bowls
  • 1 C quinoa
  • 2 C vegetable broth
  • 4-5 C chopped kale
  • 1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 C cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
  • pepitas
  • Orange-Tahini Sauce
  • ¾ C tahini
  • ½ C orange juice
  • 1 Tbs sesame oil
  • 2 Tbs white wine vinegar
  • 1 Tbs tamari
  • 1 Tbs agave
  • salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the broth and quinoa. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and cover. Cook until all the liquid has been absorbed.
  2. Pile the kale on top and replace the lid. Let the kale steam for about 10 minutes, then stir it into the quinoa.
  3. To make the sauce, combine everything in a food processor and blend until smooth. I then transferred it to a squeeze bottle.
  4. Assemble the bowls by placing a scoop or two of the quinoa mix in a bowl and top with garbanzo beans, avocado, cherry tomatoes, pepitas, and sauce. It's that easy. Enjoy!

 

Bean & Hash Brown Tacos

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Bean and Hash Brown Tacos -- Epicurean Vegan

We love tacos around here and the fact that they’re so versatile makes them the perfect option for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You could very well make these makes these for breakfast, but how about for dinner? Yes, please. Tasty and simple to throw together.

INGREDIENTS:
2 Tbs olive oil
3 cloves of garlic, minced
4 C shredded potato (about 5 small russet potatoes)
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 pkg. taco seasoning
1/2 C lime juice
1/4 C water
10-12 corn and/or flour tortillas, warmed
Toppings:
avocado slices
vegan sour cream
vegan shreds (I love Daiya’s Farmhouse Block cheddar and jalapeno flavors)
lettuce, chopped
salsa

DIRECTIONS:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and garlic. Add the potato and red onion. Saute for about 20 minutes, stirring often to keep from burning.
Bean and Hash Brown Tacos -- Epicurean VeganIn a small cup, combine the lime juice, water, and taco seasoning. Stir into the potato mixture along with the black beans. Heat through for 3-4 minutes.
Bean and Hash Brown Tacos -- Epicurean VeganFill the tortillas with the hash brown mixture and top with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Bean & Hash Brown Tacos -- Epicurean Vegan

Bean & Hash Brown Tacos
 
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We love tacos around here and the fact that they're so versatile makes them the perfect option for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You could very well make these makes these for breakfast, but how about for dinner? Yes, please. Tasty and simple to throw together.
Author:
Serves: 10-12
Ingredients
  • 2 Tbs olive oil
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 4 C shredded potato (about 5 small russet potatoes)
  • 1 medium red onion, chopped
  • 1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ pkg. taco seasoning
  • ½ C lime juice
  • ¼ C water
  • 10-12 corn and/or flour tortillas, warmed
  • Toppings:
  • avocado slices
  • vegan sour cream
  • vegan shreds (I love Daiya's Farmhouse Block cheddar and jalapeno flavors)
  • lettuce, chopped
  • salsa
Directions
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and garlic. Add the potato and red onion. Saute for about 20 minutes, stirring often to keep from burning.
  2. In a small cup, combine the lime juice, water, and taco seasoning. Stir into the potato mixture along with the black beans. Heat through for 3-4 minutes.
  3. Fill the tortillas with the hash brown mixture and top with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

 

Rice Bowls with Kale, Mushrooms, and Chickpeas

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Rice Bowls with Kale, Mushrooms, and Chickpeas -- Epicurean Vegan

We’ve been having a beautiful fall season here in Colorado, so when a friend and I decided to have lunch on her back patio, I knew this would be the perfect dish to bring. We’re not in hunker-down mode yet and this made for a light, healthy, and satisfying lunch. I also needed to make it gluten-free to accommodate my friend’s diet, so it worked beautifully. It takes only about 45 minutes to pull together, but I suggest soaking the cashews earlier in the day for the sauce. If you can’t get to it, no worries! The sauce will still be creamy and smooth. If you take a lunch to work everyday, this is a great option; just make a batch ahead of time, and you have several days’ worth of delicious, high-protein lunches. I used Trader Joe’s Brown Rice Medley which is made up of long grain brown rice, black barley and daikon radish seeds, however, any rice medley will do.
Trader Joe's Brown Rice Medley -- Epicurean Vegan

INGREDIENTS:
2-1/2 C vegetable broth
1 C Trader Joe’s Brown Rice Medley
1 Tbs vegan margarine
4-5 C kale, chopped or torn
2-3 C baby portobello mushrooms, sliced (I find this variety to be heartier/meatier)
1 14-oz can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
1 C cilantro, chopped
1-1/2 C green onion, chopped
1/3 C pepita seeds
Cashew-Curry Sauce
1/2 C cashews
1 clove garlic
3/4 C canned coconut milk
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 Tbs peanut butter
2 Tbs lime juice
1 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS:
Start with the rice since it will some time to cook. In a medium sauce pan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the vegan margarine and rice. Stir, reduce heat, and cover. Simmer for 35-45 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. If you soaked the cashews ahead of time, drain and rinse them under cold water. Transfer to a food processor and puree with the clove of garlic. Add the remaining ingredients and puree until smooth. You may need to scrape the sides of the bowl once or twice. Transfer to a small saucepan and place over low to medium heat. Stir often until it begins to thicken. Remove from the heat. I then like to funnel the sauce into a squeeze bottle.

Once the rice is done, fold the kale, mushrooms, and chickpeas into the rice and cover for about 5 minutes, or until the kale and mushrooms soften.
Rice Bowls with Kale, Mushrooms, and Chickpeas -- Epicurean VeganIn a small bowl, combine the cilantro, green onions, and pepitas.
Rice Bowls with Kale, Mushrooms, and Chickpeas (Topping) -- Epicurean VeganTo assemble, start with a scoop or two of the rice mixture, then some of the green onion goodness, then top with sauce. So delicious! Enjoy!
Rice Bowls with Kale, Mushrooms, and Chickpeas -- Epicurean Vegan

Rice Bowls with Kale, Mushrooms, and Chickpeas
 
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We've been having a beautiful fall season here in Colorado, so when a friend and I decided to have lunch on her back patio, I knew this would be the perfect dish to bring. We're not in hunker-down mode yet and this made for a light, healthy, and satisfying lunch. I also needed to make it gluten-free to accommodate my friend's diet, so it worked beautifully. It takes only about 45 minutes to pull together, but I suggest soaking the cashews earlier in the day for the sauce. If you can't get to it, no worries! The sauce will still be creamy and smooth. If you take a lunch to work everyday, this is a great option; just make a batch ahead of time, and you have several days' worth of delicious, high-protein lunches. I used Trader Joe's Brown Rice Medley which is made up of long grain brown rice, black barley and daikon radish seeds, however, any rice medley will do.
Author:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 2-1/2 C vegetable broth
  • 1 C Trader Joe's Brown Rice Medley
  • 1 Tbs vegan margarine
  • 4-5 C kale, chopped or torn
  • 2-3 C baby portobello mushrooms, sliced (I find this variety to be heartier/meatier)
  • 1 14-oz can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
  • 1 C cilantro, chopped
  • 1-1/2 C green onion, chopped
  • ⅓ C pepita seeds
  • Cashew-Curry Sauce
  • ½ C cashews
  • 1 clove garlic
  • ¾ C canned coconut milk
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 Tbs peanut butter
  • 2 Tbs lime juice
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • ½ tsp salt
Directions
  1. Start with the rice since it will take some time to cook. In a medium sauce pan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the vegan margarine and rice. Stir, reduce heat, and cover. Simmer for 35-45 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. If you soaked the cashews ahead of time, drain and rinse them under cold water. Transfer to a food processor and puree with the clove of garlic. Add the remaining ingredients and puree until smooth. You may need to scrape the sides of the bowl once or twice. Transfer to a small saucepan and place over low to medium heat. Stir often until it begins to thicken. Remove from the heat. I then like to funnel the sauce into a squeeze bottle.
  2. Once the rice is done, fold the kale, mushrooms, and chickpeas into the rice and cover for about 5 minutes, or until the kale and mushrooms soften.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the cilantro, green onions, and pepitas.
  4. To assemble, start with a scoop or two of the rice mixture, then some of the green onion goodness, then top with sauce. So delicious! Enjoy!

 

Strawberry-Avocado Salad with Agave-Balsamic Dressing

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Strawberry-Avocado Salad with Agave-Balsamic Dressing -- Epicurean Vegan

I guess I’m a salad kick lately. But that’s a good thing, right? They’re a great way to load up on essential vitamins and nutrients and it’s pretty hard to screw up a salad. This is the perfect light lunch that not only tastes amazing, but it gave me a chance to use up some ingredients that were going to soon start showing their age. I had some leftover almond feta from earlier this week, so it worked great to sprinkle on top. The dressing has a subtle flavor so as not to overpower the strawberries, but feel free to punch up the seasonings if you’d like.

INGREDIENTS:
Dressing
1/4 C olive oil
1/8 C balsamic vinegar
1 Tbs agave
1-2 dashes of salt
1-2 dashes of black pepper
1-2 dashes of garlic powder
The rest
Mixed spring greens
Strawberries
Avocado slices
Almond feta
Marcona almonds
Marcona AlmondsDIRECTIONS:
To make the dressing, add the dressing ingredients to a mason jar or other dressing jar; shake to combine.
Agave-Balsamic Dressing -- Epicurean VeganOn a bed of greens, layer on the strawberries, avocado, almonds, and almond feta. Drizzle with dressing and enjoy!

Strawberry-Avocado Salad with Agave-Balsamic Dressing
 
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I guess I'm a salad kick lately. But that's a good thing, right? They're a great way to load up on essential vitamins and nutrients and it's pretty hard to screw up a salad. This is the perfect light lunch that not only tastes amazing, but it gave me a chance to use up some ingredients that were going to soon start showing their age. I had some leftover almond feta from earlier this week, so it worked great to sprinkle on top. The dressing has a subtle flavor so as not to overpower the strawberries, but feel free to punch up the seasonings if you'd like.
Author:
Ingredients
  • Dressing
  • ¼ C olive oil
  • ⅛ C balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbs agave
  • 1-2 dashes of salt
  • 1-2 dashes of black pepper
  • 1-2 dashes of garlic powder
  • The rest
  • Mixed spring greens
  • Strawberries
  • Avocado slices
  • Almond feta
  • Marcona almonds
Directions
  1. To make the dressing, add the dressing ingredients to a mason jar or other dressing jar; shake to combine.
  2. On a bed of greens, layer on the strawberries, avocado, almonds and almond feta. Drizzle with dressing and enjoy!

 

Edamame Spaghetti with Lemon-Garlic Sauce

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Edamame Spaghetti with Lemon-Garlic Sauce -- Epicurean VeganThat’s right, edamame spaghetti. In 12-ridiculous steps that include cooking the beans, mashing them, adding flour, six other ingredients, and running the dough through a pasta machine, you’re in business! Or . . . you can go the easy way by picking up pre-made edamame noodles like I did:
Edamame SpaghettiThis 2-lb box is from Costco and will run you about $9. And you can’t get simpler as far as ingredients go: soy beans and water. I think it’s a nice change up from pasta, and here’s the skinny: they’re gluten-free; high in protein and fiber; half the carbs of pasta; and a bit less calories, too. I thought I’d give them a whirl. Because the spaghetti only takes 4-5 minutes to cook, this is a great meal to prepare when you want something quick and easy. How do they taste? Delicious. Not much flavor on their own, but there’s no reason you can’t dress them up with a sauce or seasonings. A tomato sauce doesn’t seem like the right choice though, but more of a light cream or olive oil sauce. Just like with regular pasta, the possibilities are pretty endless.

INGREDIENTS:
8-oz edamame spaghetti
2 Tbs olive oil
3 cloves of garlic
zest and juice from one lemon
salt
2 Tbs Earth Balance margarine
2 C mushrooms, sliced
1 tomato, diced
Parmezano Sprinkles (from The Uncheese Cookbook)
1/2 C blanched almonds
2 Tbs nutritional yeast
1-2 tsp light or yellow miso
1/4 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS:
I made the Parmezano Sprinkles first: To blanch the almonds, place in a small sauce pan with just enough water to cover them and boil for 2 minutes. Drain, rinse, and pinch the skins off. Transfer to a food processor along with the other ingredients and grind it all together. Keep in the fridge in a tightly-lidded container.

Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil and simmer the noodles for 4-5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, melt the margarine and add the mushrooms. Saute for about 3 minutes. Before draining the noodles, reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. Drain the edamame noodles and rinse with cold water. In the same cooking pot, heat the olive oil and add the garlic; cook for 30 seconds. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt to taste, and then the noodles. Use a fork or tongs to incorporate the sauce. Add some water if it seems a little dry. Serve with some mushrooms and tomatoes, then top with the Parmezano Sprinkles. Enjoy!

Edamame Spaghetti with Lemon-Garlic Sauce
 
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Author:
Serves: 3-4
Ingredients
  • 8-oz edamame spaghetti
  • 2 Tbs olive oil
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • zest and juice from one lemon
  • salt
  • 2 Tbs Earth Balance margarine
  • 2 C mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • Parmezano Sprinkles (from The Uncheese Cookbook)
  • ½ C blanched almonds
  • 2 Tbs nutritional yeast
  • 1-2 tsp light or yellow miso
  • ¼ tsp salt
Directions
  1. I made the Parmezano Sprinkles first: To blanch the almonds, place in a small sauce pan with just enough water to cover them and boil for 2 minutes. Drain, rinse, and pinch the skins off. Transfer to a food processor along with the other ingredients and grind it all together. Keep in the fridge in a tightly-lidded container.
  2. Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil and simmer the noodles for 4-5 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, melt the margarine and add the mushrooms. Saute for about 3 minutes.
  4. Before draining the noodles, reserve ½ cup of the cooking liquid. Drain the edamame noodles and rinse with cold water.
  5. In the same cooking pot, heat the olive oil and add the garlic; cook for 30 seconds. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt to taste, and then the noodles. Use a fork or tongs to incorporate the sauce. Add some water if it seems a little dry.
  6. Serve with some mushrooms and tomatoes, then top with the Parmezano Sprinkles. Enjoy!

 

Veggie Pasta with Mushrooms, Black Olives & Pepitas

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Veggie Pasta with mushrooms, black olives, and pepitas -- Epicurean VeganI know it may not look like much, but I assure you there are some delicious, hidden flavors in this dish. This also is really quick to throw together and is great for lunch, too. Plus, between the nutritional yeast and pepitas, you’ll get your fill of B vitamins and omega-3 fats.
Trader Joe's Veggie PastaINGREDIENTS:
12-oz pkg. vegetable radiatore pasta (Trader Joe’s)
2 Tbs Earth Balance margarine, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 C mushrooms, sliced
6 green onions, sliced
4-oz can sliced black olives
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 C nutritional yeast
1/4 C pepitas

DIRECTIONS:
In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Meanwhile, in a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the margarine and add the garlic. Over medium-low heat, add the mushrooms and green onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the mushrooms soften a little. Season with salt and pepper and then add the black olives to warm them.
Veggie Pasta with Mushrooms, Black Olives, and Pepitas -- Epicurean VeganDrain the pasta and rinse. Return to the pot with the remaining margarine and add the mushroom mixture, nutritional yeast, and pepitas, blend well and enjoy!

Veggie Pasta with Mushrooms, Black Olives & Pepitas
 
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Author:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 12-oz pkg. vegetable radiatore pasta (Trader Joe's)
  • 2 Tbs Earth Balance margarine, divided
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 C mushrooms, sliced
  • 6 green onions, sliced
  • 4-oz can sliced black olives
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ¼ C nutritional yeast
  • ¼ C pepitas
Directions
  1. In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
  2. Meanwhile, in a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the margarine and add the garlic. Over medium-low heat, add the mushrooms and green onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the mushrooms soften a little. Season with salt and pepper and then add the black olives to warm them.
  3. Drain the pasta and rinse. Return to the pot with the remaining margarine and add the mushroom mixture, nutritional yeast, and pepitas, blend well and enjoy!

 

Sauteed Asparagus & Chickpeas Over Herbed Brown Rice

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Sauteed Asparagus and Chickpeas Over Herbed Brown Rice -- Epicurean Vegan

This recipe came to me about two in the morning a few days ago and I haven’t been able to get it off my mind. And it’s a good thing. The flavors of the sage, thyme, and parsley meld so perfectly and I love the combo of the soft chickpeas and crispy asparagus. I don’t usually go for instant brown rice, but I also don’t always like waiting forty-five minutes for brown rice to cook, so the ease of instant rice made this delicious dish come together in breeze.

INGREDIENTS:
1 bunch asparagus, cut diagonally into 3-4 pieces
1 Tbs olive oil
2 C instant brown rice
1-3/4 C vegetable broth
1 Tbs fresh sage (about 10 leaves), minced
1 Tbs fresh thyme, minced
1/3 C fresh parsley, chopped
1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 Tbs lemon juice

DIRECTIONS:
In a large skillet, over medium-low heat, heat the olive oil add the asparagus. Saute 10-15 minutes, or until softened, but with still a little crunch. Season with salt and pepper.
Sauteed Asparagus & Chickpeas Over Herbed Brown Rice -- Epicurean VeganMeanwhile, start the rice. Bring the broth to a boil, then add the rice. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 5 minutes. If you’re using regular brown rice, get it going right away and don’t start sauteeing the asparagus until the rice has about 15 minutes of cooking time left. (Cook according to package instructions.)

Add the chickpeas to the skillet, along with the lemon juice, and cook over low heat for about 5 minutes.

Sauteed Asparagus and Chickpeas Over Herbed Brown Rice -- Epicurean Vegan

Add the herbs to the cooked rice and combine well.
Sauteed Asparagus & Chickpeas Over Herbed Brown Rice -- Epicurean Vegan

Serve the asparagus-chickpeas mixture over the herbed brown rice and enjoy!

Sauteed Asparagus & Chickpeas Over Herbed Brown Rice
 
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This recipe came to me about two in the morning a few days ago and I haven't been able to get it off my mind. And it's a good thing. The flavors of the sage, thyme, and parsley meld so perfectly and I love the combo of the soft chickpeas and crispy asparagus. I don't usually go for instant brown rice, but I also don't always like waiting forty-five minutes for brown rice to cook, so the ease of instant rice made this delicious dish come together in breeze.
Author:
Ingredients
  • 1 bunch asparagus, cut diagonally into 3-4 pieces
  • 1 Tbs olive oil
  • 2 C instant brown rice
  • 1-3/4 C vegetable broth
  • 1 Tbs fresh sage (about 10 leaves), minced
  • 1 Tbs fresh thyme, minced
  • ⅓ C fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 Tbs lemon juice
Directions
  1. In a large skillet, over medium-low heat, heat the olive oil add the asparagus. Saute 10-15 minutes, or until softened, but with still a little crunch. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Meanwhile, start the rice. Bring the broth to a boil, then add the rice. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 5 minutes. If you're using regular brown rice, get it going right away and don't start sauteeing the asparagus until the rice has about 15 minutes of cooking time left. (Cook according to package instructions.)
  3. Add the chickpeas to the skillet, along with the lemon juice, and cook over low heat for about 5 minutes. Add the herbs to the cooked rice and combine well.
  4. Serve the asparagus-chickpeas mixture over the herbed brown rice and enjoy!

 

Lentil Bowls with Avocado & Tomato

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Lentil Bowls with Avocado and Tomato -- Epicurean Vegan

This makes a great side dish or main meal. It’s also ready in about 30 minutes. Lentils are so easy to make and are incredibly healthy. They’re full of fiber (perfect for lowering cholesterol), a fabulous source of folate and magnesium which contribute to heart health, and good for the digestive system. They also contain the third highest level of protein, lots of iron, and are low in calories, and virtually no fat. Dig in!

INGREDIENTS:
3 C vegetable broth
1 C green lentils
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
2 Tbs lime juice
4 green onion, sliced
1 tomato, diced
1/4 C pepitas
3 Tbs nutritional yeast
1/2 C fresh cilantro, chopped
Avocado slices

DIRECTIONS:
Combine the broth and lentils in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir, reduce heat, and cover for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through the cooking process, stir and season with cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Taste the lentils and if they’re soft, with a little firmness, they’re about done. Drain any excess liquid off.
Lentils with Avocado and Tomato -- Epicurean VeganGently fold in the green onion, tomato, pepitas, nutritional yeast, and lime juice. Top individual servings with 2-3 slices of avocado and some cilantro. Enjoy!

Lentil Bowls with Avocado & Tomato
 
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This makes a great side dish or main meal. It's also ready in about 30 minutes. Lentils are so easy to make and are incredibly healthy. They're full of fiber (perfect for lowering cholesterol), a fabulous source of folate and magnesium which contribute to heart health, and good for the digestive system. They also contain the third highest level of protein, lots of iron, and are low in calories, and virtually no fat. Dig in!
Author:
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 3 C vegetable broth
  • 1 C green lentils
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 2 Tbs lime juice
  • 4 green onion, sliced
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • ¼ C pepitas
  • 3 Tbs nutritional yeast
  • ½ C fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Avocado slices
Directions
  1. Combine the broth and lentils in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir, reduce heat, and cover for 20-25 minutes.
  2. Halfway through the cooking process, stir and season with cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. After the 20-25 minutes, taste the lentils and if they're soft, with a little firmness, they're about done. Drain any excess liquid off.
  4. Gently fold in the green onion, tomato, pepitas, nutritional yeast, and lime juice.
  5. Top individual servings with 2-3 slices of avocado and some cilantro. Enjoy!

 

Bean & Avocado Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Cashew Sauce

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Bean and Avocado Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Cashew Sauce -- Epicurean VeganSummer is around the corner, which means fresher, lighter meals make a resurgence. Frankly, these are good any time. They come together in a snap, too. I paired these with the Avocado Bruschetta that’s always a hit.
Avocado Bruschetta -- Epicurean VeganI made these pretty mild, but feel free to chop up a jalapeno or add some hot sauce to the cashew sauce. Some iceberg lettuce would also add some nice crunch. Either way, I think you’ll enjoy these tasty, gluten-free tacos for lunch or dinner.

INGREDIENTS:
1 15-oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 large onion (any variety), diced
2 Tbs red wine vinegar
2 Tbs ground cumin
1 tsp oregano
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
2 Tbs lime juice
Cilantro-Lime Cashew Sauce
1 C raw, unsalted cashews
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 to 3/4 C cold water
3 Tbs lime juice
1 C fresh cilantro leaves
1 Tbs nutritional yeast
The rest
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced
6-8 soft corn tortillas

DIRECTIONS:
When it comes to making a dish with a cashew sauce, I’ll usually start by pouring boiling water over the cashews and let them soak for at least two hours. Meanwhile, prepare the other ingredients. Combine the beans, bell pepper, and onion in a large bowl. In a small dish, combine the cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Gently fold into the bean mixture along with the red wine vinegar and lime juice. Set aside.
Bean and Avocado Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Cashew SauceTo make the sauce, drain the cashews and add them to the food processor along with all of the ingredients. Go easy on the water at first and add more as you go in order to reach a desired sauce consistency. I use a funnel to transfer the sauce to a squeeze bottle.
Bean and Avocado Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Cashew SauceIf you’d like, warm the tortillas, or keep them room temperature. I squeezed on some sauce, spooned some filling inside, added an avocado slice, then topped with more sauce. Enjoy!
Bean and Avocado Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Cashew SauceWith leftovers, we changed it up a little by warming up the filling and using corn shells and adding lettuce and tomato. So good!

Bean and Avocado Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Cashew Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

 

FBean & Avocado Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Cashew Sauce
 
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Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • 1 15-oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • ½ large onion (any variety), diced
  • 2 Tbs red wine vinegar
  • 2 Tbs ground cumin
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 Tbs lime juice
  • Cilantro-Lime Cashew Sauce
  • 1 C raw, unsalted cashews
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ to ¾ C cold water
  • 3 Tbs lime juice
  • 1 C fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 Tbs nutritional yeast
  • The rest
  • 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced
  • 6-8 soft corn tortillas
Directions
  1. When it comes to making a dish with a cashew sauce, I'll usually start by pouring boiling water over the cashews and let them soak for at least two hours. Meanwhile, prepare the other ingredients.
  2. Combine the beans, bell pepper, and onion in a large bowl. In a small dish, combine the cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Gently fold into the bean mixture along with the red wine vinegar and lime juice. Set aside.
  3. To make the sauce, drain the cashews and add them to the food processor along with all of the ingredients. Go easy on the water at first and add more as you go in order to reach a desired sauce consistency. I use a funnel to transfer the sauce to a squeeze bottle.
  4. If you'd like, warm the tortillas, or keep them room temperature. I squeezed on some sauce, spooned some filling inside, added an avocado slice, then topped with more sauce. Enjoy!

 

 

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