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Experimenting with Ramen: Let Junior Cook

August 17, 2011 by epicureanvegan

The Seventh Grader loves to cook. He’ll help me out in the kitchen whenever possible and makes some pretty darn good chocolate chip cookies! There are times, however, when he wants to create something for lunch and be the master of kitchen without me hovering over him. In comes Top Ramen and Maruchan Ramen. Ask any college student (or any one who spent a few semesters in a dorm) and they’ll tell you that Top Ramen accounted for about 60% of their diet (along with beer, Lucky Charms and Totino’s pizzas). At 19 cents a package, Top Ramen is a mainstay for those on a tight budget.

The spice packets that come with the noodles are not vegan, but who needs them? This has prompted the Seventh Grader to come up with his own ramen meals. The variations are endless. Today, I took some pics of his cooking and I thought I’d pass along his recipe of the day. He didn’t really measure the ingredients, but that’s the fun of winging it. So if you have middle schoolers at home, this is a fabulous way to give them some freedom and independence in the kitchen. I also think it’s imperative to teach boys how to cook . . . girls dig a guy who can cook.

INGREDIENTS: (serves 2)
2 packages Oriental Top Ramen
Tamari
black pepper
garlic salt
cayenne pepper
olive oil
Optional ingredients: green onion, minced garlic, mushrooms, red bell pepper

DIRECTIONS:
After adding the noodles to boiling water, he added some tamari, then continued to cook for 3-4 minutes. He drained the noodles, but reserved some of the cooking water because The Husband likes his with some broth. In a large skillet, he heated about a tablespoon of oil and then added the noodles. He added some water once the noodles started to get dried and sticky. This created more of a sauce. Add the spices here, too.

Once the noodles begin to get a bit crispy, he separated them into two bowls, adding the reserved broth to one.

Enjoy! (and of course, use chopsticks!)

The Ultimate Veggie Burger

July 28, 2011 by epicureanvegan

This truly is the ultimate veggie burger! The recipe comes from Oh She Glows and is nutritious, healthy, and all-natural! They’re simple to make and the flavors mesh really well together. I also liked the crunch that the nuts provide; not a mushy burger at all. The original recipe makes 8 burgers, but I halved it, so below are for 4 burgers.

INGREDIENTS:
1/4 C onion, diced (I used red onion)
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1-1/4 Tbs flax meal + 1/4 C warm water
1/2 C oats, ground into flour
3/4 C breadcrumbs (I used panko)
1/2 C grated carrot (This, I would grate pretty small-I shredded it and I think next time I’d chop them up more)
1/2 C black beans, mashed (but still a little chunky)
1/8 C fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 C almonds, chopped
1/4 C sunflower seeds
1/2 Tbs olive oil (I used 1/4 tsp)
1/2 Tbs tamari
3/4 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 hamburger buns

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 350. In a small bowl, combine the flax meal and warm water. I’m sure you could also use egg-replacer powder if you don’t have any flax meal. Set it aside for 10 minutes. This is a good recipe to have all the ingredients chopped and ready to go before proceeding. In a small skillet, heat the olive oil and garlic. Add the onion and cook until tender. In a large mixing bowl, combine the onion, flax mixture, oat flour, bread crumbs, carrot, black beans, parsley, almonds, sunflower seeds, and tarmari. Stir in the seasonings.

With slightly wet hands, shape the mixture into patties and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 16 minutes, flip them over, then bake another 16 minutes.

The guys had theirs on buns with ketchup, tomato and avocado slices. I had mine sans the hamburger bun.

Enjoy!

The Ultimate Veggie Burger

This truly is the ultimate veggie burger! The recipe comes from Oh She Glows and is nutritious, healthy, and all-natural! They're simple to make and the flavors mesh really well together. I also liked the crunch that the nuts provide; not a mushy burger at all. The original recipe makes 8 burgers, but I halved it, so below are for 4 burgers.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

¼ C onion, diced (I used red onion)
½ tsp minced garlic
1-1/4 Tbs flax meal + ¼ C warm water
½ C oats, ground into flour
¾ C breadcrumbs (I used panko)
½ C grated carrot (This, I would grate pretty small-I shredded it and I think next time I'd chop them up more)
½ C black beans, mashed (but still a little chunky)
⅛ C fresh parsley, chopped
¼ C almonds, chopped
¼ C sunflower seeds
½ Tbs olive oil (I used ¼ tsp)
½ Tbs tamari
¾ tsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 hamburger buns

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350. In a small bowl, combine the flax meal and warm water. I'm sure you could also use egg-replacer powder if you don't have any flax meal. Set it aside for 10 minutes. This is a good recipe to have all the ingredients chopped and ready to go before proceeding. In a small skillet, heat the olive oil and garlic. Add the onion and cook until tender. In a large mixing bowl, combine the onion, flax mixture, oat flour, bread crumbs, carrot, black beans, parsley, almonds, sunflower seeds, and tarmari. Stir in the seasonings.
With slightly wet hands, shape the mixture into patties and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 16 minutes, flip them over, then bake another 16 minutes.
The guys had theirs on buns with ketchup, tomato and avocado slices. I had mine sans the hamburger bun. Enjoy!

Raw Alfredo with Zucchini Noodles from Vegangela

July 25, 2011 by epicureanvegan

I saw this recipe from Angela at Vegangela earlier this week, and it’s all I could think about. I had to wait until the reboot was over since it contains cashews. She came up with the sauce based on the creamy cashew sauce. Using non-pasteurized miso will make it raw and I think zucchini makes ideal noodles. Thanks for another amazing recipe, Angela!

INGREDIENTS:
4 medium zucchinis
1 C raw cashews
3/4 C water
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp thyme
2 garlic cloves, minced
salt & pepper, to taste
1 Tbs light miso paste (optional)
2 Tbs nutritional yeast (optional)
Fresh basil (optional)

DIRECTIONS:
Soak the cashews for minutes in water. While that’s going on, remove the peel of the zucchinis. Using a peeler, peel the zucchinis from one end to the other, rotating until the core is too small to peel anymore.

Next, grind the cashews in a food processor to a fine consistency. Add the other ingredients and blend until fairly smooth.

You can mix the noodles with the sauce or spoon it over them. Top with some fresh basil and enjoy!

Raw Alfredo with Zucchini Noodles from Vegangela

I saw this recipe from Angela at Vegangela earlier this week, and it's all I could think about. I had to wait until the reboot was over since it contains cashews. She came up with the sauce based on the creamy cashew sauce. Using non-pasteurized miso will make it raw and I think zucchini makes ideal noodles. Thanks for another amazing recipe, Angela!

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

4 medium zucchinis
1 C raw cashews
¾ C water
1 tbsp lemon juice
¼ tsp nutmeg
1 tsp thyme
2 garlic cloves, minced
salt & pepper, to taste
1 Tbs light miso paste (optional)
2 Tbs nutritional yeast (optional)
Fresh basil (optional)

Directions

Soak the cashews for minutes in water. While that's going on, remove the peel of the zucchinis. Using a peeler, peel the zucchinis from one end to the other, rotating until the core is too small to peel anymore.
Next, grind the cashews in a food processor to a fine consistency. Add the other ingredients and blend until fairly smooth.
You can mix the noodles with the sauce or spoon it over them. Top with some fresh basil and enjoy!

Quick Gazpacho Soup

July 18, 2011 by epicureanvegan

This refreshing soup is great not only for the summer, but for a reboot, too! You can actually juice these ingredients, but I decided to use the food processor.

INGREDIENTS:
4 large tomatoes, chopped
1 large cucumber, peeled and chopped into big pieces
2 celery stalks, cut into large pieces
1 red bell pepper, cut into large pieces
1/4 C red onion, chopped
1/2 C fresh parsley
1/2 C fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper (optional)

DIRECTIONS:
Add the onion, bell pepper, parsley, cilantro, and celery to the food processor. Process until smooth. Add the cucumber and tomatoes and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, if you’d like. Enjoy!

Makes about 5 cups.

Quick Gazpacho Soup

This refreshing soup is great not only for the summer, but for a reboot, too! You can actually juice these ingredients, but I decided to use the food processor.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

4 large tomatoes, chopped
1 large cucumber, peeled and chopped into big pieces
2 celery stalks, cut into large pieces
1 red bell pepper, cut into large pieces
¼ C red onion, chopped
½ C fresh parsley
½ C fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper (optional)

Directions

Add the onion, bell pepper, parsley, cilantro, and celery to the food processor. Process until smooth. Add the cucumber and tomatoes and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, if you'd like. Enjoy!
Makes about 5 cups.

Falafel Burgers and a Contest Winner!

May 9, 2011 by epicureanvegan

First of all, congratulations to sandition of Please Pass the Tofu for being the randomly selected commenter who will receive the $25 Amazon gift card!! Thank you to everyone who left a comment about juicing. So far, I’ve made some incredible apple-kale-spinach-parsley juice that is delicious! I think giving away stuff is way too much fun, so I look forward to doing it again soon!

So onto the food. 🙂 This recipe is another winner from The Vegan Table. You can serve these on buns, pita pockets, or open-faced like I did. Either way, I think you’ll enjoy the well-blended flavors of the patty as well as the cucumber sauce—an ideal combination.

INGREDIENTS:
1 can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
1 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 C fresh parsley, chopped
2 Tbs tahini
1-1/2 to 2 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp baking powder
1 C bread crumbs (I used panko)

For falafel sauce:
1 container (6-oz) plain nondairy yogurt
1-2 Tbs tahini (I used 1-1/2)
1/2 cucumber, peeled and finely chopped
1 tsp dried dill

Optional ingredients:
hamburger buns or rolls, pita bread, tomato slices, lettuce

DIRECTIONS:
I recommend making the sauce first since it has to chill for 30 minutes. I could have made it while the patties baked, but that’s when I cleaned up the kitchen and set the table, etc. To prepare the sauce, combine all of the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and chill for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400. Pulse a few times the chickpeas in the food processor until thick and pasty; transfer to a medium-sized bowl. Add the onion, garlic, parsley, tahini, cumin, corriander, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and baking powder. (I actually left the beans in the food processor and added the other ingredients and pulsed a few times to just mix them in a little–easier than using a spoon. Then I transferred to a bowl and mixed it more). Slowly add the bread crumbs—using more or less—until the mixture holds together well.

Shape into patties and place on a nonstick baking sheet. I used foil that I lightly sprayed with cooking spray. I also made 5 patties, but the recipe says you can get 8-10 patties.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Don’t expect the tops to get brown—they won’t. Flip over and bake for another 10-12 minutes. Serve with some falafel sauce, tomato, and lettuce on bun, pita, or open-face. Enjoy!

Crispy “Chicken” Salad

April 25, 2011 by epicureanvegan

This salad is a staple around my house and each time I make it, I never learn. I eat way too much of it. It’s just so damn good. Not to mention, easy to make. Bake some meatless chicken nuggets and throw some fresh veggies together and you have a healthy meal in minutes.

INGREDIENTS:
1 bag Boca nuggets, baked and diced
Romaine lettuce, torn
Fresh spinach, torn
1 tomato, diced
1 avocado, diced
1 cucumber, sliced, then quartered
Vegan pepper jack cheese and/or cheddar, shredded
Green onions, sliced
Tortilla chips, broken up
Vegan Ranch dressing:
1 C Vegenaise
1-1/2 tsp lemon juice
6 Tbs almond milk
1/2 tsp dried chives
1/2 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp dried dill
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper

DIRECTIONS:
I tend to put everything in separate bowls and let everyone create their own salads. To make the dressing, just whisk everything together in a small bowl and transfer to a pourable container. Refrigerate the leftovers. Enjoy!

Crispy "Chicken" Salad

This salad is a staple around my house and each time I make it, I never learn. I eat way too much of it. It's just so damn good. Not to mention, easy to make. Bake some meatless chicken nuggets and throw some fresh veggies together and you have a healthy meal in minutes.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

1 bag Boca nuggets, baked and diced
Romaine lettuce, torn
Fresh spinach, torn
1 tomato, diced
1 avocado, diced
1 cucumber, sliced, then quartered
Vegan pepper jack cheese and/or cheddar, shredded
Green onions, sliced
Tortilla chips, broken up
Vegan Ranch dressing:
1 C Vegenaise
1-1/2 tsp lemon juice
6 Tbs almond milk
½ tsp dried chives
½ tsp dried parsley
½ tsp dried dill
¼ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp garlic powder
⅛ tsp salt
⅛ tsp black pepper

Directions

I tend to put everything in separate bowls and let everyone create their own salads. To make the dressing, just whisk everything together in a small bowl and transfer to a pourable container. Refrigerate the leftovers. Enjoy!

Made it to Huffington Post!

April 7, 2011 by epicureanvegan

America’s Best Sandwiches—Veganized! just made it to Huffington Post today! Woo-hoo! Stop by, leave a comment and be a part of the Vegan Revolution! Get the recipe for my version of the “Crispy Drunken Chicken Sandwich HERE.

I Feel A Vegan Revolution Coming On!

April 4, 2011 by epicureanvegan

Remember when I posted my vegan version of the Drunken Chicken Sandwich for Endless Simmer? Marly of Namely Marly had rounded up vegan bloggers to veganize these meat-laden sandwiches and thanks to her, a vegan revolution is a brewin’! Turns out, the author of the original series liked our veganizing idea and our results are now posted on Endless Simmer today and hopefully soon . . . on Huffington Post. Please visit the post, comment and give it a “thumbs up” on Stumble Upon. So exciting!

Peanutty Tofu Roll-Ups

April 1, 2011 by epicureanvegan

These wraps are excellent for a fresh and quick meal that you can customize to your liking. The recipe comes from 1000 Vegan Recipes, but I altered it a little, as I thought it was too peanut buttery. You can add your own favorite veggies to make your perfect wrap.

INGREDIENTS:
8 oz firm tofu, drained and patted dry
2/3 C peanut butter (I used just a 1/3 C–and crunchy, too. The food processor smooths it out anyway)
1 Tbs soy sauce (I used tamari)
1 Tbs lime juice
1/2 tsp grated ginger
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 tsp cayenne
1 Tbs yellow miso (I added this)
4- 10″ tortillas or lavish bread
Veggies I used: spinach, sliced carrots, sliced cucumber, and sliced orange bell pepper

DIRECTIONS:
In a food processor, combine the tofu, peanut butter, and tamari; process until smooth. Add lime juice, ginger, garlic, and cayenne; continue to process until smooth and well blended. Leave for 30 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to blend.

Assemble the wraps by spreading some tofu mixture on a tortilla, add your favorite veggies, wrap up, and slice in half. Enjoy!

Peanutty Tofu Roll-Ups

These wraps are excellent for a fresh and quick meal that you can customize to your liking. The recipe comes from 1000 Vegan Recipes, but I altered it a little, as I thought it was too peanut buttery. You can add your own favorite veggies to make your perfect wrap.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

8 oz firm tofu, drained and patted dry
⅔ C peanut butter (I used just a ⅓ C--and crunchy, too. The food processor smooths it out anyway)
1 Tbs soy sauce (I used tamari)
1 Tbs lime juice
½ tsp grated ginger
1 garlic clove, minced
¼ tsp cayenne
1 Tbs yellow miso (I added this)
4- 10" tortillas or lavish bread
Veggies I used: spinach, sliced carrots, sliced cucumber, and sliced orange bell pepper

Directions

In a food processor, combine the tofu, peanut butter, and tamari; process until smooth. Add lime juice, ginger, garlic, and cayenne; continue to process until smooth and well blended. Leave for 30 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to blend.
Assemble the wraps by spreading some tofu mixture on a tortilla, add your favorite veggies, wrap up, and slice in half. Enjoy!

Pasta with Almond Parmesan

March 4, 2011 by epicureanvegan

This has always been one of my favorite go-to lunches or quick dinners. I tend to have the almond Parmesan, from The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook, in the fridge because it’s delish and so easy to make. It’s packed with B vitamins (nutritional yeast) and protein (almonds). I also use low-carb, whole-wheat pasta when possible and the beauty of this, is that you can make as little, or as much as you want.

INGREDIENTS:
Cooked pasta, any variety
Mushrooms, sliced and lightly sauteed
Tomato, diced
Vegan margarine
Parmezano Sprinkles:
1/2 C blanched almonds
2 Tbs nutritional yeast flakes
1-2 tsp light miso
Heaping 1/4 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS:
To make the Parmezano Sprinkles: place the almonds in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil for 1-2 minutes, then drain them; rinse with cold water. When pinched between your fingers, the skins will slide right off. Dry off with a paper towel and place the almonds in a food processor; grind to a fine powder. Add remaining ingredients and pulse several times to incorporate everything. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator; will keep for a month or so and can be frozen.

Cook pasta according to instructions on package. In the meantime, saute the mushrooms a little. Once pasta is cooked and drained, add a little margarine to the pot and coat the pasta. Stir in the mushrooms and tomatoes; let the tomatoes heat through a minute or two. Serve with Parmezano sprinkles on top! Enjoy!

Pasta with Almond Parmesan

This has always been one of my favorite go-to lunches or quick dinners. I tend to have the almond Parmesan, from The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook, in the fridge because it's delish and so easy to make. It's packed with B vitamins (nutritional yeast) and protein (almonds). I also use low-carb, whole-wheat pasta when possible and the beauty of this, is that you can make as little, or as much as you want.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

Cooked pasta, any variety
Mushrooms, sliced and lightly sauteed
Tomato, diced
Vegan margarine
Parmezano Sprinkles:
½ C blanched almonds
2 Tbs nutritional yeast flakes
1-2 tsp light miso
Heaping ¼ tsp salt

Directions

To make the Parmezano Sprinkles: place the almonds in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil for 1-2 minutes, then drain them; rinse with cold water. When pinched between your fingers, the skins will slide right off. Dry off with a paper towel and place the almonds in a food processor; grind to a fine powder. Add remaining ingredients and pulse several times to incorporate everything. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator; will keep for a month or so and can be frozen.
Cook pasta according to instructions on package. In the meantime, saute the mushrooms a little. Once pasta is cooked and drained, add a little margarine to the pot and coat the pasta. Stir in the mushrooms and tomatoes; let the tomatoes heat through a minute or two. Serve with Parmezano sprinkles on top! Enjoy!

Experimenting with Ramen: Let Junior Cook

The Ultimate Veggie Burger

Raw Alfredo with Zucchini Noodles from Vegangela

Quick Gazpacho Soup

Falafel Burgers and a Contest Winner!

Crispy “Chicken” Salad

Made it to Huffington Post!

I Feel A Vegan Revolution Coming On!

Peanutty Tofu Roll-Ups

Pasta with Almond Parmesan

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