Sides Archives - Page 4 of 11

Bowties with Veggies and Roasted Garlic Ricotta

September 30, 2013 by epicureanvegan

I’m so happy there are some leftovers! The original recipe uses real ricotta, but not only did I make use my go-to ricotta recipe, I also added/omitted some ingredients. Ricotta cheese has so much fat it’s ridiculous (10 g/fat, 6 g/saturated fat) so even if you do eat dairy, I urge you to try my tofu-version that contains 5 grams of fat, and only 1 gram of saturated fat. Plus, you’ll also benefit from the protein and the no cholesterol! Also, if you think roasting garlic is a pain, it’s really not. It’s so easy to do and takes only 30 minutes, in which time, you can prepare all of your ingredients. Ideally, if you can roast the garlic and make the ricotta the day before, it will be even more flavorful by the time you make this dish. I think you’ll find this is a great main meal or side dish that will please even picky eaters.

INGREDIENTS:
Tofu-Ricotta:
14-oz pkg extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
1 tsp basil
1 tsp rosemary
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/3 C nutritional yeast
2 Tbs lemon juice
Optional: 1/2 C Daiya Mozzarella shreds
The rest:
1 lb bow-tie pasta (any variety would be fine)
6 cloves of garlic (or more if you want)
Olive oil
1-1/2 C cherry tomatoes, halved
4-6 C fresh spinach, chopped
2 C mushrooms, sliced and sauteed
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 C reserved pasta-cooking water

DIRECTIONS:
To roast the garlic, preheat the oven to 425. Cut off the tips of each garlic clove and place on a piece of foil; drizzle with olive oil. Wrap up loosely in the foil, place on a small baking sheet, and roast for about 30 minutes. Set aside and let cool.

Meanwhile, however, prepare your other ingredients. To make the “ricotta,” combine all of the ingredients in a food processor, but don’t blend it yet until the garlic is done. You’ll want to add the garlic cloves and blend everything together, along with the 1/4 C of the reserved pasta-cooking water. So until the garlic is ready, at least throw together the ingredients to get started. Cook the pasta according to package instructions while you saute the mushrooms in a small pan with a teaspoon of olive oil. Chop your spinach, slice those tomatoes, and finish off the ricotta by adding the newly roasted garlic and water. (For the garlic cloves, gently squeeze an end and the skins should come right off, then discard.)

Drain the pasta and rinse with hot water to remove as much starch as possible. Return the pot to the stove and over medium-low heat, add the spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms; saute with a smidgen of water until wilted and heated through.

Add the pasta and ricotta and combine everything thoroughly, season with salt and pepper, and enjoy!

Bowties with Veggies and Roasted Garlic Ricotta

Ricotta cheese has so much fat it's ridiculous (10 g/fat, 6 g/saturated fat) so even if you do eat dairy, I urge you to try my tofu-version that contains 5 grams of fat, and only 1 gram of saturated fat. Plus, you'll also benefit from the protein and the no cholesterol! Also, if you think roasting garlic is a pain, it's really not. It's so easy to do and takes only 30 minutes, in which time, you can prepare all of your ingredients. Ideally, if you can roast the garlic and make the ricotta the day before, it will be even more flavorful by the time you make this dish. I think you'll find this is a great main meal or side dish that will please even picky eaters.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Serves: 6

Ingredients

Tofu-Ricotta:
14-oz pkg extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
1 tsp basil
1 tsp rosemary
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp black pepper
⅓ C nutritional yeast
2 Tbs lemon juice
Optional: ½ C Daiya Mozzarella shreds
The rest:
1 lb bow-tie pasta (any variety would be fine)
6 cloves of garlic (or more if you want)
Olive oil
1-1/2 C cherry tomatoes, halved
4-6 C fresh spinach, chopped
2 C mushrooms, sliced and sauteed
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ C reserved pasta-cooking water

Directions

To roast the garlic, preheat the oven to 425.
Cut off the tips of each garlic clove and place on a piece of foil; drizzle with olive oil. Wrap up loosely in the foil, place on a small baking sheet, and roast for about 30 minutes. Set aside and let cool.
Meanwhile, however, prepare your other ingredients. To make the "ricotta," combine all of the ingredients in a food processor, but don't blend it yet until the garlic is done. You'll want to add the garlic cloves and blend everything together, along with the ¼ C of the reserved pasta-cooking water. So until the garlic is ready, at least throw together the ingredients to get started.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions while you saute the mushrooms in a small pan with a teaspoon of olive oil.
Chop your spinach, slice those tomatoes, and finish off the ricotta by adding the newly roasted garlic and water. (For the garlic cloves, gently squeeze an end and the skins should come right off, then discard.)
Drain the pasta and rinse with hot water to remove as much starch as possible. Return the pot to the stove and over medium-low heat, add the spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms; saute with a smidgen of water until wilted and heated through.
Add the pasta and ricotta and combine everything thoroughly, season with salt and pepper, and enjoy!

Rosemary Drop Biscuits

September 15, 2013 by epicureanvegan

The rain is continuing to wreak havoc on our state. It took a break yesterday, but started up again last night and hasn’t let up since. Tomorrow is shaping up to be another day off for the Ninth Grader. We are so lucky where we’re at right now, that we aren’t experiencing flooding in my neighborhood, but other sections aren’t fairing as well. We’re so thankful we’re not in Lyons, Estes Park, Boulder, and other mountain towns where people have lost their homes. Hundreds of people are unaccounted for. Please keep Colorado and those affected by the floods in your thoughts!

We’re grateful to be warm, dry and safe in our home and able to have veggie chili simmering in the crock pot, listening to music, and spending our day together. The Ninth Grader made these the other night for dinner and I wanted to share them all of you—an easy addition to any meal.

INGREDIENTS:
1 C whole wheat pastry flour
2/3 C flour
1 Tbs baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 C Earth Balance, melted
2/3 C almond milk
1 Tbs dried rosemary

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375. Lightly grease a baking sheet. Whisk together the dry ingredients, then stir in the milk and melted Earth Balance. It’ll be sticky, but that’s okay; just incorporate everything the best you can.

We had a very curious visitor stop by . . .

Take 1/4 C-sized pieces of dough and place them on the baking sheet. We got 12 biscuits out of the batch.

Bake 12-15 minutes, or until they begin to brown around the edges. Enjoy!

Rosemary Drop Biscuits

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Serves: 12

Ingredients

1 C whole wheat pastry flour
⅔ C flour
1 Tbs baking powder
½ tsp salt
⅓ C Earth Balance, melted
⅔ C almond milk
1 Tbs dried rosemary

Directions

Preheat oven to 375.
Lightly grease a baking sheet.
Whisk together the dry ingredients, then stir in the milk and melted Earth Balance. It'll be sticky, but that's okay; just incorporate everything the best you can.
Take ¼ C-sized pieces of dough and place them on the baking sheet. We got 12 biscuits out of the batch.
Bake 12-15 minutes, or until they begin to brown around the edges. Enjoy!

Summertime Fruit and Greens Salad

September 8, 2013 by epicureanvegan

I was needing to bring a dish to an outdoor potluck and The Ninth Grader actually had this idea and it sounded pretty good, so I went to work in the kitchen. Not only was it gone by the end of the night, I’ve already emailed the recipe to those who requested it. It has a light, tangy dressing that is perfect for a summertime get together.

INGREDIENTS:
Dressing:
1/8 C + 1 Tbs olive oil
1 Tbs + 1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar
3/4 tsp red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp lime juice
1/2 tsp sugar
1 Tbs poppy seeds
Salad:
8 C greens, chopped (I used iceberg and green leaf)
2 15-oz cans mandarin oranges, drained|
2 6-oz containers raspberries
1 C Craisins
1 C pomegranate seeds
1 C walnuts, chopped

DIRECTIONS:
In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the greens.

Carefully fold in the fruit and walnuts, then drizzle the dressing on top.

Again, gently fold or toss the salad to incorporate the dressing. Enjoy!

Summertime Fruit and Greens Salad

I was needing to bring a dish to an outdoor potluck and The Ninth Grader actually had this idea and it sounded pretty good, so I went to work in the kitchen. Not only was it gone by the end of the night, I've already emailed the recipe to those who requested it. It has a light, tangy dressing that is perfect for a summertime get together.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

Dressing:
⅛ C + 1 Tbs olive oil
1 Tbs + ½ tsp balsamic vinegar
¾ tsp red wine vinegar
½ tsp lemon juice
½ tsp lime juice
½ tsp sugar
1 Tbs poppy seeds
Salad:
8 C greens, chopped (I used iceberg and green leaf)
2 15-oz cans mandarin oranges, drained|
2 6-oz containers raspberries
1 C Craisins
1 C pomegranate seeds
1 C walnuts, chopped

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.
In a large bowl, combine the greens.
Carefully fold in the fruit and walnuts, then drizzle the dressing on top.
Again, gently fold or toss the salad to incorporate the dressing. Enjoy!

Quinoa-Rice Salad with Tempeh and “Feta”

July 5, 2013 by epicureanvegan

We had a fabulous July 4th holiday feast with great friends and family. Our friends made these incredible grilled vegetable sandwiches and an outstanding gazpacho! (recipe soon to come, for sure).

Cold quinoa and/or rice salads tend to be ideal for outdoor get togethers, plus, being vegan AND gluten-free, makes it so everyone can enjoy. Granted, there was a lot of prep work for this salad, but you can save yourself some time by making certain things ahead of time. I love the different flavors in this salad, as well as the crunch from the nuts. I made quite a big batch, so feel free to halve the recipe for a smaller crowd.

INGREDIENTS:

Salad:
2 C wild rice mix (cooked in 2-1/4 C vegetable broth)
1 C quinoa (cooked in 1-1/4 C vegetable broth)
1-1/2 C dried apricots, diced
1-1/2 C toasted nuts, chopped (I used walnuts and pecans, but I think pepitas and almond slivers would be great too)
1 C fresh parsley, chopped
Tempeh + marinade:
8-oz pkg. tempeh, cut into small cubes
1/4 C tamari
1 Tbs vegan Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp brown sugar
1 garlic clove, minced
Tofu “feta”: (adapted)
1 14-oz pkg extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
1/4 C cashews
2 Tbs olive oil
1 tsp yellow or mellow miso
2 Tbs reserved marinade (below)
Marinade:
3 Tbs lemon juice
5 Tbs white wine vinegar
1-1/2 Tbs yellow or mellow miso
1 tsp salt
2 garlic cloves, minced
Dressing:
1/2 C lime juice
4 Tbs red wine vinegar
4 Tbs olive oil
1/2 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS:
I recommend making the feta and marinating the tempeh ahead of time, even a day or two ahead if you can. I didn’t, and I think the salad still turned out great, but it’ll bring out the flavors even more. We’ll start with the feta.

Slice the tofu into 1/2″ slabs and place into a large dish. Whisk together the feta marinade and coat the tofu thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for several hours, or preferably over a night or two. Next, blend the cashews, olive oil, miso, and reserved marinade. I used my blender, but I couldn’t get a smooth consistency, so I transferred the mixture to a mortar and pestle, to mash it up even more.

Crumble up the tofu with your fingers, then add the cashew mixture; combine well. Keep refrigerated in an airtight container.
To make the tempeh, combine all of the marinade ingredients in a medium zip bag and add the tempeh. Let it marinade for several hours to overnight.

When ready, heat a tiny bit of olive oil to a small skillet and add the tempeh. Saute over medium heat until the tempeh has crispy edges.

Meanwhile, cook the rice and quinoa (separately) according to package instructions. I tend to use veggie broth for added flavor. I also used what quinoa I had: some red, some regular.

Combine the two in a large bowl and refrigerate until cooled. (Be sure to place a hot pad or trivet underneath the bowl when placing directly onto a cold, glass refrigerator shelf.) Once cooled, fold in all of the ingredients: nuts, feta, parsley, tempeh, and apricots. Whisk together the dressing ingredients and pour over the salad; fold gently to incorporate everything. Enjoy!

Quinoa-Rice Salad with Tempeh and "Feta"

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

Salad:
2 C wild rice mix (cooked in 2-1/4 C vegetable broth)
1 C quinoa (cooked in 1-1/4 C vegetable broth)
1-1/2 C dried apricots, diced
1-1/2 C toasted nuts, chopped (I used walnuts and pecans, but I think pepitas and almond slivers would be great too)
1 C fresh parsley, chopped
Tempeh + marinade:
8-oz pkg. tempeh, cut into small cubes
¼ C tamari
1 Tbs vegan Worcestershire sauce
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
1 tsp brown sugar
1 garlic clove, minced
Tofu "feta": (adapted)
1 14-oz pkg extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
¼ C cashews
2 Tbs olive oil
1 tsp yellow or mellow miso
2 Tbs reserved marinade (below)
Marinade:
3 Tbs lemon juice
5 Tbs white wine vinegar
1-1/2 Tbs yellow or mellow miso
1 tsp salt
2 garlic cloves, minced
Dressing:
½ C lime juice
4 Tbs red wine vinegar
4 Tbs olive oil
½ tsp salt

Directions

I recommend making the feta and marinating the tempeh ahead of time, even a day or two ahead if you can. I didn't, and I think the salad still turned out great, but it'll bring out the flavors even more. We'll start with the feta.
Slice the tofu into ½" slabs and place into a large dish. Whisk together the feta marinade and coat the tofu thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for several hours, or preferably over a night or two. Next, blend the cashews, olive oil, miso, and reserved marinade. I used my blender, but I couldn't get a smooth consistency, so I transferred the mixture to a mortar and pestle, to mash it up even more.
Crumble up the tofu with your fingers, then add the cashew mixture; combine well. Keep refrigerated in an airtight container.
To make the tempeh, combine all of the marinade ingredients in a medium zip bag and add the tempeh. Let it marinade for several hours to overnight.
When ready, heat a tiny bit of olive oil to a small skillet and add the tempeh. Saute over medium heat until the tempeh has crispy edges.
Meanwhile, cook the rice and quinoa (separately) according to package instructions. I tend to use veggie broth for added flavor. I also used what quinoa I had: some red, some regular.
Combine the two in a large bowl and refrigerate until cooled. (Be sure to place a hot pad or trivet underneath the bowl when placing directly onto a cold, glass refrigerator shelf.) Once cooled, fold in all of the ingredients: nuts, feta, parsley, tempeh, and apricots. Whisk together the dressing ingredients and pour over the salad; fold gently to incorporate everything. Enjoy!

Tempeh Lettuce Wraps

May 14, 2013 by epicureanvegan

Lettuce wraps are a favorite around here, especially since we can be picky and add what toppings we want. Oh, and they’re fresh and easy to make. I suggest having all of your ingredients out, ready to go, and even chopped before anything else; it just makes life easier. I was inspired by a Vegetarian Times recipe, but I made lots of changes by adding ingredients and omitting some. That’s the beauty of these . . . they’re so versatile.

INGREDIENTS:
Filling:
2 8oz pkg. tempeh, broken into chunks
5 large mushrooms, diced
1 can water chestnuts, chopped (I didn’t have any, but I would have used them if I did, so these are certainly optional)
1 Tbs olive oil
2 Tbs fresh garlic, minced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1-1/4 C vegetable broth
1/4 C fresh mint, chopped
1/8 C lime juice
1 Tbs tamari
1 Tbs toasted brown rice vinegar
2 tsp sugar
2 tsp sriracha
1/4 tsp brown sugar
Sauce:
1/8 C lime juice
1/8 C water
1/8 C sugar
2 Tbs tamari
1 Tbs brown rice vinegar
1/2 tsp brown sugar
1 Tbs yellow miso
salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings:
2 carrots, shredded
1 cucumber, peeled and sliced into strips
Fresh basil, sliced into strips
1 C green onions, sliced
1 avocado, sliced into thin strips
1/2 C chopped peanuts and slivered almonds (also chopped)
12-16 large lettuce leaves

DIRECTIONS:
Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. To make the filling, pulse the tempeh in a food processor. Depending on your preference, you can pulse it until you’re left with course pieces, or process it a bit more like I did. It can be difficult to get a consistent texture if you want larger pieces.

Heat the oil in a large skillet and add the ginger and garlic. Cook for 1 minute, then add the tempeh (and water chestnuts, if suing) and broth. Cover and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. Uncover, add the mushrooms, increase heat to medium-high, and cook ten minutes. Stir in the remaining filling ingredients and heat thoroughly.

Since you were so efficient in your prep work . . . 😉 you’re ready to fill the lettuce wraps! Place a scoop in the center of the lettuce leaf and add your favorite toppings, and drizzle with about a tablespoon of the sauce. Enjoy!

Tempeh Lettuce Wraps

Lettuce wraps are a favorite around here, especially since we can be picky and add what toppings we want. Oh, and they're fresh and easy to make. I suggest having all of your ingredients out, ready to go, and even chopped before anything else; it just makes life easier. I was inspired by a Vegetarian Times recipe, but I made lots of changes by adding ingredients and omitting some. That's the beauty of these . . . they're so versatile.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Serves: 4

Ingredients

Filling:
2 8oz pkg. tempeh, broken into chunks
5 large mushrooms, diced
1 can water chestnuts, chopped (I didn't have any, but I would have used them if I did, so these are certainly optional)
1 Tbs olive oil
2 Tbs fresh garlic, minced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1-1/4 C vegetable broth
¼ C fresh mint, chopped
⅛ C lime juice
1 Tbs tamari
1 Tbs toasted brown rice vinegar
2 tsp sugar
2 tsp sriracha
¼ tsp brown sugar
Sauce:
⅛ C lime juice
⅛ C water
⅛ C sugar
2 Tbs tamari
1 Tbs brown rice vinegar
½ tsp brown sugar
1 Tbs yellow miso
salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings:
2 carrots, shredded
1 cucumber, peeled and sliced into strips
Fresh basil, sliced into strips
1 C green onions, sliced
1 avocado, sliced into thin strips
½ C chopped peanuts and slivered almonds (also chopped)
12-16 large lettuce leaves

Directions

Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. To make the filling, pulse the tempeh in a food processor. Depending on your preference, you can pulse it until you're left with course pieces, or process it a bit more like I did. It can be difficult to get a consistent texture if you want larger pieces.
Heat the oil in a large skillet and add the ginger and garlic. Cook for 1 minute, then add the tempeh (and water chestnuts, if suing) and broth. Cover and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. Uncover, add the mushrooms, increase heat to medium-high, and cook ten minutes. Stir in the remaining filling ingredients and heat thoroughly.
Since you were so efficient in your prep work . . . 😉 you're ready to fill the lettuce wraps! Place a scoop in the center of the lettuce leaf and add your favorite toppings, and drizzle with about a tablespoon of the sauce. Enjoy!

Creamy Dill and Chive Potato Salad

May 13, 2013 by epicureanvegan

What better way to welcome spring than making a big bowl of potato salad?! We Coloradans have had enough of cold weather although we should be careful what we wish for because we’ll be in the mid-80s this week. Oh well, much better than snow.

INGREDIENTS:
2 lbs red potatoes, cubed
2 tsp Better than Bouillon paste (optional)
6 celery stalks, sliced
1 C green onions, sliced
1/2 C parsley, minced
Sauce:
1/2 C vegan mayo
1/3 C vegan sour cream
2 Tbs Dijon mustard
2 Tbs garlic powder
3 Tbs apple cider vinegar
1/2 C dill, chopped
1/2 C chives, chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

DIRECTIONS:
I whisked together the bouillon paste and water in a large pot for some added flavor, but this is certainly optional. Bring to a boil and add the potatoes. Boil for about 20 minutes, or until they are softened, but still firm. However, you may decide to cook them longer to make a softer salad, just keep in mind, that you could end up with a mashed potato salad, which isn’t the end of the world; it’ll actually make the salad even creamier (which is actually how mine turned out). It’s all a matter of preference. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the celery, green onions, and parsley; set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, Dijon, garlic powder, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir in the dill and chives.

Once the potatoes are where you want them, drain and rinse with cold water. Transfer to a large bowl and using a rubber spatula, carefully fold in the celery mixture.

I suppose you could actually combine the celery mixture and the sauce together first to save a step, as well as save the potatoes from being stirred too much. Either way, you get the idea. Fold in the sauce and chill for at least 2 hours, then enjoy!

Creamy Dill and Chive Potato Salad

What better way to welcome spring than making a big bowl of potato salad?! We Coloradans have had enough of cold weather although we should be careful what we wish for because we'll be in the mid-80s this week. Oh well, much better than snow.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

2 lbs red potatoes, cubed
2 tsp Better than Bouillon paste (optional)
6 celery stalks, sliced
1 C green onions, sliced
½ C parsley, minced
Sauce:
½ C vegan mayo
⅓ C vegan sour cream
2 Tbs Dijon mustard
2 Tbs garlic powder
3 Tbs apple cider vinegar
½ C dill, chopped
½ C chives, chopped
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

Directions

I whisked together the bouillon paste and water in a large pot for some added flavor, but this is certainly optional. Bring to a boil and add the potatoes. Boil for about 20 minutes, or until they are softened, but still firm. However, you may decide to cook them longer to make a softer salad, just keep in mind, that you could end up with a mashed potato salad, which isn't the end of the world; it'll actually make the salad even creamier (which is actually how mine turned out). It's all a matter of preference.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the celery, green onions, and parsley; set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, Dijon, garlic powder, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir in the dill and chives.
Once the potatoes are where you want them, drain and rinse with cold water. Transfer to a large bowl and using a rubber spatula, carefully fold in the celery mixture.
I suppose you could actually combine the celery mixture and the sauce together first to save a step, as well as save the potatoes from being stirred too much. Either way, you get the idea. Fold in the sauce and chill for at least 2 hours, then enjoy!

Quinoa with Dried Apricots and Black Beans

January 22, 2013 by epicureanvegan

The next time someone asks you, “Where do you get your protein?” you can (politely) point out this dish as one of numerous options. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all 9 amino acids essential to human health. It offers up roughly 8 grams of protein per cup and also passes along calcium, iron, folate, manganese, and other vitamins. Black beans also carry nearly 15 grams of protein per cup, so add some veggies and you have healthy lunch!

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 C red quinoa, rinsed and drained
1/2 C regular quinoa, rinsed and drained
1 tsp Better than Bouillon paste
1-1/2 C water
1 C fresh cilantro, chopped
1 C green onions, sliced
1 C dried apricots, chopped
1/3 C pepitas (toasted pumpkin seeds)
1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp lime juice
2 Tbs red wine vinegar
2 Tbs olive oil

DIRECTIONS:
In a medium sauce pan, whisk together the bouillon and water; bring to a boil. Stir in the quinoa, cover and cook on low for 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the cilantro, green onion, apricots, pepita seeds, salt, lime juice, red wine vinegar, and olive oil.

Once the quinoa is finished, add it, along with the black beans to the bowl.

Combine well and enjoy! (You can also chill it in a covered dish and serve cold.)

Quinoa with Dried Apricots and Black Beans

The next time someone asks you, "Where do you get your protein?" you can (politely) point out this dish as one of numerous options. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all 9 amino acids essential to human health. It offers up roughly 8 grams of protein per cup and also passes along calcium, iron, folate, manganese, and other vitamins. Black beans also carry nearly 15 grams of protein per cup, so add some veggies and you have healthy lunch!

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

½ C red quinoa, rinsed and drained
½ C regular quinoa, rinsed and drained
1 tsp Better than Bouillon paste
1-1/2 C water
1 C fresh cilantro, chopped
1 C green onions, sliced
1 C dried apricots, chopped
⅓ C pepitas (toasted pumpkin seeds)
1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp lime juice
2 Tbs red wine vinegar
2 Tbs olive oil

Directions

In a medium sauce pan, whisk together the bouillon and water; bring to a boil. Stir in the quinoa, cover and cook on low for 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the cilantro, green onion, apricots, pepita seeds, salt, lime juice, red wine vinegar, and olive oil.
Once the quinoa is finished, add it, along with the black beans to the bowl.
Combine well and enjoy! (You can also chill it in a covered dish and serve cold.)

Quinoa with Walnuts and Spinach

December 27, 2012 by epicureanvegan

I hope everyone had a happy and safe holiday! For the first time in many years, we had snow falling on Christmas Eve! You wouldn’t think that’d be such a rarity in Colorado, but a drought will do that to ya. It’s even snowing as I type! So I wasn’t sure what to call this dish because it has more than just walnuts and spinach it—it’s loaded with veggies. I served this warm, but I think it would be tasty cold as well.

INGREDIENTS:
1 C regular quinoa
1 C red quinoa
2 tsp Better Than Bouillon
3 C water
1 C spinach, chopped
4 green onions, sliced
4 mushrooms, chopped
1/3 C fresh parsley, chopped
2 Tbs chia seeds
1/2 C walnuts, chopped (and toasted, if you’d like)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 Tbs lemon juice

DIRECTIONS:
In a medium or large saucepan, whisk together the bouillon and water and then bring to a boil. Add the two quinoas (you can also use tri-colored quinoa if you’d like), stir, reduce heat, and cover. Cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until just a little bit of liquid remains. Stir in the spinach, green onion, and mushrooms and let cook for a few minutes—just enough for the spinach to wilt and the mushrooms to cook down a little.

Stir in the salt, pepper, chia seeds, and lemon juice. Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley and walnuts. Enjoy!

Quinoa with Walnuts and Spinach

Prep time

5 mins

Cook time

25 mins

Total time

30 mins

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Serves: 2

Ingredients

1 C regular quinoa
1 C red quinoa
2 tsp Better Than Bouillon
3 C water
1 C spinach, chopped
4 green onions, sliced
4 mushrooms, chopped
⅓ C fresh parsley, chopped
2 Tbs chia seeds
½ C walnuts, chopped (and toasted, if you'd like)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 Tbs lemon juice

Directions

In a medium or large saucepan, whisk together the bouillon and water and then bring to a boil. Add the two quinoas (you can also use tri-colored quinoa if you'd like), stir, reduce heat, and cover. Cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until just a little bit of liquid remains.
Stir in the spinach, green onion, and mushrooms and let cook for a few minutes---just enough for the spinach to wilt and the mushrooms to cook down a little.
Stir in the salt, pepper, chia seeds, and lemon juice.
Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley and walnuts. Enjoy!

Immune-Boosting Salad with Baked Tempeh

December 18, 2012 by epicureanvegan

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

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

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.

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

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.

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!

Red Quinoa Pilaf with Kale and Corn

November 25, 2012 by epicureanvegan

This is another excellent recipe from Vegan Holiday Kitchen. Kale and quinoa together?! Talk about a super, nutrient-packed salad. This was easy to make and served warm, it made an excellent side dish on Thanksgiving.

INGREDIENTS:
1-1/2 C red quinoa
3 C vegetable broth
1 bunch (8-oz) kale
2 Tbs olive oil
4-6 cloves garlic, minced
4 green onions (white and green parts) sliced thin
2 C fresh or frozen corn kernels
2 jarred roasted red peppers, chopped
2 Tbs lemon juice
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp rosemary
Salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS:
Combine the quinoa and broth in a medium saucepan, bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. If the liquid isn’t fully absorbed by 20 minutes, but the quinoa is done, drain it using a fine mesh strainer. The recipe says to strip the kale leaves from the stem and slice the leaves into narrow strips. I found that to be difficult and time consuming, so I just chopped it. In the end, it doesn’t really matter anyway. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and saute the garlic until it begins to brown. Add the kale . . .

. . . and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and cook, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Red Quinoa Pilaf with Kale and Corn

This is another excellent recipe from Vegan Holiday Kitchen. Kale and quinoa together?! Talk about a super, nutrient-packed salad. This was easy to make and served warm, it made an excellent side dish on Thanksgiving.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

1-1/2 C red quinoa
3 C vegetable broth
1 bunch (8-oz) kale
2 Tbs olive oil
4-6 cloves garlic, minced
4 green onions (white and green parts) sliced thin
2 C fresh or frozen corn kernels
2 jarred roasted red peppers, chopped
2 Tbs lemon juice
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp rosemary
Salt and pepper

Directions

Combine the quinoa and broth in a medium saucepan, bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. If the liquid isn't fully absorbed by 20 minutes, but the quinoa is done, drain it using a fine mesh strainer.
The recipe says to strip the kale leaves from the stem and slice the leaves into narrow strips. I found that to be difficult and time consuming, so I just chopped it. In the end, it doesn't really matter anyway.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and saute the garlic until it begins to brown.
Add the kale and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes.
Add the remaining ingredients and cook, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes.
Serve immediately. Enjoy!

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Immune-Boosting Salad with Baked Tempeh

Red Quinoa Pilaf with Kale and Corn

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