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Baba Ganoush

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Baba Ganoush -- Epicurean Vegan

Baba ganoush is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with eggplant, tahini, and seasonings. I’ve tried various renditions in restaurants, but I wanted to try my hand at making my own. I looked at different recipes and of course, there are some varying opinions on what makes a good baba ganoush. Purists will tell you that this dish never uses garlic (I couldn’t help myself) and to mix in some plain yogurt (I didn’t have any). I think what I came up with is pretty delicious and our guests raved about it. Garlic or no garlic; yogurt or no yogurt, this appetizer, served with pita chips and veggies, is full of flavor and sure to be a hit.

INGREDIENTS:
2 medium eggplants
2 garlic cloves
1 Tbs lemon juice
1/4 C tahini
1/3 C olive oil + more for brushing
1 Tbs cumin
1 tsp salt
1/2 C parsley leaves

DIRECTIONS:
Place you oven rack in the middle of the oven (about 3 down). Preheat broiler on high. Cut the eggplants in half, lengthwise and place flat side down on a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush the skins with olive oil. I wrapped the garlic cloves (skins removed and drizzled with a tiny bit of olive oil) in a little foil and placed on the baking sheet.

Broil for about 20-25 minutes, or until the skin is charred a little and the insides are soft. Flip over and let cool. Meanwhile, toss the roasted garlic, lemon juice, tahini, cumin, salt, and parsley in a food processor and blend well.
Baba Ganoush -- Epicurean VeganOnce the eggplants are cool enough to handle, scrape out the insides and transfer to the food processor and blend, drizzling in the olive oil while the machine is running. Serve with pita chips and veggies. Enjoy!

Baba Ganoush
 
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Baba ganoush is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with eggplant, tahini, and seasonings. I've tried various renditions in restaurants, but I wanted to try my hand at making my own. I looked at different recipes and of course, there are some varying opinions on what makes a good baba ganoush. Purists will tell you that this dish never uses garlic (I couldn't help myself) and to mix in some plain yogurt (I didn't have any). I think what I came up with is pretty delicious and our guests raved about it. Garlic or no garlic; yogurt or no yogurt, this appetizer, served with pita chips and veggies, is full of flavor!
Author:
Serves: 3 cups
Ingredients
  • 2 medium eggplants
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 Tbs lemon juice
  • ¼ C tahini
  • ⅓ C olive oil + more for brushing
  • 1 Tbs cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ C parsley leaves
Directions
  1. Place you oven rack in the middle of the oven (about 3 down). Preheat broiler on high. Cut the eggplants in half, lengthwise and place flat side down on a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush the skins with olive oil. I wrapped the garlic cloves (skins removed and drizzled with a tiny bit of olive oil) in a little foil and placed on the baking sheet.
  2. Broil for about 20-25 minutes, or until the skin is charred a little and the insides are soft. Flip over and let cool. Meanwhile, toss the roasted garlic, lemon juice, tahini, cumin, salt, and parsley in a food processor and blend well.
  3. Once the eggplants are cool enough to handle, scrape out the insides and transfer to the food processor and blend, drizzling in the olive oil while the machine is running. Serve with pita chips and veggies. Enjoy!

 

Garbanzo-White Bean Truffle Spread

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Garbanzo-White Bean Truffle Spread -- Epicurean Vegan

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

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

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

Garbanzo-White Bean Truffle Spread -- Epicurean Vegan

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

Vegan Herbed Cream Cheese

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Vegan Herbed Cream Cheese -- Epicurean Vegan

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

Veggie Wraps -- Epicurean Vegan

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

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

White Bean Truffle Spread

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White Bean Truffle Spread -- Epicurean Vegan

Many of you know I LOVE truffle oil. When I saw this recipe in Party Vegan, I knew I had to make it.

I brought this spread to a get together and wow—it was gone in seconds and the recipe was requested by several people. The flavor is subtle; not overpowering at all. I highly recommend doubling this recipe—you’ll be glad you did!

INGREDIENTS:
1 15-oz can white beans, drained and rinsed
2 tsp garlic, crushed
1/2 tsp salt
2 Tbs lemon juice
1 Tbs + 1 tsp truffle oil
1 Tbs fresh chives, chopped (I used one green onion)

DIRECTIONS:
Using a food processor, blend the garlic and salt together. Next, add the beans, chives, and lemon juice; blend well. With the processor running, slowly pour 1 Tbs of the truffle oil in. I got a little excited and poured it all in—which was just fine. (The remaining teaspoon is for drizzling on top when you serve it). Chill for at least two hours, then serve with crackers and veggies.

White Bean Truffle Spread
 
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Many of you know I LOVE truffle oil. When I saw this recipe in Party Vegan, I knew I had to make it. I brought this spread to a get together and wow---it was gone in seconds and the recipe was requested by several people. The flavor is subtle; not overpowering at all. I highly recommend doubling this recipe---you'll be glad you did!
Author:
Ingredients
  • 1 15-oz can white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tsp garlic, crushed
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 Tbs lemon juice
  • 1 Tbs + 1 tsp truffle oil
  • 1 Tbs fresh chives, chopped (I used one green onion)
Directions
  1. Using a food processor, blend the garlic and salt together.
  2. Next, add the beans, chives, and lemon juice; blend well.
  3. With the processor running, slowly pour 1 Tbs of the truffle oil in. I got a little excited and poured it all in---which was just fine. (The remaining teaspoon is for drizzling on top when you serve it).
  4. Chill for at least two hours, then serve with crackers and veggies.

White Bean Crock Cheez

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White Bean Crock Cheez -- Epicurean VeganThis cheeze comes from The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook and is similar to the other crock cheez from the same cookbook. The change here is that this recipe uses white beans (I used Great Northern beans) instead of tofu. That makes a difference, especially for those who don’t eat soy (or a lot of it) for various reasons. This is a great alternative. The taste is only slightly different as you can tell it’s made with beans, and the texture is a little bit softer and smoother. I love to have this on pieces of pita bread, on crackers, or spread on toast. You can also use garbanzo beans in place of the white beans.

INGREDIENTS:
2 C cooked white beans or garbanzo beans
3 Tbs nutritional yeast flakes
2 Tbs tahini
2 Tbs lemon juice
1-1/2 Tbs light miso
1-2 Tbs olive oil
1 tsp onion powder
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dry mustard

DIRECTIONS:
Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Process until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary. Chill several hours or overnight. Keeps 5-7 days in the fridge. Enjoy!

White Bean Crock Cheez
 
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This cheeze comes from The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook and is similar to the other crock cheez from the same cookbook. The change here is that this recipe uses white beans (I used Great Northern beans) instead of tofu. That makes a difference, especially for those who don't eat soy (or a lot of it) for various reasons. This is a great alternative. The taste is only slightly different as you can tell it's made with beans, and the texture is a little bit softer and smoother. I love to have this on pieces of pita bread, on crackers, or spread on toast. You can also use garbanzo beans in place of the white beans.
Author:
Ingredients
  • 2 C cooked white beans or garbanzo beans
  • 3 Tbs nutritional yeast flakes
  • 2 Tbs tahini
  • 2 Tbs lemon juice
  • 1-1/2 Tbs light miso
  • 1-2 Tbs olive oil
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp dry mustard
Directions
  1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Process until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary. Chill several hours or overnight. Keeps 5-7 days in the fridge. Enjoy!

 

Edamame Hummus

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Edamame Hummus -- Epicurean VeganMy wonderful friend and neighbor brought this over to me. We are both foodies and even though she’s not vegan, she always whips up amazing vegan creations for me to try. This hummus is full of flavor and is great with veggies, chips, crackers, etc. A refreshing summer dip!

INGREDIENTS:
2 C edamame
2-3 garlic cloves
2-3 lemons, juice and zest reserved
1/3 C tahini
5/8 C olive oil
1/2 avocado, peeled and pitted
1-1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp ground coriander
1/16 tsp cayenne
1/2 tsp agave

DIRECTIONS:
Using a food processor, blend edamame, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest and tahini. With motor running, slowly drizzle in oil to emulsify mixture. Add remaining ingredients and puree until smooth. Enjoy!

Recipe: Edible Front Range

Chickpea Havarti Spread

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Chickpea Havarti Spread -- Epicurean VeganThis spread can easily be called a dip as well. It almost has a chowder-like taste to it. From the Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook, this recipe is simple and delicious! This would also make a great condiment for sandwiches or wraps, too.

INGREDIENTS:
1 C water
2 C drained cooked or canned chickpeas (one 15 or 16 oz can)
1/2 C raw cashews
1/3 C nutritional yeast flakes
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp ground dill seed
1/2 tsp whole celery seed
1/4 C lemon juice

DIRECTIONS:
Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Transfer to a medium sauce pan and cook over medium heat, stirring often until very thick, about 15-20 minutes.

Chickpea Havarti Spread -- Epicurean Vegan

Remove from heat and cool a few minutes. Pour into an air tight container and chill for several hours to overnight.

Chickpea Havarti Spread -- Epicurean Vegan

Enjoy on crackers, as a vegetable dip, or as a sandwich condiment. Makes 2 cups.

Chickpea Havarti Spread
 
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This spread can easily be called a dip as well. It almost has a chowder-like taste to it. From the Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook, this recipe is simple and delicious! This would also make a great condiment for sandwiches or wraps, too.
Author:
Ingredients
  • 1 C water
  • 2 C drained cooked or canned chickpeas (one 15 or 16 oz can)
  • ½ C raw cashews
  • ⅓ C nutritional yeast flakes
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp ground dill seed
  • ½ tsp whole celery seed
  • ¼ C lemon juice
Directions
  1. Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Transfer to a medium sauce pan and cook over medium heat, stirring often until very thick, about 15-20 minutes.
  2. Remove from heat and cool a few minutes. Pour into an air tight container and chill for several hours to overnight.
  3. Enjoy on crackers, as a vegetable dip, or as a sandwich condiment. Makes 2 cups.

Caramelized Onion Dip

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Caramelized Onion Dip -- Epicurean VeganLove onions? You’ll love this dip. Caramelizing the onions brings out a rich sweetness in them and are ideal for a dip—served hot or cold. Serve with potato chips, veggies or crackers.

INGREDIENTS:
2 lbs yellow onions (about 3 large onions) sliced thin
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp sugar
3 Tbs Earth Balance
1 Tbs olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
8-oz Tofutti cream cheese
1/2 C Vegenaise
3/4 C Tofutti sour cream
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbs fresh thyme, chopped

Caramelized Onion Dip -- Epicurean Vegan

DIRECTIONS:
Over medium heat, melt the Earth Balance in a large skillet. Add the onions and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Caramelized Onion Dip -- Epicurean VeganCover and cook for about 12 minutes, then stir in the sugar and increase the heat. Cover and continue to cook another 20 minutes, or until the onions are browned and caramel-y.

Caramelized Onion Dip -- Epicurean VeganRemove from heat and let cool. Transfer the onions to a large cutting board and chop them up. You can also use a food processor.

Caramelized Onion Dip -- Epicurean VeganIn a small saute pan, heat the oil and garlic until the garlic begins to brown, then remove from the heat. In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, Vegenaise, sour cream, nutmeg, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the onions and thyme. Puree half of the dip, then stir back  into the other half.

Caramelized Onion Dip -- Epicurean VeganCover and chill or put transfer to a baking dish and warm. Enjoy!

“Cheddar” and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip

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"Cheddar" and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip -- Epicurean VeganLike the Party Cheese Ball, people will not be able to tell this is vegan! I love this dip and I guarantee, so will your guests (that is, if you don’t eat it all yourself)!

INGREDIENTS:
4 oz Tofutti cream cheese
1/4 C Tofutti sour cream
1/2 C plain soy yogurt
2 C vegan cheddar, shredded (Daiya brand)
2 large garlic cloves, minced
4 scallions, sliced thin
8 (I recommend 10-12) oil-packed sun-dried tomato halves, drained and minced
Dash of salt

DIRECTIONS:
Stir together cream cheese, sour cream, and yogurt in a medium bowl. Stir in the cheddar, garlic, scallions,  tomatoes, and salt. Transfer to a serving dish and serve with crackers, chips and veggies. Enjoy!

Recipe: adapted from Beyond the Moon Cookbook

Edamame Guacamole

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Edamame Guacamole -- Epicurean VeganI think I may have just replaced my favorite guacamole . . . well, maybe I won’t go that far, but this is pretty darn delish. The addition of edamame is ideal–for taste and for the fact that there are 16 grams of protein per cup of these cute, little soybeans. This is great for dipping or for using as a sandwich condiment . . . or grab a spoon and start eating—I won’t judge! 🙂

INGREDIENTS:
1 C edamame, thawed if frozen
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and chopped
1/3 C white onion, chopped
1/8 C lime juice (you may need a little more for thinning the dip)
1 C packed fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 tsp garlic salt

DIRECTIONS:
Throw it all in the food processor! That’s about it. You can add more lime juice if it’s too thick. Enjoy!

Edamame Guacamole -- Epicurean Vegan

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