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Vegan “Buttermilk” Cornbread (And more snow on the way)

April 30, 2013 by epicureanvegan

When I made chili and cornbread last week when it was snowy, I figured it was going to be the last hurrah for cold weather and it’d be a while before I’d be making chili again. Wrongo, Bucko. The forecast is calling for another 3-6 inches! What in the hell is going on with Colorado weather? We had just put away the plastic sheeting and boards we used to cover the veggie boxes, so now we have to drag them out again. Amazingly, my peas have survived the previous onslaughts of snow . . .

As has the spinach and kale . . .

I’m really not happy about this weather, but at least it’s expected to be gone by Friday. It does give me an excuse to whip up some of our new favorite soup for tomorrow night’s dinner. I’m also thrilled it will be gone for the weekend since we are headed to Boulder for a weekend getaway which will include another amazing dinner at The Black Cat. So if you’re experiencing the same discombobulated weather, I think you’ll enjoy this delicious cornbread. The Eighth Grader found this recipe and together, we veganized it, made a few changes, and he threw it all together. Easy to make and delicious!

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 C Earth Balance
1/3 C sugar (we cut the original amount in half)
3 tsp Ener-G Egg Replacer + 4 Tbs warm water
1 C almond milk + 1-1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar (to make the “buttermilk”)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 C cornmeal
1 C flour
1/2 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan. Remove from the heat and stir in the sugar; combine it well with the butter. Add the egg-replacer, the milk/cider combo, and the baking soda. Combine well, then whisk in the cornmeal, flour, and salt. You’ll have a thick batter.

Pour into a lightly greased, 8″ baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Slice and enjoy!

Vegan "Buttermilk" Cornbread (And more snow on the way)

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Serves: 9

Ingredients

½ C Earth Balance
⅓ C sugar (we cut the original amount in half)
3 tsp Ener-G Egg Replacer + 4 Tbs warm water
1 C almond milk + 1-1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar (to make the "buttermilk")
½ tsp baking soda
1 C cornmeal
1 C flour
½ tsp salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 375.
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan. Remove from the heat and stir in the sugar; combine it well with the butter.
Add the egg-replacer, the milk/cider combo, and the baking soda. Combine well, then whisk in the cornmeal, flour, and salt. You'll have a thick batter.
Pour into a lightly greased, 8" baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Slice and enjoy!

Cashew Alfredo and Roasted Asparagus

April 8, 2013 by epicureanvegan

The Alfredo recipe is from The Kind Life and is probably the best vegan Alfredo sauce I’ve tried thus far. The taste and consistency is perfect. The only thing I added was some nutritional yeast and some sliced mushrooms. Paired with the asparagus, it was a fantastic meal!

INGREDIENTS:
Alfredo:
1 C raw cashews
2 Tbs pine nuts
1-1/2 C water
4 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp garlic, minced
1/16 tsp nutmeg
1-1/2 tsp salt (I used 1 tsp)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 C nutritional yeast
4 C pasta (I used 16 oz of orecchiette, a.k.a “suction cup pasta)
1 to 2 C mushrooms, sliced
Asparagus:
1 bunch of asparagus, ends trimmed
1-2 Tbs olive oil
Salt

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 400. In a large bowl, coat the asparagus with the olive oil and season with salt; set aside. To make the sauce, grind the nuts in a blender until you reach a fine powder. Add the nutritional yeast, water, lemon juice, garlic, nutmeg, and salt. Blend until completely smooth—about 1 minute. Transfer to a medium saucepan and whisk over medium heat until it begins to boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes; stir in the black pepper and mushrooms. It won’t take long to thicken up and stir it often to keep it from burning.

Transfer the asparagus to a baking sheet and as soon as you add your pasta to a pot to boil it, throw the asparagus in the oven. Incidentally, they’re both take about 14 minutes to cook.

Turn the asparagus halfway through—about 7 minutes. Cook another 7 minutes.

Perfect!
Drain the pasta and serve with sauce ladled on top. (The Eighth Grader cut up his asparagus and added it to the pasta and loved it). Enjoy!

Cashew Alfredo and Roasted Asparagus

The Alfredo recipe is from The Kind Life and is probably the best vegan Alfredo sauce I've tried thus far. The taste and consistency is perfect. The only thing I added was some nutritional yeast and some sliced mushrooms. Paired with the asparagus, it was a fantastic meal!

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Serves: 4

Ingredients

Alfredo:
1 C raw cashews
2 Tbs pine nuts
1-1/2 C water
4 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp garlic, minced
1/16 tsp nutmeg
1-1/2 tsp salt (I used 1 tsp)
½ tsp black pepper
¼ C nutritional yeast
4 C pasta (I used 16 oz of orecchiette, a.k.a "suction cup pasta)
1 to 2 C mushrooms, sliced
Asparagus:
1 bunch of asparagus, ends trimmed
1-2 Tbs olive oil
Salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400.
In a large bowl, coat the asparagus with the olive oil and season with salt; set aside.
To make the sauce, grind the nuts in a blender until you reach a fine powder. Add the nutritional yeast, water, lemon juice, garlic, nutmeg, and salt. Blend until completely smooth---about 1 minute. Transfer to a medium saucepan and whisk over medium heat until it begins to boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes; stir in the black pepper and mushrooms. It won't take long to thicken up and stir it often to keep it from burning.
Transfer the asparagus to a baking sheet and as soon as you add your pasta to a pot to boil it, throw the asparagus in the oven. Incidentally, they're both take about 14 minutes to cook.
Turn the asparagus halfway through---about 7 minutes. Cook another 7 minutes.
Drain the pasta and serve with sauce ladled on top. Enjoy!

Roman Pasta Soup with Potatoes

March 28, 2013 by epicureanvegan

This is definitely a carb-lover’s soup! You certainly don’t have to use pasta and potatoes, but I think they work really well together in this soup. I used to make this soup a lot about ten or twelve years ago, but sort of forgot about it, especially since it used real bacon, but like most meat dishes, this one is easy to veganize. It’s incredibly easy to make and versatile, too. I think some chopped kale or mushrooms would be great additions.

INGREDIENTS:
1 Tbs olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 veggie bacon slices, diced
1 large onion, chopped
1/3 C fresh parsley, chopped
8-9 C vegetable broth
3 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
2 C pasta shells, uncooked
Black pepper, to taste
Daiya mozzarella

DIRECTIONS:
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil and garlic. Add the onions and veggie bacon and cook 5 minutes. Stir in the parsley and cook another 2 minutes. Add the potatoes and broth and cook over medium heat about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are slightly tender. Add the pasta and cook 10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through. Season with black pepper and serve with Daiya cheese on top. Enjoy!

Roman Pasta Soup with Potatoes

This is definitely a carb-lover's soup! You certainly don't have to use pasta and potatoes, but I think they work really well together in this soup. I used to make this soup a lot about ten or twelve years ago, but sort of forgot about it, especially since it used real bacon, but like most meat dishes, this one is easy to veganize. It's incredibly easy to make and versatile, too. I think some chopped kale or mushrooms would be great additions.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

1 Tbs olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 veggie bacon slices, diced
1 large onion, chopped
⅓ C fresh parsley, chopped
8-9 C vegetable broth
3 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
2 C pasta shells, uncooked
Black pepper, to taste
Daiya mozzarella

Directions

In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil and garlic. Add the onions and veggie bacon and cook 5 minutes. Stir in the parsley and cook another 2 minutes. Add the potatoes and broth and cook over medium heat about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are slightly tender. Add the pasta and cook 10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through. Season with black pepper and serve with Daiya cheese on top. Enjoy!

Field Roast and Avocado Burritos

March 19, 2013 by epicureanvegan

Yikes, it’s been a while. I have so many new recipes on my list to make, but I’ve been so busy with various different projects, that throwing together a simple favorite has been all I’ve had time for. I’ll get back into the swing of things. I can’t tell you how happy I am to be emerging from the cold and depressing days of winter! We even got our garden started this weekend. (I’ll be bringing you Garden Watch soon). In the meantime, here’s a fast and simple meal that is ready in less than 30 minutes.

INGREDIENTS:
1 Tbs chipotle-flavored olive oil (or regular)
1/2 C yellow or white onion, chopped
1/2 C red onion, chopped
4 Field Roast Sausages, Italian Seasoning flavor, crumbled
2 avocados, peeled, pitted and sliced
4 Flour tortillas
Other (optional) burrito fillings: vegan sour cream, salsa, cilantro, diced tomatoes, Daiya cheese

DIRECTIONS:
Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and add the onions. Cook 5-7 minutes, or until they soften. Add the Field Roast and cook over medium heat until heated through, again, for 5-7 minutes.

On a warmed tortilla, layer on some sour cream, Field Roast mixture, avocados, and any other burrito fillings you want. Roll up and enjoy! (See, I told you it was easy)!

Field Roast and Avocado Burritos

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

1 Tbs chipotle-flavored olive oil (or regular)
½ C yellow or white onion, chopped
½ C red onion, chopped
4 Field Roast Sausages, Italian Seasoning flavor, crumbled
2 avocados, peeled, pitted and sliced
4 Flour tortillas
Other (optional) burrito fillings: vegan sour cream, salsa, cilantro, diced tomatoes, Daiya cheese

Directions

Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and add the onions. Cook 5-7 minutes, or until they soften. Add the Field Roast and cook over medium heat until heated through, again, for 5-7 minutes.
On a warmed tortilla, layer on some sour cream, Field Roast mixture, avocados, and any other burrito fillings you want. Roll up and enjoy!

Quinoa Pasta with Kale and Mushrooms

February 18, 2013 by epicureanvegan

This is a very quick and healthy lunch. It’s also a good idea to munch on if you’re feeling under the weather since it has immune-boosting ingredients like kale, mushrooms, garlic, and pepita seeds. Regardless, it’ll hit the spot!

INGREDIENTS:
8-oz quinoa pasta, veggie curls (I used Ancient Harvest brand)
2-3 C chopped kale (I used red kale)
2 C diced or quartered mushrooms
1/2 C green onions, sliced
1/2 C pepitas seeds
1 Tbs olive oil or 2 Tbs Earth Balance
2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. You don’t want to overcook quinoa pasta, as it tends to get mushy if you do. Drain and set aside.

Using the same pot, heat the olive oil or Earth Balance and add the garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the kale, mushrooms, and green onions and cook 5-7 minutes, or until they soften.

Once the veggies are cooked down a little, stir in the pasta and pepita seeds. Season with salt and pepper and enjoy!

Quinoa Pasta with Kale and Mushrooms

This is a very quick and healthy lunch. It's also a good idea to munch on if you're feeling under the weather since it has immune-boosting ingredients like kale, mushrooms, garlic, and pepita seeds. Regardless, it'll hit the spot!

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

8-oz quinoa pasta, veggie curls (I used Ancient Harvest brand)
2-3 C chopped kale (I used red kale)
2 C diced or quartered mushrooms
½ C green onions, sliced
½ C pepitas seeds
1 Tbs olive oil or 2 Tbs Earth Balance
2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. You don't want to overcook quinoa pasta, as it tends to get mushy if you do. Drain and set aside.
Using the same pot, heat the olive oil or Earth Balance and add the garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the kale, mushrooms, and green onions and cook 5-7 minutes, or until they soften.
Once the veggies are cooked down a little, stir in the pasta and pepita seeds.
Season with salt and pepper and enjoy!

Fruity Snack Balls

February 1, 2013 by epicureanvegan

These are such a great snack and take minutes to make! I LOVE these (and so will kids). They come from Vegan Cooking for Carnivores and the only thing I added was about 2 tablespoons of chia seeds. I try to throw chia seeds in all kinds of dishes, especially breakfast/fruity/smoothie things. Check out these 10 reasons you should eat them. You can use just about any dried fruit or nuts for these, such as apricots, apples, raisins, even dried blueberries. I also think mixing in a tablespoon of almond butter or peanut butter would be dee-licious! The original recipe says it makes a great crumbled cereal topper as well. The recipe also says it makes 2-1/2 dozen, but I got exactly 2 dozen–just depends on how small you make them.

INGREDIENTS:
3/4 C unsweetened shredded coconut
3/4 C dried cherries
1 C dried mango
1/2 C dried cranberries
1 C sliced raw almonds
2 Tbs chia seeds

DIRECTIONS:
Toss the first four ingredients into the food processor and blend for a full minute.

Add the almonds and blend again for another full minute.

I then transferred the mixture to a bowl and stirred in the chia seeds.

Take small handfuls and squeeze, then shape into a ball. Repeat. Enjoy!

Fruity Snack Balls

These are such a great snack and take minutes to make! I LOVE these (and so will kids). They come from Vegan Cooking for Carnivores and the only thing I added was about 2 tablespoons of chia seeds. I try to throw chia seeds in all kinds of dishes, especially breakfast/fruity/smoothie things. Check out these 10 reasons you should eat them. You can use just about any dried fruit or nuts for these, such as apricots, apples, raisins, even dried blueberries. I also think mixing in a tablespoon of almond butter or peanut butter would be dee-licious! The original recipe says it makes a great crumbled cereal topper as well. The recipe also says it makes 2-1/2 dozen, but I got exactly 2 dozen--just depends on how small you make them.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

¾ C unsweetened shredded coconut
¾ C dried cherries
1 C dried mango
½ C dried cranberries
1 C sliced raw almonds
2 Tbs chia seeds

Directions

Toss the first four ingredients into the food processor and blend for a full minute.
Add the almonds and blend again for another full minute.
I then transferred the mixture to a bowl and stirred in the chia seeds.
Take small handfuls and squeeze, then shape into a ball. Repeat. 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.)

Vegan Herbed Cream Cheese

January 20, 2013 by epicureanvegan

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 . . .

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!

Curry in a Hurry

January 15, 2013 by epicureanvegan

I’ve never made a curry sauce before, but I had a general idea of what went in it. I did make a rookie mistake, however, of trying to make it a little thicker by adding a smidgen of arrowroot and water. It made it a little clumpy and a bit too thick . . .it didn’t affect the taste, but I recommend not trying to thicken it up. All in all, it turned out delicious and I’d definitely make this again, especially because it came together in no time. I didn’t make it spicy, but we did top off our servings with some sriracha, which was perfect! I steamed some veggies, but you can saute them, too.

INGREDIENTS:
2 C long grain white rice
3 C water
2 tsp Better than Bouillon paste
Sauce:
1 Tbs olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
3 Tbs curry powder
1 can coconut milk
1/2 C water
1/2 tsp Better than Bouillon
1 Tbs sugar
1 tsp dried basil
3/4 tsp dried ginger
Salt and pepper
The rest:
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2″ pieces
1 C edamame
1 C mushrooms, sliced
1/2 C green onion, sliced
1 can sliced water chestnuts
Optional: Sriracha or other hot sauce

DIRECTIONS:
Whisk together the 3 cups of water and 2 tsp of bouillon paste; bring to a boil. Stir in the rice and cook on low for 15 minutes. Prepare your veggies how you’d like: steaming or sauteing. (minus the green onions)

Meanwhile, to make the sauce, heat the olive oil and then stir in the curry powder; cook for 2 minutes.

Add the garlic and cook another 2 minutes. Combine the 1/2 C of water and 1/2 tsp bouillon in a cup, then add to the sauce pan. Whisk in the coconut milk and season with the basil, ginger, and salt, and pepper; add in the sugar. Let it simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Ladle over the cooked rice and veggies and add some heat, if desired. Top with green onions. Enjoy!

Curry in a Hurry

I've never made a curry sauce before, but I had a general idea of what went in it. I did make a rookie mistake, however, of trying to make it a little thicker by adding a smidgen of arrowroot and water. It made it a little clumpy and a bit too thick . . .it didn't affect the taste, but I recommend not trying to thicken it up. All in all, it turned out delicious and I'd definitely make this again, especially because it came together in no time. I didn't make it spicy, but we did top off our servings with some sriracha, which was perfect! I steamed some veggies, but you can saute them, too.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

2 C long grain white rice
3 C water
2 tsp Better than Bouillon paste
Sauce:
1 Tbs olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
3 Tbs curry powder
1 can coconut milk
½ C water
½ tsp Better than Bouillon
1 Tbs sugar
1 tsp dried basil
¾ tsp dried ginger
Salt and pepper
The rest:
1 red bell pepper, cut into ½" pieces
1 C edamame
1 C mushrooms, sliced
½ C green onion, sliced
1 can sliced water chestnuts
Optional: Sriracha or other hot sauce

Directions

Whisk together the 3 cups of water and 2 tsp of bouillon paste; bring to a boil. Stir in the rice and cook on low for 15 minutes. Prepare your veggies how you'd like: steaming or sauteing. (minus the green onions)
Meanwhile, to make the sauce, heat the olive oil and then stir in the curry powder; cook for 2 minutes.
Add the garlic and cook another 2 minutes. Combine the ½ C of water and ½ tsp bouillon in a cup, then add to the sauce pan. Whisk in the coconut milk and season with the basil, ginger, and salt, and pepper; add in the sugar. Let it simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Ladle over the cooked rice and veggies and add some heat, if desired. Top with green onions. Enjoy!

Zucchini, Tomato & Ricotta Tart

January 12, 2013 by epicureanvegan

This was so good and so easy to make! Yes, I know, puff pastry—even though it’s vegan—isn’t the healthiest of foods, but once in a while, it’s okay. In fact, it’s downright fun to come up with recipes using it. This is the perfect time to break out the mandolin slicer (if you’re brave enough). I’m still too freaked out to use it after my mishap with it. Anyway, I used my go-to ricotta cheese recipe which makes more than what you need for this, but the rest will freeze well or keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. It’s great mixed in some cooked pasta with veggies, or small batch of a stuffed shells. You can also just halve the recipe if you’d like. This dish works as a main meal, or cut into small squares, is ideal as an appetizer. Check out these other tart recipes: Savory Vegetable Tart and Savory Asparagus Tart.

INGREDIENTS:
1 puff pastry sheet, thawed
1 medium zucchini, sliced thin
2 tomatoes, sliced thin
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Ricotta:
14-oz tub of extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
1 tsp basil (sometimes I use fresh basil–about a cup)
1 tsp rosemary (Again, you can use 1 Tbs of freshly chopped rosemary)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 Tbs lemon juice
1/3 C nutritional yeast
Optional: 1/4 to 1/3 cup of vegan mozzarella, shredded

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 350. On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to fit an 11″x17″ cookie sheet. It’s ok if the edges go over the side—just tuck them in. Stick with a fork in several places.

Bake for 7-10 minutes (check it to make sure it’s not browning). You want it just toasted:

To make the ricotta, combine all of the ingredients (except the cheese, if using) in a food processor. Transfer to a bowl, then stir in the cheese.

Spread about a cup or so of the ricotta onto the puff pastry. You can use as little or as much as you’d like. Top with the tomato slices. I got about 9 slices, so I spaced them evenly on top.

Next, layer on the zucchinis. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges of the crust brown the zucchinis are tender.

Transfer to a large cutting board, then cut and enjoy!

Zucchini, Tomato & Ricotta Tart

Prep time

20 mins

Cook time

25 mins

Total time

45 mins

This was so good and so easy to make! Yes, I know, puff pastry---even though it's vegan---isn't the healthiest of foods, but once in a while, it's okay. In fact, it's downright fun to come up with recipes using it. This is the perfect time to break out the mandolin slicer (if you're brave enough). I'm still too freaked out to use it after my mishap with it. Anyway, I used my go-to ricotta cheese recipe which makes more than what you need for this, but the rest will freeze well or keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. It's great mixed in some cooked pasta with veggies, or small batch of a stuffed shells. You can also just halve the recipe if you'd like. This dish works as a main meal, or cut into small squares, is ideal as an appetizer. Check out these other tart recipes: Savory Vegetable Tart and Savory Asparagus Tart.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Serves: 6

Ingredients

1 puff pastry sheet, thawed
1 medium zucchini, sliced thin
2 tomatoes, sliced thin
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Ricotta:
14-oz tub of extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
1 tsp basil (sometimes I use fresh basil--about a cup)
1 tsp rosemary (Again, you can use 1 Tbs of freshly chopped rosemary)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 Tbs lemon juice
⅓ C nutritional yeast
Optional: ¼ to ⅓ cup of vegan mozzarella, shredded

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350.
On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to fit an 11"x17" cookie sheet. It's okay if the edges go over the side---just tuck them in. Stick with a fork in several places.
Bake for 7-10 minutes (check it to make sure it's not browning). You want it just toasted.
To make the ricotta, combine all of the ingredients (except the cheese, if using) in a food processor. Transfer to a bowl, then stir in the cheese.
Spread about a cup or so of the ricotta onto the puff pastry. You can use as little or as much as you'd like. Top with the tomato slices. I got about 9 slices, so I spaced them evenly on top.
Next, layer on the zucchinis. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges of the crust brown the zucchinis are tender.
Transfer to a large cutting board, then cut and enjoy!

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Vegan “Buttermilk” Cornbread (And more snow on the way)

Cashew Alfredo and Roasted Asparagus

Roman Pasta Soup with Potatoes

Field Roast and Avocado Burritos

Quinoa Pasta with Kale and Mushrooms

Fruity Snack Balls

Quinoa with Dried Apricots and Black Beans

Vegan Herbed Cream Cheese

Curry in a Hurry

Zucchini, Tomato & Ricotta Tart

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