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Paella Primavera

February 7, 2012 by epicureanvegan

Like many of you, I received the latest issue of Vegetarian Times yesterday . . . when I saw this recipe on the cover, I had to make it. I didn’t have all the same ingredients, so I improvised, plus I added some other seasonings. It came out delicious! Next time, I think I’ll try using barley instead of rice and maybe use zucchini instead of broccoli. It helps to have all of your ingredients chopped and ready to go first. Despite some prep work, this dish came together quickly and I liked that I only needed one pan.

Adapted from Vegetarian Times

INGREDIENTS:
1 Tbs olive oil
2 C broccoli florets
1 red bell pepper, chopped
6 green onions, sliced
3 C vegetable broth
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 C white rice
1 C corn kernels
12 pitted green olives, halved
12 pitted black olives, halved
1/4 C fresh parsley, chopped
Salt, pepper, and cumin, to taste

DIRECTIONS:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli, bell pepper, and green onion. Cook about 5-6 minutes.

Stir in the broth and garlic; bring to a boil. Stir in the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.

Stir in the corn and olives; cover and cook another 8 minutes.

Season with salt, pepper, and cumin and serve with a pinch or two of fresh parsley. Enjoy!

Paella Primavera

Like many of you, I received the latest issue of Vegetarian Times yesterday . . . when I saw this recipe on the cover, I had to make it. I didn't have all the same ingredients, so I improvised, plus I added some other seasonings. It came out delicious! Next time, I think I'll try using barley instead of rice and maybe use zucchini instead of broccoli. It helps to have all of your ingredients chopped and ready to go first. Despite some prep work, this dish came together quickly and I liked that I only needed one pan.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

1 Tbs olive oil
2 C broccoli florets
1 red bell pepper, chopped
6 green onions, sliced
3 C vegetable broth
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 C white rice
1 C corn kernels
12 pitted green olives, halved
12 pitted black olives, halved
¼ C fresh parsley, chopped
Salt, pepper, and cumin, to taste

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli, bell pepper, and green onion. Cook about 5-6 minutes.
Stir in the broth and garlic; bring to a boil. Stir in the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir in the corn and olives; cover and cook another 8 minutes.
Season with salt, pepper, and cumin and serve with a pinch or two of fresh parsley. Enjoy!

Lemony Pan-Fried Chickpeas with Chard

February 4, 2012 by epicureanvegan

This recipe is from Color Me Vegan and considering I love chickpeas, (a.k.a garbanzo beans) and chard, this is a new favorite. I would, however, make a few changes next time. Even though chickpeas are a great source of fiber and protein, and have no saturated fat, they do sport 90 calories per half a cup. Given this, I would use just half a can and even double the chard. So what to do with the other half of beans? Make a small batch of hummus, perfect for a few sandwiches during the week. I could have eaten the entire pan of this, which would not have been wise, so reducing the amount of chickpeas and adding more chard, I think, is a smart way to go. Otherwise, share this dish with plenty of others! (The recipe below is sans my suggestions.)

INGREDIENTS:
1 Tbs olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained
1 bunch Swiss chard, chopped
1 small lemon
1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
Black pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and cook until tender. Add the chickpeas and cook 10 minutes, or until the beans begin to brown.

Stir in the chard and cook until it begins to wilt and cook down, about 5-7 minutes. Zest the lemon over the pan, then cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice from one half over the mixture. (Watch out for seeds). Stir well to combine. Add salt, pepper, and more lemon, if desired. (If you go with my suggestions, you can use the leftover lemon—if there is any— in the hummus). Serve immediately, or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Lemony Pan-Fried Chickpeas with Chard

This recipe is from Color Me Vegan and considering I love chickpeas, (a.k.a garbanzo beans) and chard, this is a new favorite. I would, however, make a few changes next time. Even though chickpeas are a great source of fiber and protein, and have no saturated fat, they do sport 90 calories per half a cup. Given this, I would use just half a can and even double the chard. So what to do with the other half of beans? Make a small batch of hummus, perfect for a few sandwiches during the week. I could have eaten the entire pan of this, which would not have been wise, so reducing the amount of chickpeas and adding more chard, I think, is a smart way to go. Otherwise, share this dish with plenty of others! (The recipe below is sans my suggestions.)

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

1 Tbs olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained
1 bunch Swiss chard, chopped
1 small lemon
½ tsp salt, or to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and cook until tender. Add the chickpeas and cook 10 minutes, or until the beans begin to brown.
Stir in the chard and cook until it begins to wilt and cook down, about 5-7 minutes. Zest the lemon over the pan, then cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice from one half over the mixture. (Watch out for seeds). Stir well to combine. Add salt, pepper, and more lemon, if desired. (If you go with my suggestions, you can use the leftover lemon---if there is any--- in the hummus). Serve immediately, or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Gluten-Free Granola Bars

February 3, 2012 by epicureanvegan

These are packed with nutty love! They’re also simple to make and grab while you’re on the go. You can sub in your favorite nuts, dried fruit, or even some chopped coconut. Go wild!

INGREDIENTS:
3/4 C quick oats
2 Tbs brown rice flour
2 Tbs quinoa flakes
1/2 C nuts, chopped (I used peanuts and pecans)
1/4 C sunflower seeds
1/4 Cchia seeds
2 Tbs flaxseeds
1/2 C dried fruit, chopped (I used Craisins)
1/2 C dark chocolate chips
3 Tbs almond butter
1 small avocado, peeled and pitted
2 Tbs brown rice syrup
3 Tbs almond milk
1 tsp vanilla

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350. In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, quinoa flakes, nuts, seeds, fruit, and chocolate chips.

Using a fork, mash up the avocado. Add the almond butter, almond milk, syrup, and vanilla. Stir in the dry ingredients and thoroughly combine. Lightly oil an 8″ baking pan and press the mixture evenly in the dish.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown.

Cool the pan on a rack, then cut into squares. Enjoy!

Gluten-Free Granola Bars

These are packed with nutty love! They're also simple to make and grab while you're on the go. You can sub in your favorite nuts, dried fruit, or even some chopped coconut. Go wild!

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

¾ C quick oats
2 Tbs brown rice flour
2 Tbs quinoa flakes
½ C nuts, chopped (I used peanuts and pecans)
¼ C sunflower seeds
¼ Cchia seeds
2 Tbs flaxseeds
½ C dried fruit, chopped (I used Craisins)
½ C dark chocolate chips
3 Tbs almond butter
1 small avocado, peeled and pitted
2 Tbs brown rice syrup
3 Tbs almond milk
1 tsp vanilla

Directions

Preheat oven to 350. In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, quinoa flakes, nuts, seeds, fruit, and chocolate chips.
Using a fork, mash up the avocado. Add the almond butter, almond milk, syrup, and vanilla. Stir in the dry ingredients and thoroughly combine. Lightly oil an 8" baking pan and press the mixture evenly in the dish.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown.
Cool the pan on a rack, then cut into squares. Enjoy!

Easy Tostadas

January 23, 2012 by epicureanvegan

This is one of those no-brainer meals that when you need something quick and easy, these fit the bill. The Seventh Grader, always helpful when it comes to cooking (but not cleaning) makes this even easier to throw together.

INGREDIENTS:
1 bag Boca crumbles (or other veggie crumbles of your choice)
1 can refried beans
1/2 large onion, dicced
1 Tbs olive oil
1 pkg taco seasoning
8-12 tostada shells
All the fixins’: vegan sour cream, lettuce, tomato, avocado, cilantro, vegan cheddar shreds, and salsa.

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Cook the onion and cook 3-5 minutes. Add the Boca crumbles and cook until heated through. Add the can of refries and combine well. In a small cup, prepare the seasoning mix according to the package instructions and stir into the bean/Boca mixture. Place the tostada shells on a baking sheet and warm for 3-5 minutes. Layer on some of the bean mixture along with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Easy Tostadas

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

1 bag Boca crumbles (or other veggie crumbles of your choice)
1 can refried beans
½ large onion, dicced
1 Tbs olive oil
1 pkg taco seasoning
8-12 tostada shells
All the fixins': vegan sour cream, lettuce, tomato, avocado, cilantro, vegan cheddar shreds, and salsa.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Cook the onion and cook 3-5 minutes. Add the Boca crumbles and cook until heated through. Add the can of refries and combine well. In a small cup, prepare the seasoning mix according to the package instructions and stir into the bean/Boca mixture. Place the tostada shells on a baking sheet and warm for 3-5 minutes. Layer on some of the bean mixture along with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Pasta with Kale

January 22, 2012 by epicureanvegan

I was on my own for dinner the other night, so after staring blankly at the cupboards, then the fridge, I decided to combine some of my favorite ingredients for dinner: tri-color pasta, kale, mushrooms, and miso. For some added crunch (and protein) you could throw in some pine nuts or chopped cashews.

INGREDIENTS:
8-10 oz tri-color rotini
1 bunch kale, chopped
5-6 mushrooms, sliced
2 Tbs Earth Balance margarine
1 Tbs yellow miso
1 tsp garlic, minced

DIRECTIONS:
Cook the pasta until al dente and drain. Meanwhile, steam the kale and mushrooms 3-5 minutes—just until they’re tender. Usually, once the kale turns bright green, it’s ready. Using the same pot you cooked the pasta in, melt the margarine and garlic. Stir in the miso and blend it in. Add the kale and pasta and combine well. Enjoy!

Pasta with Kale

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

8-10 oz tri-color rotini
1 bunch kale, chopped
5-6 mushrooms, sliced
2 Tbs Earth Balance margarine
1 Tbs yellow miso
1 tsp garlic, minced

Directions

Cook the pasta until al dente and drain.
Meanwhile, steam the kale and mushrooms 3-5 minutes---just until they're tender. Usually, once the kale turns bright green, it's ready.
Using the same pot you cooked the pasta in, melt the margarine and garlic.
Stir in the miso and blend it in.
Add the kale and pasta and combine well. Enjoy!

Product Review: Red Chile Beer Bread Mix

January 8, 2012 by epicureanvegan

The Husband and I picked up this $6 bread mix, made by Mannons Foods, a while back and I finally got around to making it. Seeing as the Broncos played (and WON) today, and we were headed over to our friend’s house to watch, it seemed like the ideal thing to bring. And on top of that, I made it with our favorite local brew, Fat Tire from New Belgium. Oh yeah, and the bread mix is made in Colorado, too!

All I had to do was combine the mix with 12 ounces of beer, pour it into a greased loaf pan and bake it for 50 minutes. That’s it.

It smelled incredible as it baked, too. So what’s in the magic bag? Check out the ingredients:

Bleached Enriched Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Chile Peppers, Onions, Salt, Garlic & Jalapeno Peppers.

The mix can be used as a batter on veggies, too. 1/8 cup of the dry mix contains 100 calories, no fat, and 2 grams of protein.

I let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before removing (quite easily) from the pan.

I wrapped it foil and about an hour later, it was still warm. It sliced very easily.

We were all very impressed! The bread was moist and had so much flavor. The Red Chile was not overpowering, nor was the beer taste. It would be great paired with soup, or even drizzled with some agave. You can find all kinds of products from Mannons Foods and have them shipped directly to you.

Zucchini and Kale Breakfast Frittata

January 4, 2012 by epicureanvegan

I haven’t made a breakfast frittata/casserole in a while and I was craving one. Plus, I had veggies that needed to get eaten before they went beyond the point of recognition. Loaded with some of my favorite veggies, I could have eaten the entire pan.

INGREDIENTS:
1 Field Roast sausage, Italian-style, thawed and crumbled
4 green onions, sliced
3-4 C torn kale (I used a red boar kale)
1 small zucchini, sliced thin
6-8 mushrooms, sliced
1 C crackers
1/3 C vegan cheddar shreds
1 small tomato, diced
1 Tbs olive oil
1 tsp garlic, minced

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and garlic. Add the Field Roast, zucchini, and green onion. Cook until the zucchini begins to soften, 3-4 minutes.

Add the mushrooms and kale; cook another few minutes, or until the kale begins to wilt. Because kale is a heartier green, it doesn’t cook down as fast as spinach or chard. Crumble the crackers into the bottom of a pie plate and sprinkle half the cheese on top.

Pour the veggie mix into the pie plate.

Top with remaining cheese and the diced tomatoes.

Cover with foil and bake for 12-15 minutes. If you want crispier kale, cook uncovered. Enjoy!

Zucchini and Kale Breakfast Frittata

I haven't made a breakfast frittata/casserole in a while and I was craving one. Plus, I had veggies that needed to get eaten before they went beyond the point of recognition. Loaded with some of my favorite veggies, I could have eaten the entire pan.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

1 Field Roast sausage, Italian-style, thawed and crumbled
4 green onions, sliced
3-4 C torn kale (I used a red boar kale)
1 small zucchini, sliced thin
6-8 mushrooms, sliced
1 C crackers
⅓ C vegan cheddar shreds
1 small tomato, diced
1 Tbs olive oil
1 tsp garlic, minced

Directions

Preheat oven to 350. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and garlic. Add the Field Roast, zucchini, and green onion. Cook until the zucchini begins to soften, 3-4 minutes.
Add the mushrooms and kale; cook another few minutes, or until the kale begins to wilt. Because kale is a heartier green, it doesn't cook down as fast as spinach or chard. Crumble the crackers into the bottom of a pie plate and sprinkle half the cheese on top.
Pour the veggie mix into the pie plate.
Top with remaining cheese and the diced tomatoes.
Cover with foil and bake for 12-15 minutes. If you want crispier kale, cook uncovered. Enjoy!

Sweet & Sour Boca Nugget Stir-fry

January 3, 2012 by epicureanvegan

Stir-fries are great ways to use up veggies and they’re typically easy to throw together. I didn’t feel like using tempeh or tofu, so I went with Boca nuggets. The sweet and sour sauce came out perfect–a great balance of both elements!

INGREDIENTS:
1 pkg. Boca nuggets
2 C mushrooms, cut into chunks
6-8 green onions, sliced
1 can sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 C carrots, sliced thin
1 Tbs olive oil
2 tsp garlic, minced
2 C cooked rice
Sauce:
2/3 C rice vinegar
8 Tbs brown sugar
2 Tbs ketchup
2 tsp tamari
4 tsp arrowroot
6 tsp water

DIRECTIONS:
The sauce won’t take long to make, so I suggest combining everything in a small saucepan (except the arrowroot and water) and set aside for now. Bake the nuggets according to the bag’s instructions (12-13 minutes). Then cut each nugget into fourths. (And if using rice, don’t forget to get it started, too!)

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and garlic over medium heat. Add the water chestnuts and carrots and cook until tender. Add the mushrooms, green onion, and Boca nuggets.

At this point, bring the sauce to a boil. Mix together the water and arrowroot and whisk it into the sauce to thicken it up. This should only take about a minute.

Pour the sauce over the veggies/nuggets and combine well. Serve over hot white rice and enjoy!

Sweet & Sour Boca Nugget Stir-fry

Stir-fries are great ways to use up veggies and they're typically easy to throw together. I didn't feel like using tempeh or tofu, so I went with Boca nuggets. The sweet and sour sauce came out perfect--a great balance of both elements!

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

1 pkg. Boca nuggets
2 C mushrooms, cut into chunks
6-8 green onions, sliced
1 can sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 C carrots, sliced thin
1 Tbs olive oil
2 tsp garlic, minced
2 C cooked rice
Sauce:
⅔ C rice vinegar
8 Tbs brown sugar
2 Tbs ketchup
2 tsp tamari
4 tsp arrowroot
6 tsp water

Directions

The sauce won't take long to make, so I suggest combining everything in a small saucepan (except the arrowroot and water) and set aside for now. Bake the nuggets according to the bag's instructions (12-13 minutes). Then cut each nugget into fourths. (And if using rice, don't forget to get it started, too!)
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and garlic over medium heat. Add the water chestnuts and carrots and cook until tender. Add the mushrooms, green onion, and Boca nuggets.
At this point, bring the sauce to a boil. Mix together the water and arrowroot and whisk it into the sauce to thicken it up. This should only take about a minute.
Pour the sauce over the veggies/nuggets and combine well. Serve over hot white rice and enjoy!

Swiss Chard Gratin

December 29, 2011 by epicureanvegan

Holy moly! Has Christmas come and gone? Where was I? Well, I certainly wasn’t blogging. I planned to, but to be honest, the dishes I made came out less-than-stellar. I was really disappointed. I was thrilled to use the Whole Foods Recipe App for my ipad, but I think the only thing exciting about the recipes I chose, was how they looked on the app. 🙁 Oh well, not a big deal. I did, however, receive Vegan Holiday Kitchen from a friend, so next Christmas, I’ll be prepared.

I wasn’t about to give up on Whole Foods and their fabulous app. It’s quite amazing, actually—check it out. So here’s how it went down tonight . . . I received 2 gorgeous bunches of organic Swiss chard from Green Buffalo Food Company this afternoon and I immediately clicked on the trusty app. There’s a section called “On Hand” where you plug in what ingredient(s) you have it’ll show you what they’ve got. Plus, you can narrow it down to only show you vegan or vegetarian recipes using that ingredient.

There were so many choose from such as Chard with Sherry Vinegar and Walnuts and Mushroom, Chard and Caramelized Onion Tacos. I decided on the Gratin, which I had to veganize, but that was a breeze. I served it with some pilaf and rolls, making it a night of side dishes. This recipe certainly restored my faith in WF’s recipes. I added mushrooms to this recipe and I’m glad I did–they are ideal for a dish like this. Even using three bunches of chard or some added kale would have been good, too.

INGREDIENTS:
2-3 bunches Swiss chard leaves, chopped
6-8 mushrooms, sliced
1 C water
1 Tbs olive oil
1 Tbs Earth Balance margarine, more for baking dish
1 C almond milk
2 Tbs flour
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/3 C Daiya mozzarella
1 Tbs panko (or vegan breadcrumbs)

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350. In a large pot, add the water and chard; cook over medium heat. I used tongs to constantly stir the chard. After 3-4 minutes, or the chard is tender, drain (but reserve 1/4 C of the water) and set aside. In the same pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and stir constantly for a minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and reserved cooking water; whisk until thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Stir in 1/2 of the Daiya cheese, then remove from the heat. Stir in the mushrooms and chard.

Butter an 8″x8″ baking dish and pour the chard mixture in, topping it with the remaining cheese and the breadcrumbs.

Bake for 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Mushroom and Snow Pea Soup

December 19, 2011 by epicureanvegan

This soup is perfect if you want a comforting meal in no time. I used lots of my favorite ingredients and like most soups, it will taste even better the next day.

INGREDIENTS:
6 C vegetable broth
1 Tbs olive oil
6 green onion, sliced
3 C Shiitake and white mushrooms (or cremini), sliced
2 C snow peas, cut into pieces (and ends snipped)
1 Tbs fresh ginger, grated
3 tsp garlic, minced
2 Tbs yellow miso
6-oz Angel hair pasta

DIRECTIONS:
In a large soup pot, heat the oil and garlic. Add the green onion, mushrooms, and snow peas. Cook until the veggies are tender.

Add the ginger and miso, and combine well. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.

Add the pasta and cook another 3-5 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Mushroom and Snow Pea Soup

This soup is perfect if you want a comforting meal in no time. I used lots of my favorite ingredients and like most soups, it will taste even better the next day.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

6 C vegetable broth
1 Tbs olive oil
6 green onion, sliced
3 C Shiitake and white mushrooms (or cremini), sliced
2 C snow peas, cut into pieces (and ends snipped)
1 Tbs fresh ginger, grated
3 tsp garlic, minced
2 Tbs yellow miso
6-oz Angel hair pasta

Directions

In a large soup pot, heat the oil and garlic. Add the green onion, mushrooms, and snow peas. Cook until the veggies are tender.
Add the ginger and miso, and combine well. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
Add the pasta and cook another 3-5 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Paella Primavera

Lemony Pan-Fried Chickpeas with Chard

Gluten-Free Granola Bars

Easy Tostadas

Pasta with Kale

Product Review: Red Chile Beer Bread Mix

Zucchini and Kale Breakfast Frittata

Sweet & Sour Boca Nugget Stir-fry

Swiss Chard Gratin

Mushroom and Snow Pea Soup

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