Epicurean Vegan

Healthy Eating for Discriminating Palates

Navigation

Cauliflower Fried Rice

by

Cauliflower Fried Rice -- Epicurean Vegan

While perusing the produce section at Costco, I came across a bag of cauliflower “rice” that can be sauteed, mashed, baked. . . you name it. I had seen recipes for cauliflower rice, so I thought I’d give it a whirl. The Husband loves cauliflower and fried rice (sans egg), so this seemed like something I could work with. (I love the convenience of the cauliflower already being “riced.”) I added tofu, cashews, red bell pepper and green onion to make this unconventional, yet delicious “fried rice” in no time.
Cauliflower Fried Rice -- Epicurean Vegan

INGREDIENTS:
4 C of cauliflower rice (that’s half of the Costco-sized bag)
1 14-oz pkg firm tofu, crumbled
4 Tbs cornstarch
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 Tbs sesame oil
1/4 C brown rice vinegar
1/2 C green onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, diced small
1 Tbs + 1 tsp olive oil, divided
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbs grated gingerroot
4 Tbs tamari or soy sauce
2 Tbs mirin
1 C toasted cashews

DIRECTIONS:
In a medium bowl, combine the crumbled tofu in a bowl with the cornstarch and salt and pepper; toss gently to coat. Heat one teaspoon of the olive oil in a large skillet and add the tofu; saute over medium heat, stirring and flipping the tofu until browned.
Cauliflower Fried Rice -- Epicurean VeganTransfer to a bowl and set aside. Wipe the skillet clean and heat the remaining olive oil. Add the garlic and ginger and saute over medium heat for 2 minutes, then add the bell pepper. Cook until softened, then add the cauliflower. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then stir in the vinegar and let cook another 5 minutes, stirring often. Add the tofu, green onion, and cashews; combine well, then stir in the tamari and mirin. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cauliflower Fried Rice
 
Print
While perusing the produce section at Costco, I came across a bag of cauliflower "rice" that can be sauteed, mashed, baked. . . you name it. I had seen recipes for cauliflower rice, so I thought I'd give it a whirl. The Husband loves cauliflower and fried rice (sans egg), so this seemed like something I could work with. (I love the convenience of the cauliflower already being "riced.") I added tofu, cashews, red bell pepper and green onion to make this unconventional, yet delicious "fried rice" in no time.
Author:
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • 4 C of cauliflower rice (that's half of the Costco-sized bag)
  • 1 14-oz pkg firm tofu, crumbled
  • 4 Tbs cornstarch
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 Tbs sesame oil
  • ¼ C brown rice vinegar
  • ½ C green onion, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced small
  • 1 Tbs + 1 tsp olive oil, divided
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 Tbs grated gingerroot
  • 4 Tbs tamari or soy sauce
  • 2 Tbs mirin
  • 1 C toasted cashews
Directions
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the crumbled tofu in a bowl with the cornstarch and salt and pepper; toss gently to coat. Heat one teaspoon of the olive oil in a large skillet and add the tofu; saute over medium heat, stirring and flipping the tofu until browned.
  2. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. Wipe the skillet clean and heat the remaining olive oil. Add the garlic and ginger and saute over medium heat for 2 minutes, then add the bell pepper. Cook until softened, then add the cauliflower. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then stir in the vinegar and let cook another 5 minutes, stirring often.
  3. Add the tofu, green onion, and cashews; combine well, then stir in the tamari and mirin.
  4. Serve hot and enjoy!

 

Seed n’ Green Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

by

Next to summertime, I think January is high-salad time (thanks to all those New Year resolutions). I’m a salad gal all the time, but I might as well jump on the bandwagon. I could have called this something more catchy like, Grains n’ Greens, but quinoa is actually the seed that is extracted from the grain. Hence, it’s Seed n’ Green (even though I’m sure I’ve called quinoa a grain many times before). Anyway, quinoa is pretty awesome so it’s an ideal mate for salad fixings. I recommend making the quinoa ahead of time and letting it cool, but feel free to serve this salad warm.

INGREDIENTS:
1 C quinoa
2 C broth or water
6 C baby spinach
1 14-oz can sliced green olives
1 avocado, diced
Pepitas
Lemon-Tahini Dressing
2 Tbs tahini
1 Tbs red miso
1/8 C nutritional yeast
1/8 C lemon juice
1 Tbs chia seeds
1/4 C water (more for thinning out, if necessary)
1/8 tsp black pepper

DIRECTIONS:
Combine the quinoa and broth or water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed. I then transferred the quinoa to a bowl and chilled it in the fridge, uncovered, for about 30-45 minutes. Meanwhile, to make the dressing, combine all of the ingredients in a food processor. Puree until smooth. Transfer to a mason jar or other glass container. Store in the fridge until ready to use. Depending on how long it sits, the chia seeds will thicken the dressing up, so if you want a thinner dressing, whisk in a tad of water.

To make the salad, start with some spinach, then add a scoop or two of quinoa. Top with olives, avocado, pepitas and dressing. Enjoy!

Seed n' Green Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing
 
Print
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Next to summertime, I think January is high-salad time---thanks to all those New Year resolutions. I'm a salad gal all the time, but I might as well jump on the bandwagon. I could have called this something more catchy like, Grains n' Greens, but quinoa is actually the seed that is extracted from the grain. Hence, it's Seed n' Green (even though I'm sure I've called quinoa a grain many times before. Anyway, quinoa is pretty awesome so it's an ideal mate for salad fixings. I recommend making the quinoa ahead of time and letting it cool, but feel free to serve this salad warm.
Author:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 C quinoa
  • 2 C broth or water
  • 6 C baby spinach
  • 1 14-oz can sliced green olives
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • Pepitas
  • Lemon-Tahini Dressing
  • 2 Tbs tahini
  • 1 Tbs red miso
  • ⅛ C nutritional yeast
  • ⅛ C lemon juice
  • 1 Tbs chia seeds
  • ¼ C water (more for thinning out, if necessary)
  • ⅛ tsp black pepper
Directions
  1. Combine the quinoa and broth or water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed.
  2. I then transferred to a bowl and chilled in the fridge, uncovered, for about 30-45 minutes. Meanwhile, to make the dressing, combine all of the ingredients in a food processor. Puree until smooth. Transfer to a mason jar or other glass container. Store in the fridge until ready to use. Depending on how long it sits, the chia seeds will thicken the dressing up, so if you want a thinner dressing, whisk in a tad of water.
  3. To make the salad, start with some spinach, then add a scoop or two of quinoa. Top with olives, avocado, pepitas and dressing. Enjoy!

 

 

Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Soup

by

Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Soup -- Epicurean Vegan

It’s hard to beat a comforting, savory soup on a cold night. It’s also great when it doesn’t take a lot of time to make, so this is perfect for a snowy weeknight. I served this with a side Caesar salad which paired together beautifully!

INGREDIENTS:
6 small russet potatoes, diced (about 4 C)
4-5 C vegetable broth
16-oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
1 bunch spinach, chopped small/fine
1 can lite coconut milk
1/2 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp rosemary
3/4 tsp Herbs de Provence
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 green onion or one bunch of chives, chopped

Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Soup -- Epicurean Vegan

DIRECTIONS:
In a large soup pot, bring the broth to a boil and add the potatoes. Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Add half of the sliced mushrooms and about 2/3 of the canned coconut milk. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. (I mostly pureed it, but left just a few chunks.) Season with the thyme, rosemary, Herbs de Provence, salt, pepper and garlic. Stir in the rest of the mushrooms, along with the spinach and remaining coconut milk. Add more broth if you feel it needs thinning. Bring to a low simmer and serve individual servings topped with green onion or chives. Enjoy!

Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Soup
 
Print
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
It's hard to beat a comforting, savory soup on a cold night. It's also great when it doesn't take a lot of time to make, so this is perfect for a snowy weeknight. I served this with a side Caesar salad which paired together beautifully!
Author:
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • 6 small russet potatoes, diced (about 4 C)
  • 4-5 C vegetable broth
  • 16-oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 bunch spinach, chopped small/fine
  • 1 can lite coconut milk
  • ½ tsp thyme
  • ¼ tsp rosemary
  • ¾ tsp Herbs de Provence
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 green onion or one bunch of chives, chopped
Directions
  1. In a large soup pot, bring the broth to a boil and add the potatoes. Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  2. Add half of the sliced mushrooms and about ⅔ of the canned coconut milk. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. (I mostly pureed it, but left just a few chunks.)
  3. Season with the thyme, rosemary, Herbs de Provence, salt, pepper and garlic.
  4. Stir in the rest of the mushrooms, along with the spinach and remaining coconut milk. Add more broth if you feel it needs thinning.
  5. Bring to a low simmer and serve individual servings topped with green onion or chives. Enjoy!

 

Baba Ganoush

by

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
 
Print
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!

 

Lentil-Garbanzo Bean Salad with Creamy Garlic-Balsamic Dressing

by

Lentil-Garbanzo Bean Salad with Creamy Garlic-Balsamic Dressing -- Epicurean Vegan

With the fresh veggies, savory dressing, and some roasted walnuts for crunch, this salad is a easily my new favorite dish. Plus, it’s so easy to make when you use Trader Joe’s steamed lentils that are ready to eat.
Quick and Easy Lentils with Spinach and Mushrooms -- Epicurean Vegan

Let’s not forget lentils are loaded with protein, iron, and fiber–a powerhouse food ideal for any vegan diet.

INGREDIENTS:
1 pkg (1lb) Trader Joe’s Ready-to-Eat steamed lentils
1 15-oz can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
2 C fresh spinach, chopped
1 C fresh parsley, chopped
1 C green onions, sliced (white and green parts)
1 orange bell pepper, diced
1-1/2 C quartered cherry tomatoes
1 C roasted walnuts
Garlic-Balsamic Dressing
1 C cashews
2 garlic cloves
3/4 C cold water
2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
1 Tbs grapeseed oil
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS:
To make the dressing, I soaked the cashews in hot water for about an hour. Drain and add to a food processor along with the garlic and water. Puree, then add the balsamic vinegar, oil, lemon juice, and salt. Blend until completely smooth; set aside.

In a large bowl, combine all of the salad ingredients, except the walnuts. Serve the salad topped with walnuts and dressing. Enjoy!

Lentil-Garbanzo Bean Salad with Creamy Garlic-Balsamic Dressing
 
Print
Prep time
Total time
 
With the fresh veggies, savory dressing, and some roasted walnuts for crunch, this salad is a easily my new favorite dish. Plus, it's so easy to make when you use Trader Joe's steamed lentils that are ready to eat. Let's not forget lentils are loaded with protein, iron, and fiber--a powerhouse food ideal for any vegan diet.
Author:
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • 1 pkg (1lb) Trader Joe's Ready-to-Eat steamed lentils
  • 1 15-oz can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 C fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 C fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 C green onions, sliced (white and green parts)
  • 1 orange bell pepper, diced
  • 1-1/2 C quartered cherry tomatoes
  • 1 C roasted walnuts
  • Garlic-Balsamic Dressing
  • 1 C cashews
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • ¾ C cold water
  • 2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbs grapeseed oil
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp salt
Directions
  1. To make the dressing, I soaked the cashews in hot water for about an hour. Drain and add to a food processor along with the garlic and water. Puree, then add the balsamic vinegar, oil, lemon juice, and salt. Blend until completely smooth; set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine all of the salad ingredients, except the walnuts.
  3. Serve the salad topped with walnuts and dressing. Enjoy!

 

Vegan Buffalo Chicken Wraps

by

Vegan Buffalo Chicken Wraps -- Epicurean Vegan

Yes, these are simple. No, I didn’t stretch my culinary mind too much and that’s all right. Sometimes you just need a veganized classic. Plus, I think it’s important to have recipes for those who are transitioning to a vegan diet where kale and quinoa might still be a little daunting. For the really adventurous, add a couple of thin slices of avocado . . . delicious!

INGREDIENTS:
3 bags Boca Chik’n Veggie Nuggets
3-4 C romaine, chopped
12-oz jarred buffalo sauce of your choice (check ingredients to ensure vegan-ness)
Vegan bleu cheese or ranch dressing (Follow Your Heart is a great brand!)
1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced thin (optional)
6 flour tortilla wraps

DIRECTIONS:
Bake the nuggets according to package instructions, then cut each nugget into 6 pieces.

Vegan Buffalo Chicken Wraps -- Epicurean Vegan In a large bowl, combine the nuggets and buffalo sauce. It may seem like a lot of sauce, but don’t be afraid; pour it on! To assemble, spread some dressing on a tortilla, a few slices of avocado (if using), some romaine, then top with nuggets. Wrap, eat, and enjoy!

Vegan Buffalo Chicken Wraps
 
Print
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Yes, these are simple. No, I didn't stretch my culinary mind too much and that's all right. Sometimes you just need a veganized classic. Plus, I think it's important to have recipes for those who are transitioning into a vegan diet where kale and quinoa might still be a little daunting right now. For the really adventurous, add a couple of thin slices of avocado . . . delicious.
Author:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 3 bags Boca Chik'n Veggie Nuggets
  • 3-4 C romaine, chopped
  • 12-oz jarred buffalo sauce of your choice (check ingredients to ensure vegan-ness)
  • Vegan bleu cheese or ranch dressing (Follow Your Heart is a great brand!)
  • 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced thin (optional)
  • 6 flour tortilla wraps
Directions
  1. Bake the nuggets according to package instructions, then cut each nugget into 6 pieces.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the nuggets and buffalo sauce. It may seem like a lot of sauce, but don't be afraid; pour it on!
  3. To assemble, spread some dressing on a tortilla, a few slices of avocado (if using), some romaine, then top with nuggets. Wrap, eat, and enjoy!

 

Kale & Zucchini Bowls with Lemon-Cashew Sauce

by

Kale and Zucchini Bowls with Lemon-Cashew Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

Where did the summer go? As much as I love autumn and all the wonderful soups and stews that always accompany this favorite season of mine, I’m not quite ready for it. I’m still stuck on fresh veggie bowls that are perfect for a summer evening on the patio with a glass of wine. I know it might be veggie-bowl overload for some of you, and I promise to get back in the kitchen to drum up some new vegan yumminess, but I assure you, you’ll love this fresh, lemony creation that is not only healthy, but super delicious! So go ahead, have that second glass of wine and enjoy those fresh summer veggies a little longer.

INGREDIENTS:
1 medium zucchini, spiralized
2 C fresh kale, chopped
1 C red cabbage, chopped
3 large green onion, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1 C cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
1 C rice blend or quinoa (cooked according to package instructions)
1/2 C pepitas
Lemon-Cashew Sauce
1 C raw cashews
2 garlic cloves
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 C lemon juice
1/3 C water
1/4 C fresh cilantro or parsley

DIRECTIONS:

I had some left over Trader Joe’s Basmati Rice Medley, so I cooked that up–only took about 15 minutes. Feel free to use any grain of your choice.
Trader Joe's Basmati Rice Medley

Meanwhile, toss all of the sauce ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. I then transferred it to a squeeze bottle. Next, combine the kale, cabbage, green onion, and red bell pepper in a large bowl; set aside. After spiralizing the zucchini, I placed them in a steamer basket and steamed it for only about 2 minutes; don’t over do it, otherwise, the zucchini gets too mushy. This step is also optional–I just preferred to soften the zucchini a little.
Kale and Zucchini Bowls with Lemon-Cashew Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

To assemble the bowls, start with the rice, some zucchini and then the kale mixture. Top with tomatoes, avocado, pepitas, and sauce. Enjoy!

Kale & Zucchini Bowls with Lemon-Cashew Sauce
 
Print
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Where did the summer go? As much as I love autumn and all the wonderful soups and stews that seem to accompany this favorite season of mine, I'm not quite ready for it. I'm still stuck on fresh veggie bowls that are perfect for a summer evening on the patio with a glass of wine. I know it might be veggie-bowl overload for some of you, and I promise to get back in the kitchen to drum up some new vegan yumminess, but I assure you, you'll love this fresh, lemony creation that is not only healthy, but super delicious! So go ahead, have that second glass of wine and enjoy those fresh summer veggies a little longer.
Author:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 medium zucchini, spiralized
  • 2 C fresh kale, chopped
  • 1 C red cabbage, chopped
  • 3 large green onion, chopped
  • ½ red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 C cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
  • 1 C rice blend or quinoa (cooked according to package instructions)
  • ½ C pepitas
  • Lemon-Cashew Sauce
  • 1 C raw cashews
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ¼ C lemon juice
  • ⅓ C water
  • ¼ C fresh cilantro or parsley
Directions
  1. I had some left over Trader Joe's Basmati Rice Medley, so I cooked that up--only took about 15 minutes. Feel free to use any grain or your choice.
  2. Meanwhile, make the sauce. Combine all of the sauce ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. I then transfer it to a squeeze bottle. Next, combine the kale, cabbage, green onion, and red bell pepper in a large bowl; set aside. After spiralizing the zucchini, I placed them in a steamer basket and steamed it for only about 2 minutes; don't over do it, otherwise, the zucchini gets too mushy. This step is also optional--I just preferred to soften the zucchini a little.
  3. To assemble the bowls, start with the rice, some zucchini and then the kale mixture. Top with tomatoes, avocado, pepitas, and sauce. Enjoy!

 

Couscous with Leeks & Shiitake Mushrooms

by

Couscous with Leeks and Shiitake Mushrooms -- Epicurean Vegan

Our summer has been awfully busy and I haven’t spent a lot of time experimenting in the kitchen, however, not all great dishes have to take a lot of time. This flavorful meal is ready in about 20 minutes but it certainly doesn’t taste rushed. I used Trader Joe’s Harvest Grain Blend that has Israeli-style couscous, quinoa, orzo, and baby garbanzo beans (which I didn’t even know existed). It only takes 10 minutes to cook. Feel free to use brown rice, quinoa, or even lentils (I recommend brown or green lentils), just keep in mind, the cooking time may vary. Either way, I think you’ll like this perfect-for-a-busy-summer dish!

Couscous with Leeks and Shiitake Mushrooms -- Epicurean Vegan

INGREDIENTS:
16-oz pkg. Harvest Grains Blend, Trader Joe’s (or grain of choice)
3-1/2 C vegetable broth (again, this amount may vary depending on choice of grain)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-2 Tbs olive oil
2 large leeks, chopped
2 C shiitake mushrooms, cut into 1″ pieces
3/4 C soy sauce or tamari
1 tsp arrowroot
1-1/2 Tbs red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1 heaping Tbs Dijon
Salt and pepper
Garlic powder
Toasted sesame seeds

DIRECTIONS:
Cook the grains according to package instructions. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet; add the garlic. Cook 2 minutes, then add the leeks. Over medium heat, saute the leeks for about 7-8 minutes, or until they soften and begin to brown. Add the mushrooms and cook another 3-4 minutes.

Couscous with Leeks and Shiitake Mushrooms -- Epicurean Vegan

Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, red wine vinegar, sesame oil, and arrowroot. Once well combined, whisk in the Dijon. Add the sauce mixture to the skillet and combine it well with the leeks and mushrooms. It will thicken immediately. Remove from the heat.

To serve, scoop some of the couscous mixture into a bowl, add some leek-mushroom mixture, and top with sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Couscous with Leeks & Shiitake Mushrooms
 
Print
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Our summer has been awfully busy and I haven't spent a lot of time experimenting in the kitchen, however, not all great dishes have to take a lot of time. This flavorful meal is ready in about 20 minutes but it certainly doesn't taste rushed. I used Trader Joe's Harvest Grain Blend that has Israeli-style couscous, quinoa, orzo, and baby garbanzo beans (which I didn't even know existed). It only takes 10 minutes to cook. Feel free to use brown rice, quinoa, or even lentils (I recommend brown or green lentils), just keep in mind, the cooking time may vary. Either way, I think you'll like this perfect-for-a-busy-summer dish!
Author:
Serves: 5-6
Ingredients
  • 16-oz pkg. Harvest Grains Blend, Trader Joe's (or grain of choice)
  • 3-1/2 C vegetable broth (again, this amount may vary depending on choice of grain)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-2 Tbs olive oil
  • 2 large leeks, chopped
  • 2 C shiitake mushrooms, cut into 1" pieces
  • ¾ C soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tsp arrowroot
  • 1-1/2 Tbs red wine vinegar
  • ½ tsp sesame oil
  • 1 heaping Tbs Dijon
  • Salt and pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Toasted sesame seeds
Directions
  1. Cook the grains according to package instructions. If you're using the Harvest Grains Blend, it will cook in ten minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet; add the garlic. Cook 2 minutes, then add the leeks. Over medium heat, saute the leeks for about 7-8 minutes, or until they soften and begin to brown. Add the mushrooms and cook another 3-4 minutes.
  3. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, red wine vinegar, sesame oil, and arrowroot. Once well combined, whisk in the Dijon. Add the sauce mixture to the skillet and combine it well with the leeks and mushrooms. It will thicken immediately. Remove from the heat.
  5. To serve, scoop some of the couscous mixture into a bowl, add some leek-mushroom mixture, and top with sesame seeds. Enjoy!

 

 

Quick & Easy Lentils with Spinach & Mushrooms

by

Quick and Easy Lentils with Spinach and Mushrooms -- Epicurean Vegan

As much as I love to cook, there are times when I want to spend as little time in the kitchen preparing a meal as possible. We’re busy—we’ve got places to go, things to do, people to see! And I’m guessing you’re the same way. Unfortunately, the Standard American Diet (SAD) has allowed us to spend practically no time in the kitchen preparing healthy meals, but rather digging into a greasy bag or a plastic container of some deli salad that’s been sitting all day.

Thankfully, I’ve discovered these ready-to-eat lentils from Trader Joe’s.
Quick and Easy Lentils with Spinach and Mushrooms -- Epicurean Vegan

I think I paid $2.99 for this 1 lb 1.6-oz package that contains 5, 1/2 cup servings. First, let’s talk figures: We’re looking at 8 grams of fiber, 9 grams of protein, and 20% of your daily intake of iron—and that’s just in half a cup! Lentils contain no fat or cholesterol either. Even though lentils are high in carbs, that’s okay because whole grains gives us the slow and steady release of glucose that our bodies need to keep going. Plus, in case you haven’t heard . . . fiber is awesome. It helps control your weight because it adds volume to foods without a lot of calories so you feel fuller longer. It also helps stabilizes blood sugar so you don’t go from satisfied to ravenous in a matter of two hours.

Okay, are you convinced? Good.

Anyway, I threw this together in about 20 minutes. We had been out of town, so the fridge contents were sparse, but I was able to scrounge up some items.  I also had some leftover Cilantro-Cashew Sauce in the freezer that I defrosted in some hot water. I sauteed some onion, mushrooms, and spinach, then topped these bowls with some pepitas and fresh chives. Check out THIS LIST of other sauces you could easily whip up in no time.

Quick and Easy Lentils with Spinach and Mushrooms -- Epicurean VeganINGREDIENTS:
1 pkg. Trader Joe’s Ready-to-Eat lentils (in the produce section)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2-3 C mushrooms, sliced
3-4 C fresh spinach, chopped
Salt and pepper
Juice from half a lime
Pepitas
Fresh chives, chopped
Sauce of your choice (see above)

DIRECTIONS:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and add the garlic; saute for 2 minutes over medium heat. Add the onion and cook 5-7 minutes, or until they soften and begin to brown. Add the mushrooms and cook 3-4 minutes. In the meantime, heat the lentils by making 3 slits in the bag and cooking for 3 minutes on high in the microwave. Then add them to the skillet and mix in well. Add the spinach and cook until it begins to wilt.
Quick and Easy Lentils with Spinach and Mushrooms -- Epicurean VeganSeason with salt and pepper, then add the lime juice. Stir to combine. Serve in bowls and top with pepitas, chives and sauce. Enjoy!

Chocolate-Apple Tart

by

Chocolate-Apple Tart -- Epicurean Vegan

Sometimes you’re just in the mood to make something sweet for breakfast…but this also makes a great after dinner treat. With some puff pastry in the freezer, the possibilities are about endless!

INGREDIENTS:
1 puff pastry sheet, thawed
1 tsp vegan margarine
Flour
1 apple (I used a Honeycrisp), sliced very thin
1 Tbs sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 C semi-sweet vegan chocolate chips
1-2 Tbs almond milk
1/2 C powdered sugar
Almond milk

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375. Grease an 11×17 baking sheet with the vegan margarine; set aside. On a lightly floured surface, roll the puff pastry sheet out into a large rectangle, to fit the baking sheet. Use a fork to poke holes in the dough—about 8 different places. Bake for 5-8 minutes, or until the pastry is just barely browned.
Chocolate-Apple Tart -- Epicurean Vegan

Layer on the apples.
Chocolate-Apple Tart -- Epicurean VeganCombine the 1 Tbs of sugar and cinnamon in a small dish and then sprinkle over the apples and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Chocolate-Apple Tart -- Epicurean VeganWhile the tart is baking, however, melt the chocolate chips in a small saucepan or microwave. Add the 1-2 tablespoons of almond milk to thin it out a little. In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with some almond milk—a teaspoon at a time—to create icing. Drizzle both the chocolate and icing over the baked tart. Cut and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Chocolate- Apple Tart -- Epicurean Vegan

Chocolate Apple Tart
 
Print
Sometimes you're just in the mood to make something sweet for breakfast...but this also makes a great after dinner treat. With some puff pastry in the freezer, the possibilities are about endless!
Author:
Ingredients
  • 1 puff pastry sheet, thawed
  • 1 tsp vegan margarine
  • Flour
  • 1 apple (I used a Honeycrisp), sliced very thin
  • 1 Tbs sugar
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ C semi-sweet vegan chocolate chips
  • 1-2 Tbs almond milk
  • ½ C powdered sugar
  • Almond milk
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 375. Grease an 11x17 baking sheet with the vegan margarine; set aside. On a lightly floured surface, roll the puff pastry sheet out into a large rectangle, to fit the baking sheet. Use a fork to poke holes in the dough---about 8 different places. Bake for 5-8 minutes, or until the pastry is just barely browned.
  2. Layer on the apples.
  3. Combine the 1 Tbs of sugar and cinnamon in a small dish and then sprinkle over the apples and bake for 12-15 minutes.
  4. While the tart is baking, however, melt the chocolate chips in a small saucepan or microwave. Add the 1-2 tablespoons of almond milk to thin it out a little. In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with some almond milk---a teaspoon at a time---to create icing. Drizzle both the chocolate and icing over the baked tart. Cut and serve immediately. Enjoy!


Categories

Archives

Popular Posts

StudioPress Premium WordPress Themes: Foodie Theme