fast and easy Archives - Page 23 of 24

“Chicken” Wrap

February 18, 2010 by epicureanvegan

This is just a pretty simple wrap that is not only great as a post-workout snack, but perfect for a sack lunch. In an effort to get my son to eat less animal products, this is ideal! On Sunday nights, I throw a bag of Boca brand “chicken” nuggets in the oven and then cut each one into fourths and store in the fridge for a week of lunches. I also chop up some tomato and cucumbers as well. Ten minutes of prep time and you have a week of lunches!

INGREDIENTS:
1 bag Boca “chicken” nuggets (or you can use their “chicken” patties and cut them up), baked and chopped up
Small flour tortillas or pitas
Your favorite wrap ingredients, such as:
Romaine lettuce, Tofutti cheese slices, cucumber, sprouts, tomato, hummus, vegan ranch dressing, bell pepper. Try Tofutti cream cheese mixed with fresh chopped chives—it makes a great spread.
Like I said, this is perfect for getting your kids to eat a healthier sack lunch at school, because we all know that every so often, half the PB&J goes in the trash!
What are some of your favorite (easy) vegan wrap ideas?

Peanut Butter Hummus

February 17, 2010 by epicureanvegan

I think this is a great hummus variety, especially for kids who aren’t crazy about regular hummus. Spread this on a tortilla with sprouts and veggies and it’ll make a healthy lunch. It’s also great on apples or celery.

INGREDIENTS:
1 15-oz can garbanzo beans
1/3 C warm water
4 Tbs peanut butter
2 Tbs olive oil
3 Tbs lemon or lime juice (I used lemon)
1 clove garlic
I added 1/2 tsp of cumin

DIRECTIONS:
Add all ingredients into a food processor and blend well. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy!

Recipe source: About.com

Pasta with Asparagus and Lemon Sauce

February 15, 2010 by epicureanvegan

Chances are, you already have the ingredients for this light and easy meal. You can also add your favorite other veggies like broccoli, tomatoes or mushrooms. It’s a pretty versatile meal; just customize to suit your veggie tastes. It’s also a breeze to make, so you’ll have time to throw together a salad and maybe even some garlic toasts.

INGREDIENTS:
1-2 Tbs olive oil
2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 C chopped fresh parsley
3/4 C coarsely chopped fresh basil
1/2 C white wine
1/2 C lemon juice
1/4 C soy milk
1 to 1-1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 bunch asparagus, chopped into 2″ pieces
8-oz spaghetti

DIRECTIONS:
Steam the asparagus–about 15 mins. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet and add the garlic, parsley and red pepper and cook for 3-4 mins. Add the steamed asparagus and saute for another 3 mins . Add the white wine and lemon juice–simmer until about 1/2 of the juices are cooked off. Stir in the soy milk and cook for 1 min. Stir in basil and cook a few minutes more.

Toss with the pasta and if desired, top with vegan Parmesan cheese and enjoy!

Crispy Kale Leaves

February 15, 2010 by epicureanvegan

“They’re weird, but I can’t stop eating them.” This is what my husband said. It’s so true–they’re like paper thin potato chips! They kinda just melt in your mouth but certainly have a crunch–and so good! And did you know…kale is considered an aphrodisiac? Just so you know! 😉 This recipe comes from Vegetarian Times.

INGREDIENTS:
1 lb kale, rinsed and patted dry
2 Tbs olive oil
1/2 tsp kosher salt

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 325. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray (I used foil). Tear kale into 3″ pieces, removing tough stems. Transfer leaves to a bowl. Toss kale leaves with the oil, until well coated.

Spread on a baking sheet and bake 15 mins. (I did 10). Turn kale with tongs and bake another 10-15 mins (I did 7 more mins) or until edges are browned and leaves are crispy. Sprinkle with salt. Serve warm or cold. Enjoy!

Avocado Chimichurri Bruschetta

February 14, 2010 by epicureanvegan

Another great one from Vegetarian Times that I brought to a friend’s fiesta not long ago—it was a hit! If you need a break from the ever-trusty guacamole, this is a great alternative. The recipe was requested from several of the guests. I have since made this several times and I always double, or even triple the sauce recipe and use 6-8 avocados. It makes a big batch, but it will be gone in no time. I’ll also use two baguettes. Either way, this will be favorite that everyone will love.

INGREDIENTS:
2 Tbs lemon juice
2 Tbs red wine vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs)
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 C olive oil
1/4 C chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 C chopped fresh parsley
2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and cubed
6 1/2″ thick slices whole-grain or ciabatta bread, toasted (I sliced a baguette)

DIRECTIONS:
First, for the bread, I sliced one baguette (I doubled the recipe), brushed the slices with olive oil, then sprinkled them with garlic salt. I put them under the broiler (on high) for about 4 mins.

Combine lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, red pepper flakes, oregano, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk in olive oil, then stir in cilantro and parsley. Fold in avocados. Spoon mixture onto toasted slices and serve.

Enjoy!

Avocado Chimichurri Bruschetta

Another great one from Vegetarian Times that I brought to a friend's fiesta not long ago---it was a hit! If you need a break from the ever-trusty guacamole, this is a great alternative. The recipe was requested from several of the guests. I have since made this several times and I always double, or even triple the sauce recipe and use 6-8 avocados. It makes a big batch, but it will be gone in no time. I'll also use two baguettes. Either way, this will be favorite that everyone will love.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

2 Tbs lemon juice
2 Tbs red wine vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs)
¾ tsp salt
½ tsp red pepper flakes
½ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp ground black pepper
¼ C olive oil
¼ C chopped fresh cilantro
¼ C chopped fresh parsley
2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and cubed
6½" thick slices whole-grain or ciabatta bread, toasted (I sliced a baguette)

Directions

First, for the bread, I sliced one baguette (I doubled the recipe), brushed the slices with olive oil, then sprinkled them with garlic salt. I put them under the broiler (on high) for about 4 mins.
Combine lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, red pepper flakes, oregano, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Whisk in olive oil, then stir in cilantro and parsley. Fold in avocados. Spoon mixture onto toasted slices and serve. Enjoy!

Tempeh (or Seitan) in Hearty Mushroom-Mustard Sauce

February 9, 2010 by epicureanvegan

This is another outstanding recipe from Vegetarian Times, this time, from their Healing Foods Cookbook. I used chicken-style seitan instead of tempeh and served it over mashed potatoes. I doubled it–making about 5 servings. Plus, taking less than 30 mins to make, I will certainly be making this again and again.

INGREDIENTS:
4 Tbs olive oil, divided
1 7-oz pkg tempeh, cut into 1/2″ cubes (I used 2 pkgs Westsoy seitan–blue box)
1 Tbs low sodium soy sauce
10 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
8 oz shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced (I didn’t have these so I just used more cremini mushrooms)
2 Tbs all-purpose flour
2-1/2 C lager, such as Samuel Adams Boston Lager (I used Dundee Lager–I don’t think it matters, plus I didn’t completely double this–used about 3-1/4 cups)
2 Tbs Dijon mustard
2 green onions, white and green parts finely sliced

DIRECTIONS:
Heat 2 Tbs oil in 12″ skillet over medium heat. Cook tempeh (if using seitan, keep in mind that seitan cooks faster than tempeh–it’s just a matter of browning it, which doesn’t take more than 5 mins) cubes in oil 7-10 mins, or until browned on all sides, stirring frequently. Add soy sauce and cook 2 mins, or until pan is almost dry. Transfer tempeh to a paper-towel-lined plate.

Add remaining 2 Tbs oil and mushrooms to pan, and sprinkle with salt to taste, if desired. Saute 10 mins or until browned and slightly caramelized, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in flour. Cook 1-2 mins or until flour begins to brown, stirring constantly. Increase heat to medium-high, add lager and mustard, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 15 mins, or until the sauce thickens. Stir in tempeh; simmer 5 mins more. Serve sprinkled with green onions.

NOTE: The recipe suggests that for a sweeter take on the sauce, stir in 1 Tbs agave nectar with the mustard and use use just 1-1/2 C of lager plus 1 cup of water.

Enjoy!

Spinach Dip

February 6, 2010 by epicureanvegan

A friend shared this recipe with me several years ago and it’s a classic; I make it often for get togethers. I sometimes hollow out a round sourdough loaf to create a bowl and serve in that, but of course, that’s optional. The recipe calls for a leek soup mix, but a vegetable soup mix will work great too.

INGREDIENTS:
1 box (10 oz) chopped frozen spinach (I like Cascadian Farms brand)
1 can water chestnuts, chopped
1 C Tofutti sour cream
1 C Veganaise
1-1.8oz packet dried leek soup mix
Round sourdough loaf (optional)

DIRECTIONS:
Thaw spinach. I like Cascadian Farms brand because it comes in a plastic bag inside the box. I snip a corner of the bag off and drain as much liquid as I can out. I then wrap the spinach in a thin cotton napkin and squeeze any remaining liquid out of the spinach. Combine all ingredients, mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve. Then add to the bread bowl, if using. Serve with veggies, bread pieces and crackers. Enjoy!

Spinach Dip

A friend shared this recipe with me several years ago and it's a classic; I make it often for get togethers. I sometimes hollow out a round sourdough loaf to create a bowl and serve in that, but of course, that's optional. The recipe calls for a leek soup mix, but a vegetable soup mix will work great too.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

1 box (10 oz) chopped frozen spinach (I like Cascadian Farms brand)
1 can water chestnuts, chopped
1 C Tofutti sour cream
1 C Veganaise
1-1.8oz packet dried leek soup mix
Round sourdough loaf (optional)

Directions

Thaw spinach. I like Cascadian Farms brand because it comes in a plastic bag inside the box. I snip a corner of the bag off and drain as much liquid as I can out. I then wrap the spinach in a thin cotton napkin and squeeze any remaining liquid out of the spinach. Combine all ingredients, mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve. Then add to the bread bowl, if using. Serve with veggies, bread pieces and crackers. Enjoy!

Blueberry Muffins with Crumb Topping

February 4, 2010 by epicureanvegan

I found this recipe online from Vegetarian Times and I love that there is no oil and no need for egg-replacer. These are by far, the Best. Blueberry. Muffins. Ever. I added the crumb topping because really, that’s like icing on the cake . . . only sweet topping on the muffin!

INGREDIENTS:
Muffins:
1/4 C Earth Balance margarine
1/2 C apple sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1 C sugar
2 C flour
1 Tbs baking powder
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 C almond milk
2 C fresh blueberries
Crumb topping:
1/4 C sugar
1/8 C flour
3/4 tsp cinnamon
2 Tbs Earth Balance butter

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350. Using an electric mixer, combine all the muffin ingredients, except the blueberries. Mix well. Fold in the blueberries.

Either use muffin cups, or spray a muffin tin with cooking spray. Evenly fill each muffin cup (12). To make the crumb topping, combine all the crumb topping ingredients in a bowl and mix well using a fork. Generously sprinkle the tops of each muffin with the crumb topping.
Bake for 30-33 minutes. Let cool on a rack for 5-10 minutes before removing from the pan. Enjoy!

Marinated Tempeh with Vegetables

February 2, 2010 by epicureanvegan

This is just a great basic marinade that would work with seitan, tofu, or even as a stir-fry sauce and takes no time at all to throw together.

INGREDIENTS:
8oz tempeh, sliced into 16 triangles
3 Tbs minced ginger
4 Tbs Tamari
3 tsp brown spicy mustard
3 tsp sesame oil
1 Tbs mirin
1 Tbs Ume plum vinegar
4 Tbs water
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped
6-8 mushrooms, quartered
(asparagus would be good, too)!

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350. Whisk together the ginger, tamari, mustard, sesame oil, water, mirin and vinegar in small bowl. In a medium-sized baking dish, combine the tempeh and vegetables and then coat thoroughly with the marinade. Cover with foil and bake for 20 mins. Remove foil, stir the tempeh and veggies and cover again; bake for another 12-15 mins. If you have more time, marinate the tempeh and veggies in the refrigerator for about an hour before baking.

Hot Rice with Cold Lemon, Basil and Tomato

February 1, 2010 by epicureanvegan

This is a fast and easy side dish from The kind Diet that is very flavorful. For variety, I sometimes omit the basil and add grated ginger root instead. This also makes a light, refreshing lunch or snack. I really like the Arborio rice (risotto rice)–it’s a great change from regular white rice.

INGREDIENTS:
1 C Arborio rice
2 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
3 Tbs fresh lemon juice
3 pinches of fine sea salt
2 pinches ground black pepper
1/2 C (or as much as you want) tomato, diced
2 Tbs chopped fresh basil

DIRECTIONS:
Place the unrinsed rice in a saucepan with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 10-15 minutes or until mostly tender but still a little firm in the center of the grain. Drain off any excess water and transfer rice to a mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, lemon juice (grated ginger if using), salt and pepper. Mix well and addd the tomatoes and sprinkle basil (if using) on top. Toss to combine and serve. Makes about 4 servings. Enjoy!

Recipe source: The Kind Diet

“Chicken” Wrap

Peanut Butter Hummus

Pasta with Asparagus and Lemon Sauce

Crispy Kale Leaves

Avocado Chimichurri Bruschetta

Tempeh (or Seitan) in Hearty Mushroom-Mustard Sauce

Spinach Dip

Blueberry Muffins with Crumb Topping

Marinated Tempeh with Vegetables

Hot Rice with Cold Lemon, Basil and Tomato

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