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Rice Bowls with Kale, Mushrooms, and Chickpeas

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Rice Bowls with Kale, Mushrooms, and Chickpeas -- Epicurean Vegan

We’ve been having a beautiful fall season here in Colorado, so when a friend and I decided to have lunch on her back patio, I knew this would be the perfect dish to bring. We’re not in hunker-down mode yet and this made for a light, healthy, and satisfying lunch. I also needed to make it gluten-free to accommodate my friend’s diet, so it worked beautifully. It takes only about 45 minutes to pull together, but I suggest soaking the cashews earlier in the day for the sauce. If you can’t get to it, no worries! The sauce will still be creamy and smooth. If you take a lunch to work everyday, this is a great option; just make a batch ahead of time, and you have several days’ worth of delicious, high-protein lunches. I used Trader Joe’s Brown Rice Medley which is made up of long grain brown rice, black barley and daikon radish seeds, however, any rice medley will do.
Trader Joe's Brown Rice Medley -- Epicurean Vegan

INGREDIENTS:
2-1/2 C vegetable broth
1 C Trader Joe’s Brown Rice Medley
1 Tbs vegan margarine
4-5 C kale, chopped or torn
2-3 C baby portobello mushrooms, sliced (I find this variety to be heartier/meatier)
1 14-oz can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
1 C cilantro, chopped
1-1/2 C green onion, chopped
1/3 C pepita seeds
Cashew-Curry Sauce
1/2 C cashews
1 clove garlic
3/4 C canned coconut milk
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 Tbs peanut butter
2 Tbs lime juice
1 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS:
Start with the rice since it will some time to cook. In a medium sauce pan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the vegan margarine and rice. Stir, reduce heat, and cover. Simmer for 35-45 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. If you soaked the cashews ahead of time, drain and rinse them under cold water. Transfer to a food processor and puree with the clove of garlic. Add the remaining ingredients and puree until smooth. You may need to scrape the sides of the bowl once or twice. Transfer to a small saucepan and place over low to medium heat. Stir often until it begins to thicken. Remove from the heat. I then like to funnel the sauce into a squeeze bottle.

Once the rice is done, fold the kale, mushrooms, and chickpeas into the rice and cover for about 5 minutes, or until the kale and mushrooms soften.
Rice Bowls with Kale, Mushrooms, and Chickpeas -- Epicurean VeganIn a small bowl, combine the cilantro, green onions, and pepitas.
Rice Bowls with Kale, Mushrooms, and Chickpeas (Topping) -- Epicurean VeganTo assemble, start with a scoop or two of the rice mixture, then some of the green onion goodness, then top with sauce. So delicious! Enjoy!
Rice Bowls with Kale, Mushrooms, and Chickpeas -- Epicurean Vegan

Rice Bowls with Kale, Mushrooms, and Chickpeas
 
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We've been having a beautiful fall season here in Colorado, so when a friend and I decided to have lunch on her back patio, I knew this would be the perfect dish to bring. We're not in hunker-down mode yet and this made for a light, healthy, and satisfying lunch. I also needed to make it gluten-free to accommodate my friend's diet, so it worked beautifully. It takes only about 45 minutes to pull together, but I suggest soaking the cashews earlier in the day for the sauce. If you can't get to it, no worries! The sauce will still be creamy and smooth. If you take a lunch to work everyday, this is a great option; just make a batch ahead of time, and you have several days' worth of delicious, high-protein lunches. I used Trader Joe's Brown Rice Medley which is made up of long grain brown rice, black barley and daikon radish seeds, however, any rice medley will do.
Author:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 2-1/2 C vegetable broth
  • 1 C Trader Joe's Brown Rice Medley
  • 1 Tbs vegan margarine
  • 4-5 C kale, chopped or torn
  • 2-3 C baby portobello mushrooms, sliced (I find this variety to be heartier/meatier)
  • 1 14-oz can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
  • 1 C cilantro, chopped
  • 1-1/2 C green onion, chopped
  • ⅓ C pepita seeds
  • Cashew-Curry Sauce
  • ½ C cashews
  • 1 clove garlic
  • ¾ C canned coconut milk
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 Tbs peanut butter
  • 2 Tbs lime juice
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • ½ tsp salt
Directions
  1. Start with the rice since it will take some time to cook. In a medium sauce pan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the vegan margarine and rice. Stir, reduce heat, and cover. Simmer for 35-45 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. If you soaked the cashews ahead of time, drain and rinse them under cold water. Transfer to a food processor and puree with the clove of garlic. Add the remaining ingredients and puree until smooth. You may need to scrape the sides of the bowl once or twice. Transfer to a small saucepan and place over low to medium heat. Stir often until it begins to thicken. Remove from the heat. I then like to funnel the sauce into a squeeze bottle.
  2. Once the rice is done, fold the kale, mushrooms, and chickpeas into the rice and cover for about 5 minutes, or until the kale and mushrooms soften.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the cilantro, green onions, and pepitas.
  4. To assemble, start with a scoop or two of the rice mixture, then some of the green onion goodness, then top with sauce. So delicious! Enjoy!

 

East Meets West Chickpea Lettuce Wraps

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East Meets West Chickpea Lettuce Wraps -- Epicurean Vegan

Garbanzo beans (or chickpeas) are such a versatile bean. (I shudder to think of a world without hummus!) I obviously couldn’t decide on Asian or Mexican food, so why not combine them? It turned out to be a very tasty, gluten-free collaboration, not to mention easy to make. All you need is about an hour to marinate the beans and the rest is a breeze.

INGREDIENTS:
2 14-oz cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Marinade
4 Tbs tamari
3 Tbs lime juice
3 Tbs red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
1 Tbs olive oil
1 Tbs arrowroot or cornstarch
The rest
2 C cabbage, roughly chopped
8-10 mushrooms, quartered
6 green onion, cut into large pieces
1 C cilantro leaves
1 Tbs olive oil
3/4 C General Tso stir-fry sauce
1/4 C hoisin sauce
12 iceberg lettuce leaves
1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
1/2 C roasted and chopped peanuts or cashews

DIRECTIONS:
To prepare the chickpeas, mix all of the marinade ingredients in a resealable plastic bag; add the chickpeas and coat them well. Refrigerate for at least an hour, turning the bag over halfway through. To make things easy, I pulsed the chopped cabbage in a food processor a few times:
CabbageI transferred it to a large bowl, then added the mushrooms, green onion, and cilantro to the food processor. It helps to mix the vegetables up in the processor bowl beforehand so that you get a consistent chop. Add to the cabbage.
East Meets West Chickpea Lettuce Wraps -- Epicurean VeganIn a large skillet, over medium heat, add the olive oil and chickpeas (with the marinade). Saute for about 5-7 minutes; the marinade will start to thicken. Reduce the heat if it starts to stick too much.
East Meets West Chickpea Lettuce Wraps -- Epicurean VeganIn a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the General Tso sauce and the Hoisin sauce, then add to the skillet. Let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes.
East Meets West Chickpea Lettuce Wraps -- Epicurean VeganRemove from the heat and allow the chickpeas to cool a little. To assemble your lettuce wraps, place a little bit of the slaw on the bottom of a lettuce cup, add a scoop or two of the chickpeas, then some slaw, and top with a little avocado and nuts. Enjoy!

East Meets West Chickpea Lettuce Wraps
 
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Garbanzo beans (or chickpeas) are such a versatile bean. (I shudder to think of a world without hummus!) I obviously couldn't decide on Asian or Mexican food, so why not combine them? It turned out to be a very tasty, gluten-free collaboration, not to mention easy to make. All you need is about an hour to marinate the beans and the rest is a breeze.
Author:
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • 2 14-oz cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • Marinade
  • 4 Tbs tamari
  • 3 Tbs lime juice
  • 3 Tbs red wine vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 Tbs olive oil
  • 1 Tbs arrowroot or cornstarch
  • The rest
  • 2 C cabbage, roughly chopped
  • 8-10 mushrooms, quartered
  • 6 green onion, cut into large pieces
  • 1 C cilantro leaves
  • 1 Tbs olive oil
  • ¾ C General Tso stir-fry sauce
  • ¼ C hoisin sauce
  • 12 iceberg lettuce leaves
  • 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
  • ½ C roasted and chopped peanuts or cashews
Directions
  1. To prepare the chickpeas, mix all of the marinade ingredients in a resealable plastic bag; add the chickpeas and coat them well. Refrigerate for at least an hour, turning the bag over halfway through.
  2. To make things easy, I pulsed the chopped cabbage in a food processor a few times.
  3. I transferred it to a large bowl, then added the mushrooms, green onion, and cilantro to the food processor. It helps to mix the vegetables up in the processor bowl beforehand so that you get a consistent chop. Add to the cabbage.
  4. In a large skillet, over medium heat, add the olive oil and chickpeas (with the marinade). Saute for about 5-7 minutes; the marinade will start to thicken. Reduce the heat if it starts to stick too much.
  5. In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the General Tso sauce and the Hoisin sauce, then add to the skillet. Let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes.
  6. Remove from the heat and allow the chickpeas to cool a little.
  7. To assemble your lettuce wraps, place a little bit of the slaw on the bottom of a lettuce cup, add a scoop or two of the chickpeas, then some slaw, and top with a little avocado and nuts. Enjoy!

 

Mediterranean Salad with Almond Feta

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Mediterranean Salad with Almond Feta -- Epicurean VeganI don’t know about you, but I tend to make the same salad all the time, and even though I love salads, I do get bored with them once in a while. It was time to shake things up. This Mediterranean salad is quick and easy to throw together and has everything you’d expect: kalamata olives, artichokes and feta—almond feta, that is! So delicious and fresh. Great for a lunch, dinner, or side. Just remember to make the feta ahead of time as it needs 2-3 hours to set up.

INGREDIENTS:
Salad
3-4 hearts of romaine, chopped
1 C cherry tomatoes, halved
1 C kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1 bell pepper, chopped
1/3 C red onion, diced
1 C canned artichoke hearts, chopped
Dressing
1/2 C olive oil
1/3 C red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove
1 tsp oregano
3/4 tsp onion powder
3/4 tsp black pepper
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp Dijon mustard
Almond feta
1 C blanched almonds
1/4 C lemon juice
3 Tbs olive oil
1 clove of garlic
1-1/4 tsp salt
1/2 C cold water

DIRECTIONS:
Start with the feta. This will need to be made ahead of time (2-3 hours). To begin, if you need to blanch them, boil them in just enough water to cover them, for 2 minutes. Drain and remove the skins; they should slide right off. Toss into a food processor with the rest of the ingredients and process several minutes until super smooth. You’ll have to scrape the sides of the bowl once or twice. Pour the almond mixture onto  cheesecloth (I use a thin cotton napkin) and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Keep wrapped in the cloth and store in the fridge on a plate or bowl. Chill for 2-3 hours.

To make the dressing, puree everything in a food processor. Blend 2-3 minutes until completely smooth. Transfer to a sealed container. Refrigerate until ready to use. (Makes about 1-1/2 cups.)
Olive oil dressingCombine all of the salad ingredients in a large bowl and toss. You can dress the whole salad or leave it off for individual servings. Top with some almond feta. The feta is also great on bread, crackers and veggies. Enjoy!

Mediterranean Salad with Almond Feta
 
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I don't know about you, but I tend to make the same salad all the time, and even though I love salads, I do get bored with them once in a while. It was time to shake things up. This Mediterranean salad is quick and easy to throw together and has everything you'd expect: kalamata olives, artichokes and feta---almond feta, that is! So delicious and fresh. Great for a lunch, dinner, or side. Just remember to make the feta ahead of time as it needs 2-3 hours to set up.
Author:
Ingredients
  • Salad
  • 3-4 hearts of romaine, chopped
  • 1 C cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 C kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • ⅓ C red onion, diced
  • 1 C canned artichoke hearts, chopped
  • Dressing
  • ½ C olive oil
  • ⅓ C red wine vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • ¾ tsp onion powder
  • ¾ tsp black pepper
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ¾ tsp Dijon mustard
  • Almond feta
  • 1 C blanched almonds
  • ¼ C lemon juice
  • 3 Tbs olive oil
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 1-1/4 tsp salt
  • ½ C cold water
Directions
  1. Start with the feta. This will need to be made ahead of time (2-3 hours). To begin, if you need to blanch them, boil them in just enough water to cover them, for 2 minutes. Drain and remove the skins; they should slide right off. Toss into a food processor with the rest of the ingredients and process several minutes until super smooth. You'll have to scrape the sides of the bowl once or twice. Pour the almond mixture onto cheesecloth (I use a thin cotton napkin) and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Keep wrapped in the cloth and store in the fridge on a plate or bowl. Chill for 2-3 hours.
  2. To make the dressing, puree everything in a food processor. Blend 2-3 minutes until completely smooth. Transfer to a sealed container. Refrigerate until ready to use. (Makes about 1-1/2 cups.)
  3. Combine all of the salad ingredients in a large bowl and toss. You can dress the whole salad or leave it off for individual servings. Top with some almond feta. The feta is also great on bread, crackers and veggies. Enjoy!

 

Marinated Tomato Salad

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Marinated Tomato Salad -- Epicurean VeganOur garden is exploding with beautiful tomatoes, plus, a friend had given me a couple of heirlooms. so what better way to enjoy them, than a salad?

Heirloom tomatoesThis is a fabulously fresh salad, ideal as any side dish. The summer is just about over and here in Colorado, the air is getting cooler and cooler every day, so I’m going to enjoy these summer treats while I can.

INGREDIENTS:
5-6 tomatoes, cut into large chunks
1/2 a red onion, sliced
1/3 C olive oil
5 Tbs balsamic vinegar
12-15 basil leaves, cut into strips
1/4 C parsley, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/8 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
Spinach

DIRECTIONS:
In a large, resealable bag, combine the onion, oil, vinegar, basil, parsley, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper. Gently add the tomatoes and coat them with the marinade. Refrigerate for at least an hour, turning the bag once. When ready to eat, serve over a bed of spinach leaves. Enjoy!

Marinated Tomato Salad
 
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Ingredients
  • 5-6 tomatoes, cut into large chunks
  • ½ a red onion, sliced
  • ⅓ C olive oil
  • 5 Tbs balsamic vinegar
  • 12-15 basil leaves, cut into strips
  • ¼ C parsley, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ⅛ tsp sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ⅛ tsp black pepper
  • Spinach
Directions
  1. In a large, resealable bag, combine the onion, oil, vinegar, basil, parsley, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  2. Gently add the tomatoes and coat them with the marinade. Refrigerate for at least an hour, turning the bag once. When ready to eat, serve over a bed of spinach leaves. Enjoy!

 

Thai Green Curry Bowls

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Thai Green Curry Bowls -- Epicurean VeganIt’s perfectly fine to let someone else take the lead on a recipe once in a while. In this case, Trader Joe’s. I had a jar of their Thai Green Curry Sauce and some (quick cook) Organic Brown Basmati Rice, and together, they made the perfect base for this meal. Add a few veggies, some healthy protein, and you have a delicious meal in no time.
Thai Green Curry Bowls -- Epicurean Vegan

INGREDIENTS:
1 C Trader Joe’s quick cook brown rice
2-1/2 C vegetable broth
1 jar of Trader Joe’s Thai Green Curry Sauce
2-3 C mushrooms, quartered
1 can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drain and rinsed
1 bell pepper, cut into chunks (I had half a red; half a yellow)
3-4 green onions, sliced
1 Tbs olive oil

DIRECTIONS:
Start with making the rice. If using the TJ brand, it’ll only be about 15-20 minutes; cook according to package instructions using the vegetable broth. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the bell pepper and cook 8-10 minutes, or until they are softened.
Thai Green Curry Bowls -- Epicurean VeganAdd the mushrooms and chickpeas and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms cook down a little.
Thai Green Curry Bowls -- Epicurean VeganNext, add the sauce and let simmer for about 10 minutes.
Thai Green Curry Bowls -- Epicurean VeganFor individual servings, top rice with the curry mixture a some green onions. Enjoy!

Thai Green Curry Bowls
 
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It's perfectly fine to let someone else take the lead on a recipe once in a while. In this case, Trader Joe's. I had a jar of their Thai Green Curry Sauce and some (quick cook) Organic Brown Basmati Rice, and together, they made the perfect base for this meal. Add a few veggies, some healthy protein, and you have a delicious meal in no time.
Author:
Ingredients
  • 1 C Trader Joe's quick cook brown rice
  • 2-1/2 C vegetable broth
  • 1 jar of Trader Joe's Thai Green Curry Sauce
  • 2-3 C mushrooms, quartered
  • 1 can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drain and rinsed
  • 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks (I had half a red; half a yellow)
  • 3-4 green onions, sliced
  • 1 Tbs olive oil
Directions
  1. Start with making the rice. If using the TJ brand, it'll only be about 15-20 minutes; cook according to package instructions using the vegetable broth. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the bell pepper and cook 8-10 minutes, or until they are softened.
  2. Add the mushrooms and chickpeas and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms cook down a little.
  3. Next, add the sauce and let simmer for about 10 minutes.
  4. For individual servings, top rice with the curry mixture a some green onions. Enjoy!

 

Edamame Spaghetti with Lemon-Garlic Sauce

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Edamame Spaghetti with Lemon-Garlic Sauce -- Epicurean VeganThat’s right, edamame spaghetti. In 12-ridiculous steps that include cooking the beans, mashing them, adding flour, six other ingredients, and running the dough through a pasta machine, you’re in business! Or . . . you can go the easy way by picking up pre-made edamame noodles like I did:
Edamame SpaghettiThis 2-lb box is from Costco and will run you about $9. And you can’t get simpler as far as ingredients go: soy beans and water. I think it’s a nice change up from pasta, and here’s the skinny: they’re gluten-free; high in protein and fiber; half the carbs of pasta; and a bit less calories, too. I thought I’d give them a whirl. Because the spaghetti only takes 4-5 minutes to cook, this is a great meal to prepare when you want something quick and easy. How do they taste? Delicious. Not much flavor on their own, but there’s no reason you can’t dress them up with a sauce or seasonings. A tomato sauce doesn’t seem like the right choice though, but more of a light cream or olive oil sauce. Just like with regular pasta, the possibilities are pretty endless.

INGREDIENTS:
8-oz edamame spaghetti
2 Tbs olive oil
3 cloves of garlic
zest and juice from one lemon
salt
2 Tbs Earth Balance margarine
2 C mushrooms, sliced
1 tomato, diced
Parmezano Sprinkles (from The Uncheese Cookbook)
1/2 C blanched almonds
2 Tbs nutritional yeast
1-2 tsp light or yellow miso
1/4 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS:
I made the Parmezano Sprinkles first: To blanch the almonds, place in a small sauce pan with just enough water to cover them and boil for 2 minutes. Drain, rinse, and pinch the skins off. Transfer to a food processor along with the other ingredients and grind it all together. Keep in the fridge in a tightly-lidded container.

Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil and simmer the noodles for 4-5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, melt the margarine and add the mushrooms. Saute for about 3 minutes. Before draining the noodles, reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. Drain the edamame noodles and rinse with cold water. In the same cooking pot, heat the olive oil and add the garlic; cook for 30 seconds. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt to taste, and then the noodles. Use a fork or tongs to incorporate the sauce. Add some water if it seems a little dry. Serve with some mushrooms and tomatoes, then top with the Parmezano Sprinkles. Enjoy!

Edamame Spaghetti with Lemon-Garlic Sauce
 
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Author:
Serves: 3-4
Ingredients
  • 8-oz edamame spaghetti
  • 2 Tbs olive oil
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • zest and juice from one lemon
  • salt
  • 2 Tbs Earth Balance margarine
  • 2 C mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • Parmezano Sprinkles (from The Uncheese Cookbook)
  • ½ C blanched almonds
  • 2 Tbs nutritional yeast
  • 1-2 tsp light or yellow miso
  • ¼ tsp salt
Directions
  1. I made the Parmezano Sprinkles first: To blanch the almonds, place in a small sauce pan with just enough water to cover them and boil for 2 minutes. Drain, rinse, and pinch the skins off. Transfer to a food processor along with the other ingredients and grind it all together. Keep in the fridge in a tightly-lidded container.
  2. Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil and simmer the noodles for 4-5 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, melt the margarine and add the mushrooms. Saute for about 3 minutes.
  4. Before draining the noodles, reserve ½ cup of the cooking liquid. Drain the edamame noodles and rinse with cold water.
  5. In the same cooking pot, heat the olive oil and add the garlic; cook for 30 seconds. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt to taste, and then the noodles. Use a fork or tongs to incorporate the sauce. Add some water if it seems a little dry.
  6. Serve with some mushrooms and tomatoes, then top with the Parmezano Sprinkles. Enjoy!

 

Veggie Pasta with Mushrooms, Black Olives & Pepitas

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Veggie Pasta with mushrooms, black olives, and pepitas -- Epicurean VeganI know it may not look like much, but I assure you there are some delicious, hidden flavors in this dish. This also is really quick to throw together and is great for lunch, too. Plus, between the nutritional yeast and pepitas, you’ll get your fill of B vitamins and omega-3 fats.
Trader Joe's Veggie PastaINGREDIENTS:
12-oz pkg. vegetable radiatore pasta (Trader Joe’s)
2 Tbs Earth Balance margarine, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 C mushrooms, sliced
6 green onions, sliced
4-oz can sliced black olives
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 C nutritional yeast
1/4 C pepitas

DIRECTIONS:
In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Meanwhile, in a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the margarine and add the garlic. Over medium-low heat, add the mushrooms and green onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the mushrooms soften a little. Season with salt and pepper and then add the black olives to warm them.
Veggie Pasta with Mushrooms, Black Olives, and Pepitas -- Epicurean VeganDrain the pasta and rinse. Return to the pot with the remaining margarine and add the mushroom mixture, nutritional yeast, and pepitas, blend well and enjoy!

Veggie Pasta with Mushrooms, Black Olives & Pepitas
 
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Author:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 12-oz pkg. vegetable radiatore pasta (Trader Joe's)
  • 2 Tbs Earth Balance margarine, divided
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 C mushrooms, sliced
  • 6 green onions, sliced
  • 4-oz can sliced black olives
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ¼ C nutritional yeast
  • ¼ C pepitas
Directions
  1. In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
  2. Meanwhile, in a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the margarine and add the garlic. Over medium-low heat, add the mushrooms and green onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the mushrooms soften a little. Season with salt and pepper and then add the black olives to warm them.
  3. Drain the pasta and rinse. Return to the pot with the remaining margarine and add the mushroom mixture, nutritional yeast, and pepitas, blend well and enjoy!

 

Watermelon with Mint & Almond Feta

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Watermelon with Mint and Almond Feta -- Epicurean VeganDid you know it’s National Watermelon Month? Have you had some delicious watermelon recipes yet? This one couldn’t be simpler. Of course, you will have to make the almond feta the day before, but it’s extremely simple to prepare. I recommend keeping the watermelon cold and adding the almond feta to individual servings. You’ll love the cold crispness of the watermelon mixed with the tangy almond feta—the perfect salad for a hot July day.

INGREDIENTS:
Almond Feta recipe
5-7 lbs watermelon, cut into chunks
1 C fresh mint, chopped
2 Tbs olive oil
4 Tbs lime juice
Salt and pepper
Arugula, optional

DIRECTIONS:
Make the almond feta at the day or night before (see link above). Make sure your watermelon is cold either before assembling the salad or before serving. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, and some salt and pepper, to taste. Pour over the watermelon and use a rubber spatula to gently mix the watermelon. Next, fold in the mint. When you get read to serve, you can scoop some watermelon on top of some arugula and then add some crumbled almond feta. Enjoy!

And since we’re on the topic of watermelons . . . hop on over to Goodreads and enter in a giveaway to win one of five copies of Bobbing for Watermelons.
Bobbing for Watermelons, a Novel by April J. Moore

Sauteed Asparagus & Chickpeas Over Herbed Brown Rice

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Sauteed Asparagus and Chickpeas Over Herbed Brown Rice -- Epicurean Vegan

This recipe came to me about two in the morning a few days ago and I haven’t been able to get it off my mind. And it’s a good thing. The flavors of the sage, thyme, and parsley meld so perfectly and I love the combo of the soft chickpeas and crispy asparagus. I don’t usually go for instant brown rice, but I also don’t always like waiting forty-five minutes for brown rice to cook, so the ease of instant rice made this delicious dish come together in breeze.

INGREDIENTS:
1 bunch asparagus, cut diagonally into 3-4 pieces
1 Tbs olive oil
2 C instant brown rice
1-3/4 C vegetable broth
1 Tbs fresh sage (about 10 leaves), minced
1 Tbs fresh thyme, minced
1/3 C fresh parsley, chopped
1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 Tbs lemon juice

DIRECTIONS:
In a large skillet, over medium-low heat, heat the olive oil add the asparagus. Saute 10-15 minutes, or until softened, but with still a little crunch. Season with salt and pepper.
Sauteed Asparagus & Chickpeas Over Herbed Brown Rice -- Epicurean VeganMeanwhile, start the rice. Bring the broth to a boil, then add the rice. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 5 minutes. If you’re using regular brown rice, get it going right away and don’t start sauteeing the asparagus until the rice has about 15 minutes of cooking time left. (Cook according to package instructions.)

Add the chickpeas to the skillet, along with the lemon juice, and cook over low heat for about 5 minutes.

Sauteed Asparagus and Chickpeas Over Herbed Brown Rice -- Epicurean Vegan

Add the herbs to the cooked rice and combine well.
Sauteed Asparagus & Chickpeas Over Herbed Brown Rice -- Epicurean Vegan

Serve the asparagus-chickpeas mixture over the herbed brown rice and enjoy!

Sauteed Asparagus & Chickpeas Over Herbed Brown Rice
 
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This recipe came to me about two in the morning a few days ago and I haven't been able to get it off my mind. And it's a good thing. The flavors of the sage, thyme, and parsley meld so perfectly and I love the combo of the soft chickpeas and crispy asparagus. I don't usually go for instant brown rice, but I also don't always like waiting forty-five minutes for brown rice to cook, so the ease of instant rice made this delicious dish come together in breeze.
Author:
Ingredients
  • 1 bunch asparagus, cut diagonally into 3-4 pieces
  • 1 Tbs olive oil
  • 2 C instant brown rice
  • 1-3/4 C vegetable broth
  • 1 Tbs fresh sage (about 10 leaves), minced
  • 1 Tbs fresh thyme, minced
  • ⅓ C fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 Tbs lemon juice
Directions
  1. In a large skillet, over medium-low heat, heat the olive oil add the asparagus. Saute 10-15 minutes, or until softened, but with still a little crunch. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Meanwhile, start the rice. Bring the broth to a boil, then add the rice. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 5 minutes. If you're using regular brown rice, get it going right away and don't start sauteeing the asparagus until the rice has about 15 minutes of cooking time left. (Cook according to package instructions.)
  3. Add the chickpeas to the skillet, along with the lemon juice, and cook over low heat for about 5 minutes. Add the herbs to the cooked rice and combine well.
  4. Serve the asparagus-chickpeas mixture over the herbed brown rice and enjoy!

 

Seared Tofu with Vegetables in a Peanut-Ginger Sauce

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Seared Tofu with Vegetables in a Peanut-Ginger Sauce -- Epicurean VeganI love meals that come together in less than 30 minutes—especially when they’re this tasty, too! The savory, crispy-on-the-edges tofu, paired beautifully with the tangy peanut sauce on perfectly cooked broccoli and mushrooms. I thought about adding some brown rice, but we actually all enjoyed just the tofu and vegetables. You could always add some soba noodles if you get the inkling.

INGREDIENTS:
Peanut-Ginger Sauce
2 quarter-sized, 1/4″ thick pieces of fresh ginger
1/3 C peanut butter
1/4 C white wine vinegar
3/4 C canned coconut milk
4 Tbs lime juice
1/4 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp sugar
For the tofu
1 14-oz container extra firm tofu
2 Tbs olive oil
Salt and pepper
Tamari or soy sauce
Agave
The rest
1 head of broccoli
2 C chopped mushrooms
Sesame seeds

DIRECTIONS:
To begin, start the sauce. Toss the ginger pieces in the food processor and chop up until diced very small. Add all the other ingredients and blend well. Set aside.
Get the broccoli steaming. You want the broccoli to still have a little crunch (unless, of course, you like mushy broccoli, and that’s okay, too).
Seared Tofu with Vegetables in a Peanut-Ginger Sauce -- Epicurean VeganMeanwhile, drain and lightly press the tofu. Cut the tofu into 7 slabs, then cut each slab into four triangles (cut corner to corner). You’ll end up with 28 triangles.
Seared Tofu with Vegetables in a Peanut-Ginger Sauce -- Epicurean VeganIn a skillet over medium-low heat, add the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add the tofu pieces and drizzle with tamari and agave. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Seared Tofu with Vegetables in a Peanut-Ginger Sauce -- Epicurean VeganCook 4-5 minutes, or until the edges of the tofu get a nice crispy sear. Drizzle with some more tamari and agave.
Seared Tofu with Vegetables in a Peanut-Ginger Sauce -- Epicurean VeganTransfer the tofu to a plate and toss the broccoli into the pan a long with the mushrooms. Cook for 3-4 minutes over medium-low heat. Once the mushrooms have cooked down slightly, stir in the sauce. Heat it through, only a couple of minutes.
Seared Tofu with Vegetables in a Peanut-Ginger Sauce -- Epicurean VeganServe together with the tofu and sprinkle on some sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Seared Tofu with Vegetables in a Peanut-Ginger Sauce
 
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I love meals that come together in less than 30 minutes---especially when they're this tasty, too! The savory, crispy-on-the-edges tofu, paired beautifully with the tangy peanut sauce on perfectly cooked broccoli and mushrooms. I thought about adding some brown rice, but we actually all enjoyed just the tofu and vegetables. You could always add some soba noodles if you get the inkling.
Author:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • Peanut-Ginger Sauce
  • 2 quarter-sized, ¼" thick pieces of fresh ginger
  • ⅓ C peanut butter
  • ¼ C white wine vinegar
  • ¾ C canned coconut milk
  • 4 Tbs lime juice
  • ¼ tsp sesame oil
  • ½ tsp sugar
  • For the tofu
  • 1 14-oz container extra firm tofu
  • 2 Tbs olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Tamari or soy sauce
  • Agave
  • The rest
  • 1 head of broccoli
  • 2 C chopped mushrooms
  • Sesame seeds
Directions
  1. To begin, start the sauce. Toss the ginger pieces in the food processor and chop up until diced very small. Add all the other ingredients and blend well. Set aside.
  2. Get the broccoli steaming. You want the broccoli to still have a little crunch (unless, of course, you like mushy broccoli, and that's okay, too).
  3. Meanwhile, drain and lightly press the tofu. Cut the tofu into 7 slabs, then cut each slab into four triangles (cut corner to corner). You'll end up with 28 triangles.
  4. In a skillet over medium-low heat, add the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add the tofu pieces and drizzle with tamari and agave. Sprinkle with more salt and pepper.
  5. Cook 4-5 minutes, or until the edges of the tofu get a nice crispy sear.
  6. Drizzle on some more tamari and agave.
  7. Once cooked, transfer the tofu to a plate and toss the broccoli into the pan a long with the mushrooms. Cook for 3-4 minutes over medium-low heat. Once the mushrooms have cooked down slightly, stir in the sauce. Heat it through, only a couple of minutes.
  8. Serve together with the tofu and sprinkle on some sesame seeds. Enjoy!

 

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