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Quinoa Stir-fry with Avocado

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Quinoa Stir-Fry with Avocado -- Epicurean VeganWell, let’s see if I can still do this; it’s been a while. Sorry for the absence, but I think I’m getting back into the swing of things. Our kitchen counter tops are supposed to arrive today . . . just when I was getting used to the plywood stand-in! I bring you this easy and delicious, gluten-free meal that’s ready in no time. Speaking of stand-ins, quinoa is a great alternative to rice. It’s a nice change, plus it’s an excellent source of protein. The avocado is also a nice touch, contrasting well with the crunchy cashews.

INGREDIENTS:
1 C tri-colored quinoa
1-1/2 C vegetable broth
1 Tbs olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 bell peppers, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, sliced
2 small zucchini, sliced
2 C mushrooms, quartered
1/3 C tamari or soy sauce
1/8 C lime juice
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and grated
1 C unsalted cashews
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and cut into chunks

DIRECTIONS:
In a medium saucepan, combine the broth and quinoa and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and garlic over medium heat for 1 minute. Add the bell pepper, onion, and celery; cook 8-10 minutes, or until softened.

Quinoa Stir-Fry with Avocado -- Epicurean VeganNext, add the zucchini and cook for 4-5 minutes, then add the mushrooms. Cook for 3-5 minutes.
Quinoa Stir-fry with AvocadoIn a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the tamari, lime juice, sesame oil, and ginger; set aside. Once the quinoa is cooked, add it to the cooked veggies, along with the cashews. Reduce heat to low and stir in the tamari mixture, combining everything thoroughly.
Quinoa Stir-fry with Avocado -- Epicurean Vegan

Top individual servings with avocado and enjoy!

Quinoa Stir-fry with Avocado
 
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I bring you this easy and delicious, gluten-free meal that's ready in no time. Speaking of stand-ins, quinoa is a great alternative to rice. It's a nice change, plus it's an excellent source of protein. The avocado is also a nice touch, contrasting well with the crunchy cashews.
Author:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 1 C tri-colored quinoa
  • ½ C vegetable broth
  • 1 Tbs olive oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 bell peppers, chopped
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 2 small zucchini, sliced
  • 2 C mushrooms, quartered
  • ⅓ C tamari or soy sauce
  • ⅛ C lime juice
  • ½ tsp sesame oil
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and grated
  • 1 C unsalted cashews
  • 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and cut into chunks
Directions
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the broth and quinoa and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and garlic over medium heat for 1 minute. Add the bell pepper, onion, and celery; cook 8-10 minutes, or until softened.
  3. Next, add the zucchini and cook for 4-5 minutes, then add the mushrooms. Cook for 3-5 minutes.
  4. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the tamari, lime juice, sesame oil, and ginger; set aside.
  5. Once the quinoa is cooked, add it to the cooked veggies, along with the cashews. Reduce heat to low and stir in the tamari mixture, combining everything thoroughly.
  6. Top individual servings with avocado and enjoy!

 

Vegan & Gluten-Free Pad Thai

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Vegan and Gluten-Free Pad Thai -- Epicurean VeganThis Pad Thai is pretty nontraditional, not just because it’s vegan, but also because I didn’t go with the usual veggies such as bean sprouts. Plus, I certainly didn’t go with the typical thin rice noodle; I opted for a heartier, thick cut one. So it is really Pad Thai? Well, sure! It’s my version and it was a hit with the family, so I must have done something right! The limey-tamari sauce, with is the star of the show in all it’s creamy, peanutty glory.

INGREDIENTS:
14-oz pkg. extra firm tofu, drained, pressed and cubed
1 tsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 orange or red bell pepper, sliced thin
1 can water chestnuts, sliced
2 C snap peas
1/2 C green onion, sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
2/3 C tamari
1/3 C creamy peanut butter
1/3 C sugar
2/3 C lime juice
1 heaping Tbs freshly grated gingerroot
1-1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
The rest
16-oz rice noodles
1 C peanuts, chopped
1 C fresh cilantro leaves

DIRECTIONS:

Vegan and Gluten-Free Pad Thai -- Epicurean VeganBegin with the noodles. The kind I used required 25-30 minutes of soaking in very hot tap water. The package warms not to over soak, but I probably soaked them about 40 minutes because they were still hard in places. However, once you add them to skillet in the end, they soften up quite quickly. While they’re soaking in a bowl, start with the tofu. I don’t use any oil, I just tossed the tofu cubes in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, seasoned with salt and pepper, and sauteed them until browned, about 15 minutes.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Pad Thai -- Epicurean VeganTransfer to a plate or bowl and set aside. In the same skillet, heat the olive oil and garlic. Add the bell pepper, water chestnuts and snap peas. Saute for about 10 minutes, or until tender.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Pad Thai -- Epicurean VeganWhile those are cooking, however, start the sauce. In a medium saucepan, whisk together all of the sauce ingredients and heat over low-medium heat. Once it just starts to bubble, turn off the heat.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Pad Thai -- Epicurean VeganAdd the tofu and green onion to the other veggies in the skillet and combine to rewarm the tofu.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Pad Thai -- Epicurean VeganDrain the noodles and add them to the skillet and let the noodles soften, about 5 minutes, over low-medium heat. Add the sauce and combine thoroughly; serve immediately. Top each serving with fresh cilantro and peanuts. Enjoy!

Vegan & Gluten-Free Pad Thai
 
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Prep time
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This Pad Thai is pretty nontraditional, not just because it's vegan, but also because I didn't go with the usual veggies such as bean sprouts. Plus, I certainly didn't go with the typical thin rice noodle; I opted for a heartier, thick cut one. So it is really Pad Thai? Well, sure! It's my version and it was a hit with the family, so I must have done something right! The limey-tamari sauce, with is the star of the show in all it's creamy, peanutty glory.
Author:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 14-oz pkg. extra firm tofu, drained, pressed and cubed
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 orange or red bell pepper, sliced thin
  • 1 can water chestnuts, sliced
  • 2 C snap peas
  • ½ C green onion, sliced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Sauce
  • ⅔ C tamari
  • ⅓ C creamy peanut butter
  • ⅓ C sugar
  • ⅔ C lime juice
  • 1 heaping Tbs freshly grated gingerroot
  • 1-1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • The rest
  • 16-oz rice noodles
  • 1 C peanuts, chopped
  • 1 C fresh cilantro leaves
Directions
  1. Begin with the noodles. The kind I used required 25-30 minutes of soaking in very hot tap water. The package warns not to over soak, but I probably soaked them about 40 minutes because they were still hard in places. However, once you add them to skillet in the end, they soften up quite quickly.
  2. While they're soaking in a bowl, start with the tofu. I didn't use any oil, I just tossed the tofu cubes in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, seasoned with salt and pepper, and sauteed, flipping them often, until browned, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a plate or bowl and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, heat the olive oil and garlic. Add the bell pepper, water chestnuts and snap peas. Saute for about 10 minutes, or until tender.
  4. While those are cooking, however, start the sauce. In a medium saucepan, whisk together all of the sauce ingredients and heat over low-medium heat. Once it just starts to bubble, turn off the heat.
  5. Add the tofu and green onion to the other veggies in the skillet and combine to rewarm the tofu.
  6. Drain the noodles and add them to the skillet and let the noodles soften, about 5 minutes, over low-medium heat. Add the sauce and combine thoroughly; serve immediately.
  7. Top each serving with fresh cilantro and peanuts. Enjoy!

 

 

Asian-Inspired Risotto

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Asian Inspired Risotto with Bok Choy & Shiitake Mushrooms -- Epicurean VeganYep, I’m still on my risotto kick. This time, however, I gave it an Asian twist by adding bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, and a touch of sesame oil (among other seasonings). This is a unique and delicious change from the usual risotto dish and would be great paired with some veggie crystal rolls. Yum!

INGREDIENTS:
4 C vegetable broth
1 Tbs red miso
1 C water
1-1/2 C Arborio rice
2 heads baby bok choy, chopped
2 C shiitake mushrooms, chopped
3/4 C green onion, sliced thin
1/2 C Sherry cooking wine
2 Tbs Earth Balance
1/3 C nutritional yeast
1/4 tsp Chinese 5-Spice blend
1/4 tsp sesame oil
1 Tbs tamari ( or soy sauce)

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350. In a Dutch oven, whisk the 4 cups of broth and 1 tablespoon of miso; stir in the rice. Cover and bake for 45 minutes. Fifteen minutes before the rice is done, begin steaming the bok choy. Steam for 10 minutes, then add the mushrooms and green onion.

Asian Inspired Risotto with Bok Choy & Shiitake Mushrooms -- Epicurean VeganWhen the rice is done (most of the liquid has been absorbed), stir in the one cup of water,sherry and Earth Balance. Stir vigorously for 1-2 minutes—it’ll thicken up. Next, add the nutritional yeast, five-spice blend, sesame oil, and tamari. Stir well for at least a minute. Fold in the bok choy mixture and enjoy!

Asian-Inspired Risotto
 
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I gave this risotto dish an Asian twist by adding bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, and a touch of sesame oil (among other seasonings). This is a unique and delicious change from the usual risotto dish and would be great paired with some veggie crystal rolls. Yum!
Author:
Ingredients
  • 4 C vegetable broth
  • 1 Tbs red miso
  • 1 C water
  • 1-1/2 C Arborio rice
  • 2 heads baby bok choy, chopped
  • 2 C shiitake mushrooms, chopped
  • ¾ C green onion, sliced thin
  • ½ C Sherry cooking wine
  • 2 Tbs Earth Balance
  • ⅓ C nutritional yeast
  • ¼ tsp Chinese 5-Spice blend
  • ¼ tsp sesame oil
  • 1 Tbs tamari ( or soy sauce)
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350.
  2. In a Dutch oven, whisk the 4 cups of broth and 1 tablespoon of miso; stir in the rice.
  3. Cover and bake for 45 minutes.
  4. Fifteen minutes before the rice is done, begin steaming the bok choy. Steam for 10 minutes, then add the mushrooms and green onion.
  5. When the rice is done (most of the liquid has been absorbed), stir in the one cup of water,sherry and Earth Balance. Stir vigorously for 1-2 minutes---it'll thicken up.
  6. Next, add the nutritional yeast, five-spice blend, sesame oil, and tamari. Stir well for at least a minute.
  7. Fold in the bok choy mixture and enjoy!

 

Hot and Sour Soup

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Hot and Sour Soup -- Epicurean VeganI have always wanted to try making hot and sour soup at home. Typically, Asian restaurants use a chicken or beef-based broth in their soups, so I usually have to pass on it. I found a recipe in Color Me Vegan, but I made some alterations to it. We loved the results! I went easy on the hot part, so feel free to spice it up more if you’d like.

INGREDIENTS:
1-1/2 oz dried mushroom variety such as shiitake, oyster, porcini, boletus and woodear
3/4 oz dried exotic mushrooms
14-oz extra firm tofu, drained, pressed and cut into cubes
7 Tbs tamari or soy sauce, divided
1 Tbs canola oil
6 C vegetable broth
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp black pepper
1/4 C rice vinegar
1/4 C arrowroot
1 can bamboo shoots, sliced into thin strips
2-3 tsp chili sesame oil
4 green onions, sliced

DSC07111

dried mushroom variety mix

DSC07112

dried exotic mushroom mix

DSC07105

3 packets of dried mushrooms

DIRECTIONS:
Combine the mushrooms in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let sit for about an hour. Drain, but reserve the liquid (approx. 2 cups). Then cut/slice the mushrooms.

DSC07108

Preheat the oven to 400 and line a baking sheet with foil and coat with canola oil. You don’t have to use foil, but I find stuff still sticks to the pan regardless. Place the tofu on the baking sheet and drizzle with 4 Tbs of the tamari.

DSC07106

Bake for 15 minutes and then turn the pieces. I’m sorry to say, there really isn’t an easy way to do this other than one by one . . . bake another 8-10 minutes.

DSC07107(These may look pretty scorched, but it’s actually just the baked-on tamari)

In a large soup pot, bring the broth to a boil, then add the mushrooms. Let simmer or med/low heat for about 5 minutes. Add the red pepper flakes and black pepper. In a small bowl, combine the arrowroot, rice vinegar, and 3 Tbs of the tamari. Whisk well to thoroughly combine. Stir into the soup and bring it to a boil.

DSC07109

Add the bamboo shoots, tofu, and chili sesame oil; cook for 5 minutes. You may want to thin out the soup a little, so add some of the reserved mushroom water. I had two cups and ended up using it all–it just depends on how thick you want the soup. Top each individual serving with some green onions and enjoy!

Hot and Sour Soup
 
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I have always wanted to try making hot and sour soup at home. Typically, Asian restaurants use a chicken or beef-based broth in their soups, so I usually have to pass on it. I found a recipe in Color Me Vegan, but I made some alterations to it. We loved the results! I went easy on the hot part, so feel free to spice it up more if you'd like.
Author:
Ingredients
  • 1-1/2 oz dried mushroom variety such as shiitake, oyster, porcini, boletus and woodear
  • ¾ oz dried exotic mushrooms
  • 14-oz extra firm tofu, drained, pressed and cut into cubes
  • 7 Tbs tamari or soy sauce, divided
  • 1 Tbs canola oil
  • 6 C vegetable broth
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • ¼ C rice vinegar
  • ¼ C arrowroot
  • 1 can bamboo shoots, sliced into thin strips
  • 2-3 tsp chili sesame oil
  • 4 green onions, sliced
Directions
  1. Combine the mushrooms in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let sit for about an hour. Drain, but reserve the liquid (approx. 2 cups). Then cut/slice the mushrooms.
  2. Preheat the oven to 400 and line a baking sheet with foil and coat with canola oil. You don't have to use foil, but I find stuff still sticks to the pan regardless.
  3. Place the tofu on the baking sheet and drizzle with 4 Tbs of the tamari.
  4. Bake for 15 minutes and then turn the pieces. I'm sorry to say, there really isn't an easy way to do this other than one by one . . . bake another 8-10 minutes.
  5. In a large soup pot, bring the broth to a boil, then add the mushrooms. Let simmer or med/low heat for about 5 minutes. Add the red pepper flakes and black pepper.
  6. In a small bowl, combine the arrowroot, rice vinegar, and 3 Tbs of the tamari. Whisk well to thoroughly combine. Stir into the soup and bring it to a boil.
  7. Add the bamboo shoots, tofu, and chili sesame oil; cook for 5 minutes. You may want to thin out the soup a little, so add some of the reserved mushroom water. I had two cups and ended up using it all--it just depends on how thick you want the soup.
  8. Top each individual serving with some green onions and enjoy!

Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing

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Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing -- Epicurean VeganThis is a great salad to take to work for lunch, a mid-day snack, or even for a picnic. I typically steam kale, but if I’m not careful, it’s easy to deplete it of nutrients if I steam it too much. Raw kale can be awfully bitter, but chopped and served with other veggies and this tahini dressing, it tastes amazing. The dressing recipe is for 2 large bunches of kale, making at least 4 good-sized salad servings. Like any salad, you can throw in your favorite ingredients and actually be excited about lunch! (and be sure to read about kale’s super powers)!

INGREDIENTS:
Dressing:
1/2 C tahini
1 Tbs miso
1 Tbs tamari
1/2 tsp lime juice
1 tps agave
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbs garlic, minced
3/4 C water
Variation: You can use almond butter instead of tahini, in which case, I’d leave out the agave since almond butter is sweeter. I also sometimes add in a Tbs of chia seeds.
The rest:
2 large bunches of kale, chopped
I dice up cucumber, mushrooms, red onion, and green onions. I also threw in some Craisins and slivered almonds.

DIRECTIONS:
Put all the dressing ingredients in a blender and combine until smooth.

Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing -- Epicurean Vegan

Combine the chopped kale with your other salad ingredients and toss well to combine.

Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing -- Epicurean Vegan

(This is just one bunch of kale)

Pour the dressing over the salad and massage into the kale with your hands. Enjoy!

Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing
 
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This is a great salad to take to work for lunch, a mid-day snack, or even for a picnic. I typically steam kale, but if I'm not careful, it's easy to deplete it of nutrients if I steam it too much. Raw kale can be awfully bitter, but chopped and served with other veggies and this tahini dressing, it tastes amazing. The dressing recipe is for 2 large bunches of kale, making at least 4 good-sized salad servings. Like any salad, you can throw in your favorite ingredients and actually be excited about lunch!
Author:
Ingredients
  • Dressing:
  • ½ C tahini
  • 1 Tbs miso
  • 1 Tbs tamari
  • ½ tsp lime juice
  • 1 tps agave
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbs garlic, minced
  • ¾ C water
  • Variation: You can use almond butter instead of tahini, in which case, I'd leave out the agave since almond butter is sweeter. I also sometimes add in a Tbs of chia seeds.
  • The rest:
  • 2 large bunches of kale, chopped
  • I dice up cucumber, mushrooms, red onion, and green onions. I also threw in some Craisins and slivered almonds.
Directions
  1. Put all the dressing ingredients in a blender and combine until smooth.
  2. Combine the chopped kale with your other salad ingredients and toss well to combine.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and massage into the kale with your hands. Enjoy!

Experimenting with Ramen: Let Junior Cook

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Experimenting with Ramen: Let Junior Cook -- Epicurean VeganThe Seventh Grader loves to cook. He’ll help me out in the kitchen whenever possible and makes some pretty darn good chocolate chip cookies! There are times, however, when he wants to create something for lunch and be the master of kitchen without me hovering over him. In comes Top Ramen and Maruchan Ramen. Ask any college student (or any one who spent a few semesters in a dorm) and they’ll tell you that Top Ramen accounted for about 60% of their diet (along with beer, Lucky Charms and Totino’s pizzas). At 19 cents a package, Top Ramen is a mainstay for those on a tight budget.

The spice packets that come with the noodles are not vegan, but who needs them? This has prompted the Seventh Grader to come up with his own ramen meals. The variations are endless. Today, I took some pics of his cooking and I thought I’d pass along his recipe of the day. He didn’t really measure the ingredients, but that’s the fun of winging it. So if you have middle schoolers at home, this is a fabulous way to give them some freedom and independence in the kitchen. I also think it’s imperative to teach boys how to cook . . . girls dig a guy who can cook.

INGREDIENTS: (serves 2)
2 packages Oriental Top Ramen
Tamari
black pepper
garlic salt
cayenne pepper
olive oil
Optional ingredients: green onion, minced garlic, mushrooms, red bell pepper

DIRECTIONS:
After adding the noodles to boiling water, he added some tamari, then continued to cook for 3-4 minutes. He drained the noodles, but reserved some of the cooking water because The Husband likes his with some broth. In a large skillet, he heated about a tablespoon of oil and then added the noodles. He added some water once the noodles started to get dried and sticky. This created more of a sauce. Add the spices here, too.

Experimenting with Ramen: Let Junior Cook -- Epicurean Vegan

Once the noodles begin to get a bit crispy, he separated them into two bowls, adding the reserved broth to one.

Experimenting with Ramen: Let Junior Cook -- Epicurean Vegan

Enjoy! (and of course, use chopsticks!)

Experimenting with Ramen: Let Junior Cook -- Epicurean Vegan

Tempeh Bacon

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Tempeh Bacon -- Epicurean VeganI know many people who would consider going vegan, but the thought of giving up bacon brings tears to their eyes. (Think what it does to the piggies!) Tempeh bacon may not cut it for them, but I love this stuff. A little caramelized, it tastes wonderful. You could break it up for salads, sandwiches, tofu scrambles, or just snack on it as it is.

INGREDIENTS:
1 pkg (80z) tempeh
1/4 C tamari
2 tsp Liquid Smoke
3 Tbs maple syrup (I’m not a huge fan of maple-flavored stuff, so I used brown rice syrup)
1/4 C water
Canola oil, for frying

DIRECTIONS:
Steam the tempeh for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine tamari, Liquid Smoke, syrup, and water. Mix well. Let tempeh cool before slicing it into thin, bacon-like strips.

Tempeh Bacon -- Epicurean VeganPlace slices in marinade (I used a large ziplock bag–just turn the bag over a few times to thoroughly marinate the slices) and let sit for as long as you like. Less than half and hour works great. After the tempeh has marinated, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the strips and each side until crisp. Sprinkle a little extra tamari and syrup on the tempeh while cooking—the tempeh will turn brown, caramelize, and get crisper and chewier . Remove to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Enjoy!

Tempeh Bacon -- Epicurean Vegan

(BaconLettuceTomatoAvocado)

Recipe source: The Vegan Table

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