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Cauliflower Fried Rice

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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
 
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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!

 

Peanut-Tofu Bowls

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Peanut-Tofu Bowls -- Epicurean Vegan

I’m on a bowl kick; must be the spring weather. Fresh veggie bowls just sound extra good right now. Plus, I certainly don’t mind that they’re easy to make, too. And this peanut sauce?! I could have eaten it by the spoonful.

INGREDIENTS:
Bowls
6 C cooked rice
2 12-oz pkgs. extra firm tofu, drained, pressed & cubed
1 Tbs olive oil
2 red bell peppers, chopped
2 carrots, shredded
3 C spinach, chopped
1 C green onion, sliced
2 heads of broccoli florets
Chopped peanuts
Peanut Sauce
2 cloves of garlic
1/3 C peanut butter
1/3 C tamari
1 Tbs sesame oil
1/8-1/4 C canned coconut milk or almond milk

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400. Spread the tofu cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they begin to brown.

To make the sauce, throw everything in a food processor (but start with just an 1/8 C of the nondairy milk). Add more if you want to thin it some more. Set aside.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and add the bell pepper; saute over medium heat for 5 minutes–just enough to soften the peppers a little. Add the tofu and peanut sauce and saute over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring often. I then steamed the broccoli for 5-8 minutes.

To assemble, start with some rice and top with spinach, broccoli, carrots, tofu mixture, green onion, and peanuts. Enjoy!

Peanut-Tofu Bowls
 
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I'm on a bowl kick; must be the spring weather. Fresh veggie bowls just sound extra good right now. Plus, I certainly don't mind that they're easy to make, too. And this peanut sauce?! I could have eaten it by the spoonful.
Author:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • Bowls
  • 6 C cooked rice
  • 2 12-oz pkgs. extra firm tofu, drained, pressed & cubed
  • 1 Tbs olive oil
  • 2 red bell peppers, chopped
  • 2 carrots, shredded
  • 3 C spinach, chopped
  • 1 C green onion, sliced
  • 2 heads of broccoli florets
  • Chopped peanuts
  • Peanut Sauce
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • ⅓ C peanut butter
  • ⅓ C tamari
  • 1 Tbs sesame oil
  • ⅛-1/4 C canned coconut milk or almond milk
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 400. Spread the tofu cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they begin to brown.
  2. To make the sauce, throw everything in a food processor (but start with just an ⅛ C of the nondairy milk). Add more if you want to thin it some more. Set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and add the bell pepper; saute over medium heat for 5 minutes--just enough to soften the peppers a little. Add the tofu and peanut sauce and saute over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring often. I then steamed the broccoli for 5-8 minutes.
  4. To assemble, start with some rice and top with spinach, broccoli, carrots, tofu mixture, green onion, and peanuts. Enjoy!

 

 

Lentil & Wild Rice Bowls with Steamed Veggies

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Lentil and Wild Rice Bowls with Steamed Veggies 2 -- Epicurean Vegan

I love these types of meals, but I have to admit, I didn’t know where I was going with it at first. Then it clicked. This is similar to the black rice and lentils recipe, but I made some changes and even simplified a few steps. The great thing about these bowls, is that you can switch things up pretty easily, plus, they’re simple to put together. Oh, and did I mention tasty? And oh-so delicious? Well, that, too. You’ll also leave the table feeling pretty satisfied since lentils come with lots of protein and the wild rice (also high in protein) is chocked full of fiber and other vitamins and nutrients. Add some veggies and you’re in business.

INGREDIENTS:
4 C vegetable broth
1 C green lentils
1 C wild rice mix
2 C red cabbage, chopped
3 C mushrooms, quartered
3 C kale, chopped
2 large carrots, sliced into 1/4″ pieces
1 7-oz pkg. baked tofu, cubed (I used Trader Joe’s brand)
4-5 green onions, sliced
1/2 C Pepitas
Tahini-Curry Sauce
1/2 C cashews
2 garlic cloves
A 1-inch by 1-inch piece of fresh ginger
1/3 C tahini
1 can light coconut milk
2 Tbs lime juice
1-1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbs yellow curry powder
2 Tbs chia seeds
Note: This makes a good amount sauce, so you can easily halve the recipe or freeze the remainder for another meal.
Baked Tofu, Trader Joe'sDIRECTIONS:
Combine the broth, lentils, and wild rice in a large soup pot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 45-50 minutes. Check on it after 40 minutes and test them; you may need to add more broth. In the meantime, prepare the sauce. Add the cashews, garlic, and ginger to the food processor and blend for 1 minute. Add the tahini and blend some more. Scrape the sides of the bowl, if necessary. While the processor is running, slowly add the coconut milk and lime juice. Puree well, again, stopping to scrape the sides of the bowl once or twice. Next, add the curry, salt, and chia seeds; blend another minute. Transfer to a jar or squeeze bottle.
Lentils and Wild Rice Bowls with Steamed Veggies -- Epicurean Vegan

Because I was using my steamer pot for the lentils and wild rice, I used my electric steamer for the veggies. I love the steamer! If fact, I have two of them for when I make my mole tamales. Anyway, steam the carrots and cabbage for 10 minutes. Next, add the mushrooms and kale and steam another 10 minutes.
Lentils and Wild Rice Bowls with Steamed Veggies -- Epicurean Vegan

Lentils and Wild Rice Bowls with Steamed Veggies -- Epicurean VeganOnce everything is ready to go, assemble the bowls by starting with some lentil mix, veggies, tofu, pepitas, green onion, and topped with sauce. Enjoy!

Lentil & Wild Rice Bowls with Steamed Veggies
 
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I love these types of meals, but I have to admit, I didn't know where I was going with it at first. Then it clicked. This is similar to the black rice and lentils recipe, but I made some changes and even simplified a few steps. The great thing about these bowls, is that you can switch things up pretty easily, plus, they're simple to put together. Oh, and did I mention tasty? And oh-so delicious? Well, that, too. You'll also leave the table feeling pretty satisfied since lentils come with lots of protein and the wild rice (also high in protein) is chocked full of fiber and other vitamins and nutrients. Add some veggies and you're in business.
Author:
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • 4 C vegetable broth
  • 1 C green lentils
  • 1 C wild rice mix
  • 2 C red cabbage, chopped
  • 3 C mushrooms, quartered
  • 3 C kale, chopped
  • 2 large carrots, sliced into ¼" pieces
  • 1 7-oz pkg. baked tofu, cubed (I used Trader Joe's brand)
  • 4-5 green onions, sliced
  • ½ C Pepitas
  • Tahini-Curry Sauce
  • ½ C cashews
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • A 1-inch by 1-inch piece of fresh ginger
  • ⅓ C tahini
  • 1 can light coconut milk
  • 2 Tbs lime juice
  • 1-1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 Tbs yellow curry powder
  • 2 Tbs chia seeds
  • Note: This makes a good amount sauce, so you can easily halve the recipe or freeze the remainder for another meal.
Directions
  1. Combine the broth, lentils, and wild rice in a large soup pot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 45-50 minutes. Check on it after 40 minutes and test them; you may need to add more broth.
  2. In the meantime, prepare the sauce. Add the cashews, garlic, and ginger to the food processor and blend for 1 minute. Add the tahini and blend some more. Scrape the sides of the bowl, if necessary. While the processor is running, slowly add the coconut milk and lime juice. Puree well, again, stopping to scrape the sides of the bowl once or twice. Next, add the curry, salt, and chia seeds; blend another minute. Transfer to a jar or squeeze bottle.
  3. Because I was using my steamer pot for the lentils and wild rice, I used my electric steamer for the veggies. I love the steamer! If fact, I have two of them for when I make my mole tamales. Anyway, steam the carrots and cabbage for 10 minutes. Next, add the mushrooms and kale and steam another 10 minutes.
  4. Once everything is ready to go, assemble the bowls by starting with some lentil mix, veggies, tofu, pepitas, green onion, and topped with sauce. 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!

 

Cashew-Curry Noodle Bowl

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Cashew-Curry Noodle Bowl -- Epicurean VeganIt’s been quite a busy spring for me, but I hope to get back into the swing of things very soon. I did have some time to whip up something new—or at least, newish. I slightly tweaked the sauce from these Black Rice & Lentil Bowls and I love how it came out. These are pretty easy to throw together, but I admit, it does take a few pans. However, with the right timing, it’ll all go smoothly. In any case, it’ll be worth it; these are delicious! Also, here’s a before and after of our new kitchen. There’s still a few more things to do, such as put the cabinet and drawer hardware on, but we’re getting there.
Kitchen Before

Kitchen After

INGREDIENTS
Cashew-Curry Sauce
1 C cashews
3 cloves of garlic
1 can light coconut milk
2 Tbs fresh ginger
2 Tbs peanut butter
3 tbs lime juice
2 Tbs nutritional yeast
1 Tbs mild yellow curry powder
1 tsp salt
2 Tbs tamari or soy sauce
The rest
1 small head of broccoli florets
6-8 mushrooms, quartered
1 can sliced water chestnuts
1 red bell pepper, cut into large chunks
14-oz container extra firm tofu
Salt and pepper
9.5-oz pkg. Udon noodles
1 C green onion, sliced

DIRECTIONS
Start with soaking the cashews. I poured boiling water on them and let them sit while I prepared everything else. I recommend starting with the tofu. Cut the tofu into 5 or 6 slabs and season both sides with salt and pepper. Place in a skillet over medium to low heat and brown each side, about 5-7 minutes, per side. Meanwhile, steam the broccoli, bell pepper, and water chestnuts. (You’ll add the mushrooms shortly before they’re all done.) Steam the veggies for about 10-12 minutes before adding the mushrooms; steam another 5 minutes.
Cashew-Curry Noodle Bowl -- Epicurean VeganOnce the tofu is done, cut each slab into 6 cubes; set aside.
Cashew-Curry Noodle Bowl -- Epicurean VeganBoil the water for the noodles. I used these Udon noodles from Hakubaku. They only take about 4 minutes to boil.
Cashew-Curry Noodle Bowl -- Epicurean VeganTo make the sauce, drain the cashews and add them to a food processor with the rest of the sauce ingredients and puree for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a small saucepan and warm over medium heat. Drain the noodles, then assemble the bowls: noodles, veggies, tofu, sauce, and green onion. Enjoy!

Cashew-Curry Noodle Bowl
 
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Author:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • Cashew-Curry Sauce:
  • 1 C cashews
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 1 can light coconut milk
  • 2 Tbs fresh ginger
  • 2 Tbs peanut butter
  • 3 tbs lime juice
  • 2 Tbs nutritional yeast
  • 1 Tbs mild yellow curry powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 Tbs tamari or soy sauce
  • The rest:
  • 1 small head of broccoli florets
  • 6-8 mushrooms, quartered
  • 1 can sliced water chestnuts
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into large chunks
  • 14-oz container extra firm tofu
  • Salt and pepper
  • 9.5-oz pkg. Udon noodles
  • 1 C green onion, sliced
Directions
  1. Start with soaking the cashews. I poured boiling water on them and let them sit while I prepared everything else. I recommend starting with the tofu. Cut the tofu into 5 or 6 slabs and season both sides with salt and pepper. Place in a skillet over medium to low heat and brown each side, about 5-7 minutes, per side.
  2. Meanwhile, steam the broccoli, bell pepper, and water chestnuts. (You'll add the mushrooms shortly before they're all done.) Steam the veggies for about 10-12 minutes before adding the mushrooms; steam another 5 minutes.
  3. Once the tofu is done, cut each slab into 6 cubes; set aside.
  4. Boil the water for the noodles. I used Udon noodles from Hakubaku. They only take about 4 minutes to boil.
  5. To make the sauce, drain the cashews and add them to a food processor with the rest of the sauce ingredients and puree for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a small saucepan and warm over medium heat. Drain the noodles, then assemble the bowls: noodles, veggies, tofu, sauce, and green onion. 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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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!

 

 

Black Rice & Lentil Thai Bowls with Cashew-Coconut Curry Sauce

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Black Rice and Lentil Thai Bowls with Cashew-Coconut Curry Sauce -- Epicurean VeganYou’re going to need a big bowl to fit in all this goodness. It’s easy to go overboard with different veggies and toppings, but I think I found a great combination for these Thai bowls. Not only are they vegan, but they’re gluten-free too. The flavors of the sauce mingle beautifully with the steamed cauliflower, tofu and kale. The pepitas also add a nice extra crunch as well. Served warm or cold, these bowls are great to take to work for a filling, protein-packed lunch.

INGREDIENTS:
2-1/2 C vegetable broth
1 C black rice
1 C green lentils
1 head cauliflower
14-oz extra firm tofu, drained, pressed and cubed
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 carrots, grated
3 C kale, chopped
1 C green onion, sliced
1/2 C pepitas
Cashew-Coconut Curry Sauce:
1 C cashews, soaked in hot water for about an hour
2 cloves garlic
1 can coconut milk
1 Tbs fresh ginger, grated
2 Tbs peanut butter
Juice from one lime
1 Tbs curry powder
1 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS:
To begin, combine the rice, lentils and vegetable broth in a large soup pot and bring to a boil. Stir, reduce heat, and cover; cook for 40-45 minutes. This will give you plenty of time to get everything else prepared: chop the veggies, saute the tofu and steam the cauliflower. For the tofu, I just sauteed the cubes in a dry skillet until slightly browned. Steam the cauliflower florets for about 8-10 minutes—not too much though because you want to avoid making the cauliflower too mushy (unless you like that sort of thing). I prefer them to have a little bit of crunch. To make the sauce, toss the garlic cloves in a food processor and mince. Next, add all of the other sauce ingredients and puree for several minutes until completely smooth. Transfer to a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until it thickens just a little—only a couple of minutes.

Black Rice and Lentil Thai Bowls with Cashew-Coconut Curry Sauce -- Epicurean VeganOnce the rice and lentils are done, fluff with a spoon. To serve, start with some rice-lentil mixture, then add the kale, tofu, cauliflower, carrots, green onions, sauce and top with the pepitas. Absolutely delicious! Enjoy!

Black Rice & Lentil Thai Bowls with Cashew-Coconut Curry Sauce
 
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You're going to need a big bowl to fit in all this goodness. It's easy to go overboard with different veggies and toppings, but I think I found a great combination for these Thai bowls. Not only are they vegan, but they're gluten-free too. The flavors of the sauce mingle beautifully with the steamed cauliflower, tofu and kale. The pepitas also add a nice extra crunch as well. Served warm or cold, these bowls are great to take to work for a filling, protein-packed lunch.
Author:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 2-1/2 C vegetable broth
  • 1 C black rice
  • 1 C green lentils
  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 14-oz extra firm tofu, drained, pressed and cubed
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 carrots, grated
  • 3 C kale, chopped
  • 1 C green onion, sliced
  • ½ C pepitas
  • .
  • Cashew-Coconut Curry Sauce:
  • .
  • 1 C cashews, soaked in hot water for about an hour
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 Tbs fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 Tbs peanut butter
  • Juice from one lime
  • 1 Tbs curry powder
  • 1 tsp salt
Directions
  1. To begin, combine the rice, lentils and vegetable broth in a large soup pot and bring to a boil. Stir, reduce heat, and cover; cook for 40-45 minutes.
  2. This will give you plenty of time to get everything else prepared: chop the veggies, saute the tofu and steam the cauliflower.
  3. For the tofu, I just sauteed the cubes in a dry skillet until slightly browned.
  4. Steam the cauliflower florets for about 8-10 minutes---not too much though because you want to avoid making the cauliflower too mushy (unless you like that sort of thing). I prefer them to have a little bit of crunch.
  5. To make the sauce, toss the garlic cloves in a food processor and mince. Next, add all of the other sauce ingredients and puree for several minutes until completely smooth. Transfer to a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until it thickens just a little---only a couple of minutes.
  6. Once the rice and lentils are done, fluff with a spoon.
  7. To serve, start with some rice-lentil mixture, then add the kale, tofu, cauliflower, carrots, green onions, sauce and top with the pepitas. Absolutely delicious! Enjoy!

 

Breaded Tofu with a Creamy Spinach, Tomato and Bell Pepper Sauce

by

Breaded Tofu with a Creamy Spinach, Tomato and Bell Pepper Sauce -- Epicurean VeganThis recipe started out with me going through the refrigerator and trying to decide what I had and how they could go together. At the center: a close-to-expiring tub of tofu. Luckily, we had hit the farmer’s market yesterday, so I had plenty of veggies on hand. The flavors of the breaded tofu and the savory, sage-y sauce, is a beautiful combination. The pine nuts on top are a fabulous addition if you happen to have some on hand.

INGREDIENTS:
Tofu
1 14-oz tub extra firm tofu, cut lengthwise into 6 steaks
1/4 C tamari or soy sauce
1/2 tsp Worcestershire
2 tsp tomato sauce
1 Tbs yellow or red miso
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tsp agave
1 C panko
1/8 C nutritional yeast
Salt and pepper
Sauce
1 Tbs olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 orange bell pepper, diced
3 Tbs vegan margarine
6 Tbs flour
1/2 C white wine
1 C almond milk
1/2 to 3/4 C vegetable broth
1/2 tsp sage
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
2 tomatoes, diced
4 C spinach, chopped
The rest
1/4 C pine nuts, toasted

DIRECTIONS:
I recommend having all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go before proceeding; it’ll help out a lot.

Breaded Tofu with a Creamy Spinach, Tomato and Bell Pepper Sauce -- Epicurean VeganStart with preparing the tofu. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the tamari, tomato paste, miso, Worcestershire sauce, sesame oil and agave. In another shallow bowl, combine the panko, nutritional yeast, salt and pepper. Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet and add the garlic and bell pepper over medium heat. While the pepper is cooking, finish preparing the tofu. Coat the tofu steaks in the tamari mixture, then coat well in the panko mixture.
Breaded Tofu with a Creamy Spinach, Tomato and Bell Pepper Sauce -- Epicurean VeganSpray a grill pan with some olive oil cooking spray and heat over medium. Lay the six tofu steaks in the pan and cook for about 8 minutes per side.
Breaded Tofu with a Creamy Spinach, Tomato and Bell Pepper Sauce -- Epicurean VeganWhile the tofu is cooking, check the bell pepper. (You should also make sure you’re toasting those pine nuts—just a few minutes in a dry skillet, stirring often.)
20140818_174457Once the bell pepper softens and browns, transfer to a bowl. Using the same skillet, add the vegan margarine and let it melt completely. Whisk in the flour and blend well over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the white wine until the mixture is smooth. Next, add the almond milk, but just a little at a time. The sauce will gradually thicken as you go. (Check the tofu; you may need to turn it by this point.) Once the milk is all incorporated and the sauce is getting thick, add the vegetable broth. I used somewhere between half and three-quarters of a cup. I’d whisk a little in, let it thicken, then added more. I continued to do this until I was happy with the consistency. Season with sage, salt and pepper. Next, I folded in the tomatoes. The liquid from the tomatoes may thin out the sauce a little, but it ought to thicken back up with no problem. Your tofu ought to be finished about this time, so fold the spinach into the sauce.
Breaded Tofu with a Creamy Spinach, Tomato and Bell Pepper Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan Serve the tofu with a ladle or two of the sauce on top. Sprinkle with pine nuts and enjoy!
Breaded Tofu with a Creamy Spinach, Tomato and Bell Pepper Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

Breaded Tofu with a Creamy Spinach, Tomato and Bell Pepper Sauce
 
Print
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
This recipe started out with me going through the refrigerator and trying to decide what I had and how they could go together. At the center: a close-to-expiring tub of tofu. Luckily, we had hit the farmer's market yesterday, so I had plenty of veggies on hand. The flavors of the breaded tofu and the savory, sage-y sauce, is a beautiful combination. The pine nuts on top are a fabulous addition if you happen to have some on hand.
Author:
Serves: 3-6
Ingredients
  • Tofu
  • .
  • 1 14-oz tub extra firm tofu, cut lengthwise into 6 steaks
  • ¼ C tamari or soy sauce
  • ½ tsp Worcestershire
  • 2 tsp tomato sauce
  • 1 Tbs yellow or red miso
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tsp agave
  • 1 C panko
  • ⅛ C nutritional yeast
  • Salt and pepper
  • .
  • Sauce
  • .
  • 1 Tbs olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 orange bell pepper, diced
  • 3 Tbs vegan margarine
  • 6 Tbs flour
  • ½ C white wine
  • 1 C almond milk
  • ½ to ¾ C vegetable broth
  • ½ tsp sage
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ⅛ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 4 C spinach, chopped
  • .
  • The rest
  • .
  • ¼ C pine nuts, toasted
Directions
  1. I recommend having all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go before proceeding; it'll help out a lot.
  2. Start with preparing the tofu. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the tamari, tomato paste, miso, Worcestershire sauce, sesame oil and agave.
  3. In another shallow bowl, combine the panko, nutritional yeast, salt and pepper.
  4. Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet and add the garlic and bell pepper over medium heat. While the pepper is cooking, finish preparing the tofu. Coat the tofu steaks in the tamari mixture, then coat well in the panko mixture.
  5. Spray a grill pan with some olive oil cooking spray and heat over medium. Lay the six tofu steaks in the pan and cook for about 8 minutes per side.
  6. While the tofu is cooking, check the bell pepper. (You should also make sure you're toasting those pine nuts---just a few minutes in a dry skillet, stirring often.)
  7. Once the bell pepper softens and browns, transfer to a bowl.
  8. Using the same skillet, add the vegan margarine and let it melt completely. Whisk in the flour and blend well over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the white wine until the mixture is smooth. Next, add the almond milk, but just a little at a time. The sauce will gradually thicken as you go.
  9. (Check the tofu; you may need to turn it by this point.)
  10. Once the milk is all incorporated and the sauce is getting thick, add the vegetable broth. I used somewhere between half and three-quarters of a cup. I'd whisk a little in, let it thicken, then added more. I continued to do this until I was happy with the consistency. Season with sage, salt and pepper.
  11. Next, I folded in the tomatoes. The liquid from the tomatoes may thin out the sauce a little, but it ought to thicken back up with no problem. Your tofu ought to be finished about this time, so stir in the spinach.
  12. Serve the tofu with a ladle or two of the sauce on top. Sprinkle with pine nuts and enjoy!

 

 

Tofu Caesar Wraps

by

Tofu Caesar Wraps -- Epicurean VeganWraps are such a quick and easy meal, especially when summer activities have you running all over the place. Although, these are a great option during the school year when you need to grab-and-go. I love Caesar salad, but since going vegan, it’s hard to come by a non-dairy (and non anchovy) version. I made my own Caesar dressing a couple of years ago, which I think his pretty darn good, if I say so myself, so I used that same dressing for these wraps. I did, however, thin out the dressing a little for this recipe, but feel free to do what you’d like. The dressing recipe makes about 2-1/2 cups, so I suggest either halving the recipe, or just enjoy the leftover dressing on salads, sandwiches, or even as a veggie dip.

INGREDIENTS:
Dressing:
2 cloves garlic
12-oz box firm silken tofu
3 Tbs lemon juice
1/8 C olive oil
2 Tbs capers
4 tsp caper juice/brine
1/2 tsp mustard powder
Dash of sugar
Salt and pepper
(I added 2 Tbs of nutritional yeast to the original dressing recipe)
The rest:
1 large bunch of romaine, chopped
1/2 large red onion, sliced
1/3 C cashews chopped
1 14-oz tub extra firm tofu, cut lengthwise into 4 slabs
Cooking spray
Salt and pepper
Croutons
Flour tortillas or other wraps

DIRECTIONS:
To make the dressing, puree the whole garlic cloves in the food processor. Add the rest of the ingredients and puree until smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl halfway through. I then transferred the dressing to a mason jar and stored in the fridge.
To prepare the tofu, lightly spray a grill pan with cooking spray and over medium heat, brown the tofu, about 8-10 minutes per side.

Tofu Caesar Wraps -- Epicurean VeganMove the tofu to a cutting board and let them cool about 5-10 minutes. Meanwhile, toss the romaine, red onion and cashews in a medium bowl. I then scooped out about 1/2 a cup of the dressing into a small bowl and whisked in about 1-2 tablespoons of water—it’s a pretty thick dressing. Feel free to use almond milk, veggie broth or leave it as is. I then added the dressing to the salad mixture and thoroughly combined it all.
Tofu Caesar Wraps -- Epicurean Vegan
Cut the tofu into small squares.
Tofu Caesar Wraps -- Epicurean VeganTo assemble, I warmed the tortilla in the microwave for just a few seconds; it’s easier to roll when warm. Place a large mound of salad in the tortilla, then some tofu and a few croutons. Wrap and enjoy!

Tofu Caesar Wraps
 
Print
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Wraps are such a quick and easy meal, especially when summer activities have you running all over the place. Although, these are a great option during the school year when you need to grab-and-go. I love Caesar salad, but since going vegan, it's hard to come by a non-dairy (and non anchovy) version. I made my own Caesar dressing a couple of years ago, which I think his pretty darn good, if I say so myself, so I used that same dressing for these wraps. I did, however, thin out the dressing a little for this recipe, but feel free to do what you'd like. The dressing recipe makes about 2-1/2 cups, so I suggest either halving the recipe, or just enjoy the leftover dressing on salads, sandwiches, or even as a veggie dip.
Author:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • Dressing:
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 12-oz box firm silken tofu
  • 3 Tbs lemon juice
  • ⅛ C olive oil
  • 2 Tbs capers
  • 4 tsp caper juice/brine
  • ½ tsp mustard powder
  • Dash of sugar
  • Salt and pepper
  • (I added 2 Tbs of nutritional yeast to the original dressing recipe)
  • .
  • The rest:
  • .
  • 1 large bunch of romaine, chopped
  • ½ large red onion, sliced
  • ⅓ C cashews chopped
  • 1 14-oz tub extra firm tofu, cut lengthwise into 4 slabs
  • Cooking spray
  • Salt and pepper
  • Croutons
  • Flour tortillas or other wraps
Directions
  1. To make the dressing, puree the whole garlic cloves in the food processor. Add the rest of the ingredients and puree until smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl halfway through. I then transferred the dressing to a mason jar and stored in the fridge.
  2. To prepare the tofu, lightly spray a grill pan with cooking spray and over medium heat, brown the tofu, about 8-10 minutes per side.
  3. Remove to a cutting board and let them cool about 5-10 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, toss the romaine, red onion and cashews in a medium bowl.
  5. I then scooped out about ½ a cup of the dressing into a small bowl and whisked in about 1-2 tablespoons of water---it's a pretty thick dressing. Feel free to use almond milk, veggie broth or leave it as is. I then added the dressing to the salad mixture and thoroughly combined it all.
  6. Cut the tofu into small squares.
  7. To assemble, I warmed the tortilla in the microwave for just a few seconds; it's easier to roll when warm. Place a large mound of salad in the tortilla, then some tofu and a few croutons. Wrap and enjoy!

 

 

Dreamy, Creamy Pasta Salad

by

Dreamy, Creamy Pasta Salad -- Epicurean VeganThis is the perfect picnic pasta salad . . . okay, perfect for any time. Summer is around the corner and chances are, you’ve got some get togethers on the horizon (the Fourth of July will be here before you know it), so this is a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing salad sure to be gone in minutes. Note: One thing I’ve noticed, is that if I make it ahead of time and refrigerate it, the consistency loses some of its creaminess. If you are making this ahead, I suggest refrigerating the sauce separately, then stirring it in before serving. You may find that the sauce may need a tiny bit more liquid, so I suggest adding some almond milk or water first.

INGREDIENTS:
16-oz of pasta
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 C green onion, sliced
2 carrots, shredded
Sauce:
2 cloves of garlic
12.3-oz pkg. Mori-Nu Silken tofu, firm or extra firm
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 Tbs yellow miso
1 Tbs nutritional yeast
1 Tbs apple cider vinegar
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp dill
2 Tbs vegan sour cream

DIRECTIONS:
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Meanwhile, chop up the garlic cloves in the food processor, then add the remaining sauce ingredients. Blend until smooth, 1-2 minutes.

Dreamy, Creamy Pasta Salad -- Epicurean VeganAdd the veggies to a large bowl . . .
Dreamy, Creamy Pasta Salad -- Epicurean Vegan. . . add the pasta and then fold in the sauce. (Again, I suggest chilling the sauce separately until ready to serve. See my note above). Combine thoroughly; serve immediately, or chill in the fridge. Enjoy!
Dreamy, Creamy Pasta Salad -- Epicurean Vegan

Dreamy, Creamy Pasta Salad
 
Print
Prep time
Total time
 
This is the perfect picnic pasta salad . . . okay, perfect for any time. Summer is around the corner and chances are, you've got some get togethers on the horizon (the Fourth of July will be here before you know it), so this is a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing salad sure to be gone in minutes. Note: One thing I've noticed, is that if I make it ahead of time and refrigerate it, the consistency loses some of its creaminess. If you are making this ahead, I suggest refrigerating the sauce separately, then stirring it in before serving. You may find that the sauce may need a tiny bit more liquid, so I suggest adding some almond milk or water first.
Author:
Ingredients
  • 16-oz of pasta
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 C green onion, sliced
  • 2 carrots, shredded
  • Sauce:
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 12.3-oz pkg. Mori-Nu Silken tofu, firm or extra firm
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 Tbs yellow miso
  • 1 Tbs nutritional yeast
  • 1 Tbs apple cider vinegar
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • ½ tsp dill
  • 2 Tbs vegan sour cream
Directions
  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Meanwhile, chop up the garlic cloves in the food processor, then add the remaining sauce ingredients. Blend until smooth, 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add the veggies to a large bowl.
  3. Add the pasta and then fold in the sauce. (Again, I suggest chilling the sauce separately until ready to serve. See my note above). Combine thoroughly; serve immediately, or chill in the fridge. Enjoy!

 

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