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Enchilada Lasagna with Cilantro Ricotta

January 3, 2016 by Epicurean Vegan

Enchilada Lasagna with Cilantro Ricotta -- Epicurean Vegan

Talk about a tasty international combination! And why not? Two cuisines, Mexican and Italian come together beautifully for this amazing dish that will wow any meat eater. Oh, and it’s gluten-free! Voila! I mean . . . ole! Hmmm…okay, how about yum!

INGREDIENTS:
Enchilada sauce
28-oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes
1/2 C vegetable broth
2-1/2 tsp Ancho chili powder
1-1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp sugar
3 jarred roasted red peppers
3 cloves of garlic
Cilantro Ricotta
14-oz extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
2-1/2 C fresh cilantro
1/3 C nutritional yeast
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cumin
2 Tbs lime juice
The rest
1 Tbs olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped or diced
1 C corn kernels
2 15-oz cans black beans, drained and rinsed
4 C fresh baby spinach
18 5-inch corn tortillas
Optional toppings
Guacamole
Pepita seeds
Green onion, sliced
Vegan sour cream
Salsa
Lettuce, chopped

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375. Begin making the sauce by combining the diced tomatoes, broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and sugar in a medium sauce pan. Simmer for 15 minutes. Toss the garlic cloves, roasted red peppers, and half of the sauce into a food processor. Process until smooth, then return to the pan with the rest of the sauce. Simmer on low.

To make the cilantro ricotta, place all of the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Set aside.
Enchilada Lasagna with Cilantro Ricotta -- Epicurean VeganIn a large skillet, heat the olive oil and add the onion and green pepper. Cook over medium heat for about 8 minutes, or until the vegetables soften. Add the corn and black beans and cook for another 5 minutes.
Enchilada Lasagna with Cilantro Ricotta -- Epicurean VeganPour about half of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan. Place 6 tortilla shells on the bottom of pan, letting them overlap each other.
Enchilada Lasagna with Cilantro Ricotta -- Epicurean VeganSpread a third of the ricotta on top of the tortillas:
Enchilada Lasagna with Cilantro Ricotta -- Epicurean VeganNext, add a third of the spinach leaves, then a third of the bean mixture:
Enchilada Lasagna with Cilantro Ricotta -- Epicurean VeganRepeat layering two more times then top with remaining sauce:
Enchilada Lasagna with Cilantro Ricotta -- Epicurean VeganCover and bake for 40-45 minutes. Top individual servings with the (optional) toppings and enjoy!

Enchilada Lasagna with Cilantro Ricotta
 
Print
Talk about a tasty international combination! And why not? Two cuisines, Mexican and Italian come together beautifully for this amazing dish that will wow any meat eater. Oh, and it's gluten-free! Voila! I mean . . . ole! Hmmm...okay, how about yum!
Author: Epicurean Vegan
Ingredients
  • Enchilada sauce
  • 28-oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes
  • ½ C vegetable broth
  • 2-1/2 tsp Ancho chili powder
  • 1-1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 3 jarred roasted red peppers
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • Cilantro Ricotta
  • 14-oz extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
  • 2-1/2 C fresh cilantro
  • ⅓ C nutritional yeast
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • 2 Tbs lime juice
  • The rest
  • 1 Tbs olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped or diced
  • 1 C corn kernels
  • 2 15-oz cans black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 C fresh baby spinach
  • 18 5-inch corn tortillas
  • Optional toppings
  • Guacamole
  • Pepita seeds
  • Green onion, sliced
  • Vegan sour cream
  • Salsa
  • Lettuce, chopped
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 375.
  2. Begin making the sauce by combining the diced tomatoes, broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and sugar in a medium sauce pan. Simmer for 15 minutes. Toss the garlic cloves, roasted red peppers, and half of the sauce into a food processor. Process until smooth, then return to the pan with the rest of the sauce. Simmer on low.
  3. To make the cilantro ricotta, place all of the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Set aside.
  4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and add the onion and green pepper. Cook over medium heat for about 8 minutes, or until the vegetables soften. Add the corn and black beans and cook for another 5 minutes.
  5. Pour about half of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking pan. Place 6 tortilla shells on the bottom of pan, letting them overlap each other.
  6. Spread a third of the ricotta on top of the tortillas.
  7. Next, add a third of the spinach leaves, then a third of the bean mixture.
  8. Repeat layering two more times then top with remaining sauce.
  9. Cover and bake for 40-45 minutes. Top individual servings with the (optional) toppings and enjoy!
3.5.3208

 

Filed Under: Dinners Tagged With: cilantro, easy, Enchiladas, gluten-free, Italian, Mexican, tofu ricotta, vegan enchilada sauce, Vegan enchiladas

Manicotti stuffed with Butternut Squash, Spinach & Ricotta

September 22, 2014 by Epicurean Vegan

Manicotti stuffed with Butternut Squash, Spinach and Ricotta -- Epicurean VeganIt’s that time of year . . . butternut squash time, that is. The farmer’s market here has broken out the squashes, so expect some squash recipes in the coming months. You may be amazed by how versatile squash is. Before, I never would have made stuffed shells with butternut squash, but now, it’s one of my favorite pasta fillings.
Here’s a few other recipes to try:
Bowties with Butternut Squash
Butternut Squash and Mushroom Lasagna
And you could easily sub in butternut squash in these Sweet Potato and Ricotta Ravioli

And many of you know, I LOVE pasta, so if I can incorporate my favorite squash with my favorite Italian staple, I’m a happy vegan. These are also very easy to make, so you won’t be spending hours in the kitchen. You can even make up the filling ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to stuff the manicotti.

INGREDIENTS:
1 small butternut squash
1 tsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp sage
3 C spinach, chopped
1 handful fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 handful fresh chives, chopped
8-oz pkg. manicotti (14 manicotti)
1/2 recipe Tofu Ricotta (recipe below) or soy-free version
1 jar marinara sauce
Tofu Ricotta
14-oz pkg extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
1 tsp basil
1 tsp rosemary
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/3 C nutritional yeast
2 Tbs lemon juice
Optional: 1/2 C Daiya Mozzarella shreds

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 425. Slice the butternut squash in half, place on a baking sheet and lightly brush with the olive oil. I used a rimmed baking sheet and added some water to the pan to help keep the squash from drying out. Roast 30-45 minutes, or until the squash is softened; let cool. Lower the oven temperature to 375. Meanwhile, to prepare the ricotta, place all the ingredients, except the Daiya cheese, in a food processor and process until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the cheese.

Manicotti stuffed with Spinach, Butternut Squash and Ricotta -- Epicurean VeganCombine the spinach with the basil and chives.
Manicotti stuffed with Spinach, Butternut Squash and Ricotta -- Epicurean VeganWhen the butternut squash is cool enough to handle, scoop it out into a bowl and mash well. Season with salt, pepper and sage. (This is also a good time to get the water boiling for the pasta). Mix half  of the ricotta mixture into the butternut squash and stir to thoroughly combine. Fold in the spinach and mix well. Store the rest of the tofu ricotta in an airtight container and save for another meal. You can also freeze it.
Manicotti stuffed with Butternut Squash, Spinach and Ricotta -- Epicurean VeganBe sure to NOT overcook the pasta—they’ll split easily and you won’t be able to stuff them. I had a couple start to split, so keep an eye on them. And don’t worry about them being under cooked because they will continue to cook and soften in the oven. After I drained the pasta, I poured them out onto a large baking sheet, otherwise, they’ll stick together in the colander and you don’t want that. The best way to stuff these would be with your freshly cleaned hands, but first, pour about 1/3 of the marinara on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Next. stuff each manicotti roll with filling and place in the pan.
Manicotti stuffed with Spinach, Butternut Squash and Ricotta -- Epicurean VeganPour the remaining sauce on top, covering all of the manicotti. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Manicotti stuffed with Spinach, Butternut Squash and Ricotta -- Epicurean VeganEnjoy!

Manicotti stuffed with Butternut Squash, Spinach & Ricotta
 
Print
Prep time
1 hour
Cook time
25 mins
Total time
1 hour 25 mins
 
Author: Epicurean Vegan
Serves: 5-7
Ingredients
  • 1 small butternut squash
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp sage
  • 3 C spinach, chopped
  • 1 handful fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 handful fresh chives, chopped
  • 8-oz pkg. manicotti (14 manicotti)
  • ½ recipe Tofu Ricotta (recipe below) or soy-free version
  • 1 jar marinara sauce
  • .
  • Tofu Ricotta
  • .
  • 14-oz pkg extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
  • 1 tsp basil
  • 1 tsp rosemary
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ⅓ C nutritional yeast
  • 2 Tbs lemon juice
  • Optional: ½ C Daiya Mozzarella shreds
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 425. Slice the butternut squash in half, place on a baking sheet and lightly brush with the olive oil. I used a rimmed baking sheet and added some water to the pan to help keep the squash from drying out. Roast 30-45 minutes, or until the squash is softened. Lower the oven temperature to 375.
  2. Meanwhile, to prepare the ricotta, place all the ingredients, except the Daiya cheese, in a food processor and process until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the cheese.
  3. Combine the spinach with the basil and chives.
  4. When the butternut squash is cool enough to handle, scoop it out into a bowl and mash well. Season with salt, pepper and sage. (This is also a good time to get the water boiling for the pasta). Mix half ricotta mixture into the butternut squash and stir to thoroughly combine. Fold in the spinach and mix well. Store the rest of the tofu ricotta in an airtight container and save for another meal. You can freeze it.
  5. Be sure to NOT overcook the pasta---they'll split easily and you won't be able to stuff them. I had a couple start to split, so keep an eye on them. And don't worry about them being under cooked because they will continue to cook and soften in the oven. After I drained the pasta, I poured them out onto a large baking sheet, otherwise, they'll stick together in the colander and you don't want that. The best way to stuff these would be with your freshly cleaned hands, but first, pour about ⅓ of the marinara on the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Next. stuff each manicotti roll with filling and place in the pan.
  6. Pour the remaining sauce on top, covering all of the manicotti. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Enjoy!
3.2.2802

 

 

Filed Under: Dinners Tagged With: butternut squash, Italian, manicotti, spinach, stuffed manicotti, tofu ricotta, vegan manicotti

Rigatoni with Garlic-Ricotta & Field Roast

July 10, 2014 by Epicurean Vegan

Rigatoni with Garlic-Ricotta & Field Roast -- Epicurean VeganThanks to the previous lasagna meal, I had a few ingredients leftover and I needed a fast and easy dinner to throw together. I had some tofu ricotta left, as well as two Field Roast sausage links, so it worked out beautifully. I wanted to make the ricotta more of a sauce, so I added some minced garlic and a bit of vegetable broth to thin it out. When I sauteed the Field Roast, some of the small crumbles got nice and crispy, creating a kind of crumbled bacon taste. Yum! Fresh tomatoes and parsley (basil would be great too) and the meal was ready in 15 minutes.

Rigatoni with Garlic-Ricotta & Field Roast
 
Print
Prep time
5 mins
Cook time
10 mins
Total time
15 mins
 
Thanks to the previous lasagna meal, I had a few ingredients leftover and I needed a fast and easy dinner to throw together. I had some tofu ricotta left, as well as two Field Roast sausage links, so it worked out beautifully. I wanted to make the ricotta more of a sauce, so I added some minced garlic and a bit of vegetable broth to thin it out. When I sauteed the Field Roast, some of the small crumbles got nice and crispy, creating a kind of crumbled bacon taste. Yum! Fresh tomatoes and parsley (basil would be great too) and the meal was ready in 15 minutes.
Author: Epicurean Vegan
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 lb Rigatoni pasta
  • 1 C tofu ricotta (see link above)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ¼ C vegetable broth (I used a tsp of Better Than Bouillon + water)
  • 2 Field Roast sausage links, Italian Seasoning flavor
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • ½ C parsley, chopped
Directions
  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
  2. Mince the garlic cloves in a food processor, then add the ricotta and vegetable broth. Process 30 seconds, or until smooth. Transfer to a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until heated through.
  3. Meanwhile, saute the Field Roast in a skillet with a tad of olive oil.
  4. To serve, top individual servings of pasta with some sauce, Field Roast, tomatoes and parsley. Enojy!
3.4.3177

 

 

Filed Under: Dinners Tagged With: fast and easy, Field Roast, garlic ricotta, Italian, parsley, rigatoni, tofu ricotta, tomatoes, vegan ricotta

Butternut Squash and Mushroom Lasagna

November 22, 2013 by epicureanvegan

Butternut Squash and Mushroom Lasagna -- Epicurean Vegan

Looking for Thanksgiving meal ideas? You’ve come to the right place! This lasagna, is downright amazing—your guests will be demanding the recipe.  A similar dish that would also be great for Stuffed Bird Carcass on the Table Day, would be these Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells with Cashew Cheese. So this dish is definitely less complicated than you might think. I recommend preparing the squash and tofu ricotta ahead of time and keeping them in the fridge until ready to use. Because I didn’t saute the mushrooms, the only things I had to do come suppah-time, was boil the noodles and make the white sauce—both no-brainers . . . I promise. Speaking of noodles, I prefer to use the old fashioned kind simply because the no-boil ones are too short and I have found that they don’t always get cooked completely. Should your noodle preference differ from mine, that’s quite all right . . . you get to make those executive decisions in your own kitchen 🙂 I just like that I can cut the cooked noodles to fit my pan. Either way, this won’t disappoint!

INGREDIENTS:
1 large butternut squash, peeled and diced
4-5 garlic cloves
Olive oil
1/8 C almond milk
4-5 C mixture of shiitake and button mushrooms
Salt and pepper
15 + a few extra lasagna noodles
Tofu ricotta
14-oz tub extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
1 tsp basil
1 tsp rosemary
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/3 C nutritional yeast
2 Tbs lemon juice
Optional: 1/4 C vegan mozzarella, shredded
White sauce
1/4 C Earth Balance margarine
6 Tbs flour
1 C vegetable broth
1/2 C almond milk
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 425. To prepare the squash, I recommend peeling the squash and dicing it up. I have found that if you’re going to just puree it anyway, this is the fastest way to roast a butternut squash. As long as you have a decent potato peeler, this step will be a breeze.

Butternut Squash and Mushroom Lasagna -- Epicurean VeganToss in a bowl with a little olive oil and some salt and pepper. I decided I might as well roast some garlic too, so I took about 6 cloves, cut the tops off (leaving them in the skins), placed them on some foil, drizzled some olive oil on them, then loosely wrapped them up.

Butternut Squash and Mushroom Lasagna -- Epicurean VeganSpread the diced squash on a large baking sheet (along with the garlic) and roast for 30 minutes.

Butternut Squash and Mushroom Lasagna -- Epicurean VeganNext, transfer the squash and the garlic cloves (which should slip right out of the skins) into a food processor. Add about an 1/8 C of almond milk and puree. It’s up to you how smooth you want to puree the squash, but I recommend not having too many big chunks remaining. To prepare the ricotta, throw all of the ingredients in a food processor, except the cheese, and puree until smooth. Transfer to a bowl, and if using the cheese, stir it in.

Butternut Squash and Mushroom Lasagna -- Epicurean VeganSlice up the mushrooms. I had just about 4 cups of sliced shiitakes and since we’re obsessed with mushrooms, I decided that wasn’t enough, so I added some white button mushrooms . . . perfect.

Butternut Squash and Mushroom Lasagna -- Epicurean VeganPreheat oven to 375. To begin, I suggest starting the sauce about 5 minutes before you start the water for the noodles. In a medium saucepan, melt the Earth Balance, then whisk in the flour until fully incorporated and you have a thick paste. Add a little broth, then whisk until smooth. Do this until you’ve added all the broth. Whisk it constantly over medium heat until it begins to thicken. Slowly, and bit by bit, add the almond milk, whisking continuously until it thickens. Reduce heat and season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Keep an eye on it and don’t let it burn. Hopefully by now, the noodles are about ready. Don’t over-boil them—they’ll cook more once in the oven. Otherwise, they’ll rip while assembling the lasagna. Rinse thoroughly with cold water to keep them from sticking to each other. Ladle some sauce on the bottom of the pan—not a lot; just enough to coat the bottom. I used a 9×13″ baking dish, so I placed 5 noodles vertically in the dish and cut a couple of inches off one end. Spread half of the squash mixture on the lasagna noodles. Then spread a couple of tablespoons of the tofu ricotta on each noodle. (I didn’t use all of the ricotta–I had about a full cup leftover). Next. layer on half of the mushrooms.

Butternut Squash and Mushroom Lasagna -- Epicurean VeganRepeat process with another 5 noodles, the rest of the squash mixture, more ricotta, and the remaining mushrooms. Top with the last 5 noodles and pour sauce on top. (I added a little more almond milk to the sauce because it had gotten a bit thick). Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then enjoy!

Butternut Squash and Mushroom Lasagna -- Epicurean Vegan

Butternut Squash and Mushroom Lasagna
 
Print
This lasagna, is downright amazing---your guests will be demanding the recipe. A similar dish that would also be great for Stuffed Bird Carcass on the Table Day, would be these Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells with Cashew Cheese. So this dish is definitely less complicated than you might think. I recommend preparing the squash and tofu ricotta ahead of time and keeping them in the fridge until ready to use. Because I didn't saute the mushrooms, the only things I had to do come suppah-time, was boil the noodles and make the white sauce---both no-brainers . . . I promise. Speaking of noodles, I prefer to use the old fashioned kind simply because the no-boil ones are too short and I have found that they don't always get cooked completely. Should your noodle preference differ from mine, that's quite all right . . . you get to make those executive decisions in your own kitchen 🙂 I just like that I can cut the cooked noodles to fit my pan. Either way, this won't disappoint!
Author: Epicurean Vegan
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • 1 large butternut squash, peeled and diced
  • 4-5 garlic cloves
  • Olive oil
  • ⅛ C almond milk
  • 4-5 C mixture of shiitake and button mushrooms
  • Salt and pepper
  • 15 + a few extra lasagna noodles
  • Tofu ricotta
  • 14-oz tub extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
  • 1 tsp basil
  • 1 tsp rosemary
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ⅓ C nutritional yeast
  • 2 Tbs lemon juice
  • Optional: ¼ C vegan mozzarella, shredded
  • White sauce
  • ¼ C Earth Balance margarine
  • 6 Tbs flour
  • 1 C vegetable broth
  • ½ C almond milk
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 425.
  2. To prepare the squash, I recommend peeling the squash and dicing it up. I have found that if you're going to just puree it anyway, this is the fastest way to roast a butternut squash. As long as you have a decent potato peeler, this step will be a breeze.
  3. Toss in a bowl with a little olive oil and some salt and pepper. I decided I might as well roast some garlic too, so I took about 6 cloves, cut the tops off (leaving them in the skins), placed them on some foil, drizzled some olive oil on them, then loosely wrapped them up.
  4. Spread the diced squash on a large baking sheet (along with the garlic) and roast for 30 minutes.
  5. Next, transfer the squash and the garlic cloves (which should slip right out of the skins) into a food processor. Add about an ⅛ C of almond milk and puree. It's up to you how smooth you want to puree the squash, but I recommend not having too many big chunks remaining.
  6. To prepare the ricotta, throw all of the ingredients in a food processor, except the cheese, and puree until smooth. Transfer to a bowl, and if using the cheese, stir it in.
  7. Slice up the mushrooms. I had just about 4 cups of sliced shiitakes and since we're obsessed with mushrooms, I decided that wasn't enough, so I added some white button mushrooms . . . perfect.
  8. Preheat oven to 375.
  9. To begin, I suggest starting the sauce about 5 minutes before you start the water for the noodles. In a medium saucepan, melt the Earth Balance, then whisk in the flour until fully incorporated and you have a thick paste. Add a little broth, then whisk until smooth. Do this until you've added all the broth. Whisk it constantly over medium heat until it begins to thicken. Slowly, and bit by bit, add the almond milk, whisking continuously until it thickens. Reduce heat and season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Keep an eye on it and don't let it burn.
  10. Hopefully by now, the noodles are about ready. Don't over-boil them---they'll cook more once in the oven. Otherwise, they'll rip while assembling the lasagna. Rinse thoroughly with cold water to keep them from sticking to each other.
  11. Ladle some sauce on the bottom of the pan---not a lot; just enough to coat the bottom. I used a 9x13" baking dish, so I placed 5 noodles vertically in the dish and cut a couple of inches off one end. Spread half of the squash mixture on the lasagna noodles. Then spread a couple of tablespoons of the tofu ricotta on each noodle. (I didn't use all of the ricotta--I had about a full cup leftover). Next. layer on half of the mushrooms.
  12. Repeat process with another 5 noodles, the rest of the squash mixture, more ricotta, and the remaining mushrooms. Top with the last 5 noodles and pour sauce on top. (I added a little more almond milk to the sauce because it had gotten a bit thick).
  13. Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes.
  14. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then enjoy!
3.4.3177

Filed Under: Dinners Tagged With: butternut squash, butternut squash lasagna, easy, shiitake mushrooms, tofu ricotta, vegan lasagna, vegan Thanksgiving

Bowties with Veggies and Roasted Garlic Ricotta

September 30, 2013 by epicureanvegan

Bowties with Veggies and Roasted Garlic Ricotta -- Epicurean VeganI’m so happy there are some leftovers! The original recipe uses real ricotta, but not only did I make use my go-to ricotta recipe, I also added/omitted some ingredients. Ricotta cheese has so much fat it’s ridiculous (10 g/fat, 6 g/saturated fat) so even if you do eat dairy, I urge you to try my tofu-version that contains 5 grams of fat, and only 1 gram of saturated fat. Plus, you’ll also benefit from the protein and the no cholesterol! Also, if you think roasting garlic is a pain, it’s really not. It’s so easy to do and takes only 30 minutes, in which time, you can prepare all of your ingredients. Ideally, if you can roast the garlic and make the ricotta the day before, it will be even more flavorful by the time you make this dish. I think you’ll find this is a great main meal or side dish that will please even picky eaters.

INGREDIENTS:
Tofu-Ricotta:
14-oz pkg extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
1 tsp basil
1 tsp rosemary
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/3 C nutritional yeast
2 Tbs lemon juice
Optional: 1/2 C Daiya Mozzarella shreds
The rest:
1 lb bow-tie pasta (any variety would be fine)
6 cloves of garlic (or more if you want)
Olive oil
1-1/2 C cherry tomatoes, halved
4-6 C fresh spinach, chopped
2 C mushrooms, sliced and sauteed
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 C reserved pasta-cooking water

Bowties with Veggies and Roasted Garlic Ricotta -- Epicurean Vegan

DIRECTIONS:
To roast the garlic, preheat the oven to 425. Cut off the tips of each garlic clove and place on a piece of foil; drizzle with olive oil. Wrap up loosely in the foil, place on a small baking sheet, and roast for about 30 minutes. Set aside and let cool.

Bowties with Veggies and Roasted Garlic Ricotta -- Epicurean VeganMeanwhile, however, prepare your other ingredients. To make the “ricotta,” combine all of the ingredients in a food processor, but don’t blend it yet until the garlic is done. You’ll want to add the garlic cloves and blend everything together, along with the 1/4 C of the reserved pasta-cooking water. So until the garlic is ready, at least throw together the ingredients to get started. Cook the pasta according to package instructions while you saute the mushrooms in a small pan with a teaspoon of olive oil. Chop your spinach, slice those tomatoes, and finish off the ricotta by adding the newly roasted garlic and water. (For the garlic cloves, gently squeeze an end and the skins should come right off, then discard.)

Bowties with Veggies and Roasted Garlic Ricotta -- Epicurean VeganDrain the pasta and rinse with hot water to remove as much starch as possible. Return the pot to the stove and over medium-low heat, add the spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms; saute with a smidgen of water until wilted and heated through.

Bowties with Veggies and Roasted Garlic Ricotta -- Epicurean VeganAdd the pasta and ricotta and combine everything thoroughly, season with salt and pepper, and enjoy!

Bowties with Veggies and Roasted Garlic Ricotta -- Epicurean Vegan

Bowties with Veggies and Roasted Garlic Ricotta
 
Print
Ricotta cheese has so much fat it's ridiculous (10 g/fat, 6 g/saturated fat) so even if you do eat dairy, I urge you to try my tofu-version that contains 5 grams of fat, and only 1 gram of saturated fat. Plus, you'll also benefit from the protein and the no cholesterol! Also, if you think roasting garlic is a pain, it's really not. It's so easy to do and takes only 30 minutes, in which time, you can prepare all of your ingredients. Ideally, if you can roast the garlic and make the ricotta the day before, it will be even more flavorful by the time you make this dish. I think you'll find this is a great main meal or side dish that will please even picky eaters.
Author: Epicurean Vegan
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • Tofu-Ricotta:
  • 14-oz pkg extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
  • 1 tsp basil
  • 1 tsp rosemary
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ⅓ C nutritional yeast
  • 2 Tbs lemon juice
  • Optional: ½ C Daiya Mozzarella shreds
  • The rest:
  • 1 lb bow-tie pasta (any variety would be fine)
  • 6 cloves of garlic (or more if you want)
  • Olive oil
  • 1-1/2 C cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4-6 C fresh spinach, chopped
  • 2 C mushrooms, sliced and sauteed
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ¼ C reserved pasta-cooking water
Directions
  1. To roast the garlic, preheat the oven to 425.
  2. Cut off the tips of each garlic clove and place on a piece of foil; drizzle with olive oil. Wrap up loosely in the foil, place on a small baking sheet, and roast for about 30 minutes. Set aside and let cool.
  3. Meanwhile, however, prepare your other ingredients. To make the "ricotta," combine all of the ingredients in a food processor, but don't blend it yet until the garlic is done. You'll want to add the garlic cloves and blend everything together, along with the ¼ C of the reserved pasta-cooking water. So until the garlic is ready, at least throw together the ingredients to get started.
  4. Cook the pasta according to package instructions while you saute the mushrooms in a small pan with a teaspoon of olive oil.
  5. Chop your spinach, slice those tomatoes, and finish off the ricotta by adding the newly roasted garlic and water. (For the garlic cloves, gently squeeze an end and the skins should come right off, then discard.)
  6. Drain the pasta and rinse with hot water to remove as much starch as possible. Return the pot to the stove and over medium-low heat, add the spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms; saute with a smidgen of water until wilted and heated through.
  7. Add the pasta and ricotta and combine everything thoroughly, season with salt and pepper, and enjoy!
3.4.3177

Filed Under: Dinners, Sides Tagged With: easy, Italian, mushrooms, Pasta, roasted garlic, spinach, tofu ricotta, tomatoes, vegan ricotta

Alfredo Ravioli (and a beautiful white morning)

May 2, 2013 by epicureanvegan

Alfredo Ravioli -- Epicurean VeganFirst, I had to snap a few pictures this morning of the snow because by tomorrow, most of it will be gone. This is a photog’s dream and the time I love snow—so beautiful.

DSC07683

DSC07688So anyway, as you probably know, I go through phases when I discover certain meals. For example, when I discovered stuffed peppers, I made about 10 different versions . . . same with frittatas and tofu scrambles. Now I’m on to my latest obsession: Ravioli. At least I have the process down to a science so preparation goes a lot smoother. I was hankering for some of this Alfredo sauce, but I was also craving ravioli. Typically, I don’t like to pair ravioli with a heavy sauce, but to hell with rules; this was too good not to try. I changed up the dough a little because I didn’t have enough semolina flour and it worked out nicely. These are stuffed with tofu ricotta and fresh spinach—a fabulous combo. For a more in-depth description on using a ravioli plate, check out this version.

INGREDIENTS:
Dough:
1 C semolina flour
2 C whole wheat pastry flour
1 tsp salt
1 C almond milk, warm
2 Tbs olive oil
Filling:
14-oz pkg. extra firm tofu, drained, pressed and crumbled
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 Tbs lemon juice
1/3 C nutritional yeast
1/3 C Daiya mozzarella (optional)
2 C chopped spinach
Sauce:
1 C raw cashews
2 Tbs pine nuts
1-1/2 C water
4 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp garlic, minced
1/16 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 C nutritional yeast
1 to 2 C mushrooms, sliced

DIRECTIONS:
Start with making the dough. In a large bowl, combine the flours and salt. Create a well in the middle and slowly pour in the almond milk and oil. Using a spoon, or your hands, combine well. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for at least 5 minutes. Shape into a ball, cover with plastic, and set aside.
Next, throw together the ricotta. Combine all of the ingredients, except the spinach and cheese, in a food processor and blend well. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the spinach and cheese. Set aside.

Alfredo Ravioli -- Epicurean VeganNext, roll out the dough. I used my pasta maker, but you may certainly use a rolling pin. Lay one long sheet over the ravioli mold and fill each pocket with just over a teaspoon of filling.

Alfredo Ravioli -- Epicurean VeganLay another thin sheet of dough over the top, press down and use a rolling pin to seal the edges. Again, refer to this post on how to use a ravioli plate. Place the raviolis on a baking sheet and repeat the process until you have used up all of the filling. I had just a small amount of dough left, but not much. I had 75 raviolis when it was all said and done. Cover and set aside.

Alfredo Ravioli -- Epicurean VeganTime to make the sauce. Using a blender, grind the cashews and pine nuts to a fine powder. Add the nutritional yeast, water, lemon juice, garlic, nutmeg, and salt. Blend until completely smooth—about 1 minute. Transfer to a medium saucepan and whisk over medium heat until it begins to boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes; stir in the black pepper. I sauteed the mushrooms first, then stirred them into the sauce.

Alfredo Ravioli -- Epicurean VeganKeeping the sauce warm on very low heat, bring a large pot of water to a boil. I cooked about 12-15 raviolis at a time for about 4-5 minutes per batch. Using a slotted spoon, place them in a strainer. Serve immediately, or lay them out on a large pan, otherwise, they’ll stick to each other. You can drizzle a little olive oil on them as well, to keep them separated. Ladle on some sauce and enjoy!

Alfredo Ravioli -- Epicurean Vegan

DSC07691

Alfredo Ravioli (and a beautiful white morning)
 
Print
Author: Epicurean Vegan
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • Dough:
  • 1 C semolina flour
  • 2 C whole wheat pastry flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 C almond milk, warm
  • 2 Tbs olive oil
  • Filling:
  • 14-oz pkg. extra firm tofu, drained, pressed and crumbled
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 Tbs lemon juice
  • ⅓ C nutritional yeast
  • ⅓ C Daiya mozzarella (optional)
  • 2 C chopped spinach
  • Sauce:
  • 1 C raw cashews
  • 2 Tbs pine nuts
  • 1-1/2 C water
  • 4 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1/16 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ C nutritional yeast
  • 1 to 2 C mushrooms, sliced
Directions
  1. Start with making the dough. In a large bowl, combine the flours and salt. Create a well in the middle and slowly pour in the almond milk and oil. Using a spoon, or your hands, combine well. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for at least 5 minutes. Shape into a ball, cover with plastic, and set aside.
  2. Next, throw together the ricotta. Combine all of the ingredients, except the spinach and cheese, in a food processor and blend well. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the spinach and cheese. Set aside.
  3. Next, roll out the dough. I used my pasta maker, but you may certainly use a rolling pin. Lay one long sheet over the ravioli mold and fill each pocket with just over a teaspoon of filling.
  4. Lay another thin sheet of dough over the top, press down and use a rolling pin to seal the edges. Place the raviolis on a baking sheet and repeat the process until you have used up all of the filling. I had just a small amount of dough left, but not much. I had 75 raviolis when it was all said and done. Cover and set aside.
  5. Time to make the sauce. Using a blender, grind the cashews and pine nuts to a fine powder. Add the nutritional yeast, water, lemon juice, garlic, nutmeg, and salt. Blend until completely smooth—about 1 minute. Transfer to a medium saucepan and whisk over medium heat until it begins to boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes; stir in the black pepper. I sauteed the mushrooms first, then stirred them into the sauce.
  6. Keeping the sauce warm on very low heat, bring a large pot of water to a boil. I cooked about 12-15 raviolis at a time for about 4-5 minutes per batch. Using a slotted spoon, place them in a strainer. Serve immediately, or lay them out on a large pan, otherwise, they'll stick to each other. You can drizzle a little olive oil on them as well, to keep them separated. Ladle on some sauce and enjoy!
3.3.3077

Filed Under: Dinners Tagged With: Alfredo, Alfredo sauce, fresh pasta, homemade vegan pasta, Italian, make ahead, Pasta, spinach, tofu ricotta, vegan ravioli

Vegan Sweet Potato and Ricotta Ravioli with a Butter-Garlic Cream Sauce

November 20, 2012 by epicureanvegan

Vegan Sweet Potato and Ricotta Ravioli with a Butter-Garlic Cream Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

I’m very proud of this meal. And it was certainly a labor of love. Three hours of labor, to be exact. (Although that includes the Caesar salad I had to make.) Luckily, many of the steps involved can be made way ahead of time and kept in the fridge, making assembly and cooking time a breeze. It may have taken a while to make, but it was nothing compared to my first attempt at raviolis. I got wise and bought a ravioli mold that made the process so much easier!! (Check out this great YouTube video on how to use it). I threw together a butter-garlic cream sauce which looks pretty weird, as you can see, but I promise you, it tastes better than it looks. After using the ravioli mold, I’m excited to try other types of ravioli—it’s less daunting now that I’ve got the right tools. The sweet potato and tofu ricotta are an excellent combo! You can also try my soy-free version. I made enough dough and filling to feed an army; I easily could have made a 100 raviolis. The leftovers are perfect for freezing and saving for another meal. Feel free to half the recipes for the dough, fillings, and sauce to make about 50 raviolis. (One serving is 10-12 raviolis). Even though there are several steps to this meal, they’re very simple and there’s nothing like fresh pasta!

INGREDIENTS:
Dough
2 C flour
2 C semolina flour
1 tsp salt
2 Tbs olive oil
1-1/2 to 2 C water

Vegan Pasta Dough -- Epicurean Vegan

Sweet Potato Filling
2 sweet potatoes
3 large green onion, minced
2 Tbs almond milk
salt and pepper

Ricotta Filling
14-oz extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
1/3 C nutritional yeast
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 Tbs lemon juice

Vegan Sweet Potato and Ricotta Ravioli with a Butter-Garlic Cream Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

Butter-Garlic Cream Sauce
3 large cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 C vegan margarine
3 Tbs flour
3/4 to 1 C almond milk
salt and pepper

Vegan Sweet Potato and Ricotta Ravioli with a Butter-Garlic Cream Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

DIRECTIONS:
Begin by cooking the sweet potatoes. I cooked them in the microwave to save some time—only took 10 minutes. Scoop out the potato and mash it with a fork or pastry blender. Stir in the almond milk and combine well. Add the green onion, salt, and pepper; set aside. To make the ricotta, combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth; set aside. To make the dough, combine the flours and salt in a large bowl of a stand mixer (you can use a food processor too). While the mixer is running, slowly add the oil, then water until you reach a somewhat damp (but not too sticky) dough.

Vegan Sweet Potato and Ricotta Ravioli with a Butter-Garlic Cream Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

Knead on a lightly floured surface for 3-5 minutes. I used my pasta maker to roll out flat sheets. You can easily use a rolling pin instead. Lay a sheet of dough over the metal portion of the mold. Place the plastic mold on top and press gently, creating pockets for the filling. Place about a teaspoon of each filling into each pocket.

Vegan Sweet Potato and Ricotta Ravioli with a Butter-Garlic Cream Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

Place another sheet of dough on top and press down, sealing the edges and flattening the top. Using a rolling pin, roll over the top to create the raviolis. (Again, check out the You Tube video at the beginning of the post to see this magic happen).

Vegan Sweet Potato and Ricotta Ravioli with a Butter-Garlic Cream Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

So much better than trying to make by hand! The mold was worth the $20 I paid for it. Let the raviolis sit for about 20 minutes. To make the sauce, combine the garlic and vegan margarine in a small saucepan and melt the butter. Whisk in the flour, one tablespoon at a time. Slowly whisk in the almond milk, using enough to reach a semi-thick consistency; keep warm.  Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Using a spatula, I placed 12 raviolis at a time, into the pot. Boil for 5-7 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon to a colander.

Vegan Sweet Potato and Ricotta Ravioli with a Butter-Garlic Cream Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

Repeat the process until they’re all cooked. (For the last dozen, instead of removing with the slotted spoon, I placed the colander in the sink and poured the remaining raviolis and boiling water into the colander. That way, the other raviolis that cooled off could be somewhat reheated).

Drizzle a ladle of sauce over a serving of the raviolis and enjoy!

Vegan Sweet Potato and Ricotta Ravioli with a Butter-Garlic Cream Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

Vegan Sweet Potato and Ricotta Ravioli with a Butter-Garlic Cream Sauce
 
Print
I'm very proud of this meal. And it was certainly a labor of love. Three hours of labor, to be exact. (Although that includes the Caesar salad I had to make.) Luckily, many of the steps involved can be made way ahead of time and kept in the fridge, making assembly and cooking time a breeze. It may have taken a while to make, but it was nothing compared to my first attempt at raviolis. I got wise and bought a ravioli mold that made the process so much easier!! (Check out this great YouTube video on how to use it). I threw together a butter-garlic cream sauce which looks pretty weird, as you can see, but I promise you, it tastes better than it looks. After using the ravioli mold, I'm excited to try other types of ravioli---it's less daunting now that I've got the right tools. The sweet potato and tofu ricotta are an excellent combo! You can also try my soy-free version. I made enough dough and filling to feed an army; I easily could have made a 100 raviolis. The leftovers are perfect for freezing and saving for another meal. Feel free to half the recipes for the dough, fillings, and sauce to make about 50 raviolis. (One serving is 10-12 raviolis). Even though there are several steps to this meal, they're very simple and there's nothing like fresh pasta!
Author: Epicurean Vegan
Ingredients
  • Dough
  • 2 C flour
  • 2 C semolina flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 Tbs olive oil
  • 1-1/2 to 2 C water
  • Sweet Potato Filling
  • 2 sweet potatoes
  • 3 large green onion, minced
  • 2 Tbs almond milk
  • salt and pepper
  • Ricotta Filling
  • 14-oz extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
  • ⅓ C nutritional yeast
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 Tbs lemon juice
  • Butter-Garlic Cream Sauce
  • 3 large cloves of garlic, minced
  • ½ C vegan margarine
  • 3 Tbs flour
  • ¾ to 1 C almond milk
  • salt and pepper
Directions
  1. Begin by cooking the sweet potatoes. I cooked them in the microwave to save some time---only took 10 minutes.
  2. Scoop out the potato and mash it with a fork or pastry blender.
  3. Stir in the almond milk and combine well.
  4. Add the green onion, salt, and pepper; set aside.
  5. To make the ricotta, combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth; set aside.
  6. To make the dough, combine the flours and salt in a large bowl of a stand mixer (you can use a food processor too). While the mixer is running, slowly add the oil, then water until you reach a somewhat damp (but not too sticky) dough.
  7. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 3-5 minutes. I used my pasta maker to roll out flat sheets. You can easily use a rolling pin instead.
  8. Lay a sheet of dough over the metal portion of the mold. Place the plastic mold on top and press gently, creating pockets for the filling. Place about a teaspoon of each filling into each pocket.
  9. Place another sheet of dough on top and press down, sealing the edges and flattening the top. Using a rolling pin, roll over the top to create the raviolis. (Again, check out the You Tube video at the beginning of the post to see this magic happen).
  10. So much better than trying to make by hand! The mold was worth the $20 I paid for it. Let the raviolis sit for about 20 minutes.
  11. To make the sauce, combine the garlic and vegan margarine in a small saucepan and melt the butter.
  12. Whisk in the flour, one tablespoon at a time. Slowly whisk in the almond milk, using enough to reach a semi-thick consistency; keep warm.
  13. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Using a spatula, I placed 12 raviolis at a time, into the pot. Boil for 5-7 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon to a colander.
  14. Repeat the process until they're all cooked. (For the last dozen, instead of removing with the slotted spoon, I placed the colander in the sink and poured the remaining raviolis and boiling water into the colander. That way, the other raviolis that cooled off could be somewhat reheated).
  15. Drizzle a ladle of sauce over a serving of the raviolis and enjoy!
3.4.3177

Filed Under: Dinners Tagged With: Butter-Garlic sauce, pasta maker, sweet potato ravioli, tofu, tofu ricotta, vegan ravioli

Homemade Ravioli

October 17, 2011 by epicureanvegan

Homemade Ravioli -- Epicurean VeganI bought a pasta maker many years ago and used it a few times. Then, two years ago, when we moved, I couldn’t find the damn thing. Even though it was something I hardly used, I was determined to find it. But I couldn’t. I figured it had run off with my white Chantel soup pot because it too, was missing. So last December, I was digging around in the laundry room for something else entirely, when I opened a bin that was supposed to contain miscellaneous crap. Well, there it was. Along with soup pot. I let out a celebratory yelp and the Husband rushed in, wondering what my deal was. When I showed him that I finally captured the elusive kitchen appliance, I assumed he’d be as excited as I was and happy that I’d quit lamenting over losing the thing. But he didn’t seem too thrilled.  He left the room and returned with a wrapped box, about the same size of the box I held in my hands. “I’ll take this one back tomorrow,” he mumbled. He had gotten me a new pasta maker to replace the one I “lost.” He was really happy that I found it, but then he had to come up with something else to give me for Christmas.

So jump to October 2011, nearly a year later. It was the first time I used that stupid pasta maker since finding it. I know, it’s terrible . . . the Husband wasn’t even home to enjoy these raviolis! But now that I have some practice, I’ll make more of an effort to use it because there’s nothing like fresh pasta. Making fresh pasta, however, isn’t always easy, especially raviolis—it will take some trial and error to get these right. Regardless of their less-than-pretty appearance, they were delicious!

INGREDIENTS:
Dough:
1 C flour
1 C semolina flour
Dash of salt
1 Tbs olive oil
1/2 to 3/4 C water
Filling: (I used my go-to ricotta cheese recipe)
1-14oz pkg extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
1/3 C nutritional yeast
1 C fresh basil
2 Tbs fresh rosemary
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 Tbs lemon juice
1/2 C Daiya mozzarella shreds
The rest:
1 jar of marinara or spaghetti sauce

DIRECTIONS:
Using a food processor with the sharp blade, pulse the flours and salt together. While the machine is running, add the oil and water. The dough shouldn’t be sticky.

Homemade Ravioli -- Epicurean Vegan

Knead the dough using some all purpose flour. Using small pieces of dough, feed it into the pasta maker—the widest setting, then one notch thinner, then a third time on the next thinner notch. The Seventh Grader and I didn’t quite figure this method out until halfway through, but oh well, we had fun experimenting. His job was to cut the rolled out dough into squares.

Homemade Ravioli -- Epicurean Vegan

Place the squares on a cookie sheet or cutting board to dry a little—about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, combine all the filling ingredients, except the mozzarella, in a food processor. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the cheese. Place a small scoop, about a teaspoon of filling in the middle of each ravioli square.

Homemade Ravioli -- Epicurean Vegan

There are other ways of doing this. I think it’s better to NOT cut squares first, but to have a long piece of rolled out dough, place the filling dollops in a line and fold over the dough, then cut using a pastry wheel to seal the edges.

Homemade Ravioli -- Epicurean Vegan

I finally got smart and used the pastry wheel to seal the edges instead of a using a fork, but accumulated an unusable pile of dough shrapnel.

Anyway, we ended up with pretty ghetto ravioli.

Homemade Ravioli -- Epicurean Vegan

In batches of 5-6, add them to boiling water and cook for about 2-3 minutes; remove with a slotted spoon. Top with warm spaghetti sauce and enjoy!

Filed Under: Dinners Tagged With: Italian, pasta maker, ravioli, semolina flour, tofu, tofu ricotta

Mushroom and Spinach Manicotti

September 22, 2011 by epicureanvegan

Mushroom and Spinach Manicotti -- Epicurean VeganIt’s hard not to please the family with this simple, flavorful dish. Many people think that vegans can’t enjoy Italian food because the cheese factor, but in reality, it’s so simple to veganize. I use my go-to ricotta cheese recipe and Daiya cheese is really delicious, so there’s not reason herbivores can’t indulge in their favorite pasta dishes!

INGREDIENTS:
12-13 manicotti shells
1 jar marinara sauce
1-1/2 C sliced mushrooms
2 C chopped fresh spinach
1 tsp olive oil
2 tsp garlic, minced
1/2 C diced onion
1/2 C Daiya mozzarella
Tofu Ricotta:
1 14-oz pkg extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
1/3 C nutritional yeast
1 C fresh basil
2 Tbs fresh rosemary
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 Tbs lemon juice

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350. Cook the pasta until just al dente—it will cook more in the sauce while in the oven. Meanwhile, combine all of the ricotta ingredients in a food processor and blend well. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil and garlic and add the onion. Cook under tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook another 5 minutes.

Mushroom and Spinach Manicotti -- Epicurean Vegan

Combine the tofu mixture and the mushroom mixture in a medium bowl. Stir in the spinach.

Mushroom and Spinach Manicotti -- Epicurean Vegan

Pour about a half the sauce on the bottom of a 9×13″ pan; spread evenly. Using your hands or a spoon, stuff each manicotti shell and place in pan. Cover with the rest of the sauce and sprinkle the cheese on top.

Mushroom and Spinach Manicotti -- Epicurean Vegan

Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 5-7 minutes. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Mushroom and Spinach Manicotti
 
Print
It's hard not to please the family with this simple, flavorful dish. Many people think that vegans can't enjoy Italian food because the cheese factor, but in reality, it's so simple to veganize. I use my go-to ricotta cheese recipe and Daiya cheese is really delicious, so there's not reason herbivores can't indulge in their favorite pasta dishes!
Author: Epicurean Vegan
Ingredients
  • 12-13 manicotti shells
  • 1 jar marinara sauce
  • 1-1/2 C sliced mushrooms
  • 2 C chopped fresh spinach
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp garlic, minced
  • ½ C diced onion
  • ½ C Daiya mozzarella
  • Tofu Ricotta:
  • 1 14-oz pkg extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
  • ⅓ C nutritional yeast
  • 1 C fresh basil
  • 2 Tbs fresh rosemary
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 Tbs lemon juice
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350. Cook the pasta until just al dente---it will cook more in the sauce while in the oven. Meanwhile, combine all of the ricotta ingredients in a food processor and blend well. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil and garlic and add the onion. Cook under tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook another 5 minutes.
  2. Combine the tofu mixture and the mushroom mixture in a medium bowl. Stir in the spinach.
  3. Pour about a half the sauce on the bottom of a 9x13" pan; spread evenly. Using your hands or a spoon, stuff each manicotti shell and place in pan. Cover with the rest of the sauce and sprinkle the cheese on top.
  4. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 5-7 minutes. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
3.5.3208

 

Filed Under: Dinners Tagged With: daiya, easy, Italian, manicotti, tofu, tofu ricotta, Vegan

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Field Roast, Ricotta and Spinach

August 1, 2011 by epicureanvegan

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Field Roast, Ricotta and Spinach -- Epicurean VeganI love stuffed pasta shells, but I don’t always love filling up with carbs and wheat from the pasta. This is a fabulous and healthy alternative, which the family raved about. My hegans agreed that these were the best stuffed peppers I made. You can check out the other recipes here.  I used my go-to ricotta recipe, as well as The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook’s Parmezano Sprinkles–both very easy to whip up.

INGREDIENTS:
My go-to ricotta:
1 14-oz pkg extra-firm tofu, press and drained
1/3 C nutritional yeast
1 C fresh basil
2 Tbs fresh rosemary
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 Tbs lemon juice
1/4 C Daiya mozzarella
Parmezano Sprinkles:
1/2 C blanched almonds
2 Tbs nutritional yeast
1-2 tsp light miso
1/4 tsp salt
The peppers:
4 bell peppers, washed, tops removed and innards cleaned out
1 tsp olive oil
2 tsp garlic, minced
1 C onion, diced
2 Field Roast sausages, Italian flavor
2 C mushrooms, diced
4 C fresh spinach, chopped
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:
To make the ricotta, crumble the tofu into a food processor. Add the rest of the ingredients (except for the Daiya) and blend until somewhat smooth. You don’t want it too smooth. Stir in the cheese.

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Field Roast, Ricotta and Spinach -- Epicurean Vegan

To make the parmezano sprinkles, grind the blanched almonds to a fine consistency. Add the nutritional yeast, miso, and salt. Combine well. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. When you get read to use it, give the container a shake to loosen it all.

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Field Roast, Ricotta and Spinach -- Epicurean Vegan

Preheat oven to 375. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and garlic. Add the onions and cook until they just begin to get tender. Using your fingers, crumble up the Field Roast sausages and add to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes.

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Field Roast, Ricotta and Spinach -- Epicurean Vegan

Add the mushrooms and diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms soften. Stir in the spinach and cook 5 minutes, or until the spinach cooks down a fair bit.

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Field Roast, Ricotta and Spinach -- Epicurean Vegan

Remove from the heat and let sit for about 10 minutes. Drain any excess tomato juices if you need to. Then, stir in 1 cup of the ricotta mixture.

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Field Roast, Ricotta and Spinach -- Epicurean Vegan

Stuff each pepper with the mixture, pressing down with every scoop.

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Field Roast, Ricotta and Spinach -- Epicurean Vegan

Bake for 30 minutes. Top with some of the parmezano sprinkles and bake another 5 minutes.

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Field Roast, Ricotta and Spinach -- Epicurean Vegan

Enjoy!

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Field Roast, Ricotta and Spinach -- Epicurean Vegan

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Field Roast, Ricotta and Spinach
 
Print
I love stuffed pasta shells, but I don't always love filling up with carbs and wheat from the pasta. This is a fabulous and healthy alternative, which the family raved about. My hegans agreed that these were the best stuffed peppers I made. You can check out the other recipes here. I used my go-to ricotta recipe, as well as The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook's Parmezano Sprinkles--both very easy to whip up.
Author: Epicurean Vegan
Ingredients
  • My go-to ricotta:
  • 1 14-oz pkg extra-firm tofu, press and drained
  • ⅓ C nutritional yeast
  • 1 C fresh basil
  • 2 Tbs fresh rosemary
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 Tbs lemon juice
  • ¼ C Daiya mozzarella
  • Parmezano Sprinkles:
  • ½ C blanched almonds
  • 2 Tbs nutritional yeast
  • 1-2 tsp light miso
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • The peppers:
  • 4 bell peppers, washed, tops removed and innards cleaned out
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1 C onion, diced
  • 2 Field Roast sausages, Italian flavor
  • 2 C mushrooms, diced
  • 4 C fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
  1. To make the ricotta, crumble the tofu into a food processor. Add the rest of the ingredients (except for the Daiya) and blend until somewhat smooth. You don't want it too smooth. Stir in the cheese.
  2. To make the parmezano sprinkles, grind the blanched almonds to a fine consistency. Add the nutritional yeast, miso, and salt. Combine well. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. When you get read to use it, give the container a shake to loosen it all.
  3. Preheat oven to 375. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and garlic. Add the onions and cook until they just begin to get tender. Using your fingers, crumble up the Field Roast sausages and add to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes.
  4. Add the mushrooms and diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms soften. Stir in the spinach and cook 5 minutes, or until the spinach cooks down a fair bit.
  5. Remove from the heat and let sit for about 10 minutes. Drain any excess tomato juices if you need to. Then, stir in 1 cup of the ricotta mixture.
  6. Stuff each pepper with the mixture, pressing down with every scoop.
  7. Bake for 30 minutes. Top with some of the parmezano sprinkles and bake another 5 minutes. Enjoy!
3.5.3208

Filed Under: Dinners Tagged With: bell pepper, easy, healthy, mushrooms, Parmezano sprinkles, ricotta, spinach, stuffed peppers, tofu, tofu ricotta, Vegan, vegetarian

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The Epicurean Vegan is devoted to those wanting to eat healthy, save animals, and reduce their carbon footprint. My decision to go vegan started out as a quest to get healthier, but the more I learned about veganism, the more I realized how damaging the meat and dairy industries are to the environment and, of course, the animals. And it is for these reasons, that I would never go back to eating or wearing animal products. Ever.
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