Epicurean Vegan

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Smoky Miso Tofu Sandwiches

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Smoky Miso Tofu Sandwiches -- Epicurean VeganI love sandwiches, but I typically don’t post any unless they are unique and out-of-this-world. This sandwich is just that! The baked tofu slices will keep in the refrigerator for a while for future lunches, snacks, pasta salads, etc. I end up making a batch every couple of weeks. When it comes to sandwiches, anything goes! Add your favorite ingredients. I like mayo, roasted red pepper, spinach, a Tofutti cheese slice. I sometimes substitute the roasted red pepper for tomato. My husband likes to add some balsamic vinegar. Just go for it!

INGREDIENTS:
1 block extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed
3 Tbs red miso
3 Tbs lemon juice
3 Tbs sugar
3 Tbs tamari or soy sauce
1 Tbs nutritional yeast
1/4 tsp Liquid Smoke flavoring
Your favorite sandwich bread

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 425. Wrap drained tofu in a few paper towels. (What I do is wrap in paper towels, place in/on a large dish or plate. Top with a plate and then stack 2-3 heavy cans on the plate. I press down just a little. I wait 5 mins then re-wrap tofu again in new paper towels and repeat. Works great.) Meanwhile, mix together the miso, lemon juice, sugar, tamari, yeast, and Liquid Smoke to make the marinade. Unwrap tofu and cut many thin, width-wise slices with a large knife. (Don’t use a serrated knife–you don’t want to saw your way through the tofu. I like it a bit thick and got 17 slices, but depending on how thick or thin you want it, you can get 20 slices.)

Smoky Miso Tofu Sandwiches -- Epicurean VeganI then line a large cookie sheet with aluminum foil. I brush one side of each tofu slice with the marinade, placing the brushed side down. Then I brush the other side. Let the slices absorb the mariade for 10 mins, then brush just the tops again. Bake for 20 mins (unless you go really thin with the slices–check after 10 mins). Remove from the oven and let the slices cool on the sheet. (I like them a bit warm.) The tofu should be darkened around the edges, but not burned.

Smoky Miso Tofu Sandwiches -- Epicurean VeganTo make a sandwich, I toast a couple slices of sour dough and add my favorite sandwich toppings! Here’s some suggestions:
roasted red peppers
spinach
vegan cheese slices
cucumber
tomato
avocado
sprouts
Dijon mustard
bell pepper
The ideas are endless. What your favorite sandwich ingredients?
I store the leftovers in a well-sealed container in the fridge. Dice up the slices for pasta salad, stir fry, rice, or just plain snack on it! Enjoy!

Smoky Miso Tofu Sandwiches -- Epicurean VeganRecipe source: Vegan Yum Yum

Pecan-Crusted Seitan

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Pecan-Crusted Seitan -- Epicurean VeganThis comes from Alicia Silverstone’s cookbook, The Kind Diet and it is wonderful! The chicken-style seitan is perfect for this recipe and I have found that not only is it yummy served over pasta or rice, but try dipping them in marinara sauce or your favorite vegan dressing for a heavy appetizer.

INGREDIENTS:
Marinade:
3/4 C tomato paste
1/4 C umeboshi vinegar (Asian section of most health food stores like, Whole Foods)
1/4 C dry red wine
1/2 C orange juice
1/4 C shoyu (Like a soy sauce found in the Asian section of most health food stores, like Whole Foods)
1/4 C minced garlic
1/4 C chopped fresh parsley
2 Tbs minced fresh tarragon or 1 Tbs dried
2 Tbs minced fresh rosemary
The rest:
8-10 pieces of seitan-about a pound (I used 2 packages)
2 C flour (I would use just 1 to 1 1/2 cups–2 is a bit too much)
1/2 tsp fine sea salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 C ground pecans (a must)!
2 Tbs finely chopped fresh rosemary
1/4 C olive oil
I added about 8-10 sliced mushrooms and 3/4 C sliced green onion. I sauteed them after I cooked all the seitan and while the seitan was keeping warm in the oven.

DIRECTIONS:
Combine the tomato paste, vinegar, wine, orange juice, shoyu, garlic, parsley, tarragon and rosemary in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Transfer the marinade to a shallow dish (a zip lock doesn’t work well) add the seitan and turn to coat on all sides. Cover the dish and marinate in the fridge for at least 3 hours to overnight. When ready to serve, mix together flour, salt, pepper, pecans and rosemary in a shallow bowl. Dredge the marinaded seitan in the flour mixture. Heat the oil (don’t use Pam cooking spray–gotta use enough oil for frying) and add the seitan to the pan. Saute until golden brown on both sides, 2-3 minutes per side. Serve immediately. I usually preheat the oven to 275-300 and keep the cooked pieces warm as I make them. I then serve them over cooked spaghetti or rice. I like to use Arborio rice (risotto). The pecans have such a wonderful flavor and honestly, the final product tastes so much like chicken that it’s hard to tell a difference! After cooking the seitan, I drained the oil and then added sliced mushrooms and sliced green onions and sauted them a bit. I then added the cooked seitan to the pan and served over pasta. It was so delicious! Enjoy!

Easy, Healthy Granola

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Easy, Healthy Granola -- Epicurean VeganThis is inspired by my mom’s granola recipe, however, she uses 1-14oz can of condensed milk, so I had to come up with an alternative. There are recipes to make a dairy-free condensed milk using soy milk powder and sugar, but it looked like a bit of work, plus I couldn’t find soy milk powder. So…with the need for sugar and milk in her recipe, I decided to use maple syrup and soy milk. You can also use brown rice syrup as well. Log Cabin makes a nice maple syrup that has no high fructose corn syrup, which I like. This isn’t a super sweet granola, so if you prefer it be sweeter, add 1/4-1/2 C brown sugar to the mix or a tsp of cinnamon, which happens to be rich in antioxidants. Don’t forget, sunflower seeds, walnuts and almonds are a great source of calcium and protein. Plus, wheat germ itself is miracle-working superfood!

Check out the benefits here.

INGREDIENTS:
2 C old fashioned oats
1 C shredded coconut
1/2 C wheat germ
1/2 C chopped almonds
1/2 C chopped walnuts
1/2 C sunflower seeds
1 tsp salt
1/4 C maple or brown rice syrup
1/2 C soy milk
1/8 C vegetable oil
1-6oz bag craisins (try orange-flavored craisins–they add just a bit more sweetness)

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 300. Combine oats, coconut, wheat germ, nuts and salt. Stir in syrup and soy milk and add oil and mix. Spread evenly on a large greased and foiled pan. Make sure you grease it well, or it’ll “stick something awful,” as my mom said.

Easy, Healthy Granola -- Epicurean VeganBake until it starts to brown, 45-50 mins. Transfer to a large bowl and add the craisins. Makes about 8 C. Store in an air tight container. Serve over vanilla soy yogurt, soy ice cream, in a bowl with some soy or rice milk, or just snack on it! Try other dried fruit like blueberries, apricots, apples, cherries…you name it! Enjoy!

Easy, Healthy Granola -- Epicurean Vegan

Tarragon Pasta with Roasted Asparagus

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Tarragon Pasta with Roasted Asparagus -- Epicurean VeganThis is a wonderful take on pasta salads. With the flavor of the roasted asparagus, the baked tofu and shallots, there’s no need for a heavy, rich mayo-sour cream dressing. The lemon juice and cayenne dressing is the perfect accompaniment to the other flavors. I just made a couple of small changes to the recipe for convenience, but I’ll list the original recipe and my changes.

INGREDIENTS:
8 oz rotini pasta (I used about 16oz because I just didn’t think 8oz was quite enough)
1/4C plus 1 Tbs olive oil
1 lb thin asparagus, bottoms trimmed (I cut them into about 1 1/2″ pieces as well)
Salt and pepper
2 Tbs fresh lemon juice
Cayenne, to taste (I used about 1/8 of a tsp)
1/2 medium yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 shallots, minced
1 large, ripe yellow tomato, seeded and diced (I used a large roma tomato)
8 oz baked tofu, cut into small cubes (I used Westsoy’s Garlic and Herb baked tofu–so yummy)!
2 Tbs minced fresh tarragon leaves

DIRECTIONS:
Cook pasta until al dente, 8-10 mins. Drain and rinse under cold water. Place in a large bowl, toss with 1 tsp of the olive oil and set aside. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place the asparagus on a lightly oiled baking sheet, season with salt and pepper to taste, drizzle with 1 tsp of the olive oil. Roast until soft and lightly browned, about 10 mins. Set aside and cool. (I did this while the pasta was cooking). In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, salt and cayenne to taste. Whisk in the remaining olive oil until well blended and pour over the pasta. Add the bell pepper, shallots, tomato, tofu and tarragon and toss to combine well. Divide among 4 individual plates and top with the asparagus. Serve immediately. (I added the asparagus with the other ingredients). Enjoy!

Tarragon Pasta with Roasted Asparagus -- Epicurean VeganRecipe source: Vegan Planet

Szechuan Hot and Sour Soup

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Szechuan Hot and Sour Soup -- Epicurean VeganVery easy and very delicious! It smelled so good as it simmered. I could easily taste each ingredient such as the toasted sesame oil and cilantro.

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 dried cloud ear or shiitake mushrooms, soaked in very hot water to cover, 20 mins (I used the shiitake)
2 C canned or fresh sliced bamboo shoots (The recipe didn’t specify what sized can. I used 14 oz of small, cute, little bamboo shoots)
4 tsp peanut oil
8 oz (just over 1/2 a usual pkg of tofu), drained and cut into thin strips
1 garlic clove, minced
1 Tbs peeled and minced fresh ginger root
4 C Vegetable stock
2 Tbs tamari or other soy sauce
2 Tbs rice vinegar
1/2 tsp sugar
1 tsp Asian chili paste
1 tsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tsp water
1 Tbs toasted sesame oil
1 Tbs fresh chopped cilantro
2 Tbs chopped scallions (I left these out)
One thing I thought it needed was at least a 1/2 C of chopped green onion. I say add with the mushrooms.
Salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS:
Drain the mushrooms and discard the stems. Cut into thin strips and set aside. If using canned bamboo shoots, drain and rinse, then cut into thin strips (unnecessary if they’re the ones in the can–typically) and set side. If using fresh ones, soak in water to cover for 30 mins. Cut into thin strips, cook in boiling water until tender and set aside.
Heat 2 tsp of peanut oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook, stirring until golden brown, about 5 mins. (I found that 10 mins was better). Set aside.
Heat the remaining 2 tsp oil in a large pot. Add the garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the stock, tamari, vinegar, sugar, chili paste, and mushroom strips. (If you don’t want crunchy bamboo shhots, add them now). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until mushrooms are tender, about 5 (to 10) mins. Add the tofu and bamboo shoots and bring back to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until heated through, about 5 mins. Stir in the sesame oil, scallions, cilantro, salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
This was such a delicious soup and can be quite changeable. Try 8-10 oz rice noodles during last 5 mins of cook time. If  you’re going to do that, I would recommend adding at least another cup of broth and nearly doubling some of the other ingredients like the rice vinegar, sesame oil, tamari, chili paste and cilantro.
This made about 4 servings with no leftovers. Next time, I might just double it. I was impressed with the various flavors and the ability to taste so many of them at once. I loved it! Enjoy!

Szechuan Hot and Sour Soup -- Epicurean VeganRecipe source: Vegan Planet

Party Cheese Ball

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Party Cheese Ball -- Epicurean VeganI can’t tell you how excited I am about this!! You see, my mom has made this incredible cheese ball every Christmas for years now and since I went dairy-free, it is probably one of the foods I miss the most.  I finally made a dairy-free version after a couple of attempts and frankly, it’s so good, it brought a tear to my eye. (Also, this is also one of the most requested recipe and when invited to a shin-dig, I am instructed to not come without this cheese ball.)

UPDATE: After making this cheeseball so many times, I’ve tweaked the amount of some of the ingredients, so I figured it was time to update the recipe. I have found that I use about 10-oz of cream cheese, not 12. I also upped the pimento, green pepper and onion to about 4 Tbs each.

INGREDIENTS:
12-oz Tofutti* cream cheese
2 1/2 C Rice brand, or Daiya brand shredded cheese, cheddar flavor
2 Tbs pimento, chopped
2 Tbs green pepper, chopped
2 Tbs onion, chopped
2 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp lemon juice
1 C walnuts, chopped

*Kite Hill is also a great option. I think it tastes closest to real cream cheese, however, it’s softer than Tofutti, so the cheese ball won’t form a perfect ball–more like a mound. It’s about presentation, otherwise it still tastes amazing regardless of which “cream cheese” you go with.

DIRECTIONS:
Combine softened cream cheese and cheddar. Like to use my stand mixer for this. A food processor works too, but I recommend using the dough blade. Add remaining ingredients except walnuts and mix well. (I tend to add 1-2 more tablespoons of the pimento, green pepper and onion; it just depends on your own tastes.) Transfer to a bowl and chill for several hours or overnight. Shape into a ball and roll in nuts. Serve with crackers. (Club crackers and Ritz always taste the best with this cheese ball.)

NOTE: Keep in mind that Rice cheese does have traces of casein.

Party Cheese Ball
 
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I can't tell you how excited I am about this!! You see, my mom has made this incredible cheese ball every Christmas for years now and since I went dairy-free, it is probably one of the foods I miss the most. I finally made a dairy-free version after a couple of attempts and frankly, it's so good, it brought a tear to my eye. (Also, this is also one of the most requested recipe and when invited to a shin-dig, I am instructed to not come without this cheese ball.) UPDATE: After making this cheeseball so many times, I've tweaked the amount of some of the ingredients, so I figured it was time to update the recipe. I have found that I use about 10-oz of cream cheese, not 12. I also upped the pimento, green pepper and onion to about 4 Tbs each.
Author:
Ingredients
  • 12-oz Tofutti cream cheese
  • 2½ C Rice brand, or Daiya brand shredded cheese, cheddar flavor
  • 2 Tbs pimento, chopped
  • 2 Tbs green pepper, chopped
  • 2 Tbs onion, chopped
  • 2 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 C walnuts, chopped
Directions
  1. Combine softened cream cheese and cheddar. Like to use my stand mixer for this. A food processor works too, but I recommend using the dough blade.
  2. Add remaining ingredients except walnuts and mix well. (I tend to add 1-2 more tablespoons of the pimento, green pepper and onion; it just depends on your own tastes.)
  3. Transfer to a bowl and chill for several hours or overnight.
  4. Shape into a ball and roll in nuts.
  5. Serve with crackers. (Club crackers and Ritz always taste the best with this cheese ball.)
  6. NOTE: Keep in mind that Rice cheese does have traces of casein.

 

Snickerdoodles

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Snickerdoodles -- Epicurean VeganThese cookies are not flat and crispy like your typical snickerdoodle, but more like scrumptious little bites–definitely something I love! These were a cinch to make and the aroma of these baking was divine!

INGREDIENTS:
1-2/3 C all purpose flour
1/2 tsp nutmeg
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 C butter, at room temp (I used Earth Balance sticks)
1/3 C plus 2 Tbs sugar
Ener-G egg replacer for 1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 Tbs cinnamon
Baking sheet lined with parchment, waxed paper or greased (waxed paper worked lovely)

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat over to 350. Combine flour, nutmeg, baking powder and salt and set aside. In a large bowl, cream the butter with 1/3 of the sugar until light in texture and pale in color, then beat in egg and vanilla.

Snickerdoodles -- Epicurean VeganStir in the dry ingredients until blended smooth.

Snickerdoodles -- Epicurean Vegan(Well, I couldn’t get mine smooth, and I was a bit worried, but it worked out just great…)
Spoon out rest of sugar and the cinnamon onto a plate and combine. Then, with your fingers, squeeze out pieces of dough and roll between the palms of your hands into walnut-sized balls. (Shaping with my fingers worked best–didn’t crack). Roll each ball in the sugar mixture and arranged on prepared baking sheet.

Snickerdoodles -- Epicurean VeganBake for 15 mins (13 1/2 mins was perfect for mine), by which time they will begin to brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Makes 32-34. Enjoy!
For a variation, replace 2 Tbs of the flour with cocoa to make chocodoodles. I haven’t tried this, but next time I certainly will!

Snickerdoodles -- Epicurean VeganRecipe source: Nigella Lawson

Soyrizo Tacos

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Soyrizo Tacos -- Epicurean VeganSoyrizo is such a perfect alternative to meat and these tacos are so satisfying and delicious. Combined with fresh ingredients, vegans and non vegans alike will love them!

INGREDIENTS:
1 Tbs olive oil
8 oz vegan chorizo or taco crumbles (found in the tempe and tofu section)
4-6 corn shells (or soft, if you prefer)
1/2 C diced onion
1/2 C chopped tomatoes
1 C tofu sour cream (Tofutti brand)
2/3 C shredded vegan cheese
Prepared salsa
I added diced avocado and chopped fresh cilantro

DIRECTIONS:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over med-high heat (I added the onions at this time and cooked until softened). Add the chorizo or taco crumbles and cook, stirring until heated through, 3-4 mins.

Soyrizo Tacos -- Epicurean VeganArrange onions (if you want more), lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, cheese, avocado, salsa and cilantro in bowls. Assemble as you want! Enjoy!

Soyrizo Tacos -- Epicurean Vegan

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