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Sweet & Sour Boca Nugget Stir-fry

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Sweet and Sour Boca Nugget Stir-fry -- Epicurean VeganStir-fries are great ways to use up veggies and they’re typically easy to throw together. I didn’t feel like using tempeh or tofu, so I went with Boca nuggets. The sweet and sour sauce came out perfect–a great balance of both elements!

INGREDIENTS:
1 pkg. Boca nuggets
2 C mushrooms, cut into chunks
6-8 green onions, sliced
1 can sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 C carrots, sliced thin
1 Tbs olive oil
2 tsp garlic, minced
2 C cooked rice
Sauce:
2/3 C rice vinegar
8 Tbs brown sugar
2 Tbs ketchup
2 tsp tamari
4 tsp arrowroot
6 tsp water

DIRECTIONS:
The sauce won’t take long to make, so I suggest combining everything in a small saucepan (except the arrowroot and water) and set aside for now. Bake the nuggets according to the bag’s instructions (12-13 minutes). Then cut each nugget into fourths. (And if using rice, don’t forget to get it started, too!)

Sweet and Sour Boca Nugget Stir-fry -- Epicurean Vegan

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and garlic over medium heat. Add the water chestnuts and carrots and cook until tender. Add the mushrooms, green onion, and Boca nuggets.

Sweet and Sour Boca Nugget Stir-fry -- Epicurean Vegan

At this point, bring the sauce to a boil. Mix together the water and arrowroot and whisk it into the sauce to thicken it up. This should only take about a minute.

Sweet and Sour Boca Nugget Stir-fry -- Epicurean Vegan

Pour the sauce over the veggies/nuggets and combine well. Serve over hot white rice and enjoy!

Sweet & Sour Boca Nugget Stir-fry
 
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Stir-fries are great ways to use up veggies and they're typically easy to throw together. I didn't feel like using tempeh or tofu, so I went with Boca nuggets. The sweet and sour sauce came out perfect--a great balance of both elements!
Author:
Ingredients
  • 1 pkg. Boca nuggets
  • 2 C mushrooms, cut into chunks
  • 6-8 green onions, sliced
  • 1 can sliced water chestnuts, drained
  • 1 C carrots, sliced thin
  • 1 Tbs olive oil
  • 2 tsp garlic, minced
  • 2 C cooked rice
  • Sauce:
  • ⅔ C rice vinegar
  • 8 Tbs brown sugar
  • 2 Tbs ketchup
  • 2 tsp tamari
  • 4 tsp arrowroot
  • 6 tsp water
Directions
  1. The sauce won't take long to make, so I suggest combining everything in a small saucepan (except the arrowroot and water) and set aside for now. Bake the nuggets according to the bag's instructions (12-13 minutes). Then cut each nugget into fourths. (And if using rice, don't forget to get it started, too!)
  2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and garlic over medium heat. Add the water chestnuts and carrots and cook until tender. Add the mushrooms, green onion, and Boca nuggets.
  3. At this point, bring the sauce to a boil. Mix together the water and arrowroot and whisk it into the sauce to thicken it up. This should only take about a minute.
  4. Pour the sauce over the veggies/nuggets and combine well. Serve over hot white rice and enjoy!

Spicy Field Roast-Stuffed Fillo Cups

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Spicy Field Roast-Stuffed Fillo Cups -- Epicurean VeganSorry for the lousy picture—I took it with my iphone since I didn’t have my camera on hand. Don’t let it deter you from trying these tasty appetizers. They’re easy to make and a sure crowd-pleaser.

INGREDIENTS:
2 Field Roast Chipotle-flavored sausages
6 green onions, sliced
6 mushrooms, diced small
1 can water chestnuts, diced small
2 pkgs Athens mini fillo shells (30 shells)
1-2 tsp olive oil
Daiya cheddar-flavored cheese shreds

DIRECTIONS:
Cut the Field Roast into large pieces and grind them up in a food processor.

Spicy Field Roast-Stuffed Fillo Cups -- Epicurean Vegan

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the water chestnuts, green onions, and mushrooms. Cook for a few minutes.

Spicy Field Roast-Stuffed Fillo Cups -- Epicurean Vegan
Add the Field Roast and cook another 5-7 minutes, or until everything is heated through.

Spicy Field Roast-Stuffed Fillo Cups -- Epicurean Vegan

Place a pinch of Daiya cheese in the bottom of the fillo cup, top with a spoonful of the mixture. You can easily make more than 30 with this mix, otherwise, save any leftovers for a breakfast burrito! Enjoy!

Spicy Field Roast-Stuffed Fillo Cups
 
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Author:
Ingredients
  • 2 Field Roast Chipotle-flavored sausages
  • 6 green onions, sliced
  • 6 mushrooms, diced small
  • 1 can water chestnuts, diced small
  • 2 pkgs Athens mini fillo shells (30 shells)
  • 1-2 tsp olive oil
  • Daiya cheddar-flavored cheese shreds
Directions
  1. Cut the Field Roast into large pieces and grind them up in a food processor.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the water chestnuts, green onions, and mushrooms. Cook for a few minutes.
  3. Add the Field Roast and cook another 5-7 minutes, or until everything is heated through.
  4. Place a pinch of Daiya cheese in the bottom of the fillo cup, top with a spoonful of the mixture. You can easily make more than 30 with this mix, otherwise, save any leftovers for a breakfast burrito! Enjoy!

 

Vegetables Korma

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Vegetables Korma -- Epicurean VeganI saw this recipe in Vegetarian Times but I made several changes like using barley instead of rice and fresh vegetables instead of frozen. I really loved the flavors and heartiness of this meal. It makes quite a bit, so feel free to halve the recipe if only feeding two.

INGREDIENTS:
1 C barley
4 medium tomatoes, cut into chunks
1 white onion, cut into chunks
3 Tbs fresh ginger, minced
2 Tbs olive oil
1 tsp garam masala or curry powder
3/4 tsp ground cardamom
4 Tbs golden raisins (I used craisins)
2 C broccoli florets
1 C mushrooms, quartered
1 can waterchestnuts, chopped
1 zucchini, sliced then quartered
1-15oz can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1/3 C coconut milk
Toasted peanuts, chopped

DIRECTIONS:
Cook the barley according to package instructions. You can use vegetable broth in the place of the water, if you’d like. Keep in mind, the barley will take 50-60 minutes to cook. Using a food processor, puree the tomatoes, onion, and ginger. In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat; add the curry powder and cardamom; cook for 30 seconds. Add the puree and raisins to the pan. Simmer for a couple of minutes until it start to thicken.

Vegetables Korma -- Epicurean Vegan

Stir in the vegetables, garbanzo beans, and coconut milk. If it’s too thick, add a bit more coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper, if you’d like. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until veggies are tender.

Vegetables Korma -- Epicurean VeganServe over the barley, sprinkle with the peanuts, and enjoy!

Vegetables Korma
 
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I saw this recipe in Vegetarian Times but I made several changes like using barley instead of rice and fresh vegetables instead of frozen. I really loved the flavors and heartiness of this meal. It makes quite a bit, so feel free to halve the recipe if only feeding two.
Author:
Ingredients
  • 1 C barley
  • 4 medium tomatoes, cut into chunks
  • 1 white onion, cut into chunks
  • 3 Tbs fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 Tbs olive oil
  • 1 tsp garam masala or curry powder
  • ¾ tsp ground cardamom
  • 4 Tbs golden raisins (I used craisins)
  • 2 C broccoli florets
  • 1 C mushrooms, quartered
  • 1 can waterchestnuts, chopped
  • 1 zucchini, sliced then quartered
  • 1-15oz can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
  • ⅓ C coconut milk
  • Toasted peanuts, chopped
Directions
  1. Cook the barley according to package instructions. You can use vegetable broth in the place of the water, if you'd like. Keep in mind, the barley will take 50-60 minutes to cook. Using a food processor, puree the tomatoes, onion, and ginger. In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat; add the curry powder and cardamom; cook for 30 seconds. Add the puree and raisins to the pan. Simmer for a couple of minutes until it start to thicken.
  2. Stir in the vegetables, garbanzo beans, and coconut milk. If it's too thick, add a bit more coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper, if you'd like. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until veggies are tender.
  3. Serve over the barley, sprinkle with the peanuts, and enjoy!

Quick Szechuan Stir-Fry

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Quick Szechuan Stir-Fry -- Epicurean VeganCAUTION: this can get hot very quickly—that is, when I make it. I tend to get a little heavy handed with the hot spices, much to the dismay of the rest of family. Once again, I put a little too much heat on this stir-fry, earning a few glares from the Husband and 6th Grader. They agreed that it was really tasty and liked the udon noodles a lot, but the numb lips interfered a little. Next time I’ll go easy on the szechuan sauce.

INGREDIENTS:
1-8oz pkg Koyo Organic round udon noodles
1/4-1/2 C szechuan sauce like San-J brand
1/4-1/3 C tamari sauce
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1″ pieces
1 garlic clove, minced
1-2 Tbs olive oil
1 small summer squash, cut into small pieces
1 can sliced water chestnuts
8-10 mushrooms, sliced
4-5 green onions, sliced
Toasted sesame seeds

Quick Szechuan Stir-Fry -- Epicurean Vegan

DIRECTIONS:
Cook noodles according to package instructions (they take about 7-8 minutes). Heat olive oil and garlic in a skillet. Add bell pepper, water chestnuts, and squash; saute for about 15 minutes, or until softened. Add mushrooms, green onions, tamari, and szechuan sauce. I’d start with about a 1/4 cup of the szechuan sauce and go from there. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, then add the cooked noodles to the pan and stir to combine everything. Top with sesame seeds. Depending on how hot you make it, serve it with a hankie to wipe the brow! Enjoy!

“Bacon” and Water Chestnuts

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"Bacon" and Water Chestnuts -- Epicurean VeganThis is one of my most favorite appetizers and is originally made with real bacon, but ick…no more! So I used tempeh bacon and Smart Bacon from Lifelight. I loved this alternative and I’m so excited that the appetizer that my mom makes every Christmas can be made vegan!

INGREDIENTS:
2 cans whole water chestnuts, drained
1 pkg tempeh bacon or 1 pkg Smart Bacon or 1/2 of both
1/2 C ketchup
1/2 C granulated sugar

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375. If using tempeh bacon, cut each slice into 1″ pieces. Toothpick a water chestnut and attach a piece of tempeh bacon under it. Sometimes the tempeh fell apart, so I think it might work better placing the tempeh on the top of the water chestnut. Place in a 8×8″ pan. If using Smart Bacon, slice length-wise and wrap the water chestnut with it, securing it with a toothpick. You can also halve the slice, so using a quarter of the whole entire slice. Make sense?

"Bacon" and Water Chestnuts -- Epicurean VeganCombine the ketchup and sugar together in a bowl. Spoon about 1/2 tsp of sauce over each water chestnut.

"Bacon" and Water Chestnuts -- Epicurean VeganBake 40-45 minutes and enjoy. . . I guarantee you will!

"Bacon" and Water Chestnuts -- Epicurean Vegan

Spinach Dip

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Spinach Dip -- Epicurean VeganA friend shared this recipe with me several years ago and it’s a classic; I make it often for get togethers. I sometimes hollow out a round sourdough loaf to create a bowl and serve in that, but of course, that’s optional. The recipe calls for a leek soup mix, but a vegetable soup mix will work great too.

INGREDIENTS:
1 box (10 oz) chopped frozen spinach (I like Cascadian Farms brand)
1 can water chestnuts, chopped
1 C Tofutti sour cream
1 C Veganaise
1-1.8oz packet dried leek soup mix
Round sourdough loaf (optional)

DIRECTIONS:
Thaw spinach. I like Cascadian Farms brand because it comes in a plastic bag inside the box. I snip a corner of the bag off and drain as much liquid as I can out. I then wrap the spinach in a thin cotton napkin and squeeze any remaining liquid out of the spinach. Combine all ingredients, mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve. Then add to the bread bowl, if using. Serve with veggies, bread pieces and crackers. Enjoy!

Spinach Dip
 
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A friend shared this recipe with me several years ago and it's a classic; I make it often for get togethers. I sometimes hollow out a round sourdough loaf to create a bowl and serve in that, but of course, that's optional. The recipe calls for a leek soup mix, but a vegetable soup mix will work great too.
Author:
Ingredients
  • 1 box (10 oz) chopped frozen spinach (I like Cascadian Farms brand)
  • 1 can water chestnuts, chopped
  • 1 C Tofutti sour cream
  • 1 C Veganaise
  • 1-1.8oz packet dried leek soup mix
  • Round sourdough loaf (optional)
Directions
  1. Thaw spinach. I like Cascadian Farms brand because it comes in a plastic bag inside the box. I snip a corner of the bag off and drain as much liquid as I can out. I then wrap the spinach in a thin cotton napkin and squeeze any remaining liquid out of the spinach. Combine all ingredients, mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve. Then add to the bread bowl, if using. Serve with veggies, bread pieces and crackers. Enjoy!

 

A New Take on Guac

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A New Take on Guac -- Epicurean VeganI wanted to spice up some old favorites. I love the different flavors in this guacamole and chances are, you have all the ingredients already. The idea came from Whole Foods, but I made some variations.

INGREDIENTS:
3 Med ripe avocados
1/2 C diced water chestnuts
1/2 red onion, diced small
2 Tbs minced garlic
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp hot sesame pepper oil
2 Tbs minced fresh cilantro leaves
3 Tbs lime juice
Sea salt, to taste

DIRECTIONS:
Mash up the avocados and then add all the other ingredients. Mix well and enjoy!

Like my other guacamole recipe, I like to use a pastry blender to mash the avocados. It works beautifully, even when the avocados aren’t quite ripe enough.

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