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Mediterranean Couscous Salad

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Let’s see if I can do this blogging thing again . . . after all, it’s been nearly 2-1/2 years since I’ve posted a recipe. Sorry for the long absence; life got busy, I suppose. To update you, we moved from Colorado to Brooklyn in March of last year, the twenty-one-year-old just finished his junior year of college, and we hit our ten-year vegan (and blog)-versary in January. So now you’re pretty much caught up.

Being stuck at home because of the pandemic, I’ve found myself cooking a lot more recently (I mean, come on, it’s NYC–we were definitely eating out more). I’ve also been trying to master the art of cooking for two, which has proved difficult for me, but I’m learning.

I decided to come out of hiding and share this recipe with you because we have been living off of it. It’s so damn good! It’s great by itself, but even better in a wrap with some hummus. Plus, it’s one of those salads that can be made with all kinds of ingredients, but these are certainly my favorites. It’s the perfect lunch, but also ideal after a workout since it’s packed with a nice mix of protein and carbs. Between The Husband and me, it lasts about four days and then it’s time for another batch. I love having something in the fridge that’s ready-to-go so I can get on with my day–which I guess right now, isn’t much, but it fills me up so I don’t find myself sitting around thinking I’m hungry, when I’m really just bored. Anyway, I think you’ll love it.

Other ingredient options: celery, capers, tomato, cucumber, pepitas, artichokes.
Serve with: tortillas (or pitas), and hummus.

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

A flavorful, carb- and protein-packed salad that is perfect for lunch or as a side dish. It's super versatile, so add your other favorite ingredients such as cucumber, tomato, capers, or celery.
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Prep Time 30 mins
Course Salad
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 C couscous (I like the tri-color variety)
  • 1 C vegetable broth
  • 1/2 C red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 C onion (yellow or red), diced
  • 2 large carrots, shredded
  • 1 15-oz can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 C olives (green or black), diced
  • 1/2 C dried cranberries
  • 1/2 C cashews, chopped
  • 1/3 C parsley, chopped

Dressing

  • 4 Tbs lemon juice
  • 1-1/2 tsp yellow miso
  • 2 Tbs red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 Tbs nutritional yeast
  • 6 Tbs olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Start by cooking the couscous. In a small or medium saucepan, heat the vegetable broth and add the couscous; stir to combine. Turn off the heat and cover. After about 5 minutes, fluff with a fork so that it doesn’t get too solid.
  • In a large bowl, combine all of the salad ingredients, including the couscous.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and combine thoroughly. 

Chickpea Salad Tacos

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Chickpea Salad Tacos -- Epicurean Vegan

I find it’s easy to fall into a lunch rut, especially when you don’t have a lot of time to pull something together. The beauty of this salad is that you spend 20 minutes in the kitchen preparing it, but it can last you several days. (I promise you won’t get bored with it!) The chickpeas (or garbanzo beans) are an excellent source of protein, so they’ll keep you going through the afternoon slump. I love crunch in my salads, so there’s plenty of that between the celery, carrots, bell pepper, and pepitas. (I had to stop myself from adding water chestnuts and/or red/purple cabbage–next time!) Lately, I’ve been buying the mini sweet peppers which are ideal for snacking, so while the recipe calls for 1/2 a red bell pepper, I used 2 of the mini peppers:

Chickpea Salad Tacos -- Epicurean Vegan

I also went for gluten-free corn tortillas instead of bread, which I think was ideal! However, feel free to enjoy this salad on any bread of your choice.

UPDATE: And for the second batch (because the first batch disappeared fast, I swapped out the carrots with the promised purple cabbage and water chestnuts. Divine)!

Chickpea Salad Tacos -- Epicurean Vegan

INGREDIENTS:
1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/3 C onion, diced or minced
1/3 C carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/4-1/3 C pepitas or chopped almonds
Sauce:
1-1/2 Tbs miso + 1 Tbs water
1/2 C vegan mayo
2 Tbs Dijon mustard
1 (heaping) Tbs dill relish
1 Tbs nutritional yeast
1 tsp kelp powder
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
The rest:
Gluten-free corn tortillas
Lettuce

DIRECTIONS:
Using a fork or pastry blender, mash the chickpeas until chunky. Add the rest of the salad ingredients.

Chickpea Salad Tacos -- Epicurean Vegan

In a medium bowl, whisk together the miso and water, then add the rest of the sauce ingredients; combine well.

Chickpea Salad Tacos -- Epicurean Vegan

Add the sauce to the chickpea mixture and stir together thoroughly. Top a tortilla with some lettuce and scoop the salad on top. Enjoy!

Chickpea Salad Tacos
 
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I find it's easy to fall into a lunch rut, especially when you don't have a lot of time to pull something together. The beauty of this salad is that you spend 20 minutes in the kitchen preparing it, but it can last you several days. (I promise you won't get bored with it!) The chickpeas (or garbanzo beans) are an excellent source of protein, so they'll keep you going through the afternoon slump. I love crunch in my salads, so there's plenty of that between the celery, carrots, bell pepper, and pepitas. (I had to stop myself from adding water chestnuts and/or red/purple cabbage--next time!) Lately, I've been buying the mini sweet peppers which are ideal for snacking, so while the recipe calls for ½ a red bell pepper, I used 2 of the mini peppers. I also went for gluten-free corn tortillas instead of bread, which I think was ideal! However, feel free to enjoy this salad on any bread of your choice.
Author:
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • 1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • ⅓ C onion, diced or minced
  • ⅓ C carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • ½ red bell pepper, diced
  • ¼-1/3 C pepitas or chopped almonds
  • Sauce:
  • 1-1/2 Tbs miso + 1 Tbs water
  • ½ C vegan mayo
  • 2 Tbs Dijon mustard
  • 1 (heaping) Tbs dill relish
  • 1 Tbs nutritional yeast
  • 1 tsp kelp powder
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • The rest:
  • Gluten-free corn tortillas
  • Lettuce
Directions
  1. Using a fork or pastry blender, mash the chickpeas until chunky. Add the rest of the salad ingredients.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the miso and water, then add the rest of the sauce ingredients; combine well.
  3. Add the sauce to the chickpea mixture and stir together thoroughly. Top a tortilla with some lettuce and scoop the salad on top. Enjoy!

 

Spinach Linguine with Sausage & Sun-dried Tomatoes

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Spinach Linguine with Sausage and Sun-dried Tomatoes -- Epicurean Vegan

I came across Tofurky’s Spinach Pesto Artisan Sausage, but I didn’t really have a recipe in mind; it just sounded like good and I wanted to give ’em a whirl. One sausage offers 29 grams of protein! only 11 grams of carbs and only 1 gram of saturated fat. And of course, you won’t find any cholesterol in these sausages. Super tasty and paired with pasta and sun-dried tomatoes in a light oil and garlic sauce, it makes an excellent meal in very little time!

Spinach Linguine with Sausage and Sun-dried Tomatoes -- Epicurean Vegan

INGREDIENTS:
12-oz spinach linguine
2 Tofurky Spinach Pesto sausages, sliced
6-oz jar oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, diced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1/3 C olive oil
1 tsp vegan margarine
Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegan Parmesan, optional

DIRECTIONS:
Cook the linguine according to package instructions. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, add the sausage and sun-dried tomatoes. Saute over medium-low heat, or until the edges of the sausage begin to brown.

Spinach Linguine with Sausage and Sun-dried Tomatoes -- Epicurean Vegan

In a small saucepan, heat the garlic, oil, and margarine to a low simmer, then remove from the heat. To serve, top individual servings of pasta with the sausage/sun-dried tomato mixture and drizzle with the garlic-oil sauce; top with vegan Parmesan and salt and pepper. Enjoy!

Spinach Linguine with Sausage & Sun-dried Tomatoes
 
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I came across Tofurky's Spinach Pesto Artisan Sausage, but I didn't really have a recipe in mind; it just sounded like good and I wanted to give 'em a whirl. One sausage offers 29 grams of protein! only 11 grams of carbs and only 1 gram of saturated fat. And of course, you won't find any cholesterol in these sausages. Super tasty and paired with sun-dried tomatoes in a light oil and garlic sauce, it makes an excellent meal in very little time!
Author:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 12-oz spinach linguine
  • 2 Tofurky Spinach Pesto sausages, sliced
  • 6-oz jar oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • ⅓ C olive oil
  • 1 tsp vegan margarine
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Vegan Parmesan, optional
Directions
  1. Cook the linguine according to package instructions.
  2. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, add the sausage and sun-dried tomatoes. Saute over medium-low heat, or until the edges of the sausage begin to brown.
  3. In a small saucepan, heat the garlic, oil, and margarine to a low simmer, then remove from the heat.
  4. To serve, top individual servings of pasta with the sausage/sun-dried tomato mixture and drizzle with the garlic-oil sauce; top with vegan Parmesan and salt and pepper. Enjoy!

 

Lentil-Garbanzo Bean Salad with Creamy Garlic-Balsamic Dressing

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Lentil-Garbanzo Bean Salad with Creamy Garlic-Balsamic Dressing -- Epicurean Vegan

With the fresh veggies, savory dressing, and some roasted walnuts for crunch, this salad is a easily my new favorite dish. Plus, it’s so easy to make when you use Trader Joe’s steamed lentils that are ready to eat.
Quick and Easy Lentils with Spinach and Mushrooms -- Epicurean Vegan

Let’s not forget lentils are loaded with protein, iron, and fiber–a powerhouse food ideal for any vegan diet.

INGREDIENTS:
1 pkg (1lb) Trader Joe’s Ready-to-Eat steamed lentils
1 15-oz can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
2 C fresh spinach, chopped
1 C fresh parsley, chopped
1 C green onions, sliced (white and green parts)
1 orange bell pepper, diced
1-1/2 C quartered cherry tomatoes
1 C roasted walnuts
Garlic-Balsamic Dressing
1 C cashews
2 garlic cloves
3/4 C cold water
2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
1 Tbs grapeseed oil
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS:
To make the dressing, I soaked the cashews in hot water for about an hour. Drain and add to a food processor along with the garlic and water. Puree, then add the balsamic vinegar, oil, lemon juice, and salt. Blend until completely smooth; set aside.

In a large bowl, combine all of the salad ingredients, except the walnuts. Serve the salad topped with walnuts and dressing. Enjoy!

Lentil-Garbanzo Bean Salad with Creamy Garlic-Balsamic Dressing
 
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With the fresh veggies, savory dressing, and some roasted walnuts for crunch, this salad is a easily my new favorite dish. Plus, it's so easy to make when you use Trader Joe's steamed lentils that are ready to eat. Let's not forget lentils are loaded with protein, iron, and fiber--a powerhouse food ideal for any vegan diet.
Author:
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • 1 pkg (1lb) Trader Joe's Ready-to-Eat steamed lentils
  • 1 15-oz can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 C fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 C fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 C green onions, sliced (white and green parts)
  • 1 orange bell pepper, diced
  • 1-1/2 C quartered cherry tomatoes
  • 1 C roasted walnuts
  • Garlic-Balsamic Dressing
  • 1 C cashews
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • ¾ C cold water
  • 2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbs grapeseed oil
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp salt
Directions
  1. To make the dressing, I soaked the cashews in hot water for about an hour. Drain and add to a food processor along with the garlic and water. Puree, then add the balsamic vinegar, oil, lemon juice, and salt. Blend until completely smooth; set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine all of the salad ingredients, except the walnuts.
  3. Serve the salad topped with walnuts and dressing. Enjoy!

 

Quick & Easy Lentils with Spinach & Mushrooms

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Quick and Easy Lentils with Spinach and Mushrooms -- Epicurean Vegan

As much as I love to cook, there are times when I want to spend as little time in the kitchen preparing a meal as possible. We’re busy—we’ve got places to go, things to do, people to see! And I’m guessing you’re the same way. Unfortunately, the Standard American Diet (SAD) has allowed us to spend practically no time in the kitchen preparing healthy meals, but rather digging into a greasy bag or a plastic container of some deli salad that’s been sitting all day.

Thankfully, I’ve discovered these ready-to-eat lentils from Trader Joe’s.
Quick and Easy Lentils with Spinach and Mushrooms -- Epicurean Vegan

I think I paid $2.99 for this 1 lb 1.6-oz package that contains 5, 1/2 cup servings. First, let’s talk figures: We’re looking at 8 grams of fiber, 9 grams of protein, and 20% of your daily intake of iron—and that’s just in half a cup! Lentils contain no fat or cholesterol either. Even though lentils are high in carbs, that’s okay because whole grains gives us the slow and steady release of glucose that our bodies need to keep going. Plus, in case you haven’t heard . . . fiber is awesome. It helps control your weight because it adds volume to foods without a lot of calories so you feel fuller longer. It also helps stabilizes blood sugar so you don’t go from satisfied to ravenous in a matter of two hours.

Okay, are you convinced? Good.

Anyway, I threw this together in about 20 minutes. We had been out of town, so the fridge contents were sparse, but I was able to scrounge up some items.  I also had some leftover Cilantro-Cashew Sauce in the freezer that I defrosted in some hot water. I sauteed some onion, mushrooms, and spinach, then topped these bowls with some pepitas and fresh chives. Check out THIS LIST of other sauces you could easily whip up in no time.

Quick and Easy Lentils with Spinach and Mushrooms -- Epicurean VeganINGREDIENTS:
1 pkg. Trader Joe’s Ready-to-Eat lentils (in the produce section)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2-3 C mushrooms, sliced
3-4 C fresh spinach, chopped
Salt and pepper
Juice from half a lime
Pepitas
Fresh chives, chopped
Sauce of your choice (see above)

DIRECTIONS:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and add the garlic; saute for 2 minutes over medium heat. Add the onion and cook 5-7 minutes, or until they soften and begin to brown. Add the mushrooms and cook 3-4 minutes. In the meantime, heat the lentils by making 3 slits in the bag and cooking for 3 minutes on high in the microwave. Then add them to the skillet and mix in well. Add the spinach and cook until it begins to wilt.
Quick and Easy Lentils with Spinach and Mushrooms -- Epicurean VeganSeason with salt and pepper, then add the lime juice. Stir to combine. Serve in bowls and top with pepitas, chives and sauce. Enjoy!

Edamame Spaghetti with Lemon-Garlic Sauce

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Edamame Spaghetti with Lemon-Garlic Sauce -- Epicurean VeganThat’s right, edamame spaghetti. In 12-ridiculous steps that include cooking the beans, mashing them, adding flour, six other ingredients, and running the dough through a pasta machine, you’re in business! Or . . . you can go the easy way by picking up pre-made edamame noodles like I did:
Edamame SpaghettiThis 2-lb box is from Costco and will run you about $9. And you can’t get simpler as far as ingredients go: soy beans and water. I think it’s a nice change up from pasta, and here’s the skinny: they’re gluten-free; high in protein and fiber; half the carbs of pasta; and a bit less calories, too. I thought I’d give them a whirl. Because the spaghetti only takes 4-5 minutes to cook, this is a great meal to prepare when you want something quick and easy. How do they taste? Delicious. Not much flavor on their own, but there’s no reason you can’t dress them up with a sauce or seasonings. A tomato sauce doesn’t seem like the right choice though, but more of a light cream or olive oil sauce. Just like with regular pasta, the possibilities are pretty endless.

INGREDIENTS:
8-oz edamame spaghetti
2 Tbs olive oil
3 cloves of garlic
zest and juice from one lemon
salt
2 Tbs Earth Balance margarine
2 C mushrooms, sliced
1 tomato, diced
Parmezano Sprinkles (from The Uncheese Cookbook)
1/2 C blanched almonds
2 Tbs nutritional yeast
1-2 tsp light or yellow miso
1/4 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS:
I made the Parmezano Sprinkles first: To blanch the almonds, place in a small sauce pan with just enough water to cover them and boil for 2 minutes. Drain, rinse, and pinch the skins off. Transfer to a food processor along with the other ingredients and grind it all together. Keep in the fridge in a tightly-lidded container.

Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil and simmer the noodles for 4-5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, melt the margarine and add the mushrooms. Saute for about 3 minutes. Before draining the noodles, reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. Drain the edamame noodles and rinse with cold water. In the same cooking pot, heat the olive oil and add the garlic; cook for 30 seconds. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt to taste, and then the noodles. Use a fork or tongs to incorporate the sauce. Add some water if it seems a little dry. Serve with some mushrooms and tomatoes, then top with the Parmezano Sprinkles. Enjoy!

Edamame Spaghetti with Lemon-Garlic Sauce
 
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Author:
Serves: 3-4
Ingredients
  • 8-oz edamame spaghetti
  • 2 Tbs olive oil
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • zest and juice from one lemon
  • salt
  • 2 Tbs Earth Balance margarine
  • 2 C mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • Parmezano Sprinkles (from The Uncheese Cookbook)
  • ½ C blanched almonds
  • 2 Tbs nutritional yeast
  • 1-2 tsp light or yellow miso
  • ¼ tsp salt
Directions
  1. I made the Parmezano Sprinkles first: To blanch the almonds, place in a small sauce pan with just enough water to cover them and boil for 2 minutes. Drain, rinse, and pinch the skins off. Transfer to a food processor along with the other ingredients and grind it all together. Keep in the fridge in a tightly-lidded container.
  2. Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil and simmer the noodles for 4-5 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, melt the margarine and add the mushrooms. Saute for about 3 minutes.
  4. Before draining the noodles, reserve ½ cup of the cooking liquid. Drain the edamame noodles and rinse with cold water.
  5. In the same cooking pot, heat the olive oil and add the garlic; cook for 30 seconds. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt to taste, and then the noodles. Use a fork or tongs to incorporate the sauce. Add some water if it seems a little dry.
  6. Serve with some mushrooms and tomatoes, then top with the Parmezano Sprinkles. 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!

 

Sauteed Asparagus & Chickpeas Over Herbed Brown Rice

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Sauteed Asparagus and Chickpeas Over Herbed Brown Rice -- Epicurean Vegan

This recipe came to me about two in the morning a few days ago and I haven’t been able to get it off my mind. And it’s a good thing. The flavors of the sage, thyme, and parsley meld so perfectly and I love the combo of the soft chickpeas and crispy asparagus. I don’t usually go for instant brown rice, but I also don’t always like waiting forty-five minutes for brown rice to cook, so the ease of instant rice made this delicious dish come together in breeze.

INGREDIENTS:
1 bunch asparagus, cut diagonally into 3-4 pieces
1 Tbs olive oil
2 C instant brown rice
1-3/4 C vegetable broth
1 Tbs fresh sage (about 10 leaves), minced
1 Tbs fresh thyme, minced
1/3 C fresh parsley, chopped
1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 Tbs lemon juice

DIRECTIONS:
In a large skillet, over medium-low heat, heat the olive oil add the asparagus. Saute 10-15 minutes, or until softened, but with still a little crunch. Season with salt and pepper.
Sauteed Asparagus & Chickpeas Over Herbed Brown Rice -- Epicurean VeganMeanwhile, start the rice. Bring the broth to a boil, then add the rice. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 5 minutes. If you’re using regular brown rice, get it going right away and don’t start sauteeing the asparagus until the rice has about 15 minutes of cooking time left. (Cook according to package instructions.)

Add the chickpeas to the skillet, along with the lemon juice, and cook over low heat for about 5 minutes.

Sauteed Asparagus and Chickpeas Over Herbed Brown Rice -- Epicurean Vegan

Add the herbs to the cooked rice and combine well.
Sauteed Asparagus & Chickpeas Over Herbed Brown Rice -- Epicurean Vegan

Serve the asparagus-chickpeas mixture over the herbed brown rice and enjoy!

Sauteed Asparagus & Chickpeas Over Herbed Brown Rice
 
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This recipe came to me about two in the morning a few days ago and I haven't been able to get it off my mind. And it's a good thing. The flavors of the sage, thyme, and parsley meld so perfectly and I love the combo of the soft chickpeas and crispy asparagus. I don't usually go for instant brown rice, but I also don't always like waiting forty-five minutes for brown rice to cook, so the ease of instant rice made this delicious dish come together in breeze.
Author:
Ingredients
  • 1 bunch asparagus, cut diagonally into 3-4 pieces
  • 1 Tbs olive oil
  • 2 C instant brown rice
  • 1-3/4 C vegetable broth
  • 1 Tbs fresh sage (about 10 leaves), minced
  • 1 Tbs fresh thyme, minced
  • ⅓ C fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 Tbs lemon juice
Directions
  1. In a large skillet, over medium-low heat, heat the olive oil add the asparagus. Saute 10-15 minutes, or until softened, but with still a little crunch. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Meanwhile, start the rice. Bring the broth to a boil, then add the rice. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 5 minutes. If you're using regular brown rice, get it going right away and don't start sauteeing the asparagus until the rice has about 15 minutes of cooking time left. (Cook according to package instructions.)
  3. Add the chickpeas to the skillet, along with the lemon juice, and cook over low heat for about 5 minutes. Add the herbs to the cooked rice and combine well.
  4. Serve the asparagus-chickpeas mixture over the herbed brown rice and enjoy!

 

Lentil Bowls with Avocado & Tomato

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Lentil Bowls with Avocado and Tomato -- Epicurean Vegan

This makes a great side dish or main meal. It’s also ready in about 30 minutes. Lentils are so easy to make and are incredibly healthy. They’re full of fiber (perfect for lowering cholesterol), a fabulous source of folate and magnesium which contribute to heart health, and good for the digestive system. They also contain the third highest level of protein, lots of iron, and are low in calories, and virtually no fat. Dig in!

INGREDIENTS:
3 C vegetable broth
1 C green lentils
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
2 Tbs lime juice
4 green onion, sliced
1 tomato, diced
1/4 C pepitas
3 Tbs nutritional yeast
1/2 C fresh cilantro, chopped
Avocado slices

DIRECTIONS:
Combine the broth and lentils in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir, reduce heat, and cover for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through the cooking process, stir and season with cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Taste the lentils and if they’re soft, with a little firmness, they’re about done. Drain any excess liquid off.
Lentils with Avocado and Tomato -- Epicurean VeganGently fold in the green onion, tomato, pepitas, nutritional yeast, and lime juice. Top individual servings with 2-3 slices of avocado and some cilantro. Enjoy!

Lentil Bowls with Avocado & Tomato
 
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This makes a great side dish or main meal. It's also ready in about 30 minutes. Lentils are so easy to make and are incredibly healthy. They're full of fiber (perfect for lowering cholesterol), a fabulous source of folate and magnesium which contribute to heart health, and good for the digestive system. They also contain the third highest level of protein, lots of iron, and are low in calories, and virtually no fat. Dig in!
Author:
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 3 C vegetable broth
  • 1 C green lentils
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 2 Tbs lime juice
  • 4 green onion, sliced
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • ¼ C pepitas
  • 3 Tbs nutritional yeast
  • ½ C fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Avocado slices
Directions
  1. Combine the broth and lentils in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir, reduce heat, and cover for 20-25 minutes.
  2. Halfway through the cooking process, stir and season with cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. After the 20-25 minutes, taste the lentils and if they're soft, with a little firmness, they're about done. Drain any excess liquid off.
  4. Gently fold in the green onion, tomato, pepitas, nutritional yeast, and lime juice.
  5. Top individual servings with 2-3 slices of avocado and some cilantro. Enjoy!

 

Raw Walnut Tacos {The 22-Day Revolution}

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Raw Walnut Tacos, The 22-Day Revolution -- Epicurean VeganEarlier this month, I brought you my review of The 22-Day Revolution, a new plant-based cookbook by Marco Borges. I promised to post the Raw Walnut Tacos recipe, so here it is. Everyone here loved these; great flavor and ready in 10 minutes. The only thing I added was some cilantro. This makes a fabulous lunch option, or a light dinner.

INGREDIENTS:
Taco meat:
2 C walnuts
1-1/2 Tbs cumin
1 Tbs coriander
2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
1 Tbs coconut aminos
dash paprika
dash garlic powder
dash black pepper
Garnish:
2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and sliced
1/2 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 Tbs parsley flakes
pinch of black pepper
pinch sea salt
1 lime
The rest:
2 heads of romaine lettuce

DIRECTIONS:
Separate and wash the romaine leaves and set aside. Combine all of the taco meat ingredients in a food processor and pulse a few times, careful not to grind them too small.
Raw Walnut Tacos, The 22-Day Revolution -- Epicurean VeganSpread the walnut meat on the romaine leaves and garnish with cilantro (if using), avocado slices, tomato, parsley, pepper, salt, and lime juice.
Raw Walnut Tacos, The 22-Day Revolution -- Epicurean Vegan

Enjoy!

Raw Walnut Tacos {22-Day Revolution}
 
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Prep time
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Author:
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • Taco meat:
  • 2 C walnuts
  • 1-1/2 Tbs cumin
  • 1 Tbs coriander
  • 2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbs coconut aminos
  • dash paprika
  • dash garlic powder
  • dash black pepper
  • Garnish:
  • 2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and sliced
  • ½ pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ Tbs parsley flakes
  • pinch of black pepper
  • pinch sea salt
  • 1 lime
  • The rest:
  • 2 heads of romaine lettuce
Directions
  1. Separate and wash the romaine leaves and set aside.
  2. Combine all of the taco meat ingredients in a food processor and pulse a few times, careful not to grind them too small.
  3. Spread the walnut meat on the romaine leaves and garnish with cilantro (if using), avocado slices, tomato, parsley, pepper, salt, and lime juice.
  4. Enjoy!

 

 

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