Vegetarian Delights: A Confessions of a Foodie Offspring

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Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Double-Post Tuesday

Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday (because not everyone loves tacos). Today's offerings include Vegan Lentil Burgers and Cheese-Stuffed Shells in Marinara Sauce. Enjoy!

FRENCH ONION SOUP

This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.

3 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

7 cups halved and thinly-sliced onions

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons all purpose flour

6 cups low sodium vegetable broth

1/3 cup dry sherry

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 French bread loaf, cut 1/2" thick slices

10 ounces shredded Jarlsberg or Gruyere cheese

In large, heavy pot, melt 2 tablespoons butter with oil over medium heat. Stir in onions, sugar, & salt. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Reduce heat, cover & cook 10 minutes. Remove lid & cook 15 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Add remaining butter to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are caramelized & very soft, about 15 minutes. Stir in flour & cook 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in broth, sherry, thyme, salt to taste & pepper. Cover & simmer 15 minutes, adding more salt if needed. Preheat broiler. Lightly toast bread slices. Ladle soup into 6 ovenproof bowls or crocks & arrange on baking sheet. Put enough bread on top of each serving, cutting & fitting if necessary to cover soup. Sprinkle bread with shredded cheese. Broil until cheese is bubbly & golden. Serve hot. Serves 8.

VEGAN LENTIL BURGERS

This comes from Bunny Erica on the Genius Kitchen site. Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Yield: 8-10 burgers

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 cup dry lentils, well rinsed

2 1⁄2 cups water

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon olive oil

1⁄2 medium onion, diced

1 carrot, diced

1 teaspoon pepper

1 tablespoon soy sauce

3⁄4 cup rolled oats, finely ground

3⁄4 cup breadcrumbs

Directions

Boil lentils in the water with the salt for around 45 minutes. Lentils will be soft and most of the water will be gone.

Fry the onions and carrot in the oil until soft, it will take about 5 minutes.

In a bowl mix the cooked ingredients with the pepper, soy sauce, oats and bread crumbs.

While still warm form the mixture into patties, it will make 8-10 burgers.

Burgers can then be shallow fried for 1-2 minutes on each side or baked at 200C for 15 minutes.

ORIGINAL PLUM TORTE

This is from The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. It begins, “The Times published Marian Burros’s recipe for Plum Torte every September from 1983 until 1989, when the editors determined that enough was enough. The recipe was to be printed for the last time that year. 'To counter anticipated protests,' Ms. Burros wrote a few years later, 'the recipe was printed in larger type than usual with a broken-line border around it to encourage clipping.” It didn’t help. The paper was flooded with angry letters. “The appearance of the recipe, like the torte itself, is bittersweet,' wrote a reader in Tarrytown, N.Y. 'Summer is leaving, fall is coming. That's what your annual recipe is all about. Don't be grumpy about it.' We are not! And we pledge that every year, as summer gives way to fall, we will make sure that the recipe is easily available to one and all. The original 1983 recipe called for 1 cup sugar; the 1989 version reduced that to 3/4 cup. We give both options below. Here are five ways to adapt the torte.” Yield: 8 servings; Time: 1 hour 15 minutes.

This was featured in “Eating Well” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

3/4 to 1 cup sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup unbleached flour, sifted

1 teaspoon baking powder

Pinch of salt (optional)

2 eggs

24 halves pitted purple plums

Sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon, for topping

Preparation

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream the sugar and butter in a bowl. Add the flour, baking powder, salt and eggs and beat well.

Spoon the batter into a springform pan of 8, 9 or 10 inches. Place the plum halves skin side up on top of the batter. Sprinkle lightly with sugar and lemon juice, depending on the sweetness of the fruit. Sprinkle with about 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, depending on how much you like cinnamon.

Bake 1 hour, approximately. Remove and cool; refrigerate or freeze if desired. Or cool to lukewarm and serve plain or with whipped cream. (To serve a torte that was frozen, defrost and reheat it briefly at 300 degrees.)

Tip

To freeze, double-wrap the torte in foil, place in a plastic bag and seal.

CHOCOLTE BEAN CUPCAKES

This is from the July/August 2005 issue of Vegetarian Times (page 41). Makes 12 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Cupcakes

1/3 cup soy margarine, melted

1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

2 large eggs or 1/2 cup egg substitute

2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 Tbs. grated orange zest, optional

1 15.5-oz. can black beans, drained, rinsed and pureed

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

Frosting

1/2 cup soy margarine

2 cups confectioners' sugar

4 Tbs. frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed

12 chocolate kisses

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375F. Line 12 cupcake tins with paper liners.

To make Cupcakes: Using electric mixer on high, beat margarine, sugar and eggs for 3 minutes, or until thick and creamy.

Fold vanilla extract and orange zest, if using, into puréed beans. In small bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour and baking powder.

Fold egg mixture into beans, then fold flour mixture into beans by thirds. Fill cupcake tins two-thirds full. Bake 20 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes. Remove, and cool on rack.

Meanwhile, to make Frosting: Using electric mixer, beat margarine until smooth. Beat in confectioners’ sugar then juice concentrate until smooth. If too stiff, add 1 tsp. water at a time. Tint with food coloring, if desired. Top each cupcake with 2 tsp. frosting and a candy kiss.

SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.

4 medium Sweet potatoes or yams (about 2 lb)

1/4 cup Packed brown sugar

1/4 cup Butter

1/2 teaspoon Salt

1 Can (8 oz) crushed pineapple

1 tablespoon Packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon Butter

1 teaspoon Water

1/2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg

1 1/2 cups Miniature marshmallows

1/4 cup Chopped pecans

Wash sweet potatoes. Prick each 2 or 3 times with fork to allow steam to escape. Arrange in oven at least 1 inch apart. Microwave at HIGH (100%) until fork-tender, 8 to 10 mins. Cover & let stand 5 minutes.

Peel and slice potatoes. Place in 2-quart casserole. Add 1/4 cup butter and the salt. Mash until no lumps remain. Mix in pineapple. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 2 minutes. Stir and set aside.

Place 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon butter, the water, cinnamon, and nutmeg in medium bowl. Microwave at HIGH (100%) until butter is melted, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, stirring after half the time. Add marshmallows; toss to coat. Top sweet potato mixture with marshmallows. Microwave at HIGH (100 % until the marshmallows are melted and potatoes are heated through, 2 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle with pecans.

CHEESE-STUFFED SHELLS IN MARINARA SAUCE

This recipe is from FamilyTime, and begins, “A traditional Italian-style favorite is made easier for you! Combine Buitoni Marinara Sauce with stuffed shells, add a tossed salad and warm bread and sit down to a satisfying meal!”

Serves: 6; Prep. time: 15 minutes; Cooking time: 30 minutes.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

12 dried jumbo whole-wheat or regular pasta shells, prepared according to package directions

1 cup (4 ounces)shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, divided

1 cup fat free or reduced-fat ricotta cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 container (15 oz.) BUITONI® refrigerated Marinara Sauce

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degree F.

Combine 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg and pepper in a medium bowl. Stuff each shell evenly with cheese mixture; place in ungreased 12 x 71/2-inch (2-quart rectangular) baking dish. Pour sauce over shells.

Bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake for an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

For Freeze Ahead:

Prepare as above; do not bake. Do not top with remaining mozarella cheese. Cover; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator.

Preheat oven to 350° F.

Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake for an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Taco Tuesday

It's time for another Taco Tuesday. Today's yummy offerings include Black Bean Tacos with Roasted Peppers and Onions and Carrot-and-Black Bean Crispy Tacos. Enjoy!

CRISPY THAI ROASTED CAULIFLOWER TACOS [VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE]

This comes from One Green Planet, and starts off, “These cauliflower tacos are an explosion of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. The crispy Thai cauliflower is mellowed by a tasty slaw and the whole taco is tied together with a delightful avocado-lime sauce. These tacos are sure to be crowd pleasers.”

This recipe is: Dairy-Free and Vegan; Serves 4.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

For the Tacos:

1 tablespoon red curry paste

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon lime juice

4 cups cauliflower florets

2 teaspoon Thai seasoning (see below)

4 small, gluten-free tortillas

For the Slaw:

3 cups purple cabbage, shredded

1 carrot, shredded

3 tablespoon cilantro, coarsely chopped

1 tablespoon flaked toasted coconut

2 teaspoon each extra virgin olive oil and lime juice

1 teaspoon agave

1 jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced

For the Avocado Lime Drizzle:

1 avocado, pitted

1/2 cup cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup water

2 limes, peeled (flesh only – take the skin and white bits off with a knife)

For the Thai Seasoning:

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon dried lemon zest

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon powdered ginger

1 teaspoon ground coriander

A few pinches of dried chili flakes

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

In a bowl, whisk together the curry paste, olive oil, and lime juice to make a thinner paste.

Toss the cauliflower in the mixture and stir it to coat.

In a small jar, combine all spices for the Thai seasoning and shake them together to blend.

Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of the Thai seasoning over the cauliflower and stir it to coat.

Line a baking sheet with foil and scatter the cauliflower florets in a single layer.

Roast them for 15-20 minutes or until they are crispy.

Meanwhile, combine all ingredients for the cabbage slaw in a large bowl.

Stir the olive oil, lime juice, and agave together. Then, pour it over the slaw and stir everything in.

In a blender, puree all ingredients for the avocado drizzle. Transfer it to a bottle with a squeeze top, or a sealed jar as you’ll have extra to store in the fridge.

When the cauliflower is ready, remove it from the oven.

Divide the cabbage slaw between 3-4 tortillas, then evenly distribute the roasted cauliflower. Drizzle the tacos with avocado sauce and garnish with additional cilantro and toasted coconut if desired.

CARROT-AND-BLACK BEAN CRISPY TACOS

This recipe comes from Country Living, and begins, “Dig into vegetarian tacos with tons of fresh flavor.” Total Time: 30 minutes; Prep Time: 30 minutes; Level: Easy; Yield: 4 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 small onion, chopped

1 poblano pepper, diced

1 tsp. chili powder

1 (15.5-oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 tbsp. fresh lime juice, plus wedges for serving

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/2 lb. medium carrots, cut into 3" to 4" sticks

1 tsp. ground cumin

8 whole-grain taco shells, warmed

Sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, and chopped fresh cilantro and radishes, for serving

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 4to 6 minutes. Add chili powder and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add black beans and 1/3 cup water. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 4 to 6 minutes. Mash beans with the back of the spoon until thick. Stir in lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, toss carrots with cumin and 1 1/2 tablespoons oil on a rimmed baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Roast, turning once, until just tender, 10 to 12 minutes.

Divide beans and carrots between taco shells. Top with avocado, queso fresco, cilantro, and radishes. Serve with lime wedges alongside.

PER SERVING: protein: 8 g; fat: 17 g; carbohydrate: 42 g; fiber: 10 g; sodium: 261 mg; cholesterol: 0 mg; calories: 334.

BLACK BEAN TACOS WITH ROASTED PEPPERS AND ONIONS

This comes from Vegetarian Times. This one begins, “For a fast meal that’s a surefire crowd-pleaser, these tacos fit the bill.” Yield: Serves 8.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients:

Roasted Peppers and Onions

3 red bell peppers, thinly sliced (3 cups)

1 large onion, thinly sliced (1 1/2 cups)

1 Tbs. olive oil

Tacos

2 Tbs. olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped (1 cup)

6 cloves garlic, minced (2 Tbs.)

2 15-oz. cans black beans, drained and rinsed

1 15-oz. can diced organic fire-roasted tomatoes

1 Tbs. chili powder

1 Tbs. ground cumin

1/8 tsp. hot sauce, or more to taste

16 organic corn taco shells, warmed

Toppings

3 cups shredded lettuce

1 16-oz. container prepared salsa

2 large tomatoes, diced (2 cups)

2 avocados, diced (2 cups)

1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

1 cup low-fat sour cream

Instructions:

To make Roasted Peppers and Onions: Preheat oven to 450°F. Toss peppers and onion with oil on large baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Roast 15 minutes, stir, and roast 15 minutes more, or until vegetables are tender and peppers are beginning to blacken. Transfer to small bowl.

Meanwhile, to make Tacos: Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté 5 to 7 minutes, or until soft. Add garlic, and cook 1 minute more, or until fragrant. Stir in beans, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, hot sauce, and 1 cup water. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 15 minutes, or until most of liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally. Mash beans until filling is thickened, but chunky, and most beans remain intact. Adjust seasonings, if necessary. Transfer to serving bowl. Pass taco shells, filling, Roasted Peppers and Onions, and Toppings around the table.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 482; Protein: 16 g; Total Fat: 22 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 57 g; Cholesterol: 17 mg; Sodium: 665 mg; Fiber: 12 g; Sugar: 14 g

STIR-FRY VEGETABLE TACOS

This one also comes from Vegetarian Times, and begins, "Spice up these tacos with sliced pickled ginger, crushed wasabi peas, and sriracha chile sauce, for garnish." Yield: Serves 4.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients:

3 Tbs. peanut oil

2 cups shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and caps sliced (6 oz.)

1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed

1 cup frozen shelled edamame

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

3 Tbs. white miso

2 Tbs. orange juice

2 tsp. rice vinegar

2 cups broccoli slaw

4 6-inch corn or flour tortillas, warmed

2 Tbs. sliced green onions

Instructions:

Heat oil in nonstick skillet over high heat. Add mushrooms, sugar snap peas, edamame, and cayenne pepper; cook 7 to 9 minutes, or until vegetables start to turn golden, stirring occasionally. Transfer to bowl, and cool 10 minutes in refrigerator.

Meanwhile, whisk together miso, orange juice, and rice vinegar in small bowl. Drizzle over mushroom mixture. Stir in broccoli slaw. Fill tortillas with vegetable mixture, and garnish with green onions.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 272; Protein: 8 g; Total Fat: 13 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 35 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 386 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 10 g

VEGAN POTATO TACOS (TACOS DE PAPA)

This is from Brittany Mueller, who runs I Love Vegan with her other half, William. The recipe begins, “This recipe has overhauled my taco game,” while writing, “Crispy fried tacos filled with smoky cumin-spiced potatoes, pico de gallo, avocado, tomato, and cilantro. Super easy and insanely delicious!”

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 10 tacos

You can check out this recipe on their site at https://www.ilovevegan.com/vegan-potato-tacos-tacos-de-papa/. And while you’re there, be sure to sign up for their email updates. You won’t regret it!

Ingredients

1.5 lbs (1/2 bag) of The Little Potato Company’s Little Charmers (Creamer potatoes), halved

Salted water, for boiling potatoes

2 tbsp vegan butter or olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp salt

Black pepper, to taste

2 tbsp adobo sauce (from a can of chipotle peppers)

8–12 corn tortillas

Canola or sunflower oil, for frying tortillas

To serve: pico de gallo (salsa fresca), sliced avocado, chopped tomato, cilantro, and lime wedges

Directions

Add halved potatoes to a large pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil for 10-15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Drain.

Heat vegan butter or olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add drained potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.

Add cumin, salt, black pepper, and adobo sauce. Stir well. Cook for about 5 minutes.

Mash 1/3-1/2 of the potatoes and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning. Set aside.

Prep your desired toppings before frying corn tortillas.

In a large frying pan, heat a generous amount of oil over medium-high heat (1/4” deep.) Allow plenty of time for the oil to get up to temperature (if the oil isn’t hot enough your tacos will be greasy.) Add 1-2 corn tortillas (don’t crowd the pan) and fry for 20-30 seconds. Flip tortillas and fold them roughly in half, fry for 15-20 seconds, flip and fry the other side for 15-20 seconds (until both sides are golden brown.) Drain on a cooling rack with an absorbent kitchen towel (or paper towel) underneath to absorb excess oil.

While tacos are still hot, gently spread them open, add 1/4-1/3 cup potato filling. Top with pico de gallo, fresh avocado, chopped tomato, and cilantro. Serve with a wedge of lime.

Notes:

Crispy Tortilla Frying Tip:

Adjust the heat as needed. If the oil isn’t hot enough the tacos shells will cook too slowly and absorb excess oil. If the oil is too hot, the tortillas will get crisp too quickly and you’ll struggle to fold them over to make the classic crispy taco shell shape.

You don’t need much oil, about 1/4 inch in the pan will do. Add more as needed. To save on oil, use a smaller pan for frying.

Use tongs to flip and fold tortillas while frying.

JAMAICAN CURRIED TEMPEH TACOS

This comes from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “The yellow curry filling, mustard greens, and red pepper strips lend these spicy tacos the colors of the tropics.” Yield: Serves 4.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients:

1 Tbs. peanut oil

1 small sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, diced (1 cup)

1 8-oz. pkg. tempeh, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1/2 cup unsweetened pineapple juice

2 Tbs. chopped cilantro

2 1/2 tsp. curry powder

1 1/2 tsp. grated fresh ginger

1 Tbs. lime juice

1 tsp. grated lime zest

4 6-inch corn or flour tortillas, warmed

1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper

1/2 cup curly mustard greens, finely chopped

2 Tbs. chopped peanuts, optional

Instructions:

Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, and cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until onion is softened. Stir in tempeh, pineapple juice, cilantro, curry powder, and ginger. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook 5 minutes, or until pineapple juice evaporates and tempeh starts to brown, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, stir in lime juice and zest, and season with salt and pepper.

Fill tortillas with tempeh mixture. Add red bell pepper and mustard greens. Top with peanuts, if desired.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 220; Protein: 14 g; Total Fat: 7.5 g; Saturated Fat: 1.5 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 313 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 6 g