Soup is one of those foods that many of us eat when it's cold out to help warm us up. But it's a great anytime food. Here are six soup recipes to help you through the day, including Apple Rutabaga Soup and Vegan Gingered Carrot Soup. Enjoy!
SWEET POTATO, CARAMELIZED ONION, AND APPLE CIDER SOUP
This is from Soup for Every Body by Joanna Pruess with Lauren Braun via Publix's December, 2005 GreenWise.
The recipe originally called for 2 cups of chicken or vegetable stock. I simply cut out the chicken stock and left it at 2 cups vegetable stock.
1 1/2 hours prep time (includes baking time); Serves 4-6
1 1/2 lb sweet potatoes (or yams)
2 Tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil
2 large onions, peeled and thinly sliced
2 C fresh apple cider
1 Tbsp unsulphured molasses plus 3 Tbsp water
2 C vegetable stock
salt and white pepper
2 Tbsp finely chopped walnuts, lightly toasted
1 Tbsp finely shredded fresh sage leaves
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bake sweet potatoes until tender, about 1 hour. Set aside to cool, then peel. While potatoes are baking, heat butter or oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in onions and adjust head to medium. Sauté until golden brown and very tender, about 20-25 minutes, stirring often.
Transfer onions, sweet potatoes, and apple cider to food processor. Puree until smooth.
Return puree to pan and stir in molasses and water. Add stock to the puree and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Ladle soup into heated bowls. Sprinkle a small amount of chopped walnuts and shredded sage leaves in center of each bowl and serve.
Per serving: 326 calories; 4 g protein; 59 g carbohydrates; 7 g fiber; 9 g total fat (4 g sta., 2 g mono, 2 g poly); 346 mg sodium; Vitamin A, B6, Manganese, B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), C, E, Pantothenic acid, Copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium
FIVE BEAN SOUP
This comes from Eden Kitchens
Serves 10. Prep Time 10 minutes. Cook Time 40 minutes.
2 Tbs Eden Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, diced
1/4 C celery, diced
1/2 C carrots, diced
3 Tbs barley, rinsed
3 C water
1 can Eden Organic Pinto Beans
1 can Eden Organic Black Beans
1 can Eden Organic Kidney Beans
1 can Eden Organic Navy Beans
1 can Eden Organic Garbanzo Beams
1 C sweet corn, fresh or frozen
1 can Eden Organic Diced Tomatoes with Roasted Onion
1/2 tsp dried basil
1 1/2 tsp crushed bay leaf
1 tsp Eden Sea Salt – French Celtic
Heat oil in soup pot, sauté garlic & onion until onion is translucent. Add water, celery, carrot & barley, beans, corn, tomatoes & herbs. Add salt, cover & simmer 30 minutes. Serve.
HOT AND SOUR SOUP
This comes from Publix Supermarket's Aprons. Makes 6 servings.
1/4 cup green onions (2 – 3 onions)
1 (28-ounce) can chop suey vegetables (drained)
4 1/4 cups water
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon miso paste
1/2 cup shredded carrots
2 teaspoons chili bean sauce
1 tablespoon vegetable base
1/4 cup Oriental salad dressing
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Wash onions and remove any wilted portions. Chop enough green onions into 1/4-inch pieces to measure 1/4 cup, including up to half of green tops. Discard tops or reserve for another use. Set aside.
Open can of vegetables and drain liquid by squeezing lid against vegetables. Set aside.
Place in large saucepan: 4 cups water, onions, vegetables, mushrooms, hoisin sauce, miso paste, carrots, bean sauce, vegetable base and salad dressing. Bring to boil on medium-high heat. Place 1/4 cup water and cornstarch in 2-cup measuring cup. Stir together until creamy. When boiling, stir in cornstarch mixture. Reduce heat to low and simmer 10 minutes. Serve.
Calories 332 kcal; Fat 11 g; Cholesterol 0 mg; Carbohydrate 45 g; Fiber 6 g; Protein 14 g; Sodium 1954 mg
Daily Values: Vitamin A 39%; Vitamin C 15%; Calcium 10%; Iron 16%
VEGAN CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP
This recipe comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide. She writes, “With just four ingredients plus a little salt and pepper to taste, this is a very simple and basic vegan cream of asparagus soup recipe. Be sure to use a vegan margarine to make sure your asparagus soup is completely vegan and dairy-free.”
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup water or vegetable broth
1 bunch fresh asparagus
2 tbsp vegan margarine
2 tbsp flour
1 3/4 cups soy milk
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Blanch asparagus in water or vegetable broth for just a few minutes until asparagus is tender, but not soft and overcooked. Drain, reserving the cooking liquid, and set aside.
In a large soup pot, melt the margarine over medium-low heat, then add the milk and flour, stirring until a thick roux is formed. Remove from heat.
In a blender or food processor, add the asparagus, soy milk roux, asparagus cooking liquid and asparagus. Pulse a few times, until just blended, or until you have the desired consistency. I like to have a few pieces of whole asparagus in my soup, though you may prefer a smoother asparagus soup.
Return to the stove to reheat your soup, and season generously with salt and pepper.
VEGAN GINGERED CARROT SOUP
This comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food expert. She writes, "Colorful and fragrant carrot and ginger soup is a light and soothing soup. Carrot soup with ginger is a nutritious and low fat soup recipe with just a touch of sweetness and a touch of spice." Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 55 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
3 tbsp olive oil
1/2 yellow onion, diced
1/4 cup fresh ginger, minced
4 cups chopped and peeled carrots (about 1 1/2 pounds)
3 cups vegetable broth
1 1/2 cups orange juice
dash nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
In a large pot, sautee onions and ginger in olive oil until soft, about 3-5 minutes.Add carrots and vegetable broth and reduce heat to medium. Allow to simmer for about 40 minutes, or until carrots are soft.
Add orange juice and stir well.
Working in small batches and using a food processor or blender, process soup until smooth.
Return to pot or serving bowl and add nutmeg, salt and pepper, stirring well. Serve with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream if desired and enjoy!
APPLE RUTABAGA SOUP
This came from Brett Moore, About.com’s Gourmet Food expert. He wrote, “Here's a beautiful comfort soup from Chef Patrick O'Connell (The Inn at Little Washington). Delicious and complex flavors with a velvety texture. Perfect for those cold winter days.” Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 35 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
1 stick (1/4 pound) butter
1 cup onion, roughly chopped
1 cup Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and roughly chopped
1 cup rutabaga, peeled and roughly chopped
1 cup butternut squash, peeled, seeded and roughly chopped
1 cup carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
1 cup sweet potato, peeled and roughly chopped
1 quart good chicken stock
2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup maple syrup
Salt and cayenne pepper to taste
Preparation:
In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the onion, apple, rutabaga, squash, carrots and sweet potato and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent. Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes or until all of the vegetables are cooked through and tender.
Puree the vegetables in a blender or food processor. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into the same pot you used to cook the vegetables. Add the cream, maple syrup, salt and cayenne pepper.
Return the pot to the stove, bring the soup to a simmer, and serve.
Vegetarian Recipes, along with occasional photos, tips (becoming a vegetarian, degrees of vegetarianism, products, being a vegetarian in a houseful of carnivores) and helpful hints. Not sure about becoming a vegetarian? Try a Meatless Monday (or any other day of the week). Helpful hints and recipes for good eating, any time.
Vegetarian Delights: A Confessions of a Foodie Offspring
Showing posts with label Vegan Cream of Asparagus Soup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vegan Cream of Asparagus Soup. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Wednesday Recipes
Enjoy!
MANGO LIME SORBET
This comes from Martha Rose Schulman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Martha wrote, “This sorbet is tangy and not very sweet. I added only enough sugar and corn syrup to allow the mixture to freeze properly without developing ice crystals.” Yield: 1 quart, serving 5 to 6.
This was featured in “Mango Ice Means Summer Is Now”, and can be viewed online by clicking here.
Ingredients
1/2 cup sugar
4 cups diced mango (3 to 4 large mangos)
2/3 cup fresh lime juice (about 6 limes)
2 tablespoons corn syrup
Preparation
Combine 1/2 cup water and sugar in a small saucepan and stir. Bring to a simmer and simmer until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat.
Combine all ingredients in a blender and purée until completely smooth. Transfer to a bowl or container and chill overnight in refrigerator.
(Chill a 1-quart container in the freezer while you spin the sorbet.) Remove bowl from refrigerator and blend the mango purée again for 1 to 2 minutes in a blender or with an immersion blender. Add to ice cream maker and spin for about 25 minutes. Transfer to chilled container and freeze for 2 hours or longer to pack.
Once frozen solid, allow to soften in refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
ALMOND CAKE
This is from Mark Bittman and Sam Sifton, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “This moist and fragrant cake from Molly Wizenberg, the author of the popular food blog Orangette, calls for a whole orange and lemon, almonds and olive oil. It does require a little effort and the use of some equipment – a food processor and a mixer – but the ingredient list is short, and once you've boiled and puréed the citrus and ground the almonds, the whole thing comes together in a snap. It's excellent on its own, but we also like it with poached pears or grilled figs.” Yield: 8 servings; Time: 2 hours 15 minutes.
This was featured in “Feast in a Day”, and can be viewed online by clicking here.
Ingredients
1 small to medium orange
1 lemon
6 ounces raw almonds
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
4 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
2/3 cup olive oil
Confectioners’ sugar
Preparation
Place the orange and the lemon in a saucepan, and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Drain and cool.
Heat the oven to 325 degrees, and set a rack in the middle position. Bake the almonds 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside to cool completely. When the almonds are cool, pulse them in a food processor until ground.
Set oven to 350 degrees, and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
When the citrus is cool, cut the lemon in half, and discard the pulp and seeds. Cut the orange in half, and discard seeds. Put the fruits in the food processor and process almost to a paste.
In a small bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder. Combine eggs and salt. Beat until foamy. Beat in the sugar. Fold in the flour mixture. Add the citrus, almonds and olive oil, and beat on low speed until incorporated. Pour the batter into the pan, and bake for about 1 hour. Let cool for 10 minutes, unmold and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
POTATO SALAD [VEGAN]
This comes from One Green Planet, and begins, “This creamy dill potato salad is totally vegan, although no one would be able to guess that. The rich, flavorful cashew dressing is perfect with new potatoes, greens, celery, and red onions. Enjoy this easy recipe at your next get-together with friends or family. Don't worry too much about using exact measurements or precise chopping. Just throw all the ingredients together, and taste, and adjust accordingly.” This dairy-free, vegan recipe can be found online by clicking here.
Ingredients
3 lbs small white potatoes
Large pinch of salt
Handful of greens of your choice
1 cup cup cashews
1/4 cup water
Pinch of nutmeg
1/4 cup almond milk
Zest and juice of one lemon
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons dijon mustard
2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sea salt
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Preparation
Place the potatoes and salt in a large pot of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, until potatoes are just tender. Drain the potatoes in a colander and then place them back in the empty pot. Cover with a lid and let the potatoes steam for 15-20 minutes. Throw in the greens of your choice after about ten minutes, and let them wilt.
Meanwhile, combine cashews, nutmeg and water together in a high speed blender or small food processor and process until smooth. Start with a little bit of water and add until you have about a cup of the mixture, slightly thicker than mayo.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cashew mixture, almond milk, olive oil, lemon zest and juice, the two mustards, the dill, the garlic, and the salt and the pepper.
When the potatoes are just cool enough to handle, cut them in quarters and place in a large bowl. Pour enough of the dressing over them just to moisten. Add the celery, and red onion, and greens and toss well. Add more dressing if necessary. Serve cold or at room temperature.
SPAGHETTI WITH CHUNKY TOMATO SAUCE
This is also from the April 2010 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 24, and begins,”Finely chopped mushrooms give this healthful sauce a hearty texture.” Serves 8 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
8 oz. (2 cups) sliced white mushrooms
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 large leek, white part cut into chunks
2 Tbs. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.)
2 Tbs. dried oregano
2 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
2 15-oz. cans diced tomatoes
1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 15-oz. can, rinsed and drained)
1/4 cup red wine
8 cups baby spinach leaves
8 oz. spaghetti
Place mushrooms, bell pepper, and leek in bowl of food processor. Pulse until ingredients are coarsely chopped.
Heat oil in large saucepan or stockpot over medium-high heat. Add mushroom mixture and garlic, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until vegetables are softened and most of liquid has evaporated. Stir in oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes, and cook 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add tomatoes, chickpeas, and wine, and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Cover, and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add spinach, and cook 3 to 5 minutes more, or until spinach has wilted.
Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions. Serve spaghetti topped with sauce.
nutritional information Per 1 cup sauce and 1/2 cup pasta: Calories: 269; Protein: 10 g; Total Fat: 5 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 46 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 383 mg; Fiber: 8 g; Sugar: 8 g; Vegan
VEGAN CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP
This recipe comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide. She writes, “With just four ingredients plus a little salt and pepper to taste, this is a very simple and basic vegan cream of asparagus soup recipe. Be sure to use a vegan margarine to make sure your asparagus soup is completely vegan and dairy-free.”
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup water or vegetable broth
1 bunch fresh asparagus
2 tbsp vegan margarine
2 tbsp flour
1 3/4 cups soy milk
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Blanch asparagus in water or vegetable broth for just a few minutes until asparagus is tender, but not soft and overcooked. Drain, reserving the cooking liquid, and set aside.
In a large soup pot, melt the margarine over medium-low heat, then add the milk and flour, stirring until a thick roux is formed. Remove from heat.
In a blender or food processor, add the asparagus, soy milk roux, asparagus cooking liquid and asparagus. Pulse a few times, until just blended, or until you have the desired consistency. I like to have a few pieces of whole asparagus in my soup, though you may prefer a smoother asparagus soup.
Return to the stove to reheat your soup, and season generously with salt and pepper.
BISCUITS AND GRAVY
From the April/May 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 46. It starts off, “Trust us, no one will miss the flour (or the meat!) in this gluten-free indulgence.” Serves 8 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
Biscuits
1 cup white rice flour, plus more for dusting work surface
1/2 cup chickpea flour
1/2 cup potato starch
1 1/2 Tbs. sugar
1 Tbs. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
2 oz. (1/2 stick) butter or trans-fat-free margarine, cut into small pieces
3/4 cup fat-free buttermilk
Gravy
1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas, or 1 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 1/2 tsp. paprika
2 tsp. poultry seasoning
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 pinch cayenne pepper
2 Tbs. vegetable oil
4 Tbs. butter or trans-fat-free margarine
1/4 cup potato starch
1/4 cup chickpea flour
4 cups fat-free milk, warmed
To make Biscuits: Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat large baking sheet with cooking spray.
Whisk together rice flour, chickpea flour, potato starch, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in large bowl. Cut butter into flour mixture with pastry blender or two knives until no large pieces remain. Stir in buttermilk.
Pat dough into flat 1-inch-thick disk on rice flour–dusted work surface. Cut dough into 16 rounds with 2-inch cutter, and place on prepared baking sheet. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden-brown on top.
To make Gravy: Pulse chickpeas, paprika, poultry seasoning, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne in food processor 8 times, or until crumbly.
Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add chickpea mixture, and sauté 3 to 5 minutes, or until fragrant and crisp. Transfer to plate.
Add butter to skillet, and melt over medium heat. Whisk in potato starch and chickpea flour, and cook 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk, and cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until sauce is thickened, whisking constantly. Stir in chickpea mixture. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
To serve: Place 2 Biscuits on each plate. Ladle 1/4 cup Gravy over top.
Nutritional information Per Serving (2 biscuits plus 1/4 cup gravy): Calories: 397; Protein: 11 g; Total Fat: 17 g; Saturated Fat: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 54 g; Cholesterol: 33 mg; Sodium: 721 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 12 g; Gluten-Free
MANGO LIME SORBET
This comes from Martha Rose Schulman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Martha wrote, “This sorbet is tangy and not very sweet. I added only enough sugar and corn syrup to allow the mixture to freeze properly without developing ice crystals.” Yield: 1 quart, serving 5 to 6.
This was featured in “Mango Ice Means Summer Is Now”, and can be viewed online by clicking here.
Ingredients
1/2 cup sugar
4 cups diced mango (3 to 4 large mangos)
2/3 cup fresh lime juice (about 6 limes)
2 tablespoons corn syrup
Preparation
Combine 1/2 cup water and sugar in a small saucepan and stir. Bring to a simmer and simmer until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat.
Combine all ingredients in a blender and purée until completely smooth. Transfer to a bowl or container and chill overnight in refrigerator.
(Chill a 1-quart container in the freezer while you spin the sorbet.) Remove bowl from refrigerator and blend the mango purée again for 1 to 2 minutes in a blender or with an immersion blender. Add to ice cream maker and spin for about 25 minutes. Transfer to chilled container and freeze for 2 hours or longer to pack.
Once frozen solid, allow to soften in refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
ALMOND CAKE
This is from Mark Bittman and Sam Sifton, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “This moist and fragrant cake from Molly Wizenberg, the author of the popular food blog Orangette, calls for a whole orange and lemon, almonds and olive oil. It does require a little effort and the use of some equipment – a food processor and a mixer – but the ingredient list is short, and once you've boiled and puréed the citrus and ground the almonds, the whole thing comes together in a snap. It's excellent on its own, but we also like it with poached pears or grilled figs.” Yield: 8 servings; Time: 2 hours 15 minutes.
This was featured in “Feast in a Day”, and can be viewed online by clicking here.
Ingredients
1 small to medium orange
1 lemon
6 ounces raw almonds
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
4 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
2/3 cup olive oil
Confectioners’ sugar
Preparation
Place the orange and the lemon in a saucepan, and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Drain and cool.
Heat the oven to 325 degrees, and set a rack in the middle position. Bake the almonds 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside to cool completely. When the almonds are cool, pulse them in a food processor until ground.
Set oven to 350 degrees, and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
When the citrus is cool, cut the lemon in half, and discard the pulp and seeds. Cut the orange in half, and discard seeds. Put the fruits in the food processor and process almost to a paste.
In a small bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder. Combine eggs and salt. Beat until foamy. Beat in the sugar. Fold in the flour mixture. Add the citrus, almonds and olive oil, and beat on low speed until incorporated. Pour the batter into the pan, and bake for about 1 hour. Let cool for 10 minutes, unmold and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
POTATO SALAD [VEGAN]
This comes from One Green Planet, and begins, “This creamy dill potato salad is totally vegan, although no one would be able to guess that. The rich, flavorful cashew dressing is perfect with new potatoes, greens, celery, and red onions. Enjoy this easy recipe at your next get-together with friends or family. Don't worry too much about using exact measurements or precise chopping. Just throw all the ingredients together, and taste, and adjust accordingly.” This dairy-free, vegan recipe can be found online by clicking here.
Ingredients
3 lbs small white potatoes
Large pinch of salt
Handful of greens of your choice
1 cup cup cashews
1/4 cup water
Pinch of nutmeg
1/4 cup almond milk
Zest and juice of one lemon
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons dijon mustard
2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sea salt
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Preparation
Place the potatoes and salt in a large pot of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, until potatoes are just tender. Drain the potatoes in a colander and then place them back in the empty pot. Cover with a lid and let the potatoes steam for 15-20 minutes. Throw in the greens of your choice after about ten minutes, and let them wilt.
Meanwhile, combine cashews, nutmeg and water together in a high speed blender or small food processor and process until smooth. Start with a little bit of water and add until you have about a cup of the mixture, slightly thicker than mayo.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cashew mixture, almond milk, olive oil, lemon zest and juice, the two mustards, the dill, the garlic, and the salt and the pepper.
When the potatoes are just cool enough to handle, cut them in quarters and place in a large bowl. Pour enough of the dressing over them just to moisten. Add the celery, and red onion, and greens and toss well. Add more dressing if necessary. Serve cold or at room temperature.
SPAGHETTI WITH CHUNKY TOMATO SAUCE
This is also from the April 2010 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 24, and begins,”Finely chopped mushrooms give this healthful sauce a hearty texture.” Serves 8 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
8 oz. (2 cups) sliced white mushrooms
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 large leek, white part cut into chunks
2 Tbs. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.)
2 Tbs. dried oregano
2 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
2 15-oz. cans diced tomatoes
1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 15-oz. can, rinsed and drained)
1/4 cup red wine
8 cups baby spinach leaves
8 oz. spaghetti
Place mushrooms, bell pepper, and leek in bowl of food processor. Pulse until ingredients are coarsely chopped.
Heat oil in large saucepan or stockpot over medium-high heat. Add mushroom mixture and garlic, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until vegetables are softened and most of liquid has evaporated. Stir in oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes, and cook 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add tomatoes, chickpeas, and wine, and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Cover, and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add spinach, and cook 3 to 5 minutes more, or until spinach has wilted.
Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions. Serve spaghetti topped with sauce.
nutritional information Per 1 cup sauce and 1/2 cup pasta: Calories: 269; Protein: 10 g; Total Fat: 5 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 46 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 383 mg; Fiber: 8 g; Sugar: 8 g; Vegan
VEGAN CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP
This recipe comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide. She writes, “With just four ingredients plus a little salt and pepper to taste, this is a very simple and basic vegan cream of asparagus soup recipe. Be sure to use a vegan margarine to make sure your asparagus soup is completely vegan and dairy-free.”
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup water or vegetable broth
1 bunch fresh asparagus
2 tbsp vegan margarine
2 tbsp flour
1 3/4 cups soy milk
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Blanch asparagus in water or vegetable broth for just a few minutes until asparagus is tender, but not soft and overcooked. Drain, reserving the cooking liquid, and set aside.
In a large soup pot, melt the margarine over medium-low heat, then add the milk and flour, stirring until a thick roux is formed. Remove from heat.
In a blender or food processor, add the asparagus, soy milk roux, asparagus cooking liquid and asparagus. Pulse a few times, until just blended, or until you have the desired consistency. I like to have a few pieces of whole asparagus in my soup, though you may prefer a smoother asparagus soup.
Return to the stove to reheat your soup, and season generously with salt and pepper.
BISCUITS AND GRAVY
From the April/May 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 46. It starts off, “Trust us, no one will miss the flour (or the meat!) in this gluten-free indulgence.” Serves 8 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
Biscuits
1 cup white rice flour, plus more for dusting work surface
1/2 cup chickpea flour
1/2 cup potato starch
1 1/2 Tbs. sugar
1 Tbs. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
2 oz. (1/2 stick) butter or trans-fat-free margarine, cut into small pieces
3/4 cup fat-free buttermilk
Gravy
1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas, or 1 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 1/2 tsp. paprika
2 tsp. poultry seasoning
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 pinch cayenne pepper
2 Tbs. vegetable oil
4 Tbs. butter or trans-fat-free margarine
1/4 cup potato starch
1/4 cup chickpea flour
4 cups fat-free milk, warmed
To make Biscuits: Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat large baking sheet with cooking spray.
Whisk together rice flour, chickpea flour, potato starch, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in large bowl. Cut butter into flour mixture with pastry blender or two knives until no large pieces remain. Stir in buttermilk.
Pat dough into flat 1-inch-thick disk on rice flour–dusted work surface. Cut dough into 16 rounds with 2-inch cutter, and place on prepared baking sheet. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden-brown on top.
To make Gravy: Pulse chickpeas, paprika, poultry seasoning, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne in food processor 8 times, or until crumbly.
Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add chickpea mixture, and sauté 3 to 5 minutes, or until fragrant and crisp. Transfer to plate.
Add butter to skillet, and melt over medium heat. Whisk in potato starch and chickpea flour, and cook 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk, and cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until sauce is thickened, whisking constantly. Stir in chickpea mixture. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
To serve: Place 2 Biscuits on each plate. Ladle 1/4 cup Gravy over top.
Nutritional information Per Serving (2 biscuits plus 1/4 cup gravy): Calories: 397; Protein: 11 g; Total Fat: 17 g; Saturated Fat: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 54 g; Cholesterol: 33 mg; Sodium: 721 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 12 g; Gluten-Free
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Tuesday Recipes
Enjoy!
MEATLESS-BALL SUBS
1 package Meatless Balls (see note)
1 26 oz. Jar spaghetti sauce
4 hoagie rolls
cheese slices
Place spaghetti sauce and meatless balls into a good-sized saucepan. Stir, and cook over medium-low to medium heat, stirring occasionally.


Open hoagie rolls, add cheese, cover with meatless balls and sauce.

Makes 4 meatless ball subs.
Note: I use Veggie Patch Meatless Meatballs, though really, you can use any brand you like. I had used another brand for a number of years, but unfortunately, I can no longer find that particular brand anywhere now. Whatever brand you buy is fine, as well as the jarred spaghetti sauce.
SPAGHETTI SAUCE
This recipe, as well as the Vegetarian Lasagna, Angel Hair Pasta, and J's B-B-Q Gluten, are all from my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.
28 oz. can tomatoes (note)
2 – 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
2 – 6 oz. cans tomato paste
3 onions, chopped
3 – 5 cloves garlic, crushed
2 T oil
1 T oregano
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. dill
1 tsp. anise
2 T honey
1 T vinegar
1 T soy sauce
1/4 – 1/2 lb. grated cheese
Brown onions & garlic in oil. Add tomatoes, sauce & pasted. Stir. Add everything except cheese & stir. Simmer 1 hour. Add cheese & stir until cheese is melted. Serve over hot spaghetti. Better the next day—if any is left!
Note: I usually use crushed tomatoes. If you’d rather use fresh tomatoes, 6-8 large ones may be used (diced, of course) in place of the canned tomatoes, & add an extra can of tomato sauce.
VEGETARIAN LASAGNA
I’d been making lasagna for years, using a favorite cookbook. One time, my oldest son took the same recipe, and replaced the meat with eggplant. His came out tasting better than when I made it.
I tried recreating the eggplant version, but it never quite came out the same. So, I ended up changing the recipe drastically, changing ingredients and amounts. The funny thing is that, while I use one or two packages of tofu crumbles instead of meat, it tastes enough like meat to fool several non-vegetarians. One person, after eating this, even looked at me aghast, asking, “What are you, some kind of vegetarian?” Never heard from him again.
Tomato sauce:
2 – 3 onions, chopped
3 – 5 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz. can tomatoes
2 – 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
2 – 6 oz. cans tomato paste
2 T oil
1 T oregano
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. dill
1 tsp. anise
1 or 2 – 10 oz. package tofu crumbles
Brown onions & garlic in oil. Add remaining ingredients, stir well, simmer for 1 hour. While sauce is cooking, in a separate pot, cook 16 oz. lasagna noodles & make cheese layer.
Cheese layer:
2 C sour cream
2 C cottage cheese
2 eggs
4 C mozzarella, grated
2 C cheddar cheese, grated
1 C Parmesan cheese
Mix ingredients together in large bowl.
Assemble:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In 9” X 13” pan, place half the cooked lasagna noodles length-wise. Top with half the cheese mixture, then half the tomato sauce. Repeat. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Let cool a few minutes before cutting, as it tends to be a little runny when it first comes out of the oven. Serve with a salad and a loaf of hot Italian bread. Very yummy.
ANGEL HAIR PASTA
I had something similar to this at a restaurant several times, and decided to try making it. A hint for making this: wait until all the veggies have been cut up, then start the water boiling for the angel hair pasta. The veggies should be cooked for 2-4 minutes, and the pasta cooked for 2 minutes before the pasta is drained and then allowed to finish cooking for another 2 minutes with the veggies. Timing is important—unless you like disgustingly soggy pasta.
1/4 C water
3 medium to large tomatoes
2 T balsamic vinegar
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 red pepper, diced
1/2 green pepper, diced
1 T oregano
1 lb. angel hair pasta
Cut up veggies while heating the pasta water. DO NOT PUT PASTA INTO WATER UNTIL THE VEGGIES BEGIN COOKING. (There. I said it.)
In veggie pot, heat 1/4 C water & balsamic vinegar until it begins to bubble; add onion, garlic, pepper & oregano and stir once or twice. NOW ADD PASTA TO POT OF BOILING PASTA WATER. (Boy, what a bossy broad.)
Simmer veggies on low-medium heat for 2-4 minutes, covered. Cook pasta for only 2 minutes, then drain in colander. As soon as pasta is drained, remove cover from veggies, dump pasta into veggie pot, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring several times. Remove from heat. DIG IN!!! (Now, isn’t that good?)
J’s B-B-Q GLUTEN
This is from my oldest son. For the most part, the recipe is included exactly as he wrote it out for me, though I have changed a word or two. (This stuff is definitely good.)
Ingredients:
5 lb. whole wheat flour
2 onions
1/2 C creamy peanut butter
2 bottles of B-B-Q sauce
1 stick butter
2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons paprika
Huge bowl
Directions
Take whole wheat flour, empty into Big Bowl. Add enough water to knead into dough ball. Knead really well. I repeat, knead really well. For at least 10 minutes.
Fill huge bowl with water, put dough ball under water for 2 hours. Pour off water. Knead doughball under cold running water for 10 minutes or more. Water should be clear. You are washing out the starch and bran. You know it’s ready when stringy and it sticks together and is bouncy.
Melt 1 stick butter and fry 2 chopped onions until clear. Dump onto Gluten. Add salt, paprika, and peanut butter. Mix with hands completely.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray cooking pan with non-stick spray. Pinch off pieces bigger than a golf ball. Take piece and fold it and twist it and lay it down in pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip over and bake for 10 more. Pour B-B-Q sauce and bake 10 more minutes, then flip and pour more B-B-Q sauce and bake 10 more minutes. It’s done—enjoy.
(Xtra note—be careful when you first mix wheat and water. Don’t add too much water. Make a hard dough ball. It might take 20 minutes to knead it.)
VEGAN CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP
This recipe comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide. She writes, “With just four ingredients plus a little salt and pepper to taste, this is a very simple and basic vegan cream of asparagus soup recipe. Be sure to use a vegan margarine to make sure your asparagus soup is completely vegan and dairy-free.”
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup water or vegetable broth
1 bunch fresh asparagus
2 tbsp vegan margarine
2 tbsp flour
1 3/4 cups soy milk
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Blanch asparagus in water or vegetable broth for just a few minutes until asparagus is tender, but not soft and overcooked. Drain, reserving the cooking liquid, and set aside.
In a large soup pot, melt the margarine over medium-low heat, then add the milk and flour, stirring until a thick roux is formed. Remove from heat.
In a blender or food processor, add the asparagus, soy milk roux, asparagus cooking liquid and asparagus. Pulse a few times, until just blended, or until you have the desired consistency. I like to have a few pieces of whole asparagus in my soup, though you may prefer a smoother asparagus soup.
Return to the stove to reheat your soup, and season generously with salt and pepper.
MEATLESS-BALL SUBS
1 package Meatless Balls (see note)
1 26 oz. Jar spaghetti sauce
4 hoagie rolls
cheese slices
Place spaghetti sauce and meatless balls into a good-sized saucepan. Stir, and cook over medium-low to medium heat, stirring occasionally.


Open hoagie rolls, add cheese, cover with meatless balls and sauce.

Makes 4 meatless ball subs.
Note: I use Veggie Patch Meatless Meatballs, though really, you can use any brand you like. I had used another brand for a number of years, but unfortunately, I can no longer find that particular brand anywhere now. Whatever brand you buy is fine, as well as the jarred spaghetti sauce.
SPAGHETTI SAUCE
This recipe, as well as the Vegetarian Lasagna, Angel Hair Pasta, and J's B-B-Q Gluten, are all from my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.
28 oz. can tomatoes (note)
2 – 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
2 – 6 oz. cans tomato paste
3 onions, chopped
3 – 5 cloves garlic, crushed
2 T oil
1 T oregano
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. dill
1 tsp. anise
2 T honey
1 T vinegar
1 T soy sauce
1/4 – 1/2 lb. grated cheese
Brown onions & garlic in oil. Add tomatoes, sauce & pasted. Stir. Add everything except cheese & stir. Simmer 1 hour. Add cheese & stir until cheese is melted. Serve over hot spaghetti. Better the next day—if any is left!
Note: I usually use crushed tomatoes. If you’d rather use fresh tomatoes, 6-8 large ones may be used (diced, of course) in place of the canned tomatoes, & add an extra can of tomato sauce.
VEGETARIAN LASAGNA
I’d been making lasagna for years, using a favorite cookbook. One time, my oldest son took the same recipe, and replaced the meat with eggplant. His came out tasting better than when I made it.
I tried recreating the eggplant version, but it never quite came out the same. So, I ended up changing the recipe drastically, changing ingredients and amounts. The funny thing is that, while I use one or two packages of tofu crumbles instead of meat, it tastes enough like meat to fool several non-vegetarians. One person, after eating this, even looked at me aghast, asking, “What are you, some kind of vegetarian?” Never heard from him again.
Tomato sauce:
2 – 3 onions, chopped
3 – 5 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz. can tomatoes
2 – 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
2 – 6 oz. cans tomato paste
2 T oil
1 T oregano
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. dill
1 tsp. anise
1 or 2 – 10 oz. package tofu crumbles
Brown onions & garlic in oil. Add remaining ingredients, stir well, simmer for 1 hour. While sauce is cooking, in a separate pot, cook 16 oz. lasagna noodles & make cheese layer.
Cheese layer:
2 C sour cream
2 C cottage cheese
2 eggs
4 C mozzarella, grated
2 C cheddar cheese, grated
1 C Parmesan cheese
Mix ingredients together in large bowl.
Assemble:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In 9” X 13” pan, place half the cooked lasagna noodles length-wise. Top with half the cheese mixture, then half the tomato sauce. Repeat. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Let cool a few minutes before cutting, as it tends to be a little runny when it first comes out of the oven. Serve with a salad and a loaf of hot Italian bread. Very yummy.
ANGEL HAIR PASTA
I had something similar to this at a restaurant several times, and decided to try making it. A hint for making this: wait until all the veggies have been cut up, then start the water boiling for the angel hair pasta. The veggies should be cooked for 2-4 minutes, and the pasta cooked for 2 minutes before the pasta is drained and then allowed to finish cooking for another 2 minutes with the veggies. Timing is important—unless you like disgustingly soggy pasta.
1/4 C water
3 medium to large tomatoes
2 T balsamic vinegar
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 red pepper, diced
1/2 green pepper, diced
1 T oregano
1 lb. angel hair pasta
Cut up veggies while heating the pasta water. DO NOT PUT PASTA INTO WATER UNTIL THE VEGGIES BEGIN COOKING. (There. I said it.)
In veggie pot, heat 1/4 C water & balsamic vinegar until it begins to bubble; add onion, garlic, pepper & oregano and stir once or twice. NOW ADD PASTA TO POT OF BOILING PASTA WATER. (Boy, what a bossy broad.)
Simmer veggies on low-medium heat for 2-4 minutes, covered. Cook pasta for only 2 minutes, then drain in colander. As soon as pasta is drained, remove cover from veggies, dump pasta into veggie pot, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring several times. Remove from heat. DIG IN!!! (Now, isn’t that good?)
J’s B-B-Q GLUTEN
This is from my oldest son. For the most part, the recipe is included exactly as he wrote it out for me, though I have changed a word or two. (This stuff is definitely good.)
Ingredients:
5 lb. whole wheat flour
2 onions
1/2 C creamy peanut butter
2 bottles of B-B-Q sauce
1 stick butter
2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons paprika
Huge bowl
Directions
Take whole wheat flour, empty into Big Bowl. Add enough water to knead into dough ball. Knead really well. I repeat, knead really well. For at least 10 minutes.
Fill huge bowl with water, put dough ball under water for 2 hours. Pour off water. Knead doughball under cold running water for 10 minutes or more. Water should be clear. You are washing out the starch and bran. You know it’s ready when stringy and it sticks together and is bouncy.
Melt 1 stick butter and fry 2 chopped onions until clear. Dump onto Gluten. Add salt, paprika, and peanut butter. Mix with hands completely.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray cooking pan with non-stick spray. Pinch off pieces bigger than a golf ball. Take piece and fold it and twist it and lay it down in pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip over and bake for 10 more. Pour B-B-Q sauce and bake 10 more minutes, then flip and pour more B-B-Q sauce and bake 10 more minutes. It’s done—enjoy.
(Xtra note—be careful when you first mix wheat and water. Don’t add too much water. Make a hard dough ball. It might take 20 minutes to knead it.)
VEGAN CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP
This recipe comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide. She writes, “With just four ingredients plus a little salt and pepper to taste, this is a very simple and basic vegan cream of asparagus soup recipe. Be sure to use a vegan margarine to make sure your asparagus soup is completely vegan and dairy-free.”
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup water or vegetable broth
1 bunch fresh asparagus
2 tbsp vegan margarine
2 tbsp flour
1 3/4 cups soy milk
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Blanch asparagus in water or vegetable broth for just a few minutes until asparagus is tender, but not soft and overcooked. Drain, reserving the cooking liquid, and set aside.
In a large soup pot, melt the margarine over medium-low heat, then add the milk and flour, stirring until a thick roux is formed. Remove from heat.
In a blender or food processor, add the asparagus, soy milk roux, asparagus cooking liquid and asparagus. Pulse a few times, until just blended, or until you have the desired consistency. I like to have a few pieces of whole asparagus in my soup, though you may prefer a smoother asparagus soup.
Return to the stove to reheat your soup, and season generously with salt and pepper.
Friday, April 8, 2016
Friday Recipes
Finally, Friday! Here are six vegetarian recipes to help you through the weekend. Enjoy!
BALSAMIC BERRY YOGURT
This, as well as the Java Fig recipe, comes from the October 2015 issue of Runner's World, page 52. (The first two yogurt recipes - Black Forest Yogurt and Roasted Grape Yogurt - were posted two days ago, and the second two - Lemony Beet Yogurt and Curry Mango Yogurt - yesterday.) The article, “Greek Currency,” by Matthew Kadey, M.S., R.D., starts off, “Savory or sweet mix-ins punch up the nutritional profile of Greek yogurt. Use 3/4 cup plain, preferably low-fat.”
This one begins, “A little balsamic glaze adds sweetness without too much sugar. The vitamin C in strawberries may improve exercise performance.”
To view this and the next recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, preferably lowfat
2 teaspoons balsamic glaze
2 teaspoons honey
Sprinkle of lemon zest
Sprinkle of cinnamon
Sliced strawberries
Pistachios
Sliced basil
Instructions
Stir balsamic glaze, honey, lemon zest, and cinnamon into yogurt. Top with sliced strawberries, pistachios, and basil.
Nutrition Information: Calories per serving: 286; Carbs: 33 g; Fiber: 4 g; Protein: 18 g; Total fat: 10.5 g; Saturated fat: 3 g; Sodium: 124 mg
JAVA FIG YOGURT
This one begins, “The center of the cocoa bean, cacao nibs pack crunch, cocoa flavor, and disease-fighting antioxidants.”
Ingredients
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, preferably lowfat
1/4 cup dried figs
1/4 cup coffee
1/2 teaspoon orange zest
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cacao nibs
Instructions
To make a coffee-fig puree, soak the dried figs in coffee for 2 hours. Add the orange zest and vanilla extract. Blend until all ingredients are combined. Stir the coffee-fig puree into yogurt. Sprinkle the cacao nibs on top.
Nutrition Information: Calories per serving: 284; Carbs: 33 g; Fiber: 7 g; Protein: 16 g; Total fat: 9 g; Saturated fat: 6 g; Sodium: 58 mg
VEGAN ANGEL HAIR PASTA PRIMAVERA
This comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian expert. She writes, “Primavera is a healthy main dish easy enough to prepare on a weeknight. Made from a simple creamy homemade white sauce and plenty of garlic and basil for flavor, this is a healthy and filling vegetarian pasta dish perfect for a quick and easy vegetarian dinner.”
She adds, “With lots of veggies and a soymilk-based sauce, this vegetarian and vegan pasta primavera with angel hair is very low in fat.”
Ingredients
3 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp dried basil
6 tbsp flour
3 cups soy milk
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1 small head broccoli, cut into florets
1 medium carrot, sliced
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup frozen peas
salt and pepper to taste
1 pound angel hair pasta
Preparation
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook the onion, garlic and basil until the onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the flour to make a paste.
Slowly add the soy milk, stirring constantly. Stir in the nutritional yeast, then cook over low heat until the mixture thickens.
Steam the broccoli and carrot, and add to the sauce along with the mushrooms and peas. Add salt and pepper to taste, then cook until heated through.
Cook the pasta according to package directions, then serve sauce over pasta.
VEGAN CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP
This recipe comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide. She writes, “With just four ingredients plus a little salt and pepper to taste, this is a very simple and basic vegan cream of asparagus soup recipe. Be sure to use a vegan margarine to make sure your asparagus soup is completely vegan and dairy-free.”
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup water or vegetable broth
1 bunch fresh asparagus
2 tbsp vegan margarine
2 tbsp flour
1 3/4 cups soy milk
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Blanch asparagus in water or vegetable broth for just a few minutes until asparagus is tender, but not soft and overcooked. Drain, reserving the cooking liquid, and set aside.
In a large soup pot, melt the margarine over medium-low heat, then add the milk and flour, stirring until a thick roux is formed. Remove from heat.
In a blender or food processor, add the asparagus, soy milk roux, asparagus cooking liquid and asparagus. Pulse a few times, until just blended, or until you have the desired consistency. I like to have a few pieces of whole asparagus in my soup, though you may prefer a smoother asparagus soup.
Return to the stove to reheat your soup, and season generously with salt and pepper.
GRILLED VEGETABLE PANZANELLA
From the July/August 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 27. The recipe starts off, “Grilled summer vegetables require little seasoning to taste spectacular in this hearty bread salad.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view online, click here.
4 slices rustic French bread (8 oz.)
1 12-oz. pkg. cherry tomatoes
16 large green beans (4 oz.)
1 large yellow squash, quartered lengthwise
2 Tbs. olive oil
2 Tbs. white balsamic vinegar
1 large clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)
1 small head radicchio, diced
1 oz. chilled blue cheese, crumbled or coarsely grated (1/3 cup)
4 hard-boiled eggs, roughly chopped
Coat grill pan or basket with cooking spray, and preheat over medium heat.
Grill bread slices 3 to 4 minutes per side until crisp and lightly charred. Slice into cubes, and transfer to large bowl.
Coat tomatoes, green beans, and squash lightly with cooking spray, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Arrange in separate groups on prepared grill pan or in grill basket. Grill 8 minutes, or until squash and beans are charred and just tender, and tomatoes are splitting open, turning vegetables occasionally.
Transfer all but 4 tomatoes to medium bowl. Press tomatoes in bowl slightly to release juices. Spoon tomatoes, and then their juices, over toast cubes.
Whisk together oil, vinegar, and garlic in large serving bowl. Add remaining 4 tomatoes, mash coarsely, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Cut green beans and squash crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Add cut vegetables, radicchio, and blue cheese to bowl with dressing. Toss to coat. Add bread cube mixture, and toss to coat. Sprinkle chopped eggs over top.
nutritional information Per 2-cup serving: Calories: 361; Protein: 15 g; Total Fat: 17 g; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 39 g; Cholesterol: 192 mg; Sodium: 533 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 8 g
CHOYOTE RATATOUILLE AND RED BEANS
This is from the March 2016 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 76. It begins, “When chayote is simmered, it takes on a zucchini-like texture and tenderness, making it a perfect cold-weather substitute in this Provençal vegetable dish. We’ve added kidney beans for extra protein so you can serve this as a main dish over couscous, rice, or pasta.” Serves 8.
To view this online, click here.
3 Tbs. olive oil
2 small onions, quartered and thinly sliced (2 cups)
2 small red, orange, or yellow bell peppers, cut into thin 1 1/2-inch-long strips
1 large fennel bulb, trimmed, cut into eighths, and thinly sliced (2 cups)
3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.)
4 chayotes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks (8 cups)
2 15-oz. cans chopped tomatoes
4 sprigs fresh thyme
4 sprigs fresh oregano
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp. harissa paste, optional
1 1/2 cups cooked kidney beans, or one 15-oz. can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
Heat oil in large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, and fennel, and sauté 5 to 7 minutes, or until vegetables are translucent. Stir in garlic, then chayote, tomatoes, thyme, oregano, bay leaves, harissa paste (if using), and 1 cup water. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 30 minutes.
Add kidney beans, and cook, covered, 10 to 15 minutes more, or until chayote is tender. Adjust seasoning with harissa paste, and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
nutritional information Per Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 162; Protein: 6 g; Total Fat: 6 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 24 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 332 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 8 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free
BALSAMIC BERRY YOGURT
This, as well as the Java Fig recipe, comes from the October 2015 issue of Runner's World, page 52. (The first two yogurt recipes - Black Forest Yogurt and Roasted Grape Yogurt - were posted two days ago, and the second two - Lemony Beet Yogurt and Curry Mango Yogurt - yesterday.) The article, “Greek Currency,” by Matthew Kadey, M.S., R.D., starts off, “Savory or sweet mix-ins punch up the nutritional profile of Greek yogurt. Use 3/4 cup plain, preferably low-fat.”
This one begins, “A little balsamic glaze adds sweetness without too much sugar. The vitamin C in strawberries may improve exercise performance.”
To view this and the next recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, preferably lowfat
2 teaspoons balsamic glaze
2 teaspoons honey
Sprinkle of lemon zest
Sprinkle of cinnamon
Sliced strawberries
Pistachios
Sliced basil
Instructions
Stir balsamic glaze, honey, lemon zest, and cinnamon into yogurt. Top with sliced strawberries, pistachios, and basil.
Nutrition Information: Calories per serving: 286; Carbs: 33 g; Fiber: 4 g; Protein: 18 g; Total fat: 10.5 g; Saturated fat: 3 g; Sodium: 124 mg
JAVA FIG YOGURT
This one begins, “The center of the cocoa bean, cacao nibs pack crunch, cocoa flavor, and disease-fighting antioxidants.”
Ingredients
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, preferably lowfat
1/4 cup dried figs
1/4 cup coffee
1/2 teaspoon orange zest
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cacao nibs
Instructions
To make a coffee-fig puree, soak the dried figs in coffee for 2 hours. Add the orange zest and vanilla extract. Blend until all ingredients are combined. Stir the coffee-fig puree into yogurt. Sprinkle the cacao nibs on top.
Nutrition Information: Calories per serving: 284; Carbs: 33 g; Fiber: 7 g; Protein: 16 g; Total fat: 9 g; Saturated fat: 6 g; Sodium: 58 mg
VEGAN ANGEL HAIR PASTA PRIMAVERA
This comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian expert. She writes, “Primavera is a healthy main dish easy enough to prepare on a weeknight. Made from a simple creamy homemade white sauce and plenty of garlic and basil for flavor, this is a healthy and filling vegetarian pasta dish perfect for a quick and easy vegetarian dinner.”
She adds, “With lots of veggies and a soymilk-based sauce, this vegetarian and vegan pasta primavera with angel hair is very low in fat.”
Ingredients
3 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp dried basil
6 tbsp flour
3 cups soy milk
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1 small head broccoli, cut into florets
1 medium carrot, sliced
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup frozen peas
salt and pepper to taste
1 pound angel hair pasta
Preparation
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook the onion, garlic and basil until the onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the flour to make a paste.
Slowly add the soy milk, stirring constantly. Stir in the nutritional yeast, then cook over low heat until the mixture thickens.
Steam the broccoli and carrot, and add to the sauce along with the mushrooms and peas. Add salt and pepper to taste, then cook until heated through.
Cook the pasta according to package directions, then serve sauce over pasta.
VEGAN CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP
This recipe comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide. She writes, “With just four ingredients plus a little salt and pepper to taste, this is a very simple and basic vegan cream of asparagus soup recipe. Be sure to use a vegan margarine to make sure your asparagus soup is completely vegan and dairy-free.”
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup water or vegetable broth
1 bunch fresh asparagus
2 tbsp vegan margarine
2 tbsp flour
1 3/4 cups soy milk
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Blanch asparagus in water or vegetable broth for just a few minutes until asparagus is tender, but not soft and overcooked. Drain, reserving the cooking liquid, and set aside.
In a large soup pot, melt the margarine over medium-low heat, then add the milk and flour, stirring until a thick roux is formed. Remove from heat.
In a blender or food processor, add the asparagus, soy milk roux, asparagus cooking liquid and asparagus. Pulse a few times, until just blended, or until you have the desired consistency. I like to have a few pieces of whole asparagus in my soup, though you may prefer a smoother asparagus soup.
Return to the stove to reheat your soup, and season generously with salt and pepper.
GRILLED VEGETABLE PANZANELLA
From the July/August 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 27. The recipe starts off, “Grilled summer vegetables require little seasoning to taste spectacular in this hearty bread salad.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view online, click here.
4 slices rustic French bread (8 oz.)
1 12-oz. pkg. cherry tomatoes
16 large green beans (4 oz.)
1 large yellow squash, quartered lengthwise
2 Tbs. olive oil
2 Tbs. white balsamic vinegar
1 large clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)
1 small head radicchio, diced
1 oz. chilled blue cheese, crumbled or coarsely grated (1/3 cup)
4 hard-boiled eggs, roughly chopped
Coat grill pan or basket with cooking spray, and preheat over medium heat.
Grill bread slices 3 to 4 minutes per side until crisp and lightly charred. Slice into cubes, and transfer to large bowl.
Coat tomatoes, green beans, and squash lightly with cooking spray, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Arrange in separate groups on prepared grill pan or in grill basket. Grill 8 minutes, or until squash and beans are charred and just tender, and tomatoes are splitting open, turning vegetables occasionally.
Transfer all but 4 tomatoes to medium bowl. Press tomatoes in bowl slightly to release juices. Spoon tomatoes, and then their juices, over toast cubes.
Whisk together oil, vinegar, and garlic in large serving bowl. Add remaining 4 tomatoes, mash coarsely, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Cut green beans and squash crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Add cut vegetables, radicchio, and blue cheese to bowl with dressing. Toss to coat. Add bread cube mixture, and toss to coat. Sprinkle chopped eggs over top.
nutritional information Per 2-cup serving: Calories: 361; Protein: 15 g; Total Fat: 17 g; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 39 g; Cholesterol: 192 mg; Sodium: 533 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 8 g
CHOYOTE RATATOUILLE AND RED BEANS
This is from the March 2016 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 76. It begins, “When chayote is simmered, it takes on a zucchini-like texture and tenderness, making it a perfect cold-weather substitute in this Provençal vegetable dish. We’ve added kidney beans for extra protein so you can serve this as a main dish over couscous, rice, or pasta.” Serves 8.
To view this online, click here.
3 Tbs. olive oil
2 small onions, quartered and thinly sliced (2 cups)
2 small red, orange, or yellow bell peppers, cut into thin 1 1/2-inch-long strips
1 large fennel bulb, trimmed, cut into eighths, and thinly sliced (2 cups)
3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.)
4 chayotes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks (8 cups)
2 15-oz. cans chopped tomatoes
4 sprigs fresh thyme
4 sprigs fresh oregano
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp. harissa paste, optional
1 1/2 cups cooked kidney beans, or one 15-oz. can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
Heat oil in large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, and fennel, and sauté 5 to 7 minutes, or until vegetables are translucent. Stir in garlic, then chayote, tomatoes, thyme, oregano, bay leaves, harissa paste (if using), and 1 cup water. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 30 minutes.
Add kidney beans, and cook, covered, 10 to 15 minutes more, or until chayote is tender. Adjust seasoning with harissa paste, and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
nutritional information Per Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 162; Protein: 6 g; Total Fat: 6 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 24 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 332 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 8 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Tuesday Recipes
Enjoy!
FLORIDA STRAWBERRY KUMQUAT SALAD
This yummy recipe comes from a Authentic Florida, a fantastic blog put out by Robin Draper. Her blog was voted 2015 Blog of the Year and 2015 Best Travel Blog at the Orlando (Fla.) Sunshine Awards. Years ago, my family had lived in a house that had a kumquat tree in the side yard, as well as many fruit trees. My oldest son used to pick the kumquats off the tree and eat them like candy.
This recipe serves four as a main course, and can be found online – along with photos and commentary – at http://www.authenticflorida.com/authentic-living/cuisine/florida-strawberry-kumquat-salad/.
Salad Ingredients
1 pint of strawberries
1 pint of kumquats (Nagami, oval shaped, found in most grocery stores)
1 kale bunch (fresh or cut in pieces in bags), or arugula
1/2 cup of raw, unsalted sliced almonds
3 Tbsp. fresh mint (3-4 sprigs), diced (or sliced in strips)
For the Vinaigrette
1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup of olive oil
2 Tablespoons minced shallots (one large shallot)
Steps
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and bake in the oven until toasted 5-10 minutes. (Tip: set a timer to keep watch). Let cool.
Meanwhile, rinse the kale, pat dry and remove the stem of the kale (if not already removed), take the leaves of the kale, roll like a cigar and cut thin strips. Place in a large bowl.
Note: Kale can be purchased as a bunch or pre-cut in bags. If purchased in a bunch, remove stem, roll the leaves and cut in strips.
Next, rinse 6-8 strawberries, remove the stems and thinly slice the strawberries. Set aside.
Then, rinse 8-10 kumquats. Pat dry. Next, with a sharp knife, thinly slice off the ends. Carefully cut the kumquat in thirds. The middle slice will have the most seeds and you’ll want to take the point of the knife and remove the seeds. Set aside.Take the kale salad greens, sprinkle the strawberries, kumquats, mint, and almonds.
Making the Vinaigrette
For the dressing, in a bowl, pour 2 tablespoons of minced shallots, add 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, and whisk in 1/2 cup of olive oil. Pour over the salad (you may not need all of it), and toss the salad before serving.
BLACK BEAN BURGERS WITH AVOCADO-LIME MAYO
This recipe starts off, “Jazz up these tasty burgers with avocado-lime mayo and you'll have a vegetarian sandwich that even die-hard meat eaters will love.”
Yield: 4 servings. Serving size: 1 burger.
Source: "The Heart-Smart Diabetes Kitchen: Fresh, Fast and Flavorful
Recipes Made with Canola Oil" from the American Diabetes Association and Canola
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1219.shtml
Ingredients
Mayonnaise
1/2 ripe medium avocado, peeled and pitted
2 Tbsp canola mayonnaise 30
1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
1 Tbsp water
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Burgers
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 of (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1/3 cup quick-cooking oats
2 large egg whites
1 Tbsp canola oil
1/8 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
canola oil cooking spray
4 whole-wheat hamburger buns, split and toasted
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
4 tomato slices
4 lettuce leaves
4 lime wedges (optional)
Directions
Place canola mayonnaise ingredients in a blender, secure lid, and puree until smooth.
Place beans in a gallon-size resealable bag. Using a meat mallet, pound beans to a coarse texture, resembling lumpy mashed potatoes. Place beans in a medium bowl and add bell pepper, oats, egg whites, canola oil, and cayenne pepper. Mix well and shape into four patties.
Coat a large nonstick skillet with canola oil cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add patties and cook 4 minutes on each side or until they begin to lightly brown. The patties will be fragile, so be sure to turn them gently.
To assemble, spoon 1 Tbsp canola mayonnaise mixture on each bun half. Top each bottom bun with burger, onion, a tomato slice, and a lettuce leaf. Place bun tops over each. Serve with lime wedges. Fresh tip: If desired, omit the buns and serve the patties on the lettuce leaf, tomato slice, and onion. Spoon the mayonnaise mixture on top of the patties and serve with lime wedges.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 300; Protein: 19 g; Fat: 12 g; Sodium: 785 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Saturated Fat: 1.8 g; Dietary Fiber: 10 g; Carbohydrates: 33 g
COCONUT CUSTARD PIE
This recipe begins, “A baked custard pie with less calories because it's sweetened with Equal and made with 2% milk. For added coconut flavor use the optional coconut extract.”
Serves: 8
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/987.shtml
Ingredients
Pastry for single-crust 9 inch pie
4 eggs
2 cups 2% milk
1 cup Equal Spoonful or Granulated*
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup toasted flaked coconut
1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)
* May substitute 24 packets Equal sweetener
Directions
Roll pastry on floured surface into circle 1 inch larger than inverted 9-inch pie plate. Ease pastry into plate; trim and flute edge. Set aside.
Beat eggs in large bowl about 5 minutes or until thick and lemon colored. Whisk in milk and remaining ingredients. Pour mixture into pastry shell.
Bake pie in preheated 375F oven 30 to 35 minutes or until sharp knife inserted halfway between center and edge of pie comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Serve at room temperature, or refrigerate and serve chilled.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 194; Protein: 6 g; Fat: 11 g; Sodium: 301 mg; Cholesterol: 115 mg ; Carbohydrates: 19 g; Exchanges: 1/2 milk, 1/2 starch, 2 fat
TANGERINE-GLAZED POLTENTA CAKE
This comes from page 87 of the November/December 2007 issue of Vegetarian Times. The recipe begins, “This uniquely delicious dessert is bound to delight your guests.” Serves 12.
To view this online, click here.
Tangerine Syrup and Cake
2/3 cup fresh tangerine juice
3 Tbs. sugar
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup yellow cornmeal
2 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
2 tsp. grated tangerine zest
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
4 large eggs
3/4 cup low-fat sour cream
Glaze
1 Tbs. whole rosemary leaves
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/4 cup low-fat sour cream
2 Tbs. fresh tangerine juice
1/2 tsp. grated tangerine zest
To make Tangerine Syrup: Combine fresh tangerine juice and 3 Tbs. sugar in bowl until sugar dissolves. Set aside.
To make Cake: Preheat oven to 350˚F. Spread slivered almonds on baking sheet and toast in oven 7 minutes, or until browned. Chop fine, and set aside.
Coat 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Combine flour, cornmeal, rosemary, tangerine zest, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and chopped almonds in bowl. Set aside. Beat sugar and butter with electric mixer until creamy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then sour cream. Beat in flour mixture until smooth. Spread in prepared pan, and bake 1 hour, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes. Unmold, and invert on wire rack.
Poke holes all over top of cake with wooden skewer while still hot. Brush top and sides of cake with Tangerine Syrup until all syrup is absorbed. Cool.
To make Glaze: Blanch rosemary leaves 1 minute in boiling water. Drain, refresh under cold water, and pat dry. Whisk together remaining ingredients in bowl. Arrange rosemary leaves over top of cake. Spread Tangerine Glaze on top of cake with spatula. Let stand 2 hours before serving.
nutritional information Per Slice: Calories: 241; Protein: 4 g; Total Fat: 9.5 g; Saturated Fat: 4.5 g; Carbohydrates: 36 g; Cholesterol: 66 mg; Sodium: 135 mg; Fiber: 1 g; Sugar: 24 g
STIR-FRIED BEET GREENS, TOFU AND BEETS
This comes from Martha Rose Shulman in The New York Times' Cooking e-newsletter. Martha writes, “I had lots of beet greens on hand during the week that I was testing all of these beet recipes, so I decided to combine them with julienned beets in a stir-fry. The greens should be crisp-tender.” Time: 15 minutes; Serves 4
To view this online, along with the beautiful photo of this, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons dry sherry
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon grapeseed oil, sunflower oil or peanut oil
6 ounces firm tofu, diced (1 cup)
2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 large cloves)
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
2 large or 4 small beets (1/2 pound), peeled and cut in 2-inch julienne (about 2 heaped cups julienne)
1 medium-size leek, white and light green parts only, cut in half lengthwise, cleaned and sliced thin
1 pound beet greens, stemmed, washed well in 2 changes of water, and coarsely chopped (about 6 cups tightly packed; it’s fine if water remains on the leaves)
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
1/4 cup minced cilantro
2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water or stock
Preparation
Combine the sugar and salt in 1 small container, the soy sauce, sherry and sesame oil in another, and place within arm’s reach of your wok. Have the other ingredients in separate containers within arm’s reach of your wok.
Heat a 14-inch flat-bottomed wok over high heat until a drop of water evaporates within a second or two when added to the pan. Swirl in the oil by adding it to the sides of the pan and swirling the pan, then add the tofu and spread out in a single layer. Don’t stir for 1 minute, then stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes, until it begins to color. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for no more than 10 seconds. Add the beets and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add the leek and stir-fry for 30 seconds to a minute, until it softens, then add the beet greens and salt and sugar. Stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes, until the greens have wilted. Add the sesame seeds, soy sauce, sherry and sesame oil, the beets and cilantro and stir-fry for 1 minute. Stir in the dissolved cornstarch and stir-fry until the liquid in the wok glazes the vegetables and tofu, less than a minute. Remove from the heat and serve with rice, noodles or other grains.
Tip: Advance preparation: The stir-fry is last minute but you can prepare all the ingredients hours ahead.
VEGAN CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP
This recipe comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide. She writes, “With just four ingredients plus a little salt and pepper to taste, this is a very simple and basic vegan cream of asparagus soup recipe. Be sure to use a vegan margarine to make sure your asparagus soup is completely vegan and dairy-free.”
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup water or vegetable broth
1 bunch fresh asparagus
2 tbsp vegan margarine
2 tbsp flour
1 3/4 cups soy milk
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Blanch asparagus in water or vegetable broth for just a few minutes until asparagus is tender, but not soft and overcooked. Drain, reserving the cooking liquid, and set aside.
In a large soup pot, melt the margarine over medium-low heat, then add the milk and flour, stirring until a thick roux is formed. Remove from heat.
In a blender or food processor, add the asparagus, soy milk roux, asparagus cooking liquid and asparagus. Pulse a few times, until just blended, or until you have the desired consistency. I like to have a few pieces of whole asparagus in my soup, though you may prefer a smoother asparagus soup.
Return to the stove to reheat your soup, and season generously with salt and pepper.
FLORIDA STRAWBERRY KUMQUAT SALAD
This yummy recipe comes from a Authentic Florida, a fantastic blog put out by Robin Draper. Her blog was voted 2015 Blog of the Year and 2015 Best Travel Blog at the Orlando (Fla.) Sunshine Awards. Years ago, my family had lived in a house that had a kumquat tree in the side yard, as well as many fruit trees. My oldest son used to pick the kumquats off the tree and eat them like candy.
This recipe serves four as a main course, and can be found online – along with photos and commentary – at http://www.authenticflorida.com/authentic-living/cuisine/florida-strawberry-kumquat-salad/.
Salad Ingredients
1 pint of strawberries
1 pint of kumquats (Nagami, oval shaped, found in most grocery stores)
1 kale bunch (fresh or cut in pieces in bags), or arugula
1/2 cup of raw, unsalted sliced almonds
3 Tbsp. fresh mint (3-4 sprigs), diced (or sliced in strips)
For the Vinaigrette
1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup of olive oil
2 Tablespoons minced shallots (one large shallot)
Steps
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and bake in the oven until toasted 5-10 minutes. (Tip: set a timer to keep watch). Let cool.
Meanwhile, rinse the kale, pat dry and remove the stem of the kale (if not already removed), take the leaves of the kale, roll like a cigar and cut thin strips. Place in a large bowl.
Note: Kale can be purchased as a bunch or pre-cut in bags. If purchased in a bunch, remove stem, roll the leaves and cut in strips.
Next, rinse 6-8 strawberries, remove the stems and thinly slice the strawberries. Set aside.
Then, rinse 8-10 kumquats. Pat dry. Next, with a sharp knife, thinly slice off the ends. Carefully cut the kumquat in thirds. The middle slice will have the most seeds and you’ll want to take the point of the knife and remove the seeds. Set aside.Take the kale salad greens, sprinkle the strawberries, kumquats, mint, and almonds.
Making the Vinaigrette
For the dressing, in a bowl, pour 2 tablespoons of minced shallots, add 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, and whisk in 1/2 cup of olive oil. Pour over the salad (you may not need all of it), and toss the salad before serving.
BLACK BEAN BURGERS WITH AVOCADO-LIME MAYO
This recipe starts off, “Jazz up these tasty burgers with avocado-lime mayo and you'll have a vegetarian sandwich that even die-hard meat eaters will love.”
Yield: 4 servings. Serving size: 1 burger.
Source: "The Heart-Smart Diabetes Kitchen: Fresh, Fast and Flavorful
Recipes Made with Canola Oil" from the American Diabetes Association and Canola
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1219.shtml
Ingredients
Mayonnaise
1/2 ripe medium avocado, peeled and pitted
2 Tbsp canola mayonnaise 30
1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
1 Tbsp water
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Burgers
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 of (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1/3 cup quick-cooking oats
2 large egg whites
1 Tbsp canola oil
1/8 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
canola oil cooking spray
4 whole-wheat hamburger buns, split and toasted
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
4 tomato slices
4 lettuce leaves
4 lime wedges (optional)
Directions
Place canola mayonnaise ingredients in a blender, secure lid, and puree until smooth.
Place beans in a gallon-size resealable bag. Using a meat mallet, pound beans to a coarse texture, resembling lumpy mashed potatoes. Place beans in a medium bowl and add bell pepper, oats, egg whites, canola oil, and cayenne pepper. Mix well and shape into four patties.
Coat a large nonstick skillet with canola oil cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add patties and cook 4 minutes on each side or until they begin to lightly brown. The patties will be fragile, so be sure to turn them gently.
To assemble, spoon 1 Tbsp canola mayonnaise mixture on each bun half. Top each bottom bun with burger, onion, a tomato slice, and a lettuce leaf. Place bun tops over each. Serve with lime wedges. Fresh tip: If desired, omit the buns and serve the patties on the lettuce leaf, tomato slice, and onion. Spoon the mayonnaise mixture on top of the patties and serve with lime wedges.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 300; Protein: 19 g; Fat: 12 g; Sodium: 785 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Saturated Fat: 1.8 g; Dietary Fiber: 10 g; Carbohydrates: 33 g
COCONUT CUSTARD PIE
This recipe begins, “A baked custard pie with less calories because it's sweetened with Equal and made with 2% milk. For added coconut flavor use the optional coconut extract.”
Serves: 8
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/987.shtml
Ingredients
Pastry for single-crust 9 inch pie
4 eggs
2 cups 2% milk
1 cup Equal Spoonful or Granulated*
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup toasted flaked coconut
1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)
* May substitute 24 packets Equal sweetener
Directions
Roll pastry on floured surface into circle 1 inch larger than inverted 9-inch pie plate. Ease pastry into plate; trim and flute edge. Set aside.
Beat eggs in large bowl about 5 minutes or until thick and lemon colored. Whisk in milk and remaining ingredients. Pour mixture into pastry shell.
Bake pie in preheated 375F oven 30 to 35 minutes or until sharp knife inserted halfway between center and edge of pie comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Serve at room temperature, or refrigerate and serve chilled.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 194; Protein: 6 g; Fat: 11 g; Sodium: 301 mg; Cholesterol: 115 mg ; Carbohydrates: 19 g; Exchanges: 1/2 milk, 1/2 starch, 2 fat
TANGERINE-GLAZED POLTENTA CAKE
This comes from page 87 of the November/December 2007 issue of Vegetarian Times. The recipe begins, “This uniquely delicious dessert is bound to delight your guests.” Serves 12.
To view this online, click here.
Tangerine Syrup and Cake
2/3 cup fresh tangerine juice
3 Tbs. sugar
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup yellow cornmeal
2 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
2 tsp. grated tangerine zest
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
4 large eggs
3/4 cup low-fat sour cream
Glaze
1 Tbs. whole rosemary leaves
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/4 cup low-fat sour cream
2 Tbs. fresh tangerine juice
1/2 tsp. grated tangerine zest
To make Tangerine Syrup: Combine fresh tangerine juice and 3 Tbs. sugar in bowl until sugar dissolves. Set aside.
To make Cake: Preheat oven to 350˚F. Spread slivered almonds on baking sheet and toast in oven 7 minutes, or until browned. Chop fine, and set aside.
Coat 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Combine flour, cornmeal, rosemary, tangerine zest, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and chopped almonds in bowl. Set aside. Beat sugar and butter with electric mixer until creamy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then sour cream. Beat in flour mixture until smooth. Spread in prepared pan, and bake 1 hour, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes. Unmold, and invert on wire rack.
Poke holes all over top of cake with wooden skewer while still hot. Brush top and sides of cake with Tangerine Syrup until all syrup is absorbed. Cool.
To make Glaze: Blanch rosemary leaves 1 minute in boiling water. Drain, refresh under cold water, and pat dry. Whisk together remaining ingredients in bowl. Arrange rosemary leaves over top of cake. Spread Tangerine Glaze on top of cake with spatula. Let stand 2 hours before serving.
nutritional information Per Slice: Calories: 241; Protein: 4 g; Total Fat: 9.5 g; Saturated Fat: 4.5 g; Carbohydrates: 36 g; Cholesterol: 66 mg; Sodium: 135 mg; Fiber: 1 g; Sugar: 24 g
STIR-FRIED BEET GREENS, TOFU AND BEETS
This comes from Martha Rose Shulman in The New York Times' Cooking e-newsletter. Martha writes, “I had lots of beet greens on hand during the week that I was testing all of these beet recipes, so I decided to combine them with julienned beets in a stir-fry. The greens should be crisp-tender.” Time: 15 minutes; Serves 4
To view this online, along with the beautiful photo of this, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons dry sherry
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon grapeseed oil, sunflower oil or peanut oil
6 ounces firm tofu, diced (1 cup)
2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 large cloves)
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
2 large or 4 small beets (1/2 pound), peeled and cut in 2-inch julienne (about 2 heaped cups julienne)
1 medium-size leek, white and light green parts only, cut in half lengthwise, cleaned and sliced thin
1 pound beet greens, stemmed, washed well in 2 changes of water, and coarsely chopped (about 6 cups tightly packed; it’s fine if water remains on the leaves)
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
1/4 cup minced cilantro
2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water or stock
Preparation
Combine the sugar and salt in 1 small container, the soy sauce, sherry and sesame oil in another, and place within arm’s reach of your wok. Have the other ingredients in separate containers within arm’s reach of your wok.
Heat a 14-inch flat-bottomed wok over high heat until a drop of water evaporates within a second or two when added to the pan. Swirl in the oil by adding it to the sides of the pan and swirling the pan, then add the tofu and spread out in a single layer. Don’t stir for 1 minute, then stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes, until it begins to color. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for no more than 10 seconds. Add the beets and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add the leek and stir-fry for 30 seconds to a minute, until it softens, then add the beet greens and salt and sugar. Stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes, until the greens have wilted. Add the sesame seeds, soy sauce, sherry and sesame oil, the beets and cilantro and stir-fry for 1 minute. Stir in the dissolved cornstarch and stir-fry until the liquid in the wok glazes the vegetables and tofu, less than a minute. Remove from the heat and serve with rice, noodles or other grains.
Tip: Advance preparation: The stir-fry is last minute but you can prepare all the ingredients hours ahead.
VEGAN CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP
This recipe comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide. She writes, “With just four ingredients plus a little salt and pepper to taste, this is a very simple and basic vegan cream of asparagus soup recipe. Be sure to use a vegan margarine to make sure your asparagus soup is completely vegan and dairy-free.”
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup water or vegetable broth
1 bunch fresh asparagus
2 tbsp vegan margarine
2 tbsp flour
1 3/4 cups soy milk
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Blanch asparagus in water or vegetable broth for just a few minutes until asparagus is tender, but not soft and overcooked. Drain, reserving the cooking liquid, and set aside.
In a large soup pot, melt the margarine over medium-low heat, then add the milk and flour, stirring until a thick roux is formed. Remove from heat.
In a blender or food processor, add the asparagus, soy milk roux, asparagus cooking liquid and asparagus. Pulse a few times, until just blended, or until you have the desired consistency. I like to have a few pieces of whole asparagus in my soup, though you may prefer a smoother asparagus soup.
Return to the stove to reheat your soup, and season generously with salt and pepper.
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Weekend Recipes
Since weekend recipes were not posted yesterday (yup, I took Christmas off!), here is a repeat of Monday, November 30th's post. Hope your holidays have been great! Enjoy!
Another batch of meatless (vegetarian) recipes. While I've eaten my share of meat over the years, I much prefer vegetarianism, for a variety of reasons. There, I've said it. And that will be the end of my semi-lecture/rant/whatever on the issue. (At least for the time being. As anyone who knows me well, it's difficult for me to remain quiet on certain things.) That said, here are your Meatless Monday recipes. Enjoy!
MEATLESS-BALL SUBS
1 package Meatless Balls (see note)
1 26 oz. Jar spaghetti sauce
4 hoagie rolls
cheese slices
Place spaghetti sauce and meatless balls into a good-sized saucepan. Stir, and cook over medium-low to medium heat, stirring occasionally.


Open hoagie rolls, add cheese, cover with meatless balls and sauce.

Makes 4 meatless ball subs.
Note: I use Veggie Patch Meatless Meatballs, though really, you can use any brand you like. I had used another brand for a number of years, but unfortunately, I can no longer find that particular brand anywhere now. Whatever brand you buy is fine, as well as the jarred spaghetti sauce.
SPAGHETTI SAUCE
This recipe, as well as the Vegetarian Lasagna, Angel Hair Pasta, and J's B-B-Q Gluten, are all from my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.
28 oz. can tomatoes (note)
2 – 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
2 – 6 oz. cans tomato paste
3 onions, chopped
3 – 5 cloves garlic, crushed
2 T oil
1 T oregano
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. dill
1 tsp. anise
2 T honey
1 T vinegar
1 T soy sauce
1/4 – 1/2 lb. grated cheese
Brown onions & garlic in oil. Add tomatoes, sauce & pasted. Stir. Add everything except cheese & stir. Simmer 1 hour. Add cheese & stir until cheese is melted. Serve over hot spaghetti. Better the next day—if any is left!
Note: I usually use crushed tomatoes. If you’d rather use fresh tomatoes, 6-8 large ones may be used (diced, of course) in place of the canned tomatoes, & add an extra can of tomato sauce.
VEGETARIAN LASAGNA
I’d been making lasagna for years, using a favorite cookbook. One time, my oldest son took the same recipe, and replaced the meat with eggplant. His came out tasting better than when I made it.
I tried recreating the eggplant version, but it never quite came out the same. So, I ended up changing the recipe drastically, changing ingredients and amounts. The funny thing is that, while I use one or two packages of tofu crumbles instead of meat, it tastes enough like meat to fool several non-vegetarians. One person, after eating this, even looked at me aghast, asking, “What are you, some kind of vegetarian?” Never heard from him again.
Tomato sauce:
2 – 3 onions, chopped
3 – 5 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz. can tomatoes
2 – 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
2 – 6 oz. cans tomato paste
2 T oil
1 T oregano
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. dill
1 tsp. anise
1 or 2 – 10 oz. package tofu crumbles
Brown onions & garlic in oil. Add remaining ingredients, stir well, simmer for 1 hour. While sauce is cooking, in a separate pot, cook 16 oz. lasagna noodles & make cheese layer.
Cheese layer:
2 C sour cream
2 C cottage cheese
2 eggs
4 C mozzarella, grated
2 C cheddar cheese, grated
1 C Parmesan cheese
Mix ingredients together in large bowl.
Assemble:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In 9” X 13” pan, place half the cooked lasagna noodles length-wise. Top with half the cheese mixture, then half the tomato sauce. Repeat. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Let cool a few minutes before cutting, as it tends to be a little runny when it first comes out of the oven. Serve with a salad and a loaf of hot Italian bread. Very yummy.
ANGEL HAIR PASTA
I had something similar to this at a restaurant several times, and decided to try making it. A hint for making this: wait until all the veggies have been cut up, then start the water boiling for the angel hair pasta. The veggies should be cooked for 2-4 minutes, and the pasta cooked for 2 minutes before the pasta is drained and then allowed to finish cooking for another 2 minutes with the veggies. Timing is important—unless you like disgustingly soggy pasta.
1/4 C water
3 medium to large tomatoes
2 T balsamic vinegar
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 red pepper, diced
1/2 green pepper, diced
1 T oregano
1 lb. angel hair pasta
Cut up veggies while heating the pasta water. DO NOT PUT PASTA INTO WATER UNTIL THE VEGGIES BEGIN COOKING. (There. I said it.)
In veggie pot, heat 1/4 C water & balsamic vinegar until it begins to bubble; add onion, garlic, pepper & oregano and stir once or twice. NOW ADD PASTA TO POT OF BOILING PASTA WATER. (Boy, what a bossy broad.)
Simmer veggies on low-medium heat for 2-4 minutes, covered. Cook pasta for only 2 minutes, then drain in colander. As soon as pasta is drained, remove cover from veggies, dump pasta into veggie pot, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring several times. Remove from heat. DIG IN!!! (Now, isn’t that good?)
J’s B-B-Q GLUTEN
This is from my oldest son. For the most part, the recipe is included exactly as he wrote it out for me, though I have changed a word or two. (This stuff is definitely good.)
Ingredients:
5 lb. whole wheat flour
2 onions
1/2 C creamy peanut butter
2 bottles of B-B-Q sauce
1 stick butter
2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons paprika
Huge bowl
Take whole wheat flour, empty into Big Bowl. Add enough water to knead into dough ball. Knead really well. I repeat, knead really well. For at least 10 minutes.
Fill huge bowl with water, put dough ball under water for 2 hours. Pour off water. Knead doughball under cold running water for 10 minutes or more. Water should be clear. You are washing out the starch and bran. You know it’s ready when stringy and it sticks together and is bouncy.
Melt 1 stick butter and fry 2 chopped onions until clear. Dump onto Gluten. Add salt, paprika, and peanut butter. Mix with hands completely.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray cooking pan with non-stick spray. Pinch off pieces bigger than a golf ball. Take piece and fold it and twist it and lay it down in pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip over and bake for 10 more. Pour B-B-Q sauce and bake 10 more minutes, then flip and pour more B-B-Q sauce and bake 10 more minutes. It’s done—enjoy.
(Xtra note—be careful when you first mix wheat and water. Don’t add too much water. Make a hard dough ball. It might take 20 minutes to knead it.)
VEGAN CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP
This recipe comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide. She writes, “With just four ingredients plus a little salt and pepper to taste, this is a very simple and basic vegan cream of asparagus soup recipe. Be sure to use a vegan margarine to make sure your asparagus soup is completely vegan and dairy-free.”
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup water or vegetable broth
1 bunch fresh asparagus
2 tbsp vegan margarine
2 tbsp flour
1 3/4 cups soy milk
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Blanch asparagus in water or vegetable broth for just a few minutes until asparagus is tender, but not soft and overcooked. Drain, reserving the cooking liquid, and set aside.
In a large soup pot, melt the margarine over medium-low heat, then add the milk and flour, stirring until a thick roux is formed. Remove from heat.
In a blender or food processor, add the asparagus, soy milk roux, asparagus cooking liquid and asparagus. Pulse a few times, until just blended, or until you have the desired consistency. I like to have a few pieces of whole asparagus in my soup, though you may prefer a smoother asparagus soup.
Return to the stove to reheat your soup, and season generously with salt and pepper.
Another batch of meatless (vegetarian) recipes. While I've eaten my share of meat over the years, I much prefer vegetarianism, for a variety of reasons. There, I've said it. And that will be the end of my semi-lecture/rant/whatever on the issue. (At least for the time being. As anyone who knows me well, it's difficult for me to remain quiet on certain things.) That said, here are your Meatless Monday recipes. Enjoy!
MEATLESS-BALL SUBS
1 package Meatless Balls (see note)
1 26 oz. Jar spaghetti sauce
4 hoagie rolls
cheese slices
Place spaghetti sauce and meatless balls into a good-sized saucepan. Stir, and cook over medium-low to medium heat, stirring occasionally.


Open hoagie rolls, add cheese, cover with meatless balls and sauce.

Makes 4 meatless ball subs.
Note: I use Veggie Patch Meatless Meatballs, though really, you can use any brand you like. I had used another brand for a number of years, but unfortunately, I can no longer find that particular brand anywhere now. Whatever brand you buy is fine, as well as the jarred spaghetti sauce.
SPAGHETTI SAUCE
This recipe, as well as the Vegetarian Lasagna, Angel Hair Pasta, and J's B-B-Q Gluten, are all from my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.
28 oz. can tomatoes (note)
2 – 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
2 – 6 oz. cans tomato paste
3 onions, chopped
3 – 5 cloves garlic, crushed
2 T oil
1 T oregano
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. dill
1 tsp. anise
2 T honey
1 T vinegar
1 T soy sauce
1/4 – 1/2 lb. grated cheese
Brown onions & garlic in oil. Add tomatoes, sauce & pasted. Stir. Add everything except cheese & stir. Simmer 1 hour. Add cheese & stir until cheese is melted. Serve over hot spaghetti. Better the next day—if any is left!
Note: I usually use crushed tomatoes. If you’d rather use fresh tomatoes, 6-8 large ones may be used (diced, of course) in place of the canned tomatoes, & add an extra can of tomato sauce.
VEGETARIAN LASAGNA
I’d been making lasagna for years, using a favorite cookbook. One time, my oldest son took the same recipe, and replaced the meat with eggplant. His came out tasting better than when I made it.
I tried recreating the eggplant version, but it never quite came out the same. So, I ended up changing the recipe drastically, changing ingredients and amounts. The funny thing is that, while I use one or two packages of tofu crumbles instead of meat, it tastes enough like meat to fool several non-vegetarians. One person, after eating this, even looked at me aghast, asking, “What are you, some kind of vegetarian?” Never heard from him again.
Tomato sauce:
2 – 3 onions, chopped
3 – 5 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz. can tomatoes
2 – 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
2 – 6 oz. cans tomato paste
2 T oil
1 T oregano
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. dill
1 tsp. anise
1 or 2 – 10 oz. package tofu crumbles
Brown onions & garlic in oil. Add remaining ingredients, stir well, simmer for 1 hour. While sauce is cooking, in a separate pot, cook 16 oz. lasagna noodles & make cheese layer.
Cheese layer:
2 C sour cream
2 C cottage cheese
2 eggs
4 C mozzarella, grated
2 C cheddar cheese, grated
1 C Parmesan cheese
Mix ingredients together in large bowl.
Assemble:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In 9” X 13” pan, place half the cooked lasagna noodles length-wise. Top with half the cheese mixture, then half the tomato sauce. Repeat. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Let cool a few minutes before cutting, as it tends to be a little runny when it first comes out of the oven. Serve with a salad and a loaf of hot Italian bread. Very yummy.
ANGEL HAIR PASTA
I had something similar to this at a restaurant several times, and decided to try making it. A hint for making this: wait until all the veggies have been cut up, then start the water boiling for the angel hair pasta. The veggies should be cooked for 2-4 minutes, and the pasta cooked for 2 minutes before the pasta is drained and then allowed to finish cooking for another 2 minutes with the veggies. Timing is important—unless you like disgustingly soggy pasta.
1/4 C water
3 medium to large tomatoes
2 T balsamic vinegar
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 red pepper, diced
1/2 green pepper, diced
1 T oregano
1 lb. angel hair pasta
Cut up veggies while heating the pasta water. DO NOT PUT PASTA INTO WATER UNTIL THE VEGGIES BEGIN COOKING. (There. I said it.)
In veggie pot, heat 1/4 C water & balsamic vinegar until it begins to bubble; add onion, garlic, pepper & oregano and stir once or twice. NOW ADD PASTA TO POT OF BOILING PASTA WATER. (Boy, what a bossy broad.)
Simmer veggies on low-medium heat for 2-4 minutes, covered. Cook pasta for only 2 minutes, then drain in colander. As soon as pasta is drained, remove cover from veggies, dump pasta into veggie pot, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring several times. Remove from heat. DIG IN!!! (Now, isn’t that good?)
J’s B-B-Q GLUTEN
This is from my oldest son. For the most part, the recipe is included exactly as he wrote it out for me, though I have changed a word or two. (This stuff is definitely good.)
Ingredients:
5 lb. whole wheat flour
2 onions
1/2 C creamy peanut butter
2 bottles of B-B-Q sauce
1 stick butter
2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons paprika
Huge bowl
Take whole wheat flour, empty into Big Bowl. Add enough water to knead into dough ball. Knead really well. I repeat, knead really well. For at least 10 minutes.
Fill huge bowl with water, put dough ball under water for 2 hours. Pour off water. Knead doughball under cold running water for 10 minutes or more. Water should be clear. You are washing out the starch and bran. You know it’s ready when stringy and it sticks together and is bouncy.
Melt 1 stick butter and fry 2 chopped onions until clear. Dump onto Gluten. Add salt, paprika, and peanut butter. Mix with hands completely.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray cooking pan with non-stick spray. Pinch off pieces bigger than a golf ball. Take piece and fold it and twist it and lay it down in pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip over and bake for 10 more. Pour B-B-Q sauce and bake 10 more minutes, then flip and pour more B-B-Q sauce and bake 10 more minutes. It’s done—enjoy.
(Xtra note—be careful when you first mix wheat and water. Don’t add too much water. Make a hard dough ball. It might take 20 minutes to knead it.)
VEGAN CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP
This recipe comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide. She writes, “With just four ingredients plus a little salt and pepper to taste, this is a very simple and basic vegan cream of asparagus soup recipe. Be sure to use a vegan margarine to make sure your asparagus soup is completely vegan and dairy-free.”
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup water or vegetable broth
1 bunch fresh asparagus
2 tbsp vegan margarine
2 tbsp flour
1 3/4 cups soy milk
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Blanch asparagus in water or vegetable broth for just a few minutes until asparagus is tender, but not soft and overcooked. Drain, reserving the cooking liquid, and set aside.
In a large soup pot, melt the margarine over medium-low heat, then add the milk and flour, stirring until a thick roux is formed. Remove from heat.
In a blender or food processor, add the asparagus, soy milk roux, asparagus cooking liquid and asparagus. Pulse a few times, until just blended, or until you have the desired consistency. I like to have a few pieces of whole asparagus in my soup, though you may prefer a smoother asparagus soup.
Return to the stove to reheat your soup, and season generously with salt and pepper.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Thursday Recipes
Enjoy!
CLASSIC WALDORF SALAD
This comes from the April/May 2012 issue of aVegetarian Times, page 61. It begins, “Created in the 1890s at the Waldorf Hotel in New York City, and noted in Cole Porter’s 1934 tune 'You’re the Top,' Waldorf Salad was once the be-all and end-all of culinary elegance.” Serves 6 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
Salad
3/r cup broken walnut pieces
4 10-inch celery stalks, cut into 3/8-inch dice (2 cups)
2 red-skinned apples, cored and cut into 1/2-inch dice (3 cups)
1 cup halved red grapes
12 Boston lettuce leaves
Dressing
1/2 cup light or vegan mayonnaise
1 Tbs. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. honey or agave nectar
1 Tbs. chopped parsley
To make Salad: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread walnuts on baking sheet, and toast 8 to 10 minutes, or until light brown and fragrant. Cool.
Combine celery, apples, grapes, and toasted walnuts in large bowl.
To make Dressing: Stir together mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, and parsley in bowl. Toss with Salad. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
To serve, arrange 2 lettuce leaves on each plate. Top each with 1 cup Salad.
nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 188; Protein: 3 g; Total Fat: 13 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 176 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 12 g; Gluten-Free
CHICKPEA TACOS
This comes from the March 2008 issue of aVegetarian Times, page 36. It begins, “Turns out, tacos don’t have to be hot to be delicious. The chickpea-avocado mash used as a filling here is prepared and served at room temperature. (It makes a great sandwich spread as well.) Because the fat content of taco shells can vary, look for brands that contain approximately 6 grams or fewer per shell.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
1 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
3 Tbs. chopped cilantro
4 tsp. fresh lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)
8 corn taco shells
2 cups baby salad greens
1 cup prepared salsa (medium or hot)
1/2 cup nondairy sour cream
Place avocado in small bowl, and mash with fork. Stir in chickpeas, cilantro, lime juice, and garlic; season with salt and pepper.
Set taco shells in napkin-lined basket. Place salad greens, salsa, and sour cream in separate bowls, and set out alongside chickpea-avocado mash.
To serve, let each person build their own taco by filling each shell with 1/4 cup chickpea-avocado mash, some greens, salsa, and sour cream.
nutritional information Per Serving (2 tacos): Calories: 402; Protein: 11 g; Total Fat: 19 g; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 51 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 800 mg; Fiber: 10 g; Sugar: 2 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free
VEGAN ANGEL HAIR PASTA PRIMAVERA
This comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian expert. She writes, “Primavera is a healthy main dish easy enough to prepare on a weeknight. Made from a simple creamy homemade white sauce and plenty of garlic and basil for flavor, this is a healthy and filling vegetarian pasta dish perfect for a quick and easy vegetarian dinner.”
She adds, “With lots of veggies and a soymilk-based sauce, this vegetarian and vegan pasta primavera with angel hair is very low in fat.”
Ingredients
3 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp dried basil
6 tbsp flour
3 cups soy milk
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1 small head broccoli, cut into florets
1 medium carrot, sliced
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup frozen peas
salt and pepper to taste
1 pound angel hair pasta
Preparation
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook the onion, garlic and basil until the onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the flour to make a paste.
Slowly add the soy milk, stirring constantly. Stir in the nutritional yeast, then cook over low heat until the mixture thickens.
Steam the broccoli and carrot, and add to the sauce along with the mushrooms and peas. Add salt and pepper to taste, then cook until heated through.
Cook the pasta according to package directions, then serve sauce over pasta.
VEGAN CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP
This recipe comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide. She writes, “With just four ingredients plus a little salt and pepper to taste, this is a very simple and basic vegan cream of asparagus soup recipe. Be sure to use a vegan margarine to make sure your asparagus soup is completely vegan and dairy-free.”
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup water or vegetable broth
1 bunch fresh asparagus
2 tbsp vegan margarine
2 tbsp flour
1 3/4 cups soy milk
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Blanch asparagus in water or vegetable broth for just a few minutes until asparagus is tender, but not soft and overcooked. Drain, reserving the cooking liquid, and set aside.
In a large soup pot, melt the margarine over medium-low heat, then add the milk and flour, stirring until a thick roux is formed. Remove from heat.
In a blender or food processor, add the asparagus, soy milk roux, asparagus cooking liquid and asparagus. Pulse a few times, until just blended, or until you have the desired consistency. I like to have a few pieces of whole asparagus in my soup, though you may prefer a smoother asparagus soup.
Return to the stove to reheat your soup, and season generously with salt and pepper.
GRILLED VEGETABLE PANZANELLA
From the July/August 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 27. The recipe starts off, “Grilled summer vegetables require little seasoning to taste spectacular in this hearty bread salad.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view online, click here.
4 slices rustic French bread (8 oz.)
1 12-oz. pkg. cherry tomatoes
16 large green beans (4 oz.)
1 large yellow squash, quartered lengthwise
2 Tbs. olive oil
2 Tbs. white balsamic vinegar
1 large clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)
1 small head radicchio, diced
1 oz. chilled blue cheese, crumbled or coarsely grated (1/3 cup)
4 hard-boiled eggs, roughly chopped
Coat grill pan or basket with cooking spray, and preheat over medium heat.
Grill bread slices 3 to 4 minutes per side until crisp and lightly charred. Slice into cubes, and transfer to large bowl.
Coat tomatoes, green beans, and squash lightly with cooking spray, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Arrange in separate groups on prepared grill pan or in grill basket. Grill 8 minutes, or until squash and beans are charred and just tender, and tomatoes are splitting open, turning vegetables occasionally.
Transfer all but 4 tomatoes to medium bowl. Press tomatoes in bowl slightly to release juices. Spoon tomatoes, and then their juices, over toast cubes.
Whisk together oil, vinegar, and garlic in large serving bowl. Add remaining 4 tomatoes, mash coarsely, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Cut green beans and squash crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Add cut vegetables, radicchio, and blue cheese to bowl with dressing. Toss to coat. Add bread cube mixture, and toss to coat. Sprinkle chopped eggs over top.
nutritional information Per 2-cup serving: Calories: 361; Protein: 15 g; Total Fat: 17 g; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 39 g; Cholesterol: 192 mg; Sodium: 533 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 8 g
VEGAN PUMPKIN GRATIN
Ashley Adams is the Dairy Free Cooking guide for About.com. She writes, “Perfect for the autumn months when pumpkin is in season, this veganized pumpkin gratin is a healthier, yet delicious, take on the fall-time classic. (And if you happen to crave pumpkin during the rest of the year, you can just use canned pumpkin instead of fresh!) If you've never prepared your own homemade pumpkin puree before, read the Cook's Note at the bottom of the recipe to learn how! As always, feel free to add more tasty things to your gratin; pecans, pine nuts, coconut, dried cranberries, dried figs, and fresh apple pieces are all welcome additions to this dish.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4
Ingredients:
For the bread crumb topping:
3 slices white dairy-free bread (French bread, sourdough, or another white sandwich bread will do)
1/4 cup shredded dairy-free cheese, such as Daiya
1/2 t. salt
1/8 t. freshly ground pepper
For the Filling:
3 cups pumpkin puree (from either steamed or canned pumpkin)
1/4 cup dairy-free sour cream, such as Tofutti
2 T. white granulated sugar
1 t. salt
1/2 t. sage
1/2 t. marjoram
1/2 cup finely chopped scallions (also known as green onions)
2 medium Bosc pears, cored and chopped
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
4 T. softened dairy-free soy margarine, cut into small pieces
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 450 F. Lightly grease a 1-quart gratin dish or casserole dish. Set aside.
Make the topping. In a food processor, process the bread crumbs, dairy-free cheese, salt and pepper, pulsing until the mixture resembles large crumbs. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Make the filling. Combine the pumpkin puree, dairy-free sour cream, sugar, salt, sage, and marjoram in a food processor, pulsing until well combined. Using a spoon, fold in the chopped scallions and pears. Transfer the pumpkin filling to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle evenly with the bread crumb topping, then dot with the dairy-free soy margarine. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown. Serve hot.
Cook's Notes:
For this recipe, I vastly prefer using Daiya Mozza Shreds over other varieties, but use whatever dairy-free cheese you're comfortable with.
For gratins and other pumpkin casseroles, making your own puree from fresh pumpkin is always better than using canned. (Again, canned will work, so if you don't have fresh pumpkins available or the time to make your own puree, it is fine to use the canned.
To prepare steamed pumpkin (for the pumpkin puree): Peel, seed, and cut a small to medium-sized pumpkin into 2-inch pieces. Place in a steamer basket set over a saucepan with 1-2 inches of boiling water. Cover and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Puree the pumpkin and use in your pumpkin gratin or other pumpkin recipes!
CLASSIC WALDORF SALAD
This comes from the April/May 2012 issue of aVegetarian Times, page 61. It begins, “Created in the 1890s at the Waldorf Hotel in New York City, and noted in Cole Porter’s 1934 tune 'You’re the Top,' Waldorf Salad was once the be-all and end-all of culinary elegance.” Serves 6 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
Salad
3/r cup broken walnut pieces
4 10-inch celery stalks, cut into 3/8-inch dice (2 cups)
2 red-skinned apples, cored and cut into 1/2-inch dice (3 cups)
1 cup halved red grapes
12 Boston lettuce leaves
Dressing
1/2 cup light or vegan mayonnaise
1 Tbs. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. honey or agave nectar
1 Tbs. chopped parsley
To make Salad: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread walnuts on baking sheet, and toast 8 to 10 minutes, or until light brown and fragrant. Cool.
Combine celery, apples, grapes, and toasted walnuts in large bowl.
To make Dressing: Stir together mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, and parsley in bowl. Toss with Salad. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
To serve, arrange 2 lettuce leaves on each plate. Top each with 1 cup Salad.
nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 188; Protein: 3 g; Total Fat: 13 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 176 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 12 g; Gluten-Free
CHICKPEA TACOS
This comes from the March 2008 issue of aVegetarian Times, page 36. It begins, “Turns out, tacos don’t have to be hot to be delicious. The chickpea-avocado mash used as a filling here is prepared and served at room temperature. (It makes a great sandwich spread as well.) Because the fat content of taco shells can vary, look for brands that contain approximately 6 grams or fewer per shell.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
1 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
3 Tbs. chopped cilantro
4 tsp. fresh lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)
8 corn taco shells
2 cups baby salad greens
1 cup prepared salsa (medium or hot)
1/2 cup nondairy sour cream
Place avocado in small bowl, and mash with fork. Stir in chickpeas, cilantro, lime juice, and garlic; season with salt and pepper.
Set taco shells in napkin-lined basket. Place salad greens, salsa, and sour cream in separate bowls, and set out alongside chickpea-avocado mash.
To serve, let each person build their own taco by filling each shell with 1/4 cup chickpea-avocado mash, some greens, salsa, and sour cream.
nutritional information Per Serving (2 tacos): Calories: 402; Protein: 11 g; Total Fat: 19 g; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 51 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 800 mg; Fiber: 10 g; Sugar: 2 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free
VEGAN ANGEL HAIR PASTA PRIMAVERA
This comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian expert. She writes, “Primavera is a healthy main dish easy enough to prepare on a weeknight. Made from a simple creamy homemade white sauce and plenty of garlic and basil for flavor, this is a healthy and filling vegetarian pasta dish perfect for a quick and easy vegetarian dinner.”
She adds, “With lots of veggies and a soymilk-based sauce, this vegetarian and vegan pasta primavera with angel hair is very low in fat.”
Ingredients
3 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp dried basil
6 tbsp flour
3 cups soy milk
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1 small head broccoli, cut into florets
1 medium carrot, sliced
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup frozen peas
salt and pepper to taste
1 pound angel hair pasta
Preparation
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook the onion, garlic and basil until the onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the flour to make a paste.
Slowly add the soy milk, stirring constantly. Stir in the nutritional yeast, then cook over low heat until the mixture thickens.
Steam the broccoli and carrot, and add to the sauce along with the mushrooms and peas. Add salt and pepper to taste, then cook until heated through.
Cook the pasta according to package directions, then serve sauce over pasta.
VEGAN CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP
This recipe comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide. She writes, “With just four ingredients plus a little salt and pepper to taste, this is a very simple and basic vegan cream of asparagus soup recipe. Be sure to use a vegan margarine to make sure your asparagus soup is completely vegan and dairy-free.”
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup water or vegetable broth
1 bunch fresh asparagus
2 tbsp vegan margarine
2 tbsp flour
1 3/4 cups soy milk
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Blanch asparagus in water or vegetable broth for just a few minutes until asparagus is tender, but not soft and overcooked. Drain, reserving the cooking liquid, and set aside.
In a large soup pot, melt the margarine over medium-low heat, then add the milk and flour, stirring until a thick roux is formed. Remove from heat.
In a blender or food processor, add the asparagus, soy milk roux, asparagus cooking liquid and asparagus. Pulse a few times, until just blended, or until you have the desired consistency. I like to have a few pieces of whole asparagus in my soup, though you may prefer a smoother asparagus soup.
Return to the stove to reheat your soup, and season generously with salt and pepper.
GRILLED VEGETABLE PANZANELLA
From the July/August 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 27. The recipe starts off, “Grilled summer vegetables require little seasoning to taste spectacular in this hearty bread salad.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view online, click here.
4 slices rustic French bread (8 oz.)
1 12-oz. pkg. cherry tomatoes
16 large green beans (4 oz.)
1 large yellow squash, quartered lengthwise
2 Tbs. olive oil
2 Tbs. white balsamic vinegar
1 large clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)
1 small head radicchio, diced
1 oz. chilled blue cheese, crumbled or coarsely grated (1/3 cup)
4 hard-boiled eggs, roughly chopped
Coat grill pan or basket with cooking spray, and preheat over medium heat.
Grill bread slices 3 to 4 minutes per side until crisp and lightly charred. Slice into cubes, and transfer to large bowl.
Coat tomatoes, green beans, and squash lightly with cooking spray, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Arrange in separate groups on prepared grill pan or in grill basket. Grill 8 minutes, or until squash and beans are charred and just tender, and tomatoes are splitting open, turning vegetables occasionally.
Transfer all but 4 tomatoes to medium bowl. Press tomatoes in bowl slightly to release juices. Spoon tomatoes, and then their juices, over toast cubes.
Whisk together oil, vinegar, and garlic in large serving bowl. Add remaining 4 tomatoes, mash coarsely, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Cut green beans and squash crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Add cut vegetables, radicchio, and blue cheese to bowl with dressing. Toss to coat. Add bread cube mixture, and toss to coat. Sprinkle chopped eggs over top.
nutritional information Per 2-cup serving: Calories: 361; Protein: 15 g; Total Fat: 17 g; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 39 g; Cholesterol: 192 mg; Sodium: 533 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 8 g
VEGAN PUMPKIN GRATIN
Ashley Adams is the Dairy Free Cooking guide for About.com. She writes, “Perfect for the autumn months when pumpkin is in season, this veganized pumpkin gratin is a healthier, yet delicious, take on the fall-time classic. (And if you happen to crave pumpkin during the rest of the year, you can just use canned pumpkin instead of fresh!) If you've never prepared your own homemade pumpkin puree before, read the Cook's Note at the bottom of the recipe to learn how! As always, feel free to add more tasty things to your gratin; pecans, pine nuts, coconut, dried cranberries, dried figs, and fresh apple pieces are all welcome additions to this dish.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4
Ingredients:
For the bread crumb topping:
3 slices white dairy-free bread (French bread, sourdough, or another white sandwich bread will do)
1/4 cup shredded dairy-free cheese, such as Daiya
1/2 t. salt
1/8 t. freshly ground pepper
For the Filling:
3 cups pumpkin puree (from either steamed or canned pumpkin)
1/4 cup dairy-free sour cream, such as Tofutti
2 T. white granulated sugar
1 t. salt
1/2 t. sage
1/2 t. marjoram
1/2 cup finely chopped scallions (also known as green onions)
2 medium Bosc pears, cored and chopped
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
4 T. softened dairy-free soy margarine, cut into small pieces
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 450 F. Lightly grease a 1-quart gratin dish or casserole dish. Set aside.
Make the topping. In a food processor, process the bread crumbs, dairy-free cheese, salt and pepper, pulsing until the mixture resembles large crumbs. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Make the filling. Combine the pumpkin puree, dairy-free sour cream, sugar, salt, sage, and marjoram in a food processor, pulsing until well combined. Using a spoon, fold in the chopped scallions and pears. Transfer the pumpkin filling to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle evenly with the bread crumb topping, then dot with the dairy-free soy margarine. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown. Serve hot.
Cook's Notes:
For this recipe, I vastly prefer using Daiya Mozza Shreds over other varieties, but use whatever dairy-free cheese you're comfortable with.
For gratins and other pumpkin casseroles, making your own puree from fresh pumpkin is always better than using canned. (Again, canned will work, so if you don't have fresh pumpkins available or the time to make your own puree, it is fine to use the canned.
To prepare steamed pumpkin (for the pumpkin puree): Peel, seed, and cut a small to medium-sized pumpkin into 2-inch pieces. Place in a steamer basket set over a saucepan with 1-2 inches of boiling water. Cover and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Puree the pumpkin and use in your pumpkin gratin or other pumpkin recipes!
Monday, November 30, 2015
Monday Recipes
Monday – the start of another week, and another batch of meatless (vegetarian) recipes. While I've eaten my share of meat over the years, I much prefer vegetarianism, for a variety of reasons. There, I've said it. And that will be the end of my semi-lecture/rant/whatever on the issue. (At least for the time being. As anyone who knows me well, it's difficult for me to remain quiet on certain things.) That said, here are your Meatless Monday recipes. Enjoy!
MEATLESS-BALL SUBS
1 package Meatless Balls (see note)
1 26 oz. Jar spaghetti sauce
4 hoagie rolls
cheese slices
Place spaghetti sauce and meatless balls into a good-sized saucepan. Stir, and cook over medium-low to medium heat, stirring occasionally.


Open hoagie rolls, add cheese, cover with meatless balls and sauce.

Makes 4 meatless ball subs.
Note: I use Veggie Patch Meatless Meatballs, though really, you can use any brand you like. I had used another brand for a number of years, but unfortunately, I can no longer find that particular brand anywhere now. Whatever brand you buy is fine, as well as the jarred spaghetti sauce.
SPAGHETTI SAUCE
This recipe, as well as the Vegetarian Lasagna, Angel Hair Pasta, and J's B-B-Q Gluten, are all from my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.
28 oz. can tomatoes (note)
2 – 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
2 – 6 oz. cans tomato paste
3 onions, chopped
3 – 5 cloves garlic, crushed
2 T oil
1 T oregano
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. dill
1 tsp. anise
2 T honey
1 T vinegar
1 T soy sauce
1/4 – 1/2 lb. grated cheese
Brown onions & garlic in oil. Add tomatoes, sauce & pasted. Stir. Add everything except cheese & stir. Simmer 1 hour. Add cheese & stir until cheese is melted. Serve over hot spaghetti. Better the next day—if any is left!
Note: I usually use crushed tomatoes. If you’d rather use fresh tomatoes, 6-8 large ones may be used (diced, of course) in place of the canned tomatoes, & add an extra can of tomato sauce.
VEGETARIAN LASAGNA
I’d been making lasagna for years, using a favorite cookbook. One time, my oldest son took the same recipe, and replaced the meat with eggplant. His came out tasting better than when I made it.
I tried recreating the eggplant version, but it never quite came out the same. So, I ended up changing the recipe drastically, changing ingredients and amounts. The funny thing is that, while I use one or two packages of tofu crumbles instead of meat, it tastes enough like meat to fool several non-vegetarians. One person, after eating this, even looked at me aghast, asking, “What are you, some kind of vegetarian?” Never heard from him again.
Tomato sauce:
2 – 3 onions, chopped
3 – 5 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz. can tomatoes
2 – 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
2 – 6 oz. cans tomato paste
2 T oil
1 T oregano
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. dill
1 tsp. anise
1 or 2 – 10 oz. package tofu crumbles
Brown onions & garlic in oil. Add remaining ingredients, stir well, simmer for 1 hour. While sauce is cooking, in a separate pot, cook 16 oz. lasagna noodles & make cheese layer.
Cheese layer:
2 C sour cream
2 C cottage cheese
2 eggs
4 C mozzarella, grated
2 C cheddar cheese, grated
1 C Parmesan cheese
Mix ingredients together in large bowl.
Assemble:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In 9” X 13” pan, place half the cooked lasagna noodles length-wise. Top with half the cheese mixture, then half the tomato sauce. Repeat. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Let cool a few minutes before cutting, as it tends to be a little runny when it first comes out of the oven. Serve with a salad and a loaf of hot Italian bread. Very yummy.
ANGEL HAIR PASTA
I had something similar to this at a restaurant several times, and decided to try making it. A hint for making this: wait until all the veggies have been cut up, then start the water boiling for the angel hair pasta. The veggies should be cooked for 2-4 minutes, and the pasta cooked for 2 minutes before the pasta is drained and then allowed to finish cooking for another 2 minutes with the veggies. Timing is important—unless you like disgustingly soggy pasta.
1/4 C water
3 medium to large tomatoes
2 T balsamic vinegar
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 red pepper, diced
1/2 green pepper, diced
1 T oregano
1 lb. angel hair pasta
Cut up veggies while heating the pasta water. DO NOT PUT PASTA INTO WATER UNTIL THE VEGGIES BEGIN COOKING. (There. I said it.)
In veggie pot, heat 1/4 C water & balsamic vinegar until it begins to bubble; add onion, garlic, pepper & oregano and stir once or twice. NOW ADD PASTA TO POT OF BOILING PASTA WATER. (Boy, what a bossy broad.)
Simmer veggies on low-medium heat for 2-4 minutes, covered. Cook pasta for only 2 minutes, then drain in colander. As soon as pasta is drained, remove cover from veggies, dump pasta into veggie pot, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring several times. Remove from heat. DIG IN!!! (Now, isn’t that good?)
J’s B-B-Q GLUTEN
This is from my oldest son. For the most part, the recipe is included exactly as he wrote it out for me, though I have changed a word or two. (This stuff is definitely good.)
Ingredients:
5 lb. whole wheat flour
2 onions
1/2 C creamy peanut butter
2 bottles of B-B-Q sauce
1 stick butter
2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons paprika
Huge bowl
Take whole wheat flour, empty into Big Bowl. Add enough water to knead into dough ball. Knead really well. I repeat, knead really well. For at least 10 minutes.
Fill huge bowl with water, put dough ball under water for 2 hours. Pour off water. Knead doughball under cold running water for 10 minutes or more. Water should be clear. You are washing out the starch and bran. You know it’s ready when stringy and it sticks together and is bouncy.
Melt 1 stick butter and fry 2 chopped onions until clear. Dump onto Gluten. Add salt, paprika, and peanut butter. Mix with hands completely.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray cooking pan with non-stick spray. Pinch off pieces bigger than a golf ball. Take piece and fold it and twist it and lay it down in pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip over and bake for 10 more. Pour B-B-Q sauce and bake 10 more minutes, then flip and pour more B-B-Q sauce and bake 10 more minutes. It’s done—enjoy.
(Xtra note—be careful when you first mix wheat and water. Don’t add too much water. Make a hard dough ball. It might take 20 minutes to knead it.)
VEGAN CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP
This recipe comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide. She writes, “With just four ingredients plus a little salt and pepper to taste, this is a very simple and basic vegan cream of asparagus soup recipe. Be sure to use a vegan margarine to make sure your asparagus soup is completely vegan and dairy-free.”
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup water or vegetable broth
1 bunch fresh asparagus
2 tbsp vegan margarine
2 tbsp flour
1 3/4 cups soy milk
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Blanch asparagus in water or vegetable broth for just a few minutes until asparagus is tender, but not soft and overcooked. Drain, reserving the cooking liquid, and set aside.
In a large soup pot, melt the margarine over medium-low heat, then add the milk and flour, stirring until a thick roux is formed. Remove from heat.
In a blender or food processor, add the asparagus, soy milk roux, asparagus cooking liquid and asparagus. Pulse a few times, until just blended, or until you have the desired consistency. I like to have a few pieces of whole asparagus in my soup, though you may prefer a smoother asparagus soup.
Return to the stove to reheat your soup, and season generously with salt and pepper.
MEATLESS-BALL SUBS
1 package Meatless Balls (see note)
1 26 oz. Jar spaghetti sauce
4 hoagie rolls
cheese slices
Place spaghetti sauce and meatless balls into a good-sized saucepan. Stir, and cook over medium-low to medium heat, stirring occasionally.


Open hoagie rolls, add cheese, cover with meatless balls and sauce.

Makes 4 meatless ball subs.
Note: I use Veggie Patch Meatless Meatballs, though really, you can use any brand you like. I had used another brand for a number of years, but unfortunately, I can no longer find that particular brand anywhere now. Whatever brand you buy is fine, as well as the jarred spaghetti sauce.
SPAGHETTI SAUCE
This recipe, as well as the Vegetarian Lasagna, Angel Hair Pasta, and J's B-B-Q Gluten, are all from my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.
28 oz. can tomatoes (note)
2 – 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
2 – 6 oz. cans tomato paste
3 onions, chopped
3 – 5 cloves garlic, crushed
2 T oil
1 T oregano
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. dill
1 tsp. anise
2 T honey
1 T vinegar
1 T soy sauce
1/4 – 1/2 lb. grated cheese
Brown onions & garlic in oil. Add tomatoes, sauce & pasted. Stir. Add everything except cheese & stir. Simmer 1 hour. Add cheese & stir until cheese is melted. Serve over hot spaghetti. Better the next day—if any is left!
Note: I usually use crushed tomatoes. If you’d rather use fresh tomatoes, 6-8 large ones may be used (diced, of course) in place of the canned tomatoes, & add an extra can of tomato sauce.
VEGETARIAN LASAGNA
I’d been making lasagna for years, using a favorite cookbook. One time, my oldest son took the same recipe, and replaced the meat with eggplant. His came out tasting better than when I made it.
I tried recreating the eggplant version, but it never quite came out the same. So, I ended up changing the recipe drastically, changing ingredients and amounts. The funny thing is that, while I use one or two packages of tofu crumbles instead of meat, it tastes enough like meat to fool several non-vegetarians. One person, after eating this, even looked at me aghast, asking, “What are you, some kind of vegetarian?” Never heard from him again.
Tomato sauce:
2 – 3 onions, chopped
3 – 5 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz. can tomatoes
2 – 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
2 – 6 oz. cans tomato paste
2 T oil
1 T oregano
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. dill
1 tsp. anise
1 or 2 – 10 oz. package tofu crumbles
Brown onions & garlic in oil. Add remaining ingredients, stir well, simmer for 1 hour. While sauce is cooking, in a separate pot, cook 16 oz. lasagna noodles & make cheese layer.
Cheese layer:
2 C sour cream
2 C cottage cheese
2 eggs
4 C mozzarella, grated
2 C cheddar cheese, grated
1 C Parmesan cheese
Mix ingredients together in large bowl.
Assemble:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In 9” X 13” pan, place half the cooked lasagna noodles length-wise. Top with half the cheese mixture, then half the tomato sauce. Repeat. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Let cool a few minutes before cutting, as it tends to be a little runny when it first comes out of the oven. Serve with a salad and a loaf of hot Italian bread. Very yummy.
ANGEL HAIR PASTA
I had something similar to this at a restaurant several times, and decided to try making it. A hint for making this: wait until all the veggies have been cut up, then start the water boiling for the angel hair pasta. The veggies should be cooked for 2-4 minutes, and the pasta cooked for 2 minutes before the pasta is drained and then allowed to finish cooking for another 2 minutes with the veggies. Timing is important—unless you like disgustingly soggy pasta.
1/4 C water
3 medium to large tomatoes
2 T balsamic vinegar
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 red pepper, diced
1/2 green pepper, diced
1 T oregano
1 lb. angel hair pasta
Cut up veggies while heating the pasta water. DO NOT PUT PASTA INTO WATER UNTIL THE VEGGIES BEGIN COOKING. (There. I said it.)
In veggie pot, heat 1/4 C water & balsamic vinegar until it begins to bubble; add onion, garlic, pepper & oregano and stir once or twice. NOW ADD PASTA TO POT OF BOILING PASTA WATER. (Boy, what a bossy broad.)
Simmer veggies on low-medium heat for 2-4 minutes, covered. Cook pasta for only 2 minutes, then drain in colander. As soon as pasta is drained, remove cover from veggies, dump pasta into veggie pot, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring several times. Remove from heat. DIG IN!!! (Now, isn’t that good?)
J’s B-B-Q GLUTEN
This is from my oldest son. For the most part, the recipe is included exactly as he wrote it out for me, though I have changed a word or two. (This stuff is definitely good.)
Ingredients:
5 lb. whole wheat flour
2 onions
1/2 C creamy peanut butter
2 bottles of B-B-Q sauce
1 stick butter
2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons paprika
Huge bowl
Take whole wheat flour, empty into Big Bowl. Add enough water to knead into dough ball. Knead really well. I repeat, knead really well. For at least 10 minutes.
Fill huge bowl with water, put dough ball under water for 2 hours. Pour off water. Knead doughball under cold running water for 10 minutes or more. Water should be clear. You are washing out the starch and bran. You know it’s ready when stringy and it sticks together and is bouncy.
Melt 1 stick butter and fry 2 chopped onions until clear. Dump onto Gluten. Add salt, paprika, and peanut butter. Mix with hands completely.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray cooking pan with non-stick spray. Pinch off pieces bigger than a golf ball. Take piece and fold it and twist it and lay it down in pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip over and bake for 10 more. Pour B-B-Q sauce and bake 10 more minutes, then flip and pour more B-B-Q sauce and bake 10 more minutes. It’s done—enjoy.
(Xtra note—be careful when you first mix wheat and water. Don’t add too much water. Make a hard dough ball. It might take 20 minutes to knead it.)
VEGAN CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP
This recipe comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide. She writes, “With just four ingredients plus a little salt and pepper to taste, this is a very simple and basic vegan cream of asparagus soup recipe. Be sure to use a vegan margarine to make sure your asparagus soup is completely vegan and dairy-free.”
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup water or vegetable broth
1 bunch fresh asparagus
2 tbsp vegan margarine
2 tbsp flour
1 3/4 cups soy milk
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Blanch asparagus in water or vegetable broth for just a few minutes until asparagus is tender, but not soft and overcooked. Drain, reserving the cooking liquid, and set aside.
In a large soup pot, melt the margarine over medium-low heat, then add the milk and flour, stirring until a thick roux is formed. Remove from heat.
In a blender or food processor, add the asparagus, soy milk roux, asparagus cooking liquid and asparagus. Pulse a few times, until just blended, or until you have the desired consistency. I like to have a few pieces of whole asparagus in my soup, though you may prefer a smoother asparagus soup.
Return to the stove to reheat your soup, and season generously with salt and pepper.
Friday, August 28, 2015
Friday Recipes
Finally, Friday. Here are six vegetarian recipes for the weekend. Enjoy!
VEGETABLE MOO SHU WRAPS
This is from the September 2011 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 69. It starts off, “Skip the restaurant, and enjoy Chinese food at home with a veggie stir-fry served with hoisin sauce and moo shu pancakes (found in the frozen section of Asian markets). To assemble, smear hoisin on a pancake, spoon in stir-fry, and roll like a burrito. Vegans can substitute rice paper wrappers and swap baked tofu strips for the eggs and agave syrup for the honey.” Serves 8 in 30 minutes or less.
Sauce
1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
2 Tbs. low-sodium soy sauce
2 Tbs. sesame oil
1 Tbs. rice wine vinegar or lime juice
2 tsp. cornstarch
1 tsp. honey
Filling
3 large eggs
1 tsp. low-sodium soy sauce
1 tsp. sesame oil
1 Tbs. vegetable oil, divided
1 small red onion, sliced (1 cup)
2 Tbs. grated fresh ginger
1 cup large stemmed shiitake mushrooms, cut into thin strips
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
3 cups shredded cabbage
1 1/2 cups snow peas, sliced lengthwise
1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
2 green onions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
Wraps
16 Chinese moo shu pancakes or small, thin flour tortillas
Large lettuce leaves, optional
Hoisin sauce, for spreading inside wrappers
To make Sauce: Combine all ingredients in jar, close lid, and shake to combine. Set aside.
To make Filling: Whisk together eggs, soy sauce, and sesame oil in bowl. Heat 1 1/2 tsp. vegetable oil in wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add eggs, swirl to spread over pan, and cook 1 minute. Flip with spatula, and cook 1 minute more. Slide onto cutting board, and slice into thin strips. Set aside.
Wipe out wok or skillet, add remaining 1 1/2 tsp. oil, and heat over medium-high heat. Add onion and ginger; stir-fry 2 to 3 minutes, or until onion begins to soften. Add mushrooms and garlic, and stir-fry 5 minutes, or until mushrooms are golden. Add cabbage, snow peas, carrots, and green onions; stir-fry 2 minutes more. Stir in Sauce, and simmer 2 to 3 minutes, or until Sauce thickens. Fold egg strips into stir-fry mixture. Transfer to serving platter, and serve with warm moo shu pancakes, lettuce leaves (if using), and hoisin sauce.
nutritional information Per Wrap: Calories: 119; Protein: 4 g; Total Fat: 4 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 17 g; Cholesterol: 35 mg; Sodium: 278 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 4 g
ULTIMATE VEGGIE FRIED RICE
This is from the September 2009 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 38. It begins, “Add leftover cooked vegetables, an egg, or some beans, and you have a wonderful one-bowl meal.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 small onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 small carrot, diced (1/4 cup)
1 stalk celery, diced (1/4 cup)
1 tsp. herbes de Provence
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups cooked brown rice, crumbled or broken up
2 cups leftover vegetables, beans, etc., optional
Heat skillet over medium-high heat, and add oil. Sauté onion, carrot, celery, herbes de Provence, and salt 10 to 15 minutes, or until well browned. Add a little more oil if pan seems dry. Add rice, and stir-fry 5 minutes, or until mixture is hot and well combined.
Rice is now ready to be served, but if you have some time before your meal, turn heat to low, add a little more oil to pan, and let rice sit undisturbed 7 to 10 minutes, or until browned. If it begins to stick, scrape it up, stir tasty brown bits in, and continue browning with a little more oil. The more time and energy you spend at this stage, the tastier the rice will be. If using leftovers, add them just before serving and continue to heat thoroughly.
nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 189; Protein: 3 g; Total Fat: 8 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 308 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 3 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free
VEGAN ANGEL HAIR PASTA PRIMAVERA
This comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian expert. She writes, “Primavera is a healthy main dish easy enough to prepare on a weeknight. Made from a simple creamy homemade white sauce and plenty of garlic and basil for flavor, this is a healthy and filling vegetarian pasta dish perfect for a quick and easy vegetarian dinner.”
She adds, “With lots of veggies and a soymilk-based sauce, this vegetarian and vegan pasta primavera with angel hair is very low in fat.”
Ingredients
3 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp dried basil
6 tbsp flour
3 cups soy milk
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1 small head broccoli, cut into florets
1 medium carrot, sliced
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup frozen peas
salt and pepper to taste
1 pound angel hair pasta
Preparation
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook the onion, garlic and basil until the onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the flour to make a paste.
Slowly add the soy milk, stirring constantly. Stir in the nutritional yeast, then cook over low heat until the mixture thickens.
Steam the broccoli and carrot, and add to the sauce along with the mushrooms and peas. Add salt and pepper to taste, then cook until heated through.
Cook the pasta according to package directions, then serve sauce over pasta.
VEGAN CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP
This recipe comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide. She writes, “With just four ingredients plus a little salt and pepper to taste, this is a very simple and basic vegan cream of asparagus soup recipe. Be sure to use a vegan margarine to make sure your asparagus soup is completely vegan and dairy-free.”
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup water or vegetable broth
1 bunch fresh asparagus
2 tbsp vegan margarine
2 tbsp flour
1 3/4 cups soy milk
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Blanch asparagus in water or vegetable broth for just a few minutes until asparagus is tender, but not soft and overcooked. Drain, reserving the cooking liquid, and set aside.
In a large soup pot, melt the margarine over medium-low heat, then add the milk and flour, stirring until a thick roux is formed. Remove from heat.
In a blender or food processor, add the asparagus, soy milk roux, asparagus cooking liquid and asparagus. Pulse a few times, until just blended, or until you have the desired consistency. I like to have a few pieces of whole asparagus in my soup, though you may prefer a smoother asparagus soup.
Return to the stove to reheat your soup, and season generously with salt and pepper.
GRILLED VEGETABLE PANZANELLA
From the July/August 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 27. The recipe starts off, “Grilled summer vegetables require little seasoning to taste spectacular in this hearty bread salad.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view online, click here.
4 slices rustic French bread (8 oz.)
1 12-oz. pkg. cherry tomatoes
16 large green beans (4 oz.)
1 large yellow squash, quartered lengthwise
2 Tbs. olive oil
2 Tbs. white balsamic vinegar
1 large clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)
1 small head radicchio, diced
1 oz. chilled blue cheese, crumbled or coarsely grated (1/3 cup)
4 hard-boiled eggs, roughly chopped
Coat grill pan or basket with cooking spray, and preheat over medium heat.
Grill bread slices 3 to 4 minutes per side until crisp and lightly charred. Slice into cubes, and transfer to large bowl.
Coat tomatoes, green beans, and squash lightly with cooking spray, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Arrange in separate groups on prepared grill pan or in grill basket. Grill 8 minutes, or until squash and beans are charred and just tender, and tomatoes are splitting open, turning vegetables occasionally.
Transfer all but 4 tomatoes to medium bowl. Press tomatoes in bowl slightly to release juices. Spoon tomatoes, and then their juices, over toast cubes.
Whisk together oil, vinegar, and garlic in large serving bowl. Add remaining 4 tomatoes, mash coarsely, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Cut green beans and squash crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Add cut vegetables, radicchio, and blue cheese to bowl with dressing. Toss to coat. Add bread cube mixture, and toss to coat. Sprinkle chopped eggs over top.
nutritional information Per 2-cup serving: Calories: 361; Protein: 15 g; Total Fat: 17 g; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 39 g; Cholesterol: 192 mg; Sodium: 533 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 8 g
VEGAN PUMPKIN GRATIN
Ashley Adams is the Dairy Free Cooking guide for About.com. She writes, “Perfect for the autumn months when pumpkin is in season, this veganized pumpkin gratin is a healthier, yet delicious, take on the fall-time classic. (And if you happen to crave pumpkin during the rest of the year, you can just use canned pumpkin instead of fresh!) If you've never prepared your own homemade pumpkin puree before, read the Cook's Note at the bottom of the recipe to learn how! As always, feel free to add more tasty things to your gratin; pecans, pine nuts, coconut, dried cranberries, dried figs, and fresh apple pieces are all welcome additions to this dish.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4
Ingredients:
For the bread crumb topping:
3 slices white dairy-free bread (French bread, sourdough, or another white sandwich bread will do)
1/4 cup shredded dairy-free cheese, such as Daiya
1/2 t. salt
1/8 t. freshly ground pepper
For the Filling:
3 cups pumpkin puree (from either steamed or canned pumpkin)
1/4 cup dairy-free sour cream, such as Tofutti
2 T. white granulated sugar
1 t. salt
1/2 t. sage
1/2 t. marjoram
1/2 cup finely chopped scallions (also known as green onions)
2 medium Bosc pears, cored and chopped
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
4 T. softened dairy-free soy margarine, cut into small pieces
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 450 F. Lightly grease a 1-quart gratin dish or casserole dish. Set aside.
Make the topping. In a food processor, process the bread crumbs, dairy-free cheese, salt and pepper, pulsing until the mixture resembles large crumbs. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Make the filling. Combine the pumpkin puree, dairy-free sour cream, sugar, salt, sage, and marjoram in a food processor, pulsing until well combined. Using a spoon, fold in the chopped scallions and pears. Transfer the pumpkin filling to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle evenly with the bread crumb topping, then dot with the dairy-free soy margarine. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown. Serve hot.
Cook's Notes:
For this recipe, I vastly prefer using Daiya Mozza Shreds over other varieties, but use whatever dairy-free cheese you're comfortable with.
For gratins and other pumpkin casseroles, making your own puree from fresh pumpkin is always better than using canned. (Again, canned will work, so if you don't have fresh pumpkins available or the time to make your own puree, it is fine to use the canned.
To prepare steamed pumpkin (for the pumpkin puree): Peel, seed, and cut a small to medium-sized pumpkin into 2-inch pieces. Place in a steamer basket set over a saucepan with 1-2 inches of boiling water. Cover and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Puree the pumpkin and use in your pumpkin gratin or other pumpkin recipes!
VEGETABLE MOO SHU WRAPS
This is from the September 2011 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 69. It starts off, “Skip the restaurant, and enjoy Chinese food at home with a veggie stir-fry served with hoisin sauce and moo shu pancakes (found in the frozen section of Asian markets). To assemble, smear hoisin on a pancake, spoon in stir-fry, and roll like a burrito. Vegans can substitute rice paper wrappers and swap baked tofu strips for the eggs and agave syrup for the honey.” Serves 8 in 30 minutes or less.
Sauce
1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
2 Tbs. low-sodium soy sauce
2 Tbs. sesame oil
1 Tbs. rice wine vinegar or lime juice
2 tsp. cornstarch
1 tsp. honey
Filling
3 large eggs
1 tsp. low-sodium soy sauce
1 tsp. sesame oil
1 Tbs. vegetable oil, divided
1 small red onion, sliced (1 cup)
2 Tbs. grated fresh ginger
1 cup large stemmed shiitake mushrooms, cut into thin strips
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
3 cups shredded cabbage
1 1/2 cups snow peas, sliced lengthwise
1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
2 green onions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
Wraps
16 Chinese moo shu pancakes or small, thin flour tortillas
Large lettuce leaves, optional
Hoisin sauce, for spreading inside wrappers
To make Sauce: Combine all ingredients in jar, close lid, and shake to combine. Set aside.
To make Filling: Whisk together eggs, soy sauce, and sesame oil in bowl. Heat 1 1/2 tsp. vegetable oil in wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add eggs, swirl to spread over pan, and cook 1 minute. Flip with spatula, and cook 1 minute more. Slide onto cutting board, and slice into thin strips. Set aside.
Wipe out wok or skillet, add remaining 1 1/2 tsp. oil, and heat over medium-high heat. Add onion and ginger; stir-fry 2 to 3 minutes, or until onion begins to soften. Add mushrooms and garlic, and stir-fry 5 minutes, or until mushrooms are golden. Add cabbage, snow peas, carrots, and green onions; stir-fry 2 minutes more. Stir in Sauce, and simmer 2 to 3 minutes, or until Sauce thickens. Fold egg strips into stir-fry mixture. Transfer to serving platter, and serve with warm moo shu pancakes, lettuce leaves (if using), and hoisin sauce.
nutritional information Per Wrap: Calories: 119; Protein: 4 g; Total Fat: 4 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 17 g; Cholesterol: 35 mg; Sodium: 278 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 4 g
ULTIMATE VEGGIE FRIED RICE
This is from the September 2009 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 38. It begins, “Add leftover cooked vegetables, an egg, or some beans, and you have a wonderful one-bowl meal.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 small onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 small carrot, diced (1/4 cup)
1 stalk celery, diced (1/4 cup)
1 tsp. herbes de Provence
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups cooked brown rice, crumbled or broken up
2 cups leftover vegetables, beans, etc., optional
Heat skillet over medium-high heat, and add oil. Sauté onion, carrot, celery, herbes de Provence, and salt 10 to 15 minutes, or until well browned. Add a little more oil if pan seems dry. Add rice, and stir-fry 5 minutes, or until mixture is hot and well combined.
Rice is now ready to be served, but if you have some time before your meal, turn heat to low, add a little more oil to pan, and let rice sit undisturbed 7 to 10 minutes, or until browned. If it begins to stick, scrape it up, stir tasty brown bits in, and continue browning with a little more oil. The more time and energy you spend at this stage, the tastier the rice will be. If using leftovers, add them just before serving and continue to heat thoroughly.
nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 189; Protein: 3 g; Total Fat: 8 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 308 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 3 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free
VEGAN ANGEL HAIR PASTA PRIMAVERA
This comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian expert. She writes, “Primavera is a healthy main dish easy enough to prepare on a weeknight. Made from a simple creamy homemade white sauce and plenty of garlic and basil for flavor, this is a healthy and filling vegetarian pasta dish perfect for a quick and easy vegetarian dinner.”
She adds, “With lots of veggies and a soymilk-based sauce, this vegetarian and vegan pasta primavera with angel hair is very low in fat.”
Ingredients
3 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp dried basil
6 tbsp flour
3 cups soy milk
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1 small head broccoli, cut into florets
1 medium carrot, sliced
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup frozen peas
salt and pepper to taste
1 pound angel hair pasta
Preparation
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook the onion, garlic and basil until the onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the flour to make a paste.
Slowly add the soy milk, stirring constantly. Stir in the nutritional yeast, then cook over low heat until the mixture thickens.
Steam the broccoli and carrot, and add to the sauce along with the mushrooms and peas. Add salt and pepper to taste, then cook until heated through.
Cook the pasta according to package directions, then serve sauce over pasta.
VEGAN CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP
This recipe comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide. She writes, “With just four ingredients plus a little salt and pepper to taste, this is a very simple and basic vegan cream of asparagus soup recipe. Be sure to use a vegan margarine to make sure your asparagus soup is completely vegan and dairy-free.”
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup water or vegetable broth
1 bunch fresh asparagus
2 tbsp vegan margarine
2 tbsp flour
1 3/4 cups soy milk
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Blanch asparagus in water or vegetable broth for just a few minutes until asparagus is tender, but not soft and overcooked. Drain, reserving the cooking liquid, and set aside.
In a large soup pot, melt the margarine over medium-low heat, then add the milk and flour, stirring until a thick roux is formed. Remove from heat.
In a blender or food processor, add the asparagus, soy milk roux, asparagus cooking liquid and asparagus. Pulse a few times, until just blended, or until you have the desired consistency. I like to have a few pieces of whole asparagus in my soup, though you may prefer a smoother asparagus soup.
Return to the stove to reheat your soup, and season generously with salt and pepper.
GRILLED VEGETABLE PANZANELLA
From the July/August 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 27. The recipe starts off, “Grilled summer vegetables require little seasoning to taste spectacular in this hearty bread salad.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view online, click here.
4 slices rustic French bread (8 oz.)
1 12-oz. pkg. cherry tomatoes
16 large green beans (4 oz.)
1 large yellow squash, quartered lengthwise
2 Tbs. olive oil
2 Tbs. white balsamic vinegar
1 large clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)
1 small head radicchio, diced
1 oz. chilled blue cheese, crumbled or coarsely grated (1/3 cup)
4 hard-boiled eggs, roughly chopped
Coat grill pan or basket with cooking spray, and preheat over medium heat.
Grill bread slices 3 to 4 minutes per side until crisp and lightly charred. Slice into cubes, and transfer to large bowl.
Coat tomatoes, green beans, and squash lightly with cooking spray, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Arrange in separate groups on prepared grill pan or in grill basket. Grill 8 minutes, or until squash and beans are charred and just tender, and tomatoes are splitting open, turning vegetables occasionally.
Transfer all but 4 tomatoes to medium bowl. Press tomatoes in bowl slightly to release juices. Spoon tomatoes, and then their juices, over toast cubes.
Whisk together oil, vinegar, and garlic in large serving bowl. Add remaining 4 tomatoes, mash coarsely, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Cut green beans and squash crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Add cut vegetables, radicchio, and blue cheese to bowl with dressing. Toss to coat. Add bread cube mixture, and toss to coat. Sprinkle chopped eggs over top.
nutritional information Per 2-cup serving: Calories: 361; Protein: 15 g; Total Fat: 17 g; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 39 g; Cholesterol: 192 mg; Sodium: 533 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 8 g
VEGAN PUMPKIN GRATIN
Ashley Adams is the Dairy Free Cooking guide for About.com. She writes, “Perfect for the autumn months when pumpkin is in season, this veganized pumpkin gratin is a healthier, yet delicious, take on the fall-time classic. (And if you happen to crave pumpkin during the rest of the year, you can just use canned pumpkin instead of fresh!) If you've never prepared your own homemade pumpkin puree before, read the Cook's Note at the bottom of the recipe to learn how! As always, feel free to add more tasty things to your gratin; pecans, pine nuts, coconut, dried cranberries, dried figs, and fresh apple pieces are all welcome additions to this dish.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4
Ingredients:
For the bread crumb topping:
3 slices white dairy-free bread (French bread, sourdough, or another white sandwich bread will do)
1/4 cup shredded dairy-free cheese, such as Daiya
1/2 t. salt
1/8 t. freshly ground pepper
For the Filling:
3 cups pumpkin puree (from either steamed or canned pumpkin)
1/4 cup dairy-free sour cream, such as Tofutti
2 T. white granulated sugar
1 t. salt
1/2 t. sage
1/2 t. marjoram
1/2 cup finely chopped scallions (also known as green onions)
2 medium Bosc pears, cored and chopped
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
4 T. softened dairy-free soy margarine, cut into small pieces
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 450 F. Lightly grease a 1-quart gratin dish or casserole dish. Set aside.
Make the topping. In a food processor, process the bread crumbs, dairy-free cheese, salt and pepper, pulsing until the mixture resembles large crumbs. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Make the filling. Combine the pumpkin puree, dairy-free sour cream, sugar, salt, sage, and marjoram in a food processor, pulsing until well combined. Using a spoon, fold in the chopped scallions and pears. Transfer the pumpkin filling to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle evenly with the bread crumb topping, then dot with the dairy-free soy margarine. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown. Serve hot.
Cook's Notes:
For this recipe, I vastly prefer using Daiya Mozza Shreds over other varieties, but use whatever dairy-free cheese you're comfortable with.
For gratins and other pumpkin casseroles, making your own puree from fresh pumpkin is always better than using canned. (Again, canned will work, so if you don't have fresh pumpkins available or the time to make your own puree, it is fine to use the canned.
To prepare steamed pumpkin (for the pumpkin puree): Peel, seed, and cut a small to medium-sized pumpkin into 2-inch pieces. Place in a steamer basket set over a saucepan with 1-2 inches of boiling water. Cover and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Puree the pumpkin and use in your pumpkin gratin or other pumpkin recipes!
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