Slow Cooker Tailgate Chili

In the deep winter, it's still a great time for chili and slow-cooker chili! 

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (15-oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14-oz) diced tomatoes
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
2-3 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp (vegan) Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp ground allspice
¼ tsp ground ginger
dash ground cloves 

1 bay leaf
1 cup dry bulgur wheat

2 cups vegetable broth 
1½ cups corn
1 cup (9-oz) salsa
4-oz guacamole

Directions:

1. Heat oil over medium-high heat. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
2. Combine onions and garlic with all ingredients except guacamole in slow cooker. 
3. Cook on low approximately 8 hours.
4. Remove bay leaf and season with salt and pepper.
5. Thin with water or veg broth if necessary.
6. Garnish with guacamole.

Notes:

• Serves 4
• Per serving: 397 calories, 8.1g fat, 73g carbs, 21g fiber, 9.9g sugars, 16.9g protein

Insta-Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

Soup for the winter, done in the pressure cooker for fast and easy.

Ingredients:

1 cup green or brown lentils

1 cup rice

1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced

1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced

4 cups vegetable broth

1 can (14 oz) petite diced tomatoes

1 Tbsp Italian seasoning

1 1/2 tsp onion powder

1 1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp ground ginger

16 oz (usually 2 cans) tomato sauce

2 Tbsp soy sauce

2 Tbsp nutritional yeast

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

bay leaf

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in Insta-pot or other pressure cooker. 
2. Stir.
3. Cook on high for 22 minutes.
4. Allow natural release for 10 minutes.

Notes:

• Serves 4

Chickpea and Asparagus Curry

A nice curry with noddles when asparagus is in season. This recipe came about when I didn't have the ingredients for one of the recipes I had.  

Ingredients:
8-oz dry elbows

olive oil

1 onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1-2 Tbsp ginger paste
1 bunch asparagus, with stems snapped off
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup vegetable broth
1-2 tsp mild curry powder
1 can lite coconut milk
1 tsp garam masala
½ tsp ground coriander

Directions:

1. Cook noodles per package directions.
2. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
3. Heat 1 Tbsp oil over medium-high heat.
4. Add onions, garlic, ginger, and asparagus and sauté until the onions are translucent and asparagus is cooked to your liking.
5. Stir in curry powder to coat.
6. Add broth, coconut milk, and chickpeas.
7. Heat over low until warm.
8. Stir in garam masala and coriander, plus salt and pepper if desired.
9. Cover and rest 5 minutes.
10. Taste, adding more garam masala or coriander as desired.
11. Divide noodles equally among 4 bowls.
12. Ladle warm curry evenly over noodles and serve.

Notes:

• Serves 4

Tofu Salad with Peanut Sauce Sandwiches

These are tasty sandwiches that are a great substitute for other "salad sandwiches."

Ingredients
15-oz extra-firm tofu
1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
½ tsp garlic powder
1 bunch green onions, sliced
14-oz coleslaw mix
½ cup sugar snap peas, chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
4 burger buns

Peanut Sauce 
2 tbsp peanut butter
2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk
2 tbsp sweet red chili sauce
1 lime (juice)
4 tsp low-sodium soy sauce
2½ tsp rice vinegar
garlic powder
ground ginger

Directions:
To Make Peanut Sauce: 

1. Whisk peanut butter into 2 tbsp HOT water, then whisk in remaining.

To Make Sandwiches:

1. Drain tofu and crumble into a skillet. 
2. Stir in soy sauce and garlic powder. 
3. Cook until thoroughly warm, adding splashes of water or broth as needed. 
4. Mix in vegetables and cook to desired tenderness. 
5. Stir in Peanut Sauce. 
6. Scoop “salad” onto buns and serve.

Notes:

• Serves 4
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Active Time: 10 minutes
• Per serving: 357 calories, 12g fat, 46.8g carbs, 9.2g fiber, 14.3g sugars, 21.2g protein
• Substitute tamari (GF) or coconut aminos (SF) for soy sauce
• Lower Fat: Use PB2 (or other low fat peanut butter) OR omit Peanut Sauce and use hoisin to taste.
• Add-on: Add crushed peanuts or cashews.

Cauliflower Samosa Tacos

... not to be confused with the previous Cauliflower Samosa Burrito, which was made slightly differently.

Ingredients
1 tomato, diced 
½” fresh ginger root, peeled 
1 garlic clove 
½ small red onion, diced 
½ tsp ground cumin 
¼ tsp paprika 
½ tsp mild curry powder 
3 cups (11-oz) cauliflower florets 
1 cooked potato, diced 
½ cup green peas
6 corn tortillas 
3 tbsp raw cashews

Directions:

1. In a food processor or blender, puree tomatoes, ginger, and garlic. Set aside. 
2. Line a skillet with ¼-cup water. 
3. Sauté onions until translucent. 
4. Stir in blended tomato mixture, ground cumin, paprika, and curry powder. 
5. Add cauliflower and sauté until cauliflower is cooked but not mushy, about 10 minutes. 
6. Add potatoes and peas and cook until very warm. 
7. Taste and adjust seasonings. 
8. Scoop cauliflower mixture onto tortillas and top with cashews.

Notes:

• Serves 2
• Per serving: 383 calories, 8.7g fat, 68.6g carbs, 13.5g fiber, 9.3g sugars, 13.5g protein
• Total time: 20 min
• Active time: 10 min

Spring Roll Noodles

This is a great summer pasta salad. Eating fresh with the noodles and veggies still warm is awesome, but if you eat as leftovers, just eat cold straight out of the fridge.

Ingredients:
1-inch fresh ginger root, peeled and minced
8 oz thin noodles, ex soba or vermicelli
16 oz fresh asparagus
2 red bell peppers, seeded and diced
2 cucumbers, diced
fresh basil
fresh cilantro
lime juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 avocado, sliced
1 bunch green onions, sliced

Directions:

1. Trim ends of asparagus by cracking them off. Cut remaining parts in half.
2. Cook noodles according to package instructions.
3. Meanwhile, saute ginger, asparagus, and bell peppers. Once you reach desired tenderness, turn off heat.
4. Once the noodles are cooked, drain and rinse with cold water. 
5. Add cucumber and noodles to the sauteed vegetables. Stir in basil and cilantro.
6. Squirt with lime juice (either from fresh lime fruit or bottled), and pour soy sauce over the vegetables and noodles. Mix thoroughly.
7. Top with the sliced avocado and green onions.

Notes:

• Serves 4

Spicy Walnut Zucchini Bread

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp ground flax meal
6 Tbsp water
1 1/3 cup sugar 
1/3 cup vegetable oil 
2 cups flour 
1 tsp. baking soda 
1/2 tsp. baking powder 
Dash salt 
1/2 tsp. cinnamon 
1/2 tsp. ginger 
1/2 tsp. ground cloves 
1 grated zucchini (grocery store size)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions: 

1. Add flax meal to water, whisk, and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 350.
3. Beat sugar into flax meal. 
4. Add oil and mix well. 
5. Sift together dry ingredients. 
6. Stir dry ingredients to wet.
7. Stir in zucchini. 
8. Beat until batter is very smooth.
9. Stir in walnuts.
10. Pour into greased 9x5 loaf pan. 
11. Bake for 60 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into middle turns out clean. 
12. Turn out onto wire rack to cool.

Notes:

If you have home grown zucchinis, use 1 cup grated zucchini.

Spicy Zucchini Bread

It's zucchini season. Time for some zucchini bread!

Ingredients:
2 eggs 
1 1/3 cup sugar 
1/3 cup vegetable oil 
2 cups flour 
1 tsp. baking soda 
1/2 tsp. baking powder 
Dash salt 
1/2 tsp. cinnamon 
1/2 tsp. ginger 
1/2 tsp. ground cloves 
1 grated zucchini (grocery store size)

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Beat eggs. 
3. Beat sugar into eggs. 
4. Add oil and mix well. 
5. Sift together dry ingredients. 
6. Add wet ingredients to dry.
7. Stir in zucchini. 
8. Beat until batter is very smooth.
9. Pour into greased 9x5 loaf pan. 
10. Bake for 60 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into middle turns out clean. 
11. Turn out onto wire rack to cool.

Thai Taquitos

Wow! These were good. Something I could make regularly. I got the original recipe from Happy Herbivore Meal Mentor. Shown is 1 serving.

Ingredients
oil
12 oz riced cauliflower, thawed
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup fresh basil, chopped
2 cooked sweet potatoes, mashed
8 whole-wheat flour tortillas

Sriracha Peanut Sauce
2 tbsp hot water
2 tbsp peanut butter
2 tbsp (1-oz) almond milk
2 tbsp sweet red chili sauce
1 lime (juice)
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp rice vinegar
dash garlic powder
dash ground ginger
1+ tsp Sriracha

Directions:
Sriracha Peanut Sauce

1. Whisk peanut butter into 2 tbsp hot water until runny. 
2. Whisk in milk, chili sauce, lime, soy sauce, vinegar, a few dashes of garlic and ginger, and 1 tsp Sriracha. 
3. Taste, adding more Sriracha as desired. 
4. Chill.

Taquitos

1. Preheat oven to 400F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
2. Sauté onion and garlic in oil until translucent. 
3. Add cauliflower and basil. Cook until soft. 
4. Transfer to large bowl, and mix with mashed potatoes until well combined. 
5. Spread ¼-cup of the cauliflower-potato mixture in the center of each tortilla. 
6. Roll into tight wraps. 
7. Place seam-side down, and bake 6-10 minutes, or until crisp and browning. 
8. Cut in half and serve with chilled Sriracha Peanut Sauce.

Notes:

• Makes 4
• Per serving: 391 calories, 6.4g fat, 72.5g carbs, 12.9g fiber, 12.3g sugars, 14.9g protein

Bangkok Rice Salad

This salad was pretty awesome. I ate it as an entree. It is great as a side, too. I got this from the Happy Herbivore Meal Mentor. 

Ingredients:
2 cups cooked brown rice 
1 carrot, shredded 
1 cup napa cabbage, sliced thin 
¼ cup frozen shelled edamame (thawed) 
3-oz mango, diced 
2 green onions, sliced

Bangkok Peanut Sauce 
2 tbsp peanut butter 
1½ tsp agave nectar 
1½ soy sauce 
1½ tsp rice vinegar 
2 tbsp warm water
ground ginger

Directions:
Bangkok Peanut Sauce 

1. Whisk peanut butter, agave, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a light dash of ground ginger together with warm water until well combined.

Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine rice, carrot, cabbage, edamame and mango. 
2. Toss with Bangkok Peanut Sauce until evenly coated. 
3. Garnish with green onions and serve.

Notes:

• Serves 2
• Per serving: 393 calories, 10.5g fat, 65.6g carbs, 5.7g fiber, 15.6g sugars, 11.3g protein
• Could add cold chicken, chopped peanuts, or more veggies.

Apple Crisp Muffins

These apple crisp muffins are so good! I had a couple, one child had a couple, and someone else had at least half dozen. I got them from Happy Herbivore Meal Mentor, which is a whole foods plant-based no oil meal plan. It's not a diet. All the same, I was told, "These don't taste like diet muffins." And I was asked to make them again. 

Ingredients:

1½ cups flour (white whole-wheat or GF) 

½ cup dry rolled oats, uncooked 

2 tsp baking powder 

1 tsp baking soda 

2 tsp ground cinnamon 

¼ tsp ground ginger 

dash of ground nutmeg 

¼ tsp salt 

½ cup raw sugar 

¼ cup brown sugar 

1 cup applesauce 

¼ cup pure maple syrup 

1 red apple, diced

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350F. 
2. Mix dry ingredients together. 
3. Add remaining ingredients, mix until just combined. 
4. Spoon into lined muffin cups. 
5. Sprinkle with additional oats and brown sugar, if desired. 
6. Bake for 18-25 mins.

Notes:

Makes 12 muffins.

Per muffin: 124 calories, 0.4g fat, 28.8g carbs, 2.4g fiber, 15.4g sugars, 1.8g protein

Thai Noodles with Tofu

First, this is actually supposed to be Thai Noodle Soup. So, if yours comes out a little more like soup, that's actually how it is supposed to be. This is another meal from the Happy Herbivore Meal Mentor. Even if mine was more just noodles, it was good. Depending on the type of meal you are serving, this could be a side or an entree. Again, I have altered the recipe a bit, as shown here. 

Ingredients:
1 quart (4 cups) veg broth 
1 tbsp fresh ginger root, peeled and minced 
4 oz cubed tofu, extra firm
6-oz Thai rice vermicelli dry noodles 
2 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp Thai sweet red chili sauce 
1-2 tsp miso paste 
¼ cup fresh basil 

Directions:

1. In a large pot, combine broth and fresh ginger and bring to a boil. 
2. Once boiling, add tofu and cook a few minutes to soak in flavor. 
3. Add noodles and cook via package instructions, 2-3 minutes.
4. Turn off heat and add soy sauce, chili sauce, miso, and basil. 
5. Stir to combine and then taste, adding more soy sauce or miso as desired.

Notes:

Serves 2. (The photo is one serving for lunch, and the set aside for leftovers.)

Per serving: 480 calories, 4.3g fat, 93.9g carbs, 5.0g fiber, 12.1g sugars, 14.3g protein

Add ground ginger for a stronger flavor. 

Garnish with red pepper flakes if desired.

Add edamame and/or cashews.

Food That Did Not Make the Codex This Week

I've decided to post photos of foods and links to recipes we made this week that did not make the Codex.

Vegan Eggnog Pudding in Raw Ginger Cookie Cups

Single-Serving Pumpkin Microwave Cake

Vegan Christmas Dinner: Tofurky Roast with potatoes, carrots and onions, Gravy, and Mashed Potatoes

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