vegetarian vegetarian recipes

Vegan Malai Kofta Recipe ( Baked or Pan-Fried)

July 5 2020 Vegan Richa 

This Restaurant-Style Vegan Malai Kofta recipe is the ultimate Indian comfort food. Picture crispy potato and chickpea dumplings in a creamy, spiced Indian gravy that will make your tastebuds sing! Soyfree. Glutenfree option. Nutfree option. Jump to Recipe Malai Kofta! If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine and this isnt one of your top 5 Indian dishes you probably just have not tried it yet. What is Malai Kofta? Malai Kofta is a special occasion dish that has its origins in northern India. Kofta are meatballs, and there are variations of them – some from the Balkans and the Middle East, others coming from South Asia. In India, they are typically vegetarian for malai kofta, made with potatoes and paneer cheese. Malai simply means cream. So creamy meatballs. In this recipe, we make easy swaps for all non-vegan ingredients using potatoes and chickpeas as a base for the “meatballs”  or “vegan kofta”. The result is the most delicious, richest tasting, better-than-restaurant style vegan malai kofta. This vegan malai kofta will quickly shoot up to one of your favorite dishes. Malai (cream) gravy is super rich, so the best substitute for it is cashew cream. We also add some plant-based milk to the gravy but you can use water instead of the milk and it will still be quite creamy. The acidity in the tomatoes helps to balance the heat of the chili powder, ginger and cayenne. There are several variations of this recipe and you can make it with all the spices for a really elaborate process or shorten it like this one with a few spices and garam masala. This recipe is adapted from my cookbook version which is completely Nutfree in the book.Continue reading: Vegan Malai Kofta Recipe ( Baked or Pan-Fried)The post Vegan Malai Kofta Recipe ( Baked or Pan-Fried) appeared first on Vegan Richa.

Vegetarian Firecracker Cauliflower

June 15 2020 Oh My Veggies 

Our vegetarian spin on firecracker take-out features crunchy baked cauliflower in place of shrimp. You will love this Firecracker Cauliflower recipe! Homemade Take-Out I am a huge fan of recreating take-out type dishes at home.

Top 10 Black-Owned Vegan Restaurants in America

June 11 2020 Happy Cow veggie blog 

Within the HappyCow community, we have the choice not only to eat vegan, but also to choose who we support by visiting their businesses. Today we are highlighting the Top 10 Black-owned vegan restaurants in America, because we believe that they deserve more attention than they have previously gotten. Many of these establishments specialize in veganised Southern food classics, from fried chick’n to mac n cheeze,  Jambalaya to bread pudding, bringing the powerful flavours of the South to life for vegans. Some of them also serve up international cuisine, baked goods, or raw foods. As with all of our feature list articles, these rankings are based off of ratings and reviews from HappyCow users. We hope that by bringing attention to these beloved establishments within our community, we may increase positivity and awareness for their integral role in our food culture. Have you visited one on the list? Comment below, or tag us on social media @HappyCow. Let’s spread the love by sharing, and by supporting these and other Black-owned businesses within our communities and around the world. 10. Shandal’s Vegetarian Cafe – Bridgeport, Connecticut On the Menu: Cafeteria-style Jamaican cuisine: Rasta Pasta, stew, various other veggie options. Open: Tuesday – […] The post Top 10 Black-Owned Vegan Restaurants in America appeared first on HappyCow.

Vegetarian Thai Veggie Burgers

May 25 2020 Oh My Veggies 

I’ve lived in a vegetarian household for over seven years now, and it’s fair to say I’ve made my share of veggie burger recipes. Some have been insanely good, some meh, and some downright disgusting. Two qualities are necessary for a good veggie burger: the right texture and, of course, incredible flavor. If you achieve only one of these, your burger will probably fall into the “meh” category--you don’t like it and you don’t hate it, but you probably won’t ever make it again. And if you’re missing both flavor and texture, forget it. Then you have the veggie burgers that have it all, like these sturdy Thai veggie burgers--made all the better because they’re piled high with Thai pickles and finished off with a generous smear of curried cashew cream. They’re a little bit involved, so they’re not your everyday kind of veggie burger, but they’re perfect for a Saturday evening when you’ve got time on your hands and you want to make a dinner that will impress. The secret to perfect veggie burgers Inspired by a Thai Turkey Burgers recipe from Epicurious, these veggie burgers are packed with flavor thanks to Thai spices, toppings, and sauces. And the texture is just right--nice and firm so that they hold up to being topped, sauced, […]

Smoked Cheddar Mac & Cheese with Baked BBQ Tofu

May 22 2020 Oh My Veggies 

Two years in a row, I have made my husband Noodles & Company mac & cheese rip-offs for his birthday. Last year, I did Truffle Mac, and this year, I did a vegetarian version of their BBQ Pork Mac & Cheese recipe. I don’t really know how this became a thing for us, but I guess it has. I don’t think anyone can beat us when it comes to nonsensical traditions to mark important occasions, which is okay with us, because mac & cheese is far superior to sappy greeting cards anyway. This item isn’t always on the Noodles & Company menu, but when it was, Chris and I were both intrigued. We wondered if they could sub out the pork for tofu, but neither of us wanted to be that person, so we didn’t ask. For months, I promised him I would try to make a meatless version at home. When tackling this recipe myself, I knew that I couldn’t just use any kind of tofu--it had to be baked! The last thing you want in your mac & cheese are soft cubes of tofu. Baked tofu has a firm, chewy texture because baking in the oven dries it […]

Plant-Based Swaps to Recreate Classic Comfort Food Dishes

May 18 2020 Meatless Monday 

Animal products -- whether beef, pork, chicken, dairy or seafood -- are often thought to be necessary for a balanced diet, and, as a result, these ingredients have typically played a prominent role in home cooking.  But meat is not required for good health or good food, and the characteristics that make our favorite meals special -- the texture, the flavor, the spice -- can all be easily replicated with plant-based ingredients. Swapping out meat for plant-based protein enables you to find the essence of a dish and really consider why that BLT is so refreshing and tasty or how that peanut satay finds the right balance of spicy, nutty, and sweet. Because its usually not the animal protein that makes a dish unique or exquisite, but rather the harmony of ingredients and specific techniques that make for the best eating. Below is a list of classic comfort meals that have had their meaty ingredients swapped out for plant-based alternatives. Try a few this Monday, and gain a new appreciation for your favorite foods. Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Capture the spicy kick of Buffalo wings without the bones (and the chicken). This super simple recipe for cauliflower Buffalo wings is a definite crowd pleaser. No need to wait for gameday, whip up a batch this Monday.   Chickpea Meatloaf Meatloaf is the iconic comfort food, a centerpiece of many family meals. But you can easily recreate the tang and texture of meatloaf sans the meat. This recipe for vegan meatloaf from Nora Cooks uses a base of chickpeas to mimic the density and richness of traditional meatloaf. Photo & Recipe: Nora Cooks Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers with Garlic Mayo You wont be missing ground beef after tasting this grilled portobello burger . The mushrooms are marinated in a homemade barbecue spice mix and grilled until tender. When served, they are loaded up with sweet grilled red onions and savory garlic and chive mayonnaise. Lentil Bolognese Everyone loves one-pot cooking. Swap out ground beef for lentils in this hearty recipe for lentil Bolognese from Tasty. Serve over pasta or zucchini noodles. Photo & Recipe: Tasty     Mushroom Stroganoff Impress an Eastern European mother-in-law or stubborn eater with this cozy and comforting (and completely plant-based) version of beef stroganoff. Mimic the flavor, texture, and creaminess of beef stroganoff by using succulent baby portobello mushrooms, soy sauce, and your favorite brand of plant-based sour cream. Try this mouth-watering recipe for mushroom stroganoff from Vegan Huggs . Photo & Recipe: Vegan Huggs Quinoa Chili Fries Sometimes youve just got to cave to what you crave, but this recipe for quinoa chili fries doesnt have to be a guilty pleasure. By baking your own French fries and making your own chunky vegetarian quinoa chili, youll still feel light as air even after eating second helping.   Seitan Peanut Satay The perfect balance between nutty, spicy, and sweet: enter the seitan satay with spicy peanut sauce. Swap out traditional chicken breast for oven-roasted seitan; you wont be able to tell the difference. Follow this yummy recipe from seitan peanut satay from Sunnyside Hanne . Photo & Recipe: Sunnyside Hanne   Tempeh BLT Crisp, clean, and classic, who doesnt love a BLT? Marinating the tempeh overnight in a mixture of apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, liquid smoke, maple syrup, and spices gives it the flavor of bacon, while baking it in a hot oven recreates its crisp-yet-chewy texture. Check out this recipe for a tempeh BLT from The Curious Chickpea and get ready for next weekends brunch. Photo & Recipe: The Curious Chickpea Vegetable Paella Paella is known for its copious amounts of seafood, chicken, and chunks of chorizo, but you can replicate the delicate flavors of Spanish paella with roasted red peppers, artichokes, kalamata olives, and a variety of spices. Try this tasty vegetable paella from Cookie and Kate . Photo & Recipe: Cookie and Kate   Veggie Meatballs You wont miss regular meatballs after youve tried these better-for-you veggie meatballs . Featuring hearty lentils, mushrooms and walnuts, this recipe is sure to hit the spot next time a meatball craving hits. Serve with your favorite pesto or marinara sauce with some sautéed broccoli rabe, pasta, or polenta with spiraled greens.     Click here  for more Meatless Monday recipes. When posting pictures of recipes to your social media network, tag @MeatlessMonday use #MeatlessMonday to show the plant-based community your creation.   The post Plant-Based Swaps to Recreate Classic Comfort Food Dishes appeared first on Meatless Monday.

Everyone’s Favorite Pesto Pasta

May 1 2020 VegKitchen 

I often cook for friends with a range of varied dietary needs and tastes. With vegan, vegetarian, and non-vegan friends all at my table and wanting food, I can always rely on this dish! My pesto pasta recipe is a happy medium for everyone--it fills the vegan and vegetarian requirements and keeps my omnivore friends feeling full and satisfied; it tastes delicious and doesn’t contain ingredients that can put-off non-vegans taking that first bite. The post Everyone’s Favorite Pesto Pasta appeared first on VegKitchen.

Healthy Vegetarian Pizza Potatoes

April 27 2020 VegKitchen 

In this recipe, marinara sauce, melted vegan cheese, and simple steamed vegetables on a baked potato add up to an irresistible pizza-flavored vegetable dish. Potatoes make for a healthy “crust” that’s low in fat and naturally gluten-free. The kids will love this! The post Healthy Vegetarian Pizza Potatoes appeared first on VegKitchen.

Mixed Mushroom Rice

April 27 2020 Meatless Monday 

Those who like mushrooms usually stay with one kind but here the three types of mushrooms make this an exceptional recipe. This dish was created by Chef Nishant Chaube, influenced by a similar Chinese recipe. Recipe and photo from Phaidon’s The Indian Vegetarian Cookbook, by Pushpesh Pant. Want more meatless recipes like this? Subscribe to our newsletter  for a weekly selection of plant-based recipes delivered right to your inbox! Serves 4 - 6 cups (50 fl oz/­­1.5 liters) mushroom stock/­­vegetable stock - 2 cups (14 oz/­­400 g) long-grain rice - 2 cups (5 oz/­­150 g) shiitake mushrooms, sliced -  1/­­3 cup (1 oz/­­25 g) oyster or button mushrooms, sliced -  1/­­4 cup ( 1/­­4 oz/­­10 g) dried morels -  1/­­4 cup (2 fl oz/­­60 ml) sesame oil - 1 cup (3 oz/­­80 g) shallots or scallions (spring onions), sliced - 4 tablespoons peeled and chopped fresh root ginger - salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste   Directions: In a large pan, bring 4 cups (1 3/­­4 pints/­­1 liter) of mushroom/­­vegetable stock to the boil, seasoning with salt to taste, add the rice and cook for 20-25 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside. Heat the remaining stock in a separate large pan, add the shiitake, oyster (or button) mushrooms, and morels and cook for about 7-8 minutes over medium heat, simmering until the stock has reduced to a thick, sauce-like consistency. Meanwhile, heat the sesame oil in a skillet (frying pan) and fry the shallots or scallions (spring onions) and ginger over medium heat for 2 minutes, then add to the mushroom sauce. Stir the rice into the sauce, mix well, cover, and simmer over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, season and remove from the heat. The post Mixed Mushroom Rice appeared first on Meatless Monday.

Feed a Family with These 13 Big-Batch Plant-Based Recipes

April 20 2020 Meatless Monday 

Cooking is a joy, but making every meal from scratch can get tedious, not to mention time consuming. And thats where big-batch cooking comes in. Weve created a list of plant-based recipes that are well suited for families (and leftovers). To do this, we looked through our Meatless Monday recipe database to find dishes that dont require a lot of preparation, are easy to scale up, and are hearty, nutritious, and filling. Although not all the recipes listed below are main dishes, they can still be prepared in large quantities and can be used to accompany other meals as side dishes or mid-day snacks. From Moroccan split pea soup and roasted chimichurri vegetables to Thai pumpkin curry and green tea pesto pasta the options for bulk cooking are only limited by your imagination -- and maybe the size of your stock pot. This Monday, do yourself a favor and cook a batch thats big enough for leftovers.  Black Bean Sesame Veggie Hash This recipe is an opportunity to get creative. Add whatever vegetables you have on hand and cook them up in your biggest skillet with some soy sauce, scallions, garlic, and chile oil. For the Black Bean Sesame Veggie Hash recipe, click here .   Chimichurri Roasted Vegetables Pungent and flavorful, these roasted vegetables can be prepared in bulk. The aromatic parsley-based chimichurri sauce is easy to scale up as well. For the Chimichurri Roasted Vegetables recipe, click here .         Freekeh Pilaf Swapping out rice for freekeh -- an ancient grain made from roasted green durum wheat -- makes for a healthier and more textured version of this classic dish. As with any pilaf, the flavor is only as good as the broth you use to cook it in, so make sure to use a nice, flavorful vegetable stock when cooking. For the Freekeh Pilaf recipe, click here . Ginger Orzo Brussels Sprouts Salad Chunks of butternut squash and Brussels sprouts makes this fragrant and flavorful ginger orzo more of a main meal than a side dish. The recipe serves eight, so expect leftovers, which is a plus because the flavors become more pronounced after they spend a night in the refrigerator. For the Ginger Orzo Brussels Sprouts Salad, click here . Green Tea Pesto Pasta An exceptionally unique recipe, this green tea pesto pasta is perfect to make in big batches. You can also make extra sauce and keep it in a plastic container for when pasta cravings hit. Add any variety of vegetables -- cherry tomatoes, zucchini, broccoli -- to add some oomph to the meal. For the Green Tea Pesto Pasta recipe, click here . Lemon Ginger Peas Frozen peas are humble ingredients, but they can be wonderfully delicious. This dish is simple to prepare and can be made in large batches, depending on how many bags of frozen peas youre willing to store in your freezer. Experiment with different seasoning combinations to keep your taste buds guessing. For the Lemon Ginger Peas recipe, click here . Meatless Brown Rice Jambalaya This meat-free jambalaya is packed with smoke, heat, and creole flavor. The recipe feeds six and doesnt require much in terms of prep -- just sauté the aromatics, pour in the stock, beans and rice, bring to a boil, and simmer away until the rice is fluffy and tender. For the Meatless Brown Rice Jambalaya recipe, click here .     Moroccan Split Pea Soup No matter the season, a hearty cauldron of split pea soup can feed an army. Besides being incredibly affordable, split peas are easy to prepare and packed with protein and fiber. Moroccan-inspired seasonings add a refreshing punch of flavor to each spoonful. For the Moroccan Split Pea Soup recipe, click here . Quick and Easy Hummus Making your own hummus is so much more affordable than buying it prepackaged at the store. Double or triple this recipe (depending on the size of your food processor), and have delicious, creamy hummus available all week. For the Quick and Easy Hummus recipe, click here . Roasted Parsnip and Spinach Shepherds Pie Hello leftovers. Making a platter of this shepherds pie will feed a large family. Prep the platter the day before cooking and store in the refrigerator if you want an easy weeknight meal. For the Roasted Parsnip and Spinach Shepherds Pie recipe, click here . Thai Tofu Pumpkin Curry This recipe can easily be doubled if you want an extra few servings the following day. Although it calls for pumpkin, feel free to incorporate eggplant, extra tofu, or a bag of frozen spinach to add more heft to the dish. For the Thai Tofu Pumpkin Curry recipe, click here . Vegetarian Gumbo Gumbo gets its color and flavor from its roux -- a paste-like mixture of flour and fat. This recipe is rich, decadent, packed with vegetables, and easy to scale up. For the Vegetarian Gumbo recipe, click here . Zucchini Scallion Cakes As simple as making pancakes, you can whip up a few dozen of these lemony zucchini cakes in no time. For the Zucchini Scallion Cakes recipe, click here . Click here  for more Meatless Monday recipes. When posting pictures of recipes to your social media network, tag @MeatlessMonday use #MeatlessMonday to show the plant-based community your creation. The post Feed a Family with These 13 Big-Batch Plant-Based Recipes appeared first on Meatless Monday.

Rava Uttapam (Instant Sooji Uttapam)

April 13 2020 Manjula's kitchen 

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Print Rava Uttapam (Instant Sooji Uttapam) I have been wanting to do a video it should be easy and more versatile, ingredients maybe you have in your pantry. Utttapam a South Indian popular dish. Traditionally Uttapam is made with rice and lentil batter, which can be a long process, soaking, grinding then fermenting the batter. Rava Uttappam, on the other hand is instant and easy to make, with a variety of vegetables of your choice. It tastes delicious also can be served for breakfast, as a snack or for dinner. Rava Uttapam will be enjoyed by all ages. Uttapam is like a thick Dosa or Spicy pancake topped with vegetables. If you are serving this as a traditional Uttapam serve this with sambar and coconut chutney. But Rava Uttapam can be served with any chutney or condiment. Many times, I prefer this as a light dinner and enjoy with sprinkling samber powder, giving a traditional touch. The other reason I wanted to do this recipe as I said before I wanted to do the recipe more versatile you can use this batter for making Idli, because Rava Idli can be used for making so many recipes. I have many related recipes on my website like Masala Idli, Idli Manchurian. This recipe will serve 4. Course Breakfast, Snack Cuisine Indian Keyword Appetizers, Bhartia Khana, Bread Uttapam, Coconut Chutney, Halwa, Healthy, Homemade, Idli, Jain Food, Mandir Food, No Garlic, No Onion, Quick And Easy, Rava Dosa, Samber, Savory Pancake, Sheera, Snack, South Indian Cuisine, Swami Narayan, Vegetarian, Video Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes Cook Time 10 minutes Servings 4 people Ingredients1 cup sooji coarse, semolina 1/­­2 cup yogurt curd, dahai 1/­­2 cup cabbage finely chopped 1 cup bell pepper finely chopped (capsicum, shimala mirch) 1 cup tomatoes finely chopped, remove the seeds 1 Tbsp cilantro finely chopped 1 Tbsp green chili finely chopped 2 tsp ginger shredded, adrak 1 tsp salt 1 tsp ENO fruit salt For Seasoning1 Tbsp oil 1/­­4 tsp cumin seeds jeera 1/­­4 tsp mustard seeds rai Also need2 Tbsp oil to cooking InstructionsIn a bowl mix sooji, salt, green chili, ginger, cilantro, cabbage, yogurt, and add water as needed batter should be little thicker than dosa batter. In a small bowl heat the oil over medium heat, oil should be moderately hot, add cumin seeds and mustard seeds as seeds crack add to the batter, mix it well. Let the batter set aside for at least 15 minutes. Add Eno Fruit Salt to the batter just before you are ready to make Uttapam and mix well. The mixture will begin light and foaming. Heat the skillet over medium heat and lightly grease the skillet. Pour about 2 large spoons of batter and spread consistency should be of thick then dosa. Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of bell pepper and tomatoes press it lightly into the batter. Pour about 1 teaspoon of oil around uttapam and cover it and let it cook for about 2 minutes and turn them over, uttapam should be golden brown from bottom making crisper, and top should be cooked well but not brown. Uttapam should be cooked over low medium heat. Uttapam is ready to serve. I like to sprinkle lightly samber powder to add extra flavor. NotesServing suggestions - You can serve the Rava Uttapam with sambar, coconut chutney or your choice of condiment. Additional Notes - Adding tomatoes and bell pepper gives a traditional look to Uttapam. - I add green chilies and cilantro in the batter to keep the colors better. - You can choose your choice of vegetables like shredded carrots, finely chopped green beans, corn, finely chopped spinach (these are the veggies I have tried). - Do not cook on high heat, uttapam will not cook through. - If I am making Uttapam to serve as a starter I make the uttapam in small sizes, otherwise make it in about 7-inch diameter. What size you want to make it is your choice. The post Rava Uttapam (Instant Sooji Uttapam) appeared first on Manjula's Kitchen.

Vegetarian Shipwreck Casserole

April 10 2020 Oh My Veggies 

My mom always had a few recipes that she’d make all the time when I was growing up. There was Cheesy Beef Casserole, which is pretty self-explanatory. Cheese. Buddig Beef. Potatoes. Toast. And then there was Chicken a la King, the only way I’d ever eat peas (even if I’d pick the chicken out). But one of the recipes that always stands out in my memories is Shipwreck. Shipwreck, my mom told me, was named such because it was all that people had to eat after their ships wrecked. Naturally, anytime my mom would make it, I’d imagine Pilgrims on a tropical island, cans of Campbell’s soup and baked beans in hand, preparing to make a casserole over a camp fire. I had an active imagination, you see. (I also had two imaginary friends named Joy and Field--Joy after the dish soap and Field after Marshall Fields. Incidentally, Field looked exactly like Joyce DeWitt from Three’s Company.) Anyway! When I did a vegetarian casserole challenge with Valerie from Eclecticisms, I challenged her to make a vegetarian shipwreck casserole. It sounded so good and brought back so many warm and fuzzy memories that I just had to try to make it […]

Our Top 10 Favorite Bean Recipes

April 6 2020 Meatless Monday 

Beans are the pillars of the pantry; theyre easy to prepare, packed with plant-based protein and a host of other vitamins and minerals, versatile, flavorful, and adaptable. We love adding them to stews, transforming them into burgers, or serving them cold and dressed for a bright and hearty salad. With so many varieties available, from pinto beans and black-eye peas to navy beans and chickpeas, your recipe options are truly endless. Depending on how you cook them, beans can be creamy and elegant or toothsome and refreshing, which is why its important to have a stock of both canned beans and dried beans in your pantry. This Monday, grab a can of beans and experiment with one of our top 10 favorite bean recipes. Hearty White Bean and Millet Soup All the flavors of your favorite Italian restaurant -- roasted garlic, crushed tomatoes, dry white wine -- packed into one hearty, comforting bowl of soup. For the Hearty White Bean and Millet Soup recipe, click here .     Tahini Quinoa Bean Salad Tahini is made from pulverized sesame seeds; its creamy nuttiness is magic when used as a dressing for this colorful quinoa bean salad. For the Tahini Quinoa Bean Salad recipe, click here .     Navy Bean Bruschetta  Sure, traditional bruschetta is made with diced fresh tomatoes, but this version boasts a bit more protein thanks to a base of navy beans. For the Navy Bean Bruschetta recipe, click here .     New Orleans Red Beans and Rice For authentic red beans and rice, youve got to start with dry beans. Soak overnight and boil with some aromatics for a bean dish that is unlike anything youve ever tasted before. For the New Orleans Red Beans and Rice recipe, click here .     Farro and White Bean Veggie Burger Although the recipe calls for a handful of ingredients, you can make the base of these burgers using just farro (a yummy, toothsome grain) and white beans. Add any other additional vegetables, seasonings, or bread crumbs to round out the flavor and texture. For the Farro and White Bean Veggie Burger recipe, click here .       Butternut Squash Black Bean Chili This chili is rich and smoky thanks to the liberal use of chipotle and ancho chili powder, cumin, and, of course, lots and lots of black beans. For the Butternut Squash Black Bean Chili recipe, click here .       Quick and Easy Hummus To make hummus requires four ingredients -- chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, salt -- and a food processor. Yep, thats it. Enjoy. For the Quick and Easy Hummus recipe, click here .       Vegetarian Hoppin John Though traditionally made with ham or bacon, this vegetarian version of Hoppin John doesnt lack for flavor thanks to hot sauce, liquid smoke, and yummy black-eyed peas. For the Vegetarian Hoppin John recipe, click here .     Roasted Red Pepper and Red Bean Meatballs Meatless meatballs made with roasted red peppers and kidney beans mimic beautifully the meat versions. The flavor is all there, too, with onion and garlic, herbs, and non-dairy Parmesan cheese. For the Roasted Red Pepper and Red Bean Meatballs recipe, click here .   Pinto Bean Falafel Most falafel recipes call for chickpeas, but this version using pinto beans is creamier than traditional versions, but with all the same flavor. For the Pinto Bean Falafel recipe, click here .     Click here  for more Meatless Monday recipes. When posting pictures of recipes to your social media network, tag @MeatlessMonday use #MeatlessMonday to show the plant-based community your creation.   The post Our Top 10 Favorite Bean Recipes appeared first on Meatless Monday.

Inexpensive Plant-Based Ingredients That Won’t Go Bad

March 30 2020 Meatless Monday 

Every food item will eventually go bad, but there are many food staples that offer a terrific value, can be prepared in big batches, and have an incredibly long shelf-life. Some of these ingredients can serve as the centerpiece of a meal, like potatoes, beans, and pasta, while others act as supporting actors, providing quick bursts of flavor to ordinary dishes. Best of all, many of these foods are completely plant-based and rich in many of the essential vitamins and minerals necessary for a healthy body. Our list of plant-based ingredients all have a shelf life of over two months (when stored properly) and are relatively inexpensive. But most importantly, these pantry staples give you the opportunity to get in the kitchen and experiment with flavors and ingredients that you may have overlooked in the past. And Meatless Mondays are always a great opportunity to start a new healthy ritual. Beans Often sold for less than a dollar a can, beans are the ultimate plant-based protein. With so many different types to choose from -- kidney, black, pinto, cannellini, pigeon peas, butter beans -- the recipe possibilities are endless. Make a stew, vegetable chili , bean salad, or these black bean meatless balls with zucchini noodles . Diced Tomatoes (canned) Take a simple stew, stir-fry, or sauce to the next level with a can of diced tomatoes. At only a buck a can, diced tomatoes will become your new secret weapon in the kitchen. Try adding them to this boldly-seasoned spicy chickpea ragout. Frozen Fruits and Vegetables Toss them into a blender, soup pot or sauté pan to add some nutrients and heft to your mid-week meals. When stored properly, frozen fruits and vegetables will last years (but please dont make them wait that long). Some frozen vegetables -- spinach, collards, broccoli rabe -- should be thawed and drained before cooking, while others like broccoli, peas, and peppers can be thrown into a hot pan as-is and easily transformed into a garlic-ginger fried rice. Granola A bag of granola wont run you much more than $4.00, depending on the brand, but it will impart an invaluable crunch to yogurt and oatmeal. Many manufacturers sell granola with a shelf life of up to six months, but it should be good to eat it even past that point (although it might not retain its full crunch). Lentils (dry) At $1.50 per pound, a bag of dried lentils is one of the best bargains in the grocery store. Besides an almost indefinite shelf life, the lentil contains a laundry-list of essential minerals like iron, folate, and manganese, is packed with protein, and is a great source of fiber. If youve never before cooked with dried lentils, start with a simple stew or this easy French lentil salad with cherry tomatoes. Onions When stored in the refrigerator, onions can last for up to two months (sometimes longer). Theyre pretty cheap, too, costing only around $1.00 – $1.50 per pound. Sear on the stove top for a smoky, charred flavor or cook them low-and-slow to unlock their natural, caramel-like sweetness and sprinkle them over this sweet potato caramelized onion stew. Oatmeal Think of oatmeal as a blank canvas. Costing less than a quarter per serving, let your imagination run wild when it comes to cooking breakfast. Mix in everything from peanut butter, jam, nuts, seeds, or even savory spices. Dried oatmeal can last longer than a year when properly stored. Use oatmeal in this vanilla almond milk oatmeal or try using it to make dessert, like this apple cranberry oatmeal bread. Pasta Costing only $1.00 per box, your pantry should be loaded with pasta, but we recommend going beyond the standard semolina/­­durum wheat flour varieties and experiment with pastas made from whole grains, vegetables, lentils, and chickpeas. Try some unique flavor combinations to keep things interesting, like this recipe for green tea pesto pasta . Peanut Butter Whether you like it creamy or crunchy, peanut is the ideal pantry staple . A serving of peanut butter is packed with protein and healthy fats, both of which will keep you feeling nice and satiated. Peanut butter has a shelf life of more than a year (unopened), and many brands of sell for less than $2.00 a jar. Polenta (corn meal) Polenta is made by mixing cornmeal (dried, ground corn) with either water or milk. Inexpensive and versatile, polenta can serve as the foundation of any number of meals, pairing especially well with tomato sauce, like in this recipe for Italian white beans with kale and polenta.  Potatoes These starchy staples dont last forever, but when stored in a cool dark space they can last for between 2 - 3 months. At around .50 cents per pound, the potato is an excellent source of fiber, nutrients, and calories; they can add creaminess to soups or serve as a vessel for a delicious stuffed potatoes primavera . Rice Whether its white, brown, or wild, rice costs less than a quarter per serving. Rice can serve as an accompanying carbohydrate or act as the main meal. For a new take on everyones favorite grain, try this vegetarian biryani or meatless brown rice jambalaya . Salsa Jarred salsa is an excellent (and convenient) alternative to fresh varieties. Add a tablespoon to anything bean burritos and taco bowls to spicy puttanesca pasta and gallo pinto ; mash some together with a ripe avocado and youve got a quick-and-easy guacamole. Soy Sauce Drizzle soy sauce into your stir fry, salad, sautéed vegetable, or tomato sauce for a boost of salty umami flavor. You can also use it liberally in this yummy Asian noodle bowl with spicy almond sauce . Soy sauce can cost as little as $2.00 a bottle and can last nearly two years after opening when stored in the refrigerator. Sweet Potatoes The sweet potato is natures candy; slice it down the middle and heat in the microwave for five minutes and out comes tasting reminiscent of a sugary soufflé. If you want to try making a dish that requires a little more technique, cook up this spicy and aromatic sweet potato chana or a coconut milk sweet potato white bean soup . Vegetable Broth/­­ Bouillon A box of vegetable broth is a staple of any kitchen, but you can expand your soup selection by adding some chickn bouillon cubes to your pantry. Add some beans, frozen vegetables, and seasonings and you have a clean and simple dinner for around $1.00 per serving, or add some flour, nut-milk, and noodles for a creamy vegetable noodle soup . Curious about what other plant-based ingredients you should be storing in your pantry? Check out our list of 20 Essential Meatless Monday Ingredients . The post Inexpensive Plant-Based Ingredients That Won’t Go Bad appeared first on Meatless Monday.

The Absolute Best Recipes You Can Make with Your Forgotten Pantry Staples

May 25 2020 Meatless Monday 

Your pantry is full of forgotten treasures: the can of kidney beans hiding behind the rigatoni; the unopened pouch of quinoa tucked off in the corner; the lonely tin of canned corn... But these ingredients, along with other overlooked pantry staples, can be used to make some pretty marvelous meals -- if you know how to prepare them. As more people are cooking at home, the Meatless Monday team set out to ask our followers which of their pantry items theyve found to be the trickiest to cook. Our surveys have revealed that people arent quite sure what to do with canned corn, quinoa and canned kidney beans. We sought the assistance from some of our favorite chefs, bloggers, and Instagram influencers to help us compile a list of superb plant-based recipes featuring popular, yet underutilized, pantry staples. Check out the list below and get cooking! Corn Recipes   TexMex Chickpea Corn Fritters from Kevin Curry - Fit Men Cook When it comes to plant-based patties, fritters always have more fun. These Tex-Mex chickpea corn fritters from Fit Men Cook become nice and crisp after a quick spin in the air fryer (or oven). Canned or frozen corn work for this one, but the big spice blend -- smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, oregano -- is definitely a must. Source: Fit Men Cook Corn, Avocado, and Tomato Salad from Rachel Paul - The College Nutritionist Want something a little lighter for the summer season? Try this corn, avocado and tomato salad from the College Nutritionist . Source: College Nutritionist Garlicky Corn and Tuna Pasta from Lenny Wu - Vegamelon This isnt you moms tuna casserole. Pairing a vegan protein with sweet corn and spices makes this garlicky corn & tuna pasta from Vegamelon a must try. Source: Vegamelon Easy Vegan Jalape?o Cornbread from Jenn Sebestyen - Veggie Inspired This recipe for vegan jalape?o cornbread from Veggie Inspired uses canned corn and jalape?o for a sweet punch of heat. Source: Veggie Inspired Crockpot Chili from Makenna Hale Corn and chili were meant for each other. This crockpot chili from Makenna Hale is vegan and free of both soy and gluten. Source: Makenna Hale   Vegan Lentil Shepherds Pie from Naturally Zuzu Hearty and delicious, this vegan lentil shepherds pie from Naturally Zuzu will keep your taste buds craving more. Source: Naturally Zuzu Pro tip from Karla Dumas and the Humane Society Culinary Team: Roast canned corn to naturally caramelize it and bring out the sweetness. Season with salt, pepper and lime juice; add beans and cilantro for a quick side dish. Quinoa Recipes   Instant Pot Vegan White Bean Quinoa from Nisha Vora - Rainbow Plant Life You can never have enough chili recipes. This recipe for instant pot vegan white bean quinoa chili from Rainbow Plant Life uses coconut milk and cannellini beans, making it extra creamy and delicious. Source: Rainbow Plant Life Sweet Potato Quinoa Latkes from Joy Bauer Holidays, brunch, late-night snack, doesnt matter; these savory sweet potato latkes from Joy Bauer are the perfect place to put that quinoa. The original recipe calls for egg whites, but to make these latkes completely plant-based, use one of these vegan egg replacements . Source: Joy Bauer Fig and Raisin Quinoa Couscous from My Organic Diary Completely gluten free, this recipe from My Organic Diary marries the flavors of North Africa with protein-packed quinoa. Golden raisins, cinnamon, and figs makes this flavorful side dish perfect for pool-side dining. Source: My Organic Diary Cherry Mint Quinoa Salad from Lisa Drayer In addition to her cherry mint quinoa salad , Lisa Drayer covered the Meatless Monday pantry challenge in her recent CNN article, How to eat less meat and more plants , that also featured Chef Adam Kenworthy s quinoa recipe suggestion and physician and chef Dr. Robert Grahams advice on the health benefits of plant-based eating. Source: Lisa Drayer Peanut Butter Quinoa Cookies from DJ Blatner These peanut butter quinoa cookies from DJ Blatner are seriously inventive and delicious. By using a combination of quinoa, oats, and flax seeds, youre getting a solid helping of fiber packaged in a sweet, nutty cookie. Source: Dawn Jackson Blatner Teriyaki Fried Quinoa from The Foodie Takes Flights Skip the takeout and sauté your own version of fried rice, or, in this case, teriyaki fried quinoa . Throw in a colorful collection of vegetables: corn, carrots, peas, purple cabbage, and youve got yourself a rainbow of a meal courtesy of The Foodie Takes Flight . Source: The Foodie Takes Flight Kidney Bean Recipes   Easy Pantry Pasta Bake from Delicious and Healthy by Maya Clean out the pantry while making a filling family dinner. Use kidney beans (but any can of beans will do), spinach, tomato sauce, and a spice racks-worth of seasonings for this better-for-you easy pantry pasta bake from Delicious and Healthy by Maya . Source: Delicious and Healthy by Maya Comforting Black and Kidney Bean Chili from James - Healthy Living with James Cocoa powder? Cinnamon? Coriander? The unique blend of spices makes this comforting black and kidney bean chili  from Healthy Living with James a unique spin on the classic. Source: Healthy Living with James Zucchini Oat Veggie Patties from Sharon Palmer With a base of kidney beans, shredded zucchini, oats, and seeds, no two bites of these spicy zucchini oat veggie patties from Sharon Palmer will be the same. Source: Sharon Palmer Best Vegan Chili from Hannah - Two Spoons CA Is it really the best vegan chili ? Try this recipe from Two Spoons CA and decide for yourself! Source: Two Spoons CA BBQ Kidney Bean Kale Burgers from Jenn Sebestyen - Veggie Inspired These kidney bean kale burgers from our friend Jenn Sebestyen at Veggie Inspired develop a nice crunchy crust after 40 minutes in the oven. A mixture of tahini, apple cider vinegar, molasses, and liquid smoke give these patties that beloved barbecue flavor without the grill. Source: Veggie Inspired Click here  for more Meatless Monday recipes. When posting pictures of recipes to your social media network, tag @MeatlessMonday use #MeatlessMonday to show the plant-based community your creation. The post The Absolute Best Recipes You Can Make with Your Forgotten Pantry Staples appeared first on Meatless Monday.

Vegetarian Sweet Potato Bibimbap

May 18 2020 Oh My Veggies 

Photos by Rikki Snyder Bibimbap! Have you heard of it? You will love it! What exactly is bibimbap? Its a traditional Korean dish which translates to mixed rice (bibi = mixed, bap = rice). A variety of sautéed, raw, and pickled vegetables are served on top of white rice with a raw or over-easy egg and sliced meat. I took the Make it Meatless vegetarian approach to this bibimbap recipe by substituting roasted sweet potato slices for the meat. Sweet potatoes for meat? Does that sound like a strange substitution? I assure you, it works! The sweet potatoes are filling, flavorful, and add life to the meal. One of my favorite parts about this dish is how much variety goes into the bowl. You can pick and choose your favorite vegetables, and create a combination of raw and cooked vegetables with a tasty sauce. I went with sautéed shiitake mushrooms and sweet potatoes, which I served with raw shredded carrot, eggs, pickled cucumbers (I used store-bought, but I’ve linked to a recipe in the ingredient list if you can’t find them!), kimchi, and a gingery chili garlic sauce drizzled over everything. These bowls are so flavorful and satisfying that it took […]

10 Tips, Hacks, and Tricks for Tasty Plant-Based Cooking

May 4 2020 Meatless Monday 

Culinary secrets exist, and they can elevate your cooking from good to give-me-seconds. Dinner may never be the same after you start adding a tablespoon of smooth peanut butter to your chili, a splash of soy sauce to your tomato sauce, or a touch of vinegar to soups and stews. When it comes to improving the taste, texture, and flavor profile of your meatless dishes or recreating plant-based versions of animal-based ingredients, its all about knowing the right techniques. Maybe your tofu Buffalo wings didnt come out crispy because you forgot to press the tofu, or your kale not as tender because you didnt massage the leaves. Sure, these suggestions may seem minor, but they can dramatically affect the outcome of a recipe. As we are all doing more home cooking, take a look at the list below and see how you can incorporate these cooking hacks into your next Meatless Monday meal. Add a Spoonful of Peanut Butter to Chili It might sound crazy, but the secret to many award-winning chili recipes is a heaping amount of smooth, creamy peanut butter. The subtle hint of sweet paired with the peanuts inherent nuttiness is enough to balance out the spice and acid of vegetarian chili.   Press Tofu for Crispy Wings Removing the moisture from tofu allows it to get nice and crispy, an important step if youre baking, pan frying, or cooking up Jamaican jerk tofu tacos . To properly press tofu, line a plate with paper towels or clean kitchen towel and place the block of tofu on top. Place another layer of paper towel on the tofu block and apply something heavy -- book, cutting board, pan -- on top. Let it press for at least 20 minutes, replace the paper towels and let it rest for another 10 minutes for extra an extra chewy meaty texture. Massage Kale for Tender Salads Kale needs some TLC to become, well, tender. To break down the tough fibers, rip the leaves off the rib (or stem), add to a bowl, coat with some olive oil, and knead them (as if you would bread dough) for around four minutes. Add them to a Mediterranean salad for a quick weeknight meal. Blend Cauliflower for an All-Purpose Cream Sauce Add richness, depth, and creaminess to any dish with this magic, all-purpose cauliflower sauce . To make this simple sauce, boil cauliflower spears until tender. While boiling, sauté sliced garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Drain the cauliflower and scrape all of the garlic-infused oil into a blender and blend until smooth. Photo Source: FoodieWithFamily Refrigerate Coconut Milk for Easy Whipped Cream Simple, easy, and decadent, refrigerating a can of coconut milk overnight results in a thick and creamy whipped topping for desserts, waffles, or coffee. Add some vanilla extract and powdered sugar for some extra flavor and sweetness.         Freeze Bananas for Nice Cream The best kept secret that every plant-based eater knows about, frozen banana soft serve will change the way you think about dessert. Simply peel a few bananas, throw them in the freezer, and blend them up with some frozen fruit the next day. Maybe add a splash of lemon juice, nut butter, or a sprinkle of maple syrup if so inclined. Photo Source: Detoxinista   Use Avocado in Place of Butter With a one-to-one ratio, you can use avocado to replace butter in most baked goods and desserts. And while avocado wont impart a noticeable flavor, you can also avoid butter by using a non-dairy butter substitute (also a one-to-one ratio).         Make Your Own Plant Parmesan Cheese Parmesan elevates anything from pastas and risottos to soup and roasted vegetables. Recreate the sharp umami flavor of Parmesan with a combination of nutritional yeast, walnuts (or cashews), salt, and garlic powder. Give the mixture a couple of pulses in the food processor and youre good to go. Photo Source: MinimalistBaker Customize a Creamy Tofu Herb Dip Tofu comes in all different types and textures. Blend soft silken tofu together with salt and fresh herbs -- basil, parsley, chive, cilantro, rosemary -- for a quick and easy dip for crudité. Add some avocado or a splash of citrus to round out the flavor. Photo Source: CrowdedKitchen   Finish Cooking Pasta in Sauce for a Creamier Consistency   Contrary to the instructions on the box, pasta should actually be slightly underdone when you drain it. After draining, immediately toss the pasta into the simmering sauce for another two minutes. This helps the pasta absorb the sauce, but it also releases the starch within the pasta, giving the sauce a creamier consistency.       Click here  for more Meatless Monday recipes. When posting pictures of recipes to your social media network, tag @MeatlessMonday use #MeatlessMonday to show the plant-based community your creation. The post 10 Tips, Hacks, and Tricks for Tasty Plant-Based Cooking appeared first on Meatless Monday.

Pesto Pasta

May 1 2020 VegKitchen 

I often cook for friends with a range of varied dietary needs and tastes. With vegan, vegetarian, and non-vegan friends all at my table and wanting food, I can always rely on this dish! My pesto pasta recipe is a happy medium--it fills the vegan and vegetarian requirements and keeps my omnivore friends feeling full and satisfied; it tastes delicious and doesn’t contain ingredients that can put-off non-vegans taking that first bite. The post Pesto Pasta appeared first on VegKitchen.

Plant-Based Instagram Influencers You NEED to Follow

April 27 2020 Meatless Monday 

Food and Instagram go together like strawberries and chocolate. To satisfy our appetite for mouthwatering meals, a number of amateur and professional cooks are creating and sharing amazing plant-based recipes that you recreate from the comfort of your own kitchen. This Monday, check out our list of favorite plant-based Instagram influencers to follow; theyve got tips for everything from cashew cheese to no-bake coconut cake to basil risotto. Remember, many of these influencers also have websites and YouTube channels as well, so say hello to your new virtual cooking companions! @alphafoodie Samira Kazan, the creator of the @alphafoodie Instagram and alphafoodie.com , is dedicated to showcasing beautifully vibrant ingredients and finished dishes. Her videos are a beautiful blend of technique and presentation. Check out her creative recipes for plant-based Cheddar cheese and gluten-free banana bread. @deliciouslyella A queen of plant-based meal preparation, Ella Mills is an icon when it comes to making simple and delicious food without using animal products. Breakfast bowls, smoothies, sweets, savory grains, and delectable veggies, Ella can do it all, and you can too; check out her Instagram page and blog deliciouslyella.com for step-by-step instructions on how you can recreate her edible masterpieces. @minimalistbaker The mantra of the Minimalist Baker is clear: simple recipes that make you feel good, 10 ingredients, 1 bowl, or 30 minutes or less -- all eaters welcome. With creative ideas for plant-based cakes, brownies, soups, breads, and so much more, youll be using the Minimalist Bakers Instagram as both a source of cooking insights and artful inspiration. @frommybowl Caitlin Shoemaker, the creator of @frommybowl , develops easy-to-follow, vegan recipes that actually taste good. Her food is health-forward, and many of her recipes incorporate a variety of nutritionally-dense ingredients. But most importantly, Shoemakers food looks, well, fun; shes got recipes for no-bake toasted coconut cheesecake, vegan strawberry shortcake, and a gorgeous feel-good red lentil soup. And while her Instagram page doesnt include many videos, you can always check out Shoemakers YouTube channel and website to see her in action. @hotforfood If you want a virtual cooking buddy, look no further than Lauren Toyota, the foodie philosopher behind the Instagram @hotforfood . Charisma and a whimsical approach to food, makes Toyota an excellent source for plant-based cooking. Shes got tons of videos on her Instagram and website , which makes her more of a culinary coach than Instagram influencer. @pinchofyum With over one million followers, @pinchofyum is doing a lot of things right. They have recipes for all of your comfort food favorites -- gnocchi, macaroni and cheese, banana-oat pancakes -- many of which use only vegetarian-friendly ingredients. Scroll through their feed or look at some of their instructive cooking videos and website recipes . @vanillaandbean To satisfy your need for elegant images of food, look no further than @vanillaandbean . This Instagram feed is full of rustic plates, counter tops, and casserole dishes teeming with beautiful meals and ingredients, many of which are plant-based. For full recipes, check out vanillaandbean.com , and let your appetite run wild. @veggie_­inspired Jenn Sebestyen, creator of @veggie_­inspired and author the Meatless Monday Family Cookbook, is a master at coaxing delicious flavors out of plant-based ingredients. Her recipes are easy to follow and appeal to all varieties of eating lifestyles, also available on her website . @woon.heng Woon Heng is a wonderfully inventive home cook (and Meatless Monday contributor) who focuses on cooking up plant-based meals with an Asian flare. Her dishes are unique and easy on the eyes; one look at her Instagram feed will have you stocking up on soy sauce, sesame oil, fresh chile, and udon noodles. Click here  for more Meatless Monday recipes. When posting pictures of recipes to your social media network, tag @MeatlessMonday use #MeatlessMonday to show the plant-based community your creation. The post Plant-Based Instagram Influencers You NEED to Follow appeared first on Meatless Monday.

Tofu Aloo Gobi (Cauliflower and Potato Curry)

April 20 2020 VegKitchen 

Weve rarely gone out for Indian food without including this classic cauliflower and potato curry among our selections. Its a vegetarian and vegan standard. This simplified rendition comes together quickly, and the tofu mimics paneer--the bland, soft cheese found in some Indian dairy dishes. The post Tofu Aloo Gobi (Cauliflower and Potato Curry) appeared first on VegKitchen.

Bread Pudding with Chocolate Sauce

April 17 2020 Manjula's kitchen 

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Print Bread Pudding (With Chocolate Sauce) It was my daughter-in-law's birthday this past weekend, and I wanted to do something nice for her. For me, the thing that gives me the most joy is making food for the people that I love, and so I decided that I would prepare something for her to drop off. Due to the quarantine, this was the best that I could do for her, so I wanted what I made to be special. I asked my husband if he had any suggestions, and he said that I should make a dessert that my daughter-in-law, son, and grandkids would all enjoy. After talking to him, I was on the search for a dessert recipe that would be easy to prepare and also not too sweet. This made me think of a bread pudding in a magazine that had caught my eyes just a little while ago. I had been wanting to experiment with bread pudding since then but had found nothing that I fell in love with. I decided to try again, but this time I randomly decided to use a French Baguette for the bread pudding. The texture was exactly the way I wanted it to be a little chewy in some areas while stilling melting in your mouth in other areas. After finalizing the recipe, I had my husband taste test it and he suggested that I should find a way to add chocolate as well because my grandkids love it. In order to incorporate chocolate in a way that wasn't overpowering, I decided to add a chocolate drizzle on top instead of adding it into the bread pudding. It was perfect! If desired, this dish could be given a Indian touch. For example, you can substitute the vanilla extract for cardamom powder and replace the chocolate drizzle with sliced almonds and pistachios. Give it a try! This recipe will serve 6 Course Dessert Cuisine Indian Keyword Apple Bread Rolls, Baked Dessert, Chocolate Sauce, Delicacy, delicious, Easy Recipe, Eggless, Fusion, Homemade, Jain Food, Kid Friendly, No Bake Cheesecake, Party Food, Pineapple Sandesh, Sweet, Tea Time, Vegetarian Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 45 minutes Total Time 1 hour Servings 6 people Ingredients20 slices French bruschetta cut into about 1/­­4 in thick 3 cup whole milk 6 Tbsp sugar 2 Tbsp corn starch 4 Tbsp butter at room temperature, use as needed 2 tsp vanilla extract 1/­­8 tsp cinnamon powder dalchini powder For Chocolate Sauce (optional) 1/­­3 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet 1/­­3 cup heavy cream 1 tsp vanilla extract Optional1 Tbsp crystal sugar for garnishing InstructionsFor chocolate saucePlace chocolate in a bowl and add the vanilla essence. Heat the heavy cream do nit boil I did in microwave for 25 seconds. Pour the cream over chocolate and stir until chocolate completely dissolve and become glossy. As chocolate sauce cool it will become little thick. Set aside. Making PuddingIn a small bowl take 1/­­2 cup of milk and add corn starch mix it well to smooth paste and set aside. In a saucepan, take remaining milk, and cook over medium high heat stirring occasionally after milk comes to boil let it boil for 10 more minutes. Lower the heat to medium and add sugar and corn starch mix making sure no lumps. Let it boil for about 5 more minutes over low medium heat. Stir the mixture continually making sure mixture is smooth and no lumps. Mixture will become thick consistency of batter. Add vanilla and cinnamon powder mix it well. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. I am using 5×7 Pyrex pan to make Bread Pudding. Grease the pan. Butter the bread slices lightly. Arrange the bread slanted and butter the edges. Pour the milk mixture and pour over bread slices evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 20 to 25 minutes, till the pudding is bubbling and the top get browned. Take it out from oven. For best taste Bread Pudding should be served warm. Before serving drizzle the chocolate Sauce over and sprinkle the sugar. Notes - Chocolate sauce and sugar is optional, but for me it adds to the flavor and make more enjoyable. - If you are not fond of chocolate, you can garnish with sliced almonds and pistachios. - This is an easy recipe to make my family loved it. Give it a try. Also try Pineapple Sandesh, No Bake Cheesecake, Potato Soup, Quinoa salad The post Bread Pudding with Chocolate Sauce appeared first on Manjula's Kitchen.

How it all began - The story behind Manjulas Kitchen

April 13 2020 Manjula's kitchen 

My journey to start my YouTube channel began in December 2006. I still find it hard to believe I am still running a successful channel that I enjoy with all my heart. We will continue to bring you great content as long as we can. When I say “we” I mean my husband Alex, who has been instrumental in this journey as my videographer, and I. This foray into the world of YouTube and social media was something I never imagined I would be involved in, let alone plan. This was especially true since I had no idea what YouTube even was at that time. Not knowing just how big YouTube was or what kind of platform it was probably an advantage for me because I did not feel scared or threatened by it. I decided to ask Alex to help me out with my first YouTube video since he is extremely technologically savvy. We decided to do a video for the popular Indian dessert “Gulab Jamun”. We knew that when providing someone a recipe, it is a lot more than just providing the ingredients and steps. I knew that people wanted to see the entire process with more details, tips, and variations for the recipes. After completing the video that evening (editing and all!), we decided to share the video on YouTube. Editing the video to meet YouTube’s requirements while ensuring the recipe was complete was definitely a challenge! Alex proved to be an extremely talented editor as well! The next morning, we sat down in front of the computer and I was simply amazed. I remember feeling awestruck at how I could potentially reach so many viewers with a simple YouTube video. The video proved to be a success. I remember seeing hundreds of views from all parts of the world. Also, I was just amazed at the number of positive comments. Of course, we called my family to come and have breakfast with us to let them know we had something special to share with them. They happily came over to our house. I must note that this is one of the many advantages of having extended family in the same city, living just minutes from each other. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be sharing my recipes worldwide. As I have always said, I am not a formally trained chef. After our first video, I just felt in my heart that I just may have stumbled upon something special. I asked Alex if he we would be willing to work with me to try one more video. At that time, there were limited Indian cooking YouTube videos. YouTube was also relatively new and nothing like it is today. My younger daughter-in-law, Joy, heard my idea and suggested I do simple recipes for new cooks, with precise, easy-to-follow directions. She thought it was important I use exact measurements and making sure I try every recipe, so the measurements are perfect. She also suggested I venture into fusion dishes, taking elements for various cuisines and perfecting them into my own recipes. After some time, I remember receiving an e-mail from YouTube asking if I would like to partner with them. We were told we would get paid depending on the amount of “views” we received. At the time, I had no idea how this process worked. However, we decided that could only be a win-win situation and immediately filled out the application. After being accepted as an official YouTube partner, I can vividly remember the feeling of elation and joy when seeing my first paycheck. I was more happy about accomplishing something I did not think I could do, then the actual paycheck. Of course, I could not believe I was getting paid to pursue my passion and hobby! After some time, I remember receiving an e-mail from YouTube asking if I would like to partner with them. We were told we would get paid depending on the amount of “views” we received. At the time, I had no idea how this process worked. However, we decided that could only be a win-win situation and immediately filled out the application. After being accepted as an official YouTube partner, I can vividly remember the feeling of elation and joy when seeing my first paycheck. I was more happy about accomplishing something I did not think I could do, then the actual paycheck. Of course, I could not believe I was getting paid to pursue my passion and hobby! After producing about 40 plus videos, some viewers suggested I launch a website featuring my recipes and videos. My computer-savvy nephew thought this was an excellent idea and introduced me to his friend who agreed to design my website. Sateesh, my original website designer, did an excellent job with my website and still runs it to this day! Thank you so much to my viewers who suggested this idea. While Manjula’s Kitchen and my YouTube channel is merely a hobby, it has given me immense happiness. It has boosted my self-confidence and has really given me a sense of pride. I take pride in ensuring my videos consist of quality, well thought- out recipes! The positive and gracious feedback I’ve received really has inspired me. I love it when I meet the young viewers who tell me they learned everything they know about cooking from me! I can’t tell you how grateful I am for you, the viewers, who have stayed with me for all these years, and of course YouTube who presented me with this fabulous opportunity. I hope you enjoyed learning about how my journey began...Stay safe & healthy everyone! The post How it all began – The story behind Manjula’s Kitchen appeared first on Manjula's Kitchen.

Vegetarian Hot-and-Sour Soup

April 10 2020 VegKitchen 

This recipe starts off as a simple, aromatic broth that can be served as is, but by adding chiles and lime juice, the dish becomes a hot-and-sour soup. As with other Southeast Asian cuisines, such as Burmese, Cambodian, Laotian, and Thai, lemongrass and galangal are often used in aromatic soups. The application of these herbs goes beyond cooking as they are widely used in folk remedies. The post Vegetarian Hot-and-Sour Soup appeared first on VegKitchen.

Avocado Paratha

March 30 2020 Manjula's kitchen 

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Print Avocado Paratha Avocado Paratha, these days I'm spending a lot of time at home, so I decided to experiment in the kitchen. I had one extra avocado left after making some guacamole dip. Avocados seem to be very popular these days most often served as "Avocado Toast". I decided to put an Indian twist and use the extra avocado in delicious flavorful parathas. It actually turned out great and I enjoyed, but I think it needed a few tweaks. I added some extra spices and it turned out even better. Avocados have many health benefits, including being a "healthy" fat and they taste great! I like to serve Avocado Parathas as a snack with tea. It can also be served with any gravy-based dish; however, I think its complemented perfectly with "Aloo Tamatar" or "Spinach Raita". This is also a satisfying lunch box meal. This recipe will serve 3. Course Breakfast Cuisine Indian Keyword Avocado Pancake, Avocado Roti, Bread, Chapati, delicious, Easy Cooking, Guacamole Bread, Healthy, Homemade, Jain Food, Lunch Box, Main Meal, Onion Garlic Free Cooking, Roti, Side Dish, Swaminarayan, Teatime Snack, Unleavened Bread, Vegan, Vegetarian, Veshno Cooking, Video Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes Cook Time 15 minutes Total Time 25 minutes Servings 3 people Ingredients1 large ripe avocado 1 1/­­4 cup whole wheat flour use as needed 1/­­2 tsp salt 1/­­2 tsp cumin seeds jeera 1/­­8 tsp asafoetida hing 1 Tbsp green chili finely chopped 1 Tbsp cilantro finely chopped 1 tsp ginger finely shredded 1/­­2 tsp lemon juice Also, need 1/­­4 cup whole wheat flour for rolling the paratha 3 Tbsp oil for cooking the parathas InstructionsSlice avocado in half, remove the pit and skins and scoop them into a mixing bowl. Then use a fork to gently mash, (avocado should be ripe). Add green chili, salt, asafetida, cumin seeds, lemon juice, cilantro and salt, mash all the ingredients together (Lemon juice is added to prevent oxidizing of the Avocados) Add the whole wheat flour gradually, how much flour you will need depends on the avocado, knead all the ingredients together and make a smooth but firm dough. Do not add any water. Grease your palm and roll the dough between your palms basically you are kneading the dough between you palms. Let the dough sit for 10 minutes before making the parathas. Divide the dough into 6 equal parts and roll them into smooth balls. Flatten them with the palm of your hand and roll them in dry flour. Roll the paratha into about 6-inch diameter. Note: if paratha is sticking while rolling sprinkle little more flour this will help rolling. Heat the flat skillet over medium heat. Note: heavy skillet works best. To check if the skillet is ready, put few drops of water on it. If the water sizzles right away, the skillet is ready. Place the Paratha over the skillet. When you see the color change and the paratha will puff in different places. Turn the paratha over. Paratha should have golden-brown spots. Wait a few seconds and put about 1 teaspoon of oil and spread with a spatula. Flip the paratha and put again half teaspoon of oil. Lightly press the paratha with a spatula. Flip again and press with a spatula making sure the paratha is golden-brown on both sides. Repeat for the remaining parathas. Parathas are best served hot and crispy. NotesServe them as a snack with cup of chai, or with a meal I like to serve with Aloo Tamatar and Spinach Raita. The post Avocado Paratha appeared first on Manjula's Kitchen.

Scalloped Potatoes (Spicy Baked Potatoes) in Creamy Sauce

March 25 2020 Manjula's kitchen 

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Print Scalloped Potatoes (Spicy Baked Potatoes) in Creamy Sauce Scalloped Potatoes are a classic dish with layers of potatoes topped with a delicious creamy sauce! It is the perfect comfort food and side dish to any meal. A little background to the origin to this dish: When I first came to the United State, I was fortunate enough to meet a very kind elderly woman named Helen. She was so kind and helped me a lot when I first came to this country. She was the same age as my grandmother, but she wanted me to simply refer to her as Helen. We became so close that she eventually became another grandmother for my kids when I was away from my family and country. She truly was a blessing to our family. Scalloped potatoes was one of her favorite vegetarian favorite dishes to make for us. She would make this as a side dish for Easter and Thanksgiving. The ingredients are simple, and the dish is easy to make. I got inspired to make this dish while going through old photos. It has been 30 years since Helen passed away, but she will never be forgotten. I decided to add a variation to this recipe by adding some veggies and making it little spicy. This recipe will serve 4. Course Side Dish Cuisine American Keyword Baked Potatoes, Baked Vegetable, Cream Sauce, Creamy Butternut squash, easy cooking, Homemade, Main Meal, Side Dish, Spicy Baked Potatoes, Spinach Pasta, Vegetable Pasta, Vegetarian, Video Recipe, Zucchini pasta Servings 4 people Ingredients3 medium sized potatoes peeled and sliced about 1/­­8 inch thick 1/­­4 cup green peas 1/­­4 cup corn kernels 1/­­4 cup bell pepper chopped 1/­­4 cup carrots shredded 1 Tbsp green chilies finely chopped (this is optional) 2 Tbsp cilantro chopped For white sauce2 Tbsp olive oil 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour plain flour, maida 1/­­8 tsp black pepper 1/­­2 tsp red chili flakes adjust to taste 1/­­2 cup heavy cream 1 1/­­2 cup milk 1/­­2 tsp salt InstructionsSauceIn a small frying pan, heat the oil over low medium heat and add all-purpose flour, stir for a minute. Add black pepper, chili flakes, and salt, stir for another minute. Reduce heat to low. While stirring slowly add cream making sure there are no lumps. Add a small amount of milk at a time. The mixture will start becoming thick, continue adding a little milk at a time whisking until smooth. AssemblyPreheat oven to 350 degrees F (190 degrees C). I am using 5 x 7 Pyrex pan to make the Scalloped Potatoes. Grease the pan. layer the potatoes evenly in the pan. Pour cream sauce just covering the potatoes. Now spread the vegetables, bell pepper, carrots, green peas, corn, green chilies and cilantro. Layer the potato again over the vegetables. Pour the sauce making sure covering the potatoes evenly. Bake it for about 40-45 minutes, potatoes should be tender and should be brown from the top. Scalloped Potatoes are ready, nice color. Enjoy. NotesI prefer Yukon gold or Russet potatoes for this dish. You can use different vegetables of your choice, like broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, spinach. You might also like Vegetable Kathi Rolls, Mexican Bhel, Vegan Macaroni and Cheese The post Scalloped Potatoes (Spicy Baked Potatoes) in Creamy Sauce appeared first on Manjula's Kitchen.