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Smoky Lentil Sauerkraut Buns
While I put this vegan smoky lentil sauerkraut buns recipe together, I had a few things on my mind–kapustníky, pirozhki, and bierocks (or runzas). All are somewhat similar. And yet, they possess distinct differences, whether it’s their shapes, preparation (baked or fried), fillings, or even their size. Each proved to be quite inspirational. In the…
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Tempeh Sandwich with Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions and Artichokes
This is an easy vegan recipe for a grilled tempeh sandwich with mushrooms, caramelized onions and artichokes. It’s savory, gooey, toasted, and basically a showstopper. No shade on reubens (I love them too! I mean, sauerkraut!!), but this is yet another way to enjoy tempeh on a hot sandwich. And honestly, it shouldn’t be missed!…
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Almond Apricot Muffins
This is an easy vegan almond apricot muffins recipe with cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, quick oats and more. I like that it uses dried fruit, because it transcends seasonality. You can enjoy them any time 💚 This recipe makes ~12 muffins. A few things… Discover other UVK recipes, like Vegan California Benedict with Portobello Mushroom, Lemon…
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Vegan Biscuits and Gravy
This is an easy vegan biscuits and gravy recipe with TVP “sausage”, blanched slivered almonds, raw cashews and more that’s perfect for breakfast or any time. The vegan breakfast gravy is oil and gluten free. And while I used store bought plant based biscuits, you could certainly use your favorite recipe. It’s everything I love…
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Tempeh Marinade with Garlic, Thyme, and Hungarian Paprika
This easy savory garlic thyme tempeh marinade recipe has reduced sodium soy sauce, stone ground mustard, Hungarian sweet paprika, and more. The first time I cooked up it up, we just ate it right out of the skillet. It never made it to our plates. But if you have more restraint that we did, this…
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Carrot Kasha Pierogi
Recently, I came across an article about Zuza Zak, the author of the cookbook, Pierogi. In it, she discusses a Lublin pierogi filled with twaróg cheese, roasted buckwheat and sugar. It wasn’t the first time I’ve read about a kasha pierogi, but I was certainly intrigued! So, I did some thinking about what I would…
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Lemon Tahini Farro Bowl with Broccoli, Mushrooms and Peppers
While I love ordering bowls in restaurants, I don’t always enjoy making them at home. It usually requires a lot of different ingredients, cooking techniques, and time. I admit, it’s probably the recipes I’m attracted to. But a few months ago, I had some fresh broccoli with no plan for how to use it. So,…
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Semolina Porridge
While there isn’t much to the ingredients for this creamy vegan semolina porridge (or pudding) recipe, it does take a bit of technique to pull-off without lumps. The secrets are lots of whisking and staggering when you add the plant based milk. It comes together in about 2-3 minutes, and is ready for all kinds…
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Seitan Fajitas
Inspired by the Tex-Mex classic, this vegan seitan fajitas recipe has bell peppers, onions, garlic, cumin, lime juice and more. They were an important part of my mom’s meal rotation in the late 80’s. These days, I break them out on occasion, but have changed the recipe up a bit. Whether you make them out…
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Vegan Cucumber Mint Sandwiches
Inspired by Thai flavors, this is an easy recipe for vegan cucumber mint sandwiches with almond butter, cilantro, jalapeño slices and pickled red onion. It hits all the right notes–salty, sweet, bitter, sour and spicy. And it takes very little effort to make, which couldn’t be more fitting for summer. At Chez UVK, I often…
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Tofu Sushi Rolls with Asparagus, Avocado, Cucumber and Vegan Wasabi Mayo
I like plant based sushi rolls to taste like something. I need sauces that are going to highlight the filling in the best ways. So using wasabi mayo, I put together this delicious vegan tofu sushi roll recipe with asparagus, avocado, and cucumber. Think of it as an AAC roll, but up a notch. This…
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Vegan Tofu Burger with Indian Spices and Green Peas
At the beginning of the year, I purchased a copy of Plant-Based India by Dr. Sheil Shukla. Let me just say, there’s a reason this cookbook was voted one of the best of 2022 by the New York Times. It is incredibly good! There isn’t a recipe that isn’t a showstopper. And after cooking out…
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Vegan Granola Bars
If you love vanilla chai, this homemade no bake vegan granola bars recipe with maple syrup, almond butter, crispy rice cereal, quick oats, cinnamon and more is for you! They don’t take a lot of effort, but they’re really good. They work well as a snack, as nourishment on a hike, toted along on a…
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Vegan Taco Pasta Casserole
I had three things on my mind–Taco Bell Crunchy Tacos, Hamburger Helper, and Frito Pie. And that is how I arrived at this easy vegan taco pasta casserole recipe. Seriously, what if a classic hard shell TVP taco was completely deconstructed, combined with pasta and black beans, and baked in the oven? As it turns…
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Stuffed Turnips
Slovenes have a tradition of stuffing turnips with millet porridge and cottage cheese, and then, baking them in the oven. To this day, Slovenia’s dish, loška smojka, is considered by some to be a classic part of their cuisine. Inspired by this dish, I decided to create a spin-off vegan recipe for stuffed turnips with…
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Vegan Buckwheat Pancakes with Apple Cinnamon Topping
This is an easy vegan buckwheat pancakes recipe with an apple cinnamon topping. The pancakes use everyday kitchen pantry staples. The topping uses green apples, cinnamon, ginger, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Together, it’s heavenly! But even if you skip the topping and just make the hotcakes, you’ll find they’re are fluffy, nutty and moist.…
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Slow Cooker Vegan Black-Eyed Peas and Collard Greens
Across the U.S., but particularly in the South, there’s a tradition of eating black-eyed peas and collard greens on New Year’s Day to bring good luck. The peas represent good luck, health and plenty. The greens symbolize the green of currency, and are meant to bring financial gain in the year ahead. Looking for a…
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Vegan Roasted Buckwheat Mushroom Patties
Buckwheat is an important grain-like seed that’s sustained Slavic people for a thousand years. To highlight this delicious pseudocereal and Slavic flavors, I’ve put together this recipe for vegan roasted buckwheat mushroom patties topped with caramelized onions and fresh dill. Roasted buckwheat groats (sometimes, called “kasha”) are combined with potatoes, mushrooms, onions, leeks and more.…
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Vegan Beet Pierogi
When there’s a chill in the air, it’s time to make pierogi! And this is a delicious vegan (or vegetarian) beet pierogi recipe with potatoes, caramelized onions and fresh dill. It takes time to execute, but if the weather outside is frightful, why not make a dish that’s oh so delightful? Enjoy these dumplings for…
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Vegan Halušky with Stewed Sauerkraut and Tempeh Bacon (Vegan Strapačky)
Halušky is enjoyed across Central and Eastern Europe. The term can refer to the thick, soft noodles or potato dumplings themselves, or to the dish containing them. Slovak Strapačky is a halušky dish with stewed sauerkraut, and bacon. Inspired by Slovak strapačky, this is a delicious recipe for homemade vegan halušky potato dumplings with stewed…
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Vegan Tater Tot Hotdish
Inspired by the classic dish from the U.S. Upper Midwest, this easy vegan tater tot hotdish recipe has ground seitan, a flavorful homemade mushroom sauce and frozen mixed vegetables. It’s one hearty, savory seitan casserole that keeps you coming back for more. Across the U.S.’s Upper Midwest, hotdishes are commonly served at potlucks, family gatherings,…
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Vegan Kale Caesar Salad
On July 4th, 1924, Caesar Cardini found himself with a slammed restaurant and a limited pantry. And in that moment, he chose to innovate and create the “Caesar Salad”. Inspired by this classic salad, this recipe for vegan kale Caesar salad has croutons, crispy tempeh bacon, crunchy romaine lettuce, a delicious homemade cashew dressing, and…
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Mango Hand Roll Sushi
Many Americans are familiar with maki sushi. It is shaped like a long cylinder, is sliced, and then, eaten with chopsticks. Temaki sushi, or hand roll sushi, is cone shaped, and can be eaten by hand. Inspired by Japanese temaki, this is an easy vegan mango hand roll sushi recipe with cucumber, red bell pepper,…