This is a simple, homemade vegan baked beans recipe. As they slow simmer in the crock pot, the smell is positively heavenly–punctuated by maple syrup, smoked paprika, liquid smoke, and savory notes of onions and garlic. They are hard to resist. Native Americans first made the dish using beans, animal fat, and maple syrup that…
Tag: Simple Vegan Recipes
Vegan Tofu Ricotta Cheese
Since the 80’s, my family has been making lasagna with tofu. Back then, we smashed up the tofu with our hands, and then, used it instead of ricotta. Easy peasy. As the years have gone by, I’ve stepped up my vegan ricotta game. This tofu ricotta recipe is still really easy to do, but packs…
Gazpacho
Is gazpacho vegan? Usually. Traditionally, the Spanish cold soup is vegan, but sometimes, it’s garnished with meat. And other times, the preparation uses ingredients that are not vegan. When in doubt, find out. This vegan gazpacho recipe couldn’t be easier. Like many modern gazpacho recipes, you add the ingredients to a blender, and blend. Simple….
Refrigerator Dill Pickles
In the summer, my cousins and I would play outside all day. Periodically, we’d sneak into the refrigerator in the garage and eat icebox dill pickles. It’s one of my fondest childhood memories. And I still love dill pickles. For years, I wasted my money buying them at the store. But these days, I like…
Watermelon Salsa
Some people need to sneak veggies into food, so their kids will eat them. I have to add fruit into savory recipes, so I’ll eat it. I often find the sweetness to be too much, so I like balancing it with other flavors. Maybe you can relate? Whether you positively love fruit or have to…
Italian White Bean Burgers
Inspired by Italian flavors, these delicious vegan white bean burgers are rich from the almond ricotta, savory from the onions and garlic, and slightly herby from the dried basil and parsley. And they stay together! They are pretty easy to flip, and aren’t too messy to eat. This recipe makes 3 large or 4 medium…
Black Bean, Sweet Corn and Jicama Salad
Jicama is a plant from Mexico. Many people associate the term, jicama, with the plant’s edible tuberous root. This part of the plant is crisp, starchy and slightly sweet. In Mexico, it is often enjoyed raw with lime juice, chili powder and salt. Jicama was a perfect candidate to add some dimension to this delicious…
Vegan Tzatziki Sauce
Is tzatziki vegan? Unfortunately, one of the main ingredients in the popular Greek sauce is yogurt. So no, it is not vegan. Fortunately, this Greek-inspired vegan tzatziki sauce recipe is super easy. You chop some cucumber and herbs, and then, mix everything in a bowl. It tastes awesome on grilled vegetables (like eggplant and zucchini),…
Sushi Rice
Calrose rice was developed in the late 1940’s in California. When cooked, this medium grain rice becomes soft and sticky. It’s an ideal rice for sushi, and pretty easy to find throughout the U.S. This sushi rice recipe uses Calrose rice. It makes enough rice for 3-4 vegan sushi rolls. You can use this sushi…
Mediterranean Eggplant Chickpea Salad
This vegan eggplant chickpea salad recipe has it all! The grilled eggplant, sun-dried tomatoes, chickpeas, pistachios and a tasty oregano dressing really make it happen. It’s easy and simple. It’s hearty enough to be a lunch or meal, but could also work well as a side dish. It holds up well, so make it in…
Romesco Sauce
Is romesco sauce vegan? Yes, the Catalan condiment is made from roasted tomatoes and red peppers with toasted almonds, stale bread, garlic and vinegar. There are some differences in ingredients, but commonly, it is free of dairy and animal products. Traditionally, it is served with fish, but there are many other ways to enjoy it….
Cauliflower Soup with Leeks
This easy vegan cauliflower soup recipe cooks up fast! Many cauliflower soups are super creamy or very cheesy. This soup is neither. It has light broth that’s savory, sour and herbaceous, which perfectly compliments the cauliflower and leeks. There’s no coconut milk, no cashews, no potatoes, and no vegan cheese. It’s simple and tasty. If…
Balsamic Reduction
What’s balsamic reduction? Balsamic vinegar that’s been simmered in a pot until enough water evaporates and it becomes a sweeter, thicker version of itself. It tastes awesome on roasted beets, salads, pizza and more. Is balsamic reduction vegan? Sometimes. Some recipes stir in honey, so it’s good to check. Some people use the terms “balsamic…
Vegan Chipotle Mayo
Vegan chipotle mayo… delicious on veggie burgers, fries, sandwiches, grilled corn on the cob. In some places in the U.S., you could buy an entire jar, but maybe you don’t need an entire jar. This recipe for vegan chipotle mayo is super easy, has 6 ingredients, and tastes awesome. It makes ~½ cup to be…
Vegan Hollandaise Sauce
Quick, easy vegan hollandaise sauce! All you need to do, is add everything to a high speed blender (like a Vitamix or Ninja), and then, whisk in a small saucepan over medium heat until thick enough for you. It’s oil free, soy free, and wants to smother your vegan brunch in deliciousness. Who’s hungry? This…
Roasted Beets
Making roasted beets in the oven is easy and delicious. This recipe makes 4 cups, and lasts in the fridge for ~4 days. These roasted beets taste great ice cold or warm. They taste awesome in salads or just eating them solo. Some roasted beets recipes instruct you to use whole beets. Chopping them up…
Lemon Tahini Dressing
This easy lemon tahini dressing recipe improves almost any food it touches–kale salad, roasted cauliflower, grilled tempeh pitas, broccoli and more. It’s super creamy, tangy, savory, and 100% dairy free. Whether as a salad dressing, savory sauce or delicious dip, lemon tahini dressing is quick, easy and delicious! This recipe makes ~¾ cup, and will…
Vegan Cheesy Grits
This recipe for vegan cheesy grits first came out several years ago. It was embedded in another recipe, which is a shame. It is so creamy and delicious. You can enjoy vegan grits with cheese for breakfast, as a savory vegan grits meal or as a gluten free side dish. It tastes incredible paired with…
Vegan Italian Herb Risotto
When it comes to creating creamy risotto, stirring is everything. As the rice grains rub against one another during the stirring, they release some of their starch. This creates the creamy consistency. The creaminess doesn’t come from cheese, milk or cream. It comes from good old fashioned stirring. And that means, it’s important to use…
Za’atar Chickpea Pitas
This is one simple vegan chickpea pita recipe. You’ll have to mix the ingredients for the za’atar chickpeas the night before, because they need time to marinate. Other than the marinating time, this recipe is quick and easy. No air fryer for the marinated chickpeas? No worries. Below are two alternatives that work great! ・Follow…
Roasted Red Pepper Soup
Spiced with garam masala, this vegan roasted red pepper soup recipe is absolutely delicious. While preparations of garam masala vary regionally across the Indian subcontinent, it often possesses warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and more. In the U.S., you can buy it at most major grocery stores, at international grocery stores or online….
Air Fryer Za’atar Chickpeas
Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend. There’s a lot of variation in it’s preparation, but it almost always includes thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds. In the U.S., you can buy it at many chain grocery stores, at international grocers, or online. You can also make it from scratch. Chickpeas taste awesome marinated in za’atar….
Vegan Almond Ricotta Cheese
What is a vegan substitute for ricotta cheese? Vegan almond ricotta! It tastes creamy, bright, cheesy, and salty. It’s everything people love about ricotta cheese with none of the dairy! This recipe for vegan almond ricotta makes ~1 cup. It has no oil, no tofu, no nutritional yeast and no cashews. Just good ol’ slivered…
Vegan Sauerkraut Goulash
Inspired by Slovak Segedinský Guláš, this vegan recipe using sauerkraut is very easy to make, and savory-sour in all the right ways. Sauerkraut seasoned with loads of paprika? Yes please! This vegan goulash recipe combines my favorite things–sauerkraut and seitan. Smoked paprika to bring a bit of the flavor of pork. Cashew cream for heavy…