Pure Thyme

For a Balanced Life

Spring Onion Farro Fritters with Fresh Peas, Apsaragus, Radish & Tahini-Mint Dressing

By 28 Comments

Spring Onion Farro Fritters with Fresh Peas, Apsaragus, Radish & Tahini-Mint Dressing

Today I am thrilled to be able to share this wonderful recipe with you! I created this recipe for the awesome editors of Eternity Watch Magazine to be featured in their Spring Issue. It was such a please and honor to do so, Jenny and Vaughn are amazing people and so much fun to work with. If you haven’t had a chance to check out this magazine, I suggest you do so right away! Click the magazine cover image below to snag yourself a copy and check out more about the magazine.

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I absolutely love this recipe! It is whole-foods, plant-based and so delicious. I packed in as many fresh, in-season spring produce I could think of – I like my salads fully loaded. =) And if you are a salad lover like me, you with love this recipe as much as I do.

If you haven’t tried Farro yet, you are missing out on a wonderfully nutritious grain. It’s often used as a substitute for pasta or rice, farro is a grain with a nutty flavor similar to brown rice. It is rich in fiber, magnesium and vitamins A, B, C, and E.

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(Photo courtesy Bob’s Red Mill)

I am definitely going to showcase this awesome grain in upcoming recipes. I decided to use Farro in this recipe because I thought it would be a nice change from using Quinoa. I love Quinoa, but I wanted something new for these fritters. Farro is not gluten-free. But if you are gluten-free and want to try this recipe, you can substitute the Farro for quinoa and sub the whole-wheat flour and panko with gluten-free options.

Eternity Watch Magazine was kind enough to give me the PDF version of my recipe straight out of the magazine to share with you! Click on the link below to download the PDF.

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Some other blog news. I currently had all my recipes and post transferred over from Virtually Vegan Mama to Pure Thyme. Unfortunately, some images did not transfer over. =( So, please bear with me while I fix all the glitches. You guys rock!

Have a great day and enjoy this recipe!

xoxo,

Jennifer

 

 

 

Cookbook Review and Giveaway: Vegan for the Holidays

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Vegan for the Holidays: Celebration Feasts for Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day

Zel Allen

Vegan for the Holidays Cookbook

Vegan for the Holidays is just the cookbook we are all looking for this time of year.  Zel covers all the details any holiday cook needs to throw the ultimate celebration. The book includes recipes for all the winter holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year. This book presents recipes that are traditional, but also inventive while bringing amazing flavor to any holiday table. From main dishes that include, Pistachio and Sweet Pea Torte with Roasted-Tomato Aioli, Pear and Butternut Bisque with Cranberry-Pear Compote and Sweet Potato Pie with Cashew-Ginger Cream. To tantalizing desserts, including Pear and Walnut Compote with Choco-Wafers, Chocolate Truffle Mousse with Cranberry Splash and Cranberry Apple Strudel. There are so many wonderful recipes for appetizers, soups, salads, mains, desserts and even beverages to inspire and enrich your holiday celebrations year after year. 

What I truly love about this book, is that each recipe offers a whole-foods, oil-free healthy option that is in no way lacking in all the flavors you are looking for in holiday fare. Well, minus the few extra pounds you would normally gain! And these recipes are not just for the holiday season, but for anytime of the year.

Zel Allen, along with her husband Reuben, started an online publication called Vegetarians in Paradise where they share a variety of information pertinent to the vegan community. The Los Angeles based magazine features vegetarian basics, vegan recipes, vegetarian restaurants, vegan diet, and vegetarian food companies. Zel is also the author of The Nut Gourmet that includes 150 gourmet, plant-based recipes that showcases nuts in everything from sauces, soups, and spreads to entrees, salads, dressings and desserts. You’ll even learn how to make nutmilks, a delicious alternative to both dairy and soy milk for allergy diets.

I am looking forward to trying out all of the recipes in this fabulous book, but the two I get to share with you today are:

Yin-Yang Thanksgiving Pâté

Yin and Yang Pate (Vegan)

 Beautiful, healthy and oh so fabulous!

Yin and Yang Pate (Vegan)

Print
Yin-Yang Thanksgiving Pâté
Author: 
Recipe type: Appetizer
Serves: 10-12
 
With a touch of playful sculpture, two tasty appetizer pates become one very striking presentation with an underlying, philosophical message: a balanced approach to everyday life. Accompany with whole-grain crackers or toasted pita wedges, or spoon into leaves of Belgian endive.
Ingredients
Carrot Pate
  • 1¼ cups chopped carrots
  • 1¼ cups chopped red bell pepper (about 1 large pepper)
  • 1 cup raw or roasted cashews or macadamia
  • 2 tablespoons plus 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1½ teaspoons minced peeled fresh ginger
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
  • Pinch cayenne
Mushroom Pate
  • 1 pound cremini or button mushrooms, coarsely chopped
  • 1 small onion, coarsely chopped
  • 2 large cloves garlic, chopped
  • ¼ cup water
  • ½ cup walnuts
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast flakes
  • 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
  1. To make the carrot pâté, put the carrots, bell pepper, cashews, lemon juice, ginger, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a food processor. Process for 1 minute, or until smooth, stopping occasionally to scrape down the work bowl. Transfer to s small bowl and wash and dry the processor bowl.
  2. To make the mushroom pâté, cook and stir mushrooms, onion, garlic, and water in a large skillet over high heat for 3 or 4 minutes, or until the onion is transparent and the mushrooms are softened., Add 1 or more tablespoons of water as needed to prevent burning. There should be at least 1 tablespoon of liquid remaining in the pan.
  3. Transfer the mushroom mixture and remaining liquid into the food processor and add the walnuts, yeast flakes, lemon juice, sand salt. Process until smooth, stopping occasionally to scrape the work bowl.
  4. To assemble, remove 1 tablespoon of each pâté and set aside. Spoon the remaining mushroom pâté onto half of a dinner plate. Using the back of a soon, form half of the yin-yang symbol.
  5. Spoon remaining carrot pâté onto the plate and form the other half. Place the reserved tablespoon of each pâté into the widest portion of the opposite color. Smooth the edges to form a circle.
  6. Makes 3 cups.

 ~And~

Pear and Walnut Compote with Choco-Wafers

Unbelievably easy to make and the perfect dessert to serve your guests during the holidays.

Pear and Walnut Compote with Choco-Wafers

Print
Pear and Walnut Compote with Choco-Wafers
Author: 
Recipe type: Dessert
Serves: 6
 
Holiday meals, whether at home or at my grandmother's, always concluded with a small bowl of stewed dried fruits perfectly sweetened and laced with cinnamon. Homemade Choco-Wafers turn this delicious, unpretentious compote into an elegant, alluring dessert.
Ingredients
Wafers
  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 1 cup pitted dates, snipped in half
  • ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon water
  • 3 tablespoons golden raisins
  • 3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
Compote
  • 2 fresh Anjou or Bosc pears, cored, cut into quarters, and sliced
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, firmly packed
  • ⅓ cup dark raisins
  • ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons coarsely ground toasted walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts, for garnish
Instructions
  1. To make the wafers, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 17½ x 12½-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Put all the wafer ingredients in a food processor. Process until all the ingredients are well incorporated, the nuts are broken down to a fine, but slightly textured meal, and the mixture reaches a very thick, finely mashed, firm consistency, stopping occasionally to scrape down the work bowl.
  3. Spoon the wafer mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and use the back of the spoon to form it into a ¼-inch thick rectangle approximately 8 inches by 9 inches.
  4. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the wafer is set and almost dry to the touch but still soft. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. It will firm as it cools. When cool, cut into 2- or 3-inch squares and set aside until ready to serve, or put the squares in a ziplock bag and refrigerate.
  5. To make the compote, combine the pears, cranberries, brown, sugar, dark raisins, lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and water in a 3- or 4-quart saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Immediately decrease the heat to low and simmer 10 minutes, or until the pears are softened.
  6. To thicken the juice in the pan, combine the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl or cup and stir until smooth. Stir the paste into the simmering compote a little at a time, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute, or until thickened to desired consistency.
  7. To serve, spoon the compote into small dessert dishes and garnish each with the walnuts of desired. Tuck two wafers into the center or sides of the compote.

This Giveaway is now closed..thanks to all who participated!

And now for the GIVEAWAY and Good Luck!

To enter the contest, leave a comment sharing some of your favorite Vegan Holiday Dishes. Also, if you have one you would love to see veganized, let me know that too! Don’t forget to leave your contact information so I can let you know if you win. =)

BONUS ENTRIES

You MUST leave each entry as a SEPARATE comment or only one comment will count.

All entries must be completed no later than Sunday, November 24th 2013,  at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Winner will be announced on Monday, November 25th 2013, on my blog, and the winner will also be notified via the email address they provided in the comments section.

Giveaway open to U.S. and Canada residents only. =)

Good Luck!

xoxo,

Jen

Can’t wait and you need this book now. Well, don’t fret, you can buy it here: Vegan for the Holidays: Celebration Feasts for Thanksgiving Through New Year’s Day

 

 

Vegan Spanakopita – Greek Spinach Pie

By 33 Comments

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Spanakopita is one of my all-time favorite things to eat. I wanted to try and create a healthy version of this traditional Greek dish with little to no-oil and make it vegan. Removing the feta and olive oil seems somewhat sacrilegious, it’s such a staple of the traditional recipe and Greek cooking! However, you are not even going to miss it with my version of this recipe. I have added much healthier ingredients and it is full of flavor. You will be singing me praise after you make this – trust me. You are going to love this Vegan Spanakopita!

It looks like a lot of ingredients, but it’s really easy to make. I actually took some step by step pictures for you!

Mash up your beans, it’s fun to do. =)

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Saute some yummy, super healthy ingredients.

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Layer your phyllo dough and brush with your flaxseed mixture.

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Layer your spinach mixture on top.

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Top with remaining phyllo dough and flaxseed mixture.

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Bake in preheated oven.

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And Voilà! There you have it – Delicious and Healthy Vegan Spanakopita! Enjoy!

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5.0 from 1 reviews
Print
Vegan Spanakopita
Author: 
Recipe type: Appetizer, Entree
Cuisine: Greek
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
 
Ingredients
  • 12 sheets phyllo dough
  • 1 cup onion, diced
  • 1 cup green onions, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15) oz can no or low sodium garbanzo beans, drained and mashed
  • 2 (10) oz packages frozen cut spinach, thawed
  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • ⅓ cup kalamata olives, chopped
  • ⅓ cup tahini
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh oregano, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Flaxseed Mixture:
  • 4 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp flax seed meal
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly spray a 9x9 inch square baking pan with cooking spray.
  2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add onion, green onion, garlic and two tablespoons water. Water sauté on medium-low for 5 minutes, adding a tablespoon of water when necessary to prevent sticking, until onions are translucent.
  3. Add the spinach and cook for 5 minutes, or until excess water has evaporated. While spinach is cooking, add remaining lemon juice, maple syrup and flaxseed meal to a small bowl. Stir to combine, set aside and allow to thicken. Add the remaining ingredients, except the phylllo dough, and cook an additional 5 minutes on medium to medium-low heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Allow to cool slightly.
  4. Place 1 sheet of phyllo dough on the bottom of the baking dish. Lightly brush sheet with the flaxseed mixture using a small pastry brush. Lay another sheet of phyllo dough on top, brush with flaxseed mixture, and repeat process with 4 more sheets of phyllo. Spread spinach mixture into pan, then layer remaining 6 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each with flaxseed mixture.
  5. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown. Cut into squares and serve while hot.
Notes
Reheat the spanakopita in a 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven for 10 minutes.

enjoy!!

Jennifer

Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms

By 4 Comments

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I am not thrilled with the look of these mushrooms on camera, but I am thrilled with the taste. Can you even make stuffed mushrooms look camera-worthy? I love the flavor the little tomatoes add to the dish, but not loving that they got all wrinkly. 😉 But, if you like stuffed mushrooms as much as I do, these are a nice, easy appetizer to make. I added toasted pine nuts to this recipe, but thought they were a bit overpowering, so if you feel like adding them go for it or skip it all together. Skipping them will definitely cut the fat content if that’s what you’re looking for. =) I added a little balsamic vinegar that added a hint of sweetness, but also made the spinach turn into more brown than green. Oh well, still yummy!

These little treats are inspired by my fabulous neighbor Helen and her mother-in-law. They made a similar stuffed mushrooms appetizer for a get-together we attended, but theirs included feta. Thanks for the inspiration and if you are reading this there are leftovers in the fridge, I know you love to sample my treats. =)

Okay, so here’s the recipe and if you try these out, please let me know what you think. I will however be making these again and again until they are perfect and shine on camera!

Print
Easy Appetizer: Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms
Author: 
Recipe type: Appetizer
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 6-8
 
Ingredients
  • 16 large button mushrooms, stems removed (reserve stems) and caps left intake
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ½ cup mushroom stems, finely chopped
  • ½ cup vidalia onion, diced
  • ½ cup roasted red pepper, diced
  • 2 tbsp. toasted pine nuts (optional)
  • 1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed of excess water
  • 1½ tsp. balsamic vinegar
  • Cherry tomatoes, halfed
  • Black pepper to taste
  • no salt added vegetable stock for sautéing
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Heat a medium non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add mushroom stems, onions, garlic and 1 tbsp of veggie stock. Cook 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sofetened, adding small amounts of veggie stock to prevent sticking.
  4. Meanwhile, heat a small non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add pine nuts and toast, shaking often to prevent burning. Remove pine nuts when lightly browned from pan and set aside.
  5. Stir in spinach, roasted red peppers, toasted pine nuts, balsamic vinegar and black pepper to taste. Heat for an additional 2 minutes.
  6. Arrange mushroom caps on a non-stick baking pan or a baking dish. Divide filling evenly between mushrooms, rounding top with a spoon. Add half of a cherry tomato to each mushroom cap.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until softened and juicy.
  8. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

What’s your favorite filling for stufffed mushrooms?

Enjoy!

Jennifer

750 Best Appetizers Cookbook Giveaway

By 67 Comments

Vegetarian Vietnamese Fresh Rolls

VegetarianVietnameseFreshRoll

Photo credit: Colin Erricson/www.robertrose.ca

I had the pleasure of receiving this amazing cookbook for review. I couldn’t resist getting my hands on a book with 750 Appetizers to chose from. Yeah, it’s not all vegan, but if your household is like mine – my husband still eats meat on occasion – there are multiple recipes to suit every dietary preference. This cookbook does include tons of vegetarian and vegan friendly recipes like those beautiful spring rolls above. How can you go wrong with all those fresh ingredients and aren’t they beautiful to look at? I made these rolls and they were gone in a matter of minutes they were so yummy. I can’t wait to serve this recipe up to guests.

4.8 from 4 reviews
Print
Vegetarian Vietnamese Fresh Rolls
Author: 
Recipe type: Appetizer
Serves: 8
 
This is almost a two‑for-one recipe —the fresh rolls are wonderful all on their own but the leftover marinade creates the perfect dipping sauce.
Ingredients
  • Dressing
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce 30 mL
  • 2 tbsp sweet Asian chili sauce 30 mL
  • 1⁄2 tsp toasted sesame oil 2 mL
  • 1⁄2 tsp rice vinegar (see Tips) 2 mL
  • 1⁄2 tsp minced garlic 2 mL
  • 1⁄2 tsp finely chopped pickled ginger 2 mL
  • 1⁄4 tsp minced gingerroot 1 mL
  • 2 cups shredded baby bok choy 500 mL
  • 3⁄4 cup julienned blanched asparagus 175 mL
  • (see Tips, left)
  • 3⁄4 cup julienned peeled carrots 175 mL
  • 1⁄2 cup julienned English cucumber 125 mL
  • 1⁄4 cup julienned mango 60 mL
  • 1⁄4 cup finely chopped toasted peanuts 60 mL
  • 8 10-inch (25 cm) rice paper wrappers 8
  • 3 cups hot water 750 mL
  • Dipping sauce, optional (see Tips)
Instructions
  1. Dressing: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, chili sauce, oil, vinegar, garlic, pickled ginger and minced ginger.
  2. In another bowl, combine bok choy, asparagus, carrots, cucumber, mango and peanuts. Add 2 tbsp (30 mL) dressing and toss well. Divide into 8 equal portions.
  3. Working with one rice paper at a time, submerse in hot water until pliable, about 30 seconds. Place on a work surface. Spread one-portion of the vegetable mixture in a strip across the lettuce leaf about one-third away from the edge closest to you, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) on either side. Fold the edge closest to you over the filling and pull gently toward you to encase the filling. Fold the sides toward the middle, then continue to roll up tightly. Place rolls under a damp cloth to stay moist because the wrappers tend to dry out quickly. Serve rolls immediately with dipping sauce, if using, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour. Serve whole or for a small hors d’oeuvre, cut in half on the diagonal and place on a serving platter.
Notes
Tips To julienne asparagus, cut into thin slices lengthwise and slice those slices into thin strips. For a wonderful dipping sauce, in a small ramekin, combine the remaining dressing with 1⁄4 cup (60 mL) soy sauce and 1 tbsp (15 mL) coarsely chopped Agave and Ginger-Scented Peanuts (page 455).

There are 24 full page colored photos in the center of the book.  With 576 pages, it has every appetizer that you can imagine.  If you’re into entertaining, this is definitely a cookbook for you!

appetizers_coverThis Giveaway is now Closed, thanks to all who participated!

And now for the GIVEAWAY!!

One lucky reader will win 750 Best Appetizers Cookbook.

To enter the contest, leave a comment telling me what your favorite appetizer is. Don’t forget to leave your contact information so I can let you know if you win. =)

BONUS ENTRIES

You MUST leave each entry as a separate comment or only one comment will count.

  • Subscribe to Virtually Vegan Mama
  • Like Virtually Vegan Mama on Facebook and leave a comment on my wall.
  • Follow Virtually Vegan Mama (@virtveganmama) on Twitter
  • Tweet about this giveaway and tell me that you tweeted in the comments section; “I just entered to win 750 Best Appetizers Cookbook from @virtveganmama”
  • Share this giveaway on your Facebook Page and tell me that you did so in the comments section
  • Stumble this giveaway
  • Pin it

All entries must be completed no later than Tuesday, April 3, 2012,  at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Winner will be announced on Tuesday, April 3, 2012, on my blog, and the winner will also be notified via the email address they provided in the comments section.

Good Luck!!!

xoxo,

Jen

Giveaway! Chef AJ’s Unprocessed Cookbook

By 92 Comments

Chef AJ’s Sweet Potato Nachos

 

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I recently had the pleasure of receiving three cookbooks to host my first giveaways, which is something I’ve never done here before. Life has been hectic and these giveaways have been on the back burner. But, finally after much delay, I’m starting with Chef AJ’s cookbook Unprocessed, and what a great place to begin.

The cookbook not only has pages of amazing recipes, but it also details her personal story and how diet and nutrition can reverse and cure disease. It’s all about obtaining your ideal weight while creating easy, healthy and delicious recipes. This has been my main goal since I started this blog and I know it’s the goal of many. We want to eat healthy, but we also want recipes that won’t make us feel we are missing out on anything, me included. Well, that’s what you get with this cookbook. Chef AJ knows how to make incredibly tasty food and still make it healthy. Here’s a peek at some of the recipes you will find. How does Banana-Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Torte sound or Perfect Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms – oil-free and amazing. I have tried several of her recipes and have yet not been disappointed. Chef AJ’s Unprocessed is a great addition to any bookshelf.

Out of all the irresistible recipes I could have chosen to share for this giveaway, I decided to share Chef AJ’s Sweet Potato Nacho recipe. A very simple recipe to make, but my family loves nachos and the thought of sweet and spicy – a combination I can’t resist – was extremely appealing to me and I just had to try it. This recipe was easy to make and had all the flavors I love. My family pretty much licked the plate clean and I won’t hold it against you if you do the same – go for it. =)

Only recommendation that I have is to keep a close eye on the sweet potatoes so they don’t burn. Oven temperature and times vary as we all know so take that into consideration. These baked amazingly well on my non-stick baking mat and is a great investment if you don’t already have one. I highly recommend purchasing, it will save your trays and you money in the long run. =)

Printable Version

Chef AJ’s Sweet Potato Nachos

Ingredients:

Sweet potatoes (one per person)

Method:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Cut sweet potato in uniform slices, approximately 1/4″. Place on Silpat or non-stick baking sheet and sprinkle with smoked paprika. Bake for 20 minutes, flip over and bake for another 10-15 minutes until done. These are “the chip” part of your nachos.

Assembly:

Place several sweet potato “chips” on a plate and fully load them with oil-free refried beans, chopped tomato, corn, cilantro, onion, olives, jalapeño peppers or anything you would normally enjoy on your nachos.

Chef’s Note: I like to create a “nacho bar” and let guests build their own nachos. If you use organic sweet potatoes there is no need to peel. Lots of fiber and nutrients in the skin.

* I topped our nachos with pan-toasted black beans, fresh salsa, jalapeño pepper slices (only for the adults), green olives, cilantro, some Daiya, drizzled with some fresh lime juice. The results were fantastic. =)

And now for the GIVEAWAY!!

One lucky reader will win Chef AJ’s cookbook Unprocessed.

To enter the contest, leave a comment telling me what recipes or something new you would like to see on Virtually Vegan Mama. Don’t forget to leave your contact information so I can let you know if you win. =)

BONUS ENTRIES

You MUST leave each entry as a separate comment or only one comment will count.

  • Subscribe to Virtually Vegan Mama
  • Like Virtually Vegan Mama on Facebook and leave a comment on my wall.
  • Follow Virtually Vegan Mama (@virtveganmama) on Twitter
  • Tweet about this giveaway and tell me that you tweeted in the comments section; “I just entered to win Chef AJ’s cookbook from @virtveganmama”
  • Share this giveaway on your Facebook Page and tell me that you did so in the comments section
  • Stumble this giveaway
  • Pin it

****This Giveaway is now closed****

All entries must be completed no later than Monday, February 27th 2012,  at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Winner will be announced on Tuesday, February 28th 2012, on my blog, and the winner will also be notified via the email address they provided in the comments section.

Good Luck!!!

xoxo,

Jen

Salsa Verde

By 12 Comments

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Here is a fantastic green salsa recipe courtesy of my wonderful husband. Matt has been making this salsa for years and learned it from a friend who comes from Mexico. He makes it once a month along with his red salsa recipe that is super easy and delicious as well. We enjoy this salsa with quesadillas, tacos, and as a dip for vegetables. I love to use it as a no-oil dressing on my salad. We made a corn salad this past sunday with some mashed pinto beans heated up in a skillet with roasted poblanos and onions. I layered the beans and corn salad over a bed of romaine lettuce and topped it with salsa verde. Fresh, healthy and fully satisfying. You didn’t really think I ate those chips up there with it, did you? And don’t worry, I will share all these recipes. =)

This is a kid-friendly recipe in our house, as long as it’s not spicy. =) I don’t know about your kids, but mine love to dip and I always give them healthy choices like this one and they absolutely love it.

We usually add some fresh avocado to the mix for some healthy fats in there as well and it makes the salsa creamier. You can easily adjust the spice level for this salsa on your own, just add a small amount of the jalapeno, taste and adjust by adding some more. Matt boils these for one minute, but you don’t have too, it’s great either way.

This is a perfect salsa  to add to a nacho bar if you are planning on having one for your next party – which is perfect to have at a Super Bowl Party!

Printable Version

Salsa Verde

Yield: 2 cups

Ingredients:

15 whole peeled tomatillos

1/2 medium sweet onion, chopped

1-2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 jalapeno, stemmed, 1/2 seeded and cut up (remove all seeds or add the all depending on desired spice level)

1 lime, juiced

1 cup fresh cilantro

Directions:

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add tomatillos and boil for one minute. Remove from heat and drain. In a food processor or blender, combine all ingredients and blend until combined. Chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.

Enjoy.

What’s your favorite mexican salsa and how do you enjoy it?

 For all you wonderful people stopping by to check out this post, could you please take a minute a give me some voting love. I was recently nominated for Circle of Moms: Top 25 Vegan & Vegetarian Moms- 2012 Contest. I’m currently holding the #2 spot and would love to continue to remain in one of the top spots. I’m so grateful for everyone that has been voting for me, I’m overwhelmed that I even have so many votes. It only takes a second and requires no registration, it’s completely anonymous. =) All you have to do is follow this link HERE scroll until you see me, Virtually Vegan Mama and click the orange vote button to the right – voilà! Easy peasy. 😉

Thank you!

Please leave a comment, I would love to hear from you all. =)

xoxo,

Jen

Vegan Spinach Dip

By 10 Comments

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Who doesn’t love spinach dip? It’s the perfect appetizer for any occasion, any time of year. Served with crudités of choice it’s abundant in antioxidants and sure to please any palate.

Print
Vegan Spinach Dip
Author: 
Recipe type: Appetizer
 
Ingredients
  • 1 (16 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dried
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • 1 (12 oz) container Tofutti Sour Supreme Non-Hydrogenated
  • 1 cup Earth Balance Mindful Mayo
  • 1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
  • 1 tbsp dried minced onion
  • 1 tbsp Mrs. Dash Salt-free Lemon Pepper Seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic granules
  • ½ tsp celery seed
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • Crudités (vegetables of choice)
Instructions
  1. Combine all ingredients and chill in refrigerator for two hours. Serve with crudités.

Is this the shortest blog post ever? Why, yes it is! This dip just rocks, what more can I say about it? 😉

This recipe was originally featured over at One Green Planet and is on Earth Balances Top Vegan Recipes List of 2013.

xoxo,

Jen

Baked Eggplant Fries with Lemon Dill Dipping Sauce

By 52 Comments

 

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My children love french fries, what kid doesn’t? Okay, and I confess so do the adults around our house. I prefer to make mine at home so I can make sure they are not deep fried in unhealthy oils and loaded with sodium.

I have been dreaming about making these eggplant fries for a couple of weeks now. I have had zucchini fries at restaurants in the past and considered making that – I will definitely be trying those out since these came out perfect. If you have had zucchini fries at a restaurant you know that they are deep fried and definitely not healthy. I hate to think all the nutritional benefits of vegetables are just destroyed by deep-frying and dumping huge amounts of salt on them. I personally don’t think that even tastes good anymore. I want to taste my food and not salt, butter, or oil – how about you?

I love eggplant because it is downright delicious and it’s such a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in so many ways. It is also an important antioxidant vegetable that makes a wonderful addition to your diet. It is loaded with vitamin A, B, C folate and minerals like potassium. It is rich in dietary fiber, contains no fat and is low in calories. How perfect, right?

I did a quick search for eggplant fries to see what delicious recipes were out there. Most were deep fried like I thought they would be, but I did find a great one at Dianne’s Dishes. I used her method for cutting the fries because I definitely needed a visual on that – check it out. Thank you Dianne for this and for my recipe inspiration.

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Baked Eggplant Fries with Lemon Dill Dipping Sauce
Author: 
Recipe type: Appetizer, Side
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 6
 
Ingredients
  • For fries:
  • 1 eggplant, cut into strips
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened plain soy yogurt
  • 1 tbsp. dried parsley
  • ¼ tsp. garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp. paprika
  • ¼ tsp. ground cumin
  • ¼ tsp. onion powder
  • 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cups whole-wheat seasoned breadcrumbs
  • For dip:
  • 1 cup unsweetened plain soy yogurt
  • 1 tsp. dill
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp. lemon juice
  • Fresh black pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. For fries:
  2. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line two large baking sheets with a non-stick baking mat or parchment paper. Cut the top and bottom off of your eggplant. Cut the eggplant in half lengthwise and then into quarters. Next, cut the eggplant quarters into slices roughly ¼ in. thick. Now cut the eggplant slices into strips roughly the size of French fries. Combine yogurt, parsley, garlic powder, paprika, ground cumin, onion powder, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar in a large bowl. Toss eggplant fries in soy yogurt mixture, coating evenly. Place breadcrumbs on a plate and lightly coat eggplant fries with breadcrumbs. Spread out evenly on trays making sure they don’t touch. Bake in preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Turn halfway during baking to brown evenly. Serve immediately with lemon dill dipping sauce.
  3. For dip:
  4. Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Place in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour to chill and allow flavors to combine.
Notes
Without dip: 141 calories, 4.7 grams sugar, 1.3 grams fat, 28.3 grams carbohydrates, 5.9 grams protein For dip: You can add cut up cucumber to this to make it traditional Tzatziki Sauce.

 

Here’s a great review of Baked Eggplant Fries done by Healthy Girl’s Kitchen check it out!

Have you tries Baked Eggplant Fries before, what do you think?

Mini Quinoa-Chickpea Cakes with Roasted Red Pepper Cashew Cream Sauce

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These scrumptious little mini cakes are not only going to please your palate, but also pack a nutrient-rich power punch. I combined quinoa and chickpeas as the base of these cakes which added firmness, moisture and a great texture. Quinoa also has a creamy, nutty and somewhat crunchy texture that always makes it a great addition to this recipe. Quinoa is a complete protein that provides all nine essential amino acids and it’s a good source of manganese, magnesium, iron and cooper to name a few. It has lysine, which is essential in helping the body grow and repair tissues. It’s been shown to help ease migraine headaches, prevents clogging of the arteries, and is low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Then we have our garbanzo bean a.k.a. chickpeas, a yummy legume that is a valuable course of fiber and protein. Garbanzo beans contain antioxidant rich nutrients like vitamin C, E, and beta-carotene.  Garbanzo beans aid in detoxification, build immune defenses, aid in digestion and are good for the heart. Such a great addition to your diet and super yummy too.
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I also threw some of my favorite veggies in there; zucchini, red pepper, and celery and it’s all topped off with a heavenly cashew cream sauce that is bursting with flavor. 
This recipe has had a well-needed makeover. =) The original recipe contained diced onion and I had to remove it because it was stopping these from holding together. I also added some bread crumbs and a little more vegan mayo. Make sure when you dice your red pepper and celery, you have very fine small pieces, too chunky and it will mess with the results. I took some new pictures for you so you can see how awesome these are.
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4.5 from 2 reviews
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Mini Quinoa-Chickpea Cakes with Roasted Red Pepper Cashew Cream Sauce
Author: 
Recipe type: Appetizer
 
Ingredients
For the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce: makes 1 cup
  • ½ cup of raw cashews, soaked in water for 4 hours
  • 1 tsp dried dill weeds
  • 4 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1½ tsp horseradish
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ cup diced roasted red pepper
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 4 tbsp unsweetened almond milk
  • fresh black pepper to taste
  • pinch sea salt
For the Cakes: Makes 24 cakes
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 2 tbsp ground flaxseed meal plus 6 tbsp warm water, set aside for five minutes until thickened
  • 1 (15 oz) can low-sodium garbanzo Beans
  • 1 cup shredded zucchini
  • ¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper
  • ¼ cup finely diced celery
  • 1 tsp vegan worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup vegan mayo
  • ¼ cup whole wheat bread crumbs
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
  • ¼ tsp mustard powder
  • ¼ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • fresh black pepper to taste
  • sea salt, to taste
  • fresh scallions or chives, thinly sliced for garnish
Instructions
For the roasted red pepper sauce:
  1. Drain cashews; add to a food processor or blender with remaining ingredients. Puree until creamy and smooth. Serve either chilled on top of cakes or you can warm it on the stove.
For the cakes:
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Cook quinoa according to package instructions. While quinoa is cooking, mix 2 tbsp ground flaxseed meal with 6 tbsp warm water and set aside until thickened. Drain and rinse garbanzo beans with cold water. In a large mixing bowl, add garbanzo beans and mash with potato masher until chickpeas are no longer whole and blended. Add all remaining ingredients and stir until well combined.
  3. Lightly spray a non-stick mini-muffin pan with cooking spray. Spoon batter into each muffin cup filling almost to top. Press down firmly with back of spoon and fingers. Place in oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Cool for five minutes. Run knife around edges and gently remove from pan.
  4. Place on a serving platter with some cashew sauce on top and garnish with chopped scallions or chives.
  5. These can be made a couple of hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Rewarm in 350°F oven 6 to 8 minutes.
Notes
If you do not have a mini-muffin pan, you can line a baking tray with parchment paper. Spoon mixture onto parchment paper and form them into 1½ inch cakes. Take your time with these and make sure they are firm. The batter will seem very moist, but I assure you they will cook just fine.
Adapted from Epicurious 
Happy healthy eating!
xoxo, Jen