Tag Archives: vegetarian recipes

Marinated Slow Roasted Onions

Marinated Slow Roasted Onionsmarinated onions

Serves 8

Marinade:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • pinch red pepper flakes optional
  • 4 large white or yellow onions (See Note 1)
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary chopped
  1. Blend marinade ingredients in small bowl and pour into a baking dish that will hold all 8 onion halves. I use 8×8″ baking pan or round 12″ baking stone (pictured) depending on size of onion.
  2. Trim the end of onions and cut horizontal (leaving skin on) and place wide side down in marinade. Marinate overnight covered in refrigerator.
  3. Preheat oven to 400°F. Flip the onions over in the marinade, and lay on the flat bottom of each side. Top each onion with 1/2 tablespoon of butter and remaining teaspoon of rosemary.
  4. Roast in oven for 1 hour or until golden brown, basting once or twice during roasting. Remove from heat, spoon reduced sauce over and sprinkle with parsley or more fresh chopped rosemary. Remove from skins and serve.

Recipe Notes

  1. Trims ends off onions, slice in half horizontally, keeping the skin on to hold shape and protect the outside as it later roasts.

Onion Patties (an alternative to onion rings)

FORGET ONION RINGS!!! TRY THESE ONION PATTIESonion patties

3/4 cup flour                                     1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon cornmeal                     2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons salt                                3/4 cup milk

2 1/2 cups chopped onions (about 2 small onions)

oil for frying

In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients, then add milk and stir. This will give you a thick batter.    Add onions and mix until well blended.

Heat 1/2 inch oil in skillet over medium high heat. Drop batter by tablespoons into the hot oil.     Flatten with the back of a spatula, then brown on both sides until crispy, golden brown.   Drain on paper towel, sprinkle salt to taste.

Pro Tip: You can make these even more craveworthy by adding in :1/4 cup green pepper, 1/4 cup cooked mushroom, or sprinkle cheddar on top after you’ve finished cooking. So. Delicious.

Greek Quinoa Salad

Another great SUMMER Salad!Greek Quinoa Salad

  • 1 cup of quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 tomato, seeded and chopped
  • 1 lemon, zested
  • 1/2 cup olives (I used a green/black mix)
  • 1/4 cup parsley, chopped fine
  • 2 ounces low fat feta
  • 1 T olive oil
  • 1 T balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  1. Place vegetable broth and quinoa in a large stock pot. Bring to a boil. Boil uncovered for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and drain in a fine metal colander.
  2. Rinse pot and bring two inches of water to a boil. Place quinoa in the metal colander over the water. Cover and steam for 10 minutes.
  3. While quinoa is steaming, combine chopped spinach, tomato and lemon zest in a small boil.
  4. When quinoa is cooked, drain the water. Rinse the pot and return the quinoa to it. Add the spinach mixture and cover. Allow to sit covered for 5 minutes or until spinach wilts.
  5. Add parsley and feta.
  6. In a small bowl, combine 1 T olive oil, 1 T balsamic vinegar and garlic. Toss with salad

Where do vegans get their protein?

So as a Vegan/Vegetarian we get this questions all the time…where do you get your protein??…. so here we go… By Lauren Venosta

Vegans don’t consume any products that come from an animal-based source. All macronutrients like protein, vegan protein carbohydrates, and fat are only consumed through plant-based sources—which can make it challenging to get enough protein.

A common question many vegans are asked is, “How do you get enough protein?” Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to get adequate amounts of protein on a vegan diet.

The  important thing to note about plant-based protein sources is that they are more bioavailable to the body. This means that the amino acids (which make up the proteins) are more easily broken down and absorbed by the body. Remember, you aren’t only what you eat, but you are what you absorb! If your body can’t absorb the protein you’re eating, it is useless.

If you’re a vegan or are interested in following a plant-based diet, these foods pack a plant-based protein punch!

  1. Spirulina     Spirulina is a blue-green algae that contains the essential amino acidsrequired for protein assimilation. It’s rich in chlorophyll, which you can see by the dark green color. 8.05 g of protein per 2 tablespoons
  1. Lentils    These edible pulses are a powerhouse of protein, fiber, and iron. Lentils are an easy way to get plant-based protein because they are easily digested and are a versatile ingredient. 17.86 g of protein per cup of cooked lentils
  1. Pea Protein   Green peas contain adequate levels of protein in their raw form (9 g per 1/4 cup), and pea protein is a popular alternative to the whey protein or egg-white protein that are commonly used in protein powders. 21 g of protein per 1/4 cup
  1. Chickpeas Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are meaty and filling. 14.53 g of protein per cup of cooked chickpeas
  1. Nutritional Yeast   Nutritional yeast, a food additive grown on molasses and treated to be “inactive” (as compared to “active” baking yeast), is known for adding a “cheesy” flavor to many dairy-free recipes. The flavor is amazing, but its nutrient profile is even better! It’s loaded with amino acids and B vitamins. Amino acids are essential for protein synthesis and B vitamins help covert the food you eat into useable fuel for the body. 8 g of protein per 1/4 cup
  1. Quinoa   Did you know that quinoa is a seed? Although it mimics a grain-based texture and cooks similar to rice, it is 100 percent seed. And that means it has more protein than many grains! 8.14 g of protein per 1 cup of cooked quinoa
  1. Almonds  A study showedthat eating 1.5 ounces of almonds per day can lower your cholesterol, keep your heart healthy, and even reduce belly fat!  15.12 g of protein per 1/2 cup
  1. Chia Seeds   In addition to their protein benefit, chia seeds are loaded with so much fiber they can actually absorb 10 to 12 times their size in water. This allows them to create a gel-like consistency and expand in your stomach, which keeps you fuller longer and improves digestive health.  8.91 g of protein per 1/4 cup
  1. Pumpkin Seeds    Pumpkin seeds are not only protein rich, but rich in magnesium as well. Magnesium is helpful for regulating blood sugar levelsso eating pumpkin seeds is helpful for reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes.  9.75 g of protein per 1/4 cup
  1. Steel-Cut Oats  Oats contain not only protein, but also fiber and iron. It’s important to purchase steel-cut oats, as they are higher in protein than processed oats. Steel-cut oats take longer to cook and have a more dense texture..14 g protein in 1/2 cup

There are plenty of vegan foods that contain protein. The important thing to remember when eating a vegan diet is to consume a wide-variety of different foods and colors. This will ensure you are getting all the necessary macronutrients (like protein) that are needed to sustain your body. Kick that lack-of-protein fear to the curb, because there is an abundance of bioavailable protein\ in plant-based foods.

GRILLED SUMMER VEGETABLES WITH CHICKPEAS

Another great Summer recipe. Visit the Grand Ledge Farmer’s Market for all your summer vegetables!

Serves 4 to 6

Ingredientsgrilled vegeables

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for oiling the grill
  • 1 each red and yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded and quartered
  • 1 small red onion, cut into thick rings
  • 2 zucchini, thickly sliced lengthwise
  • 2 yellow squash, thickly sliced lengthwise
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons chopped basil
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

  • Oil grill grates, then preheat grill to medium high heat.
  • Working in batches, grill peppers, onions, zucchini and squash, flipping once, until just charred in parts and tender, 6 to 8 minutes total
  • Transfer to a large platter as done.
  • Set aside to let cool before cutting into bite-size pieces.
  • In a large bowl, combine grilled vegetables, garlic, vinegar, oil, basil, chickpeas, salt and pepper.
  • Garnish with Parmesan and serve immediately or cover and chill until ready to serve.

Texas Caviar Recipe

Summer time is time to enjoy salads!texas cavier

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sugar ( I use agave nectar and a little less than that)
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 3/4 cup white cider vinegar
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • 1 yellow pepper, chopped
  • 1 orange pepper, chopped
  • 1 red pepper, chopped
  • 1 red onion diced or a bunch of green onions sliced
  • 1 can corn (drained)
  • 1 can each black eyed peas  and black beans(rinsed and drained)

Mix well and enjoy.

Note from Dr C:  this is to me a basic recipe…I throw in whatever beans I like, I have added edamame/Chickpeas/kidney beans.  Also celery and shredded carrots have found their way into this mix and it keeps for a week in the fridge (if you are lucky).

CREAMY LEMON SPRING VEGETABLE PASTA

Serves 4-6

This light and creamy lemon pasta with asparagus, artichokes, peas, and basil makes a great spring meal. It can be on the dinner table in 30 minutes!

  • 1 tablespoon olive oilspring vegetable
  • 1 small shallot, minced
  • 12 asparagus spears, cut into 1-inch pieces, woody ends discarded
  • 1 (14 oz) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained
  • 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 3 gloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup frozen peas
  • 8 ounces whole wheat farfalle pasta or pasta of your choice (gluten-free is fine)
  • 2 tablespoons butter or vegan butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour (can use gluten-free flour)
  • 2 cups Almond Breeze Almond milk Original Unsweetened/ regular milk
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • Juice of 1 large lemon
  • 4 lemon slices
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • Parmesan cheese, vegan Parmesan cheese, or nutritional yeast, for garnish
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive over over medium-high heat. Add the shallot, asparagus pieces, artichoke hearts, spinach, garlic, and frozen peas. Cook until vegetables are tender and spinach is wilted, about 5 minutes. Pour the vegetables into a large bowl and set aside while you cook the pasta and sauce.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt generously. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  3. While the pasta is cooking, make the creamy lemon sauce. Place the large skillet you used to cook the vegetables back on the stove and melt the butter. Whisk in the flour, whisking until you don’t have any clumps. Slowly whisk in the almond milk, about 1/2 cup at a time, whisking vigorously. Add the lemon zest and keep whisking until the sauce comes to a boil. Reduce heat to low and whisk occasionally until the sauce thickens.  Add in the lemon juice and sliced lemons. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper, to taste.
  4. Drain the pasta and add it to the thickened lemon sauce. Stir in the cooked vegetables and stir until the pasta and vegetables are well coated with the creamy lemon sauce. Remove the lemon slices with tongs or a spoon.
  5. Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, vegan Parmesan cheese, or nutritional yeast, if using. Serve warm.

From Two Peas and Their Pod

Lemon Berry Muffins

Got this recipe from one of my quilters newsletters…..very yummy

Ingredients

  • 2 Cups unbleached all-purpose flourLemon Berry Muffins
  • 3 tsp baking powder
  • 1 Tblsp ground flax meal
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ cup of coconut oil melted
  • 1 soft very ripe banana (or microwave one) mashed
  • ¼ cup of pure maple syrup
  • ¼ cup of hemp /almond/rice milk
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 Tblsp of lemon zest
  • 3 Tblsp coconut flakes
  • 1¼ cup of mixed berries or blueberries

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375.
  2. In a large bowl combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, flax meal, and salt.
  3. In another bowl combine the wet ingredients: melted coconut oil, mashed banana, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, vanilla, and lemon juice.
  4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing well.
  5. Now fold in the lemon zest, coconut flakes, and berries until they are well incorporated into your mix.
  6. Scoop your mix into greased baking tin.  Fill the molds about ¾ the way full.
  7. Bake for about 15-25 minutes.

 

VEGETARIAN GIANT WHITE BEANS PIZZA

Serves 6-8

Found this on Smitten Kitchen and loved it!

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp (30ml)  olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 large carrot) diced
  •  salt freshly ground black pepper, or red pepper flakes
  • 2 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) dry white or red wine, (optional)
  • 2 1/4 cups (550g) crushed tomatoes, (28-ounce or 800g can minus 1 cup; reserve the rest for another use)
  • 1 pound (455g) cooked tender-firm giant white beans
  • 4 cups chopped spinach
  • Up to 3/4 cup (175 ml) vegetable broth
  • 1/2 pound (225g) mozzarella, coarsely grated
  • 1/3 cup (35g) grated Parmesan
  • 2 tbsp (5g) roughly chopped fresh flat parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Prepare the beans* and vegetables Heat the oven to 475 degrees. In a 21/2-to-3-quart (ideally oven-safe) deep sauté pan, or shallow Dutch oven, heat the olive oil on medium-high. Add the onion, celery, and carrots.

Season well with salt and black or red pepper. Cook, sautéing, until the vegetables brown lightly, about  10  minutes. Add the garlic, and cook for 1 minute more. Add the wine, if using, to scrape up any stuck bits, then simmer until it disappears, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the spinach, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until collapsed, then add the tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Add the beans, and, if the mixture looks too dry or thick (canned tomatoes range quite a bit in juiciness), add up to 3/4 cup broth, 1/4 cup at a time. Simmer the mixture together over medium for about 10 minutes, adjusting the seasonings as needed. If your pan isn’t ovenproof, transfer the mixture to a 3-quart baking dish. If it is, well, carry on.   Sprinkle the beans first with the mozzarella, then the Parmesan, and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until browned on top. If you’re impatient and want a deeper color, you can run it under the broiler. Finish with parsley, if desired.

Bean cooking notes
These beans are called fagioli corona (in Italy), gigante/ gigandes (in Greece), Royal Corona (by Rancho Gordo, where I ordered mine), and other name  Because they’re very big, I usually soak them for 12 to 24 hours in salted water, then simmer them for a couple hours; you could also use a slow cooker on high (usually 4 to 6 hours, but it will vary), or a pressure cooker (about 20 minutes, with variance), or bake them in the oven at 325 degrees for approximately 70 to 90 minutes after bringing them to a simmer on the stove.

Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites

This easy and delicious recipe for Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites yields: 30 to 36 bites

Ingredients

 

  • ¾ cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
  • 1½ cups vegetable broth or water (for cooking quinoa)steamed Broccoli
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten or 2 flax seed “eggs”
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, finely diced
  • 1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 garlic clove, finely minced
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Crushed red pepper (optional) to taste

 

Instructions for Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites

 

  • In a medium sauce pan, combine quinoa and water (or broth) and cook according to package directions. Let cool.
  • In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, eggs, broccoli, onion, garlic, cheese and paprika.
  • Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray mini-muffin tins with cooking spray.
  • Put a heaping tablespoonful of quinoa mixture into prepared muffin cups. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until edges turn golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes and then gently remove from pan to cool completely.

recipes for quinoa