When most people think about going vegan, their first thought is usually on food. "Vegan food." And this is often followed by anxiety, a fear of eating very "strange" foods, and maybe even all but starving to death. This couldn't be further from the truth. A plant-based diet is highly delicious and enjoyable and filled with regular, familiar, everyday foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, rice, legumes, beans, nuts, seeds, and so much more!
My good friend Jennifer shared her recipe for blueberry buckwheat muffins, and they are absolutely delicious. They're also naturally gluten-free and couldn't be any easier to make.
While her original recipe calls for honey, maple syrup works perfectly in this recipe and is a great vegan alternative.
1 cup oat flour
1/2 cup buckwheat flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 C blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons applesauce
This creamy herb salad dressing is delicious on a fresh garden salad. It's filled with fresh herbs and lemon for a light but flavorful dressing you can enjoy anytime.
Here's what you need:
1 cup vegan mayo
1 cup dairy-free sour cream
Juice and zest of one lemon
1/2 cup fresh parsley
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Add all ingredients to a small mixing bowl and stir to combine.
This nacho cheese sauce is so delicious and versatile that you could serve it on a pair of sneakers, and it would taste good!
Here's what you need:
Casseroles are fantastic for so many reasons. With a little bit of prep work, they practically cook themselves. And they make great leftovers for those busy weekdays.
This bean and rice casserole is quick and hearty, and super delicious.
Preheat the oven to 400° and grease a 9-inch casserole dish.
4 cups prepared long-grain white or brown rice (2 cups dry rice + 4 cups of water will yield 4 cups of cooked rice)
Get warm and cozy with an Irish coffee made with whiskey, freshly brewed coffee, a touch of sugar, and vegan whipped cream.
2 ounces of whiskey*
14 ounces of freshly brewed coffee
1 tablespoon brown sugar
6 tablespoons of vegan whipped cream or use one of your choice, such as Silk, Reddi Whip (non-dairy), or Trader Joe's coconut whipped topping.
Farfalle or (bowtie pasta) is the perfect pasta for this dish because it allows the cream sauce to hide in all its little bends and wrinkles. In addition, it's similar in size to the mushrooms, which creates the perfect bite!
Here's what you need:
One 16-ounce box or package of farfalle or bowtie pasta
Hasselback Potatoes are thinly sliced potatoes baked to crispy perfection and then often topped with cheese, sour cream, bacon (all vegan, of course), and green onion, and they're delicious!
If you've never had Hasselback potatoes, you're in for a real treat.
Here's what you need:
6 medium-sized russet potatoes
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Tartar sauce, some would say, is good on everything. I might be in that camp.
It has a little more zip than mayonnaise for sandwiches and veggie burgers, and adding ketchup makes a delicious fry sauce. But honestly, nothing replaces a creamy, delicious tartar sauce when you're enjoying Vegan Crab Cakes or a vegan fish sandwich. Tartar and food that tastes like the sea go together - even in the world of vegans.
Here's all you need:
Vegan crab cakes are so delicious and full of flavor. Whether you serve them next to a garden salad or alongside a loaded baked potato, corn on the cob, and a buttered biscuit, one thing is for sure... you're definitely going to enjoy them!
Here's what you need: