Vegan Clam Chowder

This recipe is fast, easy, filling and oh so comforting.  The kick of Old Bay Seasoning satisfies even the pickiest of eaters.

4 Russet Potatoes (peeled and cubed)

1 white or yellow Onion (finely diced)

1 Ear Fresh Corn (remove kernals)

3/4 Cup French Lentils (rinsed)

1 Quart Vegetable Broth

2 Cups Non-Dairy Milk (I used half coconut, half unsweetened almond)

1 Tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning

1 teaspoon Sea Salt

1/4 teaspoon ground Nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked Black Pepper

1 Tablespoon Canola Oil

Begin by prepping potatoes, onion, corn and lentils.  Heat oil in large stock pot on medium high heat and add onion, lentils and corn.  Stir to coat and cook until onions soften and lentils and corn begin to toast.  Add potatoes and cook a few more minutes.  Add all seasonings (Old Bay, Nutmeg and Black Pepper) EXCEPT SALT.  Add all broth and non-dairy milk.  Reduce heat to lowest simmer and cook covered for 30 minutes or until lentils are tender.  Lastly, add salt and taste test for seasoning levels.  Serve immediately with crusty bread or crackers.  Serve unused portion in refrigerator for up to 5 days.  Enjoy!

Veggie Lentil Chili

Did you know you don't need chili powder to make chili?  All you need is your own spices. Have you ever seen what kind of crap they put in some chili powder?  And have you ever noticed that all chili powder is, is a combination of spices that are probably in your pantry?  Here's the recipe - make some now :)

1 Small Yellow Onion

1 Red Bell Pepper

2 Jalapeno Peppers

2 Carrots

2 Ribs Celery

2 Cloves Fresh Garlic

3 Tablespoons Paprika

3 Tablespoons Cumin

1 Tablespoon Oregano

2 Tablespoons Sugar (Optional)

2 teaspoons Sea Salt

1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper

1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon

1 16.5 Ounce Can Chili Beans

1 Small Can Tomato Paste

1 Quart Vegetable Broth

1 Tablespoon Canola or Olive Oil

1 Cup Lentils (any color)

Begin by finally dicing celery, carrots, onions, garlic and peppers (remove stems, ribs and seeds).  Heat oil in a medium-size saucepan and add all vegetables and aromatics.  Sauté until begins to get golden and add all salt, pepper, sugar and spices.  Deglaze pan with beans, tomato paste and vegetable broth.  Stir to combine. Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer.  Rinse lentils thoroughly and add to the pot.  Simmer covered for about 45 minutes to an hour or until lentils are tender.  Taste test for seasoning and add additional salt or sugar if needed.  Serve immediately or allow to cool and store in a tightly sealed glass vessel in refrigerator for up to one week.  Enjoy!

Best Beer Batter

2 Cups Flour

1 Tablespoon Baking Powder

1 1/2 Stellas (or beers of choice)

2 teaspoons Sea Salt

Your Spices of choice!

i.e. Old Bay, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Nutmeg, Lawrys, Mrs. Dash's or whatever you have on hand.

Mix dry ingredients together, then add beer.  Drink the rest of the beer, then drink another beer,  letting batter set for 15 minutes.  Coat any and all veggies, tofu or whatever you desire.

Fry in 375 Degree Oil until golden.  Sprinkle with Sea Salt and serve immediately with dipping sauces of choice.

Vegan Hawaiian Rolls

2 Packets Active Dry Yeast or 4 1/2 teaspoons

1/3 Cup Sugar

2 teaspoons Sea Salt

1 teaspoon White Pepper

4 Cups Unbleached All Purpose Flour

3 Tablespoons Vegan Butter

1 1/4 Cups Coconut Water

Olive Oil Baking Spray

Muffin Tin

Add all ingredients to bread machine and set dough cycle.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  When dough cycle is finished form loose balls of dough and place in muffin tin sprayed generously with Olive Oil baking spray.  Cover loosely with a lint free towel and allow to rise 45 minutes or intil doubled in size.  Bake for 15 minutes and allow to cool for 5 minutes in pan.  Remove from tin and serve immediately.

Fully Loaded Vegetable Tamale Pot Pie

Admittedly this recipe is a little time consuming but totally worth every minute.  It combines two of my favorite things, tamales and pot pies.  You can go traditional pot pie by topping it with rich, buttery gravy or take it mexican by pairing it with your favorite sides and sauces.  Either way I think you will agree, this filling comfort food dish is a true genius mash up.  Make some!

Fully Loaded Vegetable Tamale Pot Pie

Tamale "Crust"

4 Cups Masa Harina (Corn Flour)

2 teaspoons Baking Powder

1 Stick Vegan Butter (1/2 Cup)

1/8 Cup (any) Oil

3 1/2 Cups Vegetable Broth

2 teaspoons Sea Salt

1 teaspoon finely ground Black Pepper

Parchment Paper

Alluminum Foil

Filling

2 Russet Potatoes

2 Carrots

2 Ribs Celery

1/2 Red Onion

1/2 Cup Green Peas (frozen or canned is fine)

8 Button Mushrooms

1 Tablespoon Sea Salt

Additional Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Dash of any oil for sauteeing mushrooms)

Gravy

Reserved liquid from boiled vegetables

1 to 2 Cups Vegetable Broth (depending how much reserved liquid you have)

4 Tablespoons Vegan Butter

4 Tablespoons Flour

Sea Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Filling:

Begin by finely chopping potatoes, onions, celery, and carrots.  Put all in a pot of water with 1 Tablespoon Sea Salt and bring to a boil.  Cook just until potatoes are tender and strain (reserving liquid for later use in gravy).  Set vegetable mixture aside.  Slice mushrooms into thin slices.  In another saute pan, heat a little oil and saute mushrooms with a little salt until golden brown.  Set aside.

Tamale "Crust":

Time to make the Tamale "Crust".  In a large bowl combine Masa Harina, Salt, Pepper and Baking Powder.  Melt butter and add to Masa mixture.  Add oil and stir to combine.  Lastly add vegetable broth 1 cup at a time, stirring gently to incorporate until combined.  Set aside.

Assemby:

Time to assemble your pot pie!  Preheat oven to 350 Degrees Farenheit.  In a very large casserole dish place a peice of parchment paper larger than the dish so it fills dish and comes up the sides.  

Spoon half the Masa mixture into dish on top of parchment.  Spread mixture so you have one even layer about 3/4 inch thick.  Top with mushrooms, peas and vegetable mixture.  Press down slightly.  

Put remaining Masa mixture on top and press down into one even layer.  It helps if you wet your hands and do this.  

Don't worry if a few vegetables are peaking through.  Just do your best.  You are basically creating one giant tamale and it doesn't have to be perfect!  It is fine to "smoosh" the vegetables in between the layers.  Finally bring up the sides of parchment that were hanging over and fold a top casserole like a present.  

Use another peice of parchment to ensure top is covered and touching parchment on all sides.  Secure top with tin foil.  This creates a steam pocket for your masterpiece to cook.

Okay time to cook!  Put casserole dish on a large sheet tray and place in oven.  Pour water on sheet tray so it helps your tamale stay moist while steaming.  Be sure to check every 30 minutes while cooking and replenish water bath as needed.  Bake for at least 90 minutes.  Turn off oven and leave it in there for another 15 minutes.  You can check doneness (careful, it's steamy in there) by checking if the Masa has "set" and is no longer "wet".  Do NOT overcook because it will come out dry.  

Remove from oven and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.  Keep in mind the Masa will continue to cook/set even after it has been removed from oven.  

Gravy:

In a large sauce pan melt vegan butter over medium heat and add flour.   Whisk to combine and cook until golden.  Add broth and reserved liquid 1 cup at a time.  Add salt and pepper.  Bring to a gentle boil while whisking and then reduce to a simmer.  Taste test for seasoning levels.  Keep covered until ready to serve.  

Cooking times of tamale pot pie may vary based on individual ovens.

Serving suggestion:  serve with gravy and fresh chopped parsley.  If you want to go more traditional Mexican serve this pie alongside some pinto beans and your favorite salsa or hot sauce.  For example, check out my Arbol Fire Sauce recipe for inspiration.  Enjoy!!

Make it Mexican by topping it with this yumminess....

Arbol Fire Sauce
1 can tomato paste
1 red hot chili (dried or fresh with stem removed)
2 cups water
2 cloves fresh garlic
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Combine all in your high speed blender and then warm in a sauce pan for serving. Be sure to cover your blender with a towel and keep your hand on the top to avoid a tomato explosion in your kitchen. Trust me on this one. Serve immediately with your tamale cake and store any unused portion in refrigerator in a tightly sealed glass vessel for up to one week. ENJOY.

Double Crust Brandy Pot Pie

Top and bottom crust with a rich filling of red potatoes, carrots, onion and peas all spiked with a healthy dose of brandy.  This comfort food will leave you feeling full and warm like you've just been hugged.  

Double Crust Brandy Pot Pie

Crust

2 1/2 Cups Whole Wheat Pastry Flour

1 Stick Earth Balance

4-6 Tablespoons Cold Water

1 Tablespoon Brandy

1 teaspoon Sea Salt

Filling

4 Red Potatoes

1 Small Yellow Onion

1 Carrot

1/8 Cup Parsley

1/3 Cup Frozen Green Peas

6 Cups Vegetable Broth

1/2 Cup Non Dairy Milk

3 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour

2 Tablespoons Brandy

1 teaspoon Sea Salt

Dash of any oil and pat of vegan butter

Dash of White Pepper

Dash of Nutmeg

Begin by making pie crust.  You can use your food processor or make it the old fashioned way.  Combine flour, salt and cold vegan butter(cut into cubes).  Slowly add brandy and water and combine (pulse) just until it comes together.  Do not overmix or your crust will come out tough.  Wrap dough in saran wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Now on to the filling.  Get all of your root vegetables and herbs ready for action.  Peel potatoes and chop into cubes, set aside.  Finely dice onion and chop carrots into bite sized chunks, set aside.  Measure out peas and finely chop parsley, set aside.  

In a large pan heat a little vegan butter and oil over medium heat (about 3 Tablespoons combined).  Add chopped potatoes, onions and carrots and stir to coat.  Sprinkle with salt, white pepper, nutmeg and flour.  Stir to coat and then add broth slowly.  Bring to a gentle boil and then add non dairy milk and brandy.  

Reduce heat to simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes, allow to reduce (simmer down) slightly.  Taste test for seasoning level.  Gravy should coat back of spoon and be quite flavorful.  Turn off heat, add peas and parsley.  Stir, taste and set aside to cool slightly while you tackle your crust.

Preheat oven to 350 Degrees Farenheit. Take crust out of refrigerator, split and roll out as desired.  You can split it and make a top and bottom crust, as shown, or you can make one large top crust and put the pie together in a large casserole dish.  Perfection is not required here!

Assemble pie as desired and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.  Cooking times may vary slightly based on thickness of crust and size of pan.  Serve immediately with additional finely chopped parsley.

Leek Lentil Soup

Sometimes simple is best.  This rings true for this few ingredient Leek Lentil Soup.  So warm up your belly and soul on a chilly Winter evening with this soothing and savory simple soup.  You won't miss the chicken!  I swear!

Leek Lentil Soup

3 Leeks

2 Ribs Celery

1 Carrot

1 Cup Red Lentils

6 Cups Water

2 Tablespoons Canola Oil

1 Tablespoon Sea Salt

1 Bay Leaf

Begin by chopping and thoroughly washing leeks.  I suggest soaking them in a couple changes of cold water in a large bowl.  Heat up oil in large pot over medium heat and add chopped leeks.  Now add salt, stir and prepare other veggies.  Chop celery and carrot into bite size peices.  Once leeks have cooked for about 5-7 minutes, add celery, carrot and bay leaf.  Cook for another 2-3 minutes.  Rinse lentils and add to pot.  Stir veggies and add water, two cups at a time.  Bring to a gentle boil and reduce to lowest simmer.  Cover pot with lid and cook for 12-15 minutes or until lentils are tender.  Taste test for seasoning level.  Serve immediately and garnish with fresh cracked black pepper, if desired.

Easy Mole Sauce

Okay seriously, Mole sounds like a daunting task.  Just throw together some 20 ingredients and magically you have the flavor profile of Mole!  Right?!  Well, it goes something like that.  And today, this is how it went down in my kitchen.  Get a little adventurous with your spice rack.  You may surprise yourself.  I know I sure did!  Mole!!!

I didn't measure precisely on this one so just trust your own palate.  Just start with a couple teaspoons and tablespoons or so of each Ingredient. You can always add more as you go if you want it sweeter, saltier, spicer or more bitter.  This batch came out fairly spicy but not over the top.

Easy Mole Sauce

2 Dried Ancho Chilis

2 Dried Pasilla Ancho Chilis

2 Dried Santa Fe Chilis

2 T Pure Cocoa Powder

2 T Brown Sugar

1 t Salt

1 T Cinnamon

1/4 Cup Raisins

1/8 Cup Mixed Nuts (cashew, peanut, almond)

1 T Peanut Butter

1 t Coriander

4 Whole Cloves

6 Whole Black Peppercorns

1 t Thyme

2 T Massel "chicken" flavor buillion powder

1/2 Cup Brewed Dark Coffee

8 Cups Water

4 Garlic Cloves

1/2 Red Onion

Dash of Canola Oil (for sauteeing garlic and onion)

Remove stems from dried chilis, discard stems and put chilis in a large pot.  Cover with 8 cups of water, cover and turn on heat to high.  When water begins to boil, add ALL other ingredients EXCEPT GARLIC and ONION.  Reduce heat to simmer, stir to combine and cover pot with lid.  Allow to simmer for about 20 minutes.  

Meanwhile, In a separate saute pan, heat a dash of Canola Oil over medium heat and add whole garlic cloves and roughly chopped onion.  Reduce heat to low and saute mixture until garlic and onions begin to brown.  Turn off heat and set aside.  Also turn off heat of spice/broth mixture and allow to cool to room temperature.  Add onion mixture to spice/broth mixture and stir well.

Now In 2-3 batches, blend mole at high speed in blender.  You only want your blender about 1/2 full so mixture does not blow out the top!  Be sure to cover top with secure lid, a dish towel and a strong hand!  Once all batches have been well blended, pour mixture through a fine seive (mesh strainer) so as to remove any unwanted seeds and clumps.  Press and stir mixture in strainer with back of a spoon so you get all the good thick liquid separated.  Voila!  You should now have at least one quart of luscious Mole sauce to use on whatever your belly desires!  This would be great drizzled on rice or to coat tofu for burritos, tacos, tamales and more!

Tom Kha Soup

Try this gluten free veggie packed variation of a classic Thai dish.

1 teaspoon Olive Oil

1/4 head Green Cabbage

4 ribs Celery

2 medium Carrots

1/2 Sweet Yellow Onion

2 cloves fresh Garlic

2 stalks Lemongrass

Knob of fresh Galangal

1/4 bunch fresh Cilantro

1 pouch Massel Brand Liquid Stock (Chicken Flavor)

4 Cups Water

1 can full fat Coconut Milk

Dash of Bragg's Liquid Aminos

1 Jalapeno Pepper (or other hot pepper of choice)

Lime juice (add at the end)

Additional Cilantro (for garnish)

Cooked Jasmine Rice (optional, for ladling soup over)

Begin by washing and finely chopping cabbage, celery, carrot, onion, jalapeno pepper and garlic.  Set aside.  Remove outer woody two layers from lemongrass and chop into 2-inch chunks.  Next rough chop Galangal into large peices.  The lemongrass and galangal will add depth of flavor to soup but are not meant to be eaten so you can remove them before service if desired.

 Heat up oil over medium heat and add all vegetables and aromatics including galangal and lemongrass.  Saute just until garlic begins to brown and then add water and liquid stock concentrate.  Next add coconut milk, liquid aminos and finely chopped cilantro.  Reduce heat to simmer and cover pot.  Allow to simmer covered for 20-30 minutes.  During this time you can make some rice, if desired. Turn off heat, stir soup and taste test for seasoning level.  If you want it saltier, add a bit more Bragg's.  If you want it less salty, add a little more water.  Ladle soup in bowls over rice and garnish with a squeeze of fresh lime and additional cilantro.

Southern Style Smoky Greens

1 bunch Collard Greens

1 bunch Kale (any variety)

1 Tablespoon olive oil

1 yellow Onion

2 medium Carrots

2 stalks Celery

8 cups Vegetable Broth

2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar

4 teaspoons White Wine Vinegar

1 teaspoon Sea Salt

1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper

1 teaspoon Liquid Smoke

1 cup cooked Hominy (optional)

Thoroughly wash Collards and Kale and remove leaves from thick woody stems.  Rough chop leaves into large bite size peices.  Set aside.  Dice onion, celery and carrots into 1/8 inch chunks.  Set aside.  Place a large stock pot over medium low heat and add oil.  Add carrots, celery and onion and saute until translucent, stirring occasionally so it does not burn.  

Add greens, vinegar, liquid smoke, salt and pepper and stir to combine.  Add hominy (if using) and add broth slowly.   Give it another stir.  Turn heat to lowest setting and allow to cook covered for 2 to 6 hours, stirring occasionally.  Taste test for seasoning level.  If you prefer your greens sweeter, add another pinch of brown sugar.  Serve immediately and refrigerate unused portion in a tightly closed glass vessel.  Enjoy within 5 days of preparation or freeze unused portion for up to 3 months.

Lentil Kale Stew

4 cups water

2 cups chopped kale (any variety)

2 carrots

1 onion (yellow or white)

1 cup red lentils (rinse well)

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Boil water and add kale, lower heat and allow to simmer covered for about 10 minutes.  Finely chop onion and add it to the pot.  Continue simmering about 5 minutes.  Lastly add lentils and finely chopped carrots and give pot a good stir.  Keep burner on lowest flame and simmer pot covered for 20 minutes or until lentils are tender.  Remove from heat.  Add salt, coriander and cumin and serve immediately.  Refrigerate unused portion for up to 5 days.

This recipe makes about 6 servings.  You can certainly add any other seasonings or fresh herbs you like just make sure to wait until the end to add the salt.  Adding salt during the cooking process of legumes can affect the texture, flavor and temperature.

Decadent Mashed Potatoes

Anyone who knows me knows that my favorite food in the universe is comforting classic mashed potatoes.  Growing up my Mom always made them pefectly because she made them with lots of love, butter and cream.  Though she never followed a recipe I would compare hers with those crafted by Joel Robuchon, equal parts potato, butter and cream.  When you are craving the ultimate in comfort, give these a go.  Your belly, heart and soul will thank you.

Decadent Mashed Potatoes

4 medium Potatoes (red, yellow or russet)

4 Tablespoons Earth Balance

4 Tablespoons Unsweetened Coconut Milk (from carton)

Sea Salt to taste

Finely Ground Black Pepper (optional)

Boil potatoes whole until fork tender.  Remove potatoes, discard water and allow potatoes to cool enough to handle. Peel skins and place potatoes back in pan.  Turn burner on medium heat and add butter allowing it to just melt.  Mash potatoes in pan with heavy duty whisk or potato masher.  Slowly drizzle in coconut milk and turn off heat.  Continue mashing until creamy consistency is reached.  Add more coconut milk if needed.  Salt to taste and serve immediately.  Add finely ground black pepper if desired.  Deliciously simple and delightfully decadent!

Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

I am sure I will experiment with variations on this one using different types of broths and mushrooms, however, this one came out super tasty so give it a shot and let me know how it turns out. Happy Cooking!

Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

4 Cups Penne pasta(precooked al dente)
2 Tablespoons vegan butter
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1 square carton button mushrooms(halved)
1 yellow onion(diced)
2 cloves garlic(minced)
1 cup vegetable broth (add 1/2 cup at a time)
3 T vegan sour cream(I used homemade cashew sour cream)
1 T vegan mayonnaise (I used Vegannaise)
Salt and Pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Begin by cooking your pasta to al dente and run under cold water to stop cooking process. Set aside. Saute onions, mushrooms and garlic in butter and olive oil until tender and starting to brown. Add spices and vegetable broth and bring to gentle boil while stirring. Add pasta and stir to coat. Lastly, add sour cream and mayonaise and allow to reheat pasta (just a couple minutes). Serve immediately. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Goes great with red wine. Enjoy!