Mushroom and Leek Congee (Vegan and Gluten Free)

Makes 2-4 servings
Congee is a rice porridge dish typically eaten for breakfast in China and other Asian countries. Making congee is a simple process. All you have to do is boil a pot of rice and water and simmer the mixture until the rice becomes tender and silky. You can eat congee plain or add a variety of flavorful mix ins. Growing up, my mother would often make savory congee with chicken and egg. Congee is also great to eat if you are feeling under the weather because it’s light, comforting, and easy to digest. For this recipe, I added mushrooms, leeks, ginger, and liquid aminos to create a satisfying dish full of umami flavor.

 

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon Earth Balance butter
1 inch knob of ginger, sliced
1 large leek, sliced¼ pound shiitake mushrooms, sliced
¼ pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed
8 cups water
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon liquid aminos

 

Directions:

  1. Heat Earth Balance butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add leeks and mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon of liquid aminos. Transfer cooked leeks and mushrooms to a bowl and set aside.
  2. To the same pot, add rice, water, and ginger. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes.
  3. After 20 minutes, add in mushrooms, leeks, and 1 tablespoon liquid aminos. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Ladle congee into a serving bowl and enjoy!

 

By Tiffany Wu / Guest Blogger

Tiffany is a student at JMU, majoring in dietetics. Her family owned a Chinese restaurant when she was growing up, so her passion for food and cooking began at an early age. She especially likes creating delicious and healthy plant-based recipes.

 

Chocolate Mousse (Vegan and Gluten Free)

Makes 1-2 servings

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with this velvety, easy to make chocolate mousse recipe. This plant-based chocolate mousse starts with a base of high in fiber avocado and protein packed silken tofu. A combination of cacao powder and chocolate chips create a decadent mousse rich in chocolaty flavor. Serve this chocolate mousse with some fresh fruit such as raspberries or strawberries for a Valentine’s Day treat.

 

Ingredients:

1 avocado
1/3 cup silken tofu
3 tbsp. cacao powder
¼ cup + 1 tbsp. maple syrup
¼ cup chocolate chips, melted
Pinch of salt
Fresh raspberries

Directions:

  1. Add all ingredients to a food processor and puree until smooth.
  2. Transfer mousse to a serving glass and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
  3. Top with fresh raspberries and enjoy!

 

By Tiffany Wu / Guest Blogger

Tiffany is a student at JMU, majoring in dietetics. Her family owned a Chinese restaurant when she was growing up, so her passion for food and cooking began at an early age. She especially likes creating delicious and healthy plant-based recipes.

Tofu Noodle Soup (Vegan)

Makes 4-6 servings

There are few things more comforting than a big bowl of hot soup on a chilly winter evening. This tofu noodle soup is my take on the classic chicken noodle soup and is loaded with nourishing ingredients. The foundation of the soup begins with a mirepoix, which is a combination of onions, carrots, and celery. These three vegetables are high in fiber and add flavor and depth to the soup. Dried thyme has long been used for its medicinal properties and adds an earthy flavor to the soup. I love adding dried thyme to soup because it gives off a wonderful aroma that fills the whole kitchen. Smoked tofu has a savory, meaty flavor and can be found in Friendly City Food Coop’s refrigerated section. It is filled with nutrients such as protein, calcium, and iron. If you’ve never tried smoked tofu, I highly recommend using it in this recipe as it does a great job substituting for chicken.

 

Ingredients:
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
2 tsp. dried thyme
4 cups vegetable broth
4 cups water
8 oz. smoked tofu, diced
8 oz. dry fusilli pasta (penne pasta works well too!)
Salt and pepper to taste

 

Directions:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add in onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté vegetables for 5 minutes until slightly tender.
  2. Add in dried thyme and sauté for one minute until fragrant.
  3. Add vegetable broth and water and bring to a boil. Add in pasta and reduce heat to low. Add in smoked tofu.
  4. Simmer for 20 minutes until pasta is tender.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!

 

By Tiffany Wu / Guest Blogger

Tiffany is a student at JMU, majoring in dietetics. Her family owned a Chinese restaurant when she was growing up, so her passion for food and cooking began at an early age. She especially likes creating delicious and healthy plant-based recipes.

 

 

Garlic Herb Hasselback Potatoes (Vegan and Gluten Free)

Makes 4 potatoes
Bake them, mash them, steam them….the possibilities with potatoes are endless! These garlic herb hasselback potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. I like to use gold potatoes for this recipe because they have a buttery flavor and delicate skin. Avocado oil has a mild flavor and helps the potatoes become golden brown. This versatile oil has a high smoke point, which makes it ideal for high temperature cooking methods such as roasting and stir-frying. Try making these eye-catching hasselback potatoes and enjoy them as a side dish or appetizer.

 

Ingredients:

4 medium gold potatoes, washed
2 tbsp. avocado oil
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. dried parsley
4 garlic cloves, sliced thin
½ tsp. salt

 

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  2. In a small bowl, mix oregano, parsley, salt, and avocado oil.
  3. Slice the potato into ¼ inch slices, stopping just before you cut all the way through so that the slices stay connected at the bottom of the potato. You can use two chopsticks or two wooden spoons and place them on either side of the potato to act as a guide.
  4. Tuck slices of garlic in between slices of potato. Divide the herbed oil mixture and coat each potato evenly.
  5. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Serve immediately and enjoy!

 

 

 

Black Bean and Vegetable Soup (Vegan and Gluten Free)

Makes 4-6 servings
What’s more comforting than a hot bowl of soup on a cold Winter night? This hearty black bean and vegetable soup features a simple ingredient list and can be made in as little as 30 minutes. Black beans are an affordable and delicious way to incorporate more nutrients into your diet. Did you know a ½ cup of black beans has as much protein as an egg? Beans are also a great source of fiber and iron. Enjoy this flavorful and filling black bean and vegetable soup with a squeeze of fresh lime.

 

Ingredients:

1 tbsp. avocado oil
1 onion, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 (15 ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 tbsp. cumin
32 ounces vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lime, sliced

 

Directions:

  1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Sauté vegetables in avocado oil for 6-8 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and cumin and sauté for 1 minute. Add vegetable broth and beans and bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
  4. Transfer 2 cups of soup to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Add blended soup back to the pot and mix well to combine. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve the soup with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and enjoy!

 

 

By Tiffany Wu / Guest Blogger

Tiffany is a student at JMU, majoring in dietetics. Her family owned a Chinese restaurant when she was growing up, so her passion for food and cooking began at an early age. She especially likes creating delicious and healthy plant-based recipes.

 

 

Linguine with Creamy Beet Alfredo (Vegan)

Fresh beets are a wonderful treat this time of year and they make for a delicious and creamy alfredo sauce when roasted and blended with cashews. Their sweet, earthy taste adds freshness to the sauce while keeping it from becoming too heavy. When blended, the red beets create a vibrant fuschia colored sauce. Even picky eaters will be intrigued by the eye catching colored sauce and want to give it a try! I love serving this pasta with a sprinkle of Go Veggie Parmesan cheese (found in Friendly City’s refrigerated section!) and some roasted beets for garnish. Make mealtime exciting by whipping up this festive and flavorful dish.

 

 

 

Ingredients:

2 small red beets, washed and roasted at 450 degrees F for 1 hour
1 cup raw cashews, soaked in boiling water for 45 minutes
1 tbsp. nutritional yeast
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1 cup unsweetened soymilk, warmed
1 ½ tsp. Salt
¼ tsp. Pepper
1 pound linguine
Go Veggie Vegan Parmesan Cheese (Optional)

 

Directions:

  1. Fill a large pot with water and heat over high heat. Once boiled, add in linguine and cook until al dente.
  2. While linguine is cooking, drain soaked cashews. Add drained cashews to a blender with roasted beets (skins peeled), nutritional yeast, garlic powder, lemon juice, soymilk, salt, and pepper. Puree until sauce is thick and smooth.
  3. When pasta is done cooking, drain it and return it to the pot. Add in sauce and mix well. Serve with Parmesan and diced beets (optional). Enjoy!

 

 

By Tiffany Wu / Guest Blogger

Tiffany is a student at JMU, majoring in dietetics. Her family owned a Chinese restaurant when she was growing up, so her passion for food and cooking began at an early age. She especially likes creating delicious and healthy plant-based recipes.

 

 

 

Maple Ginger Tempeh (Vegan and Gluten Free)

Makes 2-4 servings

Have you ever wondered how to prepare tempeh? Try something new this season by making this savory maple ginger tempeh. Tempeh is made from cooked and fermented soybeans and is often used as a meat substitute. It is high in protein and calcium and has a nutty flavor. I find that steaming the tempeh for 15 minutes softens the tempeh and helps the tempeh absorb the marinade better. The marinade is made from a combination of sweet maple syrup, salty tamari, spicy cayenne, and earthy ginger. This flavorful marinade is also tasty with tofu.

 

Ingredients:

½ cup coconut milk
3 tablespoons tamari
2 tablespoons maple syrup
½ teaspoon dried ginger
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 package tempeh, cubed

 

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Steam tempeh for 15 minutes. While tempeh is steaming, prepare marinade by whisking coconut milk, tamari, maple syrup, dried ginger, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl.
  3. Marinate steamed tempeh for 30 minutes to 1 hour
  4. Bake tempeh for 20 minutes. Flip halfway through.

 

 

By Tiffany Wu / Guest Blogger

Tiffany is a student at JMU, majoring in dietetics. Her family owned a Chinese restaurant when she was growing up, so her passion for food and cooking began at an early age. She especially likes creating delicious and healthy plant-based recipes.

 

Potato and Kale Soup (Vegan and Gluten Free)

As the weather gets cooler, warm up with a steaming bowl of potato and kale soup. Creamy potatoes and tender kale combine to create a nutritious and hearty soup full of fiber and vitamins A and C. The addition of unsweetened soymilk adds richness while still keeping the soup light.

 

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds gold potatoes, sliced thin
4 cups vegetable broth
1 bunch kale, leaves removed from stems
1 ½ cups unsweetened soymilk
Salt and pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes to taste

 

Directions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and potatoes and sauté for 2 minutes. Add vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once boiled, reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  2. Add kale and soymilk and simmer for 5-10 minutes until kale is tender. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

 

By Tiffany Wu / Guest Blogger

Tiffany is a student at JMU, majoring in dietetics. Her family owned a Chinese restaurant when she was growing up, so her passion for food and cooking began at an early age. She especially likes creating delicious and healthy plant-based recipes.

Apple Cider Muffins (Vegan)

Makes 12 muffins
If you’re an apple lover, this easy to make apple cider muffin recipe is perfect for you. These healthy muffins are packed with apple cider, crisp fuji apples, and applesauce. Naturally sweetened and super moist, they take only 30 minutes to make and are a delicious snack or breakfast option for fall.

Ingredients:

2 cups spelt flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 tablespoon ground flax seed mixed with 2 tablespoons warm water
½ cup apple cider
½ cup maple syrup
½ cup applesauce
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup diced fuji apples
¾ cup shredded apples

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit
  2. In a large bowl, mix flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate large bowl, mix flax seed mixture, apple cider, maple syrup, applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Add diced and shredded apples and stir to combine.
  4. Add flour mixture to wet mixture and mix to combine.
  5. Line a muffin tin with twelve greased muffin liners. Divide muffin mixture evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin comes out clean.

 

 

By Tiffany Wu / Guest Blogger

Tiffany is a student at JMU, majoring in dietetics. Her family owned a Chinese restaurant when she was growing up, so her passion for food and cooking began at an early age. She especially likes creating delicious and healthy plant-based recipes.

 

 

Pumpkin Cranberry Granola Bars (Vegan)

Pumpkin season is officially here! These fall-inspired granola bars are easy to make and are packed with pumpkin and dried cranberries. Canned pumpkin puree is a convenient alternative to fresh pumpkin and is rich in vitamin A and fiber. Enjoy these soft and chewy granola bars for a healthy breakfast or snack.

 

 

 

Ingredients:
2 ½ cups rolled oats
2/3 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. salt
½ cup pumpkin puree
1/3 cup maple syrup
¼ cup almond butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
2. In a large bowl, mix oats, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, maple syrup, almond butter, and vanilla extract. Add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture and mix well to combine all ingredients.
3. Line a 9 by 9 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Spoon and firmly press granola mixture into baking pan.
4. Bake for 25 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before enjoying!

 

By Tiffany Wu / Guest Blogger

Tiffany is a student at JMU, majoring in dietetics. Her family owned a Chinese restaurant when she was growing up, so her passion for food and cooking began at an early age. She especially likes creating delicious and healthy plant-based recipes.