Baked Chickpea Curry Burgers

Burgers are the easiest thing to feed our 18 month old, Cash. He refuses to eat with a fork or spoon, just wants to hold it in his hand and use the opposite hand to shovel in food! 😉

Burgers are easy for me too since I don’t have a ton of time to prepare my meals during the day. I just throw one of these in my collard wraps with Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Cashew Cheese, leftover quinoa, shredded veggies, lentil sprouts and avocado. Sometimes I top it with Habanero Sauce or an oil-free dressing I have in the fridge. I have a ton of different burgers recipes but these are one of my favorites!!!

Chickpea Curry Burgers

Chickpea Curry Burgers in a wrap!

Original recipe from VegKitchen.com

INGREDIENTS

1 medium onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 medium carrot, thinly sliced

1 large celery stalk, chopped

1-150z can chickpeas, drained and rinsed OR 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas

1/4 cup quick oats

2 tablespoons ground flax seeds

2 teaspoons salt-free seasoning blend (such as Spike or Mrs. Dash – I use Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute)

1/2 teaspoon curry powder – I use Kashmiri Curry, my fav!!!

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 cup hummus (any flavor will do – I use Our Favorite Hummus)

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste


INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Sauté chopped onion over medium heat until translucent. Add the garlic, carrot and celery and sauté until all the vegetables are tender and golden.

3. Combine the vegetable mixture with the remaining ingredients in a food processor. Pulse on and off until the mixture is evenly and finely chopped, but don’t puree.

4. Drop by heaping 1/4 cup portions (I used my large ice cream scooper) onto a baking sheet lined with baking parchment paper and flatten/shape gently. Bake for 30 minutes, flip over and continue to bake for 10-15 minutes or until they’re done.

Saute onion, garlic, celery and carrot until soft and add them with all other ingredients to processor

Saute onion, garlic, celery and carrot until soft and add them with all other ingredients to processor

DSC_0019

DSC_0022

DSC_0021 DSC_0023

IMG_4005

Coconut “Bacon” Roasted Chickpeas

I’ve been obsessed with roasted chickpea lately! I’m determined to invent a bunch of new flavors since we eat them so often! The coconut it totally optional if you don’t like it, they’re great with or without! These would also go great on a salad or thrown in a wrap!!

Coconut "Bacon" Roasted Chickpeas

Coconut “Bacon” Roasted Chickpeas

"Bacon" Roasted Chickpeas

“Bacon” Roasted Chickpeas

Coconut “Bacon” Roasted Chickpeas

Ingredients:

1-15oz can chickpeas – drained, rinsed and patted dry OR 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas

Marinade:

1 Tbsp. liquid smoke – I buy Colgin brand
2 Tbsp. coconut aminos
1 Tbsp. water
1 Tbsp. maple syrup (I used Grade B from Trader Joe’s)

1/4 cup unsweetened coconut – I used finely shredded for this first batch because it’s all I had. Next time I will use the large unsweetened flaked coconut AND probably use 1/2 cup. 🙂

Instructions:

1. Mix marinade together in a small bowl and pour over chickpeas (I used a ziploc bag but you can use a shallow dish if you prefer).

2. Stick it in the fridge and marinate overnight – I let mine sit for about 12 hours.

3. Next day – drain marinade off of chickpeas and save. Preheat oven to 400 and spread chickpeas out on parchment lined baking sheet.

4. Mix shredded coconut in with the leftover marinade and set aside. 

 5. Bake chickpeas for 15 minutes then toss. Bake another 15 minutes and remove from oven. 

6. Add coconut mixture to chickpeas, toss and stick them back in the oven for the last 15 minutes. Check to make sure the coconut isn’t burning. 

7. Take them out, let sit for a minute or two then serve!

Mix marinade ingredients together

Mix marinade ingredients together

Add chickpeas and marinade to a ziploc bag or shallow dish

Add chickpeas and marinade to a ziploc bag or shallow dish

Spread evenly

Spread evenly

Stick them in your fridge overnight - I did about 12 hours

Stick them in your fridge overnight – I did about 12 hours

Next day - Strain off marinade and set aside

Next day – Strain off marinade and set aside

Strain off marinade and set aside. Preheat oven to 400, spread chickpeas on parchment lined baking sheet.

Strain off marinade and set aside. Preheat oven to 400, spread chickpeas on parchment lined baking sheet.

Bake chickpeas for 15 minutes, toss and bake for another 15 minutes. Remove from oven.

Bake chickpeas for 15 minutes, toss and bake for another 15 minutes. Remove from oven.

Mix coconut and marinade together.

Mix coconut and marinade together.

Add coconut and toss, bake for another 15 minutes or so.

Add coconut and toss, bake for another 15 minutes or so.

WIthout coconut - chickpeas are done after 45 minutes or so, tossing every 15 minutes.

WIthout coconut – chickpeas are done after 45 minutes or so, tossing every 15 minutes.

With coconut! Next time I'll use bigger coconut pieces!

With coconut! Next time I’ll use bigger coconut pieces!

Other roasted chickpeas your might enjoy!

Buffalo Ranch Roasted Chickpeas

Dill Pickle Roasted Chickpeas

Easy Plant-Based Sushi

This is one of our favorite dinners. The rolling takes a little practice but it’s worth it!

Easy Vegan Sushi

You’ll need:

* bamboo sushi rolling mat – Here’s 2 for $6.31 on Amazon

* cling wrap

* Nori seaweed sheets

* Organic Pea Shoots (Trader Joe’s)

* Organic Brown Rice – I use the frozen organic brown rice from Trader Joe’s, it’s quick! (NOTE: I also mix leftover cooked quinoa in with the brown rice – half and half)

* Seasoned Rice Vinegar

* Organic Baked Tofu – Trader Joe’s makes one or make your own

* Cooked yams

* Organic Persian Cucumbers  (Trader Joe’s), red or orange pepper, cilantro, spinach (Our favorite is rainbow chard), avocado, super thin lemon slices… jalapeno is good too.

* Sriracha Sauce: I think it’s like 1/2 cup of Vegenaise to 1-2 Tbsp Sriacha

Directions:

* Stir a few teaspoons of rice vinegar into hot rice, stir and let cool to room temp

* Assemble your roll and enjoy! (See pics below)

My fillings

These are good!

Wrap your bamboo rolling mat in cling wrap

Ready to roll

Grab a piece of nori

I still don’t notice any difference if the shiny side is up or down

Add your rice

Pile up your toppings towards the front of your roll

I use the spinach leaves to hold all the goodies in while rolling. I also use rainbow chard or kale.

Start rolling the edge closest to you inward as tight as you can get it

Use a dab of water along the outside flap to close

water

Roll it closed and tight with mat

Get your knife wet and slice carefully but firmly

Ready

Serve with soy sauce and wasabi, top with black sesame seeds

My hubby likes his with the Sriracha sauce

Ancho Lentil Bowls with Low-fat Cashew Nacho Cheese

This is one of the best meals we’ve had in awhile! It’s so good, I’m trucking the kids to the store in the morning to make it again for a party tomorrow night. No joke, it’s that good!

Ancho Lentil Bowl with Low-Fat Vegan Cheese

I’ve made the Ancho Lentils a few times now and they’ve always turned out great. The original recipe (from Post Punk Kitchen) is for Ancho Lentil Tacos but you could use this on just about anything – tacos, burritos, nachos, collard wraps, etc.

I have a ton of fake cheese recipes but this Lowfat Nacho Cheeze from Happy Herbivore is my new favorite! Together they make an awesome meal! I served it over brown rice tonight but next time I’ll try these ingredients in a collard wrap. YUMMY!!! I also topped this with tomatoes, lettuce, cilantro, sliced avocado, a squeeze of lime and our favorite Habanero Sauce, our favorite Mexican food topping!

P.S. Our toddler loved this! I took out a scoop of the lentils before I added the hot sauce, figured she may not like it so spicy.

“Um… Mommy… What is this?”

“Mmmmm! I like it”

“Hey there sis, this banana is kinda boring… wanna share?”

Ancho Lentils

* 1 Tbsp water or bean cooking liquid (for oil-free sautéing)
* 1 small onion, minced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 1/2 cups cooked lentils (from about 1 cup dried) – Brown or green work great. I used a package of Trader Joe’s cooked lentils this time
* 3 tablespoons tomato paste
* 2 tablespoons hot sauce (preferably Cholula)

Spice mix:
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 2 teaspoons ground ancho chile
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
* 1/2 teaspoon salt

First combine all of the ingredients for the spice mix and set aside. Also, keep a cup of water within reach, you’ll need to add splashes as you cook.

Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sautee the onion and garlic in the water or bean liquid with a pinch of salt (optional) for about 3 minutes, until lightly browned. Add spices and toss them for 30 seconds or so to toast.

Lower heat to medium, add lentils, a few splashes of water, tomato paste and hot sauce; use a spatula to mash them a bit as they cook, until they hold together. If your spatula isn’t strong enough to accomplish this, just use a fork or a potato masher (I used this).

Do this for about 5 minutes, adding splashes of water as necessary if it appears dry. Taste for salt and seasoning; you may want to add more spices or hot sauce. And that’s it, time to serve!

Time to make some Ancho Lentils! I cheated this time and used Trader Joe’s packaged lentils 😉

Saute your onion and garlic then add spices

Cook spice and onion/garlic mixture for 30 seconds then add remaining ingredients… smells so good!!

Ready for tacos, nachos, burritos, on top of rice or anything else you can think of!

Low Fat Vegan Nacho Cheese

 Ingredients
  • ¼ cup raw cashews – I soaked mine for a few hours first
  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ⅔ cup non-dairy milk – I used unsweetened almond milk
  • 2 tsp yellow miso paste
  • ½ tsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • ¼ cup roasted red bell peppers
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • a dash of cayenne pepper

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring occassionally and allowing the cheese to thicken.

Combine all ingredients in your food processor, combing until smooth

Smoooooth!

Heat in a pan on the stove until thick, stir occasionally

Yah!! Ready to dollop on your favorite Mexican food!

 

Spicy Lentil Wraps with Tahini Sauce(s)

Have you tried the vegan Spicy Lentil Wrap from Trader Joe’s? OMG it’s so good! I’m not that stoked on the white lavash wrap or the high’ish sodium content but in a rare pinch it works perfectly! I decided to try and find a copy recipe for that wrap, maybe make it a wee bit healthier in the process so I can have it more often. I found this recipe on theKitchn website after a few searches and decided to make it immediately.

Spicy Lentil Wrap with Tahini Sauce(s)

I made the red pepper paste first. It didn’t come out the way I expected it to, it was a little runny in the end but it still tasted good! I cooked it much longer than the directions said, hoping that it would thicken up but it didn’t. It was still delicious and I plan on making it again!

I bought lavash bread/wraps from Trader Joe’s but as my luck would have it, they were out of the whole wheat ones that day so I decided to do a few on collard wraps to make it a bit healthier. The collard wraps were pretty good but not as good as the lavash bread… figures, right?!

Collard wraps ready to roll!

Now to roll this without breaking it... hmmm....

Success!! Well... if you don't count the red pepper paste oozing out...

Delish!!

I wasn’t super crazy about the tahini sauce recipe that came with the wrap recipe from theKitchn so I did a little hunting… maybe it was the lack of salt? Hmmm…. I found a Yogurt Tahini Sauce on one of my absolute favorite vegan food blogs Fat Free Vegan Kitchen and made that as well. Now THAT is a good tahini sauce! Her secret ingredient is ketchup, who would’ve guessed to use that! Genius!!!

Spicy Lentil Wraps with Tahini Sauce
Makes 6 wraps

1/2 cup red lentils, rinsed
2 cups water
3/4 cups bulgur
2 tablespoons olive oil (I omitted this and water sautéed instead, as usual!)
1 onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 scallion, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (I omitted)
6 (approximately 9×12-inch) sheets lavash, white or whole wheat OR use collard wraps!
3/4 cup red pepper paste (recipe below, or use store-bought)
2 cups shredded cabbage
Tahini sauce to serve (recipe below)

Combine lentils and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer until lentils are soft, about 20 minutes.

Turn off heat and stir in bulgur. Let stand until water is absorbed and bulgur is soft, about 30 minutes.

Cooking up the barley lentil mixture!

Meanwhile, heat olive oil (or water for water sautee) in a pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring frequently, until soft and translucent. Stir in cumin and red pepper flakes and cook for another minute.

Add onions, scallions, parsley, and salt to lentil-bulgur mixture and stir until well combined. Let cool before using to make wraps. (If you want a smoother texture closer to the Trader Joe’s version, you can run the filling through a food processor, but I like it just as it is.) You can freeze the filling in an airtight container if not using all at once.

To assemble, lay out a lavash sheet with the shorter end closest to you. Spread 1 1/2 tablespoons of red pepper paste across the lower 1/3 of the sheet. Top with the lentil-bulgur mixture, and then the cabbage. Roll from the bottom up, and spread an additional 1/2 tablespoon of red pepper paste across the top end to help seal the wrap. Repeat for remaining wraps.

Lavash wrap

To serve, cut each wrap in half and serve with tahini sauce on the side.

Red Pepper Paste
Makes about 3/4 cup

6 red bell peppers, cored and chopped

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon kosher salt (I omitted this)

Olive oil to cover (if refrigerating) – I did not use this and mine kept in the fridge just fine

Combine bell peppers, cayenne pepper, and salt in a food processor and puree.

Pour the puree into a skillet over low heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced to a paste. This can take up to 2 hours.

Let cool before using. To store, pack the paste into a jar, pour enough olive oil on top to cover, and refrigerate.

Pretty red peppers

Combine and blend until smooth

Pretty!

Cook up to two hours or until thickened - mine never really thickened, I cooked it for 2 1/2 hours total

Tahini Sauce
Makes about 3/4 cup

1/4 cup tahini
2/3 cup or more warm water
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons finely chopped parsley
1/4 teaspoon crushed garlic
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Place all ingredients in a small bowl and mix with a fork until well combined.

Gradually stir in small amounts of additional warm water until the desired consistency is achieved.

Regular Tahini Sauce - use your Magic Bullet!

Spicy!!

** Fat Free Vegan’s AMAZING Yogurt-Tahini Sauce

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup soy yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, pressed
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 pinch red pepper
  • 4 teaspoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients well in a small bowl. Add additional seasonings to taste.

Ketchup? I think yes!

YUMMY!

Spicy Tofu & Tempeh Buffalo Bites

These are SO GOOD and take less than 20 minutes to make! This was our Super Bowl splurge food and WOW it was good!! I haven’t used oil in so long it was a little odd to cook with it again but I don’t think this recipe would’ve worked without it. I only used a tiny bit so feel free to use whatever you wish.

I love anything (well, almost anything within my eating range) with buffalo wing sauce on it and these fit the bill!

Spicy Tofu & Tempeh Buffalo Bites

This recipes is from Babble food blog – created by Kathy from Healthy Happy Life vegan food blog. I really love her blog and I’ve made several things from it in the past, never been disappointed!

Tofu and Tempeh Buffalo Bites
vegan, adjust recipe for however many logs you would like to make

tofu logs (from extra firm tofu – I like Trader Joe’s High Protein Organic Extra Firm Tofu)
tempeh logs (from any variety of tempeh – I like Trader Joe’s Organic Tempeh)

safflower oil (for cooking)

hot sauce (I used Cholula and Frank’s Buffalo Hot Sauce)
nutritional yeast
salt/pepper
agave syrup or maple syrup – I used pure maple syrup

Dip: 2 Tbsp vegan mayo + 1 tsp sweetener (agave or maple syrup)

Directions:

1. Press your tofu dry and slice into logs. Slice tempeh into logs.
2. Add a few teaspoons of oil to a hot skillet.
3. When oil is hot, add in enough logs to fill the pan. Allow the tofu and tempeh to sear on both sides for a few minutes. You can add a sprinkle of salt/pepper to these naked logs to season.
4. Add in the hot sauce and maple syrup. You will want to add in about 1/2 tsp hot sauce for every log and 1/2 tsp maple or agave syrup for every 2-3 logs (depending how sweet you like them). Cook the sizzling logs in hot sauce and sweetener for another minutes.
5. With the logs still quite wet from the steam and sauces – add in a plentiful amount of nutritional yeast to the pan. I usually use about 1 cup for the entire skillet. The nutritional yeast acts as your ‘breading’ and creates a crusted over, cheezy-flavored coating. Add enough yeast until the pan is generally dry.
6. Add in a final splattering of hot sauce. You can add a lot for extra spicy bites. Just be sure to add another coating of nutritional yeast if the logs get too wet again.
7. When logs are crispy on the edges with plenty of browned spots – removed from skillet and cool on plate. Serve in a few minutes after allowing to cool.
8. Make your dipping sauce simply by swirling 2 Tbsp of Vegenaise (vegan mayo) with 1 tsp maple or agave syrup. Add in a dash of cayenne or any dip spices you would like toad. Pepper and celery seed are nice. I also like paprika.

Press water out of tofu using a press or heavy pot (I used my cast iron pan and a towel) - slice tofu & tempeh into logs

Brown logs in a little bit of safflower oil

Add hot sauce

YUMMY!!