October 10, 2014October 11, 2014 by betsy

Vegan BBQ Bean Sandwich with Caramelized Onions and Fall Festival Slaw (with zucchini, apple, carrot and walnuts)

Yield: 4 sandwiches

My new Fall Festival Slaw was the inspiration for this delicious sandwich. After I made the luscious slaw, though, it seemed to cry out for tangy BBQ beans and sweet caramelized onions. Oh boy, what a great combination, though the slaw is a beautiful side dish on its own.

BBQ Bean Sandwich with Caramelized Onions and Fall Festival Slaw

4 sandwich rolls or 8 slices of whole grain bread, toasted

Fall Festival Slaw

Caramelized Onions

BBQ Beans

Vegan mayonnaise (I like Vegenaise)

For each sandwich, spread bottom piece of bread with about 1 tablespoon or less of mayo. Top with 1/4 of the beans, 1/4 of the onions, and about 1/4 cup of slaw. Serve immediately.

Fall Festival Slaw

Note: I use the grater attachment of my food processor to grate vegetables, as it creates a nice julienne style shred. You will have slaw left over.

2 cups grated zucchini

1 cup grated apple

1/2 cup grated carrot

1-4 to 5-inch small mild red chili pepper, stemmed and seeded, grated

1/2 cup taosted walnut pieces

1/4 to 1/3 cup vegan mayonnaise (I like Vegennaise)

1 teaspoon anise seed

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/8 teaspoon sea salt or to taste

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste

Place grated vegetables in a colander or strainer, press gently to remove excess moisture, and let drain for a few minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl. Add all remaining ingredients and combine will with a fork. Cover and refrigerate until serving time. Stir again before serving.

Caramelized Onions

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large onion, slivered

1/8 teaspoon sea salt

1 tablespoon turbinado sugar

1 teaspoon Balsamic vinegar

Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high. Add all remaining ingredients and saute, stirring frequently, for about 15 minutes or until preferred degree of caramelization is reached. Reduce heat if cooking too fast. While onions caramelize, prepare beans.

BBQ Beans

Use your favorite BBQ bean recipe or:

1-15.5 ounce can vegetarian (which are actually vegan) barbeque beans (I used Bush’s brand with bourbon and maple syrup)

1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

In a small cast iron skillet or saucepan, heat together all ingredients, cooking for 7 or so minutes until thick and a little “sticky” to intensify flavors and insure that the beans will hold together nicely inside the sandwich. Remove from heat. Note: you may need to tweak amount of mustard and vinegar or you may even need to add turbinado sugar depending on the type of beans you pruchase. Mine were already sweet, so the mustard and balsamic vinegar balanced the flavors beautifully.

September 19, 2014September 18, 2014 by betsy

Vegan “Go Bean” Burgers with Green Chili “Cream Cheese” Topping–A Tofutti Exclusive

Yield: 4 burgers

I love developing recipes, like these “Go Bean” green-themed burgers, exclusively for Tofutti Brands, Inc!

These simple, delicious and nutritious Mexican-spiced patties hold together beautifully and their pleasantly chewy texture is the perfect counterpoint to their spicy-tart Green Chili “Cream Cheese” Topping made with Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese.

Lima beans may sound odd for a bean burger–though you can use whatever bean you prefer–but I had some fresh ones on hand from our farmer’s market; and they are, in fact, what spawned the whole “green” approach: butter lettuce instead of a bun, a thick slice of green tomato, the Green Chili “Cream Cheese” Topping with lime zest, and a garnish of fresh lime.

And about that topping: it’s delicious on these burgers, but it would be fabulous on an old shoe…it’s that good! Your beef burger-eating friends will be green with envy!

Note that Tofutti makes two types of Better Than Cream Cheese and Better Than Sour Cream, one with transfat and one without, each in its own color carton. So read the nutrition information to make sure you purchase the one you prefer.

1 3/4 cup fresh cooked lima beans (or 1-15.5 ounce can of your favorite bean, rinsed and drained)

1/3 cup walnuts (or your favorite nut)

1/3 cup uncooked oatmeal

1/3 cup vital wheat gluten

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Liquid Aminos or soy sauce

1/4 cup olive oil, divided

Optional: 1 tablespoon water

4 toasted hamburger buns or 4 butter lettuce leaves

4 slices green tomato

Green Chili-“Cream Cheese” Topping (recipe follows)

Optional Garnish: lime zest and/or thin slices of lime

Place all ingredients, except tomato, topping, and bun–using only 1 of the tablespoons olive oil and optional water–in a food processor and pulse until mixture is well combined. Then run motor for a few seconds until mixture holds together; avoid over processing. Shape mixture into 4 patties about 3/4-inch thick. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high in a large cast iron skillet. Add patties and cook 5 minutes or until golden brown, adding another tablespoon of oil and swirling around pan if needed halfway through. Flip, add remaining tablespoon of oil, swirl, and cook another 5 minutes to brown remaining side. Place each patty on a bun or lettuce leaf, top with a slice of tomato and 1/4 of the sauce, and serve immediately. Garnish, if desired, with lime zest and/or thin slices of lime.

Green Chili-“Cream Cheese” Topping

8 ounces Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese

1 can chopped green chilies, drained

Zest of 1 small lime

In a small bowl, heat cream cheese for about a minute in the microwave or until very soft and stir-able. Add green chilies, salt and pepper, and stir to combine.

September 6, 2014September 6, 2014 by betsy

Vegan White Bean, Caramelized Onion, Fresh Fig, and Red Pepper Relish Tart

Yield: 8 servings

I am so ashamed that my last post was on August 26–good grief! But, alas, as you may know, I am a high school art teacher, and the beginning of school is almost all-consuming (pun intended!).

The first day of our pre-service week was Monday, August 25, so I’m actually surprised I was even able to make one post that week. Last week was the first week of school with the kids back, so it was very packed.

The pre-service week is never my favorite–and this year’s was particularly stressful with a lot of major policy changes and a lot of resulting contention–but I love it when the students return.

Today’s recipe is a delicious and beautiful one I made for one of my contributions to this year’s iteration of our annual Julia Child Birthday Bash on August 15. It was a big hit. I noticed figs still available at the Farmer’s Market this morning, so I hope you can still get them where you live and create your own hit!

1 press-in tart crust (recipe follows)

1-15.5 ounce can cannelini or other white beans, rinsed and drained

Optional: 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast

1/4 cup water + 2 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, slivered

Sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 large clove garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon sugar

2 tablespoons fresh whole sage leaves (if leaves are large, slice into 1/4-inch slivers)

Fresh figs, halved (the number depends on the size; mine were tiny and I used about 13 small figs about the size of large grapes)

1/4 cup prepared red pepper relish (I used Braswell’s brand)

Optional garnish: sprig of fresh sage leaves

While crust bakes, puree in a food processor beans, optional nutritional yeast, and water. Set aside. Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high, add onion, sea salt and pepper to taste, garlic, and sugar, and saute, stirring frequently for about 5 to 7 minutes or until caramelized. Saute a few minutes longer if a deeper color and flavor is desired. Stir in sage leaves during the last minute or two. Spread bean puree evenly on bottom of crust, evenly distribute caramelized onion over the top, arrange figs in a pleasing design, nestling them into the onions, and then dot teaspoons of the relish between the figs. Return to oven and bake about 15 minutes to heat through. Remove from oven to a wire rack. Cool just enough to remove sides of pan without burning yourself if serving warm. Or cool completely, remove sides, and serve at room temperature. Garnish with fresh sage leaves if desired.

Press-In Tart Crust:

Ever since I found this recipe at www.steptalk.org, it has been my go-to crust for everything! It is so easy, never-fail, requires no rolling, and is quite flavorful.

1 1/2 cups flour (unbleached all-purpose, white whole wheat, or whole wheat)

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons sugar

1/2 cup canola oil

2 tablespoons unsweetened soymilk

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together dry ingredients. Make a well in the center, and pour in oil and soymilk. Whisk together just until combined. Transfer dough to an 11-inch tart pan with a removable bottom, and press evenly onto bottom and around edges. I like to break the dough into pieces and distribute it around the bottom of the tart pan so that maintaining an even crust is much easier. Use a drinking glass to assest with the pressing if desired. Bake 10-12 minutes and remove to a wire rack.

July 8, 2014July 13, 2014 by betsy

Vegan Bean and Broccoli Slaw with Lime Aioli Dressing

Yield: 6-8 servings (depending on other side dishes)

I took this salad to a 4th of July celebration at our good friends’ Mary Beth and Ken Mays’ home where it was a huge hit along with burgers (veggie and beef–I was the only vegan, though Mary Beth is a pescetarian and her cousin a vegetarian), red skinned new potato salad with artichoke hearts and both green and ripe olives in a light vinaigrette dressing, and a beautiful fruit salad for dessert.

Since we decided to go fairly traditional with our menu, I felt a slaw was in order. But I also felt a little more protein would be nice, not to mention more color and texture contrast. When all was said and done, this was one addicting salad!

1-12 ounce package prepared (but not dressed) broccoli slaw

5 ounces mixed or single greens like kale, Swiss chard, etc., finely chopped (I use a food processor for this task)

1 orange or red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and diced

1-15.5 ounce can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and well-drained

5 stalks celery hearts, diced

1/2 cup roughly chopped smoked almonds

Pinch sea salt

Pinch freshly ground black pepper

Lime Aioli Dressing (recipe follows)

In a large bowl, toss together all salad ingredients. Drizzle dressing over the top and toss well to combine. Check for seasoning and adjust if necessary. Refrigerate for at least a half hour to allow flavors to marry. Serve cold.

Lime Aoili Dressing:

Juice and zest of 1 small to medium lime

1 teaspoon stone ground mustard

1/2 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon nutritional yeast

1 tablespoon Liquid Aminos

1/2 teaspoon Sriracha (or your favorite hot sauce)

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

Pinch turbinado sugar (or your favorite granualted sugar)

Pinch sea salt

Pinch freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise

Place lime juice and mustard in a medium bowl. Slowly whisk in olive oil. Add all remaining ingredients and whisk until smooth and completely combined. Check for seasoning and adjust if necessary.

June 7, 2014June 7, 2014 by betsy

Lightened Up, Brightened Up Vegan Southern Three-Bean Salad

Yield: approximately 8 servings

I love ice cold, sweet ‘n vinegary Three-Bean Salad, a south’ren staple. Or, rather, I used to. I still love the idea of it, although, these days, I prefer my salads not swimming in marinade, nor doused with white sugar. But with summer nigh upon us, and this salad among the best ever picnic foods, I decided to make it over.

There are LOTS of recipes for this salad. My mom’s, which I enjoyed over Spring Break, calls for a can of dark red kidney beans, one of green beans, and one of wax beans, along with some onion and, I think,green bell pepper and pimento. The marinade-like dressing calls for about a 1/2 cup each of vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and vinegar. Oh my.

In my updated version, I use three kinds of canned cooked beans, as I’m not a fan of green veggies in a can. But I do add some green for color and nutrition in the form of very finely chopped kale (or Swiss chard). Though I adore raw onion, there is never a socially acceptable time to eat it, as best I can tell. So, I substitute some onion powder, along with some garlic powder for good measure. And for the bell pepper and pimento, why eat something from a jar when you can eat it fresh? So, I combine the idea of the fresh bell pepper with the pimento by substituting a whole roasted red bell pepper, leaving the charred skin on for depth of flavor. But it is equally good raw when pressed for time (as in the photograph).

Wanting to stay somewhat true to the salad, the marinade is a bit sweeter than I would normally opt for, but it is WAY toned down and I think just right. I use a mere 1/4 cup of olive oil sweetened with just 2 tablespoons of maple syrup balanced with 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar for tanginess that is a bit more mellow.

This salad is going to be invited to all of my summer picnics and hopefully to yours!

2 tablespoons maple syrup

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

4 to 5 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Sea salt to taste (avoid skimping!)

1-15.5 ounce can cannelini beans, rinsed and drained

1-15.5 ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1-15.5 ounce can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 red bell pepper, halved, stemmed and seeded, roasted under the broiler, cooled and diced (I like to leave the lightly charred skin on for more depth of flavor or left raw and diced

1 cup finely chopped fresh kale (almost minced; I use a food processor for this task)

In a large, non-reactive bowl, whisk together maple syrup, vinegar, olive oil, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Stir in beans, bell pepper, and kale, combining well. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. Chill, covered, until serving time.

May 24, 2014 by betsy

Vegan Canellini Bean and Grilled Vegetable Salad with Marrakesh Mania Vinaigrette

Yield: 4 servings

An indoor grill works perfectly for this salad which would make an deliciously different side for your Memorial Day spread.

A meal in itself, the light Moroccan-inspired dressing binds together cannellini beans and baby or chopped kale with a spring bounty of grilled asparagus, grilled spring onions, and grilled radishes. Grilling totally transforms the flavor of grilled radishes almost creating a new vegetable. If radishes aren’t a favorite, it’s probably because you’ve never had them grilled!

Marrakesh Mania Dressing (recipe follows)

1-15.5 ounce can canellini beans, rinsed and drained

6 spring onions, green part trimmed to fit in grill pan, lightly salted, and grilled over medium-high for about 5 minutes on the first side, and 3 on the second, or until lightly charred/caramelized; cut into 1/2-inch pieces

8 walnut-size radishes, sliced about 1/3-inch thick, lightly salted, and grilled over medium-high for about 5 minutes on the first side, and 3 on the second, or until lightly charred/caramelized

1 bunch asparagus spears (approximately 3/4 pound), trimmed, lightly salted and grilled over medium-high for about 5 minutes on the first side, and 3 on the second, or until lightly charred/caramelized; slice into 1-inch pieces

2 cups fairly firmly packed baby kale or stemmed, chopped kale (feel free to substitute Swiss chard)

Make dressing; add beans and all vegetables, except kale, and gently toss to combine. Add kale, microwave on high for 1 minute so that the kale barely starts to wilt, toss altogether and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Marrakesh Mania Dressing:

2 tablespoons rice vinegar or white balsamic (or any mild, light colored vinegar)

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon maple syrup

1 teaspoon curry powder (I like a mild and fruity variety)

1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon ground sumac (optional but with a distinctive earthy and slightly lemon-y flavor; available in Middle Eastern markets)

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon tumeric

Sea salt to taste (avoid skimping!–don’t give yourself hypertension, but home cooks tend to underseason!)

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Whisk together all ingredient in a large, non-reactive, microwave-safe bowl and set aside.

May 10, 2014May 10, 2014 by betsy

Vegan Sunny Souk Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

Yield: 4 servings

“Sunny” because of this salad’s golden color and bright pop of citrus, and “souk” because it is redolent of an Arab marketplace, you will love Sunny Souk Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad however you choose to enjoy it: over greens, stuffed in a wrap or pita pocket, scooped with veggie chips and more! It is even veg(etarian) teenager approved!

*2 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1-15 ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1/2 pound cooked sweet potato, peeled and diced (I microwave the potato, allow it to cool a few minutes, remove skin–feed to dogs!–and dice)

1/2 large red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and diced

Zest of 1/2 large lemon (don’t omit this little bit ‘o brightness!)

Sea salt to taste

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and garlic powder. Add chickpeas, sweet potato, and red bell pepper. Toss lightly to distribute dressing. Add lemon zest, salt, and pepper, and toss one final time. Serve immediately or chill, covered, until serving time.

*I have just discovered a delicious brand of vegan mayo not advertised as vegan but as “egg free” at Whole Foods called “Just Mayo” that I highly recommend. I also love Veganaise and my own Blooming Platter Mayo (in my cookbook).

January 30, 2014February 5, 2015 by betsy

Vegan Cannelini Bean, Sweet Potato and Turnip Green Soup

Sweet Potato, Chickpea and Turnip Green Soup Yield: 4 to 6 servings

We are snowed in here under 10 inches in VA Beach! And this soup was the perfect, warming lunch yesterday. However, even if you aren’t blanketed in snow, you will love this beautiful nourishing soup.

4 cups vegetable stock (or 4 cups water + 4 veggie or “no-chicken” bouillon cubes)

2 bay leaves

1 large sweet potato, cubed

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, diced

Sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 large garlic clove, minced

6 cups chopped turnip greens

1-15.5 ounce can cannelini beans, rinsed and drained

3-5 inch stems fresh dill

3-5 inch stems fresh tarragon

2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)

2 tablespoons non-dairy creamer (I use So Delicious coconut milk creamer)

In a covered 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the stock and sweet potato cubes to a gentle boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cook potatoes for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the tablespoon of oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high. Add onion and a pinch of salt and pepper, and saute about 7 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently until beginning to turn golden brown. Add garlic, and continue sauteeing, stirring continually, for another minute or two. Stir into sweet potato and stock mixture, along with turnip greens. Simmer, stirring continually, until greens have wilted. Stir in beans, dill, tarragon and nutritional yeast, and simmer gently for about 15 minutes. Stir in non-dairy creamer, remove bay leaves, dill and tarragon, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve immediately. Note: Avoid boiling soup after creamer has been added to prevent curdling.

January 29, 2014January 29, 2014 by betsy

Sliced Cucumber Canapes (or Crostini) with Dill-Scented White Beans and Dried Fig, Olive, and Pine Nut Tapenade (A Yummy Food Blog-Canarias Recipe Competition Entry)

Dill-Scented White Beans with Fig, Olive and Pine Nut Tapenade

For our 10th anniversary, my husband and I took a Mediterranean Cruise, one of a number of life-changing trips to that magnetic part of the world from where his family hails (specifically, the Abruzzo region of of Italy). I fell in love repeatedly, including with Santorini.

My dish, created especially for the Yummy Food-Canarias Recipe Competition, is an ode to one of the most memorable and simplest “meals” I have ever eaten. We had spent the morning touring an ancient archeological dig on the island and had stopped at a cliffside vineyard overlooking the stunning atoll. There, in the wind-whipped courtyard, we were served wine, of course, accompanied by crisp fresh cucumber, olives and tomatoes. That was it. Simple perfection.

Since it is January and tomatoes are not in season, I chose instead to celebrate the cucumber and the olives, adding my beloved figs and pine nuts plus a little lemony brightness along with herby dill-scented cannelini beans for protein . The result is a simple little Mediterranean-infused bite-size meal.

Yield: 24 canapes or 8 servings

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, diced

Sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 large garlic clove, minced

1-15.5 ounce can cannelini beans, rinsed and drained

1/4 cup loosely packed finely chopped fresh dill

16 dried Calmyra or Mission figs, stems removed, halved (I like to use 8 of each)

1/4 cup brine-cured pitted black and green olives, drained (I like some that are a little spicy)

3 ounces toasted pine nuts

1 teaspoon tamarind syrup (you may substitute pomegranate syrup or agave nectar)

Zest of 1/2 large lemon

Garnish: fresh dill sprigs

Cucumber slices (or toasted bread rounds/crackers)

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high. Add onion and a pinch of salt and pepper and saute, stirring frequently, until onion begins to turn golden, about 8 to 9 minutes. Reduce heat if necessary to prevent scorching. Add garlic and saute, stirring constantly, for another minute. Stir in beans and remaining tablespoon of olive oil, partially mashing the beans with the back of the spoon. Add dill and remove from heat.

Process figs in a food processor, pulsing until coarsely chopped. Add olives, and continue pulsing until both are finely chopped. Add pine nuts and pulse a few more times or until all ingredients are very finely chopped. Add syrup, lemon zest, and additional salt and pepper if desired, and pulse just to combine.

Serve a spoonful of the beans topped with a spoonful of the tapenade on cucumber slices, toasted bread or crackers. Garnish with sprigs of fresh dill.

Alternative serving suggestion: spread the beans into a 1/2-inch thick disk on a serving plate, spread the tapenade over the top, garnish, and serve with cucumber slices (or toasted bread/crackers).

Vegan Recipes for Vegans and Vegetarians: The Blooming Platter in Virginia Beach, VA

A Bounty of Vegan Recipes, Tips, Links and More

Category: Vegan Beans and Legumes

Vegan BBQ Bean Sandwich with Caramelized Onions and Fall Festival Slaw (with zucchini, apple, carrot and walnuts)

Vegan “Go Bean” Burgers with Green Chili “Cream Cheese” Topping–A Tofutti Exclusive

Vegan White Bean, Caramelized Onion, Fresh Fig, and Red Pepper Relish Tart

Vegan Bean and Broccoli Slaw with Lime Aioli Dressing

Lightened Up, Brightened Up Vegan Southern Three-Bean Salad

Vegan Canellini Bean and Grilled Vegetable Salad with Marrakesh Mania Vinaigrette

Vegan Sunny Souk Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

Vegan Cannelini Bean, Sweet Potato and Turnip Green Soup

Sliced Cucumber Canapes (or Crostini) with Dill-Scented White Beans and Dried Fig, Olive, and Pine Nut Tapenade (A Yummy Food Blog-Canarias Recipe Competition Entry)