Grilled Adobo Tofu and Veggies over Fresh Citrus Salsa and Cilantro Sunflower Seed Pesto PLUS Tips on How to Make Tofu Look Like Chicken!

Articles and Reading, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Favorites, Gluten Free, High Protein, How To Video, Kid Friendly, Lighter Fare, Low Cal, Main Meal, Native Sun Recipe, Raw, Tips, Vegan, Vegetarian 8 Responses »

Apr 162013

Grilled Adobo Tofu and Veggies
Open your mind……

“Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” ― Michael Pollan, In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto

Grilled Adobo Tofu and Veggies over Fresh Citrus Salsa and Cilantro Sunflower Seed Pesto

“Many people know that animals around the world are treated badly, yet they turn their minds away.” - Ruby Roth, Vegan is Love

So I say…..open your mind to what is going on in factory farms.

“Were the walls of our meat industry to become transparent, literally or even figuratively, we would not long continue to raise, kill, and eat animals the way we do.”
― Michael Pollan, The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals

“I would NEVER.” Some people say.
Never give up meat. Give up dairy. Eat tofu.

I do believe I heard that out of my husband’s mouth.

(But curiosity got the best of him.)

It looks like chicken.

“Hey! It’s pretty good!”

Score.

Grilled Adobo Tofu and Veggies over Fresh Citrus Salsa and Cilantro Sunflower Seed Pesto

How did I manage to do this and WHY?

Let’s start with the why.

For the same reason I would pre-prep and pre-make dishes for my CSA….so folks would at least try it. Even ONE meat and dairy free meal helps your body, the environment and, of course, the animals that were not eaten.

“But that’s the challenge — to change the system more than it changes you.”
― Michael Pollan, The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals

Grilled Adobo Tofu and Veggies over Fresh Citrus Salsa and Cilantro Sunflower Seed Pesto

The HOW.

Tips on how to make tofu look like chicken.

Step 1: Press well. Do this the day before you are going to eat it or at least a few hours in advance. I LOVE my tofu xpress, or you can simply wrap the tofu in thick paper towels and a kitchen towel, place it between two plates and weight down the top plate with a very heavy book and/or soup cans. If you are pressing it overnight, place in the fridge; if not, it is fine to leave on the counter.

Step 2: Cut around the entire tofu to remove any flat planes and edges – think chicken breast. Save all the little shreds to season and throw on a salad.

Step 3: Now cut the tofu into similarly sized but asymmetrical pieces.

Step 4: Run your knife along the flat planes making small downward cuts to shred the edges a bit and then throw the tofu in the marinade. See the below video and I promise to get a better one soon! Stay tuned…..

(All these steps will also help the marinade seep in a bit better.)

Ever wondered how to disguise tofu? This very humorous, last minute (and shaky) video shows you how.
Warning: The videographer was my 4 year old.

Now that all the nuts and bolts are out of the way, let’s get down to the food.

The weather is getting warmer and people are ready to start grilling! There is nothing like a nice crisp char on some veggies and a mouth-watering, marinated protein-of-choice (tempeh would be great too) - perfect with cool salsa and creamy avocado. This whole concoction, nestled in a bed of aromatic-nutty cilantro and sunflower seed pesto, is a perfect medley of flavor, texture and temperature.

Grilled Adobo Tofu and Veggies over Fresh Citrus Salsa and Cilantro Sunflower Seed Pesto

Grilled Adobo Tofu and Veggies over Fresh Citrus Salsa and Cilantro Sun Flower Seed Pesto

___________________________________

Grilled Adobo Tofu and Veggies

Serves 6
Vegan, Gluten Free
Printable Recipe
Tip: Press the tofu overnight and then marinate during the day.

Ingredients

1 block organic, extra firm tofu, pressed 1 hour to overnight
2 Tbsp + 2 tsp adobo seasoning
1 Tbsp + 2 tsp olive oil
2 fresh zucchini, sliced
1 onion, quartered and cut into chunks
5oz button mushrooms

Adobo Seasoning Recipe
Notes: You will definitely have left over.
This step can be skipped by purchasing pre-mixed adobo seasoning.
2 tsp each; garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, cumin, dried oregano
1 tsp chili powder
1 Tbsp paprika
2 Tbsp salt

Directions

1. Mix 2 Tbsp adobo seasoning and 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large bowl; cut tofu into chunks (see tip on how to make tofu look like chicken) and add to bowl; toss to coat and set aside for at least an hour or the day.

2. Preheat grill to medium high; season the vegetables with remaining 2 tsp adobo seasoning and 2 tsp olive oil; toss to coat.

3. Thread veggies and tofu onto skewers in an alternating pattern; spray with organic, non-stick spray.

4. Grill until nice char marks appear and vegetables are soft but not mushy; 5-10 minutes on one side and 5 or so minutes on the next.

Full Nutrition Info

Fresh Citrus Salsa

Serves 6
Vegan, Gluten Free
Printable Recipe

Ingredients

2 tomatoes, chopped
1 navel orange, peeled and chopped
1/4 red onion, chopped
Juice 1 lime
1 avocado, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Dash coarse sea salt

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl.

Full Nutrition Info

Cilantro Sunflower Seed Pesto

Serves 6
Vegan, Gluten Free
Printable Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup fresh cilantro
1 Tbsp chopped onion
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds
1/8 – 1/4 tsp coarse sea salt (depending on taste)
1/4 cup water

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients in Magic Bullet or blender.

!Full Nutrition Info

Enjoy this grilled Adobo Tofu and Veggies

Quick and Easy Sloppy Joes with Tempeh and Black Beans

Dairy Free, Egg Free, Favorites, Gluten Free, High Protein, Main Meal, Quick and Easy, Vegan, Vegetarian 11 Responses »

Apr 122013

”What….is the number one reason people don’t join a CSA?” Francisco, the owner of KyV Farm asked me with eyebrows raised and eyes wide, waiting for my answer…..

Sloppy Joe with Tempeh and Black Beans

”UM….because they haven’t heard of one?”

”No! Because people want convenience!”

Dang. I missed that one.

Francisco likes to quiz me on farm trivia. I had already correctly answered the last question of, “What is the first thing you do when you start a business?” The answer is to tell people about it – market, start a facebook page, get a website. I was very proud of myself for answering that one correctly.

Sloppy Joe with Tempeh and Black Beans

Hmm….that is true. People want and need convenience nowadays. I know I do. Working full time, blogging, running a business and writing recipes for Native Sun and KyV on top of making sure I spend time with my family means I’m a super busy person. I wish I could make everything from absolute raw and basic ingredients and spend my time writing witty repartee and creating unique and creative photos but hey, I’m happy with what I can do at this point and I give myself a break with having to do semi-homemade recipes. The one thing I refuse to skimp on is the veggies. I want fresh, local and organic and I want to know my farmer.

Sloppy Joe with Tempeh and Black Beans

Do you agree that the reason most people don’t join a CSA is because of the convenience factor?

I’d love to hear from you, my readers!

What would make you want to join a CSA?

What if the veggies were already prepped and ready to eat?
How much more would you pay for that convenience?
What if a bunch of organic kale was $3, would you pay $4 to have it washed and prepped?

What if you could buy the veggies from the farm in a “salad kit” like from your grocery so you only had to throw on the dressing? I would probably pay $6 for the entire head of kale and extra veggies thrown in, all prepped and ready to go.

How about ready-made meals?

How awesome would it be to have some vegetarian/vegan options made with organic farm vegetables! Would you pay $20 for a family of four?

Sloppy Joe with Tempeh and Black Beans

There are so many things I love about my CSA that I just got used to making the trip every other week to visit the farm to pick up my veggies and began enjoying the prep work but some pre-made items WOULD be fabulous for those nights I really don’t have the time. Last night, for instance……I didn’t get home until 7:15. Thank goodness I had grabbed a gorgeous garlic bread from the farm (pictured in these photos) and already had some of their tender lettuce and Vidalia Valley vinaigrette on hand.

Sloppy Joe with Tempeh and Black Beans

A recent post on My New Roots about a tempeh sandwich popped into my head. I decided to do a quick, kid-friendly version of Sarah’s recipe….Sloppy Joes! I found a basic Sloppy Joe recipe on All Recipes, added a bit of love to that, and voila! It was DELICIOUS! A little spicy, a little sweet, nice and rich from the tomatoes. I got a good bit of char on tempeh and when paired with that toasted bread…. divine.

Swoon.

Sloppy Joes with Tempeh and Black Beans

Inspired by My New Roots and All Recipes
Serves 4
Vegan, Gluten Free Option
Printable Recipe

Ingredients

1 Tbsp olive oil, divided
1/2 onion, chopped, KyV Farm
1 14.5oz can fire roasted, diced tomatoes
1/3 cup organic ketchup
2 tsp mustard
2 tsp each onion powder and garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
3 tsp agave (or brown sugar if you have it)
3 dashes hot sauce (I used Cholula)
1 tsp cider vinegar
1 8oz (226 grams) pkg tempeh (Lightlife)
1/2 cup cooked black beans
8 slices fresh garlic bread, KyV Farm (For gluten free I like Pamela’s GF Bread Mix – herb option)

Directions

1. Heat 1/2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat; add onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes; reduce heat and add tomatoes; stir well and simmer, about 3 minutes. Meanwhile in a medium bowl mix ketchup, mustard, onion and garlic powder, agave, salt, hot sauce and cider vinegar; stir well and add to skillet with onions and tomatoes; cook down about 3 minutes; spoon mixture back into bowl.

2. Heat 1/2 tbsp olive oil in same skillet over medium high heat; break up tempeh well and add to heated skillet; let brown on first side, about 5 minutes (or until browned), stir and add black beans; cook an additional 3 minutes. Stir in sauce mixture; add up to 1/2 cup water as needed to loosen mixture.

Nutrition Facts (without bread)
4 Servings
Amount Per Serving

Calories 226.3
Total Fat 9.7 g
Saturated Fat 1.8 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.5 g
Monounsaturated Fat 4.3 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Sodium 521.0 mg
Potassium 476.6 mg
Total Carbohydrate 22.2 g
Dietary Fiber 3.0 g
Sugars 8.2 g
Protein 13.5 g

Vitamin A 7.6 %
Vitamin B-12 0.8 %
Vitamin B-6 9.9 %
Vitamin C 17.4 %
Vitamin D 0.0 %
Vitamin E 2.5 %
Calcium 8.9 %
Copper 21.2 %
Folate 13.0 %
Iron 11.9 %
Magnesium 16.5 %
Manganese 44.2 %
Niacin 8.3 %
Pantothenic Acid 2.5 %
Phosphorus 19.7 %
Riboflavin 13.1 %
Selenium 2.3 %
Thiamin 7.7 %
Zinc 6.6 %

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Enjoy my Quick and Easy Sloppy Joes with Tempeh and Black Beans!

Roasted Cabbage with Caramelized Onions and Sun Dried Tomatoes

Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, High Protein, Lighter Fare, Low Cal, Main Meal, Vegan, Vegetarian 2 Responses »

Apr 092013

Roasted Cabbage

There is one vegetable that always stumps me. I ask people what they do with it and they almost always say make slaw.

A few times I went ahead and made it – usually an Asian version with the gigantic napa cabbage from my organic CSA Farm Share, KyV farm, and ended up with about 30 cups of slaw that I had to eat myself since my family isn’t a fan.

I still am “slaw’d out” from the experience.

This time I did my homework. I checked google, Pinterest, Foodgawker, Finding Vegan and other bloggers for inspiration but nothing was hitting me.

Roasted Cabbage with Sun Dried Tomato

What’s a girl to do with a HUGE head of cabbage and no inspiration? Get back to basics. That seems to be what I do best. Garlic, onions, and kicky sun dried tomatoes. Isn’t everything better with sun dried tomato?

Cabbage is such a versatile vegetable – it can be roasted, grilled, eaten raw or steamed. Steaming, according to one of my favorite resources, Worlds Healthiest Foods, is the best way to eat it – unlocking it’s cholesterol lowering benefits – but roasting is still good (and sure tastes good.) Cabbage is also a powerful cancer fighter and as an added bonus there is lots of Vitamins K and C.

Need more reasons to eat cabbage? If you try it with caramelized onions it’s a great flavor sub for roasted potatoes and onions with a much lower carb count. The cabbage cooks down and gives a nice sweet flavor that goes nicely with caramelized onions and the roasted tofu. The benefit of the tofu is the added calcium and high plant based protein content but feel free to sub any protein you like here – when cubed, it should be sufficiently cooked in the same time frame as the pressed tofu.

Roasted Cabbage with Sun Dried Tomatoes

Roasted Cabbage with Caramelized Onions and Sun Dried Tomatoes

Serves 4
Vegan, Gluten Free
Printable Recipe
**Cabbage from KyV Farm

Ingredients

1/2 Tbsp oil of choice
1 block organic tofu extra firm, pressed
1/2 head cabbage, rough chopped**
1 onion, rough chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/4 - 1/3 tsp coarse sea salt
Fresh ground pepper
1/2 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes, packed in oil

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Spray two baking sheets with non-stick spray so that all the veggies and tofu can be evenly laid out and spaced. Mix all ingredients except tomatoes in a large bowl and toss to coat evenly. Spread over two pans; place in oven for 40 minutes or until onions are caramelized and tofu toasted.

2. Taste cabbage mixture and re-season as needed. Divide onto four plates and top each with 2 Tbsp sun dried tomatoes.

Nutrition Facts
4 Servings
Amount Per Serving

Calories 198.5
Total Fat 9.4 g
Saturated Fat 1.3 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.4 g
Monounsaturated Fat 2.9 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Sodium 327.9 mg
Potassium 831.3 mg
Total Carbohydrate 18.5 g
Dietary Fiber 5.5 g
Sugars 3.5 g
Protein 15.7 g

Vitamin A 5.6 %
Vitamin B-6 15.4 %
Vitamin C 93.5 %
Vitamin E 2.0 %
Calcium 21.0 %
Copper 18.2 %
Folate 26.9 %
Iron 20.1 %
Magnesium 30.4 %
Manganese 76.6 %
Niacin 7.6 %
Pantothenic Acid 4.7 %
Phosphorus 26.1 %
Riboflavin 9.0 %
Selenium 21.8 %
Thiamin 12.6 %
Zinc 12.0 %

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Roasted Carrots with Lentils and Sunflower Seeds

Dairy Free, Egg Free, Favorites, Gluten Free, Kid Friendly, Lighter Fare, Low Cal, Main Meal, Quick and Easy, Soy Free, Vegan, Vegetarian 6 Responses »

Mar 212013

Two days ago I clicked on a photo and my mouth started watering.

Over carrots.

Roasted Carrots with Lentils and Sunflower Seeds

I was visiting one of my usual favorite blogger’s site, Eat’s Well with Others, and came across a roasted carrot recipe with walnuts. Of course I LOVE walnuts but my daughter is very allergic to them so I needed an alternative.

Roasted Carrots with Lentils and Sunflower Seeds

I had sunflower seeds and dates on hand so I decided to add those instead.

Garlic
Cumin
Carrots
Olive oil
Sunflower Seeds
Dates

Doesn’t that sound good?

This dish is so satisfying – a bit of coarse sea salt and sweet agave pump up the volume when paired with the aromatic cumin. I used canned lentils here for time’s sake but please feel free to cook your own if you have time! Want some more recipes? My friend Janet at Taste Space is the queen of lentils, grains and gorgeous whole food dishes and my friend Cara has tons of delicious carrot recipes at Caras Cravings!

What is so great about lentils is that they have TONS of belly filling fiber that also stabilizes blood sugar for very little calories and fat. Excellent diet food? I say yes! Now imagine if you sprinkled a little Mila on top….like I did. Now it’s a SUPER food!

These gorgeous carrots are from KyV Farm - Support local farms!

Roasted Carrots with Lentils and Sunflower Seeds

Altered from Eats Well with Others
Serves about 6 3/4-cup servings
Vegan, Gluten Free
Printable Recipe
**Fresh seasonal ingredients from KyV Farm

Ingredients

Dressing
1 clove crushed and minced garlic
1/4 tsp coarse sea salt
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Carrots and Lentils
2 lbs fresh organic baby carrots** (or large carrots can be chopped for shorter cook time of about 25 minutes.)
3 garlic cloves, crushed and chopped
2 tsp cumin seeds
1 Tbsp heat stable oil such as avocado oil or vegetable oil
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt
1 15oz can lentils, rinsed and drained (if you have home cooked here, even better)
3/4 cup toasted and lightly salted sunflower seeds
3 medjool dates, pitted and chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400F. Mix carrots, garlic, cumin seeds and oil in a baking dish. Cover and bake for 20 minutes, stir and uncover for an additional 20 minutes or until carrots are fork tender.

2. Meanwhile, mix the dressing ingredients. Add lentils to cooked carrots, pour dressing and top with dates and sunflower seeds; toss to mix.

Nutrition Facts
6 Servings
Amount Per Serving

Calories 240.5
Total Fat 10.3 g
Saturated Fat 1.0 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.7 g
Monounsaturated Fat 4.1 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Sodium 439.8 mg
Potassium 791.3 mg
Total Carbohydrate 33.6 g
Dietary Fiber 8.6 g
Sugars 15.2 g
Protein 6.9 g

Vitamin A 364.2 %
Vitamin B-6 21.0 %
Vitamin C 17.5 %
Vitamin E 34.1 %
Calcium 7.7 %
Copper 20.0 %
Folate 28.9 %
Iron 11.8 %
Magnesium 12.7 %
Manganese 34.6 %
Niacin 14.0 %
Pantothenic Acid 15.0 %
Phosphorus 24.7 %
Riboflavin 8.8 %
Selenium 14.3 %
Thiamin 11.9 %
Zinc 9.6 %

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Three Tips on How to make a Great Vegan Veggie Burger (and a Savory Veggie Burger Recipe)!

Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Kid Friendly, Lighter Fare, Low Cal, Main Meal, Soy Free, Tips, Vegan, Vegetarian 4 Responses »

Mar 102013

I’ve finally discovered the secrets to making great tasting great veggie or bean burgers when they used to fall apart, turning into mush.

The first secret is some flour – any kind will do; add it a tablespoon at a time until the mixture is firmer but only just stays together. (This does take some practice because if you add too much, it is firm before you cook it. but after it’s cooked it is too dry.)

Second, add some mila. It acts as an egg replacer but is a whole, raw food instead of that powdered stuff you buy at the store. (More on mila below.)

Third, put avocado on top. Everything is better with avocado.

Savory Veggie Burger with Vegan Cheese

These burgers were actually a round two recipe for me – I used the leftovers from the Quinoa and Black Bean Stew and, using fresh beets from KyV Farm, I re-created the veggie burgers I had recently eaten at Manatee Cafe in St Augustine. I don’t know what they put in those things but I could eat them every day. Maybe twice a day. Make that three times. They are GOOD.

These burgers are really flavorful with the Bragg Liquid Aminos (tastes like soy sauce), sweet raisins and fresh salsa in the mix. Put them on a burger bun with some vegan cheese and avocado and I bet you won’t miss the beef!

For my mila lovers out there – this is a great use for it! In this recipe it acts as an egg replacer and also happens to be a whole, raw food with 3000 mg of Omega 3′s. This powerful little seed has TONS of benefits and has been all over the news in the past few weeks. Mila was recently featured on Good Morning America as a great aid for weight loss! (You can see my friends Greg and Rachel in the clip – SO proud of you guys!). How awesome to finally have a way to help lose weight that isn’t some fake powder shake, pill or pharmaceutical. It is the seed used in Dr Bob Arnot’s new book the Aztec Diet and was also featured on Fox News. If you are wondering what the heck mila is – you can check it out here.

Veggie Burger

Savory Veggie Burger

Inspired by Manatee Cafe Veggie Burger

Serves 6
Vegan, Gluten Free
Printable Recipe
**Veggies from KyV Farm

Ingredients

2 beets**
2 cups finely chopped purple cabbage**
2 red onions with tops, chopped finely (or 1/2 cup chopped onion)**
1/4 cup cooked quinoa (or cooked rice or any grain)
1/3 cup cooked black beans (or beans of choice)
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
2 Tbsp flour of choice
1/4 cup raisins

Flavor punch!

1/2 cup salsa mixed with 2 Tbsp mila as binder (Mila is optional but I suggest trying an additional Tbsp flour without it; however, this has not been tested.)
1/4 cup Bragg Liquid Aminos (or tamari or soy sauce)
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder

Optional toppings

2 avocados
3 red onion slices, chopped
Vegan cheese slices

Directions

**This is a great place to use left over quinoa and black bean stew in place of the precooked grains and beans. Another option is to use canned beans and quickly cook the quinoa. Feel free to also precook the beets, cabbage and onion in step one the day before.

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Cut tops off beets and reserve for another use; wrap beets in foil and bake for 1 hour or until soft enough to be easily pierced by a fork; unwrap and cool enough to handle; peel and chop finely. Meanwhile heat a medium pot sprayed with nonstick cooking spray; add cabbage and onion and cook until softened, about five ingredients.

2. Mix the beets through the raisins, stir in flavor punch! Preheat broiler to high; spray a sheet pan with non-stick spray form veggie burgers into six patties; broil about 3 to 5 minutes but watch closely as broilers vary. Flip when firm enough to flip; broil an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until firm. Top each burger with a slice of cheese, and/or 1/3 avocado and a sprinkling of red onion.

Nutrition Facts (Without optional toppings.)
6 Servings
Amount Per Serving

Calories 119.3
Total Fat 1.3 g
Saturated Fat 0.1 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.6 g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.1 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Sodium 124.2 mg
Potassium 323.7 mg
Total Carbohydrate 21.6 g
Dietary Fiber 4.1 g
Sugars 7.9 g
Protein 6.8 g

Vitamin A 3.6 %
Vitamin B-12 44.4 %
Vitamin B-6 51.5 %
Vitamin C 25.5 %
Vitamin D 0.0 %
Vitamin E 1.6 %
Calcium 3.3 %
Copper 7.2 %
Folate 15.2 %
Iron 8.3 %
Magnesium 8.4 %
Manganese 17.9 %
Niacin 36.7 %
Pantothenic Acid 68.6 %
Phosphorus 10.8 %
Riboflavin 42.4 %
Selenium 1.3 %
Thiamin 42.6 %
Zinc 2.8 %

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Looking for a last minute dinner idea? Try this Black Bean Stew with Quinoa plus 7 Amazing Black Bean Recipes.

Dairy Free, Egg Free, High Protein, Lighter Fare, Low Cal, Main Meal, Native Sun Recipe, Soy Free, Vegan, Vegetarian No Responses »

Mar 052013

Black Bean Stew with Quinoa

Do you ever get home from work tired and without any sort of plan for dinner? That’s the time that fast food starts looking palatable. I say – don’t do it! Reach for a few cans out of the pantry or pre-cooked frozen beans and grab the quinoa. It only takes 20 minutes to prepare. Many times I do an alteration of a previous recipe because it’s easy and doesn’t take as much thought when I haven’t planned something out. Isn’t that what most of us do in our busy lives? Draw from experience and then use what we have on hand. It’s good to throw in a completely new recipe every now and then, but that takes a bit more time and effort. This stew is a alteration of the below black bean soup and will definitely be added into my normal rotation along with bean quesadillas, oat and bean burgers and pasta.

Black Bean Soup with Forbidden Rice

Here are a few more easy black bean recipes to help you through those busy nights….

Upside Down Lentil Pot Pie

Garlicky Black Bean Mila Dip

Easy Mexican Tortilla Bake

Easy Mexican Tortilla Bake with Mila

Vegan Tropical Black Bean Burgers
with Cucumber Mint Mango Peach Salsa

Tropical Black Bean Burgers

Ten Minute, Five Ingredient Black Bean Burgers

Avocado, Mango and Black Bean Tostada

Avocado, Mango and Caribbean Black Bean Tostada

This recipe was so quick, easy and delicious. It is very filling with tons of protein and fiber. For those people who ask me how I get protein on a plant based diet I can show them this recipe! The leftovers are versatile and make a great lunch (just add a bit of water before re-heating) and I even added them into a veggie burger – recipe to follow!

Black Bean Stew with Quinoa

Serves 6 (about 1 1/4 cups stew and 1/2 cup quinoa)
Vegan, Gluten Free
Printable Recipe

Ingredients

1 Tbsp avocado oil (or oil of choice)
1/2 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups vegetable broth
2 14.5-oz cans black beans (Tree of life)
1 14.5-oz can fire roasted diced tomato, drained
2 tsp adobo seasoning

Quinoa
1 cup quinoa
2 cups vegetable broth

Directions

1. Rinse and drain quinoa with a fine mesh strainer; bring quinoa and broth to a boil in a large sauce pan, cover and reduce heat, simmer 15 minutes; remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper.

2. Heat 1 Tbsp avocado oil in a medium sauce pan over medium high heat, add onions and cook 3 minutes until translucent, reduce heat and add garlic, stirring frequently, an additional 2 minutes; add beans, tomatoes, broth and adobo seasoning; simmer about 10 minutes; puree with an immersion blender or in batches in a blender to thicken.

Nutrition Facts
6 Servings
Amount Per Serving

Calories 337.1
Total Fat 4.9 g
Saturated Fat 0.5 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5 g
Monounsaturated Fat 1.7 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Sodium 592.8 mg
Potassium 626.1 mg
Total Carbohydrate 57.2 g
Dietary Fiber 14.8 g
Sugars 3.5 g
Protein 16.9 g

Vitamin A 5.2 %
Vitamin B-6 6.7 %
Vitamin C 12.7 %
Vitamin E 1.5 %
Calcium 5.3 %
Copper 17.1 %
Folate 51.9 %
Iron 30.0 %
Magnesium 24.5 %
Manganese 32.9 %
Niacin 3.6 %
Pantothenic Acid 3.6 %
Phosphorus 46.1 %
Riboflavin 61.7 %
Selenium 2.8 %
Thiamin 23.0 %
Zinc 10.6

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Enjoy this fabulous Black Bean Stew with Quinoa!

Tofu Xpress Giveaway and an Easy Saucy Kale and Tofu Sandwich

Dairy Free, Dressing, Egg Free, Food Find, Gratitude, High Protein, Lighter Fare, Main Meal, Native Sun Recipe, Quick and Easy, Six Ingredients or Less, Vegan, Vegetarian 37 Responses »

Feb 042013

For my Kale and Tofu Sandwich scroll down!

____________________________________________

And the winner of the giveaway is #13 Anna Rabhan! Please check out her article at her website the Organic Adventurer on Palm Oil and Orangutans.

____________________________________________

The long ago day when I overheard people talking about the book the China Study was the day that changed my life. I had already been leaning towards a plant based diet, but the facts about the proteins in animals and dairy scared me enough to finally make that change. The authors studied the instances of cancer, diabetes and heart disease in populations of rural China that ate little to no animal foods. They then took these findings back and performed laboratory studies where they found they could turn on and turn off cancer cells with the addition of the protein found in milk.

Even if it isn’t true the more I ask questions and facts I learn about the treatment of animals, especially dairy cows in most of the commercial farming industry, the happier I am that I found this book and the more I celebrate plant proteins like tofu, tempeh and legumes! Do you ever wonder…..What happens when it is time to retire that dairy cow? What happens to the male goats? What about male chicks in the egg industry? How do we harvest down and foie gras?

Ultimately each person is free to make their own decisions absolutely free of judgement. I encourage all of us to simply make informed decisions. Just like in all areas of life, it is so important to edcuate ourselves on the facts as best we can and then select what is right for us.

For those of you that are thinking about adding more plant based foods into your diet but don’t know what to do with tofu, the first thing you need to know is that you have to press the water out of it to get a firm texture that is reminiscent of animal protein. You can do this by putting a bunch of paper towels under the tofu and placing two plates, one on top and one on bottom, and topping with some weight (usually heavy books work well) for an hour up to overnight. OR you can get this super easy tofu press! My tofu press I bought from TofuXpress years ago is one of my all time favorite kitchen gadgets that gets used at least weekly. I can’t tell you how much I love this thing! No more plates and messy towels – this press will not only press the water out, you can marinate right in it!

TofuXpress Giveaway from FCC!

I am so excited to bring you a giveaway of a TofuXpress!

This press is a $40 value and I will ship to anywhere is the continental US.

To enter for THREE chances to win – tell all your friends!

Leave one comment: Entry #1 What is your favorite kitchen gadget? (Please share the love and share this giveaway with your friends!)

Leave a second comment: Entry #2 Like Florida Coastal Cooking on facebook AND share about the giveaway (If you are already a follower, thank you! Please simply share the giveaway and leave the comment you did so.)

Leave a third comment: Entry #3 Follow Florida Coastal Cooking on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway (If you are already a follower, thank you! Please simply share the giveaway and leave the comment you did so.)

The giveaway will end in one week on Monday, February 11th, 2013 5:30AM EST

Good luck!

Saucy Kale and Tofu Sandwich

This is one of my favorite ways to eat pressed tofu – SIMPLE, with kale, seasonings and a great dressing. Lately a kale, tofu and Annie’s Light Goddess dressing salad is all I bring for lunch. The great thing is that the hearty kale can stand up to being dressed that morning so I don’t have to worry about it turning to mush and at the same time it can marinate to the tofu. Yesterday for lunch I decided to try it as a sandwich and it was really good. The toasted bun gives it a nice crunch and the flavor of the Annie’s dressing is a soy/tahini/cider vinegar base which gives it a nutty and slightly salty flavor.

It is important to season firm, pressed and uncooked tofu because, just like any animal protein, it needs some flavor. Have you ever tried an unseasoned piece of chicken? I remember what it tastes like – bleck!

If you are not sure about leaving the tofu uncooked – you can marinate it in the dressing and then roast, grill or pan sear it.

Saucy Kale and Tofu Sandwich

Easy Saucy Kale and Tofu Sandwich

Serves 1
Vegan
Printable Recipe

Ingredients

1 bagel thin, I used Rudis Whole Wheat Flatz
2 curly kale leaves
1/4 block pressed organic tofu
Coarse sea salt, fresh ground pepper, to taste
1/8 tsp garlic powder
2 Tbsp Annie’s Light Goddess Dressing

Directions

1. Toast bagel thin; top with 1 kale leaf; top with tofu; sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder and dressing; top with remaining kale leaf.

Full Nutrition info not available for this recipe
Estimated
225 cals
12.8 grams protein
1/2 your daily calcium
Enjoy my Easy Saucy Kale and Tofu Sandwich!

Outrageously Cheesy and Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Alfredo Lasagna (Healthy and Naturally Vegan and Gluten Free)

Dairy Free, Egg Free, Favorites, Food Find, Gluten Free, Main Meal, Native Sun Recipe, Vegan, Vegetarian 10 Responses »

Jan 212013

This recipe is gonna blow your mind.

Cheesy and Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Alfredo Lasagna

Oh so cheesy and creamy and SUPER decadent.

Cheesy and Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Alfredo Lasagna

Not only is this dish easy – using the short cut of Victoria Vegan Alfredo sauce with a base of cashews instead of cream – it is healthy with zero cholesterol, vegan and gluten free.

For anyone who says meatless is tasteless, make this up and bring it to them. I guarantee they will be eating their words!

I confess that when I made this recipe and tasted it, I felt so guilty – here I am trying to eat lighter and enjoying a large slab of creamy, cheesy, mouth watering lasagna! Then I calculated the calories and fat….under 250 calories and only 2.5 grams saturated fat and poof! No more guilt.

This basic recipe can have any veggie subbed for the mushrooms and spinach that you have on hand so feel free to get a little crazy!

Creamy and Cheesy Mushroom and Spinach Alfredo Lasagna

Cheesy and Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Alfredo Lasagna

Serves 6
Vegan, Gluten Free
Printable Recipe

Ingredients

5oz Brown Rice Pasta Lasagna Noodles, Tinkyada
1 Tbsp oil
1 onion, chopped
1 ½ pkgs (15oz) frozen organic mushrooms
½ pkg (5oz) frozen organic spinach
1 Tbsp wheat free Tamari
1 jar Victoria Vegan Roasted Pepper Alfredo Sauce
½ cup non-dairy cheese, Daiya

Directions

1. Preheat oven 350F. Cook noodles to package directions and set aside.

2. Heat 1 Tbsp oil in pot pasta was cooked in; add onion, cook 5 minutes; add mushrooms, spinach and tamari; cook until softened and well combined; about 5 to 7 minutes.

3. Layer in a 9×9 baking dish, ¼ cup sauce, row of lasagna noodles, ½ mushroom mixture; repeat. Top with a third row of noodles, the last of the Alfredo sauce and ½ cup cheese. Cover and bake 45 minutes or until warm and bubbly.

Step by Step Lasagna Layering

Estimated Nutrition Info
6 Servings
Amount Per Serving

Calories 243
Total Fat 10 g
Saturated Fat 2.5 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3 g
Monounsaturated Fat 1.7 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Sodium 739 mg
Potassium 354.2 mg
Total Carbohydrate 30 g
Dietary Fiber 4.5 g
Sugars 3.9 g
Protein 7.9 g

Vitamin A 28.5 %
Vitamin B-12 0.5 %
Vitamin B-6 6.8 %
Vitamin C 8.6 %
Vitamin D 13.5 %
Vitamin E 1.9 %
Calcium 3.3 %
Copper 13.3 %
Folate 8.8 %
Iron 5.9 %
Magnesium 5.5 %
Manganese 12.3 %
Niacin 21.1 %
Pantothenic Acid 11.1 %
Phosphorus 7.9 %
Riboflavin 19.6 %
Selenium 9.6 %
Thiamin 12.0 %

Zinc 3.6 %

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Enjoy my Outrageously Cheesy and Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Alfredo Lasagna (Healthy and Naturally Vegan and Gluten Free)!

Warm Fruited Quinoa

Appetizer, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Favorites, Kid Friendly, Lighter Fare, Low Cal, Main Meal, Native Sun Recipe, Quick and Easy, Side Dish, Vegan, Vegetarian No Responses »

Jan 182013

Warm Fruited Quinoa

Olive oil, various fruits, nuts and warm spices are typical in Moroccan cuisine – so here I did a twist on that with quinoa and olive oil and then added some dried fruits and seasoned it simply with salt and pepper.

If you feel adventurous try adding any of the following herbs and spices:

Fresh Mint
Cinnamon
Cumin
Ginger
Saffron

Each of these or any combination will change the flavors of this dish and make it unique.

Dates, Raisins and Walnuts

Why did I not add any of those spices?

Because, in this case, simple is perfect. I love the soft, warm quinoa and the flavorful olive oil with the crunch of walnuts; the sweet dates and raisins and the touch of sea salt. Mmmm…….

Add a grilled protein on top and up the serving to half cup and you have a lovely entree!

Warm Fruited Quinoa

Serves 8, 1/4 cup servings
Vegan, Gluten Free
Printable Recipe
**Ingredients on sale now at Native Sun Natural Foods Market

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa**
1 1/4 cup vegetable broth**
1/4 cup walnuts
1/4 cup chopped dates (I used Medjool dates)
1/4 cup raisins
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil**
1/8 tsp coarse grind sea salt and some fresh ground pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Rinse quinoa and heat in a small saucepan with vegetable broth over medium high heat; bring to a boil, reduce heat and cover; cook 15 minutes, remove from heat and let sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Separate 2 cups of the cooked quinoa and reserve the remaining for a later use.

2. Add walnuts, dates, raisins, olive oil, salt and pepper to the quinoa. Stir to combine and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts
8 Servings
Amount Per Serving

Calories 129.1
Total Fat 4.9 g
Saturated Fat 0.4 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.6 g
Monounsaturated Fat 1.5 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Sodium 20.5 mg
Potassium 84.3 mg
Total Carbohydrate 19.8 g
Dietary Fiber 1.9 g
Sugars 7.4 g
Protein 3.0 g

Vitamin B-6 1.9 %
Vitamin C 0.4 %
Vitamin E 1.7 %
Calcium 0.7 %
Copper 3.8 %
Folate 1.1 %
Iron 9.0 %
Magnesium 2.2 %
Manganese 6.8 %
Niacin 0.8 %
Pantothenic Acid 0.5 %
Phosphorus 16.5 %
Riboflavin 32.6 %
Selenium 0.5 %
Thiamin 1.4 %
Zinc 0.8 %

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

What if…… and a Recipe For a Sweet and Salty Broccoli, Carrot and Tofu Stir Fry

Articles and Reading, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Main Meal, Quick and Easy, Six Ingredients or Less, Vegan, Vegetarian 2 Responses »

Jan 092013

A reflection on the importance of treating with food instead of medicine…….

CSA – Brussels, Broccoli, Carrots and Tomato

By now we have all figured out that the world didn’t end in December because we are all still here. But all that talk about the world ending got people talking. What if…..

Story in In-Style this month – Sandra Lee lived through the Super Storm

There WAS an emergency - a flu pandemic, a hurricane, terrorist attack, nuclear bomb….

Tofu Stir Fry

I’ll share a little known fact about me – I graduated with a sociology degree so I love the study of people and especially what would happen in an extreme disaster. I just finished a thought provoking book called One Second After by William R Forstchen. The setting is in North Carolina and the US is struck by an EMP, or electro magnetic pulse – this documented scenario can happen from a solar flare, but in this case, a nuclear device was detonated in the atmosphere high above the US – so there is no risk of radiation, but it fries all electronics and computers. In the book, the main character, John, is simply going about his day when he hears his daughter’s CD player stop playing music and the fan slowly stops turning. That is it. Next they realize the noise from the highway has stopped. All electronics with computer chips stop working. This sounds not too bad right?

Think about this. No one knows what happened because all communication is cut off. Everyone was waiting to find out what happened and what to do. If this happened – phones and radios don’t work so there is no communication, ATMs and banks are useless, cars stop working, pace makers stop, back-up generators and the computers at drug stores and super markets are dead and there is no way to truck the food, medicine and supplies that communities now rely on for daily deliveries. The people stranded on the highway, just driving through the area don’t know what is going on. Many of them need medications and food so they must walk into the nearest town – there are people that are so out of shape and unhealthy, they CAN’T walk for miles, some that make it to the pharmacy can’t get their meds because there is no access to the money on their check cards or their records.

For anyone on pharmaceuticals such as statins or other heart medication that could have been considerably helped through diet and exercise – in the book, they don’t make it. They can’t get access to the medications that they would normally simply buy when they needed it. People get cuts or ear infections – there are no antibiotics, so these minor injuries result in catastrophic infections. Any meds that needed to be refrigerated also degrade such as anyone with insulin dependence. How long could this loss of electronics affect us? Months or even years.

Also, consider this. In the past most humans had skills and trades. They were carpenters, farmers, seamstresses and blacksmiths….they had something they could barter with. Maybe some wool in exchange for food. Clothing in exchange for some tools.

How many of us in the US can grow our own food now? (Francisco and Vivian at my CSA, KYV Farm would have LOTS of new friends.) Sew? Cook? Do carpentry? Many people drive somewhere in our cars, sit all day on computers, drive home, go through the drive through, sit on the couch, watch TV, check facebook etc. What if we were at work when this happened? Do you have a crisis plan for your, your family and your children if communication is cut off?

Tofu Stir Fry

At home, is there anything in your pantry you could eat if you didn’t have access to the grocery store? I’m not talking a package of Doritos. I’m talking FOOD. Rice. Beans. Nut butters. Cans of veggies and fruit. Things that would keep in any disaster and would store without refrigeration. Meats and dairy will not keep (unless you count spam but that isn’t really food, ha!). How about a way to get fresh water? If the electronics stopped working, my well wouldn’t work. How would I get fresh water to drink, bathe and flush the commode?

Lots of Dry Beans

I’m not trying to worry or upset you but I am trying to get you to THINK of what you would do in different situations because when I started thinking about it – I realized I’d be in big trouble. I’m not saying I’m now a Doomsday Prepper but I do have a plan in case of disaster, a bit of extra rice and beans in the pantry, a water bottle used for hiking that filters water, and I called to get an extra bottle of my yellow Lab, Tally’s phenobarbital we use to treat her seizures. SIMPLE!

Organized Dry Goods – Grains and Beans Etc.Stored in Recycled Glass Containers

What else can you do? Take care of any ailments you can through FOOD instead of medicine. Start eating healthier and exercising. (I, of course, have to share info about my favorite super-food, Mila. Not only is it shelf stable, you could eat it in a disaster. This whole, raw food is what the Indians of the Copper Canyon ate on their long runs in the book born to run.) Especially those of you that are nurses and doctors. You have skills that are invaluable in daily life – in an emergency you would be even more valuable. You spend your days caring for others, please don’t forget to take care of yourselves!

I’m so thankful that we have found a way to treat my daughter’s horrendous food allergies of wheat, eggs, dairy, peanuts, cod, red 40 and more through a healthy, whole foods diet. I used to have to get $300 tubes of steroid creams more than MONTHLY. I’m also thankful that my family doesn’t need heart, cholesterol, blood pressure or anti-depressant medication – we have taken care of what we can by eating healthy and exercising, but my mom has Multiple Sclerosis and uses an injectable drug called Beta Seron. What would she do in an emergency? Definitely food for thought. Americans tend to take so much for granted, myself included, but I’m becoming more aware. Water. Food. Medicine. Washing machines. Toilet paper. Dry clothing. Toothpaste. Antibiotics. Vaccines. All these things are trucked in daily – especially in inner cities.

So many disasters already do happen and the populations in those areas would be so much better off with just a LITTLE preparedness; so I implore you to ask yourself….what if?

Just think – if you have some shelf stable tofu and some gardening skills you could make this. No gardening skills? Talk to an organic farmer and see how they do it. EASY, sweet, salty and nutty – my whole family loved this. I used sun butter because my daughter has lots of food allergies so she could enjoy it as well. As much as I didn’t feel like cooking when I got home, this was so simple to throw together in about ten minutes!

Tell me – have any preparations been made for an emergency or disaster? What would you do if you didn’t have access to any electronics?

Sweet and Salty Tofu Stir Fry

Sweet and Salty Broccoli, Carrot and Tofu Stir Fry

Serves 4
Printable Recipe
Vegan, Gluten Free, Oil Free

Ingredients

1 block tofu, pressed
1 head broccoli, chopped (from KyV Farm)
3 carrots, chopped (from KyV Farm)
2 Tbsp Sunflower seed butter (or any nut butter you choose)
2 Tbsp agave
1 Tbsp wheat free Tamari

Optional

Red pepper flakes

Directions

1. Heat 1 Tbsp water in a wok over medium high heat; cube tofu and add, browning on two sides, about three minutes, adding 1 tsp water as needed to prevent sticking; remove from heat and set aside.

2. Heat a second Tbsp water in wok add vegetables; stir constantly until tender crisp, again adding 1 tsp water as needed to prevent sticking; about 3 to 5 minutes.

3. Add tofu back to wok and reduce heat. Mix sunflower seed butter, agave and tamari in a small bowl; add to tofu mixture and toss to coat; serve with red pepper flakes if desired.

Nutrition Facts
4 Servings
Amount Per Serving

Calories 233.2
Total Fat 11.7 g
Saturated Fat 1.6 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.8 g
Monounsaturated Fat 3.6 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Sodium 365.3 mg
Potassium 801.1 mg
Total Carbohydrate 19.0 g

Dietary Fiber 7.3 g
Sugars 5.9 g
Protein 19.0 g
Vitamin A 157.2 %
Vitamin B-12 0.0 %
Vitamin B-6 18.1 %
Vitamin C 241.6 %
Vitamin D 0.0 %
Vitamin E 20.4 %
Calcium 21.1 %
Copper 21.4 %
Folate 36.8 %
Iron 21.6 %
Magnesium 37.7 %
Manganese 75.7 %
Niacin 12.9 %
Pantothenic Acid 10.3 %
Phosphorus 30.6 %
Riboflavin 15.4 %
Selenium 24.8 %
Thiamin 12.4 %
Zinc 15.9 %

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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I am so excited to bring you a giveaway of a TofuXpress!

To enter for THREE chances to win – tell all your friends!

Easy Saucy Kale and Tofu Sandwich

Cheesy and Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Alfredo Lasagna

Warm Fruited Quinoa

Sweet and Salty Broccoli, Carrot and Tofu Stir Fry

Ever wondered how to disguise tofu? This very humorous, last minute (and shaky) video shows you how.
Warning: The videographer was my 4 year old.