Vegan Recipes and Plant Based Cooking

This is a very loose translation of a mole style sauce. It uses lots of chiles and it uses chocolate (in the form of cocoa powder), so I think it's fair to call it by that name.  The main reason I wanted to do a sauce like this was to try to come up with a savory way to integrate cocoa powder into more of my meals. Cocoa powder contains a good dose of magnesium and also several anti-oxidants. A mole style sauce seemed like the ideal way to add more cocoa to my life without having to resort to consuming too many desserts.  Ingredients 2 1/2 cups cremini mushrooms, minced 3 guajillo  2 jalapeno, minced 1 habanero, minced 6 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbls olive oil 3 tbls hot sauce 2 tbls sriracha 1 1/4 cups water 2 tbls cocoa powder 2 tsps oregano 2 tsp paprika 2 tsps cayenne 2 tsps cumin 1 tsp black pepper 1 tbl salt Instructions Begin by cooking the mushrooms and the salt in a large sauce pot over medium high heat. Let the mushrooms cook down until they release a good bit of...

 Sauces are kind of an obsession of mine. I spend a lot of thought trying to come up with new flavor combinations and ways to create the prefect viscosity using strictly vegan ingredients. I also like to keep it uncomplicated.  This sauce recipe is quick and easy, but very tasty. All you need is a microwave and a whisk.  Ingredients 2 tbls olive oil 1 tbl turmeric powder 1 tbl paprika 2 tsps oregano 3 cloves garlic 2 tbls sriracha  1/4 cup water 1 tbl salt 1/2 black pepper Prepare your garlic by peeling it and then slicing into each clove several times without cutting all the way through (like hasselback potatoes). In a microwave safe container add the oil, spices, garlic and sriracha.  Heat on high for 45 seconds.  You should have a fairly thick paste. Whisk everything to emulsify.  Slowly whisk in your water until your desired consistency is achieved.  It couldn't be easier to make, and yet, it's packed with flavor. The combination of turmeric a...

I love plating a recipe beautifully almost as much as I love creating one. Getting to eat them is equally as  intoxicating.  If it looks beautiful, it's more likely to persuade someone to try it. The goal is always to persuade more people who might be on the fence to try some vegan recipes. Plant based food is just as, if not more, wonderful. Cream. butter, meat... they can all be replaced. Moreover, replacing them smartly, can result in a far superior finished product in every conceivable way.  This is my goal with every recipe.  Flavor is easy in vegan food. Plants and spices are rife with flavor. So I was focused on texture in this case. Tofu can be too soft, especially for vegan meatballs'. The addition of par cooked lentils was my way of creating that perfect chew. I believe it was a success. I hope you agree.  Tofu and Lentils Vegan Meatballs Recipe 14 ounce block extra firm tofu, drained overnight 3 cloves garlic, chunked 1 pint white or cremini mushrooms...