Monday, April 2, 2018

Crock Pot Massaman Curry


This Curry is what I always order from our favorite Thai Restaurant.  I have been wanting to make it at home, but the complicated ingredients to make the curry paste was a little overwhelming.  Then I discovered Massaman Curry Paste at our new Asian Market.  It can also be found on Amazon.  Game- changer!!!  Now I can make it easily in my crock pot - and so can you!  Enjoy!

Watch How I make this recipe in the video below:


Recipe:

1 can Massaman curry paste
(Maesri brand can be bought at Asian Markets and on Amazon)
2 cans Coconut Milk
2 Tbsp Agave Nectar or Maple Syrup
1 Tbsp Sriracha (more for extra spiciness)
1 onion, chopped into large pieces
1 1/2 lbs Potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 medium Carrots, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup peanuts
Juice of one Lime
Fried Tofu (optional) - See instructions below
Cooked Jasmine Rice (for serving)

In the crockpot, combine the curry paste, coconut milk, agave nectar or maple syrup, and Sriracha.  Stir well and add the onion, potatoes and carrots.
Set the crockpot on low to cook for 6-8 hours (a low setting is best so that the coconut milk does not curdle).
When cooking is complete, stir in the lime juice, peanuts and optional tofu (see recipe below).
Serve with hot Jasmine Rice.
Enjoy!

Fried Tofu Recipe:

1 pkg. extra firm Tofu
Canola Oil

Wrap the tofu in several layers of paper towel.  Place a heavy object on top to weigh it down, such as a cast iron skillet.  Leave for 20 minutes, allowing the excess water to be pressed out.
Cut the tofu into cubes and put them into a freezer safe container or bag.
Freeze for 4 hours.  The ice crystals that form will give the tofu a better texture for frying.
Thaw the tofu.
In a cast iron skillet, fill the bottom with a layer of oil and turn the burner on medium/high heat.
When the oil is hot, place the tofu cubes into the skillet in an even layer - being careful not to crowd the pan.  Turn the tofu to brown each side.
Drain on a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
Add the fried tofu to the finished curry.

Thursday, March 22, 2018

Instant Pot Butternut Soup - Vegan and Gluten-Free


Creamy, rich,silky, satisfying soup that is ready in under 15 minutes in the Instant Pot!
This is a classic Fall recipe, but is still perfect for those cool, early spring evenings.  It is especially good for a fast, but nourishing dinner on a busy weeknight. This soup is even better the next day, when the flavors have fully developed and it keeps well in the refrigerator for several days. If you don't have an instant pot, I have included the instructions for the conventional method below.  It is still fairly quick, if you steam the squash in the microwave.
My Instant Pot is a Mini (3 quart), so if you like, this recipe may be doubled.

Watch how I make this soup in the video below:

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Creamy Penne with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Vegetables (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

My favorite creamy pasta dish made vegan and gluten-free.
This has been a go-to meal for our family for a long time.  It is easy, fast (takes less that 30 minutes to make) and you can use vegetables that you have on hand.  I used mushrooms and asparagus this time (my favorite!), but I have used green beans, spinach and kale - all with great results.
When we began our plant based diet, I missed this dish.  I needed to find a substitute for cream - and discovered cashew cream.  Amazing!  

Watch how I make this recipe in the video below:

Thursday, March 8, 2018

Peanut Butter Chocolate Pretzel Bars - Vegan & Gluten-Free



The perfect combination of peanut butter cups and chocolate covered pretzels.
If you are craving a rich indulgent treat that is both vegan and gluten-free, this is for you!  My family goes crazy for these.  They are sweet, a little salty, creamy,crunchy, peanut buttery and chocolaty.  Beware - they are highly addictive!

 Watch how I make this recipe in the video below:

Monday, March 5, 2018

Sesame Noodles

Quick and easy rice noodles in a rich Asian inspired sesame sauce.
The original recipe was from a Susan Branch cookbook that I have had for over 20 years.  I was recently reminded of it when we made it with my parents at Christmastime.  It is now a regular item in our family rotation.  If you love Pad Thai, this will be right up your alley.  And if you like dinner in a hurry,  this will be ready to eat in 10 minutes!

Watch how I make this recipe in the video below:


Recipe:

12 oz. Brown Rice Noodles
1/4 cup Tahini
1/4 cup Water
1/4 cup Coconut Aminos
1/4 cup Oil (Avocado or Canola)
2 Tbsp Sugar
2 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
1 tsp Garlic, minced
1 Tbsp Sriracha
2 tsp Sesame Oil
1/4 tsp Salt
Green Onions
Fresh Cilantro

Prepare noodles according to the package instructions.
Whisk all of the ingredients except the green onions and cilantro in a large bowl.
Add the cooked noodles to the sauce mixture and toss to coat thoroughly.
Top with green onions and cilantro.
Enjoy!


Thursday, March 1, 2018

Healthy Morning Muffins (Vegan & Gluten-Free)


This is for you Carrot Cake Fans!

My recipe for Gluten-Free Healthy Morning Muffins is one that our family has enjoyed so much, and I shared it with you a while back on this blog.  In our transition to a plant-based diet, I am adapting as many of our favorites as possible.  The results are sometimes disappointing, but not with these muffins!  They are just as moist and delicious.
If you are a fan of carrot cake, I know you will love these muffins.
Go on - eat some carrot cake for breakfast and know that you are eating something healthy to start your day!



Watch how I make this recipe in the video below:

Monday, February 26, 2018

Creamy White Chili - Vegan & Gluten-Free



Rich and Creamy White Chili that you won't believe is Dairy and Gluten-Free!
It is the perfect recipe for your Instant Pot or pressure cooker.  But don't worry if you don't have one, the directions for preparing this recipe the conventional way are listed below.
Silk Protein Nut Milk is used in place of whole milk.  It is a combination of Almond and Cashew milk and mimics the creaminess of whole milk so well, that no one will miss the dairy.
You must try this recipe - 
it is a fun twist on the standard chili recipe that is perfect for a wintry evening!

Watch how I make this recipe in the Instant Pot below: