Growing up in California, one of my favourite meals was scrambled eggs with Mexican chorizo sausage. Now I enjoy tempeh “chorizo” crumbled into scrambled tofu every bit as much. The “chorizo” can be made up ahead and frozen, then browned, crumbled, and added to recipes, rather than eaten on its own like a sausage patty—delicious in tacos, burritos, quiches, and empanadas.
8 oz (230 g) tempeh 1 tsp (5 mL) dark sesame oil 1 tsp (5 mL) extra-virgin olive oil 4 oz (115 g) firm tofu, mashed 2 Tbsp (30 mL) red wine vinegar 1 1/2 Tbsp (22 mL) low-sodium soy sauce 1 1/2 Tbsp (22 mL) cornmeal 3 garlic cloves, crushed 2 tsp (10 mL) paprika or sweet smoked paprika (pimenton) 2 tsp (10 mL) mashed chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or chipotle or ancho chili powder (see sidebar below) 1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) brown sugar 1 tsp (5 mL) onion powder 3/4 tsp (4 mL) dried oregano 3/4 tsp (4 mL) ground cumin 3/8 tsp (1.8 mL) cinnamon 1/4 tsp (1 mL) fine salt
Cut tempeh into 1/2 in (1.25 cm) cubes. Heat oils over medium-high heat in medium seasoned cast iron skillet. When oils are hot, but not smoking, add tempeh and brown on all sides. Transfer browned tempeh to medium shallow bowl. Mash tempeh roughly with fork or potato masher.
Add remaining ingredients to bowl. Mix everything together well with clean hands. Form into 8 small patties.
Place patties in steamer basket or rack lined with cooking parchment. Steam, covered, over gently boiling water for 10 minutes. Remove patties to plate and cool.
Wrap well and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Patties can also be frozen on plate and, when fully frozen, placed in airtight container and frozen for future meals.
To brown before using in a recipe, cook patties in covered cast iron skillet, greased with a little olive or dark sesame oil, over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side.
Makes 8 patties or 4 servings.
Each serving (2 patties) contains: 174 calories; 14 g protein; 10 g total fat (2 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 11 g carbohydrates; 6 g fibre; 353 mg sodium
Storing canned chipotle peppers for future use
After opening the can and using what you need, pop each remaining chipotle pepper into a cavity of a plastic wrap-lined ice cube tray (the tray with smaller, round cavities work well for this), distributing the remaining sauce evenly among the peppers. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze solid. Then pop the frozen peppers into a freezer container and place back in the freezer. The peppers can be mashed to a pulp with a fork when frozen, making it easy to measure out the right amount.
source: "Tempeh for Dinner", alive #358, August 2012
This vegan take on classic shepherd’s pie is jam-packed with bold and rich flavours that will ensure no one will miss the meat. While a great source of fibre, lentils also contain the highest amount of folate out of all plant-based foods. Oven ready If you don’t have an ovenproof skillet, you’ll need to transfer cooked lentil filling to a baking dish before topping with mashed sweet potatoes and baking.
Cauliflower has been having a moment lately, and this salad proves exactly why. Tender caramelized cauliflower is crowned in a glorious sweet and savoury crumble that will ensure it a place on your table all month long. Of all tree nuts, pecans have the highest concentration of flavonoids, which offer beneficial anti-inflammatory effects, and they also protect your cells from oxidative damage. Crumble perfection This crumble topping is too good not to use it on other preparations. Sprinkle over a carrot ribbon salad to add some extra pizzazz, use as a glorious garnish on a soup or stew, or consider generously spooning over your next vegetable “steak” to add some delicious textural variation.
This gloriously comforting dish gets its creamy lusciousness from a can of white beans. Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand instead of broccoli. Pass the pasta Instead of regular pasta, consider serving this sauce over zucchini noodles, carrot noodles, or cooked spaghetti squash.
This nut-free take on classic queso dip is everything you want and more. Paired with chips, crackers, or crudités, this creamy, zesty, smoky, and oh-so-satisfying dip is easy enough to whip up for a cozy snack or as an appetizer for company. Go nuts! If you’re okay to eat nuts, try substituting sunflower seeds with 1 cup (250 mL) raw cashews.