Wednesday, July 6, 2011

a True Italian.

Okay- maybe I'm not even a little bit Italian, like at all. BUT- I did finally successfully make homemade pasta tonight! I'm so proud of myself! I've attempted twice before and ended up with a pile of crumbles. But today- no- NOT TODAY! Today I was a super italian. Thanks to this youtube video- my fine skillz were finally put to work.

I made Whole-Wheat pasta and used my handy dandy pasta machine that has been sitting in my pantry for about 5 years. We made some delicious spaghetti and linguine. Tonight we had the spaghetti. Pasta is one of my "what can I make that will be cheap and easy" meals. Throw in some great veggies (I'm a broccoli nut), make some homemade sauce or buy some good stuff- i like whole foods 3 cheese pasta sauce, and top it off with some shredded cheese- and you got dinner in a bowl. I used what veggies we had- portabellos and zucchini- mmmm.
Pasta is a great vegetarian go-to meal- and homemade pasta is just divine.
Making my well- apparently if you break the well- you will never marry- so be careful, unless you're already married- then just go for it. 

It's totally reminds me of a playdough machine and is just as satisfying- in fact better because it doesn't taste like salty grossness. Yes- i have eaten playdough- and don't even act like you haven't. 

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Happy 4th-Burgers!

I don't know about you but I am thoroughly ready for some July 4th swimming and cook-out. I thought I would share a delish veggie burger option for you today. 

This recipe is by Trudy from Veggienumnum

Important tip for these babies is making sure you only cut the tofu slabs 3/4 inch by 2 inches. The Satay Sauce is seriously TO DIE for. I have made it twice and am always licking my plate when it's over. I'm trying to figure out what else to use this sauce for.
Also- the tempura batter is perfection- I will definitely be using it for some veggies sooner or later. 

Another important note- I have NO clue how the tempura(white)tofu(white) ends us looking brown in this photo- it has baffled me every time I've made it. But- its delicious so don't sweat it. If you figure out the mystery-let me know!

Tempura Tofu Burger w/ Chili Satay Sauce

Preparation time: 30mins
Makes approx 4 Burgers
Chili Satay Sauce
  • 2 tsp peanut oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 chili, diced
  • 1 tsp curry powder or paste
  • 2 tbs peanut butter
  • 2 tsp palm sugar
  • 1 cup light coconut milk
  • 1 lime
  • ½ cup of coriander, roughly chopped
Heat the peanut oil over a medium heat in a saucepan or frypan, add the garlic and chilli and fry for 1 minute, add the curry powder and combine with the oil. Add the peanut butter, palm sugar and coconut milk, turn down the heat and cook at a low simmer for a few minutes stiring, add a good squeeze of lime juice and the chopped coriander, stir to combine, remove from heat and set aside.
Tempura Tofu
  • 590g (20oz) firm Japanese Tofu
  • free range egg (or equivalent in egg replacer)
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 4 cups peanut oil, for deep frying
Slice the tofu into slabs and pat dry on paper towel. To make the tempura batter, quickly whisk the flour with the water, egg or egg replacer and a pinch of salt. Heat the oil in a saucepan over a medium-high heat until the surface begins to shimmer.
One piece at a time, dunk the tofu into the batter and slide carefully into the hot oil, allow to deep fry for 1-3 minutes until just golden, remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on absorbent paper. Repeat with remaining tofu.

Tempura Tofu Burger w/ Chili Satay Sauce
  • 4 large fresh burger buns
  • fresh lettuce
  • sliced tomato
  • sliced cucumber
  • sliced red onion
  • aioli (optional/for non-vegans)
  • tempura tofu
  • chili satay sauce
To assemble the burger spread the bottom bun with aioli (if using) top with lettuce, cucumber, tomato, red onion, a piece or two of tempura tofu and finish with a good spoon or two of chili satay sauce.
Serve with oven fries or on its own as an awesome lunch or dinner, great for a casual meal when entertaining or for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Enjoy your family, Get some sun and live up your Holiday weekend meatless : ) P.S- VeggieDogs are totally YUMMO.