MOVED MOVED MOVED MOVED MOVED!
Vegan Ronin has moved to:
http://theveganronin.wordpress.com/
It is easier for me to update, so that means more food for you! In fact there is a new post there right now, hurry! Go!
Oh, and a VEGAN RONIN FACEBOOK page too, so you can get updates when they happen!
This page will remain in limbo. I am updating some of the older posts too, but they will only be updated on the new site.
I am also starting a new bento page as well. So come on over to: http://theveganronin.wordpress.com/
PEACE OUT!
xoVR
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Just letting you know
that my edamame chocolate bar was featured in Ladies' Home Journal this month (Sept 2010). You can buy it and other flavors here. ^_^ Awesomeness!
I also got married.
I am also permanently moving to London in a week.
This means fun new foods for all of us! Yayyyyyy!
I also got married.
I am also permanently moving to London in a week.
This means fun new foods for all of us! Yayyyyyy!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Mini Quiche!
I made these for my wedding brunch, perfect little finger foods!
For a normal-sized quiche, please see the recipe HERE
Pan:
Standard non-stick cupcake pan
Dough:
Pre-made roll-out crust
Filling (from my quiche recipe):
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves minced garlic
1 lb. your choice veggies (broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, red peppers, etc), cooked to just done
Any add ins like vegan ham or cheeze
1 lb firm tofu, drained
1/2 cup soy milk
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 teaspoon turmeric
Heat oven to 350.
1. Cook onion and garlic until golden, and add veggies and heat until soft.
2. In blender, puree tofu, soymilk, mustard, salt, nutmeg, pepper, and nutritional yeast, until smooth.
3. Pour into large bowl and add the onion and veggie mixture and any extra vegan cheezes/faux meats. Combine well. Taste for seasoning.
4. Roll out dough to no more than 1/4" thick. (If using pre-cut sheets, roll together.) Using a knife, cut 12 squares large enough to fit into the cupcake cups, about 4"x4"
5. Lay dough into cups, making sure they are pressed into the bottom. Style the dough tops to your taste- over the edges, straight up, twisted, etc.
6. Spoon mixture into each cup until they are all full.
7. Bake for 20-30 minutes, until crust is golden brown.
For a normal-sized quiche, please see the recipe HERE
Pan:
Standard non-stick cupcake pan
Dough:
Pre-made roll-out crust
Filling (from my quiche recipe):
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves minced garlic
1 lb. your choice veggies (broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, red peppers, etc), cooked to just done
Any add ins like vegan ham or cheeze
1 lb firm tofu, drained
1/2 cup soy milk
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 teaspoon turmeric
Heat oven to 350.
1. Cook onion and garlic until golden, and add veggies and heat until soft.
2. In blender, puree tofu, soymilk, mustard, salt, nutmeg, pepper, and nutritional yeast, until smooth.
3. Pour into large bowl and add the onion and veggie mixture and any extra vegan cheezes/faux meats. Combine well. Taste for seasoning.
4. Roll out dough to no more than 1/4" thick. (If using pre-cut sheets, roll together.) Using a knife, cut 12 squares large enough to fit into the cupcake cups, about 4"x4"
5. Lay dough into cups, making sure they are pressed into the bottom. Style the dough tops to your taste- over the edges, straight up, twisted, etc.
6. Spoon mixture into each cup until they are all full.
7. Bake for 20-30 minutes, until crust is golden brown.
Pistachio-Crusted Tofu with Ponzu Sauce
I have a subscription to Bon Appetit magazine, and this month (Sept 10) one of their featured "Meatless Mains" sounded awesome. So awesome in fact, I wanted to pass it on before I even try it! So let us know if you make it!
*Note: Some ponzu sauce has fish in it, read carefully!
Original link HERE
Pistachio-Crusted Tofu with Ponzu Sauce
Ponzu, a citrus-infused soy sauce, can be found in the Asian foods section of some supermarkets.
2 servings
* PREP:35M
* TOTAL:50M
Recipe by the Bon Appetit Test Kitchen
September 2010
Ingredients
* 1 12-ounce package organic firm tofu, drained
* 1/4 cup ponzu
* 1/2 cup unsalted natural pistachios (about 2 1/2 ounces)
* 1/4 cup (vegan) mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons peanut oil
*
TECH TIP
Coating the tofu works best if you use one hand for wet ingredients and the other for dry. With your dominant hand ("wet" hand), coat the tofu in the mayo. With the other hand ("dry" hand), press the tofu into the ground nuts. The wet-hand, dry-hand method is a tidy way to coat food for frying.
Preparation
*
Cut tofu in half crosswise, then cut each piece in half horizontally, forming 4 rectangles. Press between paper towels to dry. Pour ponzu into shallow bowl or pie dish. Add tofu rectangles to ponzu and marinate 15 minutes, turning occasionally.
*
Meanwhile, pulse nuts in processor until finely ground (do not allow to turn to paste). Transfer to another shallow bowl.
*
Pat tofu dry. Sprinkle with pepper. Whisk mayonnaise into ponzu in bowl. Working with 1 tofu piece at a time, coat with ponzu mayonnaise and place in bowl with ground pistachios. Turn to coat; press so nuts adhere. Place tofu on rimmed baking sheet. Repeat with remaining tofu, ponzu mayonnaise, and pistachios.
*
Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add tofu; cook until golden and heated through, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Spoon remaining ponzu mayonnaise onto plates. Top with tofu and serve.
Man that sounds awesome! Maybe with a drizzle of sriatcha sauce or chili oil on top and some pan-fried Brussels sprouts in the side with a little ponzu dressing. MMMMM!
*Note: Some ponzu sauce has fish in it, read carefully!
Original link HERE
Pistachio-Crusted Tofu with Ponzu Sauce
Ponzu, a citrus-infused soy sauce, can be found in the Asian foods section of some supermarkets.
2 servings
* PREP:35M
* TOTAL:50M
Recipe by the Bon Appetit Test Kitchen
September 2010
Ingredients
* 1 12-ounce package organic firm tofu, drained
* 1/4 cup ponzu
* 1/2 cup unsalted natural pistachios (about 2 1/2 ounces)
* 1/4 cup (vegan) mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons peanut oil
*
TECH TIP
Coating the tofu works best if you use one hand for wet ingredients and the other for dry. With your dominant hand ("wet" hand), coat the tofu in the mayo. With the other hand ("dry" hand), press the tofu into the ground nuts. The wet-hand, dry-hand method is a tidy way to coat food for frying.
Preparation
*
Cut tofu in half crosswise, then cut each piece in half horizontally, forming 4 rectangles. Press between paper towels to dry. Pour ponzu into shallow bowl or pie dish. Add tofu rectangles to ponzu and marinate 15 minutes, turning occasionally.
*
Meanwhile, pulse nuts in processor until finely ground (do not allow to turn to paste). Transfer to another shallow bowl.
*
Pat tofu dry. Sprinkle with pepper. Whisk mayonnaise into ponzu in bowl. Working with 1 tofu piece at a time, coat with ponzu mayonnaise and place in bowl with ground pistachios. Turn to coat; press so nuts adhere. Place tofu on rimmed baking sheet. Repeat with remaining tofu, ponzu mayonnaise, and pistachios.
*
Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add tofu; cook until golden and heated through, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Spoon remaining ponzu mayonnaise onto plates. Top with tofu and serve.
Man that sounds awesome! Maybe with a drizzle of sriatcha sauce or chili oil on top and some pan-fried Brussels sprouts in the side with a little ponzu dressing. MMMMM!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Stuffed Squash Blossoms
It's that time of the year. You have zucchini coming out of your ears! Or courgette coming out of your nose. Your choice.
And what's there before those delicious squashes? Delicious squash blossoms!
Now, you want to pick the bigger blossoms. Those are the male flowers and will not be producing anything. You also don't want to pick ALL the male blossoms at once, you do want squash babies don't you? (The smaller ones are female, and you can hand-pollinate by pulling out the stamen in the male and rubbing the pollen in the female flower. Boom! Squash baby).
Ok, here we go:
Male squash blossoms, cleaned
Vegan cream cheeze
Herbs De Provence
Salt
Oil for frying
1. Wash the blossoms. You can also clean out the inside, and the little leafy bits at the bottom of the blossom, but I just keep it as it is. Less work! Unless you're deathly allergic to pollen.. then clean it out!
2. Mix a spoonful of cream cheeze with the dried herbs and a sprinkle of salt. You will need one spoonful per blossom.
3. Heat the frying pan on medium, then add a little oil just to cover the pan.
4. Put a spoonful of the cream cheeze into the blossom, and close the petals around the filling.
5. Fry on each side until golden brown!
Want to eat other flowers? Here is a handy little guide I just found! http://whatscookingamerica.net/EdibleFlowers/EdibleFlowersMain.htm
And what's there before those delicious squashes? Delicious squash blossoms!
Now, you want to pick the bigger blossoms. Those are the male flowers and will not be producing anything. You also don't want to pick ALL the male blossoms at once, you do want squash babies don't you? (The smaller ones are female, and you can hand-pollinate by pulling out the stamen in the male and rubbing the pollen in the female flower. Boom! Squash baby).
Ok, here we go:
Male squash blossoms, cleaned
Vegan cream cheeze
Herbs De Provence
Salt
Oil for frying
1. Wash the blossoms. You can also clean out the inside, and the little leafy bits at the bottom of the blossom, but I just keep it as it is. Less work! Unless you're deathly allergic to pollen.. then clean it out!
2. Mix a spoonful of cream cheeze with the dried herbs and a sprinkle of salt. You will need one spoonful per blossom.
3. Heat the frying pan on medium, then add a little oil just to cover the pan.
4. Put a spoonful of the cream cheeze into the blossom, and close the petals around the filling.
5. Fry on each side until golden brown!
Want to eat other flowers? Here is a handy little guide I just found! http://whatscookingamerica.net/EdibleFlowers/EdibleFlowersMain.htm
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Vegan Takoyaki
Previously, I have made Tofu Takoyaki. Very delicious, but not authentic. Well that's going to change! If you want to get super technical, this is called "Konnyakuyaki".
This is a very specific recipe, needing out-of-the-ordinary equipment and ingredients. I have tried to offer replacements where possible.
Hardware:
Takoyaki pan
toothpick or skewer
canola oil for greasing
Batter:
2 C Vegan takoyaki powder mix
OR
2 Cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 C cold dashi stock (water soaked with konbu OR mixed with instant konbu granules)
2 Tbsp oil
extra cold water (if needed)
Filling:
Konnyaku* block (not noodles), cut into squares (or mushrooms halves)
Red pickled ginger, chopped
Green onions, chopped
Tempura bits (tenkasu), optional
Toppings:
Takoyaki/okonomiyaki/tonkatsu sauce (whichever you can find vegan will do)
Vegan mayo
Nori powder (fine cut seaweed)
Preheat the takoyaki pan. Traditionally, over the stove, or turn on the electric type.
1. Stir all the batter ingredients together. It should be a runny medium batter, if not, add the cold water little by little.
2. Grease the takoyaki pan with a paper towel dipped in oil.
3. Spoon in the batter to overfill the cups.
4. Place a square of konnyaku in the center of each cup.
5. As is starts to cook, sprinkle the ginger and onions and tempura bits on top.
6. Now comes the tricky part. Turning. After a minute, using your skewer/toothpick, you grab the edge of the takoyaki ball and flip it over half way so the other side can start to cook. Pick up the spilled over filling and shove it in there too. Keep continuously rotating them until they are completely round and golden brown.
Here is a video, it shows all of these cooking steps.
7. Once they are golden and firm, place them on your plate. Drizzle your sauce and mayo on top, with a sprinkling of nori flakes. You are ready to eat!
*My host family told my konnyaku is a "sea potato". This..... is not true. Even though it is often called a "yam", it isn't that either! This "potato" is made into flour and has hijiki added to it for the color. It has a jiggly texture a lot of people don't like at first, and the taste can be too "fishy" sometimes. But it is a perfect replacement for octopus legs in this recipe!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Fast Awesome Pizza Dough
I love making me some pizzas. I hate waiting hours for dat pizza dough to rise. SOLUTION!
(Cue really loud fast music)
10 MINUTE DOUGH!
PIZZA DOUGH!
PUT IT IN YOUR MOUTH!
PIZZA DOUGH!
GRAAAHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Now that my career as a hardcore singer is secure, here is what you need for two regular pizzas or one big, thick pizza:
2 - 3 C flour*
1 package yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
1/2 tsp salt
1 C warm water
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 tsp dried herbs of your choice, optional (basil, oregano, rosemary, chili powder, etc)
*Your amount of flour used will depend on the type you use. Ex) with an unbleached white, it is about 2 1/2 cups.
SSUUUUUPPPPPPRRRRREEEEEMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEE
1. In a large bowl, mix 2 C flour, yeast, salt, and herbs.
2. Mix in warm water and olive oil.
3. You want a soft dough, but not a dry one. Mix/knead the dough by continuing to add flour by 1/4 C if needed.
4. Once you have a nice dough, knead for about 5 min on a floured surface until it is smooth and elastic.
5. Place back in bowl, cover with a slightly damp cloth, Let rise 10 minutes.
6. Preheat oven for 400 for normal pizzas, 375 for thick pizza.
7. Form the dough into balls and roll out to desired shape/thickness.
8. Oil pans and place dough on it. (*You can sprinkle cornmeal on the pan before you put the dough on it, if you're into that kinda thing)
9. Poke holes in the bottom and load up with sauces and toppings!
10. Bake 20-30 min or until golden brown.
Or make 6 mini pizzas you can bake in the toaster oven!
Protip: arugula on top! Boom!
PROTIP: Only need one pizza? Go ahead and bake a plain crust for 5 minutes, then put it in the freezer for later baking!
PROTIP: Calzones! Need I say more?
(Cue really loud fast music)
10 MINUTE DOUGH!
PIZZA DOUGH!
PUT IT IN YOUR MOUTH!
PIZZA DOUGH!
GRAAAHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Now that my career as a hardcore singer is secure, here is what you need for two regular pizzas or one big, thick pizza:
2 - 3 C flour*
1 package yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
1/2 tsp salt
1 C warm water
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 tsp dried herbs of your choice, optional (basil, oregano, rosemary, chili powder, etc)
*Your amount of flour used will depend on the type you use. Ex) with an unbleached white, it is about 2 1/2 cups.
1. In a large bowl, mix 2 C flour, yeast, salt, and herbs.
2. Mix in warm water and olive oil.
3. You want a soft dough, but not a dry one. Mix/knead the dough by continuing to add flour by 1/4 C if needed.
4. Once you have a nice dough, knead for about 5 min on a floured surface until it is smooth and elastic.
5. Place back in bowl, cover with a slightly damp cloth, Let rise 10 minutes.
6. Preheat oven for 400 for normal pizzas, 375 for thick pizza.
7. Form the dough into balls and roll out to desired shape/thickness.
8. Oil pans and place dough on it. (*You can sprinkle cornmeal on the pan before you put the dough on it, if you're into that kinda thing)
9. Poke holes in the bottom and load up with sauces and toppings!
10. Bake 20-30 min or until golden brown.
PROTIP: Only need one pizza? Go ahead and bake a plain crust for 5 minutes, then put it in the freezer for later baking!
PROTIP: Calzones! Need I say more?
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Yuba
Yuba (tofu skin in Japanese) is a very delicate dish that is very easy to make! The time you put in to it is so worth it!
Ingredients:
Soy milk*
Soy sauce
Scallions, sliced (optional)
Wasabi paste (optional)
1 C soy milk = one serving.
*If possible, use a pure soy milk with no additives. Store bought is fine though, it's just a pinch sweeter.
Equipment:
Non-stick frying pan/skillet (NOT sauce pan)
Chopsticks or spatula
Small dessert bowl
1. In your frying pan, pour soy milk and heat on low-medium.
2. In a couple minutes, a slight skin will start to form on the top. When a skin has formed over the entire top (not just the center), use the chopsticks or spatula to start from the sides to pick up the ENTIRE skin in one piece. (It's totally ok if it rips, no one will know).
3. Place skin in the little bowl.
4. Repeat until all the soy milk is used. If making extra, pour in more soy milk as it gets low.
5. Pour a little soy sauce around the yuba. Add a pinch of wasabi on top and garnish with sliced scallions and present!
Amazing fresh and warm, but still great cold!
Mix wasabi with soy sauce before eating. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
Soy milk*
Soy sauce
Scallions, sliced (optional)
Wasabi paste (optional)
1 C soy milk = one serving.
*If possible, use a pure soy milk with no additives. Store bought is fine though, it's just a pinch sweeter.
Equipment:
Non-stick frying pan/skillet (NOT sauce pan)
Chopsticks or spatula
Small dessert bowl
1. In your frying pan, pour soy milk and heat on low-medium.
2. In a couple minutes, a slight skin will start to form on the top. When a skin has formed over the entire top (not just the center), use the chopsticks or spatula to start from the sides to pick up the ENTIRE skin in one piece. (It's totally ok if it rips, no one will know).
3. Place skin in the little bowl.
4. Repeat until all the soy milk is used. If making extra, pour in more soy milk as it gets low.
5. Pour a little soy sauce around the yuba. Add a pinch of wasabi on top and garnish with sliced scallions and present!
Amazing fresh and warm, but still great cold!
Mix wasabi with soy sauce before eating. Enjoy!
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