Scrambled, what? Scrambled Tofu!

Looking for an easy way to get your protein. Look no further. We got you covered. All you need is a block of tofu (Trader Joe’s), non-dairy milk, flax seeds (grounded) salt, pepper, turmeric, cayenne pepper, vegan cheese, and onions. Pairs perfectly with sauteed spinach, Ozery bakery’s morning rounds, and Freida’s organic polenta.

First, put the block of tofu in a bowl and add about 2 tablespoons of non-dairy milk (I use Califia Farms). Then, add the grounded flax seeds about 1 tablespoon, a dash of salt, pepper, cayenne, and turmeric and two slices of vegan friendly cheese. Chop the onion into small square like pieces, you should use about half of the onion, and then mix it all together.

Heat your pan with drizzled olive oil and then scoop the seasoned tofu into the pan. Mix thoroughly until the onions are translucent and the vegan cheese is fully melted. Getting hungry? You’re almost done. All you have to do now is scoop into your plate.

Made and photographed by Christa Alexis

Vegan Chili Warms The Soul

Made by yours truly Christa Alexis

A perfect dish for a snowy Saturday evening is a bowl of three bean chili. It’s simple to make and will warm your heart. Let’s get to the basics, you know like what you will need to make this vegan chili dish. You’ll need celery, carrots, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, can of tomato sauce, and seasonings (cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika).

Once you have all your ingredients, you can start. Get a big deep dish bowl and line the bottom with a touch of olive oil and throw your chopped up garlic cloves in and saute for a few minutes (be careful you don’t want to burn them!) Season with a teaspoon of salt and pepper.

Chop your celery and carrot sticks (you’ll probably need about 4-6 sticks) into small pieces. HINT: The vegetables will cook quicker if they’re chopped into fine pieces but don’t over chop them either. The onion should be cut in the middle first and then horizontally. You want to fill up your entire chopping board with all of your veggies.

Now, throw them in and stir constantly until they are tender. Mix for a few minutes approximately 5 or so. Don’t worry if the veggies aren’t fully cooked yet, the vegetable broth will boil them for you. Add 2 cups of vegetable broth to the pot. Bring them to a slight boil and add a can 28 fl oz of tomato sauce or crushed sauce to the veggies and broth blend. Add your seasonings now, a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly. Cook on high for 5 minutes until it bubbles then add your beans: black, red kidney, and pinto beans.

Cook on a low simmer for 30 minutes and keep stirring. Now, you can eat a delicious vegan friendly hearty meal. I also threw in Trader Joe’s Beefless Ground Meat for extra protein in case you think you already didn’t have enough.

Throw fresh non-dairy mozzarella on top and whole grain scoops on the side, and wah-la you’re ready to eat.

 

 

Vegan kitchen, Kaya’s Kitchen

Located in the heart of the Jersey shore, Kaya’s Kitchen is an organic vegan cuisine with the fresh good quality ingredients. It uses seitan, tofu, and tempeh as protein alternatives in many of their plant-based dishes. You won’t go home hungry. You’ll go home happy.

Started off with country nuggets served with agave honey mustard and BBQ sauce (Photo Credits: Christa Alexis)

Started off the day with Maine’s cane sugar based root beer (fair trade certified) and panko breaded country vegan nuggets. The agave honey mustard is to die for. It’s flavorful, light consistency, and great for dipping with the country nuggets. Maine root beer was just the right amount of sweetness without any added caffeine. You may want to have two, but beware of the sugar attack.

Maine Root Beer

And there are so many options for vegetarians and vegans to choose from, you’ll need to look over the menu a few times (Well at least we did). You can get a culturally blended dish or a more traditional one. If you’re in the mood for Mexican, Indian, or American food, you can find exactly what you want. Don’t worry, you can add any type of plant-based protein to your dish. There is so much flavor and freshness in every dish!

Top picks: Happy Buddah (Gluten-free) and Burrito Grande

 

Much love,

Christa Alexis