Category: Side dishes

  • I think I just drooled on myself…

    I just managed to make the yummiest onion straws in the whole wide world. I CANNOT fry. Seriously. I am terrible at breaded things. They are perfect. I would’ve taken a pic, but I’m afraid that I can’t stop eating them.

    BTW, I don’t have a thermometer or anything, and they’re still perfection.

    http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/03/onion-strings-oh-yeah-baby/

  • Tofu fried rice

    After a visit last week to Pei Wei, I’ve been in search of a recipe similar to their honey-seared tofu and veggies plate.  I’m not saying that I have it figured out yet, but I’m getting closer!

    Tofu Fried Rice

    1 block of Oriental Baked Tofu (or make you’re own if you’re feeling industrious)
    2 eggs (omit if you’re vegan)
    2 T olive oil
    1 package of sprouts (optional)
    2 cups of cooked rice, refrigerated
    shredded carrots or other veggies
    soy sauce to taste (maybe 1/8 cup?)
    honey
    sesame oil
    Get out your wok (or pan) and heat the olive oil.  Add the eggs and scramble them.  Move the eggs over to the side and toss in the veggies.  Stir fry them until they are soft.  Add the rice and soy sauce while continuing to stir fry.  Cut your tofu into cubes and toss them in.  Stir it all until it is evenly heated.  Add sprouts, if desired.

    Once it is all warm, transfer to a bowl and add sesame oil and honey to the top.

    This is so good!

  • Stuffed Zucchini

    4 medium zucchini (about 1 1/2 pounds)
    2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
    OR
    ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
    10 spinach leaves
    8 basil leaves
    4 cloves garlic, peeled
    1 medium onion, peeled and quartered
    1 medium carrot, peeled and quartered
    1 ½ teaspoons olive oil
    3 large plum tomatoes, chopped
    1 teaspoon salt
    1 cup dry breadcrumbs
    ¾ cup (3 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
    1 large egg white

    Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise; scoop out pulp, leaving a 1/4- inch-thick shell. Set pulp aside. Cut each zucchini shell in half crosswise.

    Steam zucchini shells, covered, 3 minutes. Place on paper towels to drain; set aside.

    Place zucchini pulp in a food processor; process until finely chopped. Spoon into a bowl; set aside.

    Place rosemary and next 5 ingredients (rosemary through carrot) in a food processor, and process until finely chopped.

    Heat oil over low heat. Add rosemary mixture. Cover and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add zucchini pulp, tomatoes, and salt; saute over medium heat 20 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in breadcrumbs. Let mixture cool. Add cheese and egg white; stir well.

    Preheat oven to 350.

    Divide mixture evenly among zucchini shells. Place stuffed shells on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

  • Vegetarian Lunch Ideas

    I have been a vegetarian off-and-on since 1992, and I have found that its easy for me to get stuck in a rut when it comes to my meal planning. Before I know it, I’m only eating a few different meals. I thought I’d go ahead and post some of my lunchtime favorites. If you have any, please feel free to comment and add them on!

    Make Ahead Lunch Wraps
    Summery Tomato Pasta Salad
    Peanut Butter and Jelly
    Peanut Butter and Banana
    Baked Beans on Toast or Cornbread
    Vegetable Soup
    Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese
    Nachos with guacomole and tons of fresh veggies
    Pizza
    Pinto Bean Pasta Salad (Pintos, tomatoes, pasta, corn, cauliflower, broccoli – whatever is in your pantry, basically) with Italian dressing on top
    Peanut Spaghetti
    Yellow rice with black beans
    Deviled Eggs
    Chickpea “chicken” salad in a pita

    For more ideas, check out this amazing site: The Vegan Lunchbox

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