I am an unapologetic foodie and a plant based food advocate! I have heard many fellow vegetarians and vegans express their frustrations in finding tasty cuisine. That has not been my experience. Even though I am neither a chef, nor a particularly great cook, I do enjoy great food! Here you will find vegetarian and vegan recipes that are super easy to make. Many of these recipes will be vegetarian, vegan, soy free, diary and egg free and hopefully not taste free! Let me issue a disclaimer, most of the recipes were created by one of my besties, Yosh. Thanks my friend!

Simple Green Smoothie Recipe

I got this recipe from a family friend and vegan chef, Kimberly Holmes-James. Kimberly says that she loves this recipe! This recipe in particular, is one that she and her sisters (Theholmessisters@gmail.com) use to support gut health.

How many times have we heard the adage, “You are what you eat!”  It is important to take care of our overall health and of course our guts. Healthy guts can help you fight against diseases, build your immunity, reduce depression and so much more.

This recipe can be used everyday. It only requires one ingredient! Yep, just one! You will need either a juicer or a blender. Then you are all set! Can’t get any easier than this! So here we go!

Ingredients: 1 large bunch celery.

Directions: Rinse the celery and run it through a juicer. You want to aim for at least 16 ounces of fresh celery juice. Drink immediately for best results.

Alternatively, you can chop the celery and blend it in a high-speed blender until smooth. Strain well and drink immediately.

Enjoy!

Delicious Roasted Eggplant

Eggplant is a hearty and filling vegetable. I learnt this technique years ago and still enjoy doing it. Today I will describe a easy eggplant recipe. For eggplant lovers this will be a treat!

Ingredients

2 large eggplants

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp lemon

1 tsp salt

Instructions

Peel and cube your eggplant. In a large bowl, add the cubed eggplant. You can also slice your eggplant lengthwise. Add oil, mixing thoroughly. Next add your salt, mix thoroughly. Finally add your lemon. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees until golden brown. This simple dish will surprise your palette. Enjoy!

Simply Delish Baked Tofu

This seemingly simple dish is quite enjoyable. Kids love it!  Personally I prefer organic extra firm tofu. It is inexpensive and available in most grocery stores.

Ingredients

1 pk tofu (about 4 cups cubed)

1 tsp salt

3 tbsp oil

2 tbsp garlic powder

2 tbsp onion powder

2 tbsp smoked paprika powder

2 tbsp rosemary (dried)

1 tbsp black pepper (optional)

Instructions

Cut open and drain the tofu from its container. Squeeze out excess water. Cut the tofu into cubes. Mix the ingredients well. I have used dried ingredients, you can also use fresh ingredients as well. Toss all the ingredients together. No starch necessary. Lightly grease baking sheet. Set oven at about 375 degrees. Bake until crispy or to desired texture, approximately 30-40 minutes.

Satisfying Chickpeas Stew

This classic vegan stew is tasty and satisfying and a great addition to any meal. Even novice cooks can attempt and create this beautiful stew!

Ingredients

1 can chickpeas

1 small onion chopped

2 cloves garlic grated

1/2 tsp grated ginger

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp tumeric

3 tbsp oil

2 cups water

Instructions

Heat oil in heavy pot. Add ginger, onion, garlic to oil and cook until translucent. Add chickpeas, water and tumeric to seasonings and bring to a boil. Let simmer until water reduces to thick sauce for about 10-15 mins. Serve with rice, pita chips or quinoa.

Spicy Tofu Stir Fry

Here is another delicious vegan menu for the cold weather.

Ingredients

1 pk tofu about 4 cups cubed

1 carrot julienned

1 bell pepper julienned

1 medium onion sliced

1 tsp ginger grated

3 cloves garlic minced

1 cup chive or scallion

2 tbsp  garlic chilli paste

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

4 tbsp vegetable or sesame oil

Instructions

In a wok or large skillet heat oil on high flame. Add ginger garlic and onion and cook for 1 minute. Add carrots along with garlic chilli paste and cook for additional 2 minutes. Once carrots are tender add bell pepper and tofu along with the soy sauce, black pepper and salt.Toss all ingredients to combine and cook on the high flame for 3 – 5 minutes. The tofu should be crisp and browned when finished. Serve with rice, naan or noodles. Enjoy!

Savory Squash Recipe

For this recipe, you will need:

1 medium squash peeled and cubed

1 large onion diced

2 cloves garlic minced

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1 dash turmeric

1 jalapeño seeded and minced

4 tbsp oil

Instructions

Heat oil in large skillet adding onion and garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes then add salt black pepper and jalapeño and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Add the squash and cumin stirring all ingredients together. Lower heat to medium, cover pot and let simmer for about 10 minutes. Check pot and mash squash with the back of your spoon leaving to cook for an additional 10 minutes checking midway through. Once finished serve with rice, naan or pita. Enjoy!

Warm Sweet Potato Salad

Here is another hearty and simple sweet potato recipe to warm the stomach. First, prepare your ingredients.

Ingredients

2 large sweet potatoes cubed

1 can green peas drained

1 medium onion finely diced

1/2cup green onions

1 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup water

1 cup vinegar

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp sugar

Instructions

Peel and boil the potatoes until fork tender and cut into 1/2 inch cubes.

Add onions and green peas to the sweet potato. Blend remaining ingredients to make a vinaigrette and toss.

Amino acid or lemon/lime juice  can be used instead of vinegar for the vinaigrette. Serve warm as a side. Enjoy!

Here is a simple eggplant burger recipe.

Eggplant Burger

1 large eggplant

2 cups ground chickpeas or chickpea flour

1/2 cup water

3 cloves garlic

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup oil

Instructions

Cut eggplant into 1/2 inch rounds.

Cut eggplant into 1/2 inch rounds. Mix water and chickpeas into thick paste adding crushed garlic, salt and pepper. If you like heat, cayenne pepper can be mixed into the paste. Dip eggplant slices into the chickpeas mixture and fry on both sides for approx. 3 mins or until crisp and golden. Serve on hamburger rolls with dressings and fixings of your choice. Enjoy!