All Recipes – Page 24 – The Vegan Rhino

August 14, 2018May 14, 2020

Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Olive Oil

Savory sun-dried tomatoes are great to have on hand for making homemade sauces, dips and spreads. But in order to have them, you have to buy them. If you’re familiar with my blog, you know by now that I’m not a fan of store-bought, preservative-packed items. That said, I’ve come up with a fool-proof recipe to make them (and store them) at home! Plus, when stored in a pretty jar, the deep-red dried tomatoes you’re left with double as gifts you can share with family and friends for special occasions. I’m a huge fan of canning and after trying this recipe you will be too. This process naturally gives your food a longer shelf life as they marinade in organic spices and seasonings—yum! Is your mouth watering yet? Mine is! Let’s get cooking.

Yields 16 oz

Ingredients

10 plum tomatoes, dehydrated*

3 cloves garlic, sliced

1 large sprig rosemary, cut into 4 pieces

10 basil leaves

16 oz. La Tourangelle 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/4 tsp. Spicely Organics Thyme Whole Tin

1/4 tsp. Simply Organic Basil

1/4 tsp. Simply Organic Oregano

Pinch Vitacost Fine Himalayan Pink Salt

Pinch Spicely Organics Ground Pepper Black

Directions

Wash and slice plum tomatoes into evenly cut 1/4-in. disks and place onto dehydrator tray or baking sheet. Sprinkle tomato slices with salt and oregano (make sure to season each side).
Set dehydrator to 95 degrees F. Insert tomatoes and cook 4-5 hours, depending on how thick you cut the tomatoes. Monitor tomatoes to ensure they do not get too hard–you want them to have a slight bend in them still.
- *To dehydrate in oven, cook tomatoes on baking or roasting pan at lowest temperature for 10-15 minutes, watching closely to ensure they do not brown.
Once tomatoes are finished, stack into a mason jar with garlic, rosemary, thyme and basil. Fill jar with olive oil. Set on counter for up to 4 days or place in refrigerator for up to a week.

Chef’s tip: Smash garlic before you slice it. This will help release more flavor into the sun-dried tomatoes.

August 13, 2018May 14, 2020

Dehydrated Granola with Seeds

Granola is a great snack or topper for your dairy-free yogurt, overnight oats, or smoothies. When making your own mixture of granola, you get to personalize it: adding seeds, dried fruit, nuts, superfood powders, and more. The two kinds that I have made are: an original flavor and a chocolate flavor (using cocoa powder).

Yields 32 oz granola

Ingredients

4 cups Bob’s Red Mill Organic Rolled Oats Gluten Free – Quick Cooking

1/2 cup spaghetti squash seeds

1/8 cup Spicely Organics Black Sesame Seeds Jar

1/2 cup Vitacost Certified Organic Maple Syrup Grade A – Non-GMO

1/2 tsp Vitacost Himalayan Pink Salt- Fine

1 cup dried cherries

1/4 cup Hersheys Cocoa Powder

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine all above ingredients until thoroughly mixed.
In your dehydrator, set temperature to 115 degrees and set timer for 6-8 hours or until granola is slightly hard. Remove granola from dehydrator trays and break into bite size pieces. Store in air tight container.
- Oven method: Place granola mixture on slightly greased baking sheet. Set oven to lowest temperature setting and allow to bake until slightly golden. Remove and break up into pieces and store in air tight container.

Chef’s tip: If you would like to add cocoa powder to the recipe, you can split the batch in half. Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to begin and see how much more to add. Just note you may need to add more maple sugar to sweeten the chocolate powder.

August 13, 2018May 14, 2020

Wisam’s Infamous Falafel

Ground up chickpeas, parsley, onion, and cumin are just a few of the already short list of ingredients to make this falafel. The best part is that you throw all of it into your food processor and let it do its thing. Once you have mastered this recipe, you will be able to make many different things such as: falafel salads, burgers, and sandwiches.

Yields 10 Falafel

Ingredients

16 oz. Vitacost Garbanzo Beans, soaked overnight

3 Tbsp. Flat Leaf Italian Parsley, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, chopped

1 small white yellow onion, chopped

1/2 small jalapeño, chopped and de seeded – to taste

1 tsp Vitacost Himalayan Pink Salt- Fine

1 tsp Spicely Organics Black Peppercorns- Tin

1 Tbsp. Vitacost Certified Organic Ground Cumin

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

Directions

In your food processor, add your chickpeas, parsley, garlic, onion, and jalapeño. Pulse until slightly smooth.
Pour mixture into a medium mixing bowl, stir in the salt, cumin, baking soda, and baking powder. *Option to add 1 Tbsp. of lemon juice for added freshness. Allow to set in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Form into 1″ balls- and place onto a lightly oiled baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Flipping periodically to brown all sides.
- *Option to fry your falafel, place pot over medium-high heat and fry falafel until browned- 2 to 5 minutes per side.
Serve on sliced open pita bread with diced cucumbers, onion, tomato, and Raw Creamy Cucumber Dressing.

Chef’s tip: To add more spice to your falafel, you can add the jalapeño seeds. Also, make sure you do not cook your chickpeas after soaking them overnight, your falafel will not turn out as well.

August 10, 2018May 14, 2020

Orange-Mango Smoothie

If you like mangos, you will have to try this! Being both refreshing and nutritional, this is a perfect way to get in added fruit and other vitamins. The best part is you can either use freshly frozen fruit (if you have the time) or you can do store bought cubed frozen mangos. Accompanying your mango on the swirl-wind of a ride in your blender will be your freshly squeezed orange juice. This natural source of Vitamin C is perfect to boost your immune system and keep you healthy. Your body will thank you, so go ahead and pull that blender to make an amazing creamy mango-orange smoothie.

Yields 16 oz

Ingredients

3 cups frozen mango, diced

3 cups frozen oranges, sliced

2 cup Plain Almond Milk

5 mint leaves

1 scoop Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Powder Unflavored, optional

Directions

Blend all ingredients until smooth.

Chef’s tip: You can change the consistency by adding more or less almond milk to the blender. If you would like, you can also add a banana to the mixture and blend until smooth.

August 9, 2018May 14, 2020

Falafel Sandwich

Looking at these pictures right now is making me want to make this all over again! This falafel recipe was inspired from my wonderful co-worker who spoils us on occasion with many different treats. One being, Wisam’s Infamous Falafel. After making them over and over, I finally was able to create my own measurements and flavor profile. She still rains supreme, however, I have really enjoyed playing with the ingredients to see what works and what does not- and that is what cooking is all about. I could not be more excited for you to try these as I was to show her these pictures. She inspired me to try something outside of what I have never done and for that I am grateful. Challenging yourself to do something new is really awesome, especially in creating a meal. Now.. start soaking those chickpeas and get prepared to make the best falafel sandwich of your life!

Yields 2 Sandwiches

Ingredients

16 oz Vitacost Garbanzo Beans, soaked overnight

3 Tbsp. Flat Leaf Italian Parsley, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, chopped

1 small white yellow onion, chopped

1/2 small jalapeño, chopped and de seeded – to taste

1 tsp Vitacost Himalayan Pink Salt- Fine

1 Tbsp. Vitacost Certified Organic Ground Cumin

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp Spicely Organics Black Peppercorns- Tin

Directions

In your food processor, add your chickpeas, parsley, garlic, onion, and jalapeño. Pulse until slightly smooth.
Pour mixture into a medium mixing bowl, stir in the salt, cumin, baking soda, and baking powder. *Option to add 1 Tbsp. of lemon juice for added freshness. Allow to set in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Form into 1″ balls. Place on to lightly oiled baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Flipping half way through.
Serve in a pita with tomato, onion, lettuce, cucumber, and Raw Creamy Cucumber Dressing or a tahini dressing.

August 7, 2018May 14, 2020

Cinnamon Rolls with “Cream Cheese” Frosting

Fresh, warm cinnamon buns in the morning bring forth all the feels. If you consider this indulgent treat a thing of the past, you may want to give my guilt-free version a shot. Made with organic, non-GMO and dairy-free ingredients, these spiraled rolls will without a doubt taste better than you remember. Enjoy the smell of cinnamon, brown sugar and vegan butter bubbling away in the oven while you prepare sweet, homemade icing to melt on top. Share them with your family on a lazy weekend morning to bring life back to your breakfast table!

If you prefer mini cinnamon rolls, simply cut this recipe in half.

Yields 20 cinnamon rolls

Ingredients

Dough:

1 1/2 cup plain almond milk, luke warm

4 1/2 tsp. Red Star Active Dry Yeast

1/2 cup Florida Crystals organic cane sugar

4 Tbsp. Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer Gluten Free + 8 Tbsp water, mixed together

1/2 cup Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks, melted

6 cups King Arthur Flour organic unbleached All Purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

Filling:

1/2 cup Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks

1 cup Vitacost certified organic light brown sugar – non-GMO

4 Tbsp. Vitacost certified organic ground cinnamon

Frosting:

6 Tbsp. water or butter substitute, melted

1 1/2 cups Vitacost Certified Organic Powdered Sugar – Non-GMO

16 oz. Kite Hill plain cream cheese

1 tsp. Frontier Co-Op Organic Vanilla Extract

Optional: Chopped Walnuts

Directions

In mixing bowl, combine the warm almond milk and yeast to create your starter. Once you see bubbles or froth on top you can add your sugar, butter, and egg replacer mixture. Mix to combine.
Sift together flour and salt into a bowl, slowly pour dry ingredients into your wet ingredients and mix to combine. Dough will be sticky, that is when you know it is done. Place into a light oiled bowl and cover with a dish towel or wrap. Allow to double in size, roughly 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Once dough has doubled in size, place onto a floured counter and roll into a 12×15 rectangle. Taking the butter, smear over the entire rectangle and sprinkle the brown sugar on top. Next you will take your cinnamon and put it evenly on top of the brown sugar and butter.
To roll, take the closest edge and begin to tuck and roll it up. Continue to roll the dough into a log shape. Be careful when you cut the log up into pieces so that you do not squish the dough.
Place Cinnamon rolls onto greased baking dish and allow to rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
While they are sitting, mix together your powdered sugar, almond milk, vanilla, butter, and cream cheese until smooth. Place in fridge and cover until cinnamon buns are ready.
Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Allow to cool down for 10 minutes and smear cream cheese frosting on top.

Chef’s tip: If you would like, you may add walnuts or raisins to the filling. Or if you wanted, you could add different seeds to the dough after rolling it out for a new flavor.

August 1, 2018May 14, 2020

Raw Creamy Cucumber Dressing

Let’s be honest- we all know it can be difficult sometimes to get our vegetables in. A few vegetables at diner each evening for our entire life just isn’t enough some times. The beneficial thing about plant-based foods is majority of the time you can use vegetables in their raw nature to produce an amazing product. In this case, a dressing filled with great nourishing vitamins and hydrating properties that will leave your appetite quenched. With this easy recipe, you can take locally bought produce and make an oil free dressing. Bringing to you and your family an explosion in your mouth of fresh cucumber with a hint of lemon and a slight creamy texture from the avocado.

Yields 4 cups

Ingredients

1 medium cucumber

1 large lemon, squeezed

I large avocado

3 stalks celery

1 tsp Vitacost Himalayan Pink Salt- Fine

1 tsp Spicely Organics Black Peppercorns Tin

2 cloves garlic

Directions

In blender, combine all ingredients until mixture is thick and creamy. Pour into desired container and allow to chill for 1 hour minimum.
Dressing will last refrigerated for 7 days in an air-tight mason jar or bottle.

Chef’s tip: For added freshness, add 1 Tbsp. fresh dill.

August 1, 2018May 14, 2020

Vegetable Teriyaki Lo Mein

We all know how easy and delicious it is to order Chinese Delivery, however, the next time you feel inclined to place an order for take-out, give this a try instead. One of the main benefits from cooking at home is in controlling what ingredients you use. Some times it may be hard to find vegan dishes at a Chinese restaurant due to fish oil or other ingredients being used. This stir-fry is flavorful with fresh and local ingredients from Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market- you can get these ingredients at your local farm as well. Grab your wok and chop sticks and get cooking with this recipe.

Yields 3 servings

Ingredients

Stir fry:

1 red bell pepper

1 yellow bell pepper

1 green bell pepper

4-5 baby Bella mushrooms

1 small baby boy choy

2 garlic cloves

Tofu:

8 oz extra firm tofu

1 Tbsp. Vitacost Maple Syrup

1 tsp Frontier Co-Op Organic Garlic Powder

1 Tbsp. Tamari

Pinch of Vitacost Himalayan Pink Salt- Fine

Pinch of Spicely Organics Black Peppercorns Tin, freshly ground

Teriyaki Sauce:

1/4 cup Kikkoman Organic Soy Sauce

1 garlic clove

1/4 tsp ginger, freshly grated

1 Tbsp. Spicely Organics Black Sesame Seeds Jar

2 Tbsp. saki

3 Tbsp. Vitacost Certified Organic Light Brown Sugar – Non-GMO

2 tsp rice wine vinegar

1/2 tsp Spicely Organics Black Peppercorns Tin, freshly ground

1 tsp corn starch

Directions

To begin, you will need to drain your tofu between pieces of paper towel. Lightly press and allow to drain as much water as possible. Boil noodles you are using according to package instructions.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Place tofu into a bowl and add maple syrup, tamari, and garlic powder- mix till coated. Pour onto a baking sheet that has been lightly oiled and bake for 25 minutes or until lightly browned.
In a sauce pan, mix together all sauce ingredients and bring to a simmer. Once brown sugar has melted, add sesame seeds and corn starch and stir until slightly thickened. Pour sauce on top of your cooked noodles, stir until combined.
In a frying pan, add your sesame oil and turn on high heat. Then toss in bell peppers, garlic, and onions, cooking until slightly browned. Salt and pepper to taste.
Turn heat to medium and add in the mushrooms- cook 5 more minutes. Once baby bok choy has wilted, take off heat and serve.

Chef’s tip: You can add either black or white sesame seeds to this dish. I used white sesame seeds in the teriyaki sauce and I topped the vegetables with black sesame seeds.

August 1, 2018May 14, 2020

Peach Jam

Are you getting tired of using butter on your toast each and every morning for breakfast? Taking some fresh peaches and mashing them up to create a fresh jam is super easy. Store bought food just is not cutting it anymore and this is a much better alternative to those varieties. Spread this peach jam on your toast and artisan sandwiches or wherever you’d like.

Yields 8 oz

Ingredients

8 medium peaches

1 cup Florida Crystals Organic Cane Sugar

1 small lemon, squeezed

Directions

Remove skin and mash peaches
In a saucepan, add sugar and lemon juice to mashed peaches.
Boil for 10 minutes- stirring frequently.
Cool and pour into mason jar.

August 1, 2018May 14, 2020

Plain Almond Milk

Almonds are a great source for an abundance of different nutritional benefits. To highlight a couple, almonds are filled with antioxidants, magnesium and it is non-dairy! Making your own almond milk is really easy and only needs a few ingredients. The best thing is that you can make this in big batches to last you for your week of smoothies, oats, sauces, and more!

Yields 32 oz

Ingredients

1 cup Vitacost Organic Raw Almonds, soaked overnight

4 cups filtered water

1/8 tsp Vitacost Himalayan Pink Salt- Fine

2 medjool dates, pitted

1 tsp Frontier Co-Op Organic Vanilla Extract, optional

Directions

Combine almonds, water, salt, dates, and vanilla extract. Blend for 1 minute, or until thoroughly emulsified.
In a fine strainer, pour almond milk to catch the pulp. Press as much liquid from pulp as you can. You can place this on a greased baking sheet to dry- bake at 175 degrees or lowest oven temperature until dry, place into food processor to make flour or meal.

Chef’s tip: For Chocolate Almond Milk- add 2 Tbsp cocoa powder. For Strawberry Almond Milk- add 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, blend till smooth.