Fresh – Page 3 – The Vegan Rhino

October 5, 2018October 31, 2020

Butternut Squash Soup

This is the perfect thick, creamy and rich soup that is packing a huge flavor punch. It is so simple that I created it when I was looking at a can of coconut cream and a fresh butternut squash, thinking to myself what can I do. Being able to create something from nothing is a super important quality to have. Its like the saying, “when life brings you lemons- make lemonade!” Only this time, when life gives you a handful of ingredients, create something delicious! With this simple and tasty way to use squash, it will be an a huge hit for your family or friends.

Butternut Squash Soup

Yields 4 servings

Ingredients

1 butternut squash

3 1/2 cups vegetable broth

1 Tbsp. avocado oil

1/4 cup onion

1/4 cup shallots

1 garlic clove

1 Tbsp. Earth’s Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks

1 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1 tsp. Vitacost organic brown sugar

1/8 tsp. nutmeg

Pinch of Spicely Organic Ground Black Pepper

1-2 Tbsp. Thai Coconut Cream, optional topping

1 Tbsp. fresh parsley, topping

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
On a baking sheet, place the two butternut squash halves you cut length-wise, flesh side up, and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and turn over so the skin is now facing up. Roast for 40-45 minutes until squash is tender. Set aside to cool.
Once squash has cooled (around 8-10 minutes), remove the squash flesh from the peel and discard or compost the remains.
In a skillet, turn to medium heat and add olive oil, onions, and shallots- sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
In a medium sized pot, on medium heat add the butternut squash, brown sugar, vegetable broth, onions and shallots, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Using a hand held emersion blender, purée all ingredients until smooth. Then pour in the coconut cream and stir until combined. Cook for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld on medium-low heat. Be sure to stir frequently so it does not burn.
Serve with parsley and coconut cream drizzled on top or freeze for up to 1 month.

Chef’s tip: To make soup more creamy, use 1-2 Tbsp. coconut cream more and blend.

September 21, 2018October 31, 2020

Roasted Fall-Inspired Stuffed Acorn Squash

One of the best things about the Autumn season besides the foliage and pumpkin spice is all the meals you can enjoy with winter squash! Many people find cooking squash to be intimidating, however, this recipe couldn’t be simpler! Prepping and cooking your squash will take some time and patience, but once it is done roasting, you will be delighted with the outcome. This fall festive meal will bring your tastebuds on a journey that you won’t forget!

Yields 2 servings

Ingredients

2 medium acorn squash, cut in half and seeds removed

1 cup Vitacost quinoa, dry

2 cups filtered water

1 small yellow onion

2 Tbsp. Vitacost maple syrup

2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp. avocado oil

1/2 tsp. curry powder

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp. smoked paprika

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup whole walnuts, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup parsley, chopped

Pinch of nutmeg

Pinch of Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

Pinch of Spicely Organics ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Prepare squash by cutting in half and removing seeds. Place the squash on a baking sheet (cut side up).
In a small mixing bowl, combine maple syrup, vinegar, and 1 Tbsp. oil. Brush all over the squash’s flesh and put into the oven.
Roast squash for 55-60 minutes- basting every 20 minutes. Set aside the maple syrup and vinegar mixture.
In a sauce pan, heat the remaining oil and add the diced onions. Sauté until slightly golden brown. Next, add your quinoa and stir around for 2-3 minutes. Mix in your cinnamon, nutmeg, salt/pepper, curry, smoked paprika, and water. Cover with lid and simmer for 18-20 minutes.
Allow to sit for 5 minutes. Open lid and add cranberries, half of the walnuts, remaining maple syrup and vinegar mixture, and parsley (save other half for topping).
Stuff the squash with the quinoa mixture and top with remaining parsley and cranberries.

Chef’s tip: For the quinoa mixture, you can always add more cinnamon, maple syrup or nutmeg according to your taste.

September 17, 2018May 14, 2020

Simple Nachos

These may look like any ordinary nachos you may get- but I advise you they are not. This plant-based nacho cheese will shock you once you know it is not made with any dairy or cheese. These nachos are simple enough where all you need is some drizzled sauce and sliced jalapeño peppers. You can always add your toppings of choice if you would like guacamole, salsa, corn, etc. Enjoy!

Yields 16 oz

Ingredients

1 bag of organic yellow corn chips

1 jalapeño pepper

1/2 cup na-cho average cheese dip

Directions

Place chips on plate and pour cheese sauce on top. Place jalapeño or any other toppings you would like and serve.

Chef’s tip: To make sure that you don’t get too much spiciness, de-seed the jalapeño before putting it as your topping.

September 16, 2018May 14, 2020

Minty Watermelon Citrus Spritzer

Enjoy this quick and easy way to start incorporating homemade juice into your routine. Rich in water, watermelon is a personal go-to when it comes to making healthy sips on the fly. Simply blend the sweet fleshy insides until you’re left with a slushy-like liquid and strain the pulp. What you do next with your fresh watermelon juice is up to you. But my favorite additions to make this refreshing beverage even more nutritious include citrus and herbs. Get the full recipe below for instant revitalization!

Ingredients

2 cups watermelon juice

1/4 cup lime juice, fresh

1/4 cup lemon juice, fresh

2 cups sparkling water

1 bunch mint

slices of lemon and lime

Ice

Directions

In blender on highest setting, blend cubed watermelon for around two minutes (if using Vitamix, use tamper to push fruit down).
Pour juice through small mesh strainer to remove pulp.
Pour into large pitcher, add lemon and lime juices, mint, and club soda or sparkling water and top with ice.

Chef’s tip: This drink goes great with a splash of champagne! If you’re celebrating something special, fill a glass a quarter of the way with champagne and finish it off with juice.

September 11, 2018May 14, 2020

Eggplant “Meatballs”

The best meatless “meatballs” recipe, that is made out of farmed fresh ingredients, is here. Italian food like this is normally made with large amounts of cheese and meat. But not these ones guys! Having a dinner like this brings back so many good memories. In the process of making this recipe, I was able to reminisce in flavors that I remember as a child with my grandmother’s cooking. Those ladies sure know how to cook! Being able to create something that is 100% fresh and plant-based but still taste like a meatball is molto bene in my book!

Yields 10 medium

Ingredients

1 eggplant, peeled

1 cup cooked TruRoots Organic Sprouted Green Lentils

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 small yellow onion

1 tsp. fresh thyme

1 tsp. Simply Organic Oregano

1 Tbsp. fresh parsley

2 Tbsp. fresh basil

1/2 cup Edward & Sons Organic Panko Breadcrumbs

1/4 cup Bragg Premium Nutritional Yeast Seasoning

1 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1/2 tsp Spicely Organics ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Begin by chopping both the eggplant and onion and placing onto a baking sheet that has been lightly oiled. Roast for 15 minutes or before it browns, once the liquid has been released.
In a food processor- take your cooked lentils, eggplant and onion mixture, and garlic and pulse until mixed and smooth. Pour mixture into a mixing bowl.
Add your thyme, oregano, parsley, and basil, breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, salt and pepper and mix to combine. If mixture is moist, add more breadcrumbs. Allow mixture to set in fridge for 15 minutes.
Roll the mixture into 1 inch balls and place and light oiled pan. You will bake for 30-45 minutes or until golden brown. Turning every so often to get all sides crispy.
Remove from the oven and serve with favorite sauce.

Chefs tip: You can add 1/2 cup vegan parmesan cheese to the mixture before rolling into balls.

September 10, 2018May 14, 2020

Cheese Fries

Looking to step up your french fry game? This awesome na-cho average cheese sauce is a great way to make your basic side dish into something new and tasty! Just top it off with some homemade mushroom bacon and green onions. Once you taste how cheesy these are without the dairy, you’ll be surprised and wanting more!

Yields 16 oz

Ingredients

1 russet potato, sliced into sticks

1 half lemon, juice

pinch of Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

pinch of Spicely Organics ground black pepper

1/3 cup na-cho average cheese dip

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, add the sliced potato and coat with lemon.
Lay fries in a single layer on pan and roast for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.
On a plate, place potato wedges down and top with nacho sauce, mushroom bacon, and green onion. Serve immediately.

September 3, 2018May 14, 2020

Italian Sausage and Peppers

This easy sausage and peppers recipe will be the new house favorite at dinner. This classic meal is hearty and can be made several ways. You can either serve this in a hoagie Italian-style with your tomato sauce or you could place the sausage and peppers over white rice and serve with the sauce on top. Either way, the choice is going to leave your belly full and your mouth smiling.

Yields 4 servings

Ingredients

Vegan Sausage:

1 cup Bob’s Red Mill Garbanzo Bean Flour

1/2 cup Bob’s Red Mill Vital Wheat Gluten

4 oz tofu firm, drained but not pressed

1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes

1/2 tsp Simply Organic oregano

2 tsp. Simply Organic fennel seeds, optional

1 Tbsp. fresh basil

1 tsp liquid smoke

1 Tbsp. Vitacost Certified Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 tsp Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1/2 tsp Spicely Organics ground black pepper

1 cup authentic homemade italian tomato sauce

Peppers and Onions:

1 medium red bell pepper

1 medium green bell pepper

1 large yellow onion

1 garlic cloves

1/2 cup authentic homemade italian tomato sauce

1 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 tsp Simply Organic oregano

2 Tbsp. Vitacost Certified Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

pinch Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

pinch of Spicely Organics ground black pepper

Directions

Peppers and Onions:

In a frying pan, drizzle olive oil and place your thick onion slices (do not cube) and sauté for 5 minutes.
Then add the peppers, salt, pepper, and oregano. Allow to slightly brown, 10-15 minutes. Add garlic and cook for additional 2-3 minutes. Set aside.

Vegan Sausage:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
In a food processor, pulse all ingredients until dough like mixture has formed and is well combined.
Using parchment paper, cut into 4 squares depending on how large or small you want to make the sausage links. Grab some of the mixture and roll it into the shape and wrap it up in the parchment paper (twisting the ends to seal).
Bake sausages for 20-25 minutes.
To crisp up the outside, drizzle of olive oil to coat a pan. Turn on medium-high heat and pan fry sausage for 3-5 minutes.
To assemble, place the peppers and onions in a hoagie with the sausage on top. Drizzle some homemade sauce on top and add some parsley or vegan parmesan cheese.

Chef’s tip: You can rub a clove of garlic on the bread and smear with vegan butter. Top with parmesan cheese and bake at 375 degrees F to get it nice and crispy!

August 31, 2018May 14, 2020

Spicy Vegetable Pizza

A crispy pizza topped with colorful plant-based ingredients. Now that is a pie! Instead of using normal marinara sauce, this pizza is drizzled in hot sauce to make one of the simplest veggie pizza’s. After letting the dough rise and pressing it down into a circle or rectangle shape, you get to decide what you will top it with. This part can be totally up to you and what you have on hand or buy. I went with what I had and made this supreme hot sauce veggie pizza. After making this, you will be flipping dough in the air in no time! Make sure to give this a try the next time you are craving some pizza.

Yields 8 slices

Ingredients

Dough:

2 1/4 tsp. Red Star Active Dry Yeast

1 tsp. Simple Truth organic sugar

1 cup warm filtered water

2 1/2 cups King Arthur organic flour

2 Tbsp. Vitacost certified organic extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

Toppings:

2 mushrooms

1/2 cup eggplant, cubed

1/4 cup red onion

4 small garlic cloves, whole

1/4 cup red hot sauce

Sprinkle vegan cheddar cheese

Directions:

In a bowl, dissolve yeast, sugar, and warm water. Allow it to get foamy on top, roughly 5-7 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Stir in the flour, oil, and salt to form the dough. Allow to rest for 20 minutes covered.
When dough is done resting, then out onto a lightly floured surface to roll pizza into circle or rectangular shape.
Pour hot sauce over dough and then add your toppings.
Bake for 10 minutes and then rotate- cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes or until desired browness is achieved.

Chef’s tip: To crisp up the sides and top of the pizza, place under the broiler after baking for 2-3 minutes. This will get you a nicely colored crust and crispy-gooey cheese. If for any reason the bbq sauce it too spicy, you can add 1 Tbsp. vegan butter to mild it out.

August 29, 2018May 14, 2020

Zesty Key Lime Pie

Don’t let its gourmet presentation trick you. This half-baked dessert is actually one of the easiest recipes you’ll ever make. Simply create the creamy base by blending soaked cashews with fresh, aromatic ingredients for a tangy, yet oh-so-sweet, treat. Full disclosure: the first time I made this pie was for a housewarming party and just moments after placing it down on the buffet table, it was devoured. Trust me, this light, guilt-free dessert is ideal for any occasion.

Yields 8 slices

Ingredients

Filling:

1 cup Vitacost organic whole raw cashews, soaked

1/3 cup Vitacost organic maple syrup

1 can full fat coconut milk

3/4 cup lime, juice

5 Tbsp. organic corn starch

1 Tbsp. lime zest, to garnish

1 tsp. Simply Organic Madagascar pure vanilla extract

Crust:

2 cups almonds

3 Tbsp. Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks

3-4 mejdool dates, pitted

1/2 tsp. Simply Organic almond extract

1/4 cup oats

1 tsp. Simply Organic Madagascar pure vanilla extract

Pinch Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

Directions

Crust:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Melt the butter and pour into a food processor with the crust ingredients. Pulse until well combined.
Press crust mixture down into sprayed cheesecake pan until evenly distributed.
Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown (careful not to burn).

Filling:

Mix all ingredients together in a blender. Then pour into a sauce pan and bring to a boil on medium-high heat.
Stirring constantly, allow to boil for approx. 8 minutes or until it has thickened (if any lumps form, you can always smooth it out in the blender again).
Once thickened, pour into pre-pressed pie crust. Place in to the refrigerator to set for 4-6 hours or store in freezer overnight for best results.
Serve with vegan whipped cream and lime zest on top.

Chef’s tip: Depending on your preference for tartness or sweetness, you can always add more lime juice, zest, or maple syrup.

August 28, 2018May 14, 2020

Jackfruit Taco

Taco’s can be a great dinner on any night, however, they are especially better on Taco Tuesday! If you have yet to have a taco with jackfruit, this is your time to try. This homemade version will spice up your night with just the right kick, making your taco night a whole lot better!

Yields 4 tacos

Ingredients

1 small jackfruit, halved

1 Tbsp. olive oil

2 tsp. cumin

1 Tbsp. chili powder

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. onion powder

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp. oregano

1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. pepper

pinch of cilantro, garnish

Directions

In a pot, place the halved jackfruit and cover with water to boil on medium heat. Simmer for 45 minutes or until tender.
Take the pods (they are surrounding the seeds) as well as the stringy flesh portions between the pods and skin. You will use all of this meat for the taco filling.
In frying pan, place on medium heat and add olive oil. Once warm, add jackfruit meat and all seasoning, stirring until well combined.
Serve immediately with choice of toppings: lettuce, salsa, guacamole, corn salsa, etc.

Chef’s tip: To make your own hard corn taco shells, take a muffin tin and place it upside down. Take 3 corn tortilla shells and stand them up. Bake at 375 degrees F for 10-14 minutes, careful not to burn.