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Sweet Cucumber and Onion Salad

Sweet Cucumber and Onion Salad

Sweet Cucumber and Onion Salad

One of my favorite things I recently acquired a taste for are my grandmothers cucumber and onion salad, which is marinated in vinegar and sugar overnight. The sweet taste and tangy flavor from the two ingredients give this side dish the perfect touch it needs.

Sweet Cucumber and Onion Salad

Yields 2 cups

Serves 2-3 people

Ingredients

1 medium onion, sliced very thin

1 English cucumber, sliced thin

1/4 cup vinegar to start then 1/2 cup of more

1-1/2 tsp. organic cane sugar

Directions

  1. Thinly slice the onion, cucumber, and add to a mixing bowl.
  2. In another bowl, add the vinegar, sugar, and stir combined. Pour over cucumber and onions and give a good toss.
  3. Place into the fridge for 3-4 hours or overnight for best results.

 

Chef’s tip: Allow the cucumbers, onion, and “brine” to meld overnight for maximum flavor.

Classic French Onion Soup 

French Onion Soup

This classic soup has been one of my favorites for as long as I can remember. Any time that I would see it on a menu at a restaurant, I would order it. Since going plant-based, craving French onion soup has proposed some challenges. If you’re not familiar with this drool-worthy dish, it’s traditionally made with beef broth and drenched in melted cheese—no thanks! So finally, after a long wait, I decided it’s about time to allow my taste buds to reminisce and indulge in the flavors I enjoyed so much. So here you have it, folks! A cruelty-free, plant-based spin on my favorite soup.

Photo Cred: Ivy Becker

Bonus recipe: Love bread? Try making a homemade French baguette!

Yields 4 servings

Ingredients

5 large yellow onions

2 1/2 Tbsp. Annie’s Natural organics Worcestershire sauce

1 Tbsp. Vitacost Certified Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 Tbsp. Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks

1 Tbsp. sherry

1 cup filtered water

32 oz. low-sodium vegetable broth

1 tsp. Simply Organic Thyme Leaf

1-1/2 Simply Organic Bay Leaf

1 tsp. Vitacost Fine Himalayan Pink Salt

1/2 tsp. Spicely Organics Ground Black Pepper

4 slices vegan provolone cheese

Photo Cred: Ivy Becker

Directions

  1. In large stock pot. sauté onions with  oil. Add salt and pepper. Cook 10-15 minutes on medium-low heat.
  2. Add sherry and cook on high heat for 2-3 minutes. Add Worcestershire sauce, water, vegetable broth, thyme and bay leaves. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
  3. Scoop soup evenly into four bowls and top with 1 slice of provolone each. Broil in over for 1-2 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Chef’s tip: If you do not have sherry for this recipe, it is OK to omit.