Best Black Bean Burger. Vegan

Best Black Bean Burger

A vegan burger loaded with protein and flavor and so easy to make.
Ingredients
3 cups black beans, cooked, drained and rinsed
⅓ cup medium yellow onion, grated
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 canned chipotle peppers
in adobo sauce, diced
2 Tbsp adobo sauce
1 Tbsp tamari
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp sea salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup panko
Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
Hamburger buns, for serving
Desired fixings, for serving

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the beans, onion, garlic, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, tamari, vinegar, cumin, salt and pepper. Use a potato masher to mash until the mixture holds together but still has some visible chunks of black beans. Add the egg and use a spatula to fold until combined. Fold in the panko.

Use your hands to form the mixture into 6 patties. The mixture should be cohesive and a little wet. If it’s too wet to handle, refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up or mash the beans a bit more.

Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Brush with a little oil and cook the burgers for about 5 minutes per side, until charred on both sides, turning the heat down as necessary. Alternatively, preheat an outdoor grill to 400 F. Lightly brush the patties with olive oil, prepare the grill with cooking spray and grill for 8 minutes on the first side and 4 minutes on the second side. Serve with hamburger buns and desired fixings. Makes 6 servings.

Tip   For a vegan version, instead of the egg use 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2½ Tbsp warm water that has been set aside and thickened for 5 minutes. Increase burger cooking time by 2 minutes, if grilling.

Brandy Rose Cocktail ~ Vegan Tahini And Eggplant "Bacon" Dip

                                         

Brandy Rose Cocktail  Vegan Tahini 

And Eggplant "Bacon" Dip

A Jack Rose cocktail is traditionally made with American apple brandy. This flexible recipe is lovely with grape brandy, or even premium Cognac, and stays chilled and looks dramatic poured over colorful flavored ice.   Try this drink at cocktail hour alongside our creamy vegan Tahini and Eggplant “Bacon” Dip, garnished with fresh pomegranate seeds.  Dip recipe follows. 

Ingredients:
8 oz or more of pomegranate-blend juice (such as cranberry-pomegranate) for colored ice (optional)

3 oz brandy
2 oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1 oz grenadine 
Lemon twists for garnish

Directions:

1. For flavoured ice, at least 1 day before serving, pour juice into moulds and freeze overnight, or until solid. 

2. When ready to serve, fill a cocktail shaker with plain ice cubes then add brandy, lemon juice and grenadine, and shake for up to 30 seconds, or until the shaker is icy-cold. 

3. For each drink, pour half of the mixture through a fine cocktail sieve or wire strainer into a coupe glass. Or, if using flavoured ice, place ice in the bottom of two coupe or rocks glasses and pour half of mixture through a fine cocktail sieve or metal strainer into each glass. 

4. Garnish each drink with a lemon twist and serve.  Makes 2 drinks

Tahini And Eggplant "Bacon" Dip

This Middle Eastern plant-based dip gives the smoky flavour and crunch of bacon but in a creamy, satisfying vegan dip. Top with parsley and pomegranate seeds for a fresh, light holiday garnish. Serves 4 to 6
Ingredients:
Eggplant Bacon
½ medium-size eggplant
2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil
2 tbsp (30 mL) tamari
1 tbsp (15 mL) Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp (30 mL) maple syrup
1 tbsp (15 mL) liquid smoke
1 tsp (5 mL) smoked paprika
½ tsp (2 mL) fresh ground pepper
DIP
½ cup (125 mL) tahini (sesame paste)
½ tsp (2 mL) ground cumin
Juice of 1 lemon
1 garlic clove, fi nely minced
¾ cup (175 mL) water
3 tbsp (45 mL) olive oil
½ tsp (2 mL) salt
½ tsp (2 mL) freshly ground pepper
1 tbsp (15 mL) Italian flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
Garnish
2 tbsp (30 mL) pomegranate seeds
1 tbsp (15 mL) Italian flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

Directions: 
1 For eggplant bacon, preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2 Cut eggplant in half again lengthwise. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice eggplant into very thin strips, about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick. Place in a single layer on baking sheet.

3 In a bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients to make sauce. Brush each side of eggplant with a generous amount of sauce. Bake in oven for 30 to 40 minutes until eggplant is dark brown and crisp.

4 Remove from oven and cool slightly. Finely chop eggplant bacon and set aside.

5 For dip, add all ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk together until creamy. Mix in finely chopped eggplant bacon, reserving 1 tbsp (15 mL) for garnish. Refrigerate dip for at least 30 mins.

6 When ready to serve, garnish dip with the reserved 1 tbsp (15 mL) of eggplant bacon, pomegranate seeds and parsley. Serve alongside Crispy Baked Root Vegetable Skins (recipe below). 

Serves 4 to 6


Crispy Baked Root Vegetable SkinsNot only are root vegetable skins filled with nutrition, they save on food waste. These skins are absolutely delicious when lightly seasoned and baked. Every time you peel carrots, beets, parsnips, sweet potatoes or ginger, use a sharp peeler to peel wide pieces and place peels in a bowl stored in the refrigerator. These peels can be stored for up to 5 days with the exception of the russet potato peels, as they turn brown in color and should be used right away.
Ingredients:
Skin of 2 large red beets
Skin of 3 large parsnips
Skins of 3 large carrots|
Skin of 3 large sweet potatoes
Skin of 3 large russet potatoes
Skin of 1 large ginger root
2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil
½ tsp (2 mL) sea salt
½ tsp (2 mL) freshly ground pepper

Directions:
1 Using a sharp vegetable peeler, peel root vegetable skins into wide pieces.

2 Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

3 In a large bowl, toss vegetable skins with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Spread evenly on baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until skins are crispy, occasionally checking and tossing for even crispiness.

4 Serve warm or at room temperature with dip.  Serves 4 to 6

Vegan Fried Rice-Style Grains With Sweet Potatoes & Mushrooms

 

Vegan Fried Rice–Style Grains 

With Sweet Potatoes & Mushrooms

If you have leftover protein-rich grains such as millet or buckwheat, they can be transformed into a delicious vegan main course via a fried rice treatment. We add sweet potato, mushrooms and peas for substance, along with the classic Chinese flavour trio of ginger, garlic and soy. A final flourish of crispy onions brings their irresistible texture to complement the soft grains.

Ingredients:                                                                                                     2 tbsp (30 mL) canola oil, divided, plus more as needed
1 cup (250 mL) diced sweet potato, about 1/3-inch (8-mm) dice
Salt to taste
4 cups (1 L) sliced mixed mushrooms
2 tbsp (30 mL) minced garlic
2 tbsp (30 mL) minced ginger
1 bunch green onions, cut into 1/4-inch (5-mm) pieces, reserving some

   green pieces for garnish.               
3 cups (750 mL) leftover cooked protein-rich grains such as millet, 

   buckwheat, amaranth and/or fonio
1 cup (250 mL) frozen peas, thawed
3 tbsp (45 mL) tamari
White pepper to taste
Crispy onions or shallots and chopped cilantro to garnish

Directions:                                                                                     Preheat a wok or large nonstick frying pan over high heat. Add 1 tbsp (15 mL) oil and tilt pan to coat. Add sweet potato and season with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer potatoes to a plate.

2. Return pan to burner and reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tbsp (15 mL) oil then mushrooms. Stir-fry mushrooms for 2 minutes. Add garlic, ginger and green onion. Stir-fry until mushrooms are tender, 1 to 2 minutes more. (Reduce heat, if necessary, so garlic doesn’t burn.)

3. Add grains and raise heat to medium-high. Stir-fry until grains are heated through with some crispy bits, about 5 minutes. (If the pan seems dry, add a little more oil.) Add peas and stir-fry until heated through, about 1 minute. Stir in sweet potato, tamari and white pepper. Taste and season with salt, if necessary. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with crispy onions or shallots, reserved green onions and cilantro. Serve immediately.

 

Serves 4 to 6

Tuscan Artichoke Heart Gumbo ~ Vegan

 

Tuscan Artichoke Heart Gumbo

Mississippi Vegan: Vegan Adventure Cooking Experience

Ingredients:
2 cups chopped onion
2 cups chopped celery1 1/2 cups chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup minced garlic
8 cups vegetable or mushroom broth
One 14.5 ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
1/2 cup red wine
1 tablespoon tamari
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons + 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon minced hot pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon stone-ground mustard
1 cup light olive oil
1 1/4 cups 00 flour
6 to 8 bay leaves 

1/2 cup green onions plus more for garnish
3 cups chopped artichokes
3 cups sliced mushrooms + seasonal mushrooms
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
1 to 2 cups filtered water
3 to 4 cups cooked rice, for serving
Spices
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon smoked or plain sea salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon dried ground sage
1/2 teaspoon dried ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Directions:

In a bowl, combine the onion, celery, bell peppers and garlic.  Remove 1 1/2 cups of mixture and transfer to a separate bowl.  You will add this at the end.)  Set both bowls aside.

In a large bowl, mix together the broth, canned tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, wine, tamarind, tomato paste, vinegar, 2 tablespoons of the parsley, oregano, thyme, hot pepper and mustard, set aside.

To make the roux:  In a large clean, well-greased cast-iron skillet (be sure to wipe any oil over medium-high heat.  Once it is hot, add then add the flour and stir woith a large wooden spatula, until it is well combined.  Reduce the heat to medium and continue stirring the roux is dark brown, 15 to 20 minutes.  The goal here is to toast the flour and oil while preventing the mixture from burning.  You do this by constantly moving the flour and oil mixture constantly.  If you stop for  only a moment, the roux will burn and you will have to start over.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the larger amount of the onion mixture (not the reserved amount).  Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the vegetable are soft, 5 to 7 minutes.

Add the spices and mushrooms, if using, and mix well.  Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, toasting all of the spices.  Now you have the base of your gumbo.

Transfer the base to a large stockpot.  Add the broth mixture and bay leaves.  Mix well and bring to a boil, stirring often to prevent the bottom from burning.   Once at a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to reduce and thicken the gumbo.

Add the green onions, vegetables, the remaining parsleyand the reserved onion mixture.  If desired, add 1 to 2 cups water to loosen the gumbo.  Simmer for another 20 minutes.  Give the gumbo a taste and season with sal and pepper as needed.  Feel free to add more pepper flakes at this point to make it spicey as well.

To serve, ladle the gumbo into serving bowl, removing any bay leaves.  Add a small scoop of cooked rice on top and garnish with chopped parsley and green onions.

Mushroom - Barley Soup

Mushroom - Barley Soup   Moosewood

Ingredients:

1/2 cup raw pearled barley

6 1/2 cups stock or water

1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt

3 to 4 tablespoons tamari

3 to 4 tablespoons dry sherry 

3 tablespoons butter

2 cloves minced garlic 

1 heaping cup chopped onion

1 pound fresh mushrooms sliced

freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

Cook the barley in 1 1/4 cups of the stock or water until tender.  Cook it right in the soup kettle.  Add the remaining stock or water, tamari and sherry.

Saute the onions and garlic in butter.  When they soften, add mushrooms and 1/2 teaspoon salt.  When all is tender, add the barley making sure to include the liquid the vegetables expressed while cooking.

Give it a generous grinding of black pepper and simmer up to 20 minutes, covered over the lowest possible heat.  Taste to correct seasonings. 

Tamari Almonds

ingredients: 
6 cups whole almonds with skin (a scant 2 lb)
1/2 cup tamari (wheat-free soy sauce; preferably San-J)
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Special equipment: 
2 large (17- by 12-inch) shallow baking pans

Directions:
Put oven racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat oven to 300°F.

Divide almonds between baking pans, spreading in 1 layer, and bake 15 minutes. Stir together tamari and sugar in a large heatproof bowl until sugar is dissolved. Add hot almonds and stir until coated well. Let stand, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Return almonds to baking pans with a slotted spoon, spreading them evenly. Discard any liquid remaining in bowl.

Bake almonds, stirring and switching position of pans halfway through baking, until almonds are dark brown outside and golden inside, about 25 minutes (cut an almond in half to check color).

Cool almonds completely in pans on racks, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes, then transfer to an airtight container.

cooks' notes:  Cooled almonds can be divided into small gift bags or jars and tightly sealed.

•Almonds keep in an airtight container at room temperature