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Where there is a will there is a way
Started
by Denise Lane
on October 27, 2009
I had a field roast sausage with refried beans! Also, don't forget to roast the pumpkin seeds! They are high in zinc but most importantly, super tasty! Kim is right about the pumpkin being like any squash. I bet you got sugar pumpkins or maybe a cinderella pumpkin? haha there are a lot and not all are created equal. If you want to make homemade pumpkin pie, you can steam the pumpkin and then puree it and use it in place of canned pumpkin. Pumpkin soup is also good...Make it creamy with some soymilk, homemade rice milk, or coconut milk (mmm) :) and add whatever seasonings you want! I actually have a huge Cinderella pumpkin now that I want to prepare, so if ya'll have anymore suggestions for pumpkins, I'm all ears!
With refried beans we usually have corn tortillas (sometimes baked like chips), shredded romaine lettuce, homemade guacamole, black olives, more onion, and top it off with cilantro/lime/peanut dressing. Very yummy. If the beans are cooked ahead of time you can have dinner on the table in under 10 minutes. That is my kind of meal.
This is also a huge hit when kids come over. They almost never turn up their noses at tacos! Although occasionally they will ask where the tomato parts are.
Oh yes, definitely toast those seeds. I coat mine with a touch of tamari and sesame oil then roast until crispy. They make an awesome addition to salads. I even made one batch with sesame and chili oil. Wow! That was a spicy one.
You can also puree the beans and stuff them in pasta. Sounds weird, but it taste great.
Holey Hannah...you guys are gettin' me ravenous - LOL!! I totally printed this thread out for your ideas, thank you! :)
Evie thank you for the suggestion of pumpkin soup. I have never tried it so looking forward to having it this weekend.
Kim did you make the cilantro/lime peanut dressing? that sounds really good!
I am so greatful for this web page as I am not sure I would stayed with the new diet without it . I have had to rethink my meal planning and it can be overwhelming. I learned to cook by planning meals around the main course (meat) and potatoes.
Thank you all so much for your ideas and suggestions! I have been keeping a running groc. list and can hardly wait to visit the whole foods store this weekend...Keep your meal ideas coming!!
Peanut Butter Dressing
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons hot chili oil
1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons chunky peanut butter
3 tablespoons sesame oil
Process until well blended.
Here is the recipe. I do not put in the brown sugar, sometimes I might drizzle a bit of maple syrup or agave in, but not usually. I also mince up some cilantro and throw that in as well.
Very good stuff.
Thank you Kim!! I am going to try this tomorrow.. I am starting to enjoy cooking again!!
Denise, I was super excited when I got some pie pumpkins last week. I made my own pumpkin puree and my pumpkin pie was the best ever although it was not vegan because I'm still flirting.
Cut off the tops and cut the pumpkins in half. Scoop out all the seeds and strningy stuff. Rub a little water over the inside. Cover at least the open part loosely with foil. Bake at about 350 degrees for a half hour or until the pumpkin is easily scoopable (you can easily push a spoon in the inside) Scoop out all the insides while they are still very warm. Puree with a food processor, blender or with a knife like i did (spread on cutting board, run knife through in several directions and smear with the edge of your knife until its smooth) but that is a huge pain. Then drain through cheese cloth or paper towel in a strainer for at least two hours in the refrigerator. Substiture 2 cups of this for any recipe with a can of pumpkin. It is sooooo much yummier!!!!
Great Ideas everyone!!
I just got the book yesterday and I'm "flirting". Not ready to commit to vegan yet, but I want to try to test myself and see if I can't get more vegan meals into my life.
Here are two that I absolutely love:
I had this one tonight.
1 Ezekiel sprouted grain tortilla
Roasted broccoli and onions
Slathered with homemade hummus (recipe below)
side of roasted sweet potato fries
Hummus
1/3 cup tahini
1 can chickpeas
4 tbsp of lemon juice (I use an organic bottled brand)
sea salt
1-2 garlic cloves (optional - I often omit to keep my breath fresh, lol)
blend in food processor adding water as needed till smooth and creamy (make sure not to use too much water - I add just a little at a time).
Another great meal is tostadas
2 ezekiel sprouted corn tortillas or regular corn tortillas
black bean or pinto bean dip (take can of either bean and food process and salt, cummin, cayenne pepper and chilli powder to taste)
Homemade Guacamole (avocado with fresh salsa or you can add tomatoes, red onions, sea salt, lemon or lime juice - smashed together)
lettuce or spinach (even cooked spinach is yummy)
This makes a huge mound of food that is filling! I usually eat half the bean mixture and save the other half for dinner or lunch the next day.
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