Skip links

HookedOnPlants

When getting hooked is a good thing

Main navigation

Appetizers

Vegan Pulled NO-Pork Nachos

By Leave a Comment

A plate of comfort-food deliciousness in the form of Vegan Pulled NO-Pork Nachos!

There’s a plethora of options for cheese in this nacho-libré momento… more proof that leaning towards vegan eating is actually an abundant move, not a restrictive one.

The more you explore the different options for your nostalgically yummy dishes, the wider your foodie mind will be opened!

Instead of dairy mozzarella, you can either choose from a ton of different vegan mozz alternatives (check out Vegan Supply and order online internationally), or make yourself one of these whole food cheeses: Cashew Cheese, Carrot Potato Cheese Sauce, Mind Blowing Multi-Purpose Cheese Sauce (nut-free), or even this Lentil Cheese Sauce.

There are so many different ways to cheese up your nachos!

And let’s not forget about jackfruit and the miracle that it is. If you’remissing that pulled texture of pork, jackfruit is your answer. Upton’s Naturals makes a great BBQ jackfruit, or the Jackfruit Company. Otherwise, buy it plain and sauté with some flava flave (as seen below).

No need to support the demand for this in this pulled pork situation.

Enjoy!

You nacho lover, you.

Vegan Pulled Pork Nachos | As simple as it gets
 
Save Print
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
A big plate o' nachos to share with your buds! This jackfruit pulled pork brings the 'meatiness' to this vegan fun time. Make it easy by using store bought vegan cheese, or go for it and make your own like this nacho cheese sauce or
Author:
Recipe type: nachos, party food
Serves: 4
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 250F
  2. If your jackfruit is plain, follow the above ingredients and sauté jackfruit
  3. Spread a layer of chips, top with a generous sprinkle of cheese, a few onions, olives and pieces of jackfruit.
  4. Do it again! It's all about the layering.
  5. Once the top layer is done, and topped off with cheese, bake for 10 minutes.
  6. Then broil for 2 minutes on low.
  7. Meanwhile, make your guacamole: Smash avocado with lime juice, garlic, red onion and salt n' pepper to taste.
  8. Serve it up with salsa and guac on the side.

Tag me if you make this! (@hookedonplants on instagram)

I love seeing your recipes.

For more inspiration and info on eating plant-based, sign up to my emails for bi-weekly inspiration, recipes, plus a free PDF on How to Get Hooked On Plants!

Need a guide towards a plant-based lifestyle, try the MostlyPlants program.

Try the #PlantsForAWeek challenge by grabbing my new E-Book

Peachy Rainbow Soba Summer Rolls + Zesty Orange Sesame Sauce

By Leave a Comment

Hot summer days call for fresh, crisp, rainbow soba summer rolls… on a patio… with a side of white wine spritzer…and a super fresh seasonal corn on the cob.

This has got to be the best way to get in as many raw veggies as possible.

Soba noodles give you that tasty filler, smoked tofu provides the surprising twist of flavour, and any raw veggies you have kickin’ around the kitchen make these rolls so satisfyingly crunchy & fresh.

This recipe gives you A LOT of sauce. Which is definitely on purpose.

Making extra is key because the party this zesty orange sesame sauce is having doesn’t stop at these rolls. Don’t be afraid to use it on anything, everything and all the in betweens. Here’s what I’m thinkin’:

  • douse your veggie BBQ skewers 
  • smother your soba noodle salad in it
  • drizzle it on roasted veggies
  • spread it on a sanny
  • squirt it in a wrap
  • dunk your raw veggies in it
  • water it down and use it as a salad dressing!

Sauce is what makes the world go ’round.

Kids will love getting in the kitchen to help fill the rice papers, and having them create the rainbow, gets them excited to actually eat the rainbow 😉

I would have to say, since I love dipping and crunchy freshness, this is up there as one of my most favourite recipes. Ever.

We just made this on Hornby Island, at my parent’s place which is totally outdoor livin’. An airstream trailer, a deck attached, a teepee guest bedroom and a beautiful long picnic table to dine on while we watch the sunset. Simple. Perfect. Summer.

We threw in a side salad, packed with beets, green onion, heirloom tomatoes and butter lettuce, but you’ll be getting more than enough veggies without adding that in. Maybe put some of the lettuce in the wraps and call it a day of delish nutrish.

Peachy Rainbow Soba Summer Rolls + Zesty Orange Sesame Dipping Sauce
 
Save Print
Cook time
Total time
 
A fun recipe that packs the nutrition into the most delicious handful you could ask for. Crunchy, fresh and perfect for a summery eve.
Author:
Recipe type: dinner, lunch, summer,
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 2-4
Ingredients

  • Wraps:
  • Rice paper wraps (we made 15)
  • 1 avocado
  • 1 cup purple cabbage
  • 1 peach
  • 1 cube smoked tofu
  • 1 large cucumber
  • 2 carrots
  • 1-2 bell peppers
  • 2 cups sprouts of choice (sunflower seed sprouts are crunchy and delish)
  • 1 package soba noodles (this will make more than you need, but they're great leftover with the sauce)

  • Zesty Orange Sesame Sauce:
  • 1-2 tsp zest of orange
  • Juice of 1 orange (medium navel)
  • ½ cup almond butter
  • ½ cup tahini
  • 3 tbsp braggs liquid aminos OR tamari
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cm fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic
  • ½ cup water
Instructions
  1. Cook soba noodles according to directions, then strain, let cool for 10 minutes
  2. Slice all veggies and the tofu thinly & vertically
  3. Make your sauce by blending all sauce ingredients in a food processor until smooth
  4. Set up your rolling station: fill a wide plate with water (for rice paper), have your bowl of noodles, have your veggies/tofu laid out on a plate, have a cutting board to roll on, have an empty platter ready for your finished rolls
  5. Make your rolls: soak a rice paper in water for 2 seconds, then place on the cutting board. Fill the paper with all the fixin's, then roll the rice paper like a burrito (fold two sides towards each other to cover the ends of the veggies, then roll the opposite ends until the paper is closed)
  6. Serve them up on a platter with individual dipping bowls and a plate!
Notes
If the rice paper is breaking, double them up and use 2 per roll!

Want more?

Sign up to my emails for weekly inspiration, recipes, plus a free PDF on How to Get Hooked On Plants!

This week was all about the Good Food Institute and the future of clean meat and plant-based proteins.

Fresh Vegan Bruschetta with Cashew Parmesan | Oil-Free

By 2 Comments

When in doubt, vegan bruschetta it out….

Too corny? Nah… Ooo, but corn would be an amazing addition to these little toasts…

Anyway, this is a perfect snack, appy, lunch, or even a super simple dinner alongside a mega salad!

Bruschetta is always a go-to at a restaurant with no vegan options. Minus the cheese ontop and butter below. You really can’t go wrong with tomatoes and toast, ya hear me?

Making this at home allows you to experiment a little, and it’s an easy, delicious way to get that fresh Italiano feel in the heat of the summer.

It’s not your typical brusch though (yes, brusch is now a word…), balsamic reduction gives it a deep sweetness, a little lime juice brings the tartness, and a sprinkle of cashew parm achieves that cheezy, salty flava flave.

If you can get your hands on some heirloom tomatoes, then cudos points to you, because your brusch will then blow the summery flip flops off of your guests tanned feet.

And the bread? Try to find yourself a rye sourdough baguette, that’s my fave.

Crunch away, my friends!

Benefits:

  • Tomatoes are one of nature’s magical fruits. They’re packed with vitamin K to help your bones, potassium for your heart, vitamin C for your immunity, and vitamin A for bones and your vision.
  • Basil is a powerful herb, packed with antioxidant, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. This guy will help prevent stress and anxiety, plus improve your digestion and liver function!
  • Shallots are amazing for lowering your blood pressure and increasing your blood flow. They’re sulfur-containing morsels, which makes them a star when it comes improving collagen levels and growing healthy hair.

4.0 from 1 reviews
Fresh Vegan Bruschetta with Cashew Parmesan
 
Save Print
Cook time
Total time
 
A fresh summer dish for everyone to devour. Heirloom tomatoes make this recipe next level!!
Author:
Recipe type: Vegan Bruschetta with a twist
Cuisine: snack, lunch, appetizer
Serves: 2 people
Ingredients
  • 15-20 cherry tomatoes, diced
  • ½ shallot, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • large handful basil, chopped
  • 2 tbsp balsamic reduction (I used Nonna Pia'scabernet merlot)
  • ⅛ tsp himalayan salt
  • ⅛ tsp pepper
  • ¼ lime wedge
  • ¼ cup cashew parmesan
  • 5-6 thin slices of baguette (rye sourdough is my favourite)
Instructions
  1. Mix tomatoes, shallot, garlic, spices, balsamic and basil together in a bowl.
  2. Toast bread.
  3. Pile the tomato mixture on the toasted slices, and top with a squeeze of lime and sprinkle with cashew parmesan.

Want more?

Sign up to my emails for weekly inspiration, recipes, plus a free PDF on How to Get Hooked On Plants!

This week’s email was all about a myth busting and a holistic doctor you just gotta know about…Dr. Kahn.

Easy Vegan Cashew Cheese Sauce | 7 Ingredients

By Leave a Comment

The good ol’ days of broccoli and cheese sauce are making a comeback, this time in the form of this next-level raw vegan cashew cheese sauce.

Totally nostalgic…who’s with me on that?

In the attempt to get me to eat those veggies in any way possible… cheese sauce, and sometimes mayo, made it onto the plate beside those greens.

It worked like a dream, just like this new & improved eat-yo-veggies cashew cheese hack will.

Something special happens to broccoli when it’s paired with a creamy, tangy, cheesy sauce. Dip away with all the other veggies, and you’re easily munching away on greens like their goin’ outta style.

All you need to do for this recipe is soak the cashews, blend it all up, and then drizzle, spread, dip, scoop…

I’m all about the sauce.

If you’re looking for a veggie-based cheese sauce option, check out this Mind-Blowing Nut-Free cheese sauce recipe I posted not too long ago.

Either one is perfect for a colourful side dish for a holiday like……. Easter!

Benefits:

  • Cashews are packed with healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) to help the absorption of the fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and vitamin K) found in the nutrient-dense greens. Plus, these healthy fats help brain development and memory!
  • Nutritional Yeast (NOOCH) is a vegan’s best friend. Not only does it taste cheesy, but it also is packed with Vitamin B12 (which comes from microorganisms in soil), the one nutrient that you might be lacking in on a vegan diet.
  • Turmeric is a magical ingredient. Not only does it change any recipe into a smashingly colourful dish, but it’s also one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients out there. Add a bit of pepper to increase the bioavailability of the curcumin in the turmeric by 2000%!

Easy Vegan Cashew Cheese Sauce
 
Save Print
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Answer that cheese craving with this super easy vegan cheese sauce, ready to be best friends with anything that calls for cheese. Pizza, pasta, veggies, nachos, you name it!
Author:
Recipe type: sauce, condiment, snack
Serves: 5
Ingredients
  • 1 cup raw cashews (soaked at least 30 minutes and rinsed)
  • ¼ cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • ⅛ tsp sea salt + pepper
  • ¼ tsp turmeric
  • ¼ cup + 2 tbsp plain unsweetened plant based milk (I used almond)
Instructions
  1. Blend all ingredients in high-speed blender until smooth! You might have to turn it off and scrape down the sides with a spatula every now and then...
  2. Use it for dipping, drizzling, spreading... anything! Pizza, pasta, cracker plates, or saucin' anything up!

Sign up to my emails for weekly inspiration, recipes, plus a free PDF on How to Get Hooked On Plants.

Creamy Vegan Spinach Artichoke White Bean Dip | 8 Ingredients

By Leave a Comment

Creaminess alert! I’m in love with this Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip.

White beans come into play to create that creamy texture you’re craving, minus the dairy.

If you come across this dip in the store, the veg-sounding name will probably fool ya. The usual culprits show up in full force in the store-bought version… cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, and parmesano. Yup, it’s an overload of the type of creaminess that won’t do your body any favours.

That brings me to one of life’s must-knows.

 

There are 2 important aspects of the act of eating. The physical side & the mental side.

The way you love and appreciate your food makes a big difference in how your body is going to assimilate those nutrients. If you’re stressed out or worried about that thing you’re eating while you’re eating it (‘oh god, I shouldn’t be eating this…’), your digestion won’t run smoothly (because your adrenal system ~ AKA, your stress centre ~ simply cannot work at the same time as your digestive system).

Step 1 – you’ve got to love the taste.

Step 2- you’ve got to appreciate the food and feel good about eating it.

 

It’s a lot easier to follow through with step 2 when the food you’re eating is actually good for you, and it helps when it doesn’t taste like cardboard, am I right!?

That’s what it’s all about here. This dip is even better than ‘guilt-free’, I’ll go as far as saying it’s a ‘life-giving’ dip. It’s next-level awesome for your taste buds and your health.

And oooh man, does it ever taste good warmed up with a side of rye sourdough, crackers and veggies.

The white beans give this dip the dip-able texture we’re looking for.

Don’t limit it to a dip! Spread it all over your toast, sandwiches, wraps, or even make it into a pasta sauce by adding almond milk!

 

There’s just two steps to get to this deliciousness.

Blend

Bake

… that’s it.

 

Benefits:

  • White beans (cannellini beans) are of the legume family. Enough said. Legumes have tons of antioxidants, inulin fibre (prebiotics), minerals, vitamins, and protein. They’re low in fat, cholesterol, and calories (in comparison to the meaty alternative). This is your time to get in yo’ beans! Soak them first, then rinse if you feel that you get gas from them.
  • Artichokes = antioxidants. They’re #7 on USDA’s antioxidant-rich foods list! Plus, Vitamin C in artichoke is going to help you absorb the iron in the spinach. What a combo.
  • Spinach. We all know it’s Pop-Eye’s fave. Why wouldn’t it be? It’s packed with the good stuff (iron, water content, fibre, plant protein, chlorophyll, plus… niacin, manganese, zinc, vitamins A, C, E and K, thiamin, vitamin B6, folate,potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper), but missing the bad stuff (saturated fat & cholesterol). A recipe for Pop-Eye’s physique.

 

Spinach Artichoke White Bean Dip | Vegan
 
Save Print
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
This dip is easy, but so impressive. We're keeping it on the lighter side by using beans as the base instead of nuts. It's creamy and delicious!
Author:
Recipe type: dip, appetizer, spread
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 1 can white cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
  • ½ cup + 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (about a ½ lemon)
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup packed spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup artichoke hearts (about 1 can, drained), roughly chopped
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat your oven to 375°F.
  2. In your food processor, blend beans with ½ cup nutritional yeast, onion powder, garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
  3. In an oven safe serving dish, mix the bean mixture with the spinach and artichokes.
  4. Cover with tin foil, then bake for 12 minutes.
  5. Take the foil off, sprinkle with extra nutitional yeast (or vegan parmesan like Violife's or this recipe) and broil on high for 2 minutes.
  6. Serve this saucy goodness up with your favourite raw veggies, chips, crackers...you name it.

Want more? Sign up to my emails for weekly inspiration, recipes, plus a free PDF on How to Get Hooked On Plants.

Sign up for your free PDF
7 Steps on How to Add More Plants to Your Life
3 Digestion Must-Knows
Exclusive nutrition & tips, resources and free recipes