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Vegan Pulled NO-Pork Nachos

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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
 
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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

Lentil Quinoa Burgers that don’t suck

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Sun’s out, buns out!

Lentil Quinoa Burger buns all the way.

It’s feeling pretty springy around here, which means, that BBQ needs some tender attention.

Time for another veggie burger recipe.

This time I was going for a flavourful patty that DOESN’T FALL A PART.

 

We’ve all heard it before… ‘vegan burgers always fall a part’. Just like that. Heard it a million times, and had it a million times.

Well, give this one a chance. It’s one that you can flip, and one that won’t squish outta that bun of yours.

It even fairs well on the ol’ barby.

OH and this avo dill sauce…

I say every sauce I make is an everything sauce… but seriously, this sauce is most def’ an everything sauce. Put it on anything, and BOOM, immediate chef-y points.


Vegan Lentil Quinoa Burgers
 
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A veggie burger to impress your friends with. Not all vegan burgers are super squishy, fall-a-part-y. This one is flavourful and the texture is on point!
Author:
Recipe type: burger, BBQ
Serves: 4-5
Ingredients
  • 1 cup quinoa, pre-cooked
  • 1½ cup green lentils, pre-cooked
  • 1 flax egg (mix 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water and let sit for 3 minutes)
  • ½ cup white onion, finely diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • ½ cup oats, blended to a flour (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 tbsp miso
  • 1 tbsp vegan BBQ sauce (sub with ½ tbsp mustard + ½ tbsp ketchup)
  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper

  • Avocado Dill Sauce:
  • 2 avocados
  • 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp dill
  • 1 tbsp vegan mayo
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ + ⅛ cup water

  • Extra Toppings:
  • Caramelized onions + mushrooms
  • Dijon
  • Tomato
  • Red onion
  • Sprouts
  • Pickles
  • Vegan Mayo
  • Vegan Cheese (add to the burger after the 2nd flip with just 2 minutes left to cook) ~ I used Gusta Cheese here, but you can find any cheese you want on Vegan Supply or Spud! (you can use code: CRVAN-MURJUB for 20$ off)
Instructions
  1. First of all, make sure your flax egg is soaking away for just a few minutes.
  2. Heat pan to medium, add onions and garlic, sauté for a few minutes. Add 1 tbsp of water or balsamic vinegar at a time to de-glaze the pan. Do this until the onions are translucent (about 5 minutes)
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the flax egg, miso paste, BBQ sauce, cumin, paprika, nutritional yeast, salt + pepper.
  4. In a large bowl, add that mixture plus the rest of the ingredients and wake up those arm muscles! Mash away with a potato masher. The mixture should be paste-y, stick together-y, but still have a few whole lentils in tact. If it's too wet, add a bit more nutritional yeast (Nooch). If it's too dry, add a little bit more BBQ sauce.
  5. Form the burgers into patties (about a ½ inch thick and 3 inches in diameter).
  6. Place the patties on a parchment-covered plate and store in the fridge for 10 minutes while you turn your pan to medium heat, or while your BBQ fires up.
  7. Either brush the grill surface with avocado or coconut oil, or add 1 tsp of oil to your pan.
  8. Cook 7 minutes per side, adding cheese for the last 2 minutes.
  9. Meanwhile, make your avocado dill sauce. Add all ingredients to your blender and blend until smooth!
  10. Pile up your masterpiece!!

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!

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

 

Vegan Mac & Cheese (with Carrot Potato Cheese Sauce!)

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Time to get saucy! Carrot Potato Cheese Sauce-style.

This week is all about creating that decadent flavour and texture, amping up the nutrients, and ditching the high fat, high calorie ways of those usual culprits in your typical creamy or mac n’ cheese pasta sauce (I’m lookin’ at you butter, cheese and heavy cream).

This sauce is so healthy, that there’s no shame in drinking it from the blender.

Actually, it’s highly encouraged.

When you’re just dying for that creamy pasta experience…but you don’t want to dose yourself with a big ol’ bowl of heavy cream sauce, this is the pasta sauce for you.

Carrots and taters to the rescue.


Vegan Mac & Cheese (with Carrot Potato Cheese Sauce!)
 
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A super healthy version of your typical mac & cheese, but still so creamy, flavourful and more than satisfying!
Author:
Recipe type: dinner, lunch
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • Pasta noodles of choice (around 450g)
  • 1 large head of broccoli florets, chopped (save stalks for your next hummus plate as dippers!)
  • 1 package vegan sausage (I used Field Roast from Spud. You can use code: 'CRVAN-MURJUB for 20$ off your first order)
  • Smokey Vegan Parmesan

  • Carrot Potato Cheese Sauce:
  • 3 medium-sized russet potatoes, chopped
  • 4 large carrots, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ¼ cup miso paste
  • ⅛ cup dijon
  • ¾ cup nutritional yeast
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened, unflavoured soy milk
  • pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
  1. Steam potatoes and carrots for 10-15 minutes (until you can poke a fork through them)
  2. Add all the sauce ingredients to your blender, including the carrots and potatoes
  3. Bring your pasta pot to a boil.
  4. Place broccoli in the steamer (add more water if needed), and steam for 5 minutes.
  5. Back to the blender: blend sauce ingredients until smooth (you may need to use a tamper to help in the beginning, but it should blend on its own. Let it blend for a couple of minutes for optimal creaminess)
  6. Cook pasta of choice 1 minute less than what directions say.
  7. Meanwhile, heat a pan to medium, add 1 tsp of oil (avocado is best), then the vegan sausage. Cook for 5 minutes, flipping around every minute or so.
  8. *OPTION: to use 1 less pan, wait until the pasta is finished, and add the sausage to the bottom of the pasta pot while the pasta sits in sink in the strainer*
  9. Strain, pasta, then put back into the pot with the broccoli and sausage.
  10. Add the sauce to the pot and mix until each pasta noodle is super creamy delicious!
  11. Whip up some Smokey Vegan Parm to sprinkle on top!

 

Tag @hookedonplants if you make this! I love seeing your creations.

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

This week’s email is all about Colon Cancer Awareness month, and what doc’s to follow on instagram for the month of info!

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

Japanese Pumpkin Lentil Curry Stew

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T’is the time of the year for hearty bowls of flavourful ingredients…Today, in the form of this nutrient-dense Japanese Pumpkin Lentil Curry.

There’s just something about the words ‘pumpkin’ and ‘curry’ that causes the mouth to water and the comforting vibes to shine.

Oil-free.

Ridiculously simple.

Minimal ingredients.

Lots of benefits.

If you’re wondering what a ‘Japanese Pumpkin’ might be…it’s a Kabocha Squash!

Same, same.

I love love love Kabocha. It’s packed with vitamin A and C, with some B’s in there too. Meaning your eyes, immunity and nerves will all benefit from this sweet pumpkin!

Read on for the easiest way to cook up squash.

This recipe makes a lot, but you could even double it and freeze half to be ready for a stress-free, last minute dinner in that future of yours!


Japanese Pumpkin Red Lentil Curry Stew
 
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A comforting stew, packed with nutrients, flavour and heartiness. Ready for that rustic baguette and hungry people!
Author:
Recipe type: stew, dinner, lunch
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 1 Japanese pumpkin (kabocha squash), halved with seeds scooped out
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 8 white or cremini mushrooms, diced or sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small jar of green or red curry paste (used Thai Kitchen curry)
  • 1 can light coconut milk (use the liquid too)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (or 1 veggie bouillon cube mixed with 2 cups water)
  • 2 cups dry red lentils
  • 2 cups spinach, chopped

  • To serve:
  • Cilantro, chopped
  • Peanuts
  • Brown Rice or Quinoa as the base
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 400°F
  2. While it's pre-heating, chop your veggies.
  3. Place the halved, de-seeded squash flesh-side down on a parchment covered or a re-usable baking sheet covered pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes.
  4. Oil-free sauté the first ingredients by heating your pot to medium heat, then adding the onion, carrots, celery and mushrooms. Let these sizzle for a few minutes, then de-glaze (un-stick) with a couple tablespoons of water. Continue to do this for about 7 minutes, de-glazing a few times as needed.
  5. To the pot, add the 2 minced garlic cloves and full jar of curry paste. Mix and let sauté a few minutes.
  6. Then add the full can of coconut milk, 2 cups of veggie broth and 2 cups of red lentils.
  7. Mix, bring to a boil, then let simmer for 20 minutes.
  8. Add chopped spinach.
  9. When the Kabocha Squash is done, flip the halves over to let cool for a few minutes, then scoop out the flesh with a spoon and mix it into the stew.
  10. Serve it up! On a bed of quinoa or brown rice with cilantro and peanuts on top!
Notes
*Didn't include cooking time or instructions for grain to serve it on. Pre-cooked quinoa, rice, or wheat berries are great!

Tag @hookedonplants if you make this! I love seeing your creations.

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

This week is all about Plant Proof’s podcast with Dr. Alan Desmond. He gives out so much amazing information about the gut microbiome!

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

 

Simple Caramelized Leek & Onion Side Dish | Oil-free

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Move over mashed potatoes, there’s a new kid on the block. This caramelized leek & onion side is now the side of all sides.

Paired with the easiest go-to ingredient combo of Bragg’s liquid aminos and Nooch.

Hack alert: add these two ingredients to any savoury dish, and BAM: you’re a chef pumping out incredibly flavourful dishes!!

It might not look like much, but the flavours are bursting and the simplicity is ridiculous.

Just a few chops, a bit of a sizzle, a yummy aroma, and you have yourself a fancy, melt in your mouth side!


Simple Caramelized Onion n' Leek Side Dish
 
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A simple, flavourful side dish to amp up any dinner menu!
Author:
Recipe type: side
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 2 leeks, with the dark green part chopped off (this is optional, but makes for a softer caramelization). White/light green part sliced in half lengthwise, rinsed well, then thinly sliced horizontally
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Kosher salt
  • ¼ cup Bragg's Liquid Aminos
  • ½ cup nutritional yeast
Instructions
  1. Heat pan to medium heat then add sliced onions. Let the pan brown, then add a bit of water (about an ⅛ of a cup) and mix to de-glaze the pan. Do this twice.
  2. Add the sliced leek to the pan. Continue the de-glazing method with water (baslamic vinegar works too!) for few times.
  3. Lower the heat, put the lid on, and allow to caramelize for at least 10 minutes.
  4. Add liquid aminos and nutritional yeast. Mix until combined.
  5. Serve it up!

Tag @hookedonplants if you make this! I love seeing your creations.

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

This week is all about Plant Proof’s podcast with Dr. Alan Desmond. He gives out so much amazing information about the gut microbiome!

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