The heatwave has arrived and I can almost guarantee what most of you will want to do in this weather – haul out the barbecue! It’s the classic British answer to hot, weather. Do what you can to make the most of the heat while it lasts, cook outside with friends, get sunburnt and maybe even a little drunk. It’s even a perfect idea as the COVID rules relax because you can obey the lockdown rules and still be social. If you’re vegan you might be struggling to think of how you can enjoy what is typically a very meat focused event. But don’t worry, I’ve got you. Alongside your…
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Kidney Bean and Quinoa Burgers (Vegan & Gluten Free)
It can be tricky sometimes to meet the craving for a good meaty vegan burger without soy or gluten. Finally I think I’ve done it, and it’s easier than I thought it would be! The burger is deeply tasty, full of protein, and doesn’t fall apart like so many veggie burgers. This all comes from investigating an interesting new ingredient: Methylcellulose. The secret to the texture of beyond meat, this binder has the unique ability to firm up when hot. Since discovering it, I’ve been taking a second look at all my burger recipes to see if it can improve their texture. Want a burger that tastes as good as…
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Vegan Lobster Roll (Vegan and Gluten Free)
Native to New England, Lobster Rolls are a traditional summer treat. Surprisingly, they are amazingly easy to veganise with the help of a few hearts of Palm. These little delights have a great flaky texture that’s just like seafood and what’s more, it’s so much cheaper than lobster! Happy to be made in advance, this tasty sandwich is a perfect summer treat and will work well with your next picnic. Want to have these for a easy lunch in the sun? They pair well with a light salad or the more traditional accompaniment of fries. The whole family will love these. Makes: Serves 4 Ingredients For the ‘Lobster’ Salad: 400g…
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Bacon Style Tempeh (Vegan & Gluten Free)
Tempeh is one of those ingredients I’d never heard of before turning vegan. It’s also one I’ve struggled to get Kenny to be happy with, I suspect because he finds it just too strange. However, it’s a great source of protein as well as being good for the gut. I started making my own a few months ago, it’s typically made from soy beans but I make mine from black beans and seeds. The mix ensures it’s still a protein source but it’s free from soy which works well for me. Tempeh can be used in a lot of places where you’d typically use meat, or treated like tofu. I…
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Vegan Lasagne (Vegan & Gluten Free)
A good lasagne is a labour of love and one of those dishes that is greater than the sum of it’s parts. Everything needed is basics I tend to always have in the house. It’s not difficult and all it needs is plenty of time to turn into a rich, filling, tasty, comforting dish that will feed a crowd with ease. This recipe features a rich lentil bolognese and creamy bechamal – you won’t miss the meat here! I always make a huge batch in a large roasting tin so we can freeze the leftovers as it freezes so well. What’s more, even though it can take a while a…
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Takeout Style Sweet & Sour (Vegan & Gluten Free)
For the last post in this week’s fakeaway series I bring my version of that takeout classic, Sweet and Sour. Sweet and sour is a classic takeout dish but not very Chinese. I have memories of ordering takeout for a girls night and a friend from China went from excited to horrified. She couldn’t believe that this sticky, sweet dish was what we considered part of her nation foods. If we’re honest it’s not, it’s one of those dishes that was dreamt up to satisfy the palate of westerners. I have to admit, I love it irrespective of where it came from! In the recipe below I’ve used tofu but…
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Salt & Pepper Cauliflower (Vegan & Gluten Free)
There are evenings when Kenny goes out with the boys and I get to order whatever takeout I want, no gluten allergy worries needed. On these days it’s not uncommon that my first instinct is to reach for my favourite Chinese place. Generally a cuisine that we avoid ordering like the plague, when it’s just me it doesn’t matter if our local takeout doesn’t understand the term ‘gluten free’ because they won’t kill me if they use the wrong soy sauce. But Kenny? That’s a whole different story. I’m not going to play soy sauce russian roulette with his life just so I can get my Chinese takeout fix. That’s…
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Vegan Egg Fried Rice (Vegan & Gluten Free)
We’re doing a little series this week on Fakeaways. Recipes that you can easily cook at home that taste as good, if not better than what you’d order for a takeout. What’s more, when cooking at home you have the guarantee that everything will be vegan and match your allergy needs. Want it vegan? Of course you do! Need it gluten free? Not a problem here! Need to avoid soy? I’ve got you. Nuts are a problem? All of this week’s fakeaways are nut free. Today I present to you egg fried rice, no egg needed. A Chinese takeout classic, it’s also one of the best things you can do…
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Thai Style Potato Salad (Vegan & Gluten Free)
I’m a big fan of salads in all forms. From little side salads to big heaping mounds of veggies drenched in a delicious dressing, and warm salads that contrast winters cool. A good salad shouldn’t be just a few leaves, but rather is a vehicle for your creativity. Experiment with ingredients you have around the house to add that extra special touch, fruit for sweetness, nuts for crunch Potato salad works well as a side with just so many dishes. Serve as a side with your next barbecue, with a picnic, or leftovers. This version is bursting with flavours, creamy, sweet and just a little acidic. Whats more, it’s incedibly…
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Gnocchi Puttanesca-ish (Vegan & Gluten Free)
Lets just pretend this recipe doesn’t exist for anyone with an Italian background – I think I might get into trouble for messing with an Italian classic! Translated as ‘Spaghetti a la whore’, Putanesca is traditionally a spaghetti based dish. While there are plenty of arguments on where this was originally invented, one of my favourites is the claim it was originated in the brothels of the Spanish Quarters as a dish mistresses made for their clients. With a few tweeks from the original, it’s perfect for a quick, one pot dinner. The comforting little pillows of Gnocchi cook perfectly in the sauce. Finished with some vegan mozzerella and finished…
