Posts tagged ‘vegan. grain free’
Soft Banana Bread Cookies (Vegan, Grain-free)
I love buying a large bunch of bananas. I only eat but one or two in its fresh form, so when they reach the “ugly” stage and are a little too mushy and sweet for eating, I have a good excuse to bake.
Not only are these soft, cake-like cookies grain-free and vegan, they are sweetened only with fruit — you guessed it, bananas! Instead of baking an entire loaf of banana bread, I opted for built-in portion control in the form on cookies 
Soft, muffin-like cookies that are reminiscent of the popular quick bread most of know and love. I added chopped walnuts and a handful of golden raisins for some texture, but feel free to swap out your favorite add-ins such as chocolate chips, pecans, dried cherries or even chopped candied ginger for a different twist.
With a short list of ingredients and a snap to prepare, you can feel good about these treats…and even eat them for breakfast
Soft Banana Bread Cookies (Vegan, Grain-free)
Gluten-free, Vegan, Egg-free, Dairy-free, Peanut-free, Grain-free, Quick
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups almond flour or almond meal
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon (can add a pinch of other spices like nutmeg for a different twist too!)
1/4 -1/2 tsp sea salt
2 ripe large bananas or 3 small, mashed
1/4 cup creamy almond butter (or other nut butter)
1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1/4 raisins (I used golden raisins) or other dried fruit or mini chocolate chips/cacao nibs, optional
Directions
1. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine dry ingredients (almond flour through salt)>
3. In a separate bowl, mash together the banana, nut butter and vanilla.
4. Stir in dry ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Using a tablespoon (I oiled mine so the batter didn’t stick), scoop dough into rounded tablespoons on prepared baking sheet (or oil your hands well and rolls into balls if preferred but the dough is sticky!).
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until cookies are lightly golden brown on top. Remove from oven and let cool completely (be patient) before removing from baking sheet, otherwise they will fall apart Enjoy!
Yields 28-30 cookies
Pot Pie Soup (Grain-Free)
Pot pie is one of those comforting meals that I could eat in any form – casseroles, hand-held, soups, mmmm. Fresh vegetables, diced chicken, creamy potatoes and a soothing base combine for a one-dish meal that screams YUM in my book. I lightened up this dish without sacrificing taste and included options for multiple dietary needs 
I’ve had my mind set on making a version of chicken pot pie soup for months. After too many chilly winter days, I finally got the time (and energy) to cook this homemade meal that was just as delicious as I’d hoped it would be. I had planned to make some almond flour biscuits alongside the soup, but time got away from me so I opted for crackers instead. Next time I whip up this dish, a batch of biscuits will be on the agenda!
Pot Pie Soup
Gluten-free, Grain-free, Nut-free, Dairy-Free Option, Vegetarian Option
Ingredients
3 Tbsp arrowroot starch or tapioca starch (can sub your fav gluten free flour & increase to 4-5 Tbsp but wouldn’t be grain-free)
2 Tbsp butter, ghee, Earth Balance or olive oil (use Earth Balance or olive oil for dairy free)*
2-3 cups chicken broth or homemade stock, divided (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option) – depends on how thick you like it
4 cups milk of choice (cows, unsweetened soy, coconut, rice, almond or a combo)
2 celery stalks, small diced
1 medium sweet onion, diced
8 oz sliced mushrooms
2 carrots, peeled and diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper plus more to taste
1/2 tsp sea salt plus more to taste
1 tsp dried thyme
pinch of dried rosemary
1 1/2 tsp dried parsley or 2 Tbsp fresh parsley
4 yukon gold potatoes, diced small
3-4 cups cooked chicken or turkey breast, diced small (for vegetarian could sub 2 cup cooked lentils but may need to adjust seasoning)
1/2 cup frozen peas
Directions
1. Combine 1/2 cup of broth with the arrowroot (or tapioca) in a small bowl and stir until blended. Set aside.
2. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat 1 Tbsp butter/ghee/oil over medium heat. Add celery, onion, mushrooms, carrots and sweat until onions and vegetables are cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Toss in garlic, salt, pepper and herbs and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Add broth, milk and potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes depending on the size of your potatoes. Add chicken and cook another 5 minutes.
5. Add the frozen peas and let cook for 1-2 minutes.
6. Whisk the arrowroot-broth mixture again and slowly add to the soup, and cook for 3 minutes until soup is thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy!
*I recommend using butter, ghee or Earth Balance to give a richness and buttery flavor to this dish Feel free to use the olive oil if you prefer though!
“Nutella” Ice Cream (Non-Dairy) – SRC
Today’s dessert recipe was inspired by Dorothy of Shockingly Delicious. I was assigned her blog this month for the Secret Recipe Club and was thrilled to have been introduced to her delectable recipes – and so many to choose from!
I decided on her Nutella Ice Cream, not only because it’s on her favorite’s list but because it spurred me to make my own homemade “Nutella” AND it gave me the urge to use my ice cream maker after 6 months of hibernation. There’s something about frozen desserts when it’s still cold outside that is still really appealing. Does anyone else still crave ice cream in the fall and winter?
I altered Dorothy’s recipe to make it dairy free and refined sugar free. I decided to double all of the ingredients because I wanted more than just a pint…what can I say, I like dessert! I started off by making my own homemade Nutella. I also added a bit more cocoa for a greater chocolate kick (this could be due to my homemade version), subbed coconut nectar for sugar, and used Mimic Creme and almond milk in place of cow’s milk and heavy cream. For a little garnish, I also chopped up extra hazelnuts and tossed on cacao nibs for added texture…mmmm!
This recipe was chocolately, nutty, creamy and rich-tasting without the dairy and guilt The perfect sweet ending to a long day!
Chocolate Hazelnut aka ”Healthier Nutella” Ice Cream (inspired by Shockingly Delicious)
Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Vegan, Grain-free, Refined Sugar-Free
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups unsweetened Mimic Creme* (could substitute canned coconut milk if preferred)
1 1/4 cups unsweetened almond milk or other non-dairy milk (chocolate, vanilla or plain all work here – I used vanilla)
1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp chocolate hazelnut spread/”Healthy Nutella”**
6-8 Tbsp coconut nectar (or agave syrup) to taste (depends on how sweet you want your ice cream, remember when it gets cold it is less sweet!)
pinch of sea salt
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
optional: 1 rounded Tbsp unsweetened cacao or cocoa powder for extra chocolate boost
For garnish: chopped hazelnuts and chocolate chips or cacao nibs OR you could mix them into the ice cream maker toward the end if want them incorporated into the ice cream
Directions
1. Put all ingredients in a blender and blend on low speed just until combined. This will take 15 or so seconds. Pour into container for electric ice cream maker and process until frozen, following manufacturer’s instructions for your machine. You may chill the mixture before processing if you like, but it is not necessary.
2. Eat immediately (it will be a soft-serve consistency, or scoop into a container and freeze for several hours to harden it further.
Makes 2 pints.
*For a creamier and richer ice cream, use all Mimic Creme or coconut milk instead of the non-dairy milk.
**If you are in a pinch and don’t have time to make your own homemade nut butter, you can find healthier versions of chocolate-hazelnut butters in health food stores if you want to go that route
For other recipes from the Secret Recipe Club posts today, click here!
Red Thai Tofu Curry (SRC)
The Secret Recipe Club is back in action for 2013 and I was assigned Melanie’s Fabulously Fun Food blog for the month of January! From her Papas Rellenas and Jamaican Jerk Chicken to the Chocolate Guinness Cake and Homemade Gnocchi, Melanie covers all types of cuisine and made my mouth water looking through all her recipes. 
Her original recipe for Red Thai Duck Curry immediately struck my fancy, not only because it was on “Melanie’s Favorites” list but I happen to love anything with curry in the title. Admittedly though, duck freaks me out a bit so when I saw a little blurb for a protein swap, I decided to change up a few ingredients and make this a 100% vegetarian and vegan meal. Why not if I am going that direction anyway?
In addition to substituting the tofu for duck and coconut aminos for the fish sauce, I added a touch of sweetness in the form of coconut nectar syrup that the fish sauce would have added. I added a few wedges of fresh lime and chopped fresh cilantro for brightness and decided against the cooking rice as a side. In the veggie department, I increased the amount of mushrooms and added carrots since I didn’t have any tomatoes or pineapple on hand (though both will be added next time I make this).
I like my curry on the thicker side but feel free to add more liquid to this dish (as noted) if you prefer one on the thinner side. I have mentioned before that I prefer eating rice plain AND separate from my main dish… so I decided to forgo the rice and opted for a second helping of this curry instead After all, I do love my veggies and protein!
A little sweet, a little spicy and FULL of flavor — I LOVED this curry! I can’t wait to make this again soon and experiment with various vegetables and proteins for variety.
Red Thai Tofu Curry (SRC) (inspired by Red Thai Duck Curry)
Gluten-free, Grain-free, Nut-free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy-free option
Ingredients
2 Tbsp butter, ghee, coconut oil or Earth Balance, divided (use oil or Earth Balance for dairy free)
1-2 tsp agave, coconut sugar, coconut nectar or sweetener of choice or to taste**
1 large lime, cut into wedges
Fresh basil and cilantro, chopped (I used about 1/4 cup each) – can use all basil if you aren’t a fan of cilantro
1. Heat 1 Tbsp butter/oil in a wok/skillet over medium-high heat. Stir-fry tofu until golden on all sides, about 6 minutes then remove from pan and set aside.
2. Heat 1/2 Tbsp butter/oil in a medium saucepan over medium low heat. Add Red Thai curry paste to the pan and stir. Cook paste for several minutes to release the flavors (If you have a hood over your oven, use it otherwise you’ll be sneezing up a storm from the chiles in the paste). Pour in the coconut milk, hot water (if using), coconut aminos/tamari/soy sauce, sweetener and minced ginger. Stir and allow to cook over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
3. In the same wok/skillet you prepared the tofu, heat remaining 1/2 Tbsp butter/oil over medium high heat. Add sliced onions, bell pepper, carrots and mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes or until cook to your preference (I like mine crisp tender). Make sure the pan is hot, then add tofu and stir. Cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed, stirring occasionally.
4.Taste curry sauce, which should be slightly thickened by now. Add more spice if needed. If it’s too spicy, add more coconut milk.
5. Pour curry sauce into the pot with the veggies and tofu. Stir to combine and allow to bubble and simmer for a good 5 to 10 minutes. Add a little hot water if it seems too thick, or allow to bubble longer if it needs more thickening. Remove from heat and allow to sit for 5 minutes.
6. At the last minute, stir in lots of chopped basil and cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice and serve immediately and/or over cooked grain of choice and enjoy!
Serves 4-6 (Depending on if you serve this with or without a side)
*If you aren’t a fan of tofu, feel free to substitute chicken or shrimp in this dish
**Can substitute fish sauce in place of the soy sauce but will not longer be vegetarian. If doing so, eliminate the added sweetener since fish sauce already contains sugar.
For the remaining recipes in today’s reveal, visit:
