Posts

Ginger-Miso Cabbage Salad

/in , , , /by

Perfect for packed lunches or picnics, this is even easier to put together if you can use the shredding attachment on a food processor.

Salad:
200g red cabbage, shredded
150g white cabbage, shredded
1/2 red onion, finely sliced
1 large carrot, shredded
2 tbsp golden raisins or cranberries
2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted in a frying pan until golden

Dressing:
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1/2 tbsp soy sauce
pinch dried ginger
1 heaped tsp yellow miso

Directions:
1. Mix all of the salad ingredients.
2. Mix all of the dressing ingredients.
3. Mix the dressing into the salad.

Hot Cross Buns

/in , , /by

These spiced buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday, and they are best served halved with some suitable-for-vegan spread. The majority of their sweetness comes from the dried fruit. Makes 12.

Ingredients

For the buns

250g strong white flour
250g plain flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp mixed spice
2 tbsp suitable-for-vegans sugar
2 tsp instant yeast
zest 1 lemon
zest 1 lime
250ml plant milk, warmed slightly
60g mild-flavoured oil (I used rice bran oil)
2 tbsp whole flaxseeds, ground and mixed with 3 tbsp water
200g mixed dried fruit of your choice (I used 75g mixed peel; 75g raisins; 50g dried cranberries)
For the crosses
3 tbsp flour
3 tbsp cold water
For the sugar glaze
20g suitable-for-vegans sugar
20ml water

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix the flours, salt, spices, and sugar.
2. Make a well in the centre and add the yeast and rinds, and then mix in the plant milk, flaxseed mixture, and oil.
3. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead well, about 5 minutes (alternatively, you can use a stand mixer). Knead in the dried fruit. Shape the dough into a ball, place in a bowl, cover with a tea towel, and leave to stand for an hour until risen.
4. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, and roll each into a ball. Place on a baking tray lined with a silicone sheet. Cover again with a cling film and leave to rest for 30 minutes more.
5. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 220C.
6. When the buns are nearly done rising, prepare the mixture for the crosses by mixing together the 3tbsp flour and cold water. Transfer to a piping bag. Once the buns have risen, pipe a cross on each one.
7. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. While the buns are baking, mix the ingredients for the sugar glaze in a saucepan over a low heat until the sugar is dissolved. When the buns have finished baking, brush them with the sugar glaze, and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s highly recommended to eat one while they’re still warm.

Curry-spiced red lentils and oats with spinach, raisins, and walnuts

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Spicy, savoury, with a touch of sweetness, this is a great way to add greens to your breakfast.

Ingredients

For the lentils and oats
1 1/3 cup water
1 ‘sprig’ dried kombu (about 1″)
1/4 cup red lentils
1/4 cup rolled, large flake oats
2T scallions, minced (reserve 2″ – 3″ green for garnish)
1/2T curry powder
1/4t dried, ground turmeric (or to taste — I add 1/2t)
Coarse sea salt and black pepper to taste

For the spinach
1T water
1 cup packed spinach, minced
1/4t coarse sea salt
1T nutritional yeast
Coarse sea salt to taste

For the garnish
1T chopped walnuts
2T raisins (thompson or sultana are equally good)
3-4 grape tomatoes, quartered
Scallion green sliced on a angle (as noted above)

Optional: Switch out the oats for amaranth for something more nutrient dense (reduce the water to 1 cup if you do, and add the amaranth about 10 minutes in). You can save yourself time (and a pan) by adding the spinach and raisins to the oats for the last 5 minutes, but your presentation won’t be as nice. You can also add some flavour by toasting the oats and curry spices in the frying pan before adding them. Replace the walnuts with a tablespoon cashew butter (added to the oats at the end) for a creamier texture.

Method

Bring the water to a boil in a small pan with a lid. Add the red lentils and kombu. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Add the oats, cover and simmer for another 5 minutes. Remove the kombu. Add the scallion, curry powder and turmeric. Stir to combine. Simmer another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand to cool.