Cauliflower Rice Taco Skillet

You can use rice instead of cauliflower rice but the later makes this so fast to come together. I cooked the cauliflower rice according to the package directions and then added it at the appropriate time. This was ready in under 30 minutes. I cooked it in my Dutch oven but a large skillet would work better. Here's  your next Taco Tuesday menu.

• 1 small sweet onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeno, diced (optional)
• 12 ounces vegan ground beef (I used Impossible, thawed)
• 1 packet reduced sodium taco seasoning
• 12 ounces cauliflower rice, cooked according to package directions
• 1 15-ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 lime juiced
• Garnish: avocado, cilantro, pickled jalapenos, tortilla chips

Heat 2 tablespoons water over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, jalapeno, beef and taco seasoning. Stir to break up the beef.

Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently

Pour in the cooked cauliflower rice, beans and tomatoes and mix well.

Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes.  Add lime juice and serve.

Served with desired garnishes and some hot sauce.

If you are not a fan of heat you can leave the jalapeno out of the dish. 

Enjoy!

Chocolate Mousse Mini Pies

This chocolate mousse is delicious, rich, creamy and makes a wonderful mini pie. It could also be served as pudding. These simple ingredients go into your food processor and become smooth and creamy. Then either fill mini graham cracker crusts or add to a pretty serving bowl for a lovely dessert. 

• 1 12-ounce box Mori-Nu Silken Tofu Extra Firm
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 package mini graham cracker pie crust
• Shaved dark chocolate for garnish, optional

All all the ingredients except for pie crusts and garnish to a food processor or blender. Blend, stopping occasionally to scrape down the bowl. 

Continue to blend until the mixture is totally mixed and is creamy.

Pour into mini pie crusts.

Top with shaved dark chocolate or vegan whipped cream or berries. Chill for at least 2 hours before enjoying to allow it to thicken.

Enjoy!!!!!

Buffalo Tempeh Salad

I've been trying to eat more salad over the last few weeks. They have had great sales on bagged salad and I'm taking advantage of that! I have 3 packages of tempeh in the freezer so I decided to find a salad online that I could use these ingredients. This was really good, the tempeh is super flavorful and I hope you'll give it try while the weather is still warm. I would double the Ranch dressing  since this is supposed to serve 4 but we used all the dressing on 2 salads. 

Vegan Ranch:

• 1/4 cup vegan mayo
• 1/4 cup non-dairy, unsweet yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried minced onion
• 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Mix all the ranch ingredients in a bowl. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Refrigerate until ready to use.

The Salad:

• 1 small head romaine, chopped
• 6 ounces cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1 cup shredded coleslaw mix (I used one that was red and white cabbage)
• 1 large carrot, shredded
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 of a large red onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, roughly chopped
• 1 avocado, cubed

Buffalo Tempeh:

• 8 ounces tempeh cubed into 24-28 bite sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons aquafaba
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/3 cup buffalo sauce

Bring a small pan of water to a boil. Add the cubed tempeh and boil for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Add the aquafaba, garlic powder, smoked paprika and black pepper to a bowl. Whisk to combine.

Be sure your tempeh is mostly dry.

Add the tempeh to the mixture you made and toss to coat. 

Add the tempeh to a skillet and brown a few minutes on all sides. Add the buffalo sauce and toss until it starts to caramelize on the tempeh. Remove from the heat.

To a large bowl add the romaine, coleslaw mix, carrots and red onion.

Add about 3/4 of the ranch. 

Toss to combine the salad and dressing.

Build your salad. I used the salad mix and topped with the tempeh and the remaining veggies. Serve with the extra ranch on the side.

Enjoy!!!