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LET FOOD BE THY MEDICINE AND MEDICINE BE THY FOOD

My wish for you is to Live Better, Strive Harder, Be Bolder, Dream Bigger, Climb Higher and Seek Greater.
My vision is to help people create food that is delicious, easy to make and high in nutrition,
so that food once more becomes a vehicle to fuel your body, mind and soul.

Korean Eggplant Tacos (GF, Vegan)

By , September 30, 2018

Eggplant tacos

This is a recipe from the kitchen of Verge in Philadelphia and is a super sexy dish. It has umami from the glaze with the mix of maple and tamari combining well and added depth from the gochujang

Because you are only using the inside of the eggplant it is a super light dish, silky and smooth, spicy and sweet

I love these flavors!

Adding in Kimchi Vegan Mayo also adds to the flavour and gives you a health kick too! Apart from the positive effects on weight, cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar, kimchi benefits that have been reported in scientific literature include; increased antioxidant status, protection from asthma, anti-aging, anti-cancer and protection from atherosclerosis. A good source if you want to read up on the benefits Kimchi is universityhealthnews.com and it gives you the links to the studies too

Kimchi is Grandma Food, passed down from generation to generation and if you have followed my blog for a while, you will know my rule, of whatever granny says, goes!

Ingredients

  • 4 Japanese Eggplants (or one large Italian eggplant), peeled and chopped into 1 by 4 inch pieces (salt and leave to drain to take some of the moisture out)
  • 1 tbsp. Gochujang
  • 2 tsp. tamari
  • 2 tsp. rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp. maple syrup/agave
  • 2 tbsp. sesame oil
  • ½ cup vegan kimchi, drained, chopped
  • 1 cup vegan mayo
  • 4-6 corn/masa tortilla
  • 4 chopped spring onions
  • Chopped lettuce

Method

  • Preheat the oven
  • Make the glaze by mixing the gochujang, tamari, vinegar and maple syrup
  • In another bowl toss the eggplants in the sesame oil
  • Heat a large sauce pan over high heat and cook the eggplant for 5 minutes until browned
  • Toss the crispy eggplant in the glaze and bake until the glaze is soaked up
  • Meanwhile fold the kimchi into the vegan mayo
  • Warm the tortilla for c. 2 minutes
  • Assemble the tacos by spreading some of the kimchi mayo down the centre of each tortilla, top with a large spoon full of the roasted eggplant, dress with the spring onions and lettuce
Processed with MOLDIV

Processed with MOLDIV

Sweet Potato Tikki  (GF, Vegan)

By , September 22, 2018

Sweet Potato Tikki  (GF, Vegan)

Sweet Potato Tikki

One of my dreams is to write a book of recipes that reflect my grandma’s food and mine together. I did think of just writing her recipes down, as that would take up a whole book in itself but with some of the allergies and dietary requirements that have occurred in our family over the last few years, I thought my adaptations might have some added value

As I look through my photos of my gran, and me we are holding hands in most of them, like an old married couple. So I take that as a message from here that she liked to do things hand in hand

If you have someone in your life that you think it a kindred spirit, make sure you take all the time you can to spend with them as when they are gone it feels like a piece of you is too! My way of getting that connection back is to cook and this is where this recipe came from, hand in hand

I love the combination of ingredients that go in a Tikki, which is an Indian Potato cake that my grandma used to make as an appetizer. I decided to adapt it to use sweet potatoes for the healthy benefits and by also adding some pumpkin seeds for protein and crunch

I love sweet potatoes not only for the vibrant colour and sweet taste but also as they are high in the antioxidant beta-carotene, which helps to keep the bodies defences up and is great for fighting off diseases like cancer. This means you are actually eating your medicine, cool, right. Garlic and Ginger are also great health foods, which my grandma knew and so added to near every single food we ate!

I’m lucky that Mr B likes food with strong flavours and so ate this up without hesitation!

Ingredients

  • 750g sweet potatoes
  • 1 tbsp. grated ginger
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • ½ chilli, chopped
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 tbsp. coconut oil
  • 100g chickpea flour
  • 1 tsp. cumin powder
  • 10g fresh coriander, chopped
  • 3 tbsp. sunflower seeds

Method

  • Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil for 20 minutes or until soft. Drain and mash roughly with a fork
  • Meanwhile grind the ginger, garlic, chilli and salt until smooth using a mortar and pestle
  • Heat up the oil and sauté the onion until softened, add the spice mix for a couple of minutes until fragrant
  • Add the mashed sweet potato, coriander, sunflower seeds and flour and combine well. Allow mixture to cool
  • Shape 10 round cakes with wet hands
  • Line the baking tray with parchment paper and brush with a little oil. Place the cakes on the tray, brush with more oil and bake in a preheated oven for c. 25 minutes
  • Serve with a blend of vegan mayonnaise, garlic and coriander

HandinhandBigmama

Beetroot Poriyal (Vegan, DF, GF)

By , September 15, 2018

Beetroot Poriyal (Vegan, DF, GF)

Beetroot Poiyal

This is one of my favourite Indian stir-fries, it’s vibrant, tasty and spicy, everything you want from Indian food, but also healthy, full of vitamins and anti-oxidants, all you want from food in general!

It’s origins stem from southern India, where the use of coconut and mustard seeds is much more prevalent

I love to serve this as a little canapé in a vegan filo shell with a nice cold crisp glass of wine. I generally make a bigger batch and also have it with rice as a light mid week dinner

You can also use this recipe with another vegetable, e.g. cabbage that I have done and served like a taco with poppadum. I have served that at dinner parties topped with pomegranates for a hit of sweetness and acidity

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp. coconut oil
  • 2 cups cooked and grated beetroot
  • 1 green chilli, chopped
  • 10 curry leaves
  • 1 tsp. mustard seeds
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 4 tbsp. grated coconut

Method

  • In a pan heat the coconut oil, keep the heat low and add the mustard seeds
  • When the mustard seeds begin to crackle, add the green chilli, curry leaves
  • Add the beetroot, mix well
  • Add salt to taste
  • Add the coconut, mix well
  • Serve with rice, roti or in a tart cup as a canapé

 

 

Stuffed Aubergine (Vegan, DF, GF)

By , September 8, 2018

Stuffed Aubergine (Vegan, DF, GF)

Stuffed Eggplant

This is a recipe that I saw in Vegetarian Living and adapted to add in some Indian Flair to deepen the flavour profile. I had pulled it out the mag with a note to adapt and when my father in law handed me some Eggplant/Aubergine and Tomatoes straight out of his garden, I knew this was the recipe to make

It is a great technique for an Eggplant, as letting some of the water come out and taking strips of the skin off before baking, makes for a softer inside

I love the depth of flavour I was able to get with this; it is very satisfying and a real changing of the season’s dish. Mr B is a big fan of Eggplant and Spicy Tomatoes and I added some extra spice for him, which you can adapt to your own palate. You can also double up the batch for the tomato topping and use it on something else. I like to eat it on it’s own with a little rice sometimes adding some chickpea’s or even on toast for a mid day treat

Processed with MOLDIV

Ingredients

  • 2 large aubergines/eggplant
  • 1 tbsp. salt
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 3 shallots, finely diced
  • 1 Jalapeno, finely diced (optional)
  • Handful of basil, chiffon/chopped
  • Handful of coriander, chopped
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. ground coriander
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
  • ½. Tsp. garam masala
  • 6 plum tomatoes, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 inch ginger, finely chopped

Method

  • Preheat the oven
  • Partially peel the aubergines, lengthways, alternating to create strips. Leave the crowns in tact
  • Sprinkle with salt and place in a sieve to let some of the water come out. Leave for 30 minutes and wipe with a paper towel once done
  • Brush with olive oil and roast for 25 minutes
  • Whilst the aubergine is cooking, add oil to a pan and fry the shallots until starting to turn golden, c. 3 minutes
  • Add the ginger, garlic, chilli, basil and coriander, cook for 1 minute
  • Season with cumin, coriander, paprika and garam masala
  • Add to combine and cook the spices a little
  • Once spices are starting to give off fragrance, add the tomatoes. Cook down and add salt and pepper to your own taste
  • Meanwhile take out the aubergine and slice down the middle, making sure not to cut to the bottom
  • Stuff the aubergine with the mixture, turn off the oven and let it bake until the aubergine is soft and pillowy
  • Serve with rice, almond yogurt or eat on its own (this is what I do)

 

 

Chickpea Blondies (Vegan, DF, GF)

By , September 1, 2018

Chickpea Blondies (Vegan, DF, GF)

Blondie Brownies

Oh so gooey, tasty, yummy, fudgy brownie blondies..

This is an easy blend and bake recipe, so you can do it when whilst you are waiting for the kettle to boil or whilst you are making the kids lunches

The Japanese tend to use sweetened bean pastes, like red bean, in their pastries and this is a nice parallel. It has the texture of a fudge brownie and is sweet but not too sweet, making it great for a midmorning snack

This recipe is super high in protein from the chickpeas and triple use of almonds in the almond meal/flour, almond butter and almond milk. It is gluten free also with the almond flour the only flour used

Mr B has a prolific sweet tooth and he loved these and found them more satisfying in a way as they kept him fuller for longer, whilst still satisfying that sweet craving in a natural way

Ingredients

  • 1 cup almond meal
  • 2, 15oz cans of organic chickpeas
  • ¾ cup almond butter
  • 1 tbsp. coconut oil
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • ¼ tsp. sea salt
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup almond milk
  • 1 tsp. baking soda

Method

  • Add all the ingredients into a blender and blend until well combined
  • Pour into an oiled bread tin
  • Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean

 

Chole Masala (Chickpea Curry)  (GF, Vegan)

By , August 25, 2018

Chole Masala (Chickpea Curry)  (GF, Vegan)

Chole

Food is love when words are inadequate

My grandma always made you feel like she had been waiting for you all day and when you arrived her day was now complete

The first thing I had to do after taking off my shoes and putting away my bag was to taste what ever my grandma had been creating all day in the kitchen

This is a dish that you can smell as soon as you walk into the house, as it is rich in spices. It is also low in calories but high in protein so it is a great staple

A lot of my grandma’s dishes took a long time to cook, but this one is a 30-minute meal. As with most Indian dishes however the longer you cook down the spices the more concentrated the dish and the longer you leave the dish the more intense it tastes, so remember to leave some for the next day

I used two chills for this as Mr B has a spicy palate, but you should adjust to your own taste

My grandma used to serve this with rice; I like it on its own. You can also serve this to your guests as a canapé in a Phyllo cup or on top of a chickpea pancake (see earlier recipe)

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp. coconut oil
  • 1 tsp. cumin seeds
  • 1 medium white onion, diced
  • 4 tsps. Finely chopped ginger
  • 4 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 2 chilli’s
  • 4 tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 tsp. garam masala
  • 1 tsp. ground coriander
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. turmeric
  • 2 cans chickpeas
  • ½ cup of water

Method

  • Heat the oil in a large pan, add the cumin seeds and cook, stirring occasionally until fragrant
  • Add the onions, ginger, garlic, chilli’s and season with salt
  • Cook, stirring occasionally until the onions are translucent
  • Add the garam masala, coriander powder, salt and turmeric, stir until well combined
  • Add the tomatoes, chickpeas and water
  • Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce slightly thickens
  • Serve in a phyllo cup, with rice or on a chickpea pancake

Vegan Crab Cakes (GF, Vegan)

By , August 18, 2018

Vegan Crab Cakes (GF, Vegan)

Crab Cakes

What to cook for game day? Vegan crab cakes of course! These are a pretty tasty treat, with the heart of palm being the substitute for the crab. However in my opinion this is a case of when the understudy is better than the original actor.

I used old bay seasoning for this to replicate the authentic taste and vegan mayonnaise for the texture. I used gluten free breadcrumbs, which I seasoned with garlic, onion and paprika. Panko also works nicely if gluten is no concern.

Mr B loves jumbo crab cakes, like you get in the steak houses in New York City and so I’ll make him a larger sized, but it is easier to get them crispy with a smaller portion. I use an ice-cream scope to get an even portion size, but you could use the palm of your hand for a rough approximate.

Ingredients

  • 1 can, hearts of palm
  • ¼ cup vegan mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp. old bay seasoning
  • ¼ tsp. sea salt
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper
  • ½ cup chives, finely chopped
  • 1 cup gluten free breadcrumbs

Method

  • Preheat oven to 350f. Line a baking tray with parchment
  • Thinly slice the hearts of palm lengthwise, then crosswise
  • Transfer to a bowl and break up using your hands, add the vegannaise, bay, salt and pepper, chives
  • Sprinkle half the bread crumbs into the mixture and mix thoroughly
  • Form into 14 portions
  • Spread the remaining bread crumbs into a small dish and cover the cakes pressing down a little to make sure the crumb adheres
  • Paint the parchment paper with a little coconut oil
  • Place the cakes down with a little spacing inbetween
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown

Okra Pakora (GF, Vegan)

By , August 11, 2018

Okra Pakora (GF, Vegan)

Okra Pakora

My grandma used to make Pakoras all the time. Here classics were potato, bread with chutney in the middle and chilli (which Mr B would eat till his eyes watered). She also used to make pakoras to use up the leftovers, as she hated waste, so we would get spinach or salad pakoras when the leaves were starting to wilt. Whatever she made them out of they were always delicious and addictive

I love Okra Masala but have always been intrigued by Okra Pakoras, so that is where I thought I would start. Okra is a scary vegetable for most cooks to use due to the slimy inside which appears the more you cook it. This is a great recipe as you use this as the moisture of the dish and the more the better!

A little known fact is that the inside is made of sugar and protein and similar to the inside of the Aloe Vera plant. It is also known for being high in vitamin c, vitamin k and folate. It is also known for harnessing a superior fiber, which helps with digestion and stabilises blood sugar. Who knew!

Serve this with any chutney you like, or organic ketchup for the kids!

Ingredients

  • 10 Okra
  • 2 green chilli’s
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 garlic clove, grated
  • 2 curry leaves, chopped
  • ½ tsp. turmeric
  • ½ tsp. Kashmiri red chilli powder
  • ¼ tsp. hing
  • ¾ cup chickpea/besan flour
  • ½ cup rice flour
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • Oil for deep frying

Method

  • Firstly clean and wipe the okra then chop into small pieces
  • Add chilli, ginger, curry leaves, turmeric, chilli powder and hing
  • Add the chickpea flour, rice flour and salt
  • Combine all the ingredients, use your hands to squeeze the moisture out of the okra and bind the pakoras together
  • Add a little water if more moisture is needed to form a batter
  • Take a tablespoon of the mixture into your palm and shape into a ball
  • Drop into hot oil
  • Fry until golden brown
  • Serve with chutney

Baby Eggplant Curry (GF, Vegan)

By , July 28, 2018

Baby Eggplant Curry (GF, Vegan)

Baby Eggplant Curry

This is a luxury curry. It is has a rich masala and is full of layers of spice and taste. Mr B and I tried it at our favourite Indian restaurant and he asked me to make it. This proves how far we have come, as Mr B was a firm ‘food is for fuel’ man before he met me and certainly didn’t ask me to cook savoury dishes, never mind Indian ones

The thing about Indian food that we like is that it can taste really bad for you, given the richness of the sauce, but when you make it from scratch and see the actual ingredients, you realise that they are all good for you and that the spices are actual medicinal in nature

Ingredients

For the curry paste

  • ¼ cup peanuts
  • 1 tbsp. sesame seeds
  • ¼ cup grated coconut

For the dish

  • 8 baby eggplants
  • ½ cup onion, chopped
  • 1-2 tbsp. blended garlic
  • 1-2 tbsp. blended ginger
  • 1 tsp. tamarind paste
  • 2-3 tbsp. oil
  • ¼ tsp. mustard seeds
  • ¼ tsp. cumin seeds
  • Pinch of hing
  • 1-2 tsp. chilli powder
  • ½ tsp. turmeric powder
  • ½ tsp. coriander powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Chopped coriander leaves

Method

  • Wash the baby eggplants, slit across the top, leaving the stem in
  • Heat two tablespoons of oil and shallow fry the baby eggplants until tender and soft. Once done remove and keep aside
  • Dry roast the peanuts, sesame seeds for a few minutes
  • Place in a blender with the coconut and blender to make a paste (add a little water if needed)
  • In the same pan as that which you fried the eggplant, add the last tablespoon of oil, add mustard seeds, cumin and hing. Add onions and fry till transparent
  • Add the ginger, garlic and mix well
  • Add the grounded paste, red chilli powder, coriander and turmeric powder
  • Add ¼ cup water and bring to the boil
  • Add the tamarind paste and salt
  • Mix in the eggplants
  • Mix it well with the masala and cover with a lid
  • Allow to cook for 10-15 minutes on a medium flame
  • Garnish with coriander and serve with rice or roti

Toffee Apples (Vegan, DF, GF)

By , July 22, 2018

Toffee Apples (Vegan, DF, GF)

Raw Toffee Apples

‘Here’s to the crazy one. The misfits, the rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They are not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. Some may see them as the crazy some genius. But it is only those who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, that do’

Matthew Kenney was one such crazy person, who created a plant-based culinary nutrition education program. He is a true believer that food is our medicine and through his own personal experience has seen a plant based diet bring him back to life. His culinary school is dedicated to showing the world that healthy, plant-based foods can be delicious, sexy, vibrant, beautiful and can be consumed without compromise.

I am a true believer in this philosophy and whilst not 100% plant based, I am making my way down this path. My dream is that food is used to fuel our body, minds and souls and the more I learn about the nutrient content of our basic plant friends, the more I feel like our health care is easily accessible and available to all.

Of all the courses that the PlantLab Culinary school runs, the one I choose to start with was their raw desserts course. You can do it online over 6 months, so pacing it with your own schedule. Desserts have always been my weakest point; due to my body not reacting well to gluten and dairy, so this course is an eye and palate opener. Mr B who loves his desserts is super happy too as he can now eat dessert for breakfast.

This was the first recipe I used at my vegan dinner party and the guests where in love with it. The whole plate was dairy, gluten and nut free and they were super surprised that it was a possibility. I hope Chef Kenney is proud of the impact he is having, I believe this revolution and evolution has just begun!

Ingredients

Apples

  • 1 apple

Caramel

  • 10 medjool dates, pitted and soaked
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • 1/3. Cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp. mesquite or maca powder
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 1 tbsp. Water

Pumpkin seed crunch/raspberries

  • ½ cup, plus 2 tbsp. pumpkin seeds
  • 2 tbsp. coconut sugar
  • ½ vanilla pod, seeds
  • Pinch of salt
  • Freeze dried raspberries

Method

  • Using a melon baller, make apple balls, place in a bowl with some lemon water to make sure it doesn’t brown. Place to the side
  • Blend all the caramel ingredients until smooth. Pour caramel to the side and move to the side
  • Grind all the pumpkin seed ingredients together, place in a bowl and move to the side
  • Crush the freeze dried raspberries, place in a bowl and move to the side
  • Take one of the apple balls, dry off, place a toothpick through the center, roll in the caramel, roll in topping of choice
  • Place in fridge to set (min 5 minutes)
  • Serve once set