Quick and Easy
Gluten Free Vegan Meals!!!
Recently I had major surgery. One of the hardest things during recovery is not being able to lift anything weighing 3 lbs. or more. I personally own Towncraft Cookware. I am enclosing a picture from their website to show their construction. Why? The pans are great, but HEAVY! I can't lift them myself!
My wonderful Church Family have brought me several very appreciated meals. However, I know for many of them this was their first adventure in cooking such a meal. I decided to post some quick and easy ideas for meals!
1. Brown Rice and Beans
Very simple! Just add a cup of your favorite salsa (I find fruity salsa is excellent such as a mango salsa). Black beans or a mix of beans works well too. Added pineapple keeps it fresh tasting!
2. Humus with Veggies and Apple Slices
There are many commercially prepared varieties of humus if you don't want to venture into making your own. Look for variety such as classic chick pea, but also edamame, white bean, black bean, etc. Different topping are great too! Fresh herbs, garlic, pinenuts, roasted red pepper, hemp heart, etc. A nice platter of sliced vegetables and apples easily replace pita bread. Check to make sure there are no nut allergies for a nice addition of non-salted nuts. Low or no sodium corn or lentil chips can be added as well.
3. Quinoa Salad
Think couscous. Anything you can do with couscous you can do with quinoa. It can be made into Mexican, Mediterranean, fruity, or whatever you desire. It actually is not a grain, therefore it is a non glutenous complete protein. Think of adding nuts, hemp heart, avocado, artichokes, olives, beans, fruit, etc.
4. Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash can be baked, boiled or steam. Cut in half, remove the 'guts' (like a pumpkin) and cook. When it is tender pull the spaghetti strands out. Serve with marinara sauce and sauteed mushrooms, onions, peppers, even broccoli!
5. Tacos
Replace meat with a nut mixture, or black beans or re-fried beans. Top with cabbage slaw (no mayo or if you make a sauce you can use
veganaise or see my posting on vegan cheese sauce), tomatoes, lettuce, avocados, salsa, corn, etc. Make sure and use corn tortillas.
6. Roasted or Steamed Veggies
If roasted, simply chop a variety of vegetables (broccoli, potatoes, sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts, carrots, onions, squash, cauliflower, peppers etc.) drizzle with olive oil, slightly sea salt and pepper, drizzle balsamic vinegar and lots of fresh herbs. Roast until slightly browned and tender. SO DELICIOUS!
7. Chipotle... or Moe's or Salsarita's
If you want to pick up, these are great choices. If you want to replicate, these are great choices as well! Make it as a salad bowl, or as Moe's puts it a Naked burrito. If tortillas are used, make sure they are corn. No cheese, no sour cream and obviously not meat. Brown rice, please. Top with guacamole and salsa.
8. Soups, Stews and Chili
Take your favorite recipe and take out the meat and dairy and wheat. Simply use almond or soy milk and/or vegetable broth. If making chili, try adding brown rice and carrots. Lentil soup with an array of vegetables is also a good option.
9. Gluten Free Pastas
Unless making lasagna, I have found corn or corn and quinoa pasta, such as
Ancient Harvest is superior to brown rice pasta. Anything you make (minus meat, dairy and gluten) with regular pasta, you can make with GF noodles. If you feel adventurous and want to make lasagna, replace the ricotta or cottage with a tofu mixture. Soft or firm can be used, just drain the water off and press between paper towels. Put in bowl and mix with lots of herbs, fresh basil, garlic, sun or oven dried tomatoes (think of home made pesto).
10. Broccoli Salad
Use a generous amount of fresh broccoli flowerettes. Add sunflower seeds, cashews, golden raisins, dried cranberries, frozen peas, edamames. One option for dressing is plain coconut yogurt mixed with red wine vinegar and a dab of agave. Toss together and enjoy!
11. * If Tofu is an option, Mock Egg Salad on greens
Firm tofu mashed with a little
veganaise and spicy brown mustard. Add salt, pepper and fresh herbs to taste. Nuts. hemp hearts, or veggies are a nice addition. Serve on top of greens.
12. Pizza - that's right PIZZA!
Don't worry about replacing the cheese, just add lots of veggies! Marinara or pizza sauce works just fine. Try adding nuts and drizzle with balsamic glaze or vinegar!
These are just a few ideas- more to come soon!
#glutenfree #vegan #delectablevegan #glutenfreevegan #vegetarian
