Categories
Soups

Split Pea Soup

Split Pea Soup

Split pea soup is definitely comfort food.  The sorghum in this recipe adds great texture as it stays a little firm even as the peas have softened. You can also try topping this soup with coconut bacon for even more texture and a little smokiness.

Makes 10 servings

Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (optional)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric
  • 2 cups dried split peas
  • ½ cup sorghum (or barley), uncooked
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 4 cups water
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 4 carrots, chopped
  • 4 stalks celery, chopped
  • 3 small to medium potatoes, diced (optional)
  • ½ cup parsley, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil or 1 teaspoon fresh, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Coconut bacon for serving (optional)

Instructions:

  • In a large pot over medium high heat, sauté the onion, and bay leaf in oil or 1/4 cup water for 5-7 minutes, or until onions are translucent. Add the peas, sorghum, garlic, turmeric, salt, broth and water. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer, covered, for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, parsley, basil, thyme and ground black pepper. Simmer for another hour, or until the vegetables are tender.
  • Remove from heat. Add lemon juice and adjust seasonings. Serve with a sprinkling of coconut bacon or chopped parsley.
Categories
Mains

Tempeh with Chimichurri

Tempeh with Chimichurri

Tempeh is an extremely healthful food as it has all of the benefits of being a legume and being a fermented food.  While tempeh is not everyone’s favorite, this method of marinating and cooking it makes the most delicious version we have tried.  We are big fans!

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

  • 5 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 4 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 16 oz tempeh, cut into approximately 3 x 4 x 1/2 inch slabs
  • 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Place 1/4 cup vinegar, water, 1/2 of the garlic, 1 teaspoon oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes in a large ziplock bag. Add the tempeh to the bag to marinate for at least 1 hour (but can marinate overnight), turning occasionally.

  2. Add parsley, 3 tablespoons oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon vinegar, and the remaining garlic, oregano and red pepper flakes to a food processor and pulse until a coarse sauce is created, scraping down the sides as needed. 
  3. Remove the tempeh from the marinade and pat it dry.  Heat the 1 tablespoon olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add tempeh pieces but do not crowd (cook two batches if necessary). Cook until browned (about 4 minutes), flip and brown the other side. Remove tempeh and keep warm. Repeat with a second batch if needed.
  4. Serve with chimichurri sauce. 
Categories
Sauces, Dips & Dressings

Thai Peanut Sauce

Thai Peanut Sauce

This is a classic dipping sauce for  Vietnamese Summer rolls but you may find many additional uses. For additional spice, consider adding the Asian chili-garlic sauce.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter
  • 1 large clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Asian chili-garlic sauce (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. 
  2. Adjust seasonings to taste, adding more water to thin if desired.
  3. If serving as a dipping sauce, try garnishing with chopped roasted peanuts, cilantro or sliced green onions.