Category Archives: Quick & Easy

Mushroom & Tofu Noodle Bowl with a rich miso dressing

I felt like creating a bowl and using up what I had available.  As always, it’s all about the sauce! Feel free to substitute anything; I like a mix of cooked and raw items.  This one uses wholemeal linguine, rocket, shredded red cabbage, quick pickled red onions and then cooked mushrooms and grilled marinated tofu.


Mushroom & Tofu Miso Bowl
 
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Tofu, mushroom, rocket and red cabbage top off noodles with a creamy deeply umami miso dressing.
Author:
Recipe type: Bowl
Serves: -
Ingredients
  • Handful of rocket
  • Handful of finely shredded cabbage
  • Wholemeal linguine
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Marinated tofu, grilled
  • Quick pickled onions (finely shredded, tossed with white wine vinegar for 15 mins)
  • SAUCE: (makes enough for 8-10 servings)
  • ¾ cup soy milk
  • 2 tablespoons miso paste
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed / grated
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon tahini
  • 1 tablespoon bottled teriyaki sauce
  • 1 tablespoon caramelised onion relish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
  1. Prepare the other bowl ingredients (or substitute with your own options).
  2. Sauté the mushrooms whole in a large skillet with a lid until they are tender, using a dash of soy sauce or tamari to flavour.
  3. Marinate the tofu in soy sauce, vegetable stock and a little tomato paste for 30 mins, then cook on both sides in a medium pan, turning twice. I used a grill pan to get the stripes. You can also use a sandwich press.
  4. Whilst the pasta and broccoli are cooking, put all the sauce ingredients into blender and blend until very smooth and creamy.
  5. Arrange items in the bowl, top with the broccoli, tofu and mushrooms.
  6. Serve with the sauce to pour over.

 

Vegan “Egg” Salad

vegan egg salad

When on holiday back in the UK last year I came across a vegan “egg” salad sandwich in Marks & Spencers.. needless to say I had to try it!  It was so good and realistic that I snapped a photo of the ingredients and decided I would try and copycat it, making any necessary replacements when I got back here.  It uses cannellini beans and tofu as the egg replacement.  I had just created my vegan mayo so this was the perfect addition for a sandwich.  The recent royal coronation was a perfect opportunity to try it out.  It has been very well received by vegans and non-vegans! 🙂

Vegan "Egg" Salad
 
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Creamy mayo with mashed white beans, tofu, onion and parsley. If you can find (or grow) cress that would be perfect!
Author:
Recipe type: Sandwich filler
Cuisine: English
Serves: 4-6 sandwiches
Ingredients
  • 400g can cannellini beans drained
  • 3-4 tbsp my tofu mayonnaise
  • (If not using my mayo add ½ teaspoon black salt for that eggy aroma)
  • 200g Macro medium firm silken tofu
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 spring onions (scallions) trimmed and very finely sliced
  • 1 tablespoon finely sliced fresh parsley (or cress if you have it)
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • black pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Mash the drained beans in a large flat bottomed bowl with a fork or masher until no whole beans are left. Crumble in the tofu gently into large pieces. Add the mustard, onion, parsley, seasoning.
  2. Add the mayo and stir gently until all well combined

 

Mayo

I have tried every single tofu mayonnaise recipe I could find and didn’t like any of them.  Until I decided to wing it with the amount of other ingredients I added and bingo!  Delicious! Finally I have a low fat mayo that I can dip my potatoes into with abandon!

mayo

Mayo
 
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Light but creamy textured mayo with a lemony hum. If you like add a clove (or more) of crushed garlic to the lemon juice and let it steep before adding in to create more of an aioli.
Author:
Recipe type: Sauces
Serves: 1.5 cups
Ingredients
  • 300g of Macro Slightly Firm Classic Tofu
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2.5-3 teaspoons American style yellow mustard
  • ½ teaspoon black salt / kala namak (for the eggy aroma)
  • ½-1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup or other liquid sweetener of choice
  • 2 dessertspoons mashed potato flakes
Instructions
  1. Gently drain and rinse the tofu of all its liquid.
  2. If making the garlic variety, crush or microplane the garlic and drop into a little dish with the lemon juice, leave for 5-10 minutes.
  3. Put all the ingredients into a blender (I used a Nutribullet) and blend until very smooth.
  4. If you want a slightly richer mayonnaise add 12 raw cashews to the mix.
  5. Taste and adjust as suits your taste buds.

Potato, Leek, Pea & Mint Soup

I can’t believe I haven’t put this recipe up yet!  I have been making it for years and it’s a real winner.  Kind of a marriage between vichyssoise and minted pea soup, it’s so tasty, comforting and yet fresh and lively, a perfect springtime soup.

Potato leek pea mint soup

Potato, Leek, Pea & Mint Soup
 
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Author:
Recipe type: Soup
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • 450g Leeks - white part only, sliced and thoroughly washed
  • 650g white potatoes, peeled, sliced
  • ½ cup raw cashews
  • 4 or 5 cups vegetable stock
  • 2 cups frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. In a large saucepan cook the leeks and potatoes over moderately low heat, stiring occasionally until the leeks are soft.
  2. Add the 5 cups stock and cashews, bring to a boil then simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until the potato is very soft.
  3. Stir in the peas, simmer for 5 minutes. Add the mint and blend until creamy. Add lemon juice and seasoning to taste.
  4. Top with yogurt and more freshly chopped mint and serve with good wholemeal bread.
  5. INSTANT POT INSTRUCTIONS:
  6. Add all ingredients (with only 4 cups of stock) minus the lemon and mint and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Release pressure, add the mint and lemon and blend.

 

“Macro Rice” with red cabbage & edamame

Another lifetime ago when I lived and worked in London there was a Cranks Wholefood Cafe not too far away from my office and I used to love their “macro rice” which was basically brown rice, ginger, soy, and toasted sesame seeds.  So comforting and deliciously simple!  I had a sudden craving for it the other day and so decided to reinvent it with some additions.  It did not disappoint.  I served mine with a little cubed avocado.  It should be just a little warm or at room temperature, though it is probably nice on a summer’s day, chilled.


Macro Rice Warm Salad
 
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Warm brown rice with finely chopped red cabbage, red onion, parsley, ginger and toasted sesame seeds.
Author:
Recipe type: Salad, Rice,
Cuisine: Macrobiotic / Japanese
Serves: 2-4 servings
Ingredients
  • ½ cup raw short grain or medium grain brown rice, cooked (around 1.5 cups cooked)
  • 1 cup very finely chopped red cabbage
  • ½ cup finely chopped parsley
  • ½ cup cooked edamame beans
  • ⅓ cup very finely chopped red onion or spring onions
  • 1 cup finely chopped baby spinach
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
  • 2-3 tablespoons tamari / soy sauce
  • 1-2 tablespoons sushi seasoning (seasoned sushi vinegar)
  • 2-3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional: top with a little dried chopped chillies / cubed avocado
Instructions
  1. When the rice is still hot (do not rinse, it should be a little stickly and still with some moisture) put it in to a large bowl and mix in the cabbage parsley, onion and ginger.
  2. Once it has cooled a little add the baby spinach and soy sauce to taste, then stir in the toasted sesame seeds and sushi seasoning. Leave to sit for 5 minutes and serve at room temperature.

 

“32 Degrees” Chickpeas

I recently discovered this spice mix from Herbies called “32 Degrees“. Subtitled “just hot enough” I was intrigued enough to order some and was blown away!  Not by the heat, I must add but the amazing blend of aromatics along with (they’re correct!) JUST ENOUGH chilli to make it interesting. In case you’re interested, the blend contains  paprika, chilli, sea salt, amchur, ginger, pasilla chilli, lemon myrtle, turmeric, kaffir lime leaves and strawberry gum!
I set about making something to employ  it and came up with this.  We really enjoyed it, hope you buy some too and give it a try.


"32 Degrees" Chickpeas
 
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Author:
Cuisine: Australian?
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • 1 red onion finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 red capsicum chopped
  • 1 large zucchini chopped
  • 2 heaped teaspoons Herbies 32 degrees spice mix
  • 2 cups cooked chickpeas
  • 1 very large handful chopped spinach
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 can chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tsp chicken style stock powder
  • 1 tablespoon date syrup
  • 1 tablespoon tamari
Instructions
  1. Heat a pan over a medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and saute for a few minutes with a splash of water when required to stop sticking. Add the garlic, capsicum, zucchini, spice, chickpeas, and stir well. Cook for 5-10 minutes until softened, adding splashes of water here and there to stop sticking.
  3. Add the spinach, tomatoes, stock, date syrup and tamari.
  4. Stir well, and bring to the boil.
  5. Turn down heat to low, put on the lid and simmer for 15 mins.
  6. Serve with baked potatoes or a grain of your choice.
  7. Really good topped with a dollop of hummus and / or hot sauce. 🙂

Thai Noodle Salad

I can’t believe it has taken a decade to get this recipe up on my page. I first had this type of salad at the Open Air Cinema in Sydney  and loved it so much I actually wrote to the catering company to ask for the recipe!  It has been amended and simplified a lot over the years to make it easier and quicker to make. Use any noodles you like; it works well with brown rice vermicelli, or wholemeal spaghetti.

Recipe hero image

Thai Noodle Salad

Thai Noodle Salad
 
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Crunchy salad with noodles; make it as hot or mild as you choose and add any toppings you like. If you're short on time feel free to use a bag of prepared coleslaw instead of individual vegetables
Author:
Recipe type: Salad
Cuisine: Thai / Vietnamese
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • 1 pack noodles – for 4 people
  • 1 red / other capsicum - finely sliced
  • ½ small white cabbage - shredded
  • 2 large carrots - grated
  • 4 spring onions - finely sliced
  • Optional: celery / other capsicums / marinated tofu pieces etc.
  • 1 cucumber finely chopped
  • 1 bunch coriander - well washed & finely chopped
  • 1 bunch mint - well washed & finely chopped
  • Sauce
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1-2 coriander roots, well washed
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ½ cup soy milk
  • 2 limes - juiced (2-3 tablespoons), & zested (1-2 tsp)
  • 2 T Sweet chilli sauce
  • 2 T Peanut butter
  • 4 kaffir lime leaves
  • Toppings:
  • Toasted peanuts
  • Toasted coconut flakes
  • Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
  1. Cook the noodles, rinse in cold water and set aside
  2. Meanwhile finely shred, chop or grate the vegetables to desired textures and place in a large bowl
  3. Add the herbs – finely chopped, and mix well
  4. Blend all the ingredients for the sauce except the lime leaves. Snip into them with a sharp knife or scissors and place into the dressing to infuse for at least 30 mins (gets stronger the longer you leave it).
  5. Mix the noodles with the vegetables, top with the sauce and mix thoroughly
  6. Top with toppings as liked

 

Poke Bowls

poke bowl

Poke Bowls
 
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I have used rice and quinoa but you can use any variety and mix of grains you like.
Author:
Recipe type: Bowl
Cuisine: Hawaiian / Japanese
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 2 rice cups brown rice, 1 rice cup quinoa
  • Use any vegetables you like, a variety of cooked and raw. In this example I used
  • purple cauliflower, grilled in a sandwich press
  • broccoli, steamed,
  • 1 large red capsicum, sliced and pan-fried still slightly carameiised
  • Bunch of spring onions
  • 1 cup frozen peas, defrosted,
  • ¼ white cabbage, finely shredded on a mandolin
  • 1 large red onion, sliced and steeped in red wine vinegar for 30 mins
  • ⅓ cup sunflower and pumpkin seed
  • ½ cucumber, sliced
  • 1 large avocado, cubed
  • 1 bag frozen edamame beans, defrosted
  • Slices of marinated tofu, cooked on the grill
  • Pickled sushi ginger
  • Sauce:
  • ½ cup sushi seasoning (we like the Obento brand),
  • ½ cup soy sauce,
  • 1 tsp crushed garlic (or paste from a jar)
  • 1 tsp finely grated ginger (or paste from a jar)
  • 1 tablespoon tahini
  • 1 tablespoons date paste
  • Couple drops of toasted sesame oil (makes a huge difference)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons chilli (paste, semi dried or flakes - up to you!)
Instructions
  1. Put the rice and quinoa into your rice cooker and fill level of water to 3.5 cups. If you've no pressure cooker or if you're short on time use precooked bags of rice / quinoa or grab some you've already made from your freezer and defrost (good tip!) Otherwise cook in your favourite way.
  2. Prepare your vegetables:
  3. Pickle the red onion
  4. Steam the broccoli, or microwave
  5. Finely slice the cabbage
  6. Stir fry the sliced capsicum, then dry toast the seeds in same pan
  7. Slice the spring onions
  8. Defrost / microwave edamame / peas
  9. Dice the avocado
  10. Grill the tofu
  11. Mix in a jug all the sauce ingredients, adjust to your liking
  12. When rice is cooked let everyone assemble their own bowls, top with the sauce.

 

Lentil Broccoli & Quinoa Soup with Lemon, Mint & Chilli

Bright and refreshing yet comforting and sustaining, this is my favourite soup right now! I was looking for a recipe for a friend when I came across the recipe “Broccoli and Red Lentil Detox Soup” by Beauty Bites. When I was making it several days later I decided to add some cooked quinoa I had in in the fridge to make it a whole meal and then had a hankering for a strong lemony flavour.  I also used fresh turmeric instead of powdered, added more broccoli and mint which have such an affinity for the chilli and lemon.  I’ve been known to eat this whole batch in one go.. 🙂


Lentil Broccoli & Quinoa Soup with Lemon, Mint & Chilli
 
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A delicious all-in-one meal in a bowl soup!
Author:
Serves: 2-4
Ingredients
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 garlic clove
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp ground turmeric (or preferably a small chunk of fresh, grated)
  • ½ tsp ground ginger or fresh, grated
  • 1 heaped tsp chicken style stock powder
  • 1 medium head of broccoli - finely chopped - stalk and florets
  • ½ cup red lentils
  • 1 heaped tsp semi dried chillies (Garden Gourmet brand)
  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice (2-4 tablespoons or to taste)
  • A dozen or so mint leaves, from 3 sprigs of mint, finely chopped
  • 1.5 cups cooked quinoa (I used ½ cup raw, cooked)
Instructions
  1. Peel and chop garlic and onion, wash herbs and vegetables and chop broccoli, mint leaves. Juice the lemon. Cook the quinoa.
  2. PC method:
  3. Sauté the veg for five minutes in splash of water then add all other ingredients except lemon, mint and quinoa, enough water to generously cover then cook on high for 10 minutes. Release pressure, stir in quinoa, lemon and mint and serve.
  4. Regular method:
  5. In your saucepan sauté the garlic and onions then add the spices (turmeric, ginger and cumin) adding and add a splash of water. Move around the pan for 2-3 minutes, making sure they don't burn.
  6. Add the chopped broccoli, the lentils, a pinch of salt, enough water to cover by around 2 cm.
  7. Place on the lid and cook on a low heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the lentils and broccoli are tender.
  8. Add the mint, quinoa and lemon juice and remove from the heat.

 

Easy Multi-grain Balls

My family is a big fan of the mix I use in my Kale & Red Pepper Bites so i decided to try and simplify the recipe so I could make it more often as it’s so versatile.  As well as making little bites, you can roll into falafel-like balls as I have done here and use just as snacks (or as meatballs with spaghetti); roll into sausages, or a filling for sausage rolls or pies.  The flavourings are easy to change up too so you could do Indian or Mexican spiced for example.  Fun to play around with the flavours!  This simple version just uses mixed herbs but feel free to add herbs and spices you love!  If you do not have  rice cooker use a large heavy based pan with a close fitting lid on a low light and be prepared to top up the water a little if need be.  The water should be completely absorbed by the end of cooking.

Easy Multi-grain Balls
 
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Author:
Serves: 20-30
Ingredients
  • ½ cup medium grain brown rice
  • ¼ cup millet
  • ¼ cup split red lentils
  • ¼ cup quinoa
  • 1 heaped teaspoon veg stock powder
  • 2 tsp dried mixed herb mix
  • 1 tsp garlic granules
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tablespoon low sodium tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon date syrup / paste
  • zest of a small lemon
  • ¼ cup ground almonds
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 cup quick oats
  • Sesame seeds for rolling in / sprinkling on top
Instructions
  1. Rinse the 1st four ingredients in a sieve - rice, millet, lentils and quinoa and put into your rice cooker with 3 cups of water. Cook!
  2. Preheat then oven to 190 degrees C.
  3. Meanwhile in a large mixing bowl put the remaining ingredients apart from the sesame seeds.
  4. Once the grains and lentils have cooked scrape them into the bowl and mix thoroughly. If liked you can refrigerate at this stage. The mixture will become much firmer as it cools down.
  5. Roll into balls or use an ice cream scoop to divide into portions, roll in the sesame seeds - or sprinkle them over the top and place on a lined baking tray.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes then turn and cook again for a further 10 minutes or until crispy and firm.