Making a really good red enchilada sauce is an extremely rewarding experience. And to be completely honest, it can get rather messy. But it’s the kind of messy that leads to bonding activity with your ingredients when you have to really LOVE cooking. Because that I order enchiladas at least once a week, I couldn’t…
Cucumber Salad with Chili-and-Garlic-Oil
For this cucumber salad, cool and crunchy cucumbers works in tandem with a garlic-infused chili oil to yield a refreshing summer appetizer. A slight tangy is introduced from fresh lemon juice accented with ground coriander. This marinade can be applied to other vegetables, but it works most amazingly with cucumbers due to their absorbent nature…
Jollof Rice, Vegan Style
Countless Jollof Rice recipes from African cooks exist on YouTube, and I wanted to get in on the action. However I really didn’t want to add meat, so this vegan jollof rice is where I ended up. And or the jollof rice enthusiasts, this recipe which follows more of a Ghanian method. There is an…
Sriracha Skinny Coleslaw
If you’re in the mood for coleslaw but not crazy about mayonnaise and enjoy a spicy edge, then consider this vegan alternative featuring Sriracha sauce and grated ginger. You could call it a skinny coleslaw. I uses the term “vinaigrette” loosely because lemon juice is the acidic stand-in for vinegar this coleslaw recipe. And like…
Black-Eyed Pea Dip with Roasted Garlic
Next time you want to serve a bean dip, put down the hummus and consider this faster-cooking Black-eyed Pea Dip to impress any plant-based American Soul food aficionados you may be cooking for. Roasting garlic is a crucial step you certainly don’t want to skip, as it takes only 20 minutes and ideal to be…
Homefries Two Ways
Crispy, well-seasoned, oven-made homefries can enhance any meal if you just follow just a few simple concepts. No matter if you’re making breakfast, lunch, or dinner (or cooking for vegeratians or meat lovers) it seems like EVERYTHING goes well with some homefries. There are a few things you can do to make them turn out…
Shoestring Fried Sweet Potatoes
Naturally sweet and oh-so-crispy bits of fried sweet potatoes in the form of shoestrings are an exciting addition to any sandwich, wrap, or taco. Plus, after they’re fried, they can also be seasoned and turned into a stand-alone snack. No matter if you are vegan, vegetarian, or meat-loving, these fixings are loved by all. Be…
Easy Jerk Chicken from the Jar
While researching recipes for jerk chicken, I was struck by how many home cooks try to add their own “other” ingredients. Non-traditional items including parsley, nutmeg, 5-spice powder, or even soy sauce are in some recipes. To experience the traditional version of this signature Jamaican chicken I turned to YouTube, where it’s easy to find…
Vegan Gumbo with Mashed Yams
Traditional gumbo achieves its thick texture from making a roux at the start of the recipe. But for my interpretation of vegan gumbo, I achieve a similar consistency from mixing some mashed yams into your bowl at the very end. Keep in mind that this is a very loose interpretation of the classic definition of…
Sautéed Collard Greens
This recipe for sautéed collard greens does not involve the classic method of Soul Food preparation. Traditionally the greens endure hours of simmering with a ham hock or smoked turkey wing. Instead, you can try this plant-based option in only 20 minutes of cooking time. These cook much quicker, retain a lot more nutrients, and…