Protein Fettuccine with Peas and Lemon Caper Sauce

vegan-protein-pasta-dish-with-peas

This easy vegan recipe is incredibly satisfying, high in vegan protein, easy and quick to make, AND packed with nutrients!

I used Expore Asian’s Mung Bean and Edamame Fettuccine, which is not only high in protein, but also high in fiber and low in carbohydrates. Any pasta can be used however, if you don’t have this particular pasta. I discovered Banza Chickpea Pasta the other week and it’s amazing, tasting more like “regular” pasta than the Mung Bean and Edamame one. There are quite a few whole grain, even sprouted whole grain varieties of pasta on the market that are healthier then traditional white pasta and will work with this recipe. I’m all for you using my recipe as a starting point, and playing around with it based on the ingredients you have available and your taste!Mung Bean Fettuchini

Protein Fettuccine with Peas and Lemon Caper Sauce

Ingredients

  • 1/2 a package Mung Bean & Edamame Fettuccine
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen peas
  • 2 handfuls of baby spinach
  • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp minced garlic
  • 3 Tbsp chopped basil
  • 1/2 cup chopped parsley
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp capers
  • Sea salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Bring a large pot of water to boil.
  2. Add the fettuccine and frozen peas and bring back to boil, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
  3. Drain and rinse.
  4. Put the pot back on the stove, turning the temperature to medium.
  5. Add the olive oil and garlic and saute for about 2 minutes.
  6. Add the spinach and lemon juice, and continue to saute.
  7. When the spinach begins to wilt, add the basil, parsley, and capers, and saute for another minute.
  8. Add the pasta and peas back into the pot and mix with the sauce until hot.
  9. Add sea salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Enjoy!

If you try any modifications let us know how it turns out!

 

Cumin Chickpea Celery Salad

Cumin-Chickpea-Celery-Salad

This healthy, easy vegan recipe has become one of my lunch staples because it’s so clean and quick to make.

In fact, I’m eating it right now as I write this! I also like having it for lunch because I leave out onion and garlic and as much as I LOVE these ingredients, I don’t love having their remnants stick with me the rest of the day.

Cumin Chickpea Celery SaladCumin Chickpea Celery Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups chopped celery
  • 3/4 cup chopped parsley (I like the curly but the Italian parsley works as well)
  • 1 15 oz can of chickpeas (salt free), drained
  • 1/2-1 Haas avocado, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/8 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/8 teaspoon coriander
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

Mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add the chopped celery, parsley, chickpeas, and avocado. Toss. Eat!

It doesn’t get much easier than that. If you like a little spice you can also add a bit of cayenne pepper. Unlike most salads, this one tastes fine the next day if you have leftovers, just make sure to put it in a sealed container so the avocado doesn’t turn dark and ruin the aesthetics of this delicious vegan dish. Hope you enjoy this addition to your vegan diet plan as much as me!

Shredded Vegan Protein Cookies

vegan-protein-cookies

I hope all you Sexy Fit Vegan readers enjoy this recipe for Shredded Vegan Protein Cookies!

Since I am a physique competitor protein is of utmost importance to my diet. Based on other vegan protein cookie recipes I’ve seen, I found by making some adjustment I could make these even healthier and a little more fun. After a few rounds of trying it I think I got it perfect. These cookies make a great dessert, or treat because they are not only delicious, but also protein-packed without any artificial ingredients. 

Shredded Vegan Protein Cookies

Makes: 6
Serving Size: 1
Nutrition Facts: Calories 199 | Protein 8 | Fat 11.3 | Carbs 18 | Sugar 10 | Fiber 1.2
Ingredients:
3 Tbsp Maple Almond Butter (Justin’s is my favorite)
3/8 Cup of Vanilla Vegan Protein Powder (VeganMax is my favorite)
3 Tbsp of Organic Agave Syrup
½ Cup of Gluten Free Oats
¼ cup Almond Milk
1 Tbsp 90% dark chocolate chips
½ tsp Vanilla Extract
¼ Cup of Shredded Coconut Flakes
1 Tbsp coconut oil

⦁ Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
⦁ Mix all ingredients (except chocolate chips, coconut flakes, and coconut oil) in food processor until they are a fine paste.
⦁ Put contents of food processor in medium bowl and sprinkle on coconut flakes and chocolate chips then mold the dough into 6 balls.
⦁ Rub the coconut oil on the bottom of an oven safe glass-baking pan and then spread the balls out on the pan.
⦁ Cook for 8-10 minutes at 325 degrees F.
⦁ Keep an eye on them and once they start browning it’s a good idea to check them. You don’t want to overcook them or they will be dry.
⦁ Let cool and enjoy!

Thanks to Ella for the opportunity to share my love of healthy nutrition and cooking with her members.

New High Protein Chickpea Pasta!

Banza-Chickpea-Pasta

I noticed a new high protein vegan-friendly pasta on the grocery store shelves the other day… Banza pasta made from chickpeas!Banza-Chickpea-Pasta-nutritional-label

I’m always excited to find new, healthy products to add my vegan diet plan (and share with all of you of course) so I was psyched to give this pasta a try. I checked the ingredients… approved! I cooked it up the same night. I was craving mac and cheese so I simply added a splash of Good Karma flax milk, some Daiya vegan cheese shreds, and sea salt and pepper, and wow, it was a hit! Compared to the mung bean pasta I usually eat, this pasta tastes more like traditional white pasta. It’s not as low in carbs, has less fiber, and is not organic, but it still has a great nutritional profile. Check it out…

In comparison to regular wheat pasta, Banza pasta has:

  • Double the protein (14 vs. 7 grams per serving).
  • Nearly half the net carbs (24 vs. 40 grams per serving).
  • Four times more fiber (8 vs. 2 grams per serving).

Besides being vegan, Banza pasta is also gluten-free, soy-free, non-GMO, made in a nut-free facility and free from artificial ingredients. In fact it only has 4 ingredients! Chickpeas, tapioca, pea protein, and xanthan gum.

I checked out their website, and Banza offers a ton of recipes, few of which are vegan. I picked one that only had a couple ingredients substituted to share with you, but many of the other recipes can also be easily modified to make vegan.

Thai Peanut Pasta Salad

Ingredients

Serves 6-8 ~ Vegan ~ Gluten Free

  • 1 box Banza rotini pasta
  • 1/4 cup + 1/8 cup peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon agave or date paste
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 3 green onions, sliced thinly

Recipe

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water until pasta is cool.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, agave or date paste, sesame oil, soy sauce, vinegar, water and sriracha.
  3. Toss noodles with sauce.
  4. Toss cabbage, carrots and green onions with pasta.
  5. Chill and serve cold.

Vegan-Thai-Peanut-Pasta-Salad

Shiitake and Tofu Breakfast Sandwich

shitake-tofu-vegan--sandwich

Shiitake and Tofu Breakfast Sandwich with Crispy Sweet Potatoes & Roasted Garlic Aioli

A delightful and satisfying addition to your gourmet vegan breakfast menu.

Ingredients:

  • Shiitake & Tofu Scramble
  • 1 block extra firm organic tofu, pressed & drained
  • 1 large handful of Shitake mushrooms, stems removed thin sliced
  • ½ red onion, thin sliced
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tbsp turmeric
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Ciabatta rolls, toasted
  • High quality maple syrup

Roasted Garlic Aioli:

  • 1 head of garlic peeled
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup Vegan Mayo
  • Juice and Zest of 1 Lemon
  • 1 small handful chopped fresh parsley

Crispy Sweet Potatoes:

  • 1 organic sweet potato peeled, grated and drained
  • 4 tbsp vegan bread crumbs
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ red onion diced
  • Canola oil
  • Sea Salt and pepper

Directions:

Step One: Roasted Garlic Aioli

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Peel entire head of garlic and toss with extra virgin olive oil to coat. Seal well in foil and cook for 35 minutes. Remove and let cool. Add garlic, salt, pepper, vegan mayo and the juice and zest of lemon in a food processor. Combine all in food processor then remove into bowl. Fold in parsley then refrigerate.

Step Two: Crispy Sweet Potatoes

Prep Crispy Sweet Potato ingredients as noted in ingredient list. Combine all in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly and form into 3-inch patties (½-inch thick.) Coat sauté pan with canola oil then heat on med/high heat. Cook patties on each side approx. 2-3 minutes until golden brown then set aside.

Step Three: Shiitake & Tofu Scramble

Clean Shiitake mushrooms with damp cloth, then remove stems. Then thinly slice mushrooms and red onion and set aside. Cube tofu into 1-inch cubes then place in large bowl. Using hands or potato masher break apart tofu into small pieces (leave some larger pieces for texture.)shiitake-and-tofu-sandwich-1

Coat a wok or large sauté pan with canola oil then heat on med/high heat. Add mushrooms and red onion and sauté 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add to the wok tofu, cayenne and turmeric and continue to sauté for another 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat set aside

Step Four: Bring it all together

Slice ciabatta rolls in half and lightly toast. Then brush with garlic aioli on both sides. Spoon on a generous amount of Shiitake & tofu scramble. Then layer sweet potato patties. Drizzle maple syrup over the potatoes. Slice and serve with a steaming cup of coffee or your favorite breakfast beverage.

Enjoy!

Tip: You can prepare garlic aioli a day before and refrigerate in an air tight container.

Watch me prepare the dish at www.callicoonkitchen.com!

shiitake-and-tofu-sandwich-2

Nasoya Chipotle Baked Tofu Review and Recipe

Chipotle-baked-tofu-review

I recently had the pleasure of trying Nosoya’s latest baked tofu flavor, “Chipotle.”Nasolya chipotle tofubaked

This product gets the Sexy Fit Vegan stamp of approval as a healthy and delicious addition to your vegan diet plan!

As the company says, this TofuBaked flavor is “smoky and spicy with a touch of heat.” I would say its between mild and medium on the spiciness scale, so if you like intense heat, you can simply add some of your favorite hot sauce. This tofu makes a perfect addition to salads, sandwiches, and Mexican dishes like the taco salad below. I also love it because you can eat it as a high vegan protein snack as well. Just one piece has 8 grams of protein (there are 4 pieces per package). I’m always looking for new go-to savory vegan snacks, especially to eat right away after working out, and the TofuBaked products meet this need perfectly.

From the package I got, I ate two of the pieces as-is, without even heating them up, enjoying the flavorful snack after an intense training session. The other two pieces I used to create a new, easy vegan recipe for a taco salad to share with you!

Chipotle Taco Salad

Servings: 2 

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/4 cup black beans 
  • 1/2 cup tomato, diced
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 an avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper of choice, diced
  • 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
  • 3 Tbsp salsa of choice
  • 2 pieces Nasoya Chipotle TofuBaked, chopped into bite size pieces
  • 2 Tbsp vegan sour cream* (optional)
  • Beanitos Chips or chips of choice* (optional)

Directions:

In a large bowl, toss together the lettuce, black beans, tomato, cucumber, avocado, bell pepper, black olives and salsa (the salsa takes the place of dressing). Serve onto plate(s) and top with the tofu and a dollop of vegan sour cream. Line the edge of the plate with Beanitos chips or chips of choice. Enjoy! 

*Tofutti and Vegan Gourmet both make one, or you can make your own such as this one from Food.com.

*Beanitos are a great alternative to regular corn chips because they are made from beans and have more protein and fiber.

For more high protein vegan products and simple recipes make sure to check out the How To Go Vegan Beginner’s Guide.

Mixed Kale Salad with Rosemary Ciabatta Croutons and Lemon Poppy Vinaigrette

Utilizing your local Farmers Markets is one if the best ways to taste the wofarmers-market-veggiesnders of the summer growing season as part of your vegan diet plan.

We picked up tender Red Russian and green kale, organic radishes, fresh blueberries and basil. Even garlic scapes made a rare appearance! We combined all these fresh ingredients and topped with sliced almonds and rosemary ciabatta croutons. The slightly sweet lemon poppy vinaigrette brings together this summer salad sensation.

Mixed Kale Salad with Rosemary Ciabatta Croutons and Lemon Poppy Vinaigrette

Serves 4

Ingredients:

For the salad:

  • 2 cups green kale, stems removed, chopped
  • 2 cups red Russian kale, stems removed, chopped
  • 1 cup organic blueberries
  • 1/3 cup sliced raw almonds
  • 1/2 cup radish, thin slice
  • 3 garlic scapes, fine chopped
  • Small handful fresh basil, rough chop
  • 2 cups ciabatta, 1-inch cubes
  • Few springs of rosemary, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the dressing:

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of ½ a lemon
  • 1 tsp agave nectar
  • ½ tsp poppy seeds
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of black pepper

Directions:

Chop ciabatta into 1-inch cubes and chop rosemary. Heat sauté pan on med-high then coat with olive oil. Add ciabatta and rosemary, toss a few minutes until browned then set aside.

Add all ingredients for dressing in a mixing bowl and whisk together.

Prep kale, basil, radishes and garlic scapes as noted in salad ingredient list. Then combine all salad ingredients in a large mixing bowl along with croutons and toss well.

Gently coat salad with dressing and toss. Garnish with more croutons and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Tips:

Feel free to substitute with seasonal fruits. Use garlic scapes when they are available!

Watch Ron prepare the dish on his Ron Badach Callicoon Kitchen YouTube channel!

Mixed Kale Salad with Rosemary Ciabatta Croutons and Lemon Poppy Vinaigrette

 

Black and White Sesame Crusted Tofu over Peach and Tomato Salad with Balsamic Vinegarette

Vegan Sesame Crusted Tofu - Peach & Tomato Salad

When fresh summer white peaches and ripe tomatoes join forces great things are about to happen to your vegan diet plan…

This incredible seasonal combo serves as the base under our slightly-spicy black and white sesame crusted tofu. An elegant vegan dish for your sophisticated guests that is both impressive and oh so simple!

Serves 4

Ingredients:
Sesame Crusted Tofu Ingredients
Peach & Tomato Salad
3 organic white peaches, thin sliced
3 organic red vine tomatoes, cut into bite size cubes
1 shallot, fine chop
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
½ orange bell pepper, cut bite size pieces
1 bunch cilantro, rough chop
1 lemon juice and zest
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Pinch Kosher salt

Sesame Crusted Tofu
1 block organic extra firm tofu, drained
¼ cup Dijon mustard
3 tbsp gluten free panko bread crumbs
2 tbsp white sesame seeds
1 tbsp black sesame seeds
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
Canola oil
1/2 tsp fresh black pepper

Balsamic Glaze
2 cups balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup brown sugar

Before you Begin
Press tofu for at least 30 minutes to allow water to drain out.

Step One:
Prep peaches, tomatoes, shallots, jalapeño pepper, bell peppers and cilantro as noted in ingredient list. Combine all in a large bowl. Then add the zest and juice of lemon and olive oil. Toss gently, salt to taste then set aside.

Step Two:
In a medium saucepan combine 2 cups balsamic vinegar and ½ cup of brown sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Then lower heat and simmer about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

Step Three:
Slice tofu into half inch slices. Then on a large plate combine panko, black & white sesame seeds and crushed red pepper and mix well with a fork. Holding tofu gently, spread a light coating of Dijon mustard on one side and place face down in panko mixture. While tofu is in the panko, gently coat the other side and flip to coat. Repeat until all tofu slices are coated.

Step Four:
Coat sauté pan with canola oil then heat over a med/ high heat. Gently lay tofu in pan and cook 1 to 1 ½ minutes on each side until browned. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step Five:
Drizzle balsamic glaze over a white plate. In the center spoon a half cup of the peach & tomato salad. Diagonal slice the tofu (2 whole pieces) and gently top onto the peach & tomato salad. Finish with with a pinch of salt and garnish with chopped cilantro. Enjoy!!

Tips:
Watch me prepare the dish on Ron Badach Callicoon Kitchen!

 

Sesame Crusted Tofu - Peach & Tomato Salad

Mung Bean Fettuccine with Roasted Tomatoes and Red Peppers

Vegan Protein Pasta: mung bean fettuccine

An addition to your vegan diet plan that seems almost too good to be true!

Aside from being super high in calories and carbs I generally find pasta to be boring and bloating.  Needless to say, I rarely eat it! About the only time I have it is when it is the only vegan option at a restaurant.  So I was intrigued when I saw Ella’s Instagram post about mung bean pasta….was this a noodle I could get on board with?

Mung bean pasta is high in fiber, low in carbs, is gluten free, and has approximately 24 grams of protein per serving… AND I like it!  The flavour is very mild, the texture is firm and best of of all it didn’t give me that heavy, bloated feeling that I get from traditional noodles (and most substitutes). This recipe is quick and easy, and the great thing about roasting tomatoes is that even if they weren’t that flavourful to begin with, they will be after roasting.
IMG_2536-2

  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes halved
  • 2 red peppers sliced
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp garlic cloves minced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • Gluten free mung bean pasta
  • Fresh basil chopped

Preheat oven to 350F (325F convection).  Drizzle a little olive oil on two baking sheets and spread.  Mix 3 Tbsp of olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, thyme and salt  together in a small bowl.  Add 1 Tbsp of balsamic to each baking sheet and spread.  Add peppers and tomatoes (cut side up) to baking sheets and spoon olive oil dressing over top.  Roast for 30 minutes and toss with cooked pasta (you may want to add a little more olive oil, salt and pepper). Top with chopped basil.

For more easy, high-protein, easy vegan recipes make sure to follow me on Instagram!

Adapted from www.almostvegancookingschool.com

 

 

 

 

Vegan Nachos Your Way!

Superbowl is just days away and it’s time to start planning the party and picking up supplies to do it up vegan style!

Nachos are a staple football-watching food, and this year I’ve missed out because I’ve spent most of my football-Sundays at the Yard House in Miami Beach. Well, missed out on nachos that is, but I have nothing to complain about given the Yard House’s Gardein menu. The Gardein “jerk chicken” wings are phenomenal! The Yard House does not, however, offer vegan nachos, and every time I see someone else order the nachos I want to go home and make my own vegan version!

In this post I want to help you create a version of good ole’ nachos that meets all your taste-bud needs, step by step. 

Vegan Nachos Your Way

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Find a type of baked tortilla chip that you enjoy, and place a semi-single layer of the  chips on a large pan lined with tin foil. Beanitos are my personal favorite. They’re incredibly tasty and they are high in fiber and protein. beanitosbeanitos-regular
  3. Sprinkle a light layer of your favorite vegan cheese over the chips. I enjoy the Follow Your Heart Vegan Gourmet Shreds, as well as Daiya shreds, and new brands keep popping up, the next one usually better than the last. These both melt well which is an important criteria for nachos! There are also some new vegan nacho cheese and cheese sauces like the ones made by Heido Ho Organics (I met the ladies who started this company and let me tell you, they’re awesome!) just coming to market that I haven’t tried yet, so if you have a review for us please add it to the post comments!Follow Your Heart Vegan Cheese Shredsdaiya_vegan_cheeseImage result for heidi ho nacho cheese
  4. Add on top of that your favorite vegan protein. Black beans are a must for me. Sometimes I enjoy adding the Beyond Meat Beef-Free Crumbles or Chicken-Free Strips. If you add Beyond Meat products you will need to cook them according to the directions before including them in the nachos. Tempeh is another healthy vegan protein addition option. 
    black-beansbeyond meat products
  5. Sprinkle other ingredients that will be best if heated with the chips, cheese and protein. Some of my favorite add-ons are pickled jalepenos and black olive slices. pickled jalepenosblack-olive slices
  6. Sprinkle another layer of vegan cheese on top.
  7. Place the pan in the oven and bake just long enough for the cheese to melt (about 5-10 minutes).
  8. Remove from the oven and place ingredients you enjoy that are not good heated. I love adding pico de gallo, guacamole, and vegan sour cream (Tofutti makes a good one, as does Follow Your Heart.)
  9. Serve immediately. The chips will get soggy as the dish cools, so make sure you start chowing right away!pico de galloguacamoleSourCream-TofuttiVegan-Gourmet-Sour-Cream
  10. Enjoy!!!