Ginger Pickled Sweet Peppers

Now that it’s almost the end of November, we’re trying hard to save the last few tastes of summer here in Austin. These pickled peppers were inspired by those sold by Moontower Co-op (a wholly worthwhile organization run by great people), so go pick some up from them at one of our local farmers markets if you don’t have time to make these yourself!

Ingredients

• 8-12 mixed sweet peppers (carmen, ringo, banana, bell, etc.), seeded and cut into 1/2-inch wide strips
• 2-inches ginger root, cleaned and roughly chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 3/4-cups white vinegar
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 or 2 hot peppers, split (optional)

Preparation

1. In a non-reactive pot, bring vinegar to boil with sugar, salt, garlic, ginger, and hot peppers, stirring to aid in the dissolution of the sugar and salt.
2. Meanwhile, place pepper strips in a quart Mason jar, packing them pretty tightly.
3. Once the pickling solution has boiled, carefully pour it into the jar with the peppers and put the lid on top securely.
4. Let the jar cool on the counter until it is room temperature, then refrigerate for 2 or 3 days before cracking it open (if you can resist that long!).

Carrie Kenny, owner of the Prizer Gallery, took this photo at the Farmshare Farm this spring. How ’bout them apples.

Fall started in Austin last weekend which meant that it was time for me to come out of my summer hibernation. I got back on my newly refurbished bike (thanks Peddler!) and rode it down to EastCiders for their first brewery tour. The brewery has been selling ciders in cans for almost  a year but this was one of the first times it was open to the public, and we enjoyed learning about their processes, trying all the ciders (except for the brisket), and  relaxing in the beautiful pavilion next to the old railway station by the brewery.

The trip and sudden autumnal onset inspired this recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 gallon apple cider – get the nice organic stuff that comes in a glass bottle
• 1 packet granulated dry white wine yeast
• Airlock with bottle stopper

Preparation

1. Sanitize the airlock in a diluted bleach solution and set aside.*
2. Open the cider and add a teaspoon of the yeast granules.
3. Inset the airlock on the bottle and store in a cool dark closet.
4. Allow to ferment for a few days then serve!

*Sanitizing solution is 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 gallon of water. Scale as needed.

I was fortunate to receive a badge to the South by Southwest Eco Conference this weekend. Since moving to Austin I have been a big fan of SXSW Conferences, namely the music “conference” when free parties, complete with mediocre food, drink, and music, take over most of Central Austin. It is baldfaced indulgent consumerist hedonism and, since I am human, I enjoy it. It is kind of like New Orleans at Mardi Gras when the whole town shows up to eat and drink the worst products that the culinary capitol of the South has to offer (seriously, king cake?) and fight over stands of molded plastic crafted by undoubtedly exploited people in a developing country. Mardi Gras has a built in reckoning though – Lent, a period of time for the whole city to face their shame in the vomit soaked bead strewn streets and try to be better people until Jazz Fest starts. At least I think that is the idea.

After SXSW Austin needs a moment of collective shame to reflect on what just happened. Instead, almost eight months later we get SXSW Eco where, as I found out, attendees learn that the climate is changing, oceans are dying, and the best thing any person can do is reconsider their landscape design and buy wedding rings from a company that promises to invest in clean water.

I want to be clear that I am not being critical of the ideas or companies that were present at the conference but I do think the conference itself was deeply flawed in two ways. First, I think the themes of the conference are not shame inducing enough.  The tracts with by far the most sessions were Business and Finance and Behavior and Design with titles such as “How Consumerism Can Actually Save the Environment” and a whole lot of “Startup (Mad Lib a noun or verb)”. I realize it is kind of the premise of the conference but this is not a town that needs more self-congratulatory attention for being a hub of profit-driven innovation.  We need shame to maintain balance and remain grounded in reality otherwise there is no nagging voice in our head to remind us that there are always tradeoffs. Where are the sessions on mining rare earth minerals and the increasing amount of energy it takes to run the planet’s server farms?

Second, I do have a problem with the “solutions” that were presented. Almost without exception the conference was thinking around the edges of the issue: What should I buy? What app should I use to buy it? What energy solutions should I implement to illuminate it? When it turns out to be made of a hereto unknown carcinogen should I recycle it? Most importantly, what green tourism experience should I enjoy to celebrate successfully maneuvering its product life cycle? When the problem is the wide-scale destruction of the entire plant, the extinction of the majority of species on it, and the probable collapse of human civilization as we know it, shouldn’t we discuss more potent solutions than xeriscaping and jewelry? Granted I did not go to all of the sessions because I am not magical but not once did I hear or see anything about the single most impactful thing that almost every person can do every day to drastically reduce water consumption, preserve wildlife habitat, and reduce our carbon foot print: don’t eat animals.

Last night, since I already purchased tickets to see Cowspiracy, I decided to risk one more nail in my Eco-emotional coffin and we went to see the documentary. I didn’t love everything about it but the facts behind the film are worth checking out. Here is a little synopsis of the highlights:

• Livestock and their byproducts account for 51% of all worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. That is the majority.
• Growing feed for livestock accounts for 56% of water consumption in the United States. No amount of xeriscaping is going to make up for a hamburger habit.
• Animal agriculture is the leading cause of species extinction, ocean dead zones, water pollution, and habitat destruction. Unless your appreciation for life on Earth is limited to soy, cows, and chronically ill people, then stop eating meat.

Take that disruptive technology.

Finally, since this is a food blog here is a photo of what I had for lunch and the recipe:

Steamed Green Beans

Steamed Green Beans

This is a healthy Thanksgiving side or a quick tasty lunch that will have you hungry again in time for dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans, washed
• 1 clove of garlic, coarsely chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Place a steam basket in a soup or stock pot with an inch of water. Add first three ingredients.
2. Cover and steam beans over medium high heat until tender, about ten minutes.
3. Remove from heat and season to taste.

Serving recommendation: Steam baskets make a convenient and rustically pleasing plate if you are eating alone.

Like the holidays, this is a recipe that just keeps on giving.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup turbinado sugar

Preparation

1. combine ingredients in a small sauce pan. Cover and heat slowly over low heat.
2. Once the liquid starts to steam uncover and, sirring occasionally, continue to heat to just below simmering for 10 minutes. If the liquid boils, the cranberries will pop which is not optimal for the candied cranberries.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool at room temperature for about an hour. Transfer to a covered heat-safe bowl and refrigerate over night.
4. Strain the cranberries from the liquid and refrigerated to use in other salads or in holiday baking. Keep liquid in a non-reactive airtight container and use within two weeks.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup vegan butter
• 2/3 cup turbinado sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons egg replacer
• 2 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1 cup rice flour and extra for rolling
• 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon orange bitters (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
• 1 cup pecans, chopped

Preparation

1. In a medium bowl, combine salt, baking powder, egg replacer, almond flour, and rice flour.
2. In a large bowl or mixer blend vegan butter, sugar, orange juice, bitters, and orange zest.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet. When the dough is consistent add the chopped cranberries and pecans.
4. With rice-floured hands, roll the dough into two-inch wide rolls with flattened ends.
5. Place these rolls onto well-oiled cookie sheets and bake  for 15 minutes at 375 degrees.
6. Remove the pans and reduce the oven heat to 300 degrees.
7. Allow the rolls to cool on a rack for about 15 minutes, then cut the rolls into 1/2-inch wide slices to make the cookies. Place the cookies back on a lightly oiled cookie sheet and bake until golden brown on the bottom, about 5 to 10 minutes. Turn the cookies and brown the other side.
8. Cool the cookies on racks to keep them dry, then store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Quinotto is quinoa cooked in the style of risotto. Unlike rice, however, quinoa will not become creamy with this method, so we use a puree of tofu and raw cashews to add creaminess to this protein-packed entree.

Mushroom Quinotto

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3-4 shallots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 ounces mixed mushrooms (cremini and chanterelles work well), sliced
• cream sherry or white wine
• 6 cups vegetable or mushroom broth, warmed
• 2 cups uncooked quinoa (tricolor works well and looks pretty)
• 8 ounces firm tofu
• 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked in warm water for about 20 minutes
• Salt
• Black truffle or truffle oil (optional)

Preparation

1.  In a large skillet, saute shallots and garlic in olive oil over medium-high heat until the shallots are translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the mushrooms and continue to saute until the mushrooms are thoroughly cooked down, about 10 minutes.
3. Add the sherry or wine, stirring until it has all been absorbed or evaporated. Transfer sauteed shallots and mushrooms to a bowl.
4. In the same skillet, add the quinoa and lightly toast for about 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning.
5. Add 2 cups of broth, increase heat to bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer, stirring often.
6. Once most of the liquid has been absorbed/evaporated, add about 1/2 cup more, reduce again, and repeat until the quinoa is just about finished. This process might not use all 6 cups of broth, but should be close.
7. In a food processor, process tofu and soaked cashews until smooth. Add this mixture along with the shallots and mushrooms to the quinoa. Stir to fully incorporate and heat until warmed throughout. Season to taste.
8. Serve with a few truffle shavings or a light drizzle of truffle oil.

Seco de Verduras with Tofu

With the weather taking another cold turn I thought it might be a good idea to have something flavorful and hearty ready for lunch tomorrow. I have also had Peruvian food on my mind since – big announcement – per our 2013 New Year’s resolution we are putting the finishing touches on our Peruvian Vegetarian Cookbook!

Seco is a traditional Peruvian stew with a pureed cilantro base. High in the Andes it takes extra time to cook potatoes and the in the process they become extremely soft and play an important role in thickening the texture of many stews. The dish is typically prepared with chunks of chicken or beef, but our vegetarian version simply omits the meat and adds a little tofu to the deliciously tender vegetables and flavorful sauce.

Ingredients

• ¼ pound fresh cilantro, about 1 large bunch, washed
• 3 cups vegetable broth, divided
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium purple onion, chopped
• 1 medium jalapeño, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups peas (frozen or fresh – if using fresh, boil until tender)
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 pounds white potatoes, cut into 1 inch pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1-2 key limes cut into wedges
• Prepared rice or quinoa for serving

 Preparation

1. Blend cilantro in a blender or food processor gradually adding about ½ cup of the broth until smooth. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, chili pepper, and minced garlic to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat until the onion is soft and translucent.
3. Add the processed cilantro and  remaining broth to the saucepan. Add the carrots, peas, and potatoes and simmer until the potatoes are extremely soft and the broth begins to thicken- about 40 minutes.
4. Season with salt to taste and serve with sliced lime and prepared rice or quinoa.

We enjoyed a vegetarian poutine in Montreal a couple of years ago, but a vegan version? We had fun creating  these vegan “cheese” curds and a recipe that is a delicious and relatively healthy take on the Canadian classic dish of french fries and gravy.

Vegan Poutine with Mushroom Gravy

Ingredients

Cheese Curds

• 1 cup almond blanched almonds, soaked overnight (this is an ideal use for the pieces left over from making almond milk)
• 8 ounces extra firm tofu
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt

Gravy

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, chopped
• 1/4 cup non-margarine vegan butter substitute
• 1/4 cup brown rice flour
• 2 cups vegetable or mushroom broth, warmed
• salt to taste

Fries

• 1 pound sweet potatoes, cut into 1/4 inch thick fries
• 1 pound yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1/4 inch thick fries
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• salt to taste

Preparation

1. To make the cheese curds, combine almond curd, tofu, nutritional yeast, turmeric, and salt in a food processor until smooth. Spoon 1-teaspoon-sized balls on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees until firm, about 20 minutes. Set baked cheese curds aside to cool.
2. Place the sweet potatoes and Yukon golds in a roasting pan. Drizzle with vegetable oil and bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes. Stir gently then return to the oven until sweet potatoes are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
3. While the potatoes are baking, prepare the gravy. In a large skillet, saute onion and mushrooms in olive oil over medium heat until the mushrooms are soft and flavorful, about 15 minutes. In another pan, melt the butter substitute over medium-low heat, then whisk in the rice flour to form a roux. Add the roux to the sauteed onions and mushrooms, then gradually whisk in the warm broth, making sure to break up any chunks of flour. Heat to simmer, turn off heat, then cover with a lid to keep warm.
4. Assemble the poutine by putting a serving on a plate, adding a few cheese curds, and generously smothering in gravy

Note: I also like to garnish with additional roasted vegetables and fresh peppers. It adds some texture and color making it a more complete meal.

Vegetable Sambar

This version of a typical South Asian soup is a tasty and nutritious use for late summer vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup dried red lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon whole cumin
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 3-4 dried hot red chili peppers
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
• 1 large yellow onion, minced
• 1 medium carrot, chopped
• 1 medium potato, cubed
• 1/2 pound eggplant, cubed
• 1/2 pound okra, sliced
• salt to taste

Preparation

1. In a large soup pot, bring lentils and broth to a boil and simmer, covered, until soft, about 30 minutes.
2. While the lentils are cooking prepare vegetables and spices. In a mortar and pestle (or a spice mill) combine coriander, peppercorns, mustard seeds, fenugreek, and cumin. Grind spices until they are a coarse powder.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok. Over medium heat fry the ground spices until fragrant, about one minute.
4. Add asafoetida, turmeric powder, whole red chilies, and onion. Continue frying until the onion is translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Stir in tamarind paste and add the remaining vegetables. Lower heat and cook until potatoes are just tender, about 10 minutes.
6. Remove cooked vegetables from heat. Add the vegetables to the lentils and broth, and when they have finished cooking season with salt to taste.

Panna cotta, or cooked cream in Italian, is a super simple, but delicious dessert. Our vegan take on it uses coconut milk in place of the cream, and agar agar powder in place of the usual gelatin. This recipe is quite basic, so feel free to get creative with flavoring (maybe some cardamom or lemon zest, or even chocolate!). Other toppings, like fresh berries, are also fun to experiment with.

Coconut Milk Panna Cotta with Poached Pears

Note that while the preparation is quick, the panna cotta does have to set for a few hours in the refrigerator, so prepare well ahead of dessert time.

Ingredients

• 1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon agar agar powder (we used NOW Foods Brand Agar Powder)
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Pears

• 1 large pear, not too soft, seeds removed and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 5 cloves
• 1 cardamom pod, cracked open
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Preparation

1.  Add coconut milk and sugar to a small saucepan and bring to boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
2. Lower heat to simmer, and whisk in the agar agar powder. Continue to simmer and whisk for 2 minutes.
3. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and pour into ramekins or other small heat-resistant bowls. Let cool on the counter for about 20 minutes, then refrigerate for 2-3 hours.

For the Pears

1. In a large skillet, bring the water to a boil and dissolve the sugar in it.
2. Add the pear slices and spices, reduce heat to simmer, and cook for 20-25 minutes until the pears are soft.
3. Remove from heat, add lemon juice, and let cool. Save in an airtight container until you’re ready to use them.