Skip to content
Posts
Made some soup to complement my recent sourdough experiments.
What’s the secret?
Boil tomatoes, peel the skin off and blend it Heat oil and shallow fry finely chopped onions and garlic Add the tomato puree, salt, cut mushrooms, broccoli and spring onions Add some black peppers if needed
I am currently in the middle of starting my sourdough. One of the steps is to discard some sourdough starter and feeding the starter with more flour. With the discard, I made some airfried tofu. This turned out to be much better than expected!
What’s the secret?
Add sour doudough starter, a bit of oil, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, oat flour and cut spring onions in a bowl and mix well Coat extra firm tofu with the batter Airfry it and serve hot with sriracha or a sauce of your choice
Recently, I attempted adding a bit of vital wheat gluten to bread. This is me correcting my mistakes. This turned out to be perfect - just the way I like it. :)
Also added some tofutti and some lentil palya on the bread and serve.
What’s the secret?
Bread making is similar to my last attempt, just reduced the amount of vital wheat gluten.
Lentil palya Soak lentils for 1-2 hours, and pressure cook it for ~10 minutes on low pressure.
As I make more types of food, I realize that the only thing stopping you from making amazing food, is the lack of experience and the fear of failure. I made pad thai this time. It wasn’t perfect, but I know what to do next time.
What’s the secret?
To make homemade tofu, check this out.
Boil some pad thai noodles (rice noodles that you get in the stores) until it starts to soften Heat some oil and add some chopped onions, cubed tofu and salt until the onions and tofu turn brown Add tamarind water (or paste), soy sauce and one tbsp of vinegar and mix well Throw in the half-cooked noodles and simmer until the noodles are done Top it off with some spring onions and peanuts Note: I added brocolli and red bell peppers to this but that’s not needed.
Check out my earlier attempts. This is very similar, except that -
I used spaghetti The sauce is vegan bolognese sauce by the brand simple truth Added some peas Skipped the mushrooms this time
Recently, I attempted adding a bit of vital wheat gluten to bread. This is me correcting my mistakes. This turned out to be perfect - just the way I like it. :)
What’s the secret?
Bread making is similar to my last attempt, just reduced the amount of vital wheat gluten.
Put it together To slices of bread, add some vegan cheese Heat some vegan burger patties (these ones are from the brand, boca) Add it to on the bread Add some slices, skinned mandarin oranges on top and garnish it with some seame seeds I can’t believe oranges tastes so good on a sandwich!
Very similar to my earlier attempts. The only difference is that I added a layer of pizza sauce, and topped it up with vegan cheese, spring onions, peas and cilantro. Finished it off by sprinkling some coconut flakes.
Happy pie day everyone!
Recently, I attempted making bread look pretty. This is another similar attempt.
What’s the secret?
Same as the earlier one. The main difference is that I added vital wheat gluten to this - it made the bread spongy. I need to reduce the quantity a bit next time.
Recently, I attempted making bread look pretty. This is another similar attempt.
What’s the secret?
Same as the earlier one. Only difference is the scoring before baking.
Very similar to my earlier attempts. The only difference is that I added a layer of soy sauce, and topped it up with onions, peas and mushrooms. The peas added a hint of sweetness to this.
Nom Nom!
Recently, I attempted making bread look pretty. This is another similar attempt.
What’s the secret?
Same as the earlier one. Only difference is the scoring before baking.
I’m a n00b baker ATM, so wanted to see how easy or hard it is to make breads look pretty. It’s harder than it looks but definitely doable.
What’s the secret?
Ingredients 1 loaf 400 grams of flour 300 grams of water 15-20 grams of salt Sesame seeds Active dry yeast Oil Recipe 15 min prep; 1.5 hour yeast incubation time; 45 minutes baking time Heat water until it’s luke warm (~120F) Add 2 Tbsp of active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar, and let it sit until the yeast activates (takes ~5-10 minutes) Once activated, mix all the ingredients and knead it until the dough becomes soft.
What’s the secret?
This recipe is very similar to this one so I won’t go over all the details. The main difference is the choice of vegetables, and replacing the peanut sauce with red thai curry paste and coconut milk (or coconut cream). To this version, I also added some lotus seeds, which is an amazing addition to this dish.
To make homemade tofu, check this out.
What’s the secret?
This recipe is very similar to this one so I won’t go over all the details. The main difference is the choice of vegetables, and replacing the peanut sauce with green thai curry paste and coconut milk (or coconut cream). To this version, I also added some lotus seeds, which is an amazing addition to this dish.
To make homemade tofu, check this out.
It has been more than five years since I ate good Indian yogurt. So, I decided to make some from scratch using soy milk. With the yogurt, I made some curd rice.
This. Is. Bliss.
Vegan Yogurt Making vegan yogurt is very simple.
Buy any vegan brand of yogurt Add 2 tbsp and 16 oz of westsoy soy milk (this brand only, as it has no preservatives or gum that interferes with the curdling process) to a mason jar Keep the mason jar in an instant pot in the “yogurt” option for 12-15 hours Curd rice Heat oil and add a bit of garlic, mustard seeds, curry leaves and chopped onions and heat it until it’s brown (I added some lotus seeds but this is optional) Add equal parts of steamed white rice and yogurt.
I got some Japanese yuzu on my way back to Seattle. If I’m going to drink, might as well make some good food to pair with it. I decided to make vegan nachos - salsa, guac, queso and put it over rebaked store-bought nacho chips. MMMmmmmm.
What’s the secret?
Guacamole Add finely chopped onions, tomatoes, avocadoes, salt, coriander leaves, jalapenos and squish it haha
Vegan queso Mainly cashew based with some nutritional yeast.
Menasukai is a traditional south Indian dish that is supposed to make you taste multiple flavors at once. The sauce is based on red chillies and coconuts. It’s pretty hot if you have it by itself. However, it also has jaggery and pineapple which complements the heat by bringing in tangy and sweetness to it. Add some tofu for protein and this will elevate your food experience.
What’s the secret?
After experiencing coffee at Vietnam, I just HAD to get plenty of beans on the way back to Seattle. I also got myself a Chemex for brewing fresh pour over coffee.
What’s the secret?
Grind fresh beans (I like mine light to medium roast) until it has a soil texture Place it on the chemex filter (mine is metallic, so I don’t need to wet the papers first) Pour some hot water (not boiling) slowly, in circle, and let the coffee breathe and rise for a few seconds Once the coffee blooms, continue to pour water evenly on the coffee Serve it black, or with sugar!
Inspired by my third attempt, I tried to add more Indian flavours. The only difference is that I added a layer of coriander chutney as the sauce, and topped it up with onions, mushrooms and artichoke hearts.
Coriander chutney Making coriander chutney is easier than you think.
Add coriander leaves, peanuts and coconut flakes almost equal in weight to a blender, along with a few green chillies Add a tiny bit of water and salt and blend until it’s thick.
If you haven’t read my falafel burger yet, check that out first.
The only difference is that, the shape of the falafel are more traditional, and I airfried them, haha. These get really dry and crunchy, not as good as the deep-fried ones, but who cares as long as it’s healthy, amirite??
This is an eggplant curry from south India, commonly eaten with Jowar Roti (Millet flatbread).
I made this once my sister returned from the Alaska vacation to pamper her with some home food :)
What’s the secret?
Make two perpendicular cuts in small eggplants (you find this type of eggplant in Indian store, packs more eggplant flavor than the ones local to the US). Make sure that you don’t cut all the way through - the stem should still hold the eggplant together Soak the eggplants in water for at least an hour Heat plenty of oil (really, go nuts), and add some garlic, chopped onions and salt until the onions turn brown Add chopped onions to this and mix it well, until it softens up into a paste Stuff the masala powder (mainly made of peanuts, dried coconut and dried red chillies and coriander seeds) in between the cuts in the eggplant and place it in the mixture Repeat for every eggplant, and add more powder to the base, to thicken up the sauce
Tofu, Indian style. This one was totally hodge-podge of tofu and mushrooms in a tomato based curry.
What’s the secret?
To make homemade tofu, check this out.
Heat some oil, and add some garlic, mustard seeds, chopped onions, cubed tofu and salt until the onions and tofu turn brown Add sliced tomatoes, and stir ocassionally and simmer it (I should have blended the tomatoes instead) Add garam masala, turmeric, coriander powder, red chilly powder and mix it well.
The steps are similar to the first attempt. The only difference is that I topped it up with an artichoke hearts and olives in Indian flavors. Also, tried adding some vegan Gouda cheese - these don’t really melt, so won’t be using it again. The taste was pretty good though.
I think I can eat tofu in peanut sauce by itself, without a starch. Mmmm, so delicious. :D
What’s the secret?
To make homemade tofu, check this out.
Get peanut sauce (or peanut+coconut sauce) from the store Heat some oil, and add some garlic, peanuts, chopped onions, cubed tofu and salt until the onions and tofu turn brown Add brocolli florets and sliced mushrooms Add peanut sauce and a bit of coconut cream (skip the coconut cream if you purchased peanut coconut sauce) Stir it all up and enjoy it hot, over brown rice :)
I crave for some good Indian food sometimes. The problem is there are way too many options! Today, I went with a classic - poha. It is mainly made out of beaten white rice with turmeric and other spices, and seasoned with mustard seeds and peanuts.
What’s the secret?
Soak some poha (you can get this at the Indian store) in water In the meantime, chop onions, tomatoes Heat some oil, and add some garlic, mustard seeds, curry leaves, peanuts, dried red chillies, chopped onions and salt until the onions are cooked.
Who wants some lemon poppy seed muffins?! Turned out to be 100.
What’s the secret?
Just bought the package and followed the instructions on it - nothing special. xD
Edit: I made it again on Aug 27th 2019, here’s that looks -
Poppy seed muffins again
Made some barbeque seitan and had it over bread, kinda like a sandwich. Was 100 lit.
What’s the secret?
Make this bread by following the recipe
To make Seitan, 1. Mix vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, vegetable broth, soy sauce, garlic, salt and other spices in a bowl. 2. Add some oil and knead it until it forms a lump. 3. Form a cylindrical shape out of it and wrap it in aluminum foil.
Warning: super healthy stuff ahead.
I decided to make some seitan fried barley. What’s that? Good question.
Follow along the seitan recipe here. Pressure cook barley until soft. Add oil in a wok and throw in some garlic, chopped onions, salt and seitan. Once the onions are cooked, add some peas and mushrooms until the peas are soft. Add some soy sauce, hoisin sauce to the medley. Mix in some brocolli and add the cooked barley and mix well.
What was I thinking? This is so easy to make once you make this bread by following the recipe.
Decided to make pasta another time. This time, with a side of homemade bread and tofutti!
To make Tofutti from scratch,
Cut store-bought extra firm tofu and put it in a blender. Add some oil, salt and olives Optionally add coconut flakes and jalapenoes Blend until smooth Enjoy it on some bread! :)
Soy milk is a by product while making tofu. I always save some extra to make something out of the soy milk. This time I added some dark chocolate syrup, and some additional dark chocolate bits and microwaved it on high until all the chocolate is melted and the drink is hot. Can’t wait to have it again. :)
Who knew making cauliflower was so easy?! It is low carb and high in fiber - perfect for your fitness needs.
What’s the secret?
Mongolian style tofu To make homemade tofu, check this out.
Get the sauce from an asian store. Heat oil in a wok, and add garlic, salt and tofu cut length-wise. Once the tofu starts to brown, add the sauce and red chilly flakes. Yes, it’s that simple.
I’ve been tired of using store-bought-tofu. My main gripe is that the tofu does not readily absorb flavors. Might as well infuse some while making it - so I decided to try making tofu - from scratch!
The process is lengthy and messy but it’s worth it.
The ONLY ingredients needed are soy beans (duh!), water (duh) and nigari.
Soak PEARLED soy beans for ~15 hours. Blend the water and soybeans as finely as possible.
Baking is on my mind these days. This time, I created some avocado spread on it
What’s the secret?
Make this bread by following the recipe
To make the avocado spread, 1. Scoop the flesh off an avocado using a spoon. 2. Add finely chopped onions, diced tomatoes, jalapenos, cilantro and salt. 3. Mix it well and spread it over toasted bread.
Pasta is such a convenient thing to make if you already have the sauce. I recommend the garlic and herb organic pasta sauce by the brand 365 everyday. I’ve also added some cut sausage bits and mushrooms in it and it’s on point.
Enjoy it with a side of homemade bread!
I wanted to improve my pizza baking abilities, so I tried it one more time. The steps are similar to the first attempt. The only difference is that I topped it with pizza sauce, mushrooms, onions, olives and peppers. :)
Finally, my first attempt at baking a pizza with artichokes, zucchini and tofu. No cheese? No problem!
Follow along this failed pizza making recipe After the initial 45 minutes, place the dough onto a round tray and try to flatten it. In a wok, take some oil and heat it. Add some chopped onions and garlic until the onions are fried. Add some zucchini, tofu, artichoke hearts and soy sauce and stir it well.
Vegan pigs in a blanket is a must try for all sausage lovers! I initially attempted this as a way to increase my protein intake. The lite life sausages have great macros, with very little fat, and packs a lot of protein per sausage!
How?
Follow along this bread making recipe After the initial 45 minutes, flatten the dough. In a pan, heat vegan sausages (in the image, I used lite life and tofurkey).
I really want to experiment baking other things. So I tried to bake a Pizza. Problem is, the crust became thick, so I called it Foccacia. Facepalm moment.
What’s the secret?
Follow along this bread making recipe After the initial 45 minutes, flatten the dough. In a wok, take some oil and heat it. Add some chopped onions and garlic until the onions are fried. Add some peas and mushrooms, and saute until the veggies are cooked.
I really want to experiment baking other things. So I tried to bake a Pizza. Problem is, the crust became thick, so I called it Foccacia. Facepalm moment.
What’s the secret?
Follow along this bread making recipe After the initial 45 minutes, place the dough onto a baking tray and try to flatten it. In a wok, take some oil and heat it. Add some chopped onions and garlic until the onions are fried.
I’ve been thinking of baking for a while. People have suggested that it is a mix of an art and a science, coupled with claims of it being therapeutic piqued my interest enough to try it out. Sesame bread it is.
What’s the secret?
Ingredients 1 loaf 400 grams of flour 300 grams of water 15-20 grams of salt Sesame seeds Active dry yeast Oil Recipe 15 min prep; 1.
I love Gardein - it’s a bad specializing in mock meats. They sell “mandarin orange crispy chicken” - and it makes being vegan convenient!
What’s the secret?
Ingredients Serves 2 Peppers (make it colorful!) Gardien mandarin orange crispy chicken Onion - medium Garlic Oil Recipe 15 min Cut the bell peppers length-wise, and cube the onions Heat oil in a wok, add minced garlic and peppers until it’s cooked Add the vegan chicken, and the orange sauce that comes in the packet until the chicken is shallow fried and crispy.
Falafels are fried, so they must not be healthy, right? Wrong. Here is how you can make baked falafels. I found a falafel mix while shopping, so I thought I’d give it a go. It is essentially chickpea powder with added flavor. Just add water, make them into shapes, and air fry them!
What’s the secret?
Ingredients Serves 2 Falafel mix (6 oz) Olive oil (2 tbsp) Water Recipe 5 min prep / 30 min bake Add falafel mix, oil, and keep adding water while mixing until it can be shaped.
Being from the state of Karnataka in India, Sambhar (lentil soup) is one of my all time favorites. Traditional preparation takes time, but… I’m lazy. Here is my attempt at switching the order of execution to shave off a few minutes.
Ingredients Serves 4 300g raw red lentils 1 medium sized onion 2 medium sized tomatoes 500g Okra 2 tbsp sambhar powder, a pinch of turmeric, a pinch of red chilly powder 2-3 tbsp oil 0.
I stumbled upon a carrot cake mix while grocery shopping. With thanksgiving around the corner, I thought it would be good to bake a cake and share it with my coworkers. I baked my first cake a few weeks prior and it crumpled due to lack of eggs to bind it. This one held up pretty well.
What’s the secret?
Ingredients Serves 12 Cake mix (22 oz) Olive oil (2 tbsp) Apple sauce (8 oz) Ground flaxseed meal (2 tbsp) Recipe 10 min prep / 30 min bake Grease baking pan Add 2 tbsp of ground flaxseed meal to 6 tbsp of water.
Bisi Bele Bath is a soupy rice loaded with veggie and starch. Please skip over the macros section if you don’t want to feel bad while savoring this south Indian delicacy. :)
Ingredients Serves 4 250g raw red lentils 250g raw white rice 1 medium sized onion 2 medium sized tomatoes 1 large potato 2 medium sized carrots 100 g of peas 2 tbsp bisi bele bath powder, a pinch of turmeric, a pinch of red chilly powder 2-3 tbsp oil 0.