The official Veganomicon recipe review (to be updated)!
Posted by Allychristine on Jan 02, 2009 · Member since Dec 2007 · 15438 posts
Posted by intheend on May 03, 2010 · Member since May 2009 · 283 posts
I made the Smokey Grilled Tofu with Sauteed collards and I wasn't impressed with either. I could taste the apple cider vinegar in the marinade and that just ruined it for me. Plus, the tempeh didn't really absorb the marinade.
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Posted by 13bb on May 17, 2010 · Member since Jan 2007 · 145 posts
black beans with chipotle adobo sauce. I liked this a lot. the black beans themselves are good and the chipotle adobo sauce is delicious. i sometimes just make the chipotle adobo sauce to put in/on other things such as a burritos or veggie burgers.
Pineapple-Cashew-Quinoa Stir Fry. This was good but not incredible. My husband and I did not find this very satisfying as a main course. the more soy sauce you add the better it tastes
chickpea noodle soup- very good soup. i like it without the chickpeas and with celery and with collard greens ( i added 8oz frozen chopped). the collard green and miso flavors pair nicely in this soup.
pasta della california- not very good. i used whole wheat linguine (or it may have been fettucini) and it overpowered the sauce. I didn't think this was very flavorful but it did get better the next day.
penne vodka - very good, easy to make, and satisfying. i wasn't amazed by this, but it is a lot better than jarred pasta sauce. my husband loved it.
lower fat banana bread - i've made this a few times. it is pretty good when you consider that it is lower in fat and sugar than most other banana bread recipes. i have made this with 1/2 cup applesauce and no canola oil without noticing a difference. it also turned out fine with white whole wheat flour. when i don't care about calories though, my favorite banana bread is definitely this one: http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=13413.0 (which is good with veg oil and ww pastry flour)
roasted portobellos - excellent
portobello salad with spicy mustard dressing - excellent
brooklyn deli macaroni salad - this came out great! i thought it would be boring but i was pleasantly surprised. i used wildwood zesty garlic aioli for the mayonnaise and i think that contributed a lot to the flavor. it was fine with whole wheat macaroni noodles. i also preferred it the time i subbed celery for the radishes.
Acorn squash & black bean empanadas - made the empanada dough and loved it. the cornmeal in it was great. I filled the dough with leftover black beans in chipotle adobo sauce and it was fantastic.
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Posted by monkey7 on May 26, 2010 · Member since Sep 2009 · 324 posts
Broccoli polenta
Even though this was bland since I used water instead of veggie broth I still like it. I liked it best when broiled.
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Posted by icephrosty on May 26, 2010 · Member since Feb 2008 · 393 posts
Chile cornmeal crusted tofu - I shape mine more like nuggets and they always turn out perfect - nice and crispy on the outside but moist inside. I like to play with the spices and try different combinations.
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Posted by dannibazaar on May 26, 2010 · Member since May 2009 · 547 posts
Lower Fat Deep Chocolate Bundt Cake - This turned out perfect! It was so easy to make and it was delicious. Very moist. I'll definately be making this again.
Broccoli polenta - Believe it or not, this was my first time making polenta. I must say, it was really easy and it was very tasty with the Black Beans with Chipotle Adobo Sauce. Yum! Also, I discovered that my broccoli had molded, so I replaced the broccoli in the reicpe with finely chopped kale and it was super good!
Black Beans with Chipotle Adobo Sauce - I MUST be insane making a spicy sauce on a hot day like today. But it was really good. I liked the beans a lot. I'm not a fan of Chipotle anything (I have a thing against smoky flavours), but it was cool I guess. I'll make it again (on a cooler day that is...)
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Posted by dannibazaar on May 27, 2010 · Member since May 2009 · 547 posts
Posted by Saskia on May 27, 2010 · Member since Jan 2007 · 1976 posts
dannibazaar,
Great photos, especially that chocolate bundt cake. Mmmm ...
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Posted by dannibazaar on May 27, 2010 · Member since May 2009 · 547 posts
Thank you :) And the bundt cake was amazing <3
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Posted by VegRunSki on May 31, 2010 · Member since Jan 2010 · 193 posts
Chickpea quinoa pilaf This was really good. I like the use of whole coriander seeds, crushed - I'm not sure if it makes much of a difference in the flavor, but it was fun to break out the mortar and pestle. Plus, I already had some whole coriander around from the messy rice recipe. I did everything as written, except for adding some steamed broccoli at the end. I think that was a nice addition. This dish doesn't have a super strong flavor - it is not too spicy, but not bland either. It seems like it would be amenable to additions and experimentation. We had it as a meal, but it would make a lovely side dish as well. I'm going to try making this in my rice cooker next time -- I'll let you know how it goes!
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Posted by Allychristine on Jun 03, 2010 · Member since Dec 2007 · 15438 posts
Marinara sauce and variations
I did the caramelized onion variation. I do usually make my own marinara, so the main difference here was just less seasoning. I used stewed tomatoes that I crushed, and added some fresh basil at the end. Good for the beanballs.
Beanball sub
Unfortunately, I didn't have tofu (or pinenuts) to make the cream, but I did make the marinara. My bean can was 25 oz, so I ended up adding an extra 1/4-1/2 cup of VWG. I used lemon seasoning for the zest (didn't have lemon). I baked mine. I like them, but they are kinda mushy in the middle. I didn't bake with any sauce, and just put it on top, but they were still not totally firm. I greased my pan well, but mine actually stuck to the pan. So, they were good, but probably won't make again.
Posted by AlicePleasance on Jun 06, 2010 · Member since Mar 2010 · 97 posts
These pictures and reviews sound soooo good.
I'm thinking of sending a copy of Veganomicon to my mom. Since I've gone vegan, coupled with many Dr. Oz/Today Show/Oprah show segments devoted to the "hidden horrors of meat", she's been very diligent about cutting back on meat. She's a great cook, but I feel like, aside from raw or cooked vegetables, she doesn't know what's involved in a vegan dish. Would this be a good book to send her? I want to show her that vegan fare can be more than just vegetables and can be more substantial than just side dishes. also, they can be so freakin' delicious. Again, the photos look great. Is the time and cost for most recipes pretty reasonable?
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Posted by IdrilAsphodel on Jun 06, 2010 · Member since Mar 2010 · 272 posts
Chocolate chocolate chip walnut cookies
These cookies were really, really good. I made them for my mother's birthday and she just about fell over when I told her they were for her. Though I have to agree with the other reviewers--they definitely had an 'oily-feeling.' In any case, these cookies are fairly easy to make and were the first REALLY successful batch of vegan cookies I've ever made.
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Posted by Allychristine on Jun 06, 2010 · Member since Dec 2007 · 15438 posts
These pictures and reviews sound soooo good.
I'm thinking of sending a copy of Veganomicon to my mom. Since I've gone vegan, coupled with many Dr. Oz/Today Show/Oprah show segments devoted to the "hidden horrors of meat", she's been very diligent about cutting back on meat. She's a great cook, but I feel like, aside from raw or cooked vegetables, she doesn't know what's involved in a vegan dish. Would this be a good book to send her? I want to show her that vegan fare can be more than just vegetables and can be more substantial than just side dishes. also, they can be so freakin' delicious. Again, the photos look great. Is the time and cost for most recipes pretty reasonable?
Yes, I'd definitely recommend it for that situation. It has a good mix of everything.
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Posted by VegRunSki on Jun 06, 2010 · Member since Jan 2010 · 193 posts
I think Veganomicon is an excellent gift idea. There is a good variety of quick and simple vs. fancy special occasion-type meals. There are little icons to indicate which recipes are less than 45 minutes, and which have ingredients that would be easily found in the grocery store, which she might find helpful.
The only dislike is that there aren't pictures for every recipe - that really helps me pick out what to have for dinner, when I want to try a new recipe for the first time. But, then, this thread is helpful for that too, so you might want to refer her here.
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Posted by JessaCita on Jun 06, 2010 · Member since Nov 2006 · 1808 posts
The only dislike is that there aren't pictures for every recipe - that really helps me pick out what to have for dinner, when I want to try a new recipe for the first time. But, then, this thread is helpful for that too, so you might want to refer her here.
Yikes, the book would be like 1,000 pages if there was a picture for every recipe! :) I think it has a good amount of pictures, though more is always better.
I agree that this book would be a great gift option. I have seen it described as the vegan The Joy of Cooking, and I think that's quite accurate. There is something for everyone, every occasion, every budget, every time allowance, etc. It's a great book!
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Posted by AlicePleasance on Jun 08, 2010 · Member since Mar 2010 · 97 posts
Thanks for the advice, everyone :) I'm checking out on amazon right now. My mother will be vegan in no time....hopefully :)>>>
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Posted by amymylove on Jun 08, 2010 · Member since Apr 2009 · 5266 posts
Thanks for the advice, everyone :) I'm checking out on amazon right now. My mother will be vegan in no time....hopefully :)>>>
Yes :) She will see the light! My Step Mom did and she is an awesome cook! I get to eat awesome vegan meals every week at my Dad's <3
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Posted by Saskia on Jun 09, 2010 · Member since Jan 2007 · 1976 posts
Thanks for the advice, everyone :) I'm checking out on amazon right now. My mother will be vegan in no time....hopefully :)>>>
Yes :) She will see the light! My Step Mom did and she is an awesome cook! I get to eat awesome vegan meals every week at my Dad's <3
My omni Mom asked for Veganomicon after I baked her the Lower Fat Banana Bread. Then she asked for Vegan With A Vengeance after I baked her scones. Never underestimate the power of bakery.
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Posted by Allychristine on Jun 21, 2010 · Member since Dec 2007 · 15438 posts
Mustard sauce
Loved it! P liked it, too. I used a bit of spicy brown mustard, and then regular Dijon. My edition actually didn't say to add the veg broth/cornstarch mixture, so I just added it with everything. Thickened up nicely, nice sauce texture. I'm sure I'll make it again. Good flavor! I might cut back even more on the capers, because they are always strong.
Posted by dannibazaar on Jun 22, 2010 · Member since May 2009 · 547 posts
That looks so good AC! I'm thinking about making it soon (I heart mustard). Do you think it would fair well without the capers at all? I don't really dig capers :P
I made the Smokey Grilled Tofu with Sauteed collards and I wasn't impressed with either. I could taste the apple cider vinegar in the marinade and that just ruined it for me. Plus, the tempeh didn't really absorb the marinade.
black beans with chipotle adobo sauce. I liked this a lot. the black beans themselves are good and the chipotle adobo sauce is delicious. i sometimes just make the chipotle adobo sauce to put in/on other things such as a burritos or veggie burgers.
Pineapple-Cashew-Quinoa Stir Fry. This was good but not incredible. My husband and I did not find this very satisfying as a main course. the more soy sauce you add the better it tastes
chickpea noodle soup- very good soup. i like it without the chickpeas and with celery and with collard greens ( i added 8oz frozen chopped). the collard green and miso flavors pair nicely in this soup.
pasta della california- not very good. i used whole wheat linguine (or it may have been fettucini) and it overpowered the sauce. I didn't think this was very flavorful but it did get better the next day.
penne vodka - very good, easy to make, and satisfying. i wasn't amazed by this, but it is a lot better than jarred pasta sauce. my husband loved it.
lower fat banana bread - i've made this a few times. it is pretty good when you consider that it is lower in fat and sugar than most other banana bread recipes. i have made this with 1/2 cup applesauce and no canola oil without noticing a difference. it also turned out fine with white whole wheat flour. when i don't care about calories though, my favorite banana bread is definitely this one: http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=13413.0 (which is good with veg oil and ww pastry flour)
roasted portobellos - excellent
portobello salad with spicy mustard dressing - excellent
brooklyn deli macaroni salad - this came out great! i thought it would be boring but i was pleasantly surprised. i used wildwood zesty garlic aioli for the mayonnaise and i think that contributed a lot to the flavor. it was fine with whole wheat macaroni noodles. i also preferred it the time i subbed celery for the radishes.
Acorn squash & black bean empanadas - made the empanada dough and loved it. the cornmeal in it was great. I filled the dough with leftover black beans in chipotle adobo sauce and it was fantastic.
Broccoli polenta
Even though this was bland since I used water instead of veggie broth I still like it. I liked it best when broiled.
Chile cornmeal crusted tofu - I shape mine more like nuggets and they always turn out perfect - nice and crispy on the outside but moist inside. I like to play with the spices and try different combinations.
Lower Fat Deep Chocolate Bundt Cake - This turned out perfect! It was so easy to make and it was delicious. Very moist. I'll definately be making this again.
Broccoli polenta - Believe it or not, this was my first time making polenta. I must say, it was really easy and it was very tasty with the Black Beans with Chipotle Adobo Sauce. Yum! Also, I discovered that my broccoli had molded, so I replaced the broccoli in the reicpe with finely chopped kale and it was super good!
Black Beans with Chipotle Adobo Sauce - I MUST be insane making a spicy sauce on a hot day like today. But it was really good. I liked the beans a lot. I'm not a fan of Chipotle anything (I have a thing against smoky flavours), but it was cool I guess. I'll make it again (on a cooler day that is...)
Here's the cake, polenta, and bean dish pics...
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq138/XxDanniDarcyxX/DSCN0106.jpg
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq138/XxDanniDarcyxX/DSCN0109.jpg
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq138/XxDanniDarcyxX/DSCN0110.jpg
dannibazaar,
Great photos, especially that chocolate bundt cake. Mmmm ...
Thank you :) And the bundt cake was amazing <3
Chickpea quinoa pilaf
This was really good. I like the use of whole coriander seeds, crushed - I'm not sure if it makes much of a difference in the flavor, but it was fun to break out the mortar and pestle. Plus, I already had some whole coriander around from the messy rice recipe. I did everything as written, except for adding some steamed broccoli at the end. I think that was a nice addition. This dish doesn't have a super strong flavor - it is not too spicy, but not bland either. It seems like it would be amenable to additions and experimentation. We had it as a meal, but it would make a lovely side dish as well. I'm going to try making this in my rice cooker next time -- I'll let you know how it goes!
Marinara sauce and variations
I did the caramelized onion variation. I do usually make my own marinara, so the main difference here was just less seasoning. I used stewed tomatoes that I crushed, and added some fresh basil at the end. Good for the beanballs.
Beanball sub
Unfortunately, I didn't have tofu (or pinenuts) to make the cream, but I did make the marinara. My bean can was 25 oz, so I ended up adding an extra 1/4-1/2 cup of VWG. I used lemon seasoning for the zest (didn't have lemon). I baked mine. I like them, but they are kinda mushy in the middle. I didn't bake with any sauce, and just put it on top, but they were still not totally firm. I greased my pan well, but mine actually stuck to the pan. So, they were good, but probably won't make again.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs311.snc3/28219_10150189485010533_507120532_12912241_6875340_n.jpg
These pictures and reviews sound soooo good.
I'm thinking of sending a copy of Veganomicon to my mom. Since I've gone vegan, coupled with many Dr. Oz/Today Show/Oprah show segments devoted to the "hidden horrors of meat", she's been very diligent about cutting back on meat. She's a great cook, but I feel like, aside from raw or cooked vegetables, she doesn't know what's involved in a vegan dish. Would this be a good book to send her? I want to show her that vegan fare can be more than just vegetables and can be more substantial than just side dishes. also, they can be so freakin' delicious. Again, the photos look great. Is the time and cost for most recipes pretty reasonable?
Chocolate chocolate chip walnut cookies
These cookies were really, really good. I made them for my mother's birthday and she just about fell over when I told her they were for her. Though I have to agree with the other reviewers--they definitely had an 'oily-feeling.' In any case, these cookies are fairly easy to make and were the first REALLY successful batch of vegan cookies I've ever made.
These pictures and reviews sound soooo good.
I'm thinking of sending a copy of Veganomicon to my mom. Since I've gone vegan, coupled with many Dr. Oz/Today Show/Oprah show segments devoted to the "hidden horrors of meat", she's been very diligent about cutting back on meat. She's a great cook, but I feel like, aside from raw or cooked vegetables, she doesn't know what's involved in a vegan dish. Would this be a good book to send her? I want to show her that vegan fare can be more than just vegetables and can be more substantial than just side dishes. also, they can be so freakin' delicious. Again, the photos look great. Is the time and cost for most recipes pretty reasonable?
Yes, I'd definitely recommend it for that situation. It has a good mix of everything.
I think Veganomicon is an excellent gift idea. There is a good variety of quick and simple vs. fancy special occasion-type meals. There are little icons to indicate which recipes are less than 45 minutes, and which have ingredients that would be easily found in the grocery store, which she might find helpful.
The only dislike is that there aren't pictures for every recipe - that really helps me pick out what to have for dinner, when I want to try a new recipe for the first time. But, then, this thread is helpful for that too, so you might want to refer her here.
The only dislike is that there aren't pictures for every recipe - that really helps me pick out what to have for dinner, when I want to try a new recipe for the first time. But, then, this thread is helpful for that too, so you might want to refer her here.
Yikes, the book would be like 1,000 pages if there was a picture for every recipe! :) I think it has a good amount of pictures, though more is always better.
I agree that this book would be a great gift option. I have seen it described as the vegan The Joy of Cooking, and I think that's quite accurate. There is something for everyone, every occasion, every budget, every time allowance, etc. It's a great book!
Thanks for the advice, everyone :) I'm checking out on amazon right now. My mother will be vegan in no time....hopefully :)>>>
Thanks for the advice, everyone :) I'm checking out on amazon right now. My mother will be vegan in no time....hopefully :)>>>
Yes :) She will see the light! My Step Mom did and she is an awesome cook! I get to eat awesome vegan meals every week at my Dad's <3
Thanks for the advice, everyone :) I'm checking out on amazon right now. My mother will be vegan in no time....hopefully :)>>>
Yes :) She will see the light! My Step Mom did and she is an awesome cook! I get to eat awesome vegan meals every week at my Dad's <3
My omni Mom asked for Veganomicon after I baked her the Lower Fat Banana Bread. Then she asked for Vegan With A Vengeance after I baked her scones. Never underestimate the power of bakery.
Mustard sauce
Loved it! P liked it, too. I used a bit of spicy brown mustard, and then regular Dijon. My edition actually didn't say to add the veg broth/cornstarch mixture, so I just added it with everything. Thickened up nicely, nice sauce texture. I'm sure I'll make it again. Good flavor! I might cut back even more on the capers, because they are always strong.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs161.snc4/37372_10150200107120533_507120532_13245662_6736034_n.jpg
That looks so good AC! I'm thinking about making it soon (I heart mustard). Do you think it would fair well without the capers at all? I don't really dig capers :P
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