Shiitake Rice with Bok Choy and Thai Peanut Sauce Sweet Potato with Curry-roasted Chickpeas
SERVES 2
Sometimes simple meals are the most delicious meals, and this is one of those. If you don't have time to make the peanut dressing or if it's just not your thing, just add some coconut aminos teriyaki sauce on top, and it'll be every bit as delicious!
• 900g (2lb) baby bok choy, ends trimmed
• 225g (8oz) shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1kg (4 cups) white or brown rice, cooked
• ¼ cup Thai Peanut Sauce (recipe follows) or coconut aminos teriyaki sauce
• 2 green onions, white and green parts sliced
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1. In a large nonstick pan, combine the bok choy and mushrooms. Cook over medium heat until softened and tender, adding a splash of water to the pan if necessary, about 3 minutes.
2. Divide the rice between two bowls and top with the sauteed veggies, peanut sauce or coconut aminos, green onions, and cilantro, then serve.
Thai Peanut Sauce
Makes 5 tablespoons
• 150g (½ cup) powdered peanut butter
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup, or 4 drops stevia
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• ½ tsp oil-free chili paste (I like sambal oelek; optional)
• ⅛ tsp ground ginger
• ⅛ tsp toasted sesame oil (optional)
1. In a medium bowl, combine the powdered peanut butter, maple syrup, lime juice, soy sauce, chili paste (if using), ginger, and sesame oil (if using). Add 3 tablespoons water and whisk well to combine. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Excerpted from Plantifully Lean. Copyright 2023, Kiki Nelson. Reproduced by permission of Simon Element, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. All rights reserved.
SERVES 1
This simple combination of sweet potato topped with curry-roasted chickpeas and arugula and drizzled with vegan Caesar dressing is absolutely delicious—the flavours just pop in your mouth!
• 1 medium sweet potato
• 20g (1 cup) packed arugula (rocket)
• ½ cup Curry-roasted Chickpeas (recipe follows)
• ¼ cup Caesar Dressing (recipe follows)
1. Preheat the oven to 220°C/425°F/GAS 7. Prick the top of the potato with a fork, place on a baking sheet, and roast for 40 to 50 minutes, until you can easily pierce it with a knife.
2. Slice the potato in half lengthwise and top each half evenly with the arugula, chickpeas, and dressing.
Curry Roasted Chickpeas
• 1 (400g/15oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 ½ tsp curry powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp sea salt, plus more as needed
• Avocado oil cooking spray
1. Preheat the oven or air fryer to 220°C/425°F/GAS 7. If roasting in the oven, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, season the chickpeas with the curry powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
3. Toss to coat well.
4. Spread the chickpeas over the prepared baking sheet or in the basket of the air fryer and lightly spray with avocado oil. Cook for 10 to 13 minutes, until the chickpeas are golden and crispy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, if needed. Serve hot or at room temperature as a snack or salad topping.
5. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Caesar Dressing
• 240ml (1 cup) plain, unsweetened plant-based milk (see note)
• 70g (½ cup) raw unsalted cashews
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp whole-grain mustard or Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp capers in brine, plus 2 tsp of their brine
• ¾ tsp sea salt, plus more as needed
• ½ tsp garlic powder or minced fresh garlic
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ⅛ tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
• ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed
1. In a blender, combine the milk, cashews, lemon juice, mustard, capers, caper brine, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Blend until smooth and creamy. Mix in the pepper, taste, and adjust the seasonings if needed.
2. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
NOTE: A thicker plant-based milk is what makes this dressing thick and creamy. If you can't find a thicker milk, use your favourite plain, unsweetened plant-based milk and add an extra 35g (¼ cup) cashews to thicken (this will only change the calories per tablespoon by about 5 calories). If you want an even thicker dressing, use less milk.
Excerpted from Plantifully Lean. Copyright 2023, Kiki Nelson. Reproduced by permission of Simon Element, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. All rights reserved.