Recipe: Japanese Curry with Fried Eggplant

Hello everyone,

If you’re like me the word “curry” triggers thoughts of rich, creamy coconut milk- based goodness or a nice Indian meal. If so, you’re missing out! 

For years, I too, was ignorant that there is yet another type of curry that should not be missed. It’s Japanese Curry! This style of curry is thick, indulgent and delicious! Simply put — it’s a must try. The base of the dish is more of a gravy than sauce so it’s certainly a splurge meal, but it’s worth it. 

The basic components include white or brown rice, the sauce, and a slew of steamed or sautéed vegetables. My partner was feeling particularly ambitious, so we added breaded eggplant to our dish. The result was an amazing meal meant to be enjoyed with friends. 

Give this recipe for vegan Japanese Curry with Fried Eggplant a try, and let me know what you think!

Cheers & happy eating!

Jocelyn

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own!

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Mixed Cabbage Salad w/ Citrus Peanut Vinaigrette

Hello everyone,

My partner loves asian-inspired flavors. He uses sesame oil when it isn’t necessary. He uses soy sauce at odd times. You get the idea. Well, I’ve been looking for new, quick & easy recipes with asian flavors outside the usual stir fry. I recently created a recipe for chilled sesame noodle salad, and now I’ve hit the mark again with a mixed cabbage salad with a citrus peanut dressing.

This has easily become a quick favorite because it’s so practical. You can make a large batch on Sunday and use it for lunches throughout the week. Simply keep the vinaigrette on the side and add the dressing as you go. The base flavors are mild—meaning this recipe is also easily adaptable. You can even make a few different dressings to keep it interesting.

If you stick true to the recipe you’ll end up with a crunchy, sweet and sour salad that tastes great. Plus, it’s so appetizing with all the vibrant colors! Give it a try!

Cheers,

Jocelyn

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How to Make Fattoush Salad

Hello everyone,

I love Middle Eastern cuisine. Baba ghanoush, falafel, tabouli, you name it— it’s some of my favorite food. I was craving a feel good meal this weekend, so I decided to try my hand at a classic, fattoush salad.

Fattoush (فتوش) is a levantine bread salad which originated in Lebanon, but is also common in Syria and other Middle Eastern counties. Fattoush includes toasted or fried pieces of pita bread mixed with greens and fresh vegetables. It generally also includes cucumber, tomato, and other ingredients depending on season, location, taste, etc.

The dressing is slightly sour and acidic, using a healthy serving of lemon juice and sumac. Since I didn’t have sumac, I used zatar seasoning to give the salad a full flavor. I also used store bought pita chips to save time, but I’m sure this recipe would be even better if you used homemade pita bread for the crunch. This is a deceptively easy salad to make considering the robust flavor combinations. Why not give it a try?

What’s your favorite Middle Eastern recipe?

Cheers,

Jocelyn

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own! Continue reading “How to Make Fattoush Salad”

Recipe: Chilled Sesame Noodle Salad

Hello friends!

Have you been looking for the perfect salad to bring to your next potluck? My Chilled Sesame Noodle Salad will do the trick.

It’s deceptively simple, and will please even the pickiest of palates. The mix of bright, fresh peppers and green onion goes perfect with the tangy sesame vinaigrette. The powerful dressing is a mix of citrus juice, Sriracha, and ginger powder which pairs well with black or toasted sesame seeds. This is a wonderful dish to bring to a potluck or to make if you’re hosting events. It lasts about one week so you can even use it for last minute lunches.

The best part? This recipe takes under 30 minutes, then you place the salad in the refrigerator for an hour, and voila! You’re appetizer is ready to serve.  It’s almost too good to be true. Go ahead and give it a try!

Cheers & happy eating,

Jocelyn

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own! Continue reading “Recipe: Chilled Sesame Noodle Salad”

Vegan Enchilada Lasagna Redux

Hello there,

I know we’ve all been there. A certain is in aroma in the air, and all of a sudden, in comes the grand idea to make a hearty Mexican meal. After a few minutes of mental conversation,  you decide you really want enchiladas, but you just don’t have the patience. Well, I’ve got the recipe for you!

Enchilada lasagna has all of the flavor and goodness of regular enchiladas but only 10% the hassle. I absolutely love this recipe because it’s simple. You sauté a few ingredients, you create layers, and you pop it in the oven. Simple! So simple in fact, it’s become one of my go to meals when I’m having company over. I’ve cooked this vegan meal for so many omnivores who are down right shocked that it is completely satisfying without any animal products.

Still not convinced? It tastes just as amazing, if not even better, as leftovers! Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Cheers & happy eating!

Jocelyn

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own!
Continue reading “Vegan Enchilada Lasagna Redux”