Tag Archives: ginger

Easy Homemade Ramen

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When I am not feeling great, ramen is something I like. The noodles I used this time are more the width of pho noodles, but it’s all about what the pantry has in it! This is so easy (and inexpensive) that it barely qualifies as a recipe, but for whatever it’s worth…

Ingredients
3 quarts water
4 TBSP of vegetable bouillon (powdered or we like this one from Better than Bouillon)
1/4 cup soy sauce or aminos
1 tsp garlic, minced
1 TBSP ginger, grated
1 TBSP sesame oil if desired
2 green onions, chopped
1 block extra firm tofu, diced
12 oz rice nooodles

Process
Add water to a large stock pot. Add bouillon (if powder, wait until the water heats), soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, green onions, and tofu. Bring to a rolling boil. Add noodles and cook per package (probably around 8 minutes). Reduce heat to low-medium and allow soup to steep for 10-15 minutes. That’s it!

Vegan Spicy Peanut Noodles

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This is modeled after a Thai noodle recipe, but I hate to say that it’s Thai noodles because it’s been modified so much. So, you can be the judge!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 cucumber, seeded and diced
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and then using peeler, make strips
  • 2 green onions, diced
  • 1 handful of cilantro, chopped
  • Sesame seeds Creamy peanut butter
  • 2/3 cup crunchy peanut butter (or ½ cup smooth peanut butter and 1/4 cup chopped peanuts)
  • 1/3 cup hot water (or 1/4 cup if using smooth peanut butter)
  • 4 tablespoons soy sauce or Bragg’s aminos
  • 2 tablespoons agave syrup
  • 1 tablespoon spicy Thai chili paste or hot sauce
  • Juice of one lime
  • 1 tablespoon of minced ginger
  • 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • sesame seeds

Process

Cook pasta al dente.

Prepare all vegetables and cilantro and set aside.

While pasta is cooking, combine all other ingredients except nuts and seeds, to make sauce. This might be easier in a blender.

When pasta is prepared, drain, add vegetables and sauce and gently toss. It is easier said than done, but if the pasta is hot and the water used was also very warm, that will help.

Sprinkle with nuts and seeds and serve.

Vegan Chai Concentrate Recipe

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IMG_1949aLast week, in an effort to iron out some stomach woes, I gave up coffee, even the decaf variety. This meant switching to tea, because no hot drinks was not an option in January. I like tea, but was in the mood for something robust and filling, so I decided chai fit the bill.

The chai at Starbucks and readily available in concentrate form is good, but not vegan. The chai in teabags is decent, but not amazing. To make chai from scratch each time is admirable, but not realistic! Thus, I decided to make my own chai concentrate. I’m still adjusting the recipe, but this is what I have right now.

Note: I like my chai like I like my… um… tea -spicy and sweet. Adjust as needed.

Vegan Chai Concentrate
(makes 1 quart jar + a bit)

Ingredients

30 cardamom pods
10 cinnamon sticks
30 black peppercorns
20 cloves
5 star anise
2 medium pieces of fresh ginger, sliced
½ tsp. nutmeg
½ tsp. fennel
½ cup brown or raw sugar
5 cups water
15 black tea bags (regular or decaf)*

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Process

Place all ingredients except tea bags and cinnamon sticks in a pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and allow to cook for 15-20 minutes.

After 15-20 minutes, raise the heat again for a minute to bring the pot back to a boil. Add tea bags and cinnamon sticks and turn heat to low. Steep for 8-10 minutes.

Strain mixture into a canning jar or other glass container for storage (it will stain plastic). To drink, mix ½ and ½ with the milk of your choice and heat – or not if you want a cold drink.

I don’t know how long exactly it will last, because I drink it pretty fast, but at least 5 days.

* The type of black tea doesn’t matter, really, so just get something inexpensive.