Homemade Nachos

Being vegan doesn't mean missing out, you can have all your favourite foods just using alternative ingredients. I love nachos and they are easy to make without using dairy. 

I bought some ready prepared tortilla chips from Sainsburys then made the topping. I did this by chopping two salad tomatoes, half a green pepper, half a red onion and adding a tablespoon of red wine vinegar. For those who like more spice you can add jalapenos and possibly even lemon juice. I like fresh vegetables but the ready made salsa from Sainsburys' own brand is also vegan which can be used. I then grated Violife vegan cheese and heated it under the grill for a couple of minutes. 

And there you have it, a classic snack made vegan. There is nothing that can't be transformed into a plant based, cruelty free version. It's perfect for snacking whilst studying! 

Sunday Scones

Sunday Scones

What's better on a Sunday afternoon than a cup of tea and a Scone? This simple vegan recipe will prove that you don't need dairy to create a classic and you can make the perfect light and fluffy scones to treat your family and friends. This is the perfect accompaniment for afternoon tea on a Sunday...or any day for that matter. This recipe is quick and easy but will create a delicious classic. You could also try them with vegan cream or different flavours of jam, the possibilities are endless and you might be surprised when you taste them that they are vegan! 

Ingredients:

• 8oz self raising flour
• 2oz sugar (for flavour but can be omitted)
• 2oz non-dairy butter (try using Pure or Vitalite)
• 150ml unsweetened almond milk (other non dairy milks can be used)
• a little water to mix
• non-dairy butter and raspberry jam to top

Recipe: (Makes around 12 small scones)

1. Heat the oven to Gas Mark 8
2. Mix the flour and sugar in a large mixing bowl
3. Add the butter, in small pieces, and rub it into the flour with your finger tips to create a breadcrumb like mixture
4. Make a hole in the centre and pour in the milk- mix it to form a dough
5. Add a little water if needed to create the dough
6. On a floured plate or surface knead the dough
7. Roll out the dough and use a circular cutter to create the scones
8. Place on a baking tray lined with baking paper
9. You can brush the scones with milk or flour before baking to create a nice golden look
10. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes until risen and golden on top
11. Leave to cool, then cut and add butter and jam   

Vegan Falafel Wraps

This vegan classic is something you see in shops all over. However it is easy to recreate at home. This falafel wrap was served with roasted sweet potatoes and salad- this is the perfect quick and easy vegan lunch. 

Firstly you will need to chop some salad. Tomatoes and cucumber go well in this meal as they add flavour and are inexpensive ingredients. 

Homemade hummus really makes this dish. It is so simple to make although if you are in a rush the shop bought variety is just as good. To make this simply blend a can of chickpeas with a teaspoon of tahini sauce, add some garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and water. I add cumin to mine which gives it a nice flavour. Any left overs can be stored in a tub and used up within 2-3 days. 

Add the hummus to a wrap. These wholemeal wraps were shop bought, many wraps are vegan making them a great option for lunches, just check the ingredients. 

Now it's time to add falafel, you can either use homemade or shop bought versions like these cauldron falafels which were cooked in the oven for 10 minutes. 

I flattened the falafel to add it all over the wrap. Lunch is starting to come together! 

Now add salad. I added the tomato and cumcumber mixture as well as some avocado. The choices are endless as it really depends what salad you like. Spinach or lettuce would be a great addition as well as red cabbage or onions. 

Roll and wrap. This is harder than you think so make sure you don't overload the wrap, you can always come back for more but you don't want the wrap to fall apart. 

And done! Simple add your sides, I chose sweet potato as it is one of my favourite foods and is a great combination to the flavours of the wrap. I added some extra cucumber and of course a little sauce. This meal makes a delicious lunch or dinner, it is healthy, quick and tasty what more could you want. The wraps also make great packed lunch additions and save you money on the shop bought variety as all the ingredients don't cost much more than one shop bought pre-packaged meal. Ditch the expensive meal deals and try home made! 

Lentils and Rice & Quinoa- Vegan protein meal

My go to food at the minute is lentils, I have them several times a week in many different dishes and could easily eat them all the time. They are so versatile and a great source of vegan protein. Many people don't think a vegan diet can be high on protein but lentils have 26 grams of protein per 100 grams which is really high making them a perfect addition to your meals, especially if you are into health and fitness and want to build muscle on a vegan diet. Lentils also have nutrients such as magnesium, fibre, potassium and iron meaning you get more health benefits than just protein which is something meat alternatives which are high in protein can't compete with. 

Lentils are also so simple to use. To cook they are washed and boiled in water for around 20 minutes. To make these curried lentils I simply added a stock cube and spices (cumin, turmeric and curry powder). This was serves with rice and quinoa. These are also great protein foods as quinoa has 14 grams of protein and rice has around 7 grams, depending on which brand you use. All in all this is a great, quick meal filled with vegan protein. It is perfect for after the gym when you don't feel like cooking a time consuming meal but still want something healthy and filling. And it is also a cheap dish which is perfect for vegans on a budget! 

Roasted Vegetables, Cous Cous Salad and Black Bean Noodles

Today's meal idea is one of my favourites. I love mixing different foods and flavours in a fusion of taste. It allows you to get many different flavours along with the combination of a variety of nutrients. 

This meal is so simple. I roasted some sweet potato which I had cubed, sprayed with fry light and added paprika to. I then roast them in the oven for half an hour or until soft. 

The couscous salad is a simple mix of wholemeal couscous cooked and them mixed with chopped spinach and any spices such as mixed herbs and basil. 

I also roasted some peppers, mushrooms and celery again sprayed with fry light and covered in mixed herbs. 

I also cooked black bean noodles (which are high in protein and a great alternative to pasta) and mixed them with some passata sauce and topped with fried red onion. 

This might seem like a lot of food but it is mainly vegetables with some healthy grains and noodles. However it is a delicious mixture and interesting combination of flavours. Most importantly it is filling, inexpensive and full of protein, vitamins and minerals. This is a great family meal as there is something for everyone and lots of choice. Each part of the meal is also quick to prepare so it is easy to get everything ready at once. 

Hopefully this meal idea will give you some ideas for your next healthy, vegan meal. 

Adding flavour to a cake

One way to add flavour to a cake without having to use flavourings is to add a none dairy milk which already has flavour in it. This rice milk from Rice Dream is vanilla flavour meaning it can be used to add moisture and blend a cake mixture while also adding flavour. 

What's great about this brand is the milk is also organic so it makes the cake healthy right? I like using non-dairy milks in cakes as I find them a great alternative to eggs for blending a cake mixture. I do this by adding small amounts of the milk to the batter of dairy-free butter, sugar and flour until it has reached a nice consistency and then cooking it. This method makes a really moist cake. Trying different milks is a great way to experiment with your baking. I liked using this brand, it didn't give the cake a strong flavour but it added a subtle sweetness which was delicious and not over powering. 

There are so many ways to make baked goods vegan, it is all about attempting new options and realising that you really don't need dairy or eggs to make a delicious cake. 

Oat and Seed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cookies are an amazing snack. They are easy to make, filling and a firm favourite. These oat and seed chocolate chip cookies are delicious with the added health benefits of seeds and oats mixed in. I love guilt free snacks and these are quick to make, tasty and will make you popular with all your friends. I made them into bite sized biscuits but you can make larger ones too if you don't like to share! 

You will need: 

• 4oz dairy free butter
• 4oz brown sugar
• orgran no egg, egg replacer (equivalent of 1 egg) 
• 4oz oats 
• 2tbsp of mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, linseed)
• 2tbsp chai seeds
• 5oz flour 
• 1 packet of dark chocolate chips (about 100g) 

Instructions: 

• Pre-heat the oven to Gas Mark 5
• Cream the butter and sugar together
• Mix the egg replacer and water in a separate bowl (follow the packet instructions to replace 1 egg), add this to the mixture and stir in
• Add the oats and seeds
• Add the flour and mix until a thick dough is formed and all the flour is mixed in
• Add the chocolate chips and stir until evenly mixed
• Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture out and place on a baking tray lined with grease proof baking paper
• Flatten the balls with a fork
• Bake in a hot oven for around 15 minutes, leave for 5 minutes longer if you like them browned 
• Leave to cool on a wire rack

This mixture makes around 16 small biscuits, which can be stored in an air tight container and enjoyed over a few days, however the mixture can also be used to make biscuits of any size. 

It is also very versatile recipe as the seeds can be replaced with chopped nuts and the chocolate can be taken out if you prefer plain biscuits. The best part about them is they are vegan and delicious! These will shock your non vegan friends. Let me know if you try the recipe in the comments and enjoy the cookies! 

Meal Idea- Sweet potato medley with cous cous

Sweet potato is my favourite carb, it is full of nutrients such as vitamin A and C and is delicious! It also provides a filling evening meal. Simply boiled for 20 minutes until soft then added to fried red onion, mushrooms and spinach you have a very quick, healthy meal. It can be flavoured with mixed herbs or spices of your choice and served with couscous which is a lighter alternative to rice or pasta. This is another quick and simple meal which makes being vegan so easy and budget friendly. 

Superfood Salad

Healthy food is not only delicious but good for you too. Eating well keeps you body and mind in good shape, remember you are what you eat. This super food salad of avocado, brown rice, hummus, mushroom and red onion, broccoli and mashed chick peas has many health benefits that will turn your evening meal into medicine. Here's how the foods you eat benefit your health: 

• Avocados are good for normalising your blood pressure which is great for lowering your risk of kidney and heart disease. 
• Broccoli is a great source of Vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant which keeps you healthy and helps cuts to heal. 
• Hummus is a great source of protein and add flavour to the salad.
• Brown rice contains fibre which can reduce high cholesterol levels, fibre also helps keep blood sugar levels under control making it a great choice for people with diabetes. 
• Mushrooms are a source of selenium which is an antioxidant. They also contain protein showing that you don't need meat to get enough protein in your diet. 
• Chickpeas contain protein, fibre, magnesium and folate they are a great vegan friendly source of protein to consume regularly.
• Red onion contain many nutrients such as folate, calcium, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin K. 

Eating healthy foods on a daily basis helps prevent chronic diseases. They contain all the nutrients you need and also make delicious meals. Try making your own super food salad which can be added to and contain seasonal vegetables. 

Avocado and Broccoli Potato Salad

Left overs can quickly be used to create healthy meals. This Avocado and Broccoli potato salad is made from left overs from the previous nights dinner. By adding a few extra ingredients and herbs you can create a healthy lunch or delicious side salad to have with a meal. 

You will need: 

* boiled potatoes 
* Half and avocado
* chopped red onion
* cooked broccoli 
* mixed Italian herbs

Simply fry all the ingredients in a pan using fry light (the potatoes and broccoli should already have been boiled until soft.) 

Add herbs and cook until the potatoes are brown

Fry the onion first, followed by the potatoes then the broccoli and avocado. 

Serve. 

This is such a simple salad to make but it tastes amazing, chilli flakes or yeast flakes can be added for extra flavour. 

Homemade Brown Bread Recipe

This simple brown bread recipe is great for anyone new to baking. It only needs a few ingredients making a loaf cheap and easy. Fresh, home made bread is delicious, you may not want to go back to shop bought bread after mastering the art of making your own. 

You will need:

• 350g Wholemeal flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1tsp sugar
• 1tsb Yeast
• 200ml warm water 

Instructions: 

•  Mix the flour, salt, sugar and yeast in a bowl
• Make a well in the centre and pour in the warm water mixing to form a soft dough, adding a little more water if needed
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic
• Shape into an oblong and place in a greased loaf tin
• Cover with oiled cling film and place in a warm place for an hour, or until the dough has risen to the top
• Glaze with a tiny amount of non dairy milk (e.g. Oat milk) 
• 15 minutes before baking pre-heat the oven to Gas Mark 6
• Bake for 35 minutes, until the bread is risen and lightly browned, you can take it out of the tin and return to the oven for 5 minutes if you want the sides to be browned 

Leave for 1 hour to rise in a warm place- this can be near a radiator or hot oven, it may take longer to rise depending on how warm it is. Make sure the bread rises before baking

The bread doesn't need a glaze but using a non dairy milk will stop the top from browning too much, you can easily glaze the bread by taking a teaspoon of oat milk and brushing over the top 

Home made bread is delicious, you can eat it hot or save it until the next day

The finished product, Try it with butter and jam for a savoury snack that tastes like a dessert 

Jam Biscuits- Simple Recipe for a delicious treat

If you are a fan of Jammy Dodgers you will love this recipe. It is so quick and simple and uses minimal ingredients but creates a delicious dessert. 

You will need:

• 4oz vegan butter (eg. Pure or Vitalite) 
• 2oz Sugar
• 6oz plain flour 
• Raspberry jam to fill 

Instructions:

• Cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl until smooth
• Add the flour and mix to make a firm dough 
• Knead the dough briefly until smooth and then shape into a ball
• Chill the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes (Wrap it in cling film or store in an airtight container) 
• Once chilled roll the dough out and cut using a biscuit cutter. You can use any shape you want but they all need to be the same
• Transfer to a baking sheet using either baking paper or a greased tray cook the biscuits in a preheated oven on the middle shelf at gas mark 6
• Cook for 10-15 minutes until the biscuits are turning golden brown- you can turn them over half way through to ensure even cooking
• When cooled add the jam and sandwich together or cut the circles in half and sandwich each half depending on how many you want to make

The biscuits before cutting, you can sandwich them together like this to make larger biscuits or cut in half

Seedless jam is nice to use as it creates a smooth filling for the biscuits 

Only minimal ingredients are used so it is a simple recipe to try 

These biscuits really taste like Jammy dodgers but the home made version has no additives and is all natural ingredients

The biscuits themselves are soft and crumbly and so easy to make! Who needs shop bought snacks! 

This is a great recipe for anyone new to biscuit making, it is a cheap and easy way to practise your baking skills and these make amazing gifts as they look and taste great

Pasta

Using the co-operative vegan pasta sauce I made a delicious dinner. It was quick and easy to do and something you can try at home. 

I measure out my pasta now as I was guilty of cooking for a family of six. 100 grams of pasta is the recommended amount for each person. As always I used brown pasta as it is healthier and easier to digest. 

I fried onion, added Sainsburys vegan soya mince which is a handy product to have in and tastes amazing then added the sauce. 

It is that simple. The mince only takes a few minutes to cook so the whole meal can be made in the time it takes to cook the pasta. I added mushrooms as well and mixed the sauce in with the pasta. 

I like to add yeast flakes as they are a source of B12 and give the pasta a nice flavour. Making sure you get all your nutrients is important and it is simple to do with a product like this, you can simply sprinkle the flakes onto pasta, soups or salads. Getting B12 into your diet doesn't have to be difficult. 

This is a simple meal, easy to make and full of flavour and nutrients. Add it to your meal plan for when you need something to eat in a hurry.