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Wednesday, 30 September 2026

Cauliflower Steaks

 

​Ingredients

  • ​1 large head cauliflower (heavy and compact)
  • ​2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • ​1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ​1 tsp garlic powder
  • ​½ tsp onion powder
  • ​1 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • ​½ tsp sea salt
  • ​¼ tsp cracked black pepper
  • ​1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for serving)
  • ​Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Vegan Pad Khing (Thai Ginger Stir-Fry)






This version balances crisp, high-heat vegetables with pillowy, cushiony tofu coated in a rich, Pad Khing (Thai Ginger Stir-Fry) vegan ginger sauce.

* Prep time: 10 mins
* Cook time: 10 mins
* Servings: 2–3

Ingredients
- 300g medium-firm or soft/silken tofu, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 cups water + 1 tsp salt (for gently setting the tofu)
- 1 small carrot, sliced into thin coins
- 1/2 cup small broccoli florets
- 1 small zucchini, quartered lengthways and sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh ginger, peeled and cut into fine matchsticks
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 stalks spring onion, cut into 2-inch pieces
- I 1 tbsp neutral oil (avocado, canola, or vegetable oil)
- 2 tbsp vegetarian mushroom stir-fry sauce
- 1 tbsp low-sodium tamari (or soy sauce)
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce (optional, for rich color)
- 1/2 tsp miso paste or Thai fermented soybean paste (tao jiew)
- 1 tsp coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable stock or water
- 1/2 tsp cornstarch

Instructions

- Bring 2 cups of water with 1 teaspoon of salt to a gentle simmer in a small pot.

- Gently drop in the cubed tofu and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.

- Remove carefully with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel. (This warms the tofu through and gives it a soft, resilient, cushiony texture that absorbs flavor without falling apart).

- In a small bowl, whisk together the mushroom sauce, tamari, dark soy sauce, miso paste, sugar, stock, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.

- Drop the carrots, broccoli florets, and zucchini into a pot of boiling water for just 30 seconds. Drain immediately and pat dry.

- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until hot.

- Add the minced garlic and ginger matchsticks. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

- Toss in the blanched carrots, broccoli, and zucchini. Stir-fry on high heat for 1 to 1.5 minutes to get a light sear while keeping them crisp-tender.

- Lower the heat to medium. Give the sauce mixture a quick re-stir and pour it over the vegetables.

- Gently slide in the cushiony tofu cubes and spring onions.

- Using a spatula, gently fold from the bottom for 45 to 60 seconds until the sauce bubbles, thickens into a glossy glaze, and coats everything.

Serve piping hot over steamed jasmine rice.

Saturday, 26 September 2026

Cauliflower Steaks

Thick-cut cauliflower steaks roasted until golden brown on the outside and tender in the center make a deeply satisfying main dish. Seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, and nutritional yeast, they deliver a rich, savory crunch.

Prep & Cook Time

 * Prep time: 10 mins

 * Cook time: 25 mins

 * Servings: 2 steaks (plus remaining florets)

Ingredients

 * 1 large head cauliflower (heavy and compact)

 * 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

 * 1 tsp smoked paprika

 * 1 tsp garlic powder

 * ½ tsp onion powder

 * 1 tbsp nutritional yeast

 * ½ tsp sea salt

 * ¼ tsp cracked black pepper

 * 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for serving)

 * Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

 1. Prep the oven and tray

   Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

 2. Slice into steaks

   Trim the bottom leaves, keeping the central core intact so the steaks hold together. Place the cauliflower core-side down on a cutting board. Cut straight down through the center to create two thick slices (approx. 2.5 cm / 1 inch thick). Save the loose outer florets for roasting alongside or another dish.

 3. Mix the spice rub

   In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, nutritional yeast, salt, and black pepper.

 4. Season generously

   Place the steaks and loose florets on the lined tray. Brush half the spice oil over the top of the steaks, gently flip them over, and brush the remaining mixture on the other side.

 5. Roast until golden

   Roast for 15 minutes. Remove the tray from the oven, carefully flip the steaks with a wide spatula, and roast for another 10–12 minutes until the edges are crispy and deep golden brown, and the core is easily pierced with a fork.

 6. Finish and serve

   Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley right before serving.

Serving Ideas

 * Over a creamy base: Serve over a bed of warm garlic-herbed white bean purée or velvety hummus.

 * Topped with sauce: Drizzle with chimichurri, romesco sauce, or a lemon-tahini dressing.

 * With grains: Pair with warm quinoa, wild rice, or roasted sweet potato wedges.


Corn Ribs

Ingredients
​- 4 fresh ears of sweet corn, husked and cleaned
​- 3 tbsp olive oil or melted vegan butter
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
​- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- ​1/2 tsp ground cumin
- ​1/2 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges, for serving

 Smoky Lime Dip:
- 1/3 cup plain plant-based yogurt or vegan mayo
​- 1 tsp lime juice
- ​1/2 tsp sriracha or hot sauce (optional)
​- Pinch of smoked paprika and salt


Instructions 
- Place corn cut-side down on a sturdy tea towel to prevent slipping
- Trim off both stem ends of each ear of corn to create a flat, stable base. 
- Stand the ear upright on a secure cutting board. 
- Using a heavy chef's knife, slice downward through the center to split it in half lengthwise.
- Lay the flat halves down and slice through the center again to make 4 strips per ear (16 total).


- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil (or melted vegan butter), smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and salt. 
- Brush the mixture generously over all sides of the corn strips.

Air Fryer (Recommended): 
- Preheat to 200°C (400°F) Arrange corn in a single laver (cook in batches if needed). Air frv for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until edges are charrec and curled

Oven: 
- Preheat to 220°C 425°F) fan-forced. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until browned and curved

Dipping Sauce 
- Whisk together the vegan mayo/yogurt, lime juice, hot sauce, paprika, and salt.
- Garnish hot corn ribs with fresh chopped cilantro and extra lime juice before serving alongside the dip.

Tuesday, 22 September 2026

Aussie Caramel Dumplings



20-Minute Aussie Caramel Dumplings

A classic Aussie comfort dessert with fluffy, pillowy dumplings cooked in a rich caramel syrup sauce.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 dumplings


Ingredients - Caramel Sauce
- 2 Tbsp (30g) plant-based butter (or dairy butter)
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 2 cups water

Ingredients - Dumplings
- 1 ½ cups self-raising flour (sifted)
- 2 Tbsp (30g) plant-based butter (or dairy butter), cold/chilled
- ½ cup white sugar
- ⅓ cup plant-based milk (or dairy milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
- Place a deep, wide skillet or saucepan over medium heat. 
- Add the 30g of butter, 1 ½ cups of brown sugar, and 2 cups of water. 
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.

- In a mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour and 30g of butter.
- Use your fingertips to massage/rub the butter into the flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.

- Add the ½ cup white sugar, ⅓ cup milk, and vanilla extract to the flour mixture.
- Gently fold together with a spoon until a soft dough forms. 
- Avoid overmixing to keep the dumplings fluffy.

- Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and gently roll them into balls. 
- Carefully drop the dough balls into the gently simmering caramel sauce, leaving space between them as they will expand.

- Cover the pan tightly with a lid, lower the heat to low, and cook undisturbed for 15 minutes.
- Do not lift the lid during this time, as the trapped steam cooks the dumplings through.

- Spoon the warm dumplings onto plates and generously ladle the hot caramel syrup over the top. 
- Serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla plant-based ice cream or cream.

Sunday, 20 September 2026

Flat Bread

 Ingredients

- 1 cup Self-raising flour (plus a little extra for dusting)

- Approx. 1/3 to 1/2 cup of warm/hot water

- 1/4 tsp Salt

- 1 tbsp vegetable or olive oil (optional, but keeps them extra soft)


Instructions

- In a bowl, combine 1 cup of self-raising flour and 1/4 tsp salt. 

- Pour in 1 tbsp of oil (if using) and start with 1/3 cup of warm-to-hot water. 

- Stir with a spoon until a rough dough forms. 

- If it feels too dry, add water 1 tablespoon at a time.

- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. 

- Knead gently for 1 to 2 minutes until it comes together into a smooth ball. (Avoid over-kneading, as self-raising flour dough gets tough if worked too long). 

- Cover with a damp cloth or bowl and let it rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.

- Divide the dough into 3 or 4 equal balls.

- Dust your rolling pin and surface lightly with self-raising flour. 

- Roll each ball out into a thin circle, roughly 2–3 mm thick.

- Heat a dry skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until hot. 

- Place one flatbread into the dry pan. 

- Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbles form on the top and golden-brown spots appear underneath. 

- Flip and cook the other side for another 1 to 2 minutes.

- Transfer the cooked flatbread to a clean kitchen towel and wrap it up until ready to eat.

Saturday, 19 September 2026

Flaxseed Pancakes

 

Ingredients: 

- Flaxseed Egg 1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tbsp water (let sit for 5 minutes

- 1 cup plant milk (soy, oat, or almond)

- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

- 1 cup self-raising flour

- 1 tsp baking powder

- 1–2 tbsp coconut sugar

- pinch of salt

- A splash of oil or vegan butter for the pan for cooking


Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together the self-raising flour, baking powder, coconut sugar, and a pinch of salt. 

- Stir the plant milk and your orepared flax egg into the dry ingredients until just combined. 

- Do not overmix; a few small lumps are completely fine.

- Let the batter sit for 5 minutes so the baking powder activates for extra fluffiness. 

- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with oil or vegan butter.

- Pour 1/4 cup of batter per pancake.

- Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden 5.

Vegan garlic cream sauce

 Ingredients

​1 cup raw cashews (soaked in boiling water for 15 minutes, then drained)

​¾ cup vegetable broth (or warm water)

​2 tbsp nutritional yeast

​2 cloves garlic (roughly chopped)

​1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

​1 tbsp olive oil

​½ tsp onion powder

​½ tsp salt (plus more to taste)

​Pinch of black pepper

​Optional: 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, finely chopped


Instructions

Add the soaked cashews vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice olive oil, onion powder, salt and pepper to a high-speed blender.

Blend on high for 1 to 2 minutes until completely silky with no grit remaining. 

If the sauce feels too thick. add an extra tablespoon or two of warm broth or starchy ravioli cooking water

Pour the sauce into a skillet over low heat. 

Add your cooked. drained sun-dried tomato ravioli directly into the sauce. Gently toss for 1-2 minutes until everything is warmed through and coat.

Stir through fresh basil or parsley if using, and top with extra cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of vegan parmesan.


Friday, 18 September 2026

Vegan cheese!

 ingredients 

350ml soy milk

6 tbsp nutritional veast

2 tbsp olive oil

3 tbsp tapioca (more or less

depending on desired consistency

2 tbsp soy yoghurt

2-3 tsp misa

1 lemon

12 tsp salt



Mix together on stove - do NOT stop stirring 

Wednesday, 16 September 2026

Nepalese-style Dal Bhat (Pressure Cooker)

Ingredients - Dal
- 1 cup split red lentils, thoroughly rinsed and drained
- 3.5 to 4 cups
​- 1 tbsp vegetable or coconut oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped),
- 2 tomatoes (chopped) (or 1/2 cup passata sauce / 1tbsp tomato paste)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 green chili (slit lengthwise)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
​- Fresh lemon juice
- Fresh cilantro (coriander), chopped


Ingredients for Flat Bread 
- 1 cup Self-raising flour (plus a little extra for dusting)
- Approx. 1/3 to 1/2 cup of warm/hot water
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable or olive oil (optional, but keeps them extra soft)

​Instructions - Dal
- Set pressure cooker to Sauté mode (or high heat on a stovetop pressure cooker).

- Add 1 tbsp oil. 

- Once hot, toss in the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds. 

- Add the chopped onion, green chili, garlic, and ginger. 

- Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the onions soften and turn translucent.

- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, ground turmeric, coriander, ground cumin, and salt. 

- Cook for about 2 minutes until the tomatoes soften and break down slightly.

- Add the rinsed red lentils and 3.5 cups of water into the pot. 

- Stir well, scraping up any spices stuck to the bottom.

- Pressure cook for 6-8 minutes 

- Open the pressure cooker lid and give the dal a good stir. 

- Stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped cilantro. 

- Serve warm poured directly over a bed of fluffy rice.

Instructions - Flat Bread 
- In a bowl, combine 1 cup of self-raising flour and 1/4 tsp salt. 

- Pour in 1 tbsp of oil (if using) and start with 1/3 cup of warm-to-hot water. 

- Stir with a spoon until a rough dough forms. 

- If it feels too dry, add water 1 tablespoon at a time.

- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. 

- Knead gently for 1 to 2 minutes until it comes together into a smooth ball. (Avoid over-kneading, as self-raising flour dough gets tough if worked too long). 

- Cover with a damp cloth or bowl and let it rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.

- Divide the dough into 3 or 4 equal balls.
 
- Dust your rolling pin and surface lightly with self-raising flour. 

- Roll each ball out into a thin circle, roughly 2–3 mm thick.

- Heat a dry skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until hot. 

- Place one flatbread into the dry pan. 

- Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbles form on the top and golden-brown spots appear underneath. 

- Flip and cook the other side for another 1 to 2 minutes.

- Transfer the cooked flatbread to a clean kitchen towel and wrap it up while you cook the rest—the trapped steam will keep them soft and bendable, perfect for scooping up your Dal.

Sunday, 13 September 2026

Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric & Ginger Chickpea Stew


​Ingredients

​1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil

​1 medium yellow onion, diced

​3 cloves garlic, minced

​1/2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

​1/2 tsp ground turmeric

​1/4 tsp ground cumin

​1/8 tsp black pepper

​1/4 tsp sea salt

​1 can (400g) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

​1/2 cup coconut milk (or tbsp of coconut cream)

​1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth

​1 cup diced pumpkin (or spinach)

​1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice


Instructions 

1) Heat the oil in a pot or skillet over medium heat. 

2) Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft.

3) Stir in the garlic, ginger. turmeric. cumin, black pepper, and salt. Stir continuously for 60 seconds until fragrant.

4) Add the drained chickpeas, coconut milk, vegetable broth, and diced pumpkin (or broccoli). Bring to a gentle simmer.

5) Reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer until tender.

6) Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor and boost nutrient absorption.