veggie favorites

CAULIFLOWER

My favorite substitute for bigger chunks of chicken! I usually just get the cauliflower head from the produce section of the grocery store and cook using florets or a slice of the cauliflower head. Some recipes I have found tell you to steam or boil your cauliflower before you bake or fry it, but mine always turn out soggy and mushy when I do. I prefer raw cauliflower straight into the batter or bread crumb cover.

I have used it for 

• wings
• fried cauliflower sandwich
• cauliflower parmesan 
• asian style chicken (sesame, sweet and sour, orange not chicken)

 

Trader Joe's has an incredible frozen bag of tempura cauliflower. It comes with Kung Pao sauce, but I prefer to toss them in Trader Joe's garlic and siracha barbecue sauce for some delicious "wings." These are so good. Even my meat-loving boyfriend will eat these instead of regular chicken wings!  

JACKFRUIT

This is a killer substitute for all things "pulled."  Yes, it is a fruit. If you have visited Central or South America, you may have seen these giant, spiked-husk fruits. They are sold all over the place and, when ripe, are known for being slimy and goopy. Some have told me it tastes like feet... The key to cooking with jackfruit as a meat alternative is to use YOUNG jackfruit. When this fruit is much less ripe, it is tough lacks flavor and is easily seasoned to fit your perfect pulled (not)meat meal. Honestly the texture is something like a dry pineapple. I usually get this in a can. Trader Joe's has some great priced cans of young/green jackfruit, but if you don't have a TJ's near you, your local health food store should have it! It will be near the organic canned fruits and veggies. I have tried the pre-packaged jackfruit meals and they are just okay. If you don't have time to cook your canned jackfruit, the pre-packaged meals are a good alternative. I most definitely prefer the canned young jackfruit!    

I have used it for 

• pulled jackfruit tacos
• barbecue sandwiches
• hearty nachos

To all my Utah friends... GO TO BOLT CUTTER in the Gallivan Center in SLC. They have the most incredible jackfruit nachos... (really everything on their menu is to die for.) 

BLACK BEANS

Every once in a while I have GOT to have myself something heavy. Beef used to be my go to, but now I turn to black beans. These are packed with protein and are so filling.  

I have used it for 

• tacos
• extra bean-y chili
• black bean burgers