Spicy Vegetable Noodles

This will be a dish we’ll have to remake.  It was amazingly delicious- and healthy (recipe was from Cooking Light).  And it was beautiful to look at (colorful and vibrant), I almost didn’t want to eat it since it would ruin it!  And it was spicy and had cilantro- so we both enjoyed it.  Do I need to convince you any more?  Just try it, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it too. 

Spicy Vegetable Noodles
Adapted from: Cooking Light Magazine

10 oz rice noodles
4 tbsp peanut oil
2 cups carrots, julienne cut
10 garlic cloves, minced
2 red bell peppers, cut into slices
1 cup green bell pepper, cut into slices
10oz  cremini mushrooms, sliced
3 tbsp lemongrass, chopped
1 tbsp ginger, chopped
1 tbsp red curry paste
2 tsp ground cumin
1 cup vegetable broth
1/2 cup water
5 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp salt
3 green onions, sliced
1/3 cup cilantro, chopped

Cook noodles according to package directions.  Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp peanut oil on a skillet over medium heat.  Add carrots and garlic to the pan, saute for 2 minutes.  Add bell peppers to the pan and saute for another 2 minutes.  Remove the mixture from the pan, set aside.  Heat the rest of the peanut oil in the pan.  Add mushrooms and saute for 2 minutes.  Add the lemongrass, ginger, curry paste and cumin.   Cook for 1 minute and stir constantly.  Add the broth, water, soy sauce and salt.  Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens.  Finally, combine the noodles, carrot mixture, green onions and the sauce.  Divide between 4 bowls and top with cilantro.

Lentil Sloppy Joe’s

We don’t make too much meat at home, mostly when we go out to eat.  Although we only make meat at home once a week, it doesn’t mean that certain foods are off limits.  Therefore, when I was flipping through a vegan book which we own, I thought the lentil sloppy joe’s were a great idea!  Plus it was really easy to make- which is definitely an addition to weeknight meals.

Lentil Sloppy Joe’s
Adapted from: Veganomicon

1 cup uncooked lentils
4 cups of water
1 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
5 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp Mexican-style chili powder
2 tbsp Ground Cayenne Red Pepper
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
6 oz Chili Sauce
6 burger buns

Heat water in a small saucepan, once it comes to a boil, add the lentils.  Lower the heat and simmer the lentils for about 20-30 minutes, until they are soft.  Drain, and set aside (you can make them the day before).

Preheat a saucepan over medium heat.  Saute the onion, green pepper and garlic  in the oil until onions are softened.  Stir in: cooked lentils, chili powder, cayenne, oregano and salt.  Then add the Chili Sauce, and heat through.  Turn off the heat, and let the ingredients sit for about 10 minutes.  Place on top of the buns and enjoy!