The Peony Life » Vegan http://thepeonylife.com Creating memories through food Thu, 19 Jan 2017 01:07:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.3.19 Sautéed Shishito Peppers http://thepeonylife.com/2015/08/sauteed-shishito-peppers/ http://thepeonylife.com/2015/08/sauteed-shishito-peppers/#respond Sun, 23 Aug 2015 19:14:24 +0000 http://thepeonylife.com/?p=1252 Sautéed Shishito Peppers are the easiest snack you will ever make! I started cooking with them recently and we’ve become fast friends, especially when paired with cocktails. Sautéed shishito peppers are so simple to prepare you’ll be questioning if you missed something. 4 ingredients : Shishito Peppers, Oil, Flaky salt and Lime. How simple is that? These... 

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1 in every 10 Shishito Peppers carry some heat. Play this mild game of Russian Roulette over a few cocktails!

1 in every 10 Shishito Peppers carry some heat. Play this mild game of Russian Roulette over a few cocktails!

Sautéed Shishito Peppers are the easiest snack you will ever make! I started cooking with them recently and we’ve become fast friends, especially when paired with cocktails. Sautéed shishito peppers are so simple to prepare you’ll be questioning if you missed something.

4 ingredients : Shishito Peppers, Oil, Flaky salt and Lime. How simple is that?

4 ingredient wonder! Shishito Peppers+Oil+Flakey Salt+Lime

4 ingredient wonder! Shishito Peppers+Oil+Flakey Salt+Lime

These mild, bite-sized peppers are to be eaten in their entirety, seeds and all. No need for utensils, just grab the stem and take a bite of this smoky, sweet & salty pepper. Drop the stem in a separate bowl as you would edamame shells.

Apparently 1 in 10 peppers are supposed to carry heat but it’s not enough heat that should scare you off; it’s just a little kick. This is a very tame version of Russian roulette but one I will gladly sign up for.

Sautéed Shishito Peppers are the new edamame. At least in my house they are!

Sautéed Shishito Peppers are the new edamame! At least in my house they are!

Make sure you eat these bad boys immediately while hot, because they will go limp as they cool. Don’t fret if you have leftovers. Sautéed Shishito Peppers are equally delicious when added to an omelette. I made one for brunch today and the Shishito Peppers added such a sweet & smokey flavor. I’m in love.

Shishito Peppers

If chips are your arch nemesis like me, try these addicting peppers instead!

It’s almost wrong not to enjoy these with a cold beer or cocktail. Just saying!

Shokuyoku Japanese 

Sautéed Shishito Peppers
 
Cook time
Total time
 
The easiest snack you will ever make! This addicting snack pairs really nicely with a cocktail!
Author:
Recipe type: Appetizer
Ingredients
  • 1 lb shishito peppers
  • 2 tbsp grape seed oil
  • flakey sea salt
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
  1. Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat, until oil is hot but not smoking
  2. Add shishito peppers and sauté, rotating them like ears of corn
  3. Continue sautéing until they start to blister and then remove from heat
  4. Pat peppers dry with clean kitchen towel then move into a large bowl
  5. Toss with flakey salt and squeeze lime juice over peppers
  6. Serve immediately while hot!
Notes
Serve immediately while hot. When Shishito Peppers cool, they will go limp and lose their shape.

 

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Lazy Pea Soup with Fresh Mint & Crème Fraîche http://thepeonylife.com/2015/08/lazy-pea-soup-with-spinach-and-fresh-mint/ http://thepeonylife.com/2015/08/lazy-pea-soup-with-spinach-and-fresh-mint/#respond Fri, 14 Aug 2015 11:39:36 +0000 http://thepeonylife.com/?p=57 This recipe is a freaking all-star in my eyes for a variety of reasons. It’s insanely quick and simple to make and the combination of flavors is on point. I’ve never made this for someone and not had them ask for seconds and/or the recipe. That’s always a promising sign! I’m a big ‘soup for... 

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SERVE IN A WHITE DISH TO MAXIMIZE THE POP OF COLOR

SERVE IN A WHITE DISH TO MAXIMIZE THE POP OF COLOR

This recipe is a freaking all-star in my eyes for a variety of reasons. It’s insanely quick and simple to make and the combination of flavors is on point. I’ve never made this for someone and not had them ask for seconds and/or the recipe. That’s always a promising sign!

FROZEN PEAS ONLY TAKE 3 MINUTES TO BOIL

FROZEN PEAS ONLY TAKE 3 MINUTES TO BOIL

I’m a big ‘soup for dinner’ kind of lady and this Lazy Pea Soup with Mint & Crème Fraîche is a regular on the rotation. I usually serve this soup warm but I’ve had it chilled during a heat wave and it was a life saver! My fiancé insists this tastes better chilled so you’ll have to let me know what you think!

I would absolutely recommend making this recipe if you’re having people over and want a low stress meal. I always try to make this recipe a day or two beforehand because it tastes SO much better after the flavors have married. I’m all about low maintenance recipes when I’m entertaining.

Serve this alongside Heirloom Tomato Salad with Burrata & Balsamic Glaze, Chickpea & Avocado Salad with Herb Quartet  or Lemony Orzo Salad With Asparagus & Shrimp and you’re set! A soup and salad combo has never tasted so good!

FRESH MINT AND CHIVES ARE A MUST FOR THIS RECIPE!

FRESH MINT AND CHIVES ARE A MUST FOR THIS RECIPE!

This soup doesn’t normally last long in my house. When I make soup I tend to eat it all day, everyday, until its gone. For those of you who don’t have a unnatural love for soup, this recipe freezes incredibly well.

This vegetarian recipe is my ‘little black dress’ of soup. It can be served casual or dressed up and is always consistent!

FOR A PLAYFUL TAKE ON THE CLASSIC CUP OF SOUP, SERVE IN A TEA CUP.

FOR A PLAYFUL TAKE ON THE CLASSIC CUP OF SOUP, SERVE IN A TEA CUP.

For a playful take on the classic cup of soup, try serving in vintage tea cups. If you would like to make this vegan, simply omit the crème fraîche or sub for unsweetened coconut cream. I’ve made this recipe vegan style before and I enjoyed it just as much.

Enjoy! xx

MAKE THIS VEGAN BY SKIPPING THE CRÈME FRAÎCHE

MAKE THIS VEGAN BY SKIPPING THE CRÈME FRAÎCHE

Lazy Pea Soup with Mint & Crème Fraîche
 
Prep time
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Total time
 
A great low maintenance & quick recipe. This vegetarian + vegan recipe is a great make ahead option, freezes well and is a delight for your taste buds!
Author:
Recipe type: Soup
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cups chopped leeks, white and light green parts (2 leeks)
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 4 cups vegetable stock
  • 5 cups freshly shelled peas or 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen peas
  • 1 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, loosely packed
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup crème fraîche (or sub unsweetened coconut cream to make vegan)
  • ½ cup freshly chopped chives
Instructions
  1. Heat the butter in a large saucepan, add the leeks and onion, and cook over medium-low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, until the onion is tender.
  2. Add the vegetable stock, increase the heat to high, and bring to a boil. Add the peas and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the peas are tender(frozen peas will take only 3 minutes).
  3. Remove the pot from heat, add the mint, salt, and pepper.
  4. Using an immersion blender, blend soup by hand until you reach your desired consistency.
  5. Whisk in the crème fraîche and chives.
  6. Taste for seasoning
Notes
You can substitute unsweetened coconut cream for crème fraîche to make the soup vegan. It will take on a slightly sweet taste but you will get a creamy & rich soup.

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Garlicky Dilly Pickles http://thepeonylife.com/2015/08/garlicky-dilly-pickles/ http://thepeonylife.com/2015/08/garlicky-dilly-pickles/#respond Fri, 14 Aug 2015 09:30:02 +0000 http://thepeonylife.com/?p=637 Crunchy Dill Pickles are in my opinion the best snack ever created! They’ve been my #1 snack since I was a toddler and I still pack them in my lunch kit when I’m away flying. Their crunchy texture, vinegary taste and low calorie count, make for a healthier snack option. When my fiancé and I first... 

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FARMERS MARKET DILL PICKLE INSPIRATION

FARMERS MARKET DILL PICKLE INSPIRATION

Crunchy Dill Pickles are in my opinion the best snack ever created! They’ve been my #1 snack since I was a toddler and I still pack them in my lunch kit when I’m away flying. Their crunchy texture, vinegary taste and low calorie count, make for a healthier snack option.

BE CAREFUL NOT TO CRUSH THE CUCUMBERS WHEN PUTTING THEM IN THE JAR

BE CAREFUL NOT TO CRUSH THE CUCUMBERS WHEN PUTTING THEM IN THE JAR

When my fiancé and I first met, we immediately bonded over our shared love of the German soccer team, olives and DILL PICKLES! So random, right? As you can see, we really fell in love over intelligent conversations. We’ve been lucky enough to watch Germany win the World Cup from the streets of Berlin and it was one of the coolest experiences of my life! Berlin is a fascinating city on a regular day, but that night; the energy in Berlin was magic!

ALL THE DIFFERENT SHADES OF GREEN

ALL THE DIFFERENT SHADES OF GREEN

Rez & I wanted to add a few personal touches to our wedding and we thought that a dill pickle bar would be the perfect idea for us. Don’t worry, that’s not all we’re serving our guests for dinner. Hopefully everyone enjoys this easily made snack as much as we do!

ALMOST READY TO GET MY PICKLE ON

ALMOST READY TO GET MY PICKLE ON

On any given day you will find at least 4 jars of dill pickles in my fridge, these Garlicky Dill Pickles being one of them. My favorite store bought pickles are Sonoma Brinery Kosher Dill Pickles. Their ingredients include: cucumber, water, salt, garlic and spices. I am so very happy Trader Joe’s recently started carrying them, for a couple of dollars less than Whole Foods. Rez isn’t as crazy about these and opts for the more classic brands, like Vlassic & Claussin. He really like the super vinegary ones that make you pucker. I don’t discriminate and think all three are solid options.

LEAVE WHOLE FOR THE CRUNCHIEST PICKLE

LEAVE WHOLE FOR THE CRUNCHIEST PICKLE

LEAVE 1/4 INCH BREATHING ROOM FROM THE BRINE TO THE LID

LEAVE 1/4 INCH BREATHING ROOM FROM THE BRINE TO THE LID

Enjoy these  Garlicky Dill Pickles alongside my Mostly Veggie Tuna Melt or as an afternoon snack!

Enjoy! xx

Garlicky Dilly Pickles
 
Prep time
Total time
 
Makes 2 quart or 4 pint jars. Pickles must rest in the fridge for at least one week before eating.
Author:
Recipe type: Appetizer
Ingredients
  • 2 quart kirby cucumbers (approximately 3 pounds)
  • 1½ cups apple cider vinegar
  • 1½ cups filtered water
  • 2 tablespoons pickling salt
  • 8 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 4 teaspoons dill seed
  • 2 teaspoons black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1 tbsp pickling spice(make sure it doesn't include cinnamon).
  • 1 or 2 large bunches of dill, washed and dried
Instructions
  1. Wash jars thoroughly in warm, soapy water. If you plan on making shelf stable pickles, prepare a boiling water bath canner. Put fresh canning jar lids into a small saucepan with 3 inches of water and set to the barest simmer.
  2. Wash and dry kirby cucumbers. Remove blossom end. Cut into chips, spears or leave whole, depending on your preference.
  3. Combine vinegar, water and salt in sauce pan and bring to a boil.
  4. Equally divide garlic cloves, dill seed, black peppercorns and red chili flakes between jars. Pack prepared cucumbers into jars as tightly as you can without crushing them.
  5. Pour the brine into the jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace (that's the amount of space between the surface of the brine and the rim of the jar).
  6. Remove any air bubbles from jars by gently tapping them. You can also use a wooden chopstick or plastic utensil to help remove stubborn bubbles.
  7. Wipe rims and apply lids and bands (don't screw them on too tightly).
  8. If processing jars for shelf stability, lower jars into your processing pot. When water returns to a boil, set a timer for 10 minutes.
  9. When time is up, remove jars from canning pot and allow them to cool. When jars are cool enough to handle, check seals.
  10. If you choose not to process your jars, let them cool before putting them into the refrigerator. Do note that your jars may seal during the cooling process. However, without the boiling water bath process, that doesn't mean they're shelf stable. Still refrigerate.
  11. Let pickles rest for at least one week before eating.
Notes
Makes 4 pint or 2 quart jars of pickles.

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