Quick Eats

[nanachic]

Hello veg*ns.

I need some help on quick healthy meals. I've been working loads of hours lately and I don't really have tons of time to cook. I've been doing fairly well when it comes to lunch/dinner thanks to these:

Comments

[hitzpink]

You could make a big batch of healthy muffins on the weekend and eat one or two of them with some fruit in the morning. As far as tofu goes, tofu scramble can definitely be made in advance! Scramble up the tofu with your favorite spices and some fresh or frozen spinach (or whatever vegs you have on hand), throw it in a few tortillas and freeze them. Then in the morning you can just pop it in the microwave for a minute & be on your way! I usually add salsa to mine, but I'm not sure how well that freezes. (Seems like it might get watery upon reheating.)

[nanachic]

so how do you freeze them? wrap them in tin foil and then toss them into a plastic bag? this seems like a good idea and I want to make sure I do it right!

[virtualannette]

I never press tofu unless I'm freezing it. But, I always use the Mori-Nu brand that comes in shelf-stable packaging rather than the stuff in the tubs.

Tofu scramble: Try mashing some tofu up with a fork, throw it in a skillet, add some tumeric, chili powder, dried chopped onions (or real ones if you have time), and a few dashes of soy sauce... then add any other veggies you want (sometimes I throw in some frozen broccoli or frozen peppers, or chop a zucchini). It's done when the tofu looks mostly dry and the veggies are thawed, and at that point add some nutritional yeast and stir it in (I add a few spoons because I love the stuff, but you could of course add less.) My last roommate used to get some kind of tofu scramble spice packets, and those would work too (just mix 'em with tofu).

Bagel sandwich: slice a tomato and an avocado and place on a toasted bagel with Earth Balance. You can also add hummus, or leftover tofu scramble, or sprouts or whatever else you have.

[radaswewannabe]

you use the mori-nu in tofu scramble?
as in the soft stuff in the little boxes?!

[blueheron]

I do as well. I like the texture, personally, and I tend to make it very "runny" with a water-garlic-nutritional yeast-dill broth that I toss in until it thickens.

With silken tofu, it stays runny, which I love, but with regular tofu it gets absorbed, making for a dryer tofu scramble.

[virtualannette]

Mori-nu comes in extra firm, too, and that's what I use. It's "silkier" than the stuff in the tubs, but I really hate the texture of the kind in the tubs. The extra firm isn't like pudding the way the soft is.

[kingfissure]

You can always freeze your tofu after pressing it. It imparts a nice chewy texture to it, as well.

My breakfast routine is not very involved though, I must say. Most of the time I just do the cereal bit; sometimes I'll also have toast with a little marmite on.

A rather simple, quick hot breakfast dish that I make from time to time is "cheesy" grits or, for those unfamiliar with grits, coarse corn porridge. I basically make a batch of grits according to the label instructions, then add in tahini and nutritional yeast and stir it all in. Usually I'll do 2 parts NY to 1 part tahini, and start with 1tbsp tahini.

One thing I've found is that "instant grits" are appalling, while "quick grits" are the way to go.

[nanachic]

oooh thanks! i've been looking for a good vegan substitute for cheesy grits! I'll definitely be sure to try this.

[tendollarwine]

what about making a mix of quick cooking oats, dried fruits, nuts and brown sugar? you could put them in individual containers and then heat them up with soymilk or water for a nice hot breakfast. i've been wanting to try that for a while, but still have not gotten around to it.

[blueheron]

During the winter I tend to go with porridges. A big congee made on the weekend will last a few days between my wife and I, longer if I alternate with oatmeal (use "quick cooking", not instant, and then toss in fresh or dried fruit. Yum!)

When I am really running late, there is always PB and J and fresh fruit. Not exciting, but it gets the job done.