Nasi Lemak

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Nasi Lemak from The Lotus and the Artichoke MALAYSIA vegan cookbook

In the five weeks that I spent exploring Malaysia, Singapore, and Borneo there were a few dishes that I just had to try whenever I had the chance.

Nasi Lemak is a national favorite – and one of my favorites, too! The name technically means “fatty rice” but “creamy rice” sounds a least a little bit better. Traditionally, as with this recipe, Nasi Lemak is rice cooked in creamy, coconut milk – often along with fresh herbs and spices such as pandan (which you can replace with bay leaves if that’s what you’ve got.) The bright yellow hue comes from turmeric. Though it’s a breakfast dish, it can be eaten at any time of the day, and many variations cross firmly into Savory Culinary Territory. I eat this all times of the day: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack, whatever!

I tried Nasi Lemak in lots of places: Kuala Lampur, Penang, Malacca, and Singapore.

Inspired by those dishes and their accompaniments – and my own imagination, I’ve created a complete meal set: Coconut Pandan Rice served with stir-fried Lemongrass Ginger Tofu, crunchy, charred Spicy Nuts, and a delicious sweet-chili sauce known as Sambal Belacan.

These are actually four different recipes from The Lotus and the Artichoke – MALAYSIA which I’ve put together in this one post. You can of course substitute or simplify the dishes for a less involved meal set designed how you like it. Nasi Lemak is equally awesome even when it’s just served with the fresh cucumber, lime slices, and nuts. I love going all out and doing the Lemongrass Tofu cubes, too. Also, I find the hot, spicy Samabal Belecan completes the dish fantastically.

How to eat it? Mix it up and eat it with your hands!

Serve this meal set up on a banana leaf, wash your hands, mix everything together, and dive in… wild and forkless. (By the way, frozen banana leaves are often available at your local Asian import grocery shop. Just thaw them, rinse them, and eat off of them.) If you prefer a more modern approach: Make it all, arrange it perfectly on plates, eat it with a fork and spoon. It’s up to you!

Nasi Lemak

Malaysian Coconut Pandan Rice with Lemongrass Ginger Tofu, Spicy Nuts & Sambal Belacan

recipes from The Lotus and the Artichoke – MALAYSIA

serves 3 to 4 / time 60 min

Coconut Pandan Rice:

  • 2 cups (375 g) broken jasmine rice or basmati rice
  • 1 2/3 cup (400 ml) water
  • 1 2/3 cup (400 ml) coconut milk
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric ground
  • 2 pandan leaves or bay leaves
  • fried onions for garnish
  • 1/2 small cucumber sliced
  • lime slices for garnish
  1. Rinse and drain rice thoroughly.
  2. Bring water and coconut milk to low boil in a medium pot with good lid. Stir in rice, salt, turmeric, and pandan (or bay leaves). Return to simmer. Cover and steam until most liquid is absorbed, 12–15 min. Remove from heat. Stir a few times. Cover and let sit 10 min. Remove and discard leaves before serving.
  3. Garnish with fried onions, cucumber, and lime slices.

Lemongrass Ginger Tofu:

  • 14 oz (400 g) firm tofu cut in cubes or strips
  • 1 1/2 cups (200 g) pineapple chopped
  • 1 Tbs oil
  • 2 shallots finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 2 stalks lemongrass finely chopped
  • 3/4 in (2 cm) fresh ginger finely chopped
  • 1 tsp coriander ground
  • 1 Tbs lime juice or lemon juice
  • 1 Tbs soy sauce (Shoyu)
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • fresh coriander or parsley leaves chopped, for garnish
  1. Cut tofu in slabs and wrap in clean kitchen towel. Weight with a heavy cutting board and press out extra moisture, 15–20 min. Unwrap and cut in cubes or strips.
  2. Heat oil in a large frying pan or wok on medium high heat. Add chopped shallots, garlic, lemongrass, ginger, and ground coriander. Fry, stirring constantly, until shallots being to soften and brown, 2–3 min.
  3. Add tofu cubes. Mix well. Fry, stirring regularly, until tofu cubes are golden brown and crispy on the edges, 5–8 min.
  4. Add chopped pineapple, lime (or lemon) juice, soy sauce, and salt. Fry, stirring regularly, another 5–10 min. Remove from heat.

Spicy Nuts:

  • 1/2 cup (50 g) peanuts
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) cashews
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder or paprika ground
  • 2 tsp coconut sugar
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  1. Heat a medium frying pan on medium heat. Dry roast peanuts and cashews, stirring regularly, until light golden brown and dark spots begin to appear, 4–7 min. Do not burn.
  2. Add chili powder (or paprika), sugar and salt. Mix well. Continue to cook another 2–3 min, stirring constantly, until sugar has melted and nuts are well coated. Remove from heat. Allow to cool.

Sambal Belacan:

  • 2–3 Tbs vegetable oil
  • 5 large (90 g) red chilies chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 Tbs soy sauce (Shoyu)
  • 1 Tbs rice vinegar
  • 1 Tbs lime juice or lemon juice
  • 1 Tbs coconut sugar
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  1. Blend all ingredients in a small food processor or blender until smooth, adding more oil (or some water) as needed.
  2. Heat a small frying pan on medium heat. Add blended spice paste to pan and fry, stirring regularly, until sauce darkens, thickens, and oil separates, 8–12 min.
(available as printed cookbook & ebook in English & German)
Malaysia vegan cookbook cover blockprint

Nasi Lemak from The Lotus and the Artichoke MALAYSIA vegan cookbook

Nasi Lemak

Kokos-Pandanus-Reis mit Zitronengras-Ingwer-Tofu, pikanten Nüssen & Sambal Belacan

Rezepte aus The Lotus and the Artichoke – MALAYSIA

3 bis 4 Portionen / Dauer 60 Min.

Kokos-Pandanus-Reis:

  • 2 Tassen (375 g) Bruchreis (Jasmin oder Basmati)
  • 1 2/3 Tasse (400 ml) Wasser
  • 1 2/3 Tasse (400 ml) Kokosmilch
  • 1/2 TL Meersalz
  • 1/2 TL Kurkuma gemahlen
  • 2 Pandanus- oder Lorbeerblätter
  • Röstzwiebeln zum Garnieren
  • 1/2 kleine Gurke in Scheiben geschnitten
  • Limettenspalten zum Garnieren
  1. Reis gut spülen und abgießen.
  2. In einem mittelgroßen Topf mit gut schließendem Deckel Wasser und Kokosmilch zum Köcheln bringen. Reis, Salz, Kurkuma und Pandanus– oder Lorbeerblätter einrühren. Erneut zum Köcheln bringen. Abdecken und 12 bis 15 Min. garen, bis der größte Teil der Flüssigkeit absorbiert ist.
  3. Vom Herd nehmen. Einige Male umrühren, abdecken und 10 Min. ziehen lassen. Vor dem Servieren die Blätter entfernen.
  4. Mit Röstzwiebeln, Gurkenscheiben und Limettenspalten garnieren.

Zitronengras-Ingwer-Tofu:

  • 400 g fester Tofu in Würfel oder Scheiben geschnitten
  • 1 1/2 Tassen (200 g) Ananas gehackt
  • 1 EL Pflanzenöl
  • 2 Schalotten fein gehackt
  • 2 Knoblauchzehen fein gehackt
  • 2 Stängel Zitronengras fein gehackt
  • 2 cm frischer Ingwer fein gehackt
  • 1 TL Koriander gemahlen
  • 1 EL Limetten- oder Zitronensaft
  • 1 EL Sojasoße (Shoyu)
  • 1/4 TL Meersalz
  • frisches Koriandergrün oder Petersilie gehackt, zum Garnieren
  1. Tofu in Platten schneiden und in ein sauberes Geschirrtuch wickeln. 15 bis 20 Min. mit einem schweren Schneidebrett beschweren, um überschüssige Flüssigkeit herauszupressen. Auswickeln und in Würfel oder Scheiben schneiden.
  2. In einem großen Topf oder einer großen Pfanne Öl auf mittlerer Flamme erhitzen. Schalotten, Knoblauch, Zitronengras und gemahlenen Koriander hineingeben. 2 bis 3 Min. unter ständigem Rühren anbraten, bis die Schalotten weich werden und zu bräunen beginnen.
  3. Tofuwürfel zugeben und gut umrühren. Unter regelmäßigem Rühren 5 bis 8 Min. braten, bis die Tofuwürfel goldbraun und an den Rändern knusprig sind.
  4. Gehackte Ananas, Limetten– oder Zitronensaft, Sojasoße und Salz einrühren. Weitere 5 bis 10 Min. unter ständigem Rühren braten. Vom Herd nehmen.
  5. Mit gehacktem Koriandergrün oder Petersilie garnieren.

Pikante Nüsse:

  • 1/2 Tasse (50 g) Erdnüsse
  • 1/2 Tasse (50 g) Cashewkerne
  • 1/2 TL Chili- oder Paprikapulver
  • 2 TL Kokosblütenzucker
  • 1/4 TL Meersalz
  1. Eine mittelgroße Pfanne auf mittlerer Flamme erhitzen. Erdnüsse und Cashewkerne 4 bis 7 Min. darin rösten, bis sie leicht goldbraun sind und sich braune Flecken bilden. Nicht anbrennen lassen.
  2. Chili– oder Paprikapulver, Zucker und Salz zugeben und gut umrühren. 2 bis 3 weitere Minuten unter ständigem Rühren rösten, bis der Zucker schmilzt und die Nüsse gut mit der Gewürzmischung überzogen sind. Vom Herd nehmen und abkühlen lassen.

Sambal Belacan:

  • 2–3 EL Pflanzenöl
  • 5 große (90 g) rote Chilischoten gehackt
  • 2 Knoblauchzehen gehackt
  • 1 EL Sojasoße (Shoyu)
  • 1 EL Reisessig
  • 1 EL Limetten- oder Zitronensaft
  • 1 EL Kokosblütenzucker
  • 1/4 TL Meersalz
  1. Alle Zutaten in einer kleinen Küchenmaschine oder einem kleinen Mixer glatt pürieren. Öl nach und nach je nach Bedarf zugeben (oder mehr Wasser).
  2. Eine kleine Bratpfanne auf mittlerer Flamme erhitzen. Gewürzpastein die Pfanne geben und 8 bis 12 Min. unter ständigem Rühren reduzieren, bis die Soße dunkel wird, eindickt und das Öl sich trennt.

Vegane Rezepte aus The Lotus and the Artichoke – MALAYSIA

The Lotus and the Artichoke - MALAYSIA Kochbuch Cover

Penang Laksa

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Penang Laksa Noodle Soup

Incredibly, I’d been in Malaysia for almost two weeks before I got to try Laksa, the legendary noodle soup. Even before the trip, I’d read about the intensely loved, powerful and fiery, somewhat-sour soup in food blogs and food guides to Malaysia. I’d checked out plenty of recipes and seen lots of super tasty photos.

Once I got to Malaysia, whenever I asked locals what dishes I had to try, I heard again and again: Laksa! Okay, great, but where? And the answer was: Penang!

Penang was hands-down my favorite place to eat on the Malaysia trip. (Singapore was a fairly close second. Penang was just more artsy, soulful, and real). I collected maps with locations of the best street food in Georgetown (Penang) and scoured the web and my travel guides for addresses of must-try vegetarian restaurants. On my second day in town, I had lunch at the vegan restaurant Sushi Kitchen, and met the chef/owner, who made a list for me of Must-See places and dishes.

That night I went to Luk Yea Yan, a vegetarian Chinese restaurant known for fantastic flavors and inexpensive eats. I ordered up the Laksa soup. Three minutes later my oversized bowl of hot, steaming, bright red soup arrived – with countless ingredients and toppings piled up to the rim. There were at least three kinds of noodles, tofu cubes, soya and seitan chunks, numerous vegetables, about four kinds of fresh herbs – and balanced on top: a soup spoon with a thick, red curry paste on it. I’d read about this…

Traditionally Laksa is usually served with a generous spoonful of rempeh – spicy red curry paste for you to stir in to the hot red broth yourself. I knew what to do. I did it.

A half dozen flavors immediately exploded in my mouth: tamarind, chili, lime, pineapple, cilantro, mint. This was followed by a second wave of flavors: an army of vegetables, tofu, and seitan slices. I slurped down the noodles and paddled pieces of everything with my chopsticks into my hungry jaws. I had to take a break a few times to catch my breath and cool the spice alarm with generous draws on my lemon iced tea. When I was done, my forehead was light with perspiration and my lips and tongue were tingling and alive.

There was never a doubt whatsoever that I would include a vegan recipe for Penang Laksa in my new Malaysia cookbook. Several weeks later (after having tried vegan Laksa soup at least three other times in Malaysia) I was back in my kitchen in Germany and set to work. It took a few attempts to master the recipe, each try better than the last. And then I had it: my own epic Laksa recipe!

Since then, I’ve made it probably ten more times, including for several dinner parties large and small, and plenty of times for lunch. It’s best on cold, cloudy days to fire up your mood and open you up! But I’ve also made it lots of other times, even in the summer, well… just because it’s so awesome and is always a dish guests talk about long after the meal.

Penang Laksa
classic Malaysian noodle soup

serves 2 to 3 / time 45 min

recipe from The Lotus and the Artichoke – MALAYSIA
(Rezept auf Deutsch unten)

  • 5 oz (150 g) seitan sliced
  • 3.5 oz (100 g) smoked tofu sliced
  • 1/3 cup (45 g) pineapple chopped
  • 1 Tbs vegetable oil 
  • 1 Tbs soy sauce or Vegan Fish Sauce
  • 7 oz (200 g) udon noodles (cooked)
  • 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) water 
  • 2/3 cup (150 ml) coconut milk 
  • 1 kefir lime leaf or 1 tsp lime zest 
  • fresh mint leaves chopped
  • fresh coriander leaves chopped
  • fresh thai basil leaves chopped
  • bean sprouts for garnish

laksa spice paste:

  • 4 candlenuts or 2 Tbs cashews soaked 20 min in hot water, drained
  • 1 stalk lemongrass chopped
  • 1/2–1 large red chili chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 shallot chopped
  • 3/4 in (2 cm) fresh galangal or ginger chopped
  • 1/2 tsp paprika ground (more as desired, for red color)
  • 1/2 tsp fennel seed ground
  • 1/2 tsp coriander ground
  • 2 tsp coconut sugar or agave syrup 
  • 3/4 tsp sea salt 
  • 1 tsp tamarind paste (seedless)
  • 2 Tbs lime juice or lemon juice 
  • 2 Tbs vegetable oil 
  1. If using dried Udon: Cook, rinse, and drain 3.5 oz (100 g) noodles according to package instructions.
  2. Blend spice paste ingredients in a small food processor until smooth.
  3. Heat 1 Tbs oil a large pot or wok on medium high heat. Add sliced seitan and smoked tofu. Fry, turning regularly until edges are browned and crispy, 3–5 min.
  4. Stir in chopped pineapple. Continue to stir-fry, 2–3 min. Add soy sauce (or Vegan Fish Sauce). Fry 2–3 min. Transfer to a plate or bowl.
  5. Return pot or wok to medium high heat. Fry blended spice paste until it darkens and oil starts to separate, stirring constantly, 3–5 min.
  6. Gradually stir in water, coconut milk and kefir lime leaf (or lime zest). Bring to simmer. Add cooked udon noodles. Return to simmer. Cook until noodles have slightly softened, 3–5 min.
  7. Stir in fried seitan, tofu, and pineapple. Turn off heat. Cover until ready to serve.
  8. Portion soup and noodles into bowls. Garnish with chopped herbs and bean sprouts. Serve.
My first Laksa in Penang, Malaysia
Penang Laksa - Instagram
Penang Laksa Malaysian Noodle Soup by The Lotus and the Artichoke - Instagram (Jan 2017)

Panang Laksa vegan recipe from The Lotus and the Artichoke – MALAYSIA

(available as printed cookbook & ebook – in English & German)

Malaysia vegan cookbook cover blockprint

Penang Laksa Noodle Soup

Penang Laksa
klassische malaysische Nudelsuppe

2 bis 3 Portionen / Dauer 45 Min.

Rezept aus The Lotus and the Artichoke – MALAYSIA

  • 150 g Seitan in Scheiben geschnitten
  • 100 g Räuchertofu in Scheiben geschnitten
  • 1/3 Tasse (45 g) Ananas gehackt
  • 1 EL Pflanzenöl
  • 1 EL Sojasoße oder Vegane Fischsoße
  • 200 g gekochte Udon-Nudeln
    oder 100 g trockene Udon gemäß Packungsanweisung gekocht, abgegossen
  • 2 1/2 Tassen (600 ml) Wasser
  • 2/3 Tasse (150 ml) Kokosmilch
  • 1 Kaffirlimettenblätter oder 1 TL Limettenabrieb
  • frische Minzblätter gehackt
  • frische Korianderblätter gehackt
  • frische Thaibasilikumblätter gehackt
  • Bohnensprossen zum Garnieren

Laksa-Gewürzpaste:

  • 4 Keriminüsse oder 2 EL Cashewkerne in heißem Wasser eingeweicht, abgegossen
  • 1 Stängel Zitronengras gehackt
  • 1/2–1 große rote Chilischote gehackt
  • 2 Knoblauchzehen gehackt
  • 1 Schalotte gehackt
  • 2 cm frischer Galgant oder Ingwer gehackt
  • 1/2 TL Paprikapulver (nach Bedarf mehr, fürs Rot)
  • 1/2 TL Fenchelsamen gemahlen
  • 1/2 TL Koriander gemahlen
  • 2 TL Kokosblütenzucker oder Agavensirup
  • 3/4 TL Meersalz
  • 1 TL Tamarindenpaste (ohne Samen)
  • 2 EL Limetten– oder Zitronensaft
  • 2 EL Pflanzenöl
  1. Zutaten für die Gewürzpaste in einer kleinen Küchenmaschine glatt pürieren.
  2. In einem großen Topf oder Wok 1 EL Öl auf mittlerer Flamme erhitzen. Seitan– und Räuchertofuscheiben hineingeben. 3 bis 5 Minuten unter mehrmaligem Wenden braten, bis die Ränder braun und knusprig sind.
  3. Gehackte Ananas einrühren. 2 bis 3 weitere Min. braten. Sojasoße oder Vegane Fischsoße unterrühren. Weitere 2 bis 3 Min. braten. Auf einen Teller oder in eine Schüssel geben.
  4. Wok oder Topf erneut erhitzen. Gewürzpaste 3 bis 5 Min. Unter ständigem Rühren darin braten, bis sie dunkel wird und das Öl beginnt, sich zu trennen.
  5. Kaffirlimettenblätter oder Limettenabrieb und nach und nach Wasser und Kokosmilch einrühren. Zum Köcheln bringen. Gekochte Udon-Nudeln hineingeben und erneut zum Köcheln bringen. Nudeln 3 bis 5 Min. kochen, bis sie leicht weich sind.
  6. Seitan, Tofu und Ananas einrühren. Flamme abstellen. Bis zum Servieren abgedeckt ziehen lassen.
  7. Suppe und Nudeln in Schüsseln anrichten. Mit Kräutern und Bohnensprossen garnieren und servieren.

Vegan Rezept für Penang Laksa aus The Lotus and the Artichoke – MALAYSIA

 

The Lotus and the Artichoke - MALAYSIA cookbook cover

Apple Pineapple Empanadas

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Empanadas de Manzana y Piña

When I was living in the small town of Lo de Marcos, on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, we’d often take day trips to Sayulita. Sayulita, like San Pancho and Lo de Marcos, used to be just a sleepy fishing village. All three towns are just up the coast from Puerto Vallerta – which has been in the tourist guidebooks for quite some time. In the 1960s and 1970s, PV was built up for tourism (kind of like planned tourism destinations Acapulco and Cancun). It was also around this time that surfers “discovered” Sayulita, which remained pretty much a secret for a while.

Over the next few decades, tourism and expat enclaves grew and migrated along the Nayarit coast, creating what it is now: cities, towns, and villages coming to terms with all of the holiday traffic and escape artists. In addition to surfing, Sayulita is popular for weddings and honeymoons, yoga retreats, artistic and culinary workshop getaways, souvenir and craft shopping, and of course: respite from the louder and brasher cities.

For me, Sayulita will always be about empanadas.

Going to Sayulita always meant going to my favorite little hole-in-the-wall empanada take-out bakery. We’d leave Lo de Marcos in the morning on the local bus, ride about half an hour south, down the coast along jungle and oceanview roads. The bus stand was a good, hot, 10 to 15 minute walk to the “downtown”. As we approached the main town square, my mouth would already be watering, anxious to see what kind of empanadas were there. You see, this is part of why we tried to leave early and arrive before lunch. By mid afternoon, the bakery would always sell out of at least one of my favorites: Empanadas de Manzana (with apple filling) and Empanadas Espinaca y Papas (spinach & potato filling).

This place only made and sold empanadas, and nothing else. You’d just walk up to the counter, see what was listed on the chalkboard, and then place your order. The baked pastries never got a chance to cool off. Usually they rarely spent a few minutes on the counter in their baskets before they’d be bought, carried away, and devoured.

I’d buy a bunch of whatever vegan empanadas they had, and then bring them back to the park for a family picnic. The rest of the day was usually spent sipping coconut water or fresh juice, watching surfers (and absolute beginner surfer lessons taking place on the beach), strolling around, and then, once we got hungry again, enjoying an excellent meal at La Esperanza, or our favorite taquería (whose name I’ve long since forgotten) just off the main street.

Sayulita Mexico

 

Justin P. Moore, Lo de Marcos, Mexico with Surfboard, Feb 2014

This photo of me with my surfboard in Lo de Marcos has nothing to do with Empanadas. Unless perhaps I ate empanadas that morning in Sayulita. Which is entirely possible.

Back in Germany, I got to work perfecting my Empanada recipe

Sure they’re great with just apple, but adding fresh pineapple is mind-blowing. I love the tropical touch, which is a really powerful, nostalgic reminder of the my months spent living next to the beach in Mexico.

I suggest using a good, buttery vegan margarine. Don’t use cheap stuff, and try to find something that is recommended for baking. Cheaper margarines have too much water in them, and you’ll miss out on the rich, creamy flavor for your dough. In Germany I use Alsan, and in the U.S.A. Earth Balance makes some good stuff that will work for baking. (If you’ve got other suggestions for readers, please leave a comment below!)

Also, keep an eye on your goodies in the oven! If you overbake them, you’ll be disappointed by the texture. Since I’m really not that great of a baker, I actually take the empanadas out of the oven a minute or two before I think they’re done. A bit soft and chewy is always better than hard and dry! Keep fresh, hot empanadas covered or wrapped with a damp dishtowel so they don’t dry out, too. Oh, and always be careful with the first bite – I don’t even know how many times I’ve burned my tongue on blazing hot empanada filling!

Enjoy!

Empanadas de Manzana y Piña
Apple Pineapple Empanadas

makes 8 to 10 / time 45 min +

recipe from The Lotus and the Artichoke – MEXICO
(Rezept auf Deutsch unten)

dough:

  • 3 cups (375 g) flour (all-purpose / Type 550)
  • 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1 Tbs sugar
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 8 Tbs (110 g) margarine
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) cold water
  • 2 Tbs soy milk or rice milk for glaze optional
  1. Combine flour, salt, sugar, baking powder in large mixing bowl.
  2. Cut margarine into thinly sliced pieces and add to bowl. Using hands, knead margarine into flour mix.
  3. Gradually add in cold water, continue kneading a few minutes until dough is rubbery and smooth. If needed use slightly more flour or water.
  4. Pull and form into 8–10 equal sized balls and return to bowl. Cover and let sit 20 min.

apple & pineapple filling:

  • 2 medium apples peeled, finely chopped
  • 1 cup (140 g) pineapple finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon ground
  • 1 Tbs sugar
  1. Combine chopped apples and pineapple with cinnamon and sugar in large bowl. Mix well.
  2. Pour 2 Tbs soy milk (or water) into cup or small bowl.
  3. Preheat oven to 400 F / 200 C / level 6.
  4. On floured surface, roll out a dough ball with rolling pin (or bottle) to 1/4 in (1 cm) thickness. Using a medium bowl or saucer as a guide, cut circle with knife. Roll up and save trim.
  5. Put 2 Tbs filling onto a dough circle. Dip finger in soy milk (or water) and trace around outer edge to help seal. Fold over in half and press edges firmly with a fork to seal.
  6. Brush top with soy (or rice) milk, if desired, for glaze. Carefully transfer to baking tray. Repeat for all empanadas.
  7. Bake until golden brown and edges start to crisp and darken, about 20–25 min.
  8. Allow to cool 5 min before serving: Filling is very hot!

Variations:

Other fillings: Experiment with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, chopped pears, walnuts, hazelnuts, banana, chocolate… or whatever else you come up with!

Empanadas de Manzana y Piña

Empanadas de Manzana y Piña
Süße Apfel-Ananas-Taschen

8 bis 10 Stück / Dauer 45 Min. +

Rezept aus The Lotus and the Artichoke – MEXICO!

Teig:

  • 3 Tassen (375 g) Mehl (Typ 550)
  • 1 TL Meersalz
  • 1 EL Zucker
  • 1/4 TL Backpulver
  • 8 EL (110 g) Margarine
  • 3/4 Tasse (180 ml) kaltes Wasser
  • 2 EL Soja- oder Reismilch wenn gewünscht
  1. Mehl, Salz, Zucker und Backpulver in einer großen Schüssel vermischen.
  2. Margarine in kleinen Stückchen in die Schüssel geben und mit den Händen unter die Mehlmischung kneten.
  3. Weiterkneten und dabei nach und nach kaltes Wasser zugießen, bis der Teig glatt und elastisch ist. Bei Bedarf etwas mehr Mehl oder Wasser einkneten.
  4. In 8–10 gleichgroße Teigkugeln formen und in die Schüssel legen. Abdecken und 20 Min. ruhen lassen.

Apfel-Ananas-Füllung:

  • 2 mittelgroße Äpfel geschält, klein gewürfelt
  • 1 Tasse (140 g) Ananas klein gewürfelt
  • 1/2 TL Zimt gemahlen
  • 1 EL Zucker
  1. In einer großen Schüssel Apfel– und Ananasstückchen mit Zucker und Zimt vermengen.
  2. 2 EL Soja– oder Reismilch (oder Wasser) in eine Tasse geben.
  3. Ofen auf 200°C / Stufe 6 vorheizen.
  4. Teigkugeln auf einer bemehlten Oberfläche mit einem Nudelholz oder einer Flasche 1 cm dick ausrollen. Eine mittelgroße Schüssel oder Untertasse darauf legen und mit einem Messer Kreise ausschneiden. Übrigen Teig verkneten, erneut ausrollen und Kreise ausschneiden.
  5. Auf jeden Teigkreis 2 EL der Füllung geben. Finger mit Pflanzenmilch (oder Wasser) befeuchten und damit am äußeren Teigrand entlangfahren, damit es beim Verschließen hält. Zu einem Halbmond umklappen und die Ränder mit einer Gabel oder den Fingerkuppen fest zusammendrücken.
  6. Backfertige Empanadas wenn gewünscht mit Pflanzenmilch bepinseln. Vorsichtig auf ein mit Backpapier ausgelegtes Backblech legen. 20–25 Min. backen, bis die Empanadas knusprig und goldbraun sind.
  7. Vor dem Servieren mindestens 5 Min. abkühlen lassen – die Füllung ist sehr heiß!

Variationen:

Andere Füllung: Mit Erdbeeren, Himbeeren, Blaubeeren, Birnen, Walnüssen, Haselnüssen, Bananen, Schokolade oder was immer dir noch einfällt ausprobieren.

Vegetable Roti

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Sri Lankan Street Food - Vegetable Roti
If you ever talk to anyone who’s been to Sri Lanka… and especially if you talk to someone from Sri Lanka, just mention Vegetable Roti and you’ll see their face light up. It’s practically impossible not to have tried them, and it’s even less likely to not love them! They are made and enjoyed pretty much everywhere in Sri Lanka, from North to South and East to West, coast to countryside to hill country. It’s also one of those classics, that despite their popularity, you just almost never find outside of the homeland. Unless you make them yourself… or have someone make them! Most of the few, good Sri Lankan and South Indian restaurants that I’ve found in Europe and North America don’t have stuffed roti quite like the original. One exception is in the delicious and awesome Tamil and Sri Lankan neighborhood in Paris, near the La Chapelle metro stop. That’s actually probably where I first had them, and got to try Sri Lankan food for the first time, many years ago. Since it’s so hard to find Vegetable Roti outside of Sri Lanka, and I (unfortunately) can’t just teleport myself to the island paradise whenever I want to, I was determined to make a convincing, authentic recipe. And when making my Sri Lanka vegan cookbook (with recipes inspired by the 10 weeks I spent exploring the island) there was no question about it. I knew I had to include a Veg Roti recipe! After watching roti being made at least 50 different times by street vendors and in restaurant kitchens, taking lots of notes, studying the technique, making my own recipe wasn’t that difficult. To be honest, making roti dough takes some practice and experimentation. It’s important to let it sit for at least an hour in a moderately warm place. And I always start with less water and very gradually add more. Learning how to get just the right texture and springiness for the dough is like with any bread-making. I refined this recipe over several weeks, had it tested by a dozen friends before publishing it in the cookbook, and continue to use it whenever I want to make vegetable roti: at home, for dinner parties, cooking classes, as a picnic snack, etc. Sri Lankan Vegetable Roti with Tamarind Chutney

Vegetable Roti are Sri Lankan “Short Eats”

What’s a Short Eat? Simply put, snacks and appetizers and street food. There is a rich culture in the Sri Lankan tradition of grabbing a few snacks from the street vendors, hole-in-the-wall snack shops, neighborhood take-out bakery, and mobile bakery tuk-tuks. In addition to the classic roti, Short Eats also include all the many fried rolls, vada, baked snacks, bread and much more. Short Eats are typically enjoyed between meals or as a small meal – on the way to work, on the bus, on the train, at the office, wherever and kind of whenever. They’re everywhere and make a quick breakfast. Or small lunch. Or a mini-dinner, before – or even in place of – a big dinner. The bakery tuk-tuks drive around in the morning and evening – often with their trademark ice cream truck melodies playing funny variations of Für Elise. Yes, really. It’s awesome, and for the rest of your life you’ll start drooling when you hear Beethoven.

Vegetable Roti stuffed with potatoes, carrots & leeks

makes 4 to 6 / time 45 min + Recipe from The Lotus and the Artichoke – SRI LANKA (Rezept auf Deutsch unten) roti dough:
  • 1 1/2 cups (200 g) flour (all-purpose / type 550)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
  • 2 Tbs vegetable oil
  1. Combine flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add water and 1 Tbs oil. Mix with fork and knead with hands until smooth and elastic, 3–5 min. If batter sticks to hands, knead in more flour. If too dry, add slightly more water.
  2. Add another 1 Tbs oil and knead another 5 min.
  3. Separate into 4 to 6 pieces. Knead and form into balls. Lightly coat balls with oil and place on plate, cover with plastic wrap. Allow to sit in a warm (not hot) place for 1 hour.
vegetable filling:
  • 2/3 cup (80 g) leeks or spring onions or 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 medium (80 g) carrot peeled, grated or finely chopped
  • 1 large (140 g) potato peeled, grated or finely chopped
  • 1 Tbs vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp black mustard seeds
  • 1/2 tsp coriander ground
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper ground
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder or paprika ground
  • 5–6 curry leaves and/or 1/2 tsp curry powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 3–4 Tbs water (more as needed)
  1. Heat oil in a large pot or pan on medium heat. Add mustard seeds. When they start to pop (20–30 sec), add ground coriander, black pepper, chili powder (or paprika), and curry leaves and/or curry powder.
  2. Add leeks (or onions), grated carrot and potato, turmeric, salt. Cook partially covered, gradually adding water, stirring and mashing regularly, until vegetables are soft, 7–10 min. Remove from heat.
  3. Uncover dough. Briefly knead a ball. On a greased surface, press flat and roll out or continually flip and stretch to form a long, wide strip. Wrapper should be almost 3 times as long as it is wide and about 1/8 in (3 mm) thick. Knead some oil into each dough ball if too firm and not stretching easily.
  4. Spoon about 3 Tbs filling onto one end. Fold over repeatedly in triangles until sealed. Transfer to lightly greased plate and continue for others.
  5. Heat a large, heavy frying pan on medium high heat. Place filled triangles on pan and press down lightly. Fry on both sides, until brown spots appear, 3–5 min each side. Arrange standing up on edges, pressing down lightly and leaning together to brown edges, 2–3 min each end.
  6. Continue for all rotis. Serve with chili sauce, chutney, or eat plain.
The Lotus and the Artichoke SRI LANKA vegan cookbook

Sri Lankan Street Food - Vegetable Roti

Veg Roti mit Kartoffel-Möhre-Lauchzwiebel-Füllung

4 bis 6 Stück / Dauer 45 Min. + Recipe from The Lotus and the Artichoke – SRI LANKA (Rezept auf Deutsch unten) Roti-Teig:
  • 1 1/2 Tassen (200 g) Mehl (Typ 550)
  • 1/2 TL Salz
  • 1/2 Tasse (120 ml) Wasser
  • 2+ EL Pflanzenöl
  1. In einer Schüssel Mehl und Salz vermischen. Wasser und 1 EL Öl hinzufügen. Mit einer Gabel verrühren und mit den Händen 3 bis 5 Min. lang zu einem elastischen glatten Teig verkneten. Falls der Teig noch an den Händen klebt, mehr Mehl unterkneten. Ist der Teig zu trocken, etwas mehr Wasser unterkneten.
  2. 1 weiteren EL Öl zugeben und weitere 5 Min. kneten.
  3. Teig in 4 bis 6 Kugeln formen. Kugeln leicht mit Öl einreiben, auf einen Teller legen und mit Plastikfolie abdecken. An einem warmen (nicht heißen) Ort 1 Stunde gehen lassen.
Gemüse-Füllung:
  • 2/3 Tasse (80 g) Lauch, Frühlingszwiebeln oder 1 mittelgroße Zwiebel fein gehackt
  • 1 mittelgroße (80 g) Möhre geschält, geraspelt oder fein gehackt
  • 1 große (140 g) Kartoffel geschält, geraspelt oder fein gehackt
  • 1 EL Pflanzenöl
  • 1/2 TL schwarze Senfsamen
  • 1/2 TL Koriander gemahlen
  • 1/2 TL schwarzer Pfeffer gemahlen
  • 1/2 TL Chili- oder Paprikapulver
  • 5–6 Curryblätter und/oder 1/2 TL Currypulver
  • 1/2 TL Kurkuma gemahlen
  • 1/2 TL Meersalz
  • 3–4 EL Wasser bei Bedarf mehr
  1. In einem großen Topf oder einer Pfanne 1EL Öl auf mittlerer Flamme erhitzen. Senfsamen hineingeben. Nach deren Aufplatzen (nach etwa 20 bis 30 Sek.) gemahlenen Koriander, schwarzen Pfeffer, Chili– oder Paprikapulver und Curryblätter oder -pulver hineingeben.
  2. Lauch, Möhre, Kartoffel, Kurkuma und Salz hinzufügen. Nach und nach Wasser zugeben. Halb abgedeckt unter regelmäßigem Rühren 7–10 Min. braten, bis das Gemüse weich ist. Vom Herd nehmen.
  3. Teig abdecken. Teigkugeln nochmals durchkneten. Jeweils auf einer gefetteten Oberfläche flach drücken und in einen breiten, länglichen Streifen ausrollen oder beständig auseinanderziehen und dabei wenden. Der Teig sollte etwa dreimal so lang wie breit und etwa 3 mm dick sein. Falls die Teigkugeln zu fest sind und sich nicht leicht ausrollen lassen, etwas mehr Öl einkneten.
  4. Etwa 3 EL der Füllung auf den äußeren Rand des Teigstreifens geben und dann immer wieder zu Dreiecken umschlagen, bis eine geschlossene dreieckige Tasche entsteht. Ränder fest andrücken. Auf einen leicht gefetteten Teller legen und restliche Rotis vorbereiten.
  5. Eine große, am besten gusseiserne Pfanne auf mittlerer Flamme erhitzen. Gefüllte Roti-Taschen in die Pfanne legen und leicht herunterdrücken. Auf beiden Seiten 3 bis 5 Min. braten, bis braune Flecken entstehen. Rotis aufrecht hinstellen, gegeneinander lehnen und leicht nach unten drücken, um die schmaleren Seiten ebenfalls 2 bis 3 Min. lang braun zu braten. So lange wenden, bis alle Seiten gebraten wurden.
  6. Alle Rotis fertig braten. Mit Chutney servieren oder einfach so essen.

Mexican Magic Rice

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Mexican Magic Rice - vegan Dirty Rice / Messy Rice / Tomato Rice

When I was living in the small village of Lo de Marcos on the Pacific coast of Mexico, I went shopping at the vegetable shops in the neighborhood and cooked in the kitchen of our rented house every day. One of my favorite standard dishes, which I cooked at least twice a week, was Mexican Magic Rice. It’s sort of a spin-off of traditional Mexican Dirty Rice, also called Messy Rice. It’s basically a tomato rice dish – easy to make and always a treat. It’s great with smoked tofu or fancy mushrooms instead of seitan.

I’ve been focusing so much on the new Malaysia cookbook coming out later this year… and, sure, I’m still obsessed with the recipes from my new SRI LANKA cookbook. But now it’s time to give some more love to Mexico and all my favorite Mexican recipes from my previous cookbook with recipes inspired by my travels

I had always been fascinated by Mexico…

I wanted to spend more time there, since my first brief visit across the border with my family in the late 1980s. My second visit, in 2001, was a week-long visit with my father and brother Adam, and we went mountain climbing on Iztaccíhuatl. Fast forward to 2013: After the success of my first vegan cookbook inspired by my world travels, it was time to plan the next project. Mexico was my first pick for a winter escape from the cold Berlin winter. I talked with other travel bloggers I knew, and heard about the elusive town of San Pancho, an hour north of Puerto Vallarta, and just around the bend from surfer town Sayulita.

There’s a great story of how I found an amazing house to rent right on the sea, and where I spent two months living with the locals, learning to surf, improving my Spanish, and super-charging my Mexican cooking game.

The original plan was to find a house in San Pancho.

But the scene was much more touristy and less authentic than I had pictured. Maybe a few years earlier it was still real. And the rents were well over what we wanted to spend.After a few days of looking for a reasonable, charming and down-to-earth place, we pretty much gave up on San Pancho. Locals suggested I go north to Lo de Marcos and see what was up over there. The search continued: asking everyone, locals and foreigners, if anyone knew of a house to rent. After two days of walking around in the sun and asking, and exhausting all the online resources for holiday rentals, we were just about ready to give up again. We had only one more night at the small apartment for one week in San Pancho until we needed to find a new place.

On that fateful day, exhausted and sweaty, I sat down on the sidewalk on the small street a few minutes walk from the ocean. I saw two guys walking back from the beach, shirtless and tan. One had a fresh tattoo of Santa Muerte, the elaborately decorated Mexican Lady Death with a painted skeleton face, still healing on his chest. Should I ask them if they knew of any places to rent? Or would it be just like all the times before: no particularly helpful suggestions and just a smile and wish of good luck in our search?

If you don’t ask, the answer is always No.

I stood up and greeted the young men, “Buenos días, we’re looking for a place to rent for a few months. Do you know of anything.” The guy with the tattoo, laughed and said, “How about my house? We’re standing right in front of it. We leave to go to Montreal tomorrow afternoon. Want to come in and see the house?”

He unlocked the gate and we walked up the path. “I have to warn you, the house is kind of… unique. I love to cook and I built out the kitchen with a six-burner stove and giant double refrigerator from a restaurant that closed in Puerto Vallarta. It’s probably way more than you need, eh?” It was my turn to laugh. I told him that I cook every day and had come to Mexico to spend a few months learning more about the local cuisine and to work on recipes for a new cookbook.

The entry way opened up to an expansive garden with papaya trees, banana trees, towering coconut palms, and a large herb garden with massive bushes of basil, oregano, parsley, cilantro, and rosemary. The house itself was a cosy and quaint, two-level casita, painted bright yellow and had a classic terracotta tiled roof with a thatched veranda. “There are two bedrooms downstairs, and another room upstairs with its own bathroom and mini-kitchen. You can eat on the veranda upstairs, or downstairs on the patio. We’ve got fast internet, a working washing machine, and… oh, here’s the outdoor shower.”

Our Casita in Lo de Marcos Mexico

I imagined myself showering in the outdoor shower and rinsing the salt water from my surfboard after a day in the waves.

The house was perfect. Everything was falling into place in that awesome way. My friend Ben from Germany was coming to visit for a few weeks with his brother. My dad was planned to visit for a week, too. The upstairs room would be perfect for visitors, and could be my yoga room and work studio at other times. Instead of renting a small place (and we had seen many, but they just didn’t feel right, so we’d kept looking), we could rent this and the guests could stay here with us, instead of finding another place. We worked out a fair price for the rent the next day. I helped him finish packing the car and he gave me the keys to our beach house in Lo de Marcos, Mexico.

Mexican Magic Rice is fantastic with Cashew Sour Cream or Guacamole and served on a bed of greens, lettuce, or with a salad. It’s also awesome for packing killer bean burritos and much more fun than just plain rice. Similar to my Cambodian Fried Rice recipe from my first The Lotus and the Artichoke cookbook, this dish is a readers’ favorite, and can easily be doubled for a big family meal. I cook it all the time for dinner parties and cooking classes. And I still cook it regularly at home for my own family and friends.

Enjoy!

Mexican Magic Rice - Munich Surdham Göb Dinner Party 2016

Mexican Magic Rice

tomato rice with spicy seitan

serves 3 to 4 / time 35 min

recipe from The Lotus and the Artichoke – MÉXICO!
  • 5 oz (150 g) seitan sliced or chopped
  • 3/4 cup (75 g) green peas
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) black olives sliced or chopped
  • 3 Tbs vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1 tsp cumin ground
  • 1 tsp coriander ground
  • 1 cup (200 g) rice
  • 2 Tbs tomato paste
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric ground
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) beer or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika ground
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper ground
  • 1/2 tsp ground chipotle or chili powder optional
  • 1 tsp fresh oregano chopped
  • 1 Tbs lemon juice
  • fresh cilantro or parsley chopped, for garnish
  1. Heat 2 Tbs oil in large pot on medium high heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, ground cumin, and coriander. Fry, stirring constantly, 2–3 min.
  2. Add rice, tomato paste, turmeric, bay leaf, salt. Mix well.
  3. Stir in beer (or vegetable broth) and water. Bring to boil, stirring, Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook 15–20 min until rice is cooked. Remove from heat. Mix with a fork. Cover and let sit 5–10 min.
  4. Heat 1 Tbs oil in large frying pan on medium high heat.
  5. Add ground paprika, pepper, chipotle (or chili powder), chopped seitan. Fry, stirring regularly, until lightly crispy and browned, 4–5 min.
  6. Stir in chopped oregano and lemon juice, followed by peas and chopped olives. Cook another 2–3 min, stirring regularly. Remove from heat. Cover until rice is ready.
  7. Add cooked seitan, peas, and olives to rice pot. Mix well. Cover until ready to serve.
  8. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and serve.

Variations:

No fake meats: Replace seitan with chopped mushrooms. Sliced oyster Mushrooms or portabellos are best! No olives: Replace with corn kernels, chopped bell pepper, broccoli or other vegetables. Extra Spicy: Add 1 chopped chipotle (or other) chili with spices when frying seitan. More Red: Sauté 8–10 cherry or small plum tomatoes with seitan, halved or whole.

The Lotus and the Artichoke - MEXICO vegan cookbook cover

Mexican Magic Rice - vegan Dirty Rice / Messy Rice / Tomato Rice

Mexican Magic Rice

mit würzigem Seitan

3 bis 4 Portionen / Dauer 35 Min.

Rezept aus The Lotus and the Artichoke – MÉXICO!

  • 150 g Seitan in Scheiben oder Stückchen geschnitten
  • 3/4 Tasse (75 g) grüne Erbsen
  • 1/2 Tasse (50 g) schwarze Oliven in Scheiben oder Stückchen geschnitten
  • 3 EL Öl
  • 1 mittelgroße Zwiebel gehackt
  • 2 Knoblauchzehen fein gehackt
  • 1 TL Kreuzkümmel gemahlen
  • 1 TL Koriander gemahlen
  • 1 Tasse (200 g) Reis
  • 2 EL Tomatenmark
  • 1/2 TL Kurkuma
  • 1 Lorbeerblatt
  • 3/4 TL Salz
  • 1/2 Tasse (120 ml) Bier oder Gemüsebrühe
  • 1 Tasse (240 ml) Wasser
  • 1 TL Paprikapulver
  • 1/2 TL schwarzer Pfeffer gemahlen
  • 1/2 TL Chipotle- oder Chilipulver wenn gewünscht
  • 1 TL frischer Oregano gehackt
  • 1 EL Zitronensaft
  • frischer Koriander oder Petersilie gehackt, zum Garnieren
  1. In einem großen Topf 2 EL Olivenöl auf mittlerer Flamme erhitzen. Gehackte Zwiebeln, Knoblauch, gemahlenen Kreuzkümmel und Koriander hineingeben. 2-3 Min. unter ständigem Rühren anbraten.
  2. Reis, Tomatenmark, Kurkuma, Lorbeerblatt und Salz hinzufügen. Gut umrühren.
  3. Bier oder Gemüsebrühe und Wasser einrühren. Unter Rühren zum Kochen bringen. Flamme niedrig stellen. Abdecken und 15-20 Min. kochen, bis der Reis gar ist. Vom Herd nehmen und mit einer Gabel auflockern. Abdecken und 5-10 Min. ziehen lassen.
  4. 1 EL Olivenöl in einer großen Pfanne auf mittlerer Flamme erhitzen.
  5. Paprikapulver, Pfeffer, Chipotle– oder Chilipulver und Seitanstücke hineingeben. 4-5 Min. unter Rühren anbraten, bis der Seitan leicht knusprig und gebräunt ist.
  6. Gehackten Oregano und Zitronensaft, Erbsen und Olivenstückchen einrühren. Weitere 2-3 Min. unter ständigem Rühren schmoren. Vom Herd nehmen. Abdecken, bis der Reis fertig ist.
  7. Gebratenen Seitan, Erbsen und Oliven in den Topf mit dem Reis geben. Gut umrühren und bis zum Servieren abgedeckt ziehen lassen.
  8. Mit gehacktem Koriander oder Petersilie garnieren und servieren.

Variationen:

Ohne Fleischersatz: Statt Seitan gehackte Pilze, z.B. Kräuterseitlinge, verwenden. Ohne Oliven: Mit Maiskörnern, Paprika-, Brokkoli- oder anderen Gemüsestückchen ersetzen. Scharf: 1 fein gehackte Chipotle- oder Chilischote beim Anbraten der Gewürze und den Seitanstückchen in die Pfanne geben. Rote Farbtupfer: 8-10 Cherrytomaten ganz oder halbiert mit dem Seitan anbraten.

Mexican Magic Rice - Munich Surdham Göb Dinner Party 2016

Cabbage Coconut Curry

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Sri Lankan Cabbage & Coconut Curry - Gowa Mallum

Just one week into my ten weeks of travels through Sri Lanka, I had the opportunity to go in the kitchen at Mango Garden in Kandy, Sri Lanka to help prepare the New Year’s Eve dinner. The head cook showed me how to make a number of amazing vegetarian (vegan) Sri Lankan curries and dishes, including this one. I also learned how to make Pol Sambol for the first time, always awesome Beetroot Curry, fantastic Leek Curry, Dal Curry (of course), Green Bean “Bonchi” Curry, and Snake Gourd Curry (which can be made with any squash, such as Zucchini.)

I’ve made this dish dozens of times with many different types of cabbage.

Regular cabbage works great, but one of my favorites is with German Wirsing – Savoy Cabbage. In fact, I just made it twice this last weekend in Munich at the dinner parties and cooking class with my world-traveling vegan cookbook author friend, Surdham Göb. Next to Jackfruit Curry, this Sri Lankan dish is always a big hit with everyone. It’s easy to make and super tasty. In the photo above, I prepared the cabbage curry with large pieces, but below you can see the curry with finely chopped cabbage. Combined with fresh shredded coconut, this dish is insanely great. You can also use dried grated (desiccated) coconut, and I recommend soaking it in warm water for about 10-20 minutes first, then pressing excess water out.

Of course, we are always the most satisfied when those we love compliment our efforts and accomplishments. Not only have lots of friends, dinner party guests, and new fans at cooking demos and other events enjoyed this Cabbage Coconut Curry… the best moment for me came when I got an email from my brother Adam, after he made this dish with his first ever Sri Lankan vegan dinner feast for his family. I’d sent him the cookbook, and this dish was the first recipe he whipped up. The kids loved it, and he even sent me some photos of the meal. It was a great feeling. And now it’s time to share the recipe with you!

Gowa Mallum
cabbage & coconut curry

serves 3 to 4 / time 30 min

  • 1 small head (350 g) cabbage chopped
  • 1 small red onion chopped
  • 1 clove garlic finely chopped
  • 1 small red or green chili pepper seeded, finely chopped optional
  • 1–2 Tbs coconut oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp black mustard seeds
  • 1/2 tsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp cumin ground
  • 1/2 tsp coriander ground
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper ground
  • 1 tsp turmeric ground
  • 1–2 small pieces cinnamon bark or pinch cinnamon ground
  • 6–8 curry leaves
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) coconut milk
  • 2–3 Tbs grated coconut
  • 1 Tbs lime juice or lemon juice
  • 1 tsp agave syrup or sugar
  • 3/4 tsp sea salt
  1. Heat oil in a medium pot on medium heat. Add mustard seeds. After they start to pop (20–30 sec), stir in chopped onion, garlic, chili (if using), curry powder, ground cumin, coriander, black pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, and curry leaves. Fry until onion begins to soften, stirring constantly, 3–5 min.
  2. Add chopped cabbage and grated coconut. Mix well. Cook, partially covered, stirring regularly, 2–3 min.
  3. Add coconut milk, lime (or lemon) juice, agave syrup (or sugar) and salt. Stir several times. Reduce heat to medium low. Simmer partially covered, stirring regularly, until cabbage has shrunken and softened,10–15 min. While cooking, gradually stir in more coconut milk, as desired, for a creamier curry.
  4. Remove cinnamon bark before serving. Serve with other curries and rice.

Variations:

Spicy Red: Add 1/2 tsp chili powder (or ground paprika) and 4–6 chopped cherry tomatoes along with cabbage. Extra Fine: Finely chop cabbage and onion. Reduce simmering time as needed. Orange: Add grated or finely chopped carrot along with coconut milk for last stage of simmering.

The Lotus and the Artichoke SRI LANKA vegan cookbook

Gowa Mallum
Weißkohl-Kokos-Curry

3 bis 4 Portionen / Dauer 30 Min.

Rezept aus The Lotus and the Artichoke – SRI LANKA

  • 1 kleiner Kopf (350 g) Weißkohl klein geschnitten
  • 1 kleine rote Zwiebel gehackt
  • 1 Knoblauchzehe fein gehackt
  • 1 kleine rote oder grüne Chilischote entsamt, fein gehackt wenn gewünscht
  • 1–2 EL Kokos- oder Pflanzenöl
  • 1 TL schwarze Senfsamen
  • 1/2 TL Currypulver
  • 1 TL Kreuzkümmel gemahlen
  • 1/2 TL Koriander gemahlen
  • 1/4 TL schwarzer Pfeffer gemahlen
  • 1 TL Kurkuma gemahlen
  • 1–2 kleine Stückchen Zimtrinde oder 1 Prise gemahlener Zimt
  • 6–8 Curryblätter
  • 1/2 Tasse (120 ml) Kokosmilch
  • 2–3 EL Kokosraspel
  • 1 EL Limetten- oder Zitronensaft
  • 1 TL Agavensirup oder Zucker
  • 3/4 TL Meersalz
  1. In einem mittelgroßen Topf Öl auf mittlerer Flamme erhitzen. Senfsamen hineingeben. Nach deren Aufplatzen (nach etwa 20 bis 30 Sek.) Zwiebel, Knoblauch, Chili (wenn verwendet), Currypulver, gemahlenen Kreuzkümmel, Koriander, schwarzen Pfeffer, Kurkuma, Zimt und Curryblätter zugeben. 3 bis 5 Min. unter Rühren anbraten, bis die Zwiebel weich wird.
  2. Klein geschnittenen Weißkohl und Kokosraspel einrühren. Halb abgedeckt unter regelmäßigem Rühren 2 bis 3 Min. garen.
  3. Kokosmilch, Limetten– oder Zitronensaft, Agavensirup (oder Zucker) und Salz hinzufügen. Mehrere Male umrühren. Flamme niedrig stellen. Halb abgedeckt unter regelmäßigem Rühren 10 bis 15 Min. köcheln lassen, bis der Weißkohl zusammengefallen und weich ist. Für ein cremigeres Curry während des Köchelns nach und nach je nach Vorliebe mehr Kokosmilch unterrühren.
  4. Vor dem Anrichten die Zimtrindenstückchen entfernen. Mit Reis servieren.

Variationen:

Rot & scharf: 1/2 TL Chili- oder scharfes Paprikapulver und 4 bis 6 halbierte Cherrytomaten zusammen mit dem Weißkohl zugeben. Extra fein: Weißkohl und Zwiebel sehr fein hacken. Kochzeit entsprechend anpassen. Orange: Gegen Ende der Kochzeit 1 geraspelte oder fein gehackte Möhre zusammen mit der Kokosmilch einrühren.

SRI LANKA Cookbook

Arugula Mallum – Rocket Curry

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Arugula Mallum - stir-fried Sri Lankan greens & coconut

Sri Lankan Mallum (or Mallung) is a dish typically made with stir-fried greens (or cabbage) and grated coconut.

While traveling for 10 weeks in Sri Lanka, I was served and learned how to cook half a dozen varieties of mallum. Many involved local leafy greens that were kind of a cross between kale and spinach, and often sort of like collard greens. When I got back to Germany, I experimented with recreating the leafy greens mallum, and found that arugula (rocket, for you Brits) worked very well. It’s especially great for using up arugula in the fridge that’s no longer fresh enough for a salad or is too bitter to be eaten raw. Kind of like cooking with spinach, when cooked, the arugula will get a lot smaller and you’ll end up with less that you expected!

This is the recipe that I used for my third travel-inspired vegan cookbook, The Lotus and the Artichoke – SRI LANKA. I usually just call it Rocket Curry. Curry perhaps isn’t really the best word. Mallums are mallums, just like chutneys are chutneys, even if we might want to call it a sauce.

You can serve this dish as one of many with a Sri Lankan meal, or as a starter – kind of a warm salad.

I make it when I have lots of greens to use up, or if I’m serving Dal Curry, Beetroot Curry, and Jackfruit Curry, and rice. The four curries together are four different colors, which provides a stunning visual element to the meal. If I’m ambitious and make more dishes to go with the meal, I go for Kadala Thel Dala (Deviled Chickpeas) or Soymeats Curry. The play of different colors, shapes, textures, and unique flavors always impresses dinner guests.

This recipe works best with fresh grated coconut.

That said, quality dried (or desiccated) grated coconut can used, too, with excellent results. Soak the dried grated coconut in warm water, press out excess moisture, and take it from there. I like the addition of small plum or cherry tomatoes, as they bring a nice additional, lightly fruity flavor. If you use too much tomato, the dish will get wetter and saucier, and indeed be more of a curry. That said, you could even mix in some coconut milk or coconut cream for the last simmering stage, and get a very rich curry. There are no rules! Have fun and experiment.

If I don’t have ground mustard seed, and don’t feel like grounding up whole black mustard seeds, you can use them whole, and fry them for about 20 seconds until they start to pop, then add the greens and other ingredients. The sour of the lime juice is gently complimented by the sweet of the agave syrup or sugar. I prefer coconut blossom sugar or palm sugar, and sometimes use jaggary from the Indian / Sri Lankan Asian spice shop.

A milder version of stir-fried greens and coconut can easily be made without the curry powder, pepper, and mustard seed. Another thing to vary is how finely chopped the greens are. Sometimes I’ll use the leaves whole, but usually I chop them fairly finely – especially helpful with thicker greens, like kale or hearty spinach.

Arugula Mallum – Rocket Curry
stir-fried greens & coconut

serves 2 / time 20 min

recipe from The Lotus and the Artichoke – SRI LANKA
(Rezept auf Deutsch unten)

  • 4 cups (125 g) fresh arugula greens finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup (45 g) fresh coconut grated
    or 1/3 cup (30 g) dry grated coconut
  • 6–8 cherry tomatoes chopped
    or 1 medium (80 g) tomato chopped
  • 1 Tbs vegetable oil or coconut oil
  • 1/2 tsp mustard seed ground
  • 1/2 tsp curry powder optional
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper ground
  • 1 Tbs lemon juice
  • 1 tsp agave syrup or sugar 
    (preferably coconut / palm sugar or jaggary)
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  1. Heat oil in a large pan or pot on medium high heat.
  2. Add ground mustard seed, curry powder, and black pepper. Stir in fresh chopped greens. Fry, stirring constantly, until greens start to shrink, 2–3 min.
  3. Add grated coconut, chopped tomatoes, lemon juice, agave syrup (or sugar), and salt. Mix well. Cook, partially covered, stirring regularly, 4–7 min. Do not overcook greens.
  4. Serve with rice or bread and Sri Lankan curries or dishes.

Variations:

Other Greens: Use fresh finely chopped spinach, chard, kale, or collard greens instead. Adjust cooking time as needed.

The Lotus and the Artichoke SRI LANKA vegan cookbook
Arugula Mallum - stir-fried Sri Lankan greens & coconut

Rocket Curry
Rucola-Kokos-Pfanne

2 Portionen / Dauer 20 Min.

Rezept aus The Lotus and the Artichoke – SRI LANKA

  • 4 Tassen (125 g) frischer Rucola klein geschnitten
  • 1/2 Tasse (45 g) frisch geraspelte Kokosnuss 
    oder 1/3 Tasse (30 g) getrocknete Kokosraspel
  • 6–8 Cherrytomaten halbiert 
    oder 1 mittelgroße (80 g) Tomate gehackt
  • 1 EL Pflanzen– oder Kokosöl
  • 1/2 TL Senfsamen gemahlen
  • 1/2 TL Currypulver
  • 1/4 TL schwarzer Pfeffer gemahlen
  • 1 EL Zitronensaft
  • 1 TL Agavensirup oder Zucker (Palmzucker oder Kokosblütenzucker)
  • 1/2 TL Meersalz
  1. In einem großen Topf oder einer Pfanne Öl auf mittlerer Flamme erhitzen.
  2. Gemahlene Senfsamen, Currypulver und schwarzen Pfeffer hineingeben. Rucola hinzufügen. 2 bis 3 Min. anbraten, bis der Rucola zu schrumpfen beginnt.
  3. Kokosraspel, gehackte Tomaten, Zitronensaft, Agavensirup (oder Zucker) und Salz einrühren. Halb abgedeckt unter regelmäßigem Rühren 5 bis 7 Min. schmoren. Rucola nicht zerkochen.
  4. Mit Reis oder Brot servieren.

Variationen:

Anderes Grünzeug: Statt Rucola frischen gehackten Spinat, Mangold, Grün- oder Schwarzkohl verwenden. Garzeit nach Bedarf anpassen.

Pol Sambol

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Pol Sambol - spicy coconut chutney

Pol Sambol is one of those amazing Asian condiments that is easy to make and super satisfying. It adds a spice and heat kick to any dish and is great (and essential) with Sri Lankan curries.

The best Pol Sambol is made with fresh, grated coconut.

In Sri Lanka, fresh coconut halves are shredded with a hand-turned grater. Alternately, the coconut can be cut into chunks and grated with a box grater or hand grater, which takes considerably more time. If you don’t have fresh coconut on hand, any good dried, desiccated, grated coconut works well. Just soak it in hot water and press out the excess moisture after about 10 or 20 minutes before mixing with the spices and other ingredients. The red color is determined by how much paprika, chili powder or red chili flakes are used. Don’t be bashful or you’ll get a bland, pale Sambol! Increase the ground paprika to get more red color in your coconut chutney, if you’re going skipping the heat and don’t want to use chili.

The onion and garlic are not absolutely necessary for Pol Sambol, but the flavor and freshness is more intense. An ayurvedic version of the coconut chutney is made simply by omitting the onion and garlic. Which is how I prepare Pol Sambol about half the time.

I’m not sure when the first time was that I had Pol Sambol…

Maybe on my first trip to South India, or at at Sri Lankan restaurant in Berlin. But I do know that I had it dozens of times in the ten weeks of backpacking and travel in Sri Lanka. Unlike many dishes, it didn’t vary much from place to place, family to family. Traditionally, Pol Sanbol is often made with dried fish, such as Maldive fish flakes – quite common Sri Lanka. Obviously for a vegan version, I skip that.

 

A video posted by Justin P. Moore (@lotusartichoke) on

I make Pol Sambol pretty much every time I make Dal Curry, and other Sri Lanka “Rice and Curry” dishes. But it’s also essential for Hoppers (Idiyappam) – which means this spicy coconut topping is enjoyed any time, with any Sri Lankan meal, whether breakfast, lunch, dinner… or just for a snack!

Pol Sambol
spicy Sri Lankan coconut chutney

makes about 2 cups / time 10 min +

Recipe from The Lotus and the Artichoke – SRI LANKA
(Rezept auf Deutsch unten)

  • 2 cups (180 g) fresh coconut grated
    or 1 cup (85 g) dried grated coconut + 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm water
  • 1 small red onion finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper ground
  • 1/2–1 tsp chili powder
  • 1–2 tsp paprika ground
  • 1 tsp sugar (preferably coconut/palm sugar)
  • 1–2 Tbs lime juice
  • 1/4–1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1 red or green chili finely chopped, for garnish
  1. If using dried grated coconut, first mix well with water and soak 20 min.
  2. In a mortar and pestle, grind and pound onion and garlic to a coarse paste. Alternately, mix well in bowl.
  3. Add grated coconut, black pepper, chili powder, paprika, and sugar. Mix well.
  4. Add lime juice and salt, adding more as desired to taste.
  5. Garnish with finely chopped red or green chili.
  6. Serve with Dal Curry, Hoppers, bread, or snacks.

Variations:

Extra Heat: Add 1/2–1 tsp red chili flakes along with other spices.

 

The Lotus and the Artichoke SRI LANKA vegan cookbook
Pol Sambol - spicy coconut chutney

Pol Sambol
Klassische Kokosnuss-Würzmischung

ca. 2 Tassen / Dauer 20 Min.

  • 2 Tassen (180 g) frisch geraspelte Kokosnuss
    oder 1 Tasse (85 g) getrocknete Kokosraspel + 1/2 Tasse (120 ml) Wasser
  • 1 kleine rote Zwiebel fein gehackt
  • 1 Knoblauchzehe fein gehackt
  • 1/2 TL schwarzer Pfeffer gemahlen
  • 1/2–1 TL Chilipulver
  • 1 TL Paprikapulver
  • 1 TL Zucker
  • 1–2 EL Limettensaft
  • 1/4–1/2 TL Meersalz
  • 1 rote oder grüne Chilischote entsamt, fein gehackt
  1. Getrocknete Kokosraspel vor dem Verwenden 20 Min. in Wasser einweichen.
  2. In einem Mörser Zwiebel und Knoblauch zu einer Paste zerstoßen und zermahlen. Alternativ die kleinen Stückchen in einer Schüssel vermischen.
  3. Kokosraspel, schwarzen Pfeffer, Chilipulver, Paprikapulver und Zucker zugeben und alles gut miteinander vermengen.
  4. Limettensaft und Salz unterrühren. Nach Geschmack mehr Salz oder Limettensaft zugeben.
  5. Mit einer fein gehackten roten oder grünen Chilischote garnieren.
  6. Mit Dal Curry, Hoppers, Brot oder Snacks servieren.

Variationen:

Extra scharf: 1/2 bis 1 TL rote Chiliflocken zusammen mit den anderen Gewürzen unterrühren.

Watalappam

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Wattalapam - Sri Lankan Spiced Coconut Custard Pudding

Watalappam is a traditional coconut dessert enjoyed in Sri Lanka.

This luscious custard is spiced-up with cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, often with a hint of vanilla, and a smattering of nuts or dried fruits. The taste reminds me of a spicy, aromatic Indian cup of chai. But cold, coconutty, and soft! As with all recipes, everyone has their very own version. The Tamils make it different than the Singhalese, and the Muslims have another delightful variation.

I invented a vegan version of the coconut custard, and I added some variations of my own– including fresh (or frozen) berries. I often top it with dark, rich, sweet coconut blossom syrup (AKA palm syrup) which is extremely popular in Sri Lanka – and recently gaining popularity in Europe and the Americas. Sometimes I top the custard with blackstrap molasses or dark agave syrup, or some fresh fruit and nuts and maybe a bit of homemade fruit syrup, like I do with my vanilla muffins (also in The Lotus and the Artichoke – SRI LANKA cookbook.)

There’s actually a good story with the first time I had Watalappam in Sri Lanka. It highlights the need to stay cool, and remember that how we react in unexpected situations always influences how others perceive not just us as people, but whatever groups of people with whom we are associated – as foreign tourists, guests, citizens of particular countries, …and as vegetarians and vegans. In my travels, I try to be modest and respectful, and traveling vegan certainly comes with challenges here and there. Usually it’s much easier than others imagine, but I guess experience, a fair amount of luck and communication are all important factors.

One night I was invited to dinner at home with a Sri Lankan family in the small, charming town of Midigama.

Midigama is on the south west coast of Sri Lanka, and known for several great surfing spots, and I wanted to check it out. Sharani and her husband, a local tuk-tuk driver, lived with their two small children – and a funny green parrot that could talk – on a narrow, unpaved road a few minutes walk from the beach. She cooked for the better part of an afternoon, and by time dinner was ready, we were super hungry and totally curious what kind of deliciousness awaited us. Everything smelled fantastic! And then dinner was served: 5 Sri Lankan curries… including stir-fried Bonchi (green beans), spicy sautéed Brinjal (eggplant/aubergine), Carrot Curry, Dal (lentil) Curry, Soymeats Curry, and of course papadam, rice, and a simple salad of cucumbers and tomatoes.

After we finished eating, Sharani asked, “Do you like Watalappam? Sweets? Want to try?”

I was immediately curious, and asked her to describe it. “Made with coconut. Like a pudding. But very special flavors!” I tried once more, politely, to find out how it was made. “With eggs? Milk?” “No, no. Coconut!” “Butter?” “No, no. Coconut. And sugar! Palm syrup.” At this, she slid her chair back from the table, dashed to the kitchen, and returned with a chilled tray covered with plastic foil, which she was peeling back as she walked.

Vegan Watalapan Coconut Custard Pudding Dessert from Sri Lanka Dinner Party

“Watalappan! Coconut pudding!” she said, and scooped out a few spoonfuls into little bowls. She passed one to me, along with a small, shiny spoon. Whoa! It smelled good, and certainly looked intriguing. I repeated, “No milk inside? No eggs?” Again, she shook her head, smiling, anxiously waiting for me to try her homemade custard. So I took a bite. And then another. I admit, it was tasty. The aromatic spices and tropical sweetness combined with the rich, fresh coconut flavor were an excellent combination. But I was already quite full from the five curries and all. I politely declined any more of the luscious sweet. On the walk home, I played back the taste in my mind and thought about what could be in it. Was it really vegan? Maybe, but probably not. At another family dinner later in the trip, Watalappam was offered to me, and at a restaurant once or twice, I saw it on the menu. But both times I was told it was made with eggs, so I didn’t taste it. Instead, I took a good look and smelled the spices, and took some notes, as I often do.

Two months later, back in Berlin, when I started intensively researching existing Sri Lankan recipes, and scouring the many international vegetarian and vegan cookbooks I have, I quickly determined that traditional watalappan is always made with eggs! And often with milk! I didn’t find a single recipe that was vegan. So I set out to create one. I did a few experiments, and refined and improved the recipe to be as it is now.

It’s the perfect sweet ending to a Sri Lankan Rice & Curry dinner, and I’ve made it many times for dinner parties – for large groups and just for the family. One thing to keep in mind: make it in the morning or afternoon so it has time to chill in the fridge, if you want to have it with dinner!

Watalappam
Sri Lankan spiced coconut custard pudding

serves 4 to 6 / time 40 min +

recipe from The Lotus and the Artichoke – SRI LANKA
(Rezept auf Deutsch unten)

  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar
  • 1 Tbs corn starch
  • 1 tsp agar powder or 2 tsp agar flakes
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla bean ground or 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon ground
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg ground
  • 1/4 tsp (about 6 pods) cardamom ground
  • 1/8 tsp (about 5 pieces) cloves ground
  • 2 Tbs cashews lightly roasted, crumbled for garnish
  • palm syrup or agave syrup
  1. Bring coconut milk to low boil in medium pot on medium heat. Stir in sugar.
  2. Whisk corn starch and agar powder (or flakes) into 1/4 cup (60 ml) water in small bowl. Stir into simmering coconut milk. Return to simmer. Reduce heat to low. Cook 5 min, stirring regularly.
  3. Stir in ground vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, 3–5 min. Remove from heat.
  4. Fill 4 to 6 small bowls with custard mix. Let cool 20 min. Transfer to refrigerator and chill for 6 hours or overnight.
  5. Remove chilled bowls from fridge and loosen around the custard with a knife. Carefully turn bowl upside down on plate and hit it gently on top a few times. Lift bowl to see that custard has been released. If not, poke it a few times with knife.
  6. Drizzle with syrup and garnish with crumbled, roasted cashews and/or chopped fruit and berries.

Variations:
No Coco: Replace coconut milk with soy, oat, or almond milk.

This recipe is from my third vegan cookbook, The Lotus and the Artichoke – SRI LANKA: A Culinary Adventure with over 70 vegan recipes. Available in English, German, and also as an e-book!

The Lotus and the Artichoke SRI LANKA vegan cookbook
Wattalapam - Sri Lankan Spiced Coconut Custard Pudding

Watalappam
traditioneller Kokospudding aus Sri Lanka

Rezept aus The Lotus and the Artichoke – SRI LANKA

4 bis 6 Portionen / Dauer 40 Min. +

  • 1 1/2 Tasse (360 ml) Kokosmilch
  • 1/4 Tasse (50 g) Zucker
  • 1 EL Speisestärke
  • 1 TL Agar-Agar-Pulver oder 2 TL Agar-Agar-Flocken
  • 1/4 Tasse (60 ml) Wasser
  • 1/2 TL Vanillemark oder 1 TL Vanillezucker
  • 1/2 TL Zimt gemahlen
  • 1/2 TL Muskat gemahlen
  • 1/4 TL (ca. 6 Kapseln) Kardamom gemahlen
  • 1/8 TL (ca. 5 Stück) Nelken gemahlen
  • 2 EL Cashewkerne leicht geröstet, gehackt
  • Kokosblütensirup oder Agavensirup
  1. In einem mittelgroßen Topf Kokosmilch auf mittlerer Flamme zum Kochen bringen. Zucker einrühren.
  2. In einer kleinen Schüssel Speisestärke und Agar Agar mit 1/4 Tasse (60 ml) Wasser verquirlen. In die köchelnde Kokosmilch einrühren. Erneut zum Kochen bringen. Flamme niedrig stellen und 5 Min. unter Rühren köcheln lassen.
  3. Vanille, Zimt, Muskat, Kardamom und Nelken einrühren. 3 bis 5 Min. weiter köcheln, bis der Pudding eindickt. Vom Herd nehmen.
  4. Pudding in 4 bis 6 kleine Schüsseln füllen und 20 Min. abkühlen lassen. In den Kühlschrank stellen und 6 Stunden oder über Nacht durchziehen lassen.
  5. Kalte Schüsseln aus dem Kühlschrank nehmen und den Pudding am Schüsselrand vorsichtig mit einem Messer lösen. Schüsseln auf Teller stürzen und leicht auf den Schüsselboden klopfen. Schüsseln anheben und nachschauen, ob der Pudding gestürzt ist. Falls nicht, vorsichtig mit einem Messer herauslösen.
  6. Mit Sirup beträufeln und mit gehackten gerösteten Cashewkernen und geschnittenen Früchten und Beeren garnieren.

Variationen:

Ohne Kokosmilch: Kokosmilch mit Soja-, Hafer oder Mandelmilch ersetzen.

Dieses Rezept stammt aus meinem 3. veganen Kochbuch The Lotus and the Artichoke – SRI LANKA: Eine kulinarische Entdeckungsreise mit über 70 veganen Rezepten

Kadala Thel Dala

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Deviled Chickpeas - Kadala Thel Dala from The Lotus and the Artichoke - SRI LANKA vegan cookbook

This is another one of my favorite, quick-and-easy Sri Lankan recipes. I tried many versions of this spicy chickpea curry dish all over Sri Lanka during my 10 week adventure all across and around the island.

You can serve it as a main dish, but technically it’s a short eat (the Sri Lankan term for snack or appetizer or small meal.) Like most short eats, it’s a common snack from street food vendors, but also appears on restaurant menus and is often available from many take-out places… and on buses as a cheap finger food snack – in it’s much drier variation.

Traditionally it’s not served in a curry sauce, but is made “dry”. (This is something I found a lot in India and Sri Lanka — also with dishes such as Vegetable Manchurian or Gobi 65, and such.) I like cooking Kadala Thel Dala all kinds of ways, but usually make it without a really runny, liquid-y curry. Limiting the amount of chopped tomatoes (and cutting larger pieces) as well as using enough grated coconut (to soak up liquid) gets the chickpea curry to desired consistency. Note that rinsing and draining your chickpeas very well before cooking will help, and adding a few minutes of stir-frying on high, while constantly stirring, will also get rid of excess liquid.

Like my Jackfruit Curry, this dish is very popular with all types of eaters, it can be made spicy or not spicy (great for kids!), and is an excellent introduction to Sri Lankan flavors. It’s another one of my go-to recipes for dinner parties, cooking classes, cooking shows. I make it at home pretty often, too.

In addition to being in my third vegan cookbook The Lotus and the Artichoke – SRI LANKA, it’s been published in several vegan magazines in Germany. It’s such a simple and satisfying recipe. Also I love this photo! The little green hand-painted demon guy is on a decorative wooden thing I picked up at a shop in touristy – but gorgeous – Galle Fort, not too far from Unawatuna, and where we spent our last two weeks on the southwest coast in the beach village of Dalawella.

Kadala Thel Dala
deviled chickpeas with tomatoes & spices

recipe from The Lotus and the Artichoke – SRI LANKA: A Culinary Adventure with over 70 vegan recipes

serves 2 to 3 / time 30 min

  • 2 cups (14 oz / 400 g) cooked chickpeas or 1 cup (185 g) dried chickpeas
  • 6–8 cherry tomatoes chopped or 1 medium (80 g) tomato chopped
  • 1 medium (100 g) red onion choppedor 2–3 spring onions chopped
  • 1 clove garlic finely chopped
  • 3/4 in (2 cm) fresh ginger finely chopped
  • 1 green chili seeded, finely chopped optional
  • 1 Tbs coconut oil or vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp curry powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin ground
  • 1/2 tsp coriander ground
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper ground
  • 1 tsp chili powder or paprika ground
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric ground
  • 6–8 curry leaves
  • 2 Tbs grated coconut
  • 1 tsp soy sauce (Shoyu)
  • 2 Tbs lime juice or lemon juice
  • 1 Tbs agave syrup or sugar
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • fresh coriander chopped for garnish
  1. If using dried chickpeas: Soak 8 hrs or overnight. Boil with fresh water in covered pot until soft, 60–90 min. Drain. If using canned chickpeas, rinse and drain before use.
  2. Heat oil in a large pot on medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, ginger, green chili (if using), curry powder, ground cumin, coriander, black pepper, chili powder (or paprika), turmeric, and curry leaves. Fry, stirring frequently, until onions begin to soften, 3–5 min.
  3. Add cooked chickpeas, chopped tomatoes, grated coconut, soy sauce, lime (or lemon) juice, agave syrup (or sugar), and salt. Mix well. Cook, partially covered, stirring regularly, 9–12 min.
  4. Garnish with fresh chopped coriander or chopped spring onion green tips. Serve!

Variations:

Vedic: Replace garlic and onions with a pinch of asafoetida (hing) powder and more chopped tomatoes. Redder: Add 1 Tbs tomato paste along with chickpeas. Extra-Dry: Omit tomatoes and add (additional) 1–2 Tbs grated coconut.

This recipe is from my third vegan cookbook, The Lotus and the Artichoke – SRI LANKA: A Culinary Adventure with over 70 vegan recipes. Available in English, German, and also as an e-book!

The Lotus and the Artichoke SRI LANKA vegan cookbook

Deviled Chickpeas - Kadala Thel Dala from The Lotus and the Artichoke - SRI LANKA vegan cookbook

Kadala Thel Dala
teuflisch würzige Kichererbsen

Rezept aus meinem veganen Kochbuch: The Lotus and the Artichoke – SRI LANKA: Eine kulinarische Entdeckungsreise mit über 70 veganen Rezepten

2 bis 3 Portionen / Dauer 30 Min.

  • 2 Tassen (400 g) gekochte Kichererbsen oder 1 Tasse (185 g) getrocknete Kichererbsen
  • 6–8 Cherrytomaten halbiert oder 1 mittelgroße (80 g) Tomate gehackt
  • 1 mittelgroße (100 g) rote Zwiebel gehackt oder 2–3 Frühlingszwiebeln gehackt
  • 1 Knoblauchzehe fein gehackt
  • 2 cm frischer Ingwer fein gehackt
  • 1 grüne Chilischote entsamt, fein gehackt wenn gewünscht
  • 1 EL Kokos- oder Pflanzenöl
  • 1/2 TL Currypulver wenn gewünscht
  • 1/2 TL Kreuzkümmel gemahlen
  • 1/2 TL Koriander gemahlen
  • 1/2 TL schwarzer Pfeffer gemahlen
  • 1 TL Chili- oder Paprikapulver
  • 1/2 TL Kurkuma gemahlen
  • 6–8 Curryblätter
  • 2 EL Kokosraspel
  • 1 TL Sojasoße (Shoyu)
  • 2 EL Limetten- oder Zitronensaft
  • 1 EL Agavensirup oder Zucker
  • 1 TL Meersalz
  • frisches Koriandergrün gehackt, zum Garnieren
  1. Beim Verwenden getrockneter Kichererbsen: 8 Stunden oder über Nacht einweichen. Abgießen, spülen und in einem mittelgroßen Topf mit frischem Wasser 60 bis 90 Min. weich kochen. Abgießen. Kichererbsen aus der Dose vor dem Verwenden abgießen und spülen.
  2. In einem großen Topf Öl auf mittlerer Flamme erhitzen. Gehackte Zwiebel, Knoblauch, Ingwer, Chili (falls verwendet), Currypulver, gemahlenen Kreuzkümmel, Koriander, schwarzen Pfeffer, Chili– oder Paprikapulver, Kurkuma und Curryblätter hineingeben. 3 bis 5 Min. unter ständigem Rühren anbraten, bis die Zwiebel weich wird.
  3. Gekochte Kichererbsen, gehackte Tomaten, Kokosraspel, Sojasoße, Limettensaft, Agavensirup (oder Zucker) und Salz hinzufügen. Gut umrühren. 9 bis 12 Min. halb abgedeckt unter regelmäßigem Rühren schmoren.
  4. Mit frisch gehacktem Koriandergrün oder grünen Frühlingszwiebelringen garnieren und servieren.

Variationen:

Vedisch: Zwiebel und Knoblauch mit 1 Prise Asafoetida (Hingpulver) und mehr gehackten Tomaten ersetzen. Intensiveres Rot: 1 EL Tomatenmark zusammen mit den Kichererbsen zugeben. “Dry”: Ohne Tomaten und mit noch 1–2 EL Koksraspeln.

Dieses Rezept stammt aus meinem 3. veganen Kochbuch The Lotus and the Artichoke – SRI LANKA: Eine kulinarische Entdeckungsreise mit über 70 veganen Rezepten

Sri Lankan Jackfruit Curry

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Jackfruit Curry Dinner from The Lotus and the Artichoke - SRI LANKA!

This is absolutely one of my favorite dishes and recipes from my SRI LANKA vegan cookbook & ebook! I make it often at home, and have cooked it up for many dinner parties, cooking shows, and it’s regularly featured at the cooking classes I do, too. It’s really easy to make and it’s one of those dishes that’s a real crowd-pleaser, for vegans, vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

Strangely, Sri Lankan food is still not really that well-known in the world culinary scene — and the vegan scene, but it’s popularity and visibility has improved in the last few years. It’s kind of like jackfruit itself, which only recently has started to get really hyped and celebrated outside of Asia, where it has a long tradition and has been enjoyed for… well, practically forever! I suspect as Sri Lanka becomes more popular as a travel destination, more people will fall in love with the cuisine. Admittedly, I fell in love with Sri Lankan food about 10 years before my trip to Sri Lanka — there are some amazing Sri Lankan and South Indian eateries in Paris and Berlin that blew me away!

This Sri Lankan Jackfruit Curry is made with coconut milk, and it’s really creamy and intense. Jackfruit, kind of like plain tofu or tempeh or soy chunks (TVP), takes on the flavors of the sauce and marinade. The texture and freshness are amazing, and I enjoy it much more than the soy and faux-meat variations. (Which all work in this curry mix, too, btw!) You can use all kinds of coconut milk, or even make your own. If I buy coconut milk, I always try to get organic coconut milk with no weird additives and preservatives. In Germany, my favorite coconut milk is from Dr Goerg. It’s super rich and creamy, and combined with a little hit of coconut blossom syrup in the curry, this dish gets crazy delicious!

The main thing to know about cooking with jackfruit outside of Asia is: It’s easy to find! It’s inexpensive and really nothing bizarre. Almost every Asian import grocery store I’ve been to in the US, Canada, Germany, France, England, Holland and other parts of Europe, whether big city or little town, has Green Jackfruit (unsweetened!) in a can… but the yellow jackfruit which is primarily for sweet dishes and desserts is also usable, if you rinse off the syrup and adjust the spices / salt accordingly. Green jackfruit is the unripened, slightly tougher, less sweet fruit.

I had Jackfruit Curry in at least 10 different places in the 10 weeks I spent in Sri Lanka. Each restaurant and every family make it a bit different. I’ve also made lots of different variations on this one– sometimes sweeter, sometimes spicier, sometimes creamier, sometimes with other fun stuff like greens… or even pineapple!

Jackfruit Curry
Sri Lankan specialty in creamy coconut curry

serves 3 to 4 / time 30 min +

recipe from The Lotus and the Artichoke – SRI LANKA
(Rezept auf Deutsch unten)

  • 2 1/2 cups (350 g) young green jackfruit (unsweetened!)
  • 1 medium red onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1 green or red chili seeded, finely chopped optional
  • 2 Tbs vegetable oil or coconut oil
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin ground
  • 1/2 tsp coriander ground
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds ground
  • 1/2 tsp (brown) mustard seeds ground
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder or paprika ground
  • 3/4 tsp turmeric ground
  • 2 small pieces cinnamon bark
  • 6–8 curry leaves
  • 2 pandan (rampe) leaves or bay leaves
  • 1 cup (240 ml) coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water more as needed
  • 1–2 Tbs lime juice or lemon juice
  • 1 Tbs agave syrup or sugar
  • 3/4 tsp sea salt
  • fresh coriander chopped, for garnish
  1. If using canned jackfruit, rinse and drain well. Chop into cubes or strips.
  2. Heat oil in a medium pot on medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, chili (if using), curry powder, ground cumin, coriander, black pepper, fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds, chili powder (or paprika), turmeric, cinnamon, curry leaves, and pandan (or bay) leaves.
  3. Fry until onion begins to soften, stirring constantly, 3–5 min.
  4. Add chopped jackfruit, lime (or lemon) juice, agave syrup (or sugar) and salt. Mix well.
  5. Fry, stirring regularly, another 3–5 min.
  6. Add coconut milk. Stir several times. Bring to low boil. Reduce heat to low. Simmer partially covered, stirring regularly, until jackfruit pieces soften and fall apart,12–15 min. While cooking, gradually stir in water (or more coconut milk) as desired, for thinner curry.
  7. Remove cinnamon bark and bay leaves before serving.
  8. Garnish with fresh, chopped coriander. Serve with rice.

Variations:
Sweet & Red: Add 1 cup (80 g) chopped pineapple and 1 chopped tomato along with jackfruit.
Vedic: Omit onions and garlic, and add pinch asafoetida (hing) powder. Add jackfruit along with all spices.

This recipe is from my third vegan cookbook, The Lotus and the Artichoke – SRI LANKA: A Culinary Adventure with over 70 vegan recipes. Available in English, German, and also as an e-book!

The Lotus and the Artichoke SRI LANKA vegan cookbook
Jackfruit Curry Dinner from The Lotus and the Artichoke - SRI LANKA!

Jackfrucht Curry
srilankische Spezialität mit Kokosmilch

3 bis 4 Portionen / Dauer 30 Min.

Rezept aus The Lotus and the Artichoke – SRI LANKA
  • 2 1/2 Tassen (350 g) junge grüne Jackfrucht (ungesüßt!)
  • 1 mittelgroße rote Zwiebel gehackt
  • 2 Knoblauchzehen fein gehackt
  • 1 grüne oder rote Chilischote entsamt, fein gehackt wenn gewünscht
  • 2 EL Pflanzen- oder Kokosöl
  • 1 TL Currypulver
  • 1/2 TL Kreuzkümmel gemahlen
  • 1/2 TL Koriander gemahlen
  • 1/4 TL schwarzer Pfeffer gemahlen
  • 1/2 TL Bockshornkleesamen gemahlen
  • 1/2 TL Schwarze Senfsamen gemahlen
  • 1/2 TL Chili- oder Paprikapulver
  • 3/4 TL Kurkuma gemahlen
  • 2 kleine Stückchen Zimtrinde
  • 6–8 Curryblätter
  • 2 Lorbeerblätter oder Pandanusblätter
  • 1 Tasse (240 ml) Kokosmilch
  • 1/2 Tasse (120 ml) Wasser bei Bedarf mehr
  • 1–2 EL Limetten- oder Zitronensaft
  • 1 EL Agavensirup oder Zucker
  • 3/4 TL Meersalz
  • frisches Koriandergrün gehackt, zum Garnieren
  1. Jackfrucht aus der Dose abgießen und spülen. In Würfel oder Streifen schneiden.
  2. In einem Topf Öl auf mittlerer Flamme erhitzen. Zwiebel, Knoblauch, Chili (wenn verwendet), Currypulver, Kreuzkümmel, Koriander, schwarzen Pfeffer, Bockshornkleesamen, Senfsamen, Chili– oder Paprikapulver, Kurkuma, Zimt, Curry– und Pandanusblätter (oder Lorbeerblätter) hineingeben. 3 bis 5 Min. unter Rühren anbraten, bis die Zwiebel weich wird.
  3. Jackfruchtstücke, Limetten– oder Zitronensaft, Agavensirup (oder Zucker) und Salz zugeben und gut umrühren. Weitere 3 bis 5 Min. unter Rühren braten.
  4. Kokosmilch zugießen und mehrere Male umrühren. Zum Kochen bringen. Flamme niedrig stellen und halb abgedeckt unter regelmäßigem Rühren 12 bis 15 Min. köcheln, bis die Jackfruchtstücke weich werden und beginnen zu zerfallen. Für ein dünneres Curry während des Kochens je nach Bedarf nach und nach Wasser (oder mehr Kokosmilch) einrühren.
  5. Vor dem Servieren Zimtrinde und Lorbeerblätter entfernen.
  6. Mit frisch gehacktem Koriandergrün garnieren und mit Reis servieren.

Variationen:

Rot & Süß: 1 Tasse (75 g) gehackte Ananas und 1 gehackte Tomate zusammen mit der Jackfrucht zugeben. Vedisch: Zwiebeln und Knoblauch mit 1 Prise Asafoetida (Hingpulver) ersetzen.

Dieses Rezept stammt aus meinem 3. veganen Kochbuch The Lotus and the Artichoke – SRI LANKA: Eine kulinarische Entdeckungsreise mit über 70 veganen Rezepten

German Lebkuchen (Elisenlebkuchen)

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German Lebkuchen Cookies - The Lotus and the Artichoke - Vegan Cookbook

German Lebkuchen – Traditional Christmas Cookies

makes 12-14 / time 45 min

Cookie dough:

  • 2/3 cup / 100 g almonds ground
  • 2/3 cup / 100 g hazelnuts ground
  • 2/3 cup / 150 g sugar
  • 1/3 cup / 50 g flour
  • 3 Tbsn soy flour
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3 Tbsn apricot or orange marmelade
  • 1/4 cup / 25 g candied lemon peel (Zitronat) or dried figs finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup / 25 g candied orange peel (Orangeat) or dried dates finely chopped
  • pinch salt
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 12 to 14 baking wafers (70 mm)

Spice mix:

  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon ground
  • 1/4 tsp cardamom ground
  • 1/4 tsp cloves ground
  • pinch black pepper ground
  • pinch nutmeg ground
  • 2 Tbsn cocoa powder OPTIONAL

For decoration:

  • Orange zest, almonds, hazelnuts, candied orange and lime peel
  1. In a medium bowl, mix soy flour, sugar, marmalade, water well until mixture is smooth.
  2. In a food processor, chop candied orange and lemon peels or dates and figs very finely. (If using dates and figs, add 1/2 Tbsn orange zest + 1/2 Tbsn lemon zest.)
  3. In a large bowl, mix ground nuts, flour, salt, vanilla, and spice mix. Add contents of other bowl and chopped peels or dried fruit. Mix well to form smooth and moist dough.
  4. Refrigerate 1 hr, or preferably, overnight.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F / 190°C / level 5.
  6. Line baking tray with baking paper. Top a baking wafer with a heaping tablespoon of dough. Press down to form round and mostly flat cookies. Repeat with rest of the dough and wafers. Place well-spaced on baking tray. No baking wafers? Form flat and round cookies with a spoon and place directly on baking paper.
  7. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Note: Cookies will still be soft and similar shape when done.
  8. Remove from oven, allow to cool.

3 types of icing:

Chocolate icing:

  • 2 oz / 50 g dark chocolate
  1. Melt chocolate in medium pot set into larger pot of hot water.
  2. Apply melted chocolate with spoon or baking brush on cooled cookies. Garnish carefully, let cookies dry.

Plain icing:

  • 3 Tbsn water
  • 2 Tbsn sugar
  1. Mix water and sugar in small pot on medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Allow to cool.
  2. Brush on/pour over with spoon on cooled cookies. Garnish carefully, let cookies dry.

White icing:

  • 3 Tbs powdered sugar
  • 1 Tbs coconut milk or soy cream
  1. Whisk powdered sugar and coconut milk or soy milk in small bowl. Mix well until thick and creamy, adding sugar or liquid as needed.
  2. Spread icing over cookies with spoon to fully cover. Garnish carefully, let cookies dry.

German Christmas Cookies - The Lotus and the Artichoke - Vegan Recipes from World Adventures

German Gingerbread Christmas Cookies with Matcha Sorbet and Blueberry Sorbet - The Lotus and the Artichoke German Lebkuchen Cookies - The Lotus and the Artichoke - Vegan Cookbook

Elisenlebkuchen

12-14 Stück / Zubereitungszeit 45 Min.

Lebkuchenteig:

  • 2/3 Tasse / 100 g Mandeln gemahlen
  • 2/3 Tasse / 100g Haselnüsse gemahlen
  • 2/3 Tasse / 150 g Zucker
  • 1/3 Tasse / 50 g Mehl
  • 3 Tbsn Soyamehl
  • 1/2 Tasse / 120 ml Wasser
  • 3 EL Aprikosen- oder Orangemarmelade
  • 1/4 Tasse / 25 g Zitronat sehr fein gehackt
  • 1/4 Tasse / 25 g Orangeat sehr fein gehackt
  • Prise Salz
  • 1/2 TL Vanillinzucker
  • 1 TL Wasser
  • 12 – 14 Backoblaten (70 mm Durchmesser)

Gewürzmix: 1 EL Lebkuchengewürz; oder:

  • 1/4 EL Zimt gemahlen
  • 1/4 EL Kardamom gemahlen
  • 1/4 EL Nelken gemahlen
  • 1 Prise schwarzer Pfeffer gemahlen
  • 1 Prise Muskat gemahlen
  • 2 EL / 10 g Kakaopulver AUF WUNSCH

Zum Garnieren:

  • Orangenabrieb, Mandeln, Haselnüsse, Orangeat oder Zitronat
  1. Soyamehl, Zucker, Wasser und Marmelade in einer mittelgroßen Schüssel vermischen und cremig rühren.
  2. Orangeat und Zitronat in Küchenmaschine sehr fein häckseln.
  3. Gemahlene Nüsse, Mehl, Vanillinzucker, Salz, wenn gewünscht Kakaopulver und Gewürzmix in großer Schüssel vermischen.  Gehacktes Orangeat und Zitronat sowie Mischung aus anderer Schüssel unter- und gut verrühren, bis ein glatter feuchter Lebkuchenteig entsteht.
  4. Über Nacht oder mindestens 1 Stunde im Kühlschrank ruhen lassen.
  5. Ofen auf 375°F / 190°C / level 5 vorheizen.
  6. Backblech mit Backpapier auslegen. Mit einem Esslöffel einen großzügigen Kleks Teig auf eine Oblate geben und flach in Form drücken. Restlichen Teig auf Oblaten verteilen. Oblaten mit genügend Abstand auf Backblech setzen.
  7. Lebkuchen in den Ofen schieben und ca. 15 Min. backen. Die Lebkuchen sollten nach dem Backen noch weich sein und ihre Form kaum verändert haben.
  8. Aus dem Ofen nehmen und abkühlen lassen.

3 Glasuren:

Schokoladenüberzug:

  • 50 g dunkle Schokolade
  1. Schokolade kleinbrechen und in kleine Schüssel geben. Kleine Schüssel in größeren Topf mit heißem Wasser stellen und Schokolade schmelzen lassen.
  2. Glasur mit Löffel oder Backpinsel auf Oblaten streichen. Vorsichtig garnieren und trocknen lassen.

Klare Zuckerglasur:

  • 3 EL Wasser
  • 2 EL Zucker
  1. In kleinem Topf Wasser und Zucker mischen und auf mittlerer Flamme erhitzen bis sich der Zucker aufgelöst hat. Abkühlen lassen.
  2. Mit Löffel oder Backpinsel auf die Oblaten streichen. Vorsichtig garnieren und trocknen lassen.

Weiße Zuckerglasur:

  • 3 TL Puderzucker
  • 1 TL Kokosnussmilch oder Sojasahne
  1. In einer kleinen Schüssel den Puderzucker und die Kokosnussmilch / Sojasahne gut verrühren bis eine cremig-feste Masse entsteht. Je nach Konsistenz Puderzucker oder Flüssigkeit hinzufügen, wenn die Glasur noch zu dünn oder schon zu zäh ist.
  2. Mit einem Löffel auf die Oblaten geben bis diese ganz bedeckt sind. Vorsichtig garnieren und trocknen lassen.

German Christmas Cookies - The Lotus and the Artichoke - Vegan Recipes from World Adventures

German Gingerbread Christmas Cookies with Matcha Sorbet and Blueberry Sorbet - The Lotus and the Artichoke

Kochen ohne Knochen Interview

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Interview Kochen ohne Knochen Das Vegane Magazin Justin P. Moore on the balcony

Interview Kochen ohne Knochen Das Vegane Magazin Justin P. Moore layout

I was recently interviewed for Kochen ohne Knochen – Das Vegane Magazin. The original interview is in German, but I’ve translated it here for you to read in English, and added more detail to a few answers. I also included photos from the printed magazine’s design and layout for the article. I’m super pleased with how it turned out.

Justin P. Moore – World Traveler & Vegan

Interview with Kochen ohne Knochen – Das Vegane Magazin
Issue #12

Justin, an American living in Berlin, has traveled to more than 40 countries and compiled over 100 delicious recipes. In his cookbook, The Lotus and the Artichoke (first published in English) which was recently published in German, he documents his culinary adventures from around the world.

Interview Kochen ohne Knochen Das Vegane Magazin Justin P. Moore on the balcony

Interview Kochen ohne Knochen Das Vegane Magazin Justin P. Moore layout

 

Justin P. Moore – Veganer und Weltreisender

Interview mit Kochen ohne Knochen – Das Vegane Magazine
Issue #12

Continue reading →

Dum Aloo

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My original recipe for Dum Aloo appeared in the first edition of The Lotus and the Artichoke – Vegan Recipes from World Adventures back in 2012 (and 2013 for the German edition). It was based on how I learned to cook Dum Aloo when I was living in Amravati, India. When I re-did my first cookbook for the WORLD 2.0 edition, I decided to drop this recipe as I’d improved it already for The Lotus and the Artichoke – INDIA.

On a subsequent visit to India, in late 2017, when I spent some time in and around Srinagar, Kashmir, I learned how to make the traditional Kashmiri version of the dish – which typically does not include tomatoes. I’ve had many friends from other regions of India assure me that it can be (and often is) made with tomatoes, so I was initially naturally rather confused to get somewhat regular feedback from Kashmiris telling me that it is not made with tomatoes (or onions, depending on who you ask). It was explained to me that in the far northern, mountainous regions of India it was often impossible to get tomatoes (and onions) in the winter, when the roads were socked in with snow… and to make a long story short: tomatoes (and onions) were added to the dish in other parts of India, but it was not authentic Kashmiri!

These debates always bring to mind the dozens of times I’ve heard arguments about what exactly belongs – or doesn’t belong – in garam masala spice mixes (every household has a different recipe, usually only theirs is legitimate and bona fide; others bring weird, or wrong). And as I’m not in a position to determine what is or is not ‘authentic’ (nor is it of particular appeal to me to do so, especially in cultural, culinary contexts), I prefer to focus on what has been taught to me, and always mention that the authenticity is discussed and debated. As a rule, when I change things, it’s important to me to address it, and I’d like to emphasize that my dishes are inspired by what I’ve been taught and tasted, but I do adapt things here and there to make them practical (or possible) and accessible beyond the regions where they originate.

Outside of Kashmir, and outside of India, it is of course possible to make this dish without tomatoes in the base sauce, but I personally appreciate the texture and (fruity, sour, sweet) flavors tomatoes lend. (Again, I’ve also had it prepared for me both in Kashmir and other parts of India with tomatoes and onions. And I’ve had cooks insist that they must be in the dish.) But if you object, and/or fancy yourself to be a purist, by all means, omit them, use my provided variations – or just shake your fist in the air and look further for another recipe!

In any event, this recipe uses just one small tomato and one small onion, so it’s kind of a compromise. My recipe, being vegan, also does not include (dairy) yogurt or cream as many (but not all) North Indian manifestations of Dum Aloo or Aloo Dum do. I also cook variations with a creamy cashew base (this having been taught to me in Maharashtra) but I typically save the blended tomatoes and cashew trick for Paneer Makhani, which features fried tofu-paneer instead of potatoes… and much less (Kashmiri) red chili powder – or mild ground paprika, if you’re not up for the heat.

I’d like to extend my special thanks to my friends in Srinagar for showing me how to make this dish on a quiet afternoon some years ago when we were quite hungry and anxious for something fun to do. In the midst of a state-wide shutdown and a tense security situation I was one of very few foreigners in Srinagar, and was staying a week with Nazeer’s family on a houseboat. All the restaurants pretty much everywhere were closed (as well as the shops, except a few that had the gates partially up and lights on low at night, cautiously) but I managed to meet up with some Kashmiri guys at a nearby guesthouse, and this is what we cooked up together. The photo for this recipe is actually from that cooking session!

Dum Aloo
Kashmiri potato curry

serves 2 to 3 / time 30 min

recipe from The Lotus and the Artichoke – INDIA
(Rezept auf Deutsch unten)

  • 12–15 very small or 3 medium (400 g) potatoes
  • 1 small (75 g) tomato chopped 
  • 1 small (60 g) red onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic chopped
  • 3/4 in (2 cm) fresh ginger chopped
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 3 Tbs vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp cumin ground
  • 1/2 tsp coriander ground
  • 1 tsp Garam Masala (page 32)
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder optional
  • 1 tsp paprika ground
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric ground
  • 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing) powder
  • 1 Tbs lime juice
  • 1 tsp sugar or agave syrup
  • 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
  1. Rinse and peel potatoes. Chop in large chunks.
  2. In a small food processor or blender, grind chopped tomato, onion, garlic, ginger with 1/2 cup (120 ml) water until mostly smooth.
  3. Heat oil in a large pot or wok on medium heat. Add potatoes. Fry until evenly deep golden brown, stirring frequently, 7–10 min.
  4. Add garam masala, ground cumin, coriander, red chili powder (if using), paprika, turmeric, and asafoetida (hing). Mix well. Fry until richly aromatic, 1-2 min.
  5. Stir in blended tomato mix. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium low. Simmer, stirring regularly, until potatoes are soft, sauce is deep red, and oil separates, 7–10 min. Stir in another 1/2 cup (120 ml) water gradually while simmering.
  6. Stir in lime juice, sugar (or agave syrup), and salt. Cover and remove from heat.
  7. Serve with rice, roti, or naan.

Variations:

Traditional: Replace tomato with 4 Tbs soy or coconut yogurt. Saffron Gold: Mix 2 Tbs soy yogurt, 1 Tbs water, and pinch saffron threads or powder in a small bowl. Soak 10 min. Stir into curry with lime juice at the very end. Aloo Mutter Dum: Add 1 cup green peas and a handful of chopped fresh coriander leaves for last few minutes of simmering.

Dum Aloo

Aloo Dum
Kartoffel-Curry aus Kaschmir

2 bis 3 Portionen / Dauer 30 Min.

Rezept aus The Lotus and the Artichoke – INDIEN

  • 12–15 sehr kleine oder 3 mittelgroße (400 g) Kartoffeln
  • 1 kleine (75 g) Tomate gehackt
  • 1 kleine (60 g) rote Zwiebel gehackt
  • 2 Knoblauchzehen gehackt
  • 2 cm frischer Ingwer gehackt
  • 1 Tasse (240 ml) Wasser
  • 3 EL Pflanzenöl
  • 1/2 TL Kreuzkümmel gemahlen
  • 1/2 TL Koriander gemahlen
  • 1 TL Garam Masala (Seite 32)
  • 1/2 TL Chilipulver wenn gewünscht
  • 1 TL Paprikapulver
  • 1/2 TL Kurkuma gemahlen
  • 1/4 TL Asafoetida (Asant)
  • 1 EL Limettensaft
  • 1 TL Zucker oder Agavensirup
  • 1 1/2 TL Meersalz
  1. Kartoffeln waschen, schälen und in große Stücke schneiden.
  2. In einer kleinen Küchenmaschine oder einem Mixer gehackte Tomate, Zwiebel, Knoblauch, Ingwer und 1/2 Tasse (120 ml) Wasser fast glatt pürieren.
  3. In einem großen Topf oder Wok Öl auf mittlerer Flamme erhitzen. Kartoffeln hineingeben. Unter häufigem Rühren 7 bis 10 Min. tief goldbraun braten.
  4. Garam Masala, gemahlenen Kreuzkümmel, Koriander, Chilipulver (falls verwendet), Paprikapulver, Kurkuma und Asafoetida hinzufügen. Gut umrühren und 1 bis 2 Min. braten, bis es aromatisch duftet.
  5. Tomatenmischung einrühren. Zum Kochen bringen. Flamme herunterstellen. 7 bis 10 Min. unter regelmäßigem Rühren köcheln, bis die Kartoffeln weich sind, die Soße tiefrot ist und das Öl sich trennt. Während des Köchelns eine weitere 1/2 Tasse (120 ml) Wasser einrühren.
  6. Limettensaft, Zucker (oder Agavensirup) und Salz einrühren. Abdecken und vom Herd nehmen.
  7. Mit Reis, Roti oder Naan servieren.

Variationen:

Traditionell: Tomate mit 4 EL Soja- oder Kokosjoghurt ersetzen. Safrangold: In einer kleinen Schüssel 2 EL Sojajoghurt, 1 EL Wasser und 1 Prise Safranfäden oder -pulver verquirlen. 10 Min. einweichen. Am Ende zusammen mit dem Limettensaft ins Curry einrühren. Aloo Mutter Dum: 1 Tasse grüne Erbsen und eine Handvoll frisches gehacktes Koriandergrün während der letzten Kochminuten unterrühren.

Pad Thai

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Pad Thai
fried rice noodles with tofu, sprouts, peanuts & lime

serves 2 to 3 / time 45 min

recipe from The Lotus and the Artichoke – WORLD 2.0
(Rezept auf Deutsch unten)

noodles & tofu:

  • 7 oz (200 g) flat rice noodles (3–5 mm)
  • 7 oz (200 g) firm tofu
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3–4 Tbs vegetable oil
  • 1 small shallot finely chopped
  • 2–3 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 2 Tbs pickled radish finely chopped

sauce:

  • 1 tsp tamarind paste (if using pulp, see below)
  • 2 Tbs sugar
  • 1 Tbs corn starch
  • 4 Tbs soy sauce
  • 3 Tbs lime juice
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
  • 1/2 tsp salt

garnishes:

  • 1/4 cup (30 g) peanuts lightly roasted, crushed
  • 1 cup (60 g) bean sprouts
  • handful garlic chives or scallions chopped
  • roasted red chili pepper ground optional
  • 3–6 lime slices
  1. Cover rice noodles in a pot with hot (not boiling) water. Stir a few times. Do not boil. Let sit for 20-30 min.
  2. Cut tofu in cubes. Simmer 10 min in pot of rapidly boiling water with 1/4 tsp salt. Drain well. Discard water.
  3. Whisk all sauce ingredients in a bowl or measuring cup. (If using tamarind pulp instead of paste, soak first in 1 Tbs hot water, strain and use liquid, and discard solids.)
  4. Heat oil in large pot or wok on medium high heat.
  5. Add drained tofu. Stir fry until golden and crispy, about 4–7 min. 
  6. Stir in finely chopped garlic, shallot, and pickled radish. Fry, stirring constantly, 1–2 min.
  7. Drain noodles. Add to large pot or wok with tofu. Mix well. Cook until noodles soften slightly, 2–3 min.
  8. Pour in whisked sauce ingredients. Mix well and cook until sauce thickens, 3–4 min, stirring regularly.
  9. Stir in 1/2 cup (30 g) bean sprouts. Remove from heat. Cover. Let sit 5 min.
  10. Distribute on plates. Garnish with crushed peanuts, remaining bean sprouts, chopped garlic chives (or scallions), ground roasted red chili (if desired), and lime slices. Serve.

Variations:

Pad Thai Pak: Fry 1 cup (75 g) chopped broccoli and a sliced carrot along with tofu. Increase sauce ingredients, shallot, and garlic as needed. Simpler: Omit tamarind paste or sub 1 Tbs tomato paste. Omit pickled radish or replace with 1 Tbs rice vinegar in sauce. Note: These variations are common, but not traditional.

The Lotus and the Artichoke - WORLD 2.0 Vegan Cookbook cover

Pad Thai
Gebratene Reisnudeln mit Tofu, Bohnensprossen & Erdnüssen

2 bis 3 Portionen / Dauer 45 Min.

Rezept aus The Lotus and the Artichoke – WORLD 2.0

Nudeln & Tofu:

  • 200 g flache Reisnudeln (3–5 mm)
  • 200 g fester Tofu
  • 1/4 TL Salz
  • 3–4 EL Pflanzenöl
  • 1 kleine Schalotte fein gehackt
  • 2–3 Knoblauchzehen fein gehackt
  • 2 EL eingelegte Radieschen fein gehackt

Soße:

  • 1 TL Tamarindenpaste (für Tamarindenmark siehe Hinweis unten)
  • 2 EL Zucker
  • 1 EL Speisestärke
  • 4 EL Sojasoße
  • 3 EL Limettensaft
  • 1/2 Tasse (120 ml) Wasser
  • 1/2 TL Salz

Toppings:

  • 1/4 Tasse (30 g) Erdnüsse leicht geröstet, gehackt
  • 1 Tasse (60 g) Bohnensprossen
  • 1 Handvoll Schnittknoblauch oder Schnittlauch gehackt
  • geröstetes Chilipulver wenn gewünscht
  • 3–6 Limettenspalten
  1. Reisnudeln in einen Topf mit heißem (aber nicht kochendem) Wasser geben, kurz umrühren und 20 bis 30 Min. weichen lassen.
  2. Tofu würfeln und 10 Min. in einem Topf mit kochendem Wasser und 1/4 TL Salz köcheln. Abgießen und gut abtropfen lassen.
  3. Alle Soßenzutaten in einer Schüssel oder einem Messbecher verrühren. (Hinweis: Tamarindenmark in 1 EL heißem Wasser einweichen und durch ein Sieb in die Schüssel abseihen. Flüssigkeit verwenden und Samen wegwerfen.)
  4. Öl in einem großen Topf oder Wok auf mittlerer Flamme erhitzen.
  5. Abgetropften Tofu hineingeben und 4 bis 7 Min. rundherum goldbraun und knusprig braten.
  6. Knoblauch, Schalotte und eingelegte Radieschen zugeben und 1 bis 2 Min. unter ständigem Rühren braten.
  7. Nudeln abgießen und in den Topf oder Wok mit dem Tofu geben. Gut umrühren und 2 bis 3 Min. braten, bis die Nudeln weicher werden.
  8. Soße zugießen, umrühren und das Pad Thai 3 bis 4 weitere Min. unter ständigem Rühren köcheln, bis die Soße eindickt.
  9. 1/2 Tasse (30 g) Bohnensprossen unterheben. Abdecken, vom Herd nehmen und 5 Min. durchziehen lassen.
  10. Auf Tellern anrichten und mit gehackten Erdnüssen, restlichen Bohnensprossen, frischem gehacktem Schnittknoblauch oder Schnittlauch, geröstetem Chilipulver (wenn gewünscht) und Limettenspalten garnieren und servieren

Variationen:

Pad Thai Pak: Je 75 g gehackten Brokkoli und Möhre zusammen mit dem Tofu braten. Soßenzutaten-, Schalotten- und Knoblauchmenge nach Bedarf erhöhen oder verdoppeln. Einfacher: Tamarindenpaste mit 1 EL Tomatenmark ersetzen. Eingelegte Radieschenscheiben weglassen oder mit 1 EL Reisessig in der Soße ersetzen. Diese Variationen sind recht verbreitet, aber keine traditionelle Zubereitungsweise.

The Lotus and the Artichoke - Vegane Rezepte eines Weltreisenden WORLD 2.0 veganes Kochbuch

Gibanica – Balkan Cheese Pie

by

Gibanica

This is my updated recipe for Gibanica, a savory, pastry cheese pie served through the Balkans. My original recipe (from the first editions of my first cookbook) was inspired by my visits to Montenegro and Croatia. After spending a couple weeks in Serbia a few years ago I was moved to update the recipe. And I’m really happy with the improvements. Adding tapioca flour (starch) makes the cheese texture better, and I prefer the combination with brazil nuts and cashews (instead of sunflower seeds). Using a decent tofu and good pastry dough is also important.

I also love the addition of mashed potatoes and the variations with spinach and/or vegan sausage. While working on the revised edition of WORLD 2.0 I tried many different combinations – and even cooked and photographed the dish four times before I was happy with it. This is my favorite version: with potatoes and mushrooms. It totally reminds me of stopping by the bakeries in Novi Sad and Belgrad every single day!

Gibanica
Balkan cheese pie

serves 4 / time 60+ min

recipe from The Lotus and the Artichoke – WORLD 2.0
(Rezept auf Deutsch unten)

  • 3 medium (300 g) potatoes peeled
  • 3 large (100 g) mushrooms sliced
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) cashews
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) brazil nuts or sunflower seeds
  • 7 oz (200 g) firm tofu crumbled
  • 3 Tbs nutritional yeast flakes
  • 3 Tbs chickpea flour (besan)
  • 2 Tbs tapioca starch
  • 1 Tbs corn starch
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric ground
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg ground
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper ground
  • 1/4 tsp fenugreek ground optional
  • 1/4 tsp kala namak (black salt) optional
  • 1 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1 cup (240 ml) soy milk more as needed
  • 2 Tbs lemon juice
  • 1 Tbs olive oil
  • 4–6 sheets (11 oz / 300 g) puff pastry
  • 2 Tbs margarine
  1. Soak cashews and brazil nuts (or sunflower seeds) in a bowl of boiling hot water for 30 min.
    Drain and discard water.
  2. Cook potatoes in a pot of rapidly boiling water until soft, 20–30 min. Drain water and set potatoes aside.
  3. Preheat oven to 375°F / 190°C / gas level 5.
  4. Combine soaked cashews and brazil nuts (or sunflower seeds), crumbled tofu, nutritional yeast flakes, chickpea flour, tapioca starch, corn starch, ground turmeric, nutmeg, black pepper, fenugreek and kala namak (if using), salt, soy milk, lemon juice, and olive oil in a blender. Blend on high until smooth and pourable, adding slightly more soy milk if needed.
  5. Lightly grease a medium-sized (7 x 10 in / 18 x 25 cm) glass or ceramic casserole dish.
  6. Melt margarine in a small pan on low heat.
  7. Roll out and cut puff pastry as needed to line the dish. Place a cut pastry sheet in the greased dish.
    Brush top with melted margarine.
  8. Crumble boiled potatoes over the pastry layer. Pour 1/2 of the blended mix over this.
  9. Place another layer of pastry and brush with melted margarine.
  10. Distribute sliced mushrooms evenly over the pastry layer and top with remaining blended mix.
    Top with a final layer of pastry and brush the top generously with margarine.
  11. Transfer to oven and bake until pie has risen, pastry is puffy and golden brown, and the filling is firm
    and a knife inserted comes out mostly cleanly, 35–50 min.
  12. Remove from the oven. Cover and let cool and set for 15–20 minutes before cutting.

Variations:

Spinach-Cheese: Top blended filling with chopped fresh spinach. Meaty: Substitute 7 oz (200 g) chopped seitan or vegan sausage for potatoes and mushrooms. Adjust salt and spices as needed.

The Lotus and the Artichoke - Vegane Rezepte eines Weltreisenden WORLD 2.0 veganes Kochbuch

Gibanica

Gibanica
Blätterteiggebäck aus dem Balkan

4 Portionen / Dauer 60 Min.

Rezept aus The Lotus and the Artichoke – WORLD 2.0

  • 3 mittelgroße (300 g) Kartoffeln geschält
  • 3 große (100 g) Champignons in Scheiben geschnitten
  • 1/4 Tasse (30 g) Cashewkerne
  • 1/4 Tasse (30 g) Paranüsse oder Sonnenblumenkerne
  • 200 g Tofu zerkrümelt
  • 3 EL Hefeflocken
  • 3 EL Kichererbsenmehl (Besan)
  • 2 EL Tapiokastärke
  • 1 EL Speisestärke
  • 1/4 TL Kurkuma gemahlen
  • 1/4 TL Muskat gemahlen
  • 1/4 TL schwarzer Pfeffer gemahlen
  • 1/4 TL Bockshornkleesamen gemahlenwenn gewünscht
  • 1/4 TL Kala Namak (Schwarzsalz) wenn gewünscht
  • 1 1/4 TL Meersalz
  • 1 Tasse (240 ml) Sojamilch bei Bedarf mehr
  • 2 EL Zitronensaft
  • 1 EL Olivenöl
  • 4–6 Blätter (300 g) veganer Blätterteig
  • 2 EL Margarine
  1. Cashewkerne und Paranüsse oder Sonnenblumenkerne 30 Min. in einer Schüssel mit kochendem Wasser einweichen. Abgießen und Einweichwasser wegschütten.
  2. Kartoffeln in einem großen Topf mit kochendem Wasser 20 bis 30 Min. weich kochen. Abgießen und Kartoffeln beiseite stellen.
  3. Ofen auf 190°C / Stufe 5 vorheizen.
  4. Eingeweichte Cashewkerne und Paranüsse oder Sonnenblumenkerne, Tofu, Hefeflocken, Kichererbsenmehl, Tapioka– und Speisestärke, Kurkuma, Muskat, schwarzen Pfeffer, Bockshornklee und Kala Namak (falls verwendet), Salz, Sojamilch, Zitronensaft und Olivenöl in einen Mixer geben und auf hoher Stufe zu einer glatten, gießbaren Mischung pürieren. Bei Bedarf etwas mehr Sojamilch untermixen.
  5. Eine mittelgroße (18 x 25 cm) Glas- oder Keramikauflaufform leicht einfetten.
  6. Margarine in einer kleinen Pfanne auf niedriger Flamme zerlassen.
  7. Blätterteigplatten so ausrollen und zurechtschneiden, dass sie in die Form passen. Eine Platte auf den Boden der Form legen und mit geschmolzener Margarine bepinseln.
  8. Kartoffeln über den Blätterteigboden krümeln und die Hälfte des Tofumix darüber gießen.
  9. Eine weitere Blätterteigplatte darüber legen und mit geschmolzener Margarine bepinseln.
  10. Pilzscheiben gleichmäßig darauf verteilen und restliche Mischung darüber gießen.
    Letzte Blätterteigplatte auflegen und großzügig mit Margarine einpinseln.
  11. 35 bis 50 Min. im Ofen backen, bis der Blätterteig aufpufft und goldbraun wird, die Füllung gestockt ist und ein Messer nach dem Einstechen fast sauber wieder herauskommt.
  12. Aus dem Ofen nehmen, abdecken und vor dem Anschneiden 15 bis 20 Min. abkühlen lassen.

Variationen:

Spinat-Käse: Frischen Spinat auf jede Tofu-Schicht geben. Herzhafter Biss: Statt Kartoffeln und Pilzen
200 g gehackten Seitan oder vegane Wurst verwenden. Salz- und Gewürzmenge nach Bedarf anpassen.

The Lotus and the Artichoke - Vegane Rezepte eines Weltreisenden WORLD 2.0 veganes Kochbuch

Grah – Balkan bean stew

by
Grah - balkan bean stew

When two of my friends announced they’d be moving to Herceg Novi, Montenegro for several months this year, I was excited for them and thrilled at the opportunity to visit them in a new part of world. After they settled in, started with the language, and began making local friends, I booked my flight to Dubrovnik. I ordered a Serbo-Croatian phrasebook and I started reading about cultural and culinary traditions, politics, and the history of the region. My friends arranged for me to rent a studio apartment in their building, with a balcony overlooking the Bay of Kotor and the Adriatic Sea. For our visit to Dubrovnik, they booked a furnished flat, and we got a kitschy and fun Jimi Hendrix themed place for a few days on the hillside overlooking the old city.

Admittedly, the West Balkans aren’t always among the world’s most convenient countries for vegetarian and vegan eating habits, but the offerings of fantastic fruit trees, local vegetables, and great bakeries made for many good eats and great times. Also, at all of the restaurants I visited, everyone was understanding, helpful, and quick to suggest existing, modified, or even newly invented menu options from the kitchen. At “home”, I ate fairly simple: including things like buckwheat with apples and local cherry jam, local fresh bread, steamed kale and broccoli, raw carrots, olives and roasted red peppers, fresh orange juice, and pomegranates we’d picked from trees in the countryside and little towns.

This recipe for Grah – Balkan Bean Stew was inspired by our visit to Nishta vegetarian restaurant in the Old Town (Stari Grad) of Dubrovnik. Traditionally, along with beans, vegetables, and lots of paprika, Grah is usually made with a few ingredients I choose not to eat, so it was great to have it at a vegetarian restaurant. Of course, it would’ve been even better if I’d been served it at someone’s home! This hearty dish is quick and easy, can be modified in many ways to your liking, and goes with all kinds of things.

Hvala puno!

Grah
Balkan bean stew

serves 3 to 4 / time 35 min

updated (2021) recipe from The Lotus and the Artichoke – WORLD 2.0
(Rezept auf Deutsch unten)

  • 2 cups (14 oz / 400 g) white beans (cooked)
  • 7 oz (200 g) vegan sausage, seitan, or smoked tofu chopped
  • 5–8 medium (100 g) mushrooms chopped
  • 1 medium (100 g) tomato chopped
  • 1 medium (90 g) onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 2 Tbs vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika ground
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper ground
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 cups (480 ml) water
  • 1 Tbs corn starch or 1 Tbs flour
  • 2 Tbs nutritional yeast flakes or 1 Tbs vegetable broth powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt more as needed
  • fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  1. Heat oil in a large pot on medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and garlic. Fry, stirring constantly, until onions are browned, 3–4 min.
  3. Stir in ground smoked paprika and black pepper. Continue to fry until onions soften, another 2–3 min. 
  4. Add chopped mushrooms, tomato, vegan sausage or seitan or smoked tofu, and bay leaves. Mix well. Cook partially covered, stirring often, 2–3 min.
  5. Stir in cooked beans. Mix well, cook 2–3 min.
  6. Stir in 1 cup (240 ml) water. Simmer on low 5 min.
  7. In a bowl, whisk corn starch (or flour) and 1/2 cup (120 ml) water. Gradually stir into simmering stew. Simmer until thickened, stirring often, 2–3 min.
  8. Mix in nutritional yeast (or vegetable broth powder) and salt. Continue to simmer another 10–15 min, gradually stirring in remaining 1/2 cup (120 ml) water (or more) as needed. Cover and remove from heat.
  9. Adjust salt to taste. Garnish with parsley and more sprinkled paprika. Serve with bread.

Variations:

Vegetables: Along with (or instead of) mushrooms, add chopped carrots, red pepper, and/or more tomato.

The Lotus and the Artichoke - WORLD 2.0 Vegan Cookbook cover

Dubrovnik: Stari Grad (Old Town) - The Lotus and the Artichoke

Dubrovnik: View from Stari Grad (Old Town) - The Lotus and the Artichoke

Montenegro: Village on a Hill - The Lotus and the Artichoke

Grah - balkan bean stew

Grah
Bohneneintopf aus dem Balkan

3 bis 4 Portionen / Dauer 35 Min.

Neues (2021) Rezept aus The Lotus and the Artichoke – WORLD 2.0

  • 2 Tassen (400 g) weiße Bohnen (gekocht)
  • 200 g vegane Wurst, Seitan oder Räuchertofu gehackt
  • 5–8 mittelgroße (100 g) Champignons gehackt
  • 1 mittelgroße (100 g) Tomate gehackt
  • 1 mittelgroße (90 g) Zwiebel gehackt
  • 2 Knoblauchzehen fein gehackt
  • 2 EL Pflanzenöl
  • 2 TL geräuchertes Paprikapulver
  • 1/2 TL schwarzer Pfeffer gemahlen
  • 2 Lorbeerblätter
  • 2 Tassen (480 ml) Wasser
  • 1 EL Speisestärke oder 1 EL Mehl
  • 2 EL Hefeflocken oder 1 EL Gemüsebrühpulver
  • 3/4 TL Salz bei Bedarf mehr
  • frische Petersilie gehackt, zum Garnieren
  1. Öl in einem großen Topf auf mittlerer Flamme erhitzen.
  2. Zwiebel und Knoblauch hineingeben und 3 bis 4 Min. unter Rühren anschwitzen, bis die Zwiebel gebräunt ist.
  3. Paprikapulver und schwarzen Pfeffer einrühren. Weitere 2 bis 3 Min. braten, bis die Zwiebel weich ist.
  4. Champignons, Tomate, vegane Wurst oder Seitan oder Räuchertofu und Lorbeerblätter einrühren.
    2 bis 3 Min. halb abgedeckt unter häufigem Rühren schmoren.
  5. Gekochte Bohnen hinzufügen, gut umrühren und 2 bis 3 weitere Min. schmoren.
  6. 1 Tasse (240 ml) Wasser einrühren und 5 Min. auf niedriger Flamme köcheln lassen.
  7. Stärke oder Mehl und 1/2 Tasse (120 ml) Wasser in einer kleinen Schüssel verrühren. Nach und nach unter den köchelnden Eintopf rühren. Grah 2 bis 3 Min. unter Rühren köcheln lassen, bis er eindickt.
  8. Hefeflocken oder Gemüsebrühpulver und Salz einrühren. Weitere 10 bis 15 Min. köcheln, dabei nach und nach die restliche 1/2 Tasse (120 ml) Wasser oder bei Bedarf mehr unterrühren. Abdecken und vom Herd nehmen.
  9. Abschmecken und auf Wunsch nachsalzen. Mit frischer gehackter Petersilie und Paprikapulver garnieren und mit frischem Brot servieren.

Variationen:

Mehr Gemüse: Zusammen mit oder anstelle der Pilze gehackte Möhre, Paprika und/oder mehr Tomate zugeben.

The Lotus and the Artichoke - Vegane Rezepte eines Weltreisenden WORLD 2.0 veganes Kochbuch

Vegan Meat Pies

by

The Americans have their Pot Pies, the British have Steak Pies. There’s also English and Irish Shepard’s Pie and Cottage Pie. And then there are Australian Meat Pies, to which New Zealand also stakes a popularity claim. For the record, South Africans have traditional pies, too, and variations exist throughout other parts of Africa and the Middle-East.

The concept is similar, regardless of the accent of the eater: A pastry (or even potato) crust and a savory filling. The sizes vary greatly, too. From the U.S., I’m familiar with medium-sized pot pies. In England and Ireland, I’ve usually only seen larger pies. And for whatever reason, the traditional steak pies and meat pies of that continent down under are much smaller. They fit in your hand, can be eaten in a few ambitious bites, and are immensely popular for take-out. Or is it take-away? Aye, mate – Let’s not get lost in semantics before the baking even begins!

Vegan Meat Pies
with lentils & vegetables

makes 6 to 8 mini pies / time 60 min +

recipe from The Lotus and the Artichoke – WORLD 2.0
(Rezept auf Deutsch unten)

pie crust:

  • 3 cups (370 g) flour (all-purpose / type 550)
  • 3/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 3/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) margarine
  • 1 Tbs apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold water
  • 2–3 Tbs soy milk for glaze optional
  1. Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Mix vinegar and water in a small bowl.
  2. Add margarine and mix of vinegar and water to large bowl. Combine well and knead to form a smooth dough, adding slightly more flour or water if needed. Cover and set aside while you make the filling.

lentil & vegetable filling:

  • 3 medium (250 g) potatoes peeled, chopped
  • 1 large (100 g) carrot chopped
  • 1 stalk (70 g) celery chopped
  • 1 medium (85 g) onion finely chopped
  • 2–3 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup (90 g) brown lentils (dried)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) water
  • 2 Tbs vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp paprika ground
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper ground
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) red wine or white wine
    or 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
  • 3–4 medium (40 g) mushrooms chopped
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) soy milk
  • 1/2 cup (30 g) fresh bread crumbs 
  • 3 Tbs nutritional yeast flakes 
  • or 2 Tbs vegetable broth powder
  • 1 Tbs corn starch
  • 1 Tbs lemon juice
  • 1 1/4 tsp salt
  1. Rinse and drain lentils. Bring 2 cups (480 ml) water to boil in a small pot. Add lentils, return to boil. Reduce to medium low heat, cover. Cook until soft, about 15 min.
  2. Heat oil in a large pot on medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, ground paprika, and black pepper. Fry until onions soften, stirring regularly, 3–5 min.
  3. Add 1/2 cup (120 ml) wine (or water), chopped potatoes, carrot, and celery. Bring to simmer. Reduce to low heat. Cook partially covered, stirring occasionally, 8–10 min.
  4. Add chopped mushrooms and cooked lentils. Increase heat to medium.
    Cook, partially covered, stirring regularly, 4–5 min.
  5. Add soy milk, bread crumbs, nutritional yeast flakes (or vegetable broth powder), corn starch, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well. Cook until thickened, stirring often, 3–5 min. Remove from heat.

How to make and bake the pies:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F / 200°C / level 6. Grease a muffin pan.
  2. Knead and flatten or roll out a small ball of dough, 1/4 in (~5 mm) thickness on a floured surface.
  3. Evenly pack flattened dough in muffin forms and trim edges. Spoon in a heaping portion of lentil filling.
  4. Roll out dough and cut strips for top crust. Make borders and pinch pieces into place. Continue for other pies.If desired, brush pie tops with soy milk to glaze.
  5. Bake 18–25 min until crusts are golden brown. Remove from oven. Let cool 10 min before serving.
The Lotus and the Artichoke - WORLD 2.0 Vegan Cookbook cover

Vegan Meat Pies
Herzhafte Pastetchen mit Linsen & Gemüse

6 bis 8 Stück / Dauer 60 Min. +

Rezept aus The Lotus and the Artichoke – WORLD 2.0

Teig:

  • 3 Tassen (370 g) Mehl (Type 550)
  • 3/4 TL Backpulver
  • 1 1/2 TL Zucker
  • 3/4 TL Meersalz
  • 1/2 Tasse (120 g) Margarine
  • 1 EL Apfel- oder Reisessig
  • 1/2 Tasse (120 ml) kaltes Wasser
  • 2–3 EL Sojamilch zum Bepinseln wenn gewünscht
  1. Mehl, Backpulver, Zucker und Salz in einer Rührschüssel vermischen. Essig und Wasser in einer kleinen Schüssel verrühren.
  2. Margarine und Essigwasser in die Rührschüssel geben und alles zu einem glatten Teig verkneten. Bei Bedarf etwas mehr Mehl oder Wasser unterkneten. Abdecken, beiseite stellen und Füllung zubereiten.

Linsen-Gemüse-Füllung:

  • 3 mittelgroße (250 g) Kartoffeln geschält, gehackt
  • 1 große (100 g) Möhre gehackt
  • 1 (70 g) Selleriestange gehackt
  • 1 mittelgroße (85 g) Zwiebel fein gehackt
  • 2–3 Knoblauchzehen fein gehackt
  • 1/2 Tasse (90 g) braune Linsen (getrocknet)
  • 2 Tassen (480 ml) Wasser
  • 2 EL Pflanzenöl
  • 1/2 TL Paprikapulver
  • 1/2 TL schwarzer Pfeffer gemahlen
  • 1/2 Tasse (120 ml) Rot- oder Weißwein
    oder 1/2 Tasse (120 ml) Wasser
  • 3–4 mittelgroße (40 g) Champignons gehackt
  • 3/4 Tasse (180 ml) Sojamilch
  • 1/2 Tasse (30 g) frische Semmelbrösel
  • 3 EL Hefeflocken
    oder 2 EL Gemüsebrühpulver
  • 1 EL Speisestärke
  • 1 EL Zitronensaft
  • 1 1/4 TL Salz
  1. Linsen waschen und abtropfen lassen. 2 Tassen (480 ml) Wasser in einem kleinen Topf zum Kochen bringen. Linsen hineingeben, erneut zum Kochen bringen und abgedeckt auf mittlerer Flamme 15 Min. weich kochen.
  2. In einem großen Topf Öl auf mittlerer Flamme erhitzen. Zwiebel, Knoblauch, Paprikapulver und schwarzen Pfeffer hineingeben. 3 bis 5 Min. unter Rühren anschwitzen, bis die Zwiebel weich wird.
  3. 1/2 Tasse (120 ml) Wein oder Wasser, Kartoffeln, Möhre und Sellerie zugeben und zum Köcheln bringen. Flamme niedrigstellen und halb abgedeckt unter gelegentlichem Rühren 8 bis 10 Min. köcheln.
  4. Pilze und gekochte Linsen einrühren und halb abgedeckt auf mittlerer Flamme unter Rühren 4 bis 5 Min. köcheln.
  5. Sojamilch, Semmelbrösel, Hefeflocken oder Gemüsebrühpulver, Stärke, Zitronensaft und Salz einrühren. 3 bis 5 Min. unter häufigem Rühren köcheln, bis die Füllung eindickt. Vom Herd nehmen.

Pastetchen:

  1. Ofen auf 200°C / Stufe 6 vorheizen. Eine Muffinform einfetten.
  2. Teig durchkneten und vierteln. Drei Viertel des Teigs auf einer gemehlten Oberfläche 5 mm dick ausrollen.
  3. Die Muffinmulden gleichmäßig mit dem ausgerollten Teig auskleiden. Überlappende Ecken abschneiden und mit dem letzten Teigviertel verkneten. Füllung in die Muffinmulden geben.
  4. Letztes Teigviertel ausrollen und in Streifen schneiden. Je zwei Streifen kreuzweise über die Pastetchen legen und andrücken. Pastetchen auf Wunsch mit Sojamilch bepinseln.
  5. 18 bis 25 Min. backen, bis der Teig goldbraun ist. Aus dem Ofen nehmen und vor dem Servieren 10 Min. abkühlen lassen.
The Lotus and the Artichoke - Vegane Rezepte eines Weltreisenden WORLD 2.0 veganes Kochbuch

Tarte au Citron

by
Tarte au Citron

Tarte au Citron
French lemon pie

makes 8 slices / time 60 min +

recipe from The Lotus and the Artichoke – WORLD 2.0
(Rezept auf Deutsch unten)

pie crust:

  • 1 1/4 cup (155 g) flour (all-purpose / type 550)
  • 3 Tbs (40 g) sugar
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/8 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
  • 2 Tbs cold water more as needed
  • 1/4 cup (55 g) cold margarine
  1. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Mix vinegar and water in a small bowl. Add to large mixing bowl with dry ingredients.
  3. Add margarine. Combine and knead with your hands to form a smooth dough, adding slightly more water or flour as needed. Do not overwork the dough.
  4. Form dough into a ball. Cover and transfer to the fridge and chill for 30–60 min.

lemon filling:

  • 1/4 cup (55 g) margarine
  • 3.5 oz (100 g) silken tofu
  • 3 Tbs corn starch
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 2 Tbs lemon zest
  • 2/3 cup (140 g) powdered sugar
  1. Melt margarine in a pot on low heat.
  2. Add silken tofu, corn starch, and lemon juice to a blender and blend smooth. Add to the pot with melted margarine and stir.
  3. Stir in lemon zest and powdered sugar. Simmer on low, stirring constantly, until thickened, 4–5 min. Remove from heat.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F / 190°C / gas level 5.
  5. Grease a medium-sized (8 in / 20 cm) round baking dish or cake pan.
  6. Press and spread dough evenly on bottom, pinch up along sides. Poke bottom several times with fork. Transfer to oven and pre-bake (empty) crust for 5 min.
  7. Remove crust from oven. Pour in thickened filling and spread evenly.
  8. Bake until surface is lightly caramelized and crust is golden brown, 25–35 min. Remove from oven and let cool completely. 
  9. Transfer pie to the fridge and chill for at least 2 hrs before slicing.
  10. Garnish with more powdered sugar and serve.
The Lotus and the Artichoke - WORLD 2.0 Vegan Cookbook cover
Tarte au Citron

Tarte au Citron
Französische Zitronentarte

8 Stück / Dauer 60 Min. +

Rezept aus The Lotus and the Artichoke – WORLD 2.0

Teig:

  • 1 1/4 Tasse (155 g) Mehl (Type 550)
  • 3 EL (40 g) Zucker
  • 1/4 TL Backpulver
  • 1/8 TL Meersalz
  • 1 TL Apfel- oder Reisessig
  • 2 EL kaltes Wasser bei Bedarf mehr
  • 1/4 Tasse (55 g) kalte Margarine
  1. Mehl, Zucker, Backpulver und Salz in einer Rührschüssel vermischen.
  2. Essig und Wasser in einer kleinen Schüssel verrühren und in die Schüssel zu den trockenen Zutaten gießen.
  3. Margarine hinzufügen und alles zu einem glatten Teig verkneten. Bei Bedarf etwas mehr Wasser oder
    Mehl unterkneten, Teig aber nicht zu stark verkneten.
  4. Zu einer Kugel formen und 30 bis 60 Min. abgedeckt im Kühlschrank ruhen lassen.

Zitronenfüllung:

  • 1/4 Tasse (55 g) Margarine
  • 100 g Seidentofu
  • 3 EL Speisestärke
  • 1/3 Tasse (80 ml) Zitronensaft (ca. 2 Zitronen)
  • 2 EL Zitronenabrieb
  • 2/3 Tasse (140 g) Puderzucker
  • Margarine in einem Topf auf niedriger Flamme zerlassen.
  • Seidentofu, Stärke und Zitronensaft in einem Mixer glatt pürieren.
    In den Topf mit der Margarine geben und umrühren.
  • Zitronenabrieb und Puderzucker einrühren. 4 bis 5 Min. unter ständigem Rühren auf niedriger
    Flamme köcheln. Vom Herd nehmen.
  • Ofen auf 190°C / Stufe 5 vorheizen.
  • Eine mittelgroße (Ø 20 cm) runde Back- oder Springform einfetten.
  • Boden und Rand der Form gleichmäßig mit Teig auskleiden.
    Tarteboden mehrmals mit einer Gabel einstechen. Teig 5 Min. im Ofen vorbacken.
  • Teig aus dem Ofen nehmen, Füllung hineingeben und glatt streichen.
  • 25 bis 35 Min. backen, bis die Oberfläche goldbraun und leicht karamellisiert ist.
    Aus dem Ofen nehmen und vollständig abkühlen lassen.
  • Tarte vor dem Anschneiden mindestens 2 Stunden im Kühlschrank kalt stellen und fest werden lassen.
  • Mit Puderzucker garnieren und servieren.
The Lotus and the Artichoke - Vegane Rezepte eines Weltreisenden WORLD 2.0 veganes Kochbuch

Roasted Walnut Brownies

by
Roasted Walnut Brownies

Roasted Walnut Brownies
with dark chocolate chips

makes 9 to 12 / time 45 min

recipe from The Lotus and the Artichoke – WORLD 2.0
(Rezept auf Deutsch unten)

  • 1 1/2 cups (150 g) walnuts
  • 2/3 cup (3.5 oz / 100 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate finely chopped
  • 1 cup + 1 Tbs (135 g) flour (all-purpose / type 550)
  • 1/2 cup (40 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/8 tsp cinnamon ground
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or 1 tsp vanilla sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup (3.5 oz / 100 g) silken tofu
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) soy milk, oat milk or almond milk
  • 1 cup (225 g) sugar
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F / 190°C / level 5.
  2. Lightly roast walnuts on a tray in the oven for 3–5 min. Watch them carefully so they don’t burn! Remove from oven and let cool about 5 min.
  3. Add roasted walnuts to a blender or small food processor. Pulse several times and then grind until fine.
  4. Combine flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, vanilla, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine oil, silken tofu (or soy flour / corn starch and water from Variations below), and soy (or oat / almond) milk. Add sugar and ground walnuts. Mix until smooth.
  6. Gradually add dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring continuously. Combine well, but do not overmix.
  7. Gently stir in chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate.
  8. Lightly grease a medium-sized (7 x 10 in / 18 x 25 cm) baking dish or pan.
  9. Pour and spoon batter into the baking dish and spread evenly.
  10. Transfer to oven and bake until a toothpick comes out mostly clean, 25–35 min. Don’t overbake or the brownies will be dry and hard instead of soft and moist. Remove from oven.
  11. Let cool at least 30 min before cutting and serving.

Variations:

No Tofu: Substitute 2 Tbs soy flour or corn starch and 1/4 cup (60 ml) water. Double Nut: Add 1/3 cup (40 g) crumbled walnuts (or other nuts) along with chocolate chips.

The Lotus and the Artichoke - WORLD 2.0 Vegan Cookbook cover
Roasted Walnut Brownies

Roasted Walnut Brownies
mit zartbitteren Schokotropfen

9 bis 12 Stück / Dauer 45 Min.

Rezept aus The Lotus and the Artichoke – WORLD 2.0

  • 1 1/2 Tassen (150 g) Walnüsse
  • 2/3 Tasse (100 g) zartbittere Schokotropfen
    oder Schokolade fein gehackt
  • 1 Tasse + 1 EL (135 g) Mehl (Type 550)
  • 1/2 Tasse (40 g) ungesüßtes Kakaopulver
  • 1/8 TL Zimt gemahlen
  • 1 TL Vanilleextrakt oder 1 TL Vanillezucker
  • 1 TL Backpulver
  • 1/4 TL Meersalz
  • 1/2 Tasse (120 ml) Pflanzenöl
  • 1/2 Tasse (100 g) Seidentofu
  • 1/3 Tasse (80 ml) Soja-, Hafer- oder Mandelmilch
  • 1 Tasse (225 g) Zucker
  1. Ofen auf 190°C / Stufe 5 vorheizen.
  2. Walnüsse auf einem Blech verteilen und 3 bis 5 Min. im Ofen rösten. Nicht zu dunkel werden lassen! Aus dem Ofen nehmen und 5 Min. abkühlen lassen.
  3. Geröstete Walnüsse in einen Mixer oder eine kleine Küchenmaschine geben. Mehrmals häckseln und dann fein mahlen.
  4. Mehl, Kakaopulver, Zimt, Vanille, Backpulver und Salz in einer Rührschüssel vermischen.
  5. In einer zweiten Schüssel Öl, Seidentofu (oder Sojamehl/Speisestärke und Wasser wie in den Variationen beschrieben) und Soja– oder Hafer-/Mandelmilch verquirlen. Zucker und gemahlene Walnüsse unterrühren, bis eine glatte Mischung entsteht.
  6. Nach und nach die trockenen unter die feuchten Zutaten rühren, bis alles gut vermischt, aber nicht zu
    stark verrührt ist.
  7. Schokotropfen oder gehackte Zartbitterschokolade unterheben.
  8. Eine mittelgroße Backform (18 x 25 cm) leicht einfetten.
  9. Teig in die Form geben und gleichmäßig verstreichen.
  10. Brownies 25 bis 35 Min. im Ofen backen, bis ein Zahnstocher nach dem Einstechen sauber wieder herauskommt. Nicht zu lange backen, da die Brownies sonst trocken und fest und nicht weich und saftig werden. Aus dem Ofen nehmen.
  11. Vor dem Anschneiden und Servieren mindestens 30 Min. abkühlen lassen.

Variationen:

Ohne Tofu: 2 EL Sojamehl oder Speisestärke mit 1/4 Tasse (60 ml) Wasser verrühren.
Extra nussig: 1/3 Tasse (40 g) gehackte Wal- oder andere Nüsse zusammen mit den Schokotropfen unterheben.

The Lotus and the Artichoke - Vegane Rezepte eines Weltreisenden WORLD 2.0 veganes Kochbuch