Food!

[ofearthandstars]

So my partner, L., has really fantastically taken over the cooking since it's been difficult for me to stand around the kitchen with all my weight on one leg and trying to carry plates/etc. with crutches in hand. He decided to not only cook, but to pull together what he called a "Vegan Around the World" menu that we've been enjoying. He's done the shopping, the prep work, and even come to the table armed with a few facts about each country/region the dish represents.

Here's the stuff we had last week:

• Tofu Shrimp Scampi - Not as grand as we hoped, but still definitely edible. Just a bit lemony.
  
• Squash and Black Bean Quesadillas - These are amaaaaazing. Cook the butternut squash first (instead of steaming) and it's easier to cut, and also super-nummy.
  
• South African Roasted Beetroot Salad with Pecans - I was really surprised by this. I love beets, but the boys were dubious, and we all liked this. A little oily for me, though.
  
• Coconut Curry - A curry is not a curry without coconut milk, amirite? :P
  
• Pineapple Sweet & Sour Tofu - This was so good. L. went all out and bought a whole pineapple, so we had extra. Pretty sure L. has upstaged all of my cooking with this one.
  
• French Onion Soup - Really lovely and comforting.
  
• Brazilian Feijoda - L. found this too beany, but I really enjoyed the flavors.

Tonight I think we're going with General Tso's Tofu since we just finished watching The Search for General Tso.

I decided to help do some of the searching for the coming week and this is what we have for the que (am updating w/ reviews as we work through!):

• Italian Farinata w/ Sundried Tomatoes and Olives - Tasty! The chickpea base reminded me a lot of cornbread, which I miss! I'd like to try with different toppings.
  
• Morrocan Tagine
  
• Lahmajun (Armenian/Turkish Pizza) or maybe this Armenian Eggplant Caserrole
  
• Kenyan Pilau
  
• Tempeh Reuben Sandwiches w/ Caramelized Onions - Sooooooo gooood. Make these, you will not regret it.
  
• Nepalese Momo w/ Chili-Sesame Dipping Sauce or maybe this Nepalese Vegetable Paluo.
  
• Carribean Gingered Butternut Squash, Rice, and Kale
  
• Russian Ikra "Caviar"

Sure, many of these (especially having been veganized) may be more of an Americanized version, but I also tried to find traditional dishes that were "accidentally" vegan.

Now I am very hungry. And excited about dinner.