Vegan Meals

Published January 23, 2012

My friend Janet asked me for some vegan info. I told her I would post some recipes and here they are. The layered salad is a lot of fun, very pretty and a way to use things like yellow and green split peas in some thing other than soup. The Minestrone recipe is a hearty soup- just perfect for chilly weather. Enjoy!

Layered Bean Salad

1 c. each green split peas, yellow split peas and red lentils

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can butter beans, rinsed and drained

1 c. diced sweet onion

1 c. diced sweet pepper

1 c. grated carrot

Cook split peas and lentils separately just until tender. Split peas, both green and yellow will take 20 minutes. Red lentils will take about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse each under cold water when done and set aside until ready to use, or you can cook them a day ahead and keep chilled. Each will yield about 2 1/2 c. cooked.

In large glass bowl, place the following ingredients in this order.Black beans, butter beans, green split peas. yellow split peas. onion, red lentils. carrots and peppers. Pour over dressing and chill several hours or overnight. Serve on a bed of greens.

Dressing *

1/2 c. oil

1/2 c. vinegar

1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained

2-3 T. sugar

1/2 c. parsley or cilantro

1 t. each chili powder, cumin and salt

dash hot sauce

Combine in a blender or food processor until smooth.

*Note: Any bottled dressing you like can be used. Italian works very well.

Meatless Minestrone

1 c. sliced celery

1 clove garlic, minced

1 c. diced onion

1 c. sliced carrots

1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes

2 c. spaghetti sauce, without meat

1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

4 c. vegetable stock

1 c. t.v.p. (textured vegetable protein)

1 T. parsley flakes

1 t. oregano

1 t. basil

salt and pepper to taste

2 c. shredded cabbage

1 c. fresh or frozen green beans, cut in pieces

2/3 c. macaroni

Place all ingredients, except cabbage, beans and macaroni in a kettle and simmer, covered, until vegetables are tender, about 25 minutes. Add cabbage, beans and pasta and cook 10 minutes more. Serves 6-8.

Posted in Cooking