So, I WANTED to walk this morning for #wednesdaywalk! Because I love @tattoodjay's community there! It's a great place for us to share our world with one another, as he often comments! And I just love interacting with him and people there and seeing where you live and walk!
But.. HERE is what I was faced with when I opened my front door!!!!! LOL
So, that's why I didn't put this into the WednesdayWalk community! Though, i was tempted!!! hahahaha But no - let's keep that place safe for the walks and I had to save my walking for around the kitchen today - because you can see me in the doorway - and no. no. nope!!! LOL
As you can see - my hubby was home today, (He is 6'8" and look at that snow next to him! LOLOL) - and had some shoveling to do! He had to go in and out multiple times! Going to shovel, going to turn off power from PG&E, going to get gas for the generator, and that snow is up to my ribs!!! MY RIBS. So it's not easy walking for anyone! hehe
At lunchtime, I thought hmmm I bet he would like a nice hot lunch - and I was definitely hungry, now that my fast was over and I could eat again! hehehe I've been trying to limit the amount of meats and starches since I'm still transitioning back to my normal eating stage. This stage is called the "re-feeding" stage after a long distance fast! haha and so what better way to eat - than vegan! like my sweet friends @samsmith1971, @itsostylish, and @mypathtofire!! hehehe
And before you go - ohhhhh nooooo. a vegan dish? this isn't for me!!
I actually SAW this recipe and thought it looked amazing, and it wasn't until after I was getting the ingredients did I realize it was actually vegan! hehehe I think often we set ourselves up for thinking something will be boring and bland and tasteless - when we hear vegan! Instead - we should be looking at the MULTITUDE of flavors out there - across the ingredient spectrum!!! And if you need MORE proof of that - check out @itsostylish' post from yesterday here if you're in the mood for a ROAST (that's vegan!) hehehe
As a matter of fact, I'm posting in this community today BECAUSE I didn't even know there WAS a vegan community until she posted that recipe! hehe
so...
Here we go! In honor of my foodie friends - let's dive in!!!!
What are we making today? Well, I don't know the name of it - but I'll show you the link for the INSTAGRAM reel (at the bottom of the post!) that first made my mouth water with this tasty dish!!!
I love that a lot of the Reels that I see on IG show new spices that I've never seen or heard of before! In this particular recipe - it called for ALEPPO PEPPER! Have you ever heard of that? It's a spice that is originally from Syria that comes from a smokey, spicy pepper that has trace hints of raisin and cinnamon!
Sounds delish! But I didn't have any! hehehe So I googled what I could use to substitute! I love experimenting in the kitchen! So after googling and then OOGLING in my my spice cabinet - I came up with a blend. I mixed red chili flakes, cayenne pepper, chili pepper, a dash of cumin, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a bit of cajun seasoning! and that's what you see below!
Now that we have that set up - let's get to our EGGPLANT!
If you don't like eggplants - it's probably because they are a very juicy plant that has an.... interesting... texture. hehehe Some might even say slimy/squishy? BUT DON'T RUN AWAY!!! I have a tip for you!
First, let's slice it into 1/2 inch slices! Easy, peesy!
Then we are going to use SCIENCE to change the texture of our eggplant! hehe
Remember osmosis??
When water moves from a less concentrated solution to a higher concentration? So - If you salt your eggplant the water will be pulled from the eggplant! giving us a less "squishy" veggie, and firming it up! and indeed... let us see, shall we?
BUT FIRST - let's score the eggplant in a criss-cross manner! Why? Well - that's what the recipe shows, and also - it looks pretty - and finally, it PROBABLY cooks more evenly. But to be honest? I don't know. hahaha
NOW, let's salt it! (I used Pink Himalayan salt) and then just let it sit.
Take a look - after a few minutes, that water is really starting to be pulled from the eggplant!!
After it has pulled as much as YOU'D like out (and by the way - if you slice it thinner, and salt - it can REALLY be a perfect texture for eggplant parmesan, or eggplant rolls, or eggplant lasagna!!!), then you're gonna pat dry, and get it ready for the next part!
Now we are going to take some of that "homemade aleppo-substitute pepper" and mix 1.5 Tablespoons of that - with 1.5 Tbsp of brown sugar (I acutally substituted coconut sugar because I really love the deeper flavor there! It's not just sweet - it's got a much more complex flavor!) plus 1 tsp of seasoning salt (I did a bit less, since I salted the egglplant) and 1.5 Tbsp of smoked paprika.
Here is that mixture below!
Next, you're going to combine those dry seasonings with 1/4 cup of olive oil, and mix it into a syrupy paste. Then, you will brush this on both sides of your eggplant and place onto a hot cast iron griddle !
Next - cook until it reaches your desired crisp! I tend to love when its darker - like cajun and blackened!!! The flavor is YUM!!! but it's very nice when its just toasty brown too!
While those are toasting, you're going to toast your walnuts in another pan. Since I love adjusting recipes - I had some pine nuts also - and I mixed them into the walnuts! I smashed the walnuts into pieces and then started toasting - no oil - just a hot pan! Then I added in the pine nuts! Be careful - WATCH THESE - they can burn fast!!!
Now they're ready to be set aside. Don't leave them in the hot pan!!! They will continue to cook there, and they WILL burn. You really won't like that bitter taste - it will ruin the whole dish. So be ready to transfer!
Now, you'll just put together your sauce! I didn't take pics of this because I just put it on a jar and shook it up! But it is 3 Tbsp tahini, 1Tbsp miso paste, 1.5 tsp maple syrup, 1.5 tsp rice vinegar, and then just a splash of water until you get the consistency you like! I actually added 1 Tbsp of maple syrup instead of what was recommended. I think that because of the salty, spicy nature of the dish - it could handle that extra sweet!
Also - mix together some spices for the garnish. I used dry dill, parsley, and chives. You can use fresh if you have it! But I didn't! So the dried worked just fine for me!
And when all is said and done? Here is what it looked like. After you plate the egglpant, drizzle some olive oil, some of the miso tahini sauce, and sprinkle the toasted nuts, pomegranate seeds, and dried seasonings!
Now, sometimes you get a great shot - and sometimes, you just don't! I can't tell if this looks as good as it tasted - but it was DELICIOUS!!! Savory, Spicy, Salty, Sweet. Sour and Umami!!! hehehe It hit EVERY note. The texture was diverse also - with the meaty texture of the egglplant, the crunch of the nuts, the smooth syrupy texture of the sauce and the burst of juicy pomegranate seeds - this seriously is a dish that you NEED to indulge!!!
Hope you enjoyed this!
and if you want to see the super fast 30 second Instagram REEL version - HERE IS THAT VIDEO
Thanks for visiting!!
All images are mine :)
Hehehe... Momma is always creative even in the kitchen and I was just amazed seeing those steps and how you used osmosis for the eggplant. Wow! Look at the finishing part 😋😋😋 So colorful and I love it that way 😎😎🔥🔥🔥
The snow... Hehehe! So beautiful. I had to bring my phone closer to see hubby clearly even though I couldn't see you 😂😂
That was a big time spent in your kitchen coming up with that delicious meal 😋😋
HAHAHAHAHAHA yes - i was hiding in the house - but if you zoom in you can see my face ROFLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL just my face though - because the rest of me is ocvered in the snow hahahahahahahahahahaha
I'm so glad you liked this recipe! you know you have to come see me so we try it together hehehehehe
i love you princess!
Hi @dreemsteem! Welcome to Plant Power Vegan.
I am very happy with this super recipe. These eggplants really are to lick your fingers! What a delicious thing! This is a recipe that I will definitely make for my family.
Thank you for bringing good recipes to the community. I hope to see more vegan recipes. A big greeting.
hi there @sirenahippie !!!! hehehe I actually made another vegan recipe the other day but I gobbled it up before i took pictures and posted hahahahahahahaha
but yes - I'm not a vegan - but I do love eating vegan more from time to time now!!! I agree with @itsostylish that eating vegan definitely doesn't need to be boring!! hehehe there are just so many flavors that are naturally delicious - why do we limit ourselves in our thinking to say that it's too plain - right??? hehehehe
I would love to post here again, as this was great fun! whenever i find a new one - I'll try to remember to pause to take pics! hahahaha sending love to you! thank you for the warm welcome. sorry for my late response! our internet and power are both back up so I'm catching up on replies now hehehe
Hello, what a good comment @dreemsteem !
Well, you are more than welcome to the vegan community, you can post whenever you like, and it would be super cool to meet you, to see you cooking.
And I understand that you are not vegan, that is respectable and it is a progressive process. In fact, I am also in that process, because where I live it is very difficult to get vegetables, and I still do not have a constant supply of water that allows me to grow part of my food (the climate here is also very hot), and this is what That adds to the terrible crisis in my country, but I manage for my food.
And yes, as @itsostylish says, being vegan doesn't have to be boring, I think a lot of people and interests have given veganism a bad name, but as we can see in the community, there are so many really delicious and creative vegan recipes.
Have a nice day. Greetings.
There is no way to express how much I adore you @sirenahippie and, yes! We want much more from our beautiful Dreemy! 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🤗❤️🤗❤️💕❤️🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
What a beautiful comment @itsostylish ! Thank you very much, really, a big hug, and let's continue building a better world.
That snow is very, very intimidating. Wow! Just stay away from it (as far as possible)
Your eggplant looks totally divine —can almost taste the favour burst on my tongue. Yum 😋
It was so so sso good.! so sos soooooooooo good! hahahaha
and it really wasn't too much of a hassle to make! I wasnt' sure if it would be -but it really didn't take so long!!!
adn the snow... it finally stopped - but my front porch just looks a mess! LOL and the back patio with all my pots for summer gardening.. hmmmm i think the snow did a lot of damage to them - so... it looks like i'll be buying some new things this year LOL sheesh.
but - hey... I guess I will just be thrilled with ALL THAT WATER that is returning to our ground!!! hehehe hopefully we keep some of it in our dams for the future!!
I guess you're one of those who see a yummy dish, like it and make it. This looks amaaazing! I like the fact that you weren't rigid with your ingredients. ✨
YES hehehe and you know what? I've made 2 more dishes that i've seen from instagram this week and they were so delicious! I thought to make another post - but sometimes I just want to make it and eat it hahahahahaha
but i also made it varied with those recipes too - because I do like making the recipe my own too - you know? LOL
That's the life😅. Keep doing what you love✨
Wow… the snow is piling up ☃️☃️☃️ I can imagine you want to stay in.
This looks delicious 😋 I love recipes like this. And always experiment with food.
Thanks for sharing.
Have an awesome day 👋🏻😊
good morning to you! the snow finally stopped and yes - i have been a prisoner here hahahahahahahaha
but its allowed me to make some fun food too LOLOL
we finally have reliable internet and power now!! oh i hope it stays - and i hope the snow GOES! LOL
Morning to you 👋🏻☀️☃️
Guess what, here the snow started again this morning after being gone for weeks. Everything is getting covered by it. With freezing temperatures all week, it will for sure stay again like in January. Can’t wait… ☃️☃️ love snow.
Yep, when one can’t go out… it gives you nice things to do.
That’s wonderful to hear. I hope the power and internet holds on and stays a longggggg time 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
I can imagine you want it to go with soooooo much. It will… eventually. So hang in there 😉😊
Have an awesome new week 👋🏻
oh - and i just saw your other comment and didnt' get to it yet - but since i'm here - i'll tell you hehehe
we had considered Belize for a strong time, but now we are really strongly considering Panama. and even MOST recently we toyed with the idea of Vietnam!!! that one really surprised me because its so far away and I never thought i woudl consider it - but... we will see hahahaha
but i think most likely - panama. it's the one that we have researched the most and hopefully this year we will actually take a trip there with our children and see what its like. we want to start learning Spanish also. I studied it a very long time ago but - you know, if you don't use it - you lose it hehehe so I want to start studying again, to prepare for it :) just in case! hehehe
That’s awesome. Those are some very pretty countries.
So different that what we both are used to.
I heard many times about Panama. And why people are moving to it.
Wow Vietnam… that’s a whole different story, and wouldn’t even have crossed my mind.
Looking forward what you will do, decide and maybe end up in.
It’s good to go and see, especially feel the vibe for yourself. As researching is one thing. Being actually there is another. It clicks or it doesn’t.
I sooo know 😎
Doing a switch like this works better when the children aren’t to old better. They easily adjust when younger.
I think once you start your Spanish up again, it will come back. Not fully… but you will remember parts for sure.
Oh so exciting… have fun in the research and all steps.
I am in full research mode too again. As we need to move in the next months… again. !LOL
Love this part of it a lot… researching.
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…that’s probably how I’ll watch all documentaries from now on.
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You guys really need to get snowshoes 🤣
@nickydee might be interested in the recipe :) ...
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yes i guess they fitted Mikey for snowshoes the other day when he had to continue to go up towards the ridge! because he was really walking in snow up past his hips as the snow continued - and he was miserable! LOL
😂 miserable and exhausted probably! You should try using them - but be sure someone is filming you!!! 🤣🤣🤣
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HAHAHAHAHAAHA NO WAY!!! i'm not going out there LOLOLOL
he said it was the hardest day he had ever worked in his life so far - and...he's been working since age 14... and he is now 22 LOL
You're not chicken, are you? 🤣🤣🤣
Why did he have to go so far???
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to get the wifi up and running... and then to keep making sure the generator is filled and all that - whew... so much work hahaha
Are things sorted yet with the power?
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Oh wow! That is some serious snow! I don't blame you for not going for a walk in all that snow...lol!
hahahaha i hide in my house when the snow is like this - and just stare out the window and wait for it to melt!!! LOLOL
Good idea...LOL!! It makes perfect sense😄!
thank you for the curation @plantpoweronhive !!! i appreciate it - and that banner is BEAUTIFUL!
A funny thing: I Saw this type of eggplant yesterday and I thought to make similar like yours 😍
hi @anggreklestari !!! hehehe did you try it??? was it so nice?
mine was DELICIOUS! HAHA so nice to see you again!
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thank you @anggreklestari and @foodiesunite !!! I appreciate it!
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thank you as always @bhattg and @indiaunited!!! :) hope you're having a wonderful weekend!!
Wow! So much snow!!
The eggplant looks fantastic and adding lots of seasoning is really important. I didn't think to cook on a cast iron girdle before, but that is a great idea.
yes it gets a really nice crispy crust on it that way!!! so the texture is varied!!!
and the snow FINALLY stopped- and now we FINALLY have reliable power and internet hahaha wow - that was so not fun for a week!!! LOL it was terrible hahahaha
Whenever it happens, I'm so glad for it to return!! but it makes me think of people who have those kinds of internet and power struggles and it NEVER ends for them!!! makes me grateful more!!
That looks yummy and healthy.. I love eggplant. I remember the recipe I made, gonna post it soon haha..
ehehehe it was so so so yummy! I also love eggplant
I was happy to eat it but sad that I made it all - now I need more! hahaha
😂😂😂 it looks quite better than the green mush we see alexander (forgot her name😅) drink😂😂😂
hahhaha you mean alessandra??? LOLOL
Yesss😂😂😂
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