Tamale Pie

Tamale Pie

2 cups corn, kernel
3 cups tomatoes, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 small can pitted black olives, sliced
1 small can green chilies, chopped, mild
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 cup soymilk
1 cup cornmeal

Place corn, tomatoes, onion, olives, green chilies, salt, and garlic powder together in a saucepan.  Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.  In a bowl, stir together the soymilk and cornmeal.  Place the cooked ingredients in a casserole dish.  Stir in the soymilk and cornmeal mixture.  Bake at 325 degrees for one hour.

Serve with creamy ranch dressing, cilantro, and corn chips.

Tofu Walnut Burgers

Sometimes it is difficult to find a tasty gluten-free and vegan burger patty.  I'm always on the look-out for a great recipe in this category.  I think this recipe is a keeper.  We had these for lunch today and they were delicious!  The original recipe called for bread crumbs instead of the Rice Chex I used, and if you have gluten-free bread crumbs, they could be substituted.  You can also use your favorite gluten-free flour or egg replacer as a substitute for the gar/fava or soy flour if you'd like.  Enjoy!

Tofu Walnut Burgers

1/2 pound tofu, extra firm
1 cup oatmeal, uncooked (gluten free)
1 cup Rice Chex (gluten free)
1/3 cup gar/fava or soy flour
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons Bill's Best Chicknish'
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
1/2 teaspoon mineral salt
1 teaspoon sage
1 cup water, more if necessary

Rinse and drain tofu.  Crumble with hands into a bowl.  Add oatmeal, crushed Rice Chex, and gar/fava or soy flour.  Stir well, then add finely chopped onion, walnuts, and seasonings.  After well-blended, add water and stir gently.  Allow mixture to sit for a few minutes so water can absorb.  If mixture is dry, add a little more water so that a consistency suitable for molding into patties is obtained.  Be careful not to make the mixture too wet.  Form into burger patties and place on a baking stone and bake in a 350 degree oven until baked for twenty minutes, then turned and browned ten minutes more.  Or fry slowly in coconut or olive oil until patties are a golden brown.

This recipe can be made into meat balls as well.  Serve with gravy, pasta and sauce, or in a burger bun for a delicious sandwich.

Makes 16 burgers (or 24 small patties).

Pasta con Faggioli Soup

Fresh, savory, and quick to make --- Pasta con Faggioli is great for a crowd. Serve with sandwiches and enjoy the fellowship of family and friends.

Pasta Con Faggioli

6 cups water
4 - 5 medium garlic cloves, peeled and diced
1 sweet onion, medium
8 ounces crushed tomatoes, canned
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp. salt
1/4 Tbsp. chili pepper, crushed
1 Tbsp. parsley, fresh and chopped
15 ounces cooked Great Northern White Beans
8 ounces quinoa spaghetti, broken

In a skillet, sauté sweet onion and garlic until soft. Add seasonings, tomatoes, and beans. In a kettle, bring water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until tender. Add bean and tomato mixture to the spaghetti. Add fresh parsley and stir in gently. Adjust seasonings as needed. Cover and allow to sit for 2 - 3 minutes before serving.