Meatless Archives - Page 54 of 68

Curried Mung Bean Soup, Kimchi, Chili Oil

Curried Mung Bean Soup, Kimchi, Chili Oil
and
A Trip to The Dish Factory

Neither this soup nor a trip to The Dish Factory are for the faint of heart. Asian-fusion-style mung bean soup is flavored with hot muchi curry powder, garnished with pungent kimchi, and dotted with chili oil. Located in the center of Downtown LA, The Dish Factory is housed in an old four-story building with rickety flooring, steep stairwells, and dark hallways.

Carrying the largest china inventory in the Western US and all sorts of restaurant equipment with 60,000 sq. ft. of merchandise at heavily discounted prices, I was absolutely ecstatic when my dear friends and fabulous restaurateurs Scott & Gina Lee invited me to join them on a dish excursion. I had been lusting after top restaurants’ super-wide rimmed plates and bowls for a while, as the portion-size is petite but the presentation is dramatic. Perfect, in fact, for this vibrant soup.

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Spicy Colorful Veggie Tacos, Korean-Style

Third in a Series of Superiores Tacos Vegetarianos

Spicy Colorful Veggie Tacos, Korean-Style

Scrambled Tofu with Gochujang and Scallion
Sesame Leaf, Seasoned Bean Sprouts, Pickled Cucumber, Diced Daikon
Carrot Ribbons, Pickled Red Onion, Sliced Omelette
On a Warm Blue Corn & Flaxseed Tortilla, Spicy Gochujang Sauce

Initially I was inspired by a vegetarian taco recipe by Rick Bayless that I saw in the dreamy Harvest to Heat cookbook. It was genius. Fresh ingredients, healthy, and a perfect balance of flavors. Nothing complicated yet completely satisfying. In his shadow I create my Superiores Tacos Vegetarianos series, a compilation of vegetarian tacos highlighting a unique combination of vegetables and herbs where the flavor profile stands on its own. A series where even carnivores won’t wonder, “Where’s the Beef?”

In this latest incarnation, tofu is seasoned with gochujang (red chile paste) paired with colorful vegetables, zesty pickles, and egg, resulting in a spicy, crunchy, vibrant vegetarian taco that might be a cross between Korean Lettuce Wraps and the craze of fusion Korean Tacos?

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All GREEN Grilled Zucchini Tacos

Second in a Series of Superiores Tacos Vegetarianos

All GREEN Grilled Zucchini Tacos
Prickly Pear Cactus Tortillas
Butter Lettuce, Avocado, Shredded Green Cabbage, Cilantro, Serrano Chile
Lime Garlic Cilantro Sauce

The inspiration for these tacos came during a trip to the farmers’ market. One booth was featuring something I had never seen before, namely Prickly Pear Cactus Tortillas. Whether it be at the farmers’ market or ethnic local grocery stores, if I see something I haven’t tried before, it usually ends up in my cart. And many of those unique or interesting ingredients find a home here on Taste With The Eyes.

These green tortillas are made with organic nopal mixed with stone ground whole white corn kernels, water, lime, and vegetable plant extract. Two tortillas supply 100 calories, 3 g fiber and no cholesterol. I can’t say that they taste like nopalitos. If I close my eyes I’m not sure I could pinpoint the difference from other good corn tortillas, but I sure do love the color.

So now that I have a package of tortillas de nopal in my shopping bag, what shall I make with them?
The answer was all around me.

farmers’ market + green tortillas = all GREEN tacos

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Green Chard & Shiitake Tacos with Epazote

First in a Series of Superiores Tacos Vegetarianos

Garlicky Green Chard & Shiitake Tacos
Seared Onion, Cana de Cabra Spanish Goat Cheese, Chiffonade of Epazote
Corn & Whole Wheat Blend Tortilla, Chipotle Tomatillo Salsa

It was worth a drive down to the Bestway Supermercado to pick up fresh epazote for these extraordinario vegetarian tacos. These tacos are not your traditional tacos sans carne. This flavor profile stands on its own. In fact, the addition of chicken or pork or steak couldn’t improve on their fresh earthy robust sabor.

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Matsutake en Papillote with Rosemary & Cinnamon

The unique woodsy aroma of the matsutake (pine mushroom) is what inspired this preparation en papillote. To tear open the parchment at the table and breathe, is to inhale Autumn in the Pine Forest. Just a few rosemary leaves and a restrained pinch of ground cinnamon enhance the earthy spice aromas of the matsutake. Butter gives the meaty mushroom a rich creamy mouthfeel and slight nutty flavor while sake adds a bit of moisture, balanced acidity and complex umami flavors.

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