Monday, August 28, 2006

Tempeh and hummus

I finally got the nerve to try the tempeh, so I made Tempeh Bacon from VWaV last night. Here is an open-faced TLT to prove it. We looooved the marinade. The tempeh really does beat tofu, at least in the way of a bacon substitute. But I had a really hard time working with the tempeh--it was really crumbly when I tried to slice it. Does anyone else have that problem?

I'll try tempeh again soon, but I think in my quest for frugality tofu will prove to be a more suitable item. We did really enjoy this sammich, though!

Tonight I made hummus for the first time in a while. I get bored with hummus sometimes, because it never seems to vary that much. Anyway, tonight I made just a basic hummus:

1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
5 cloves garlic
3 scallions
2 tbsp. lemon juice
2 tbsp. tahini
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp. olive oil

Just process everything together in the food processor until creamy.

Hummus is a quick, easy meal, and delightfully refreshing with tons of fresh veggies! Bob and I like to top our hummus with toasted pine nuts, too. This was probably the best hummus I've ever made. And there's plenty left over!


That's all, folks!

9 comments:

urban vegan said...

I love the VWAV tempeh bacon, too. Looks delicious. Mine didn't crumble--but maybe you just need to use a real sharp knife?

KleoPatra said...

That tempeh bacon looks GREAT. I need to try that soon. Crumbly bacon is good, isn't it? I would love to have it whether it crumbled or held up under the knife's edge. It looks spectacular!

Great hummus there with the pine nuts sprinkled on top. Wow. The plate is super pretty in pink.

How are you since the accident? I hope all is well... and the phone sitch, is that all good now? Hope you have a safe and fun week, Laura!

Dori said...

You tempeh looks relly good .... mine, well it's still frozen. I will make a vow this fine evening that someday I will really pull itout of the freezer and use it. Your post makes me want to.

Love the t'ART. It's just peachy!

Anonymous said...

the tempeh looks great. You're really inspiring me to try new things... soon.

laura k said...

Urban Vegan, I did use a SUPER sharp knife to cut the tempeh. Hmm... At least if yours didn't crumble then I know it's something I can fix.

Kleo, I'm just fine since the accident--no "day after" complications or anything! The phone...mysteriously started working again. Weirdest thing. We're going to replace them soon anyway.

Gaia, I'm so glad you stopped by! Enchantez de faire votre connaissance... And I hope to see you around!

Dori and Pure Zuke, the tempeh really wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. Like I said, it crumbled some, but other than that it was not hard to cook--I'd say easier than tofu, in a way, because the tempeh actually has some structure and texture of its own. Anyway, glad I could inspire you! You both have inspired me tons!

Peace and blessings to everyone!

Jennifer C. said...

I know what you mean about hummus. To switch it up a bit, I use lime juice instead of lemon and add a chipotle pepper.

That sandwich looks so good. I'm going to have to make some TLT's soon...with avocado. My favorite!

Carrie™ said...

I'm still a tempeh cooking virgin. I've eaten it and liked it, and everyone is blogging about this "bacon". I have some tempeh in the freezer and I don't know what's stopping me!

Hey Laura! Go over to Vive Le Vegan blog. There's a surprise there for you!!!

jess (of Get Sconed!) said...

Hmm I'd look into different tempeh brands, get a reallllly sharp knife and fry gently. I know, not very innovative advice. Personally, I love how crispy tempeh can get, I think it handles salty flavors better than tofu as well.

laura k said...

Jennifer... ooh, southwestern-style hummus! What a great idea...

Carrie, thanks for sharing! I've been trying to peek over there all day but being in class all day and having a pesky internet connection otherwise... But I was so excited when I read your comment!!

Gaia, it's awesome that you got the book too!

Jess, trying out different tempeh brands is a great idea, that I should have thought of but didn't. Now I'm excited to try it again! The crispiness of the tempeh bacon was really satisfying...