Pancake Sunday!: Turmeric Blueberry Spice Superfood Pancakes.

Happy Sunday, everyone!
If you're like me, Sundays mean a couple of things: 1. sleeping in. 2. rest day...aka extra time for yoga. 3. quality time with family and friends. 4. "catch up" and "prep for the week ahead" day. And 5. PANCAKES FOR BREAKFASTTTTTTT! It's pretty much the golden rule when it comes to Sunday breakfast or brunch: whatever you eat, your plate MUST include a short stack (or a tall stack...).
Now, what's special about this stack? Well, other than that it's INSANELY DELICIOUS, this stack of pancakes is completely loaded with nutrients...practically OVERFLOWING from all the health benefits (and maple syrup...)! So, what exactly is IN this stack that makes it so wonderful? Keep reading...
Turmeric. Turmeric is probably the most potent herb out there when it comes to health benefits. Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties...it has been used as a natural alternative to prednisone in some case studies (with SUCCESS, I might add!). In addition, turmeric has powerful antioxidant properties, making it extremely effective at ridding the body of harmful free radicals. In other studies, turmeric has been shown to be effective at reducing the risk of heart disease, treating depression, lessening the effects of alzheimer's, and even curing cancer!
Wild Blueberries. Wild blueberries are among nature's leading sources of antioxidant's. According to wildblueberries.com, "...a one-cup serving of Wild Blueberries has more total antioxidant capacity (TAC) than 20 other fruits and veggies, including cranberries, strawberries, plums, raspberries and even cultivated blueberries." Blueberries naturally contain the antioxidants pterostilbene and reservatrol, both of which are effective at neutralizing free radicals. They are one of the best sources of natural fiber, containing a whopping 6.2 grams in just 1 cup. Additionally, blueberries contain health amounts of Vitamin K, Vitamin C, manganese, and copper. 
Coconut. Just one ounce of dried coconut contains 4 grams of fiber, making it a delicious way to help you "stay regular." Coconut also contains brain-boosting copper, which promotes the production of myelin, the protective coating around our brain's neurotransmitters. Studies also link coconut to improved memory.
As you can see, these pancakes are pretty darn healthy. But that's not all...they're pretty darn delicious, too! But don't take my word for it....try 'em yourself! And let me know watcha think in the comments! 
Have a great week, guys, and enjoy your pancakes! 

Turmeric Blueberry Spice Superfood Pancakes.

 Turmeric Blueberry Spice Superfood Pancakes. Vegan, Gluten-free. Serves one (makes 5 medium-sized pancakes). 

Ingredients
1. 1/2 cup gluten-free flour (I used oat flour)
2. 1/2 tsp baking powder
3. One packet stevia powder
4. 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
5. 1/4 tsp ground ginger
6. 1/2 cup frozen wild blueberries
7. 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk (refrigerated kind)
8. 2 T dried coconut chips
9. Peanut butter of choice and maple syrup, for topping

Method
1. Combine first 5 ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and whisk well. Add blueberries and coconut milk and stir. until a smooth batter forms.
2. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto heated nonstick pan. Cook 3-4 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining batter.
3. Arrange pancakes on a large plate and add toppings. Serve immediately. 

"Throw-It-Together Thursday". What to fix when you're too tired to think! (BONUS: TWO recipe this week!)

I think we all have that one night per week when we simply just don't want to cook. Or at least, we don't want to spend a long time thinking about WHAT to cook. Maybe you have a weekly after-work activity, late afternoon study group that always ends later than you expect it will, or an impromptu mandatory staff meeting...whatever it is for you, it's making you not wanna cook. We've all been there. For me, that day of the week is Thursday. I have to be at work very early on Thursdays, and get off just in time to head to ballet, which don't end until 9:30. You can probably imagine that by the time I get home on Thursday nights, I'm ready to eat and go to bed! So what are my favorite quick, healthy go-to meals and meal ideas? 

Wraps.

Wraps are one of my very favorite "go-to's." All you need is a gorilla or wrap of your choosing and whatever happens to be in your fridge! I've done sweet, savory, crunchy, warm, gooey, you name it...I've probably done it (I may or may not have done a sweet and savory combo wrap...don't knock it till you try it!). Let's take yesterday, for example:

Spinach Tomato "Ricotta" Wrap.

This was super simple and quick, but so so good! I simply took a gluten-free, spinach wrap, filled it with fresh spinach (you could also do steamed), topped it with my Vegan Ricotta Cheeze for my cookbook, and added fresh Roma tomato slices. I served it with some steamed carrots and asparagus, fresh fruit, and homemade tomato basil soup. Delish! And super quick.

What's your favorite type of wrap or tortilla?  Mine would have to be these guys...

My all-time favorite wraps...wRAWps!

I'm totally obsessed with wRAWps. They're gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, oil-free, sugar-free, AND 100% raw! They have tons of different flavors to choose from, perfect for whatever type of wrap you're craving! They even have pizza crusts, too!

Salads.

A big 'ol salad is ALWAYS a good idea, but ESPECIALLY on a "fast-food" night! Many times, I will make a big salad in the morning and leave it in the fridge so it's ready to go when I get home! And like wraps, salads don't require much thought, either: just use what you've got in your fridge...I have to say I've never eaten a gross salad! :) And in the winter, when you don't necessarily want a cold salad? I love doing WARM SALADS--simply steam or sauté all the veggies you would normally use raw! Steam spinach for your base, and add sautéed onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Add some canned chickpeas, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve with cooked brown rice on the side. BOOM. So good.

Easy Asian Salad with Peanut Ginger Dressing. (recipe below!)

Easy Asian Salad with Peanut Ginger Dressing.

Ingredients

1. 1 cup fresh snap peas, chopped

2. 1 cup chopped red cabbage

3. 1/2 cup sliced white button mushrooms

4. 4 oz. water-packed extra firm tofu, diced

5. 2 T peanut butter of choice

6. 1/4 tsp ground ginger

7. 1 tsp soy sauce (or soy sauce substitute)

8. 1 1/2 T water

9. 1 tsp fresh lime juice

10. Pinch of stevia (or sweetener of choice)

11. Cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Method

1. Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl and toss to mix.

2. Combine peanut butter, ginger, soy sauce, water, stevia, and lime juice in a small ramekin and whisk until thoroughly mixed. 

3. Drizzle dressing over salad and garnish with cilantro, if desired.

Bagels. 

Ooooooooh, who doesn't love a good old bagel?! Bagels are literally one of the most comforting foods on the planet, in my opinion. And they're such a great option for a quick evening meal: carbs are proven to help you sleep better, so they're great if you have to eat a late dinner! And they're super versatile: again, you can get totally creative with a bagel. Sweet or savory! 

Toasted Gluten-free bagel with Homemade Veggie Cream Cheezeless.

Casseroles.

Ahhh, the casserole. Another one of those things you can literally throw everything into a giant mixing bowl, mash it up, bake, and hey--you've got a delicious dinner! Even better? You can cook them ahead of time, store in the fridge, and warm back up in the microwave/oven when you get home late. Whoever invented the casserole, I love them. 

Here's a fun little casserole I created the other night, sort of inspired by...A CHILI DOG. Yes, I'm serious. (The recipe is still vegan of course, and TOTALLY healthier than even a vegan chili dog!). It combines loads of plant protein, gut-healthy probiotics from sauerkraut, tomatoes which pack a healthy dose of lycopene, and tons of flavor. I drizzled my casserole with my "Rockstar Ranch Dressing" for my cookbook, but get creative! Mustard would be delish too.

"Meaty" Sauerkraut-Tomato Casserole.

"Meaty" Sauerkraut-Tomato Casserole.

With toppings, of course.

Ingredients

1. 1 cup sauerkraut

2. 1/3 cup TVP granules

3. 1/4 tsp each onion and garlic powders

4. 1/2 tsp chill powder

5. Salt, to taste

6. 1/3 cup water

7. 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained

8. 2 T panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free, if needed)

9. Toppings/dressing of choice (ketchup/mustard, etc.)

Method

1. Combine TVP, spices, and salt in a medium-sized bowl and mix well. Add water and microwave 2 minute.

2. Add TVP, sauerkraut, and tomatoes to a large bowl and mix very well. Spoon into small casserole dish and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 25 minutes.

3. Remove from oven, let cool 10 minutes, and drizzle with toppings of choice. Serve warm, with a side salad, homemade potato chips, and fresh fruit.

USE YOUR IMAGINATION!

Other than my ideas above, use your imagination...and whatever is in your fridge! It's truly amazing the flavor combinations and tasty creations you can come up with by using fresh veggies and fruits. You really can't go wrong! The best thing you can do is experiment...and enjoy! :)

Until next time, guys. Enjoy! 

--Anna,

"The Fit Vegan Ginger" :)

Peanut Butter "SauerSPROUT" Sushi! (And my new #TFVGSushisunday contest!)

So I'm starting a new thing..."Sushi Sunday"! Every Sunday I'll be eating sushi for one meal out of the day...I'm going to try and see juuuuuust how many sushi combos I can come up with!! Why?? Simple. If you've read my "About Me" page, you already know that I have thyroid disease, and had to start taking thyroid medication at age 13. After years of up and down blood levels, from too much medication to not enough, my levels finally stabilized when I went vegan (#plantpower!). As amazing as this is, I want to take it a step further: I don't want to have to take artificial thyroid hormone replacement medicine anymore! I want to be wholly healthy--no foreign substances in my body...this is all fine and dandy and sounds super terrific, but for someone with thyroid disease, if you just up and quit your medication, it's disastrous. 

So what's the natural solution, you ask?! One (magical!) word...IODINE! Iodine is a vital nutrient that our bodies need, but are unable to produce on their own. Iodine is not found in many foods at ALLLLL, so most people opt to take it in supplement form. But real food is always better, as you all know! Which is where this monologue comes to a point, finally...nori, kelp, dulse, and other sea vegetables are the ONLY natural, vegan, supplement-free way to get iodine! So, basically, this is the reason behind my "Sushi Sunday" theme...I hope you'll all join me in sushi creating (not only on Sundays!), and that you enjoy the recipes I'll be sharing. Happy sushi-ing! 

    Peanut Butter "SauerSPROUT Sushi. 

    Maybe not the prettiest roll I'll create...but it was dang goooooood!

Peanut Butter "SauerSPROUT" Sushi. Vegan, gluten-free. Serves one. 

Ingredients

1. One nori sheet

2. 4 T peanut butter of choice 

3. 1/2 cup sprouts

4. 1/4 cup sauerkraut

5. 1/2 tsp ground ginger

Method

1. One of the best things about sushi, besides the taste? Fill. Roll. Cut. Eat. Done! It's so simple! For this roll, simply spread your PB over the nori sheet and top with WASHED and dried sprouts (wash carefully! Sprouts are known to carry bacteria--buy organic if possible). 

2. In a small bowl, mix sauerkraut with ground ginger, and add on top of sprouts. 

3. Time to roll it up! Slice before serving. And yes. You have to use chopsticks ;) 

Ginger Grapefruit Frosty.

Dare I say it? I think SUMMER HAS ARRIVED, guys!!!! And I am one happy little vegan :) as a mostly raw vegan, I have to admit I really struggle in the winter...I always want warm, cooked food because I'm always cold 😓 but summer?! Bring on the smoothies and nice creams! I rarely if ever cook during the summer months--it's wonderful! Food prep takes less time, AND you don't heat up the house with the oven, thus, you can get away with not turning on the AC 👌😂 

This zesty frosty is the perfect refreshing treat after a hot day like today! Enjoy. 

                Ginger Grapefruit Frosty. 

            Energizing, sweet, tangy, and lightly spicy. PERFECTION! 

Ginger Grapefuit Frosty. Vegan, Gluten-free. Serves one. 

Ingredients

1. One grapefruit, frozen in sections

2. 2 tsp grated ginger

3. 1 T maple syrup or maple flavored agave nectar

4. 1-1 1/2 cups cold water

Method

1. Place frozen grapefruit sections in a strainer and briefly rinse under warm water. Place in vitamix with all ingredients and blend low to high until frothy and smooth (add water as needed). Enjoy! 

Sweet 'n Sour Spaghetti Pasta Salad.

This kind of goes without saying, but I LOOOVE taking traditional recipes (pasta salad, for example!) and putting a totally weird spin on them. It's so fun to come up with creative flavor combinations, and even MORE fun to EAT it afterwards! Nothing better 😄 this is a really fun recipe--super colorful, too! Nice and quick, tastes super fresh, and can be made ahead (and taken to a picnic!). The use of spaghetti noodles really makes this recipe awesome. Most pasta salads use bow tie, macaroni, fusilli, shells, you get the point. But...I'm not most 🙌😂 hope you enjoy!

    Sweet 'n Sour Spaghetti Pasta Salad!

   Where have you been all my life?!

Sweet 'n Sour Spaghetti Pasta Salad; Vegan, Gluten-free. Serves one. 

Ingredients

1. One serving spaghetti noodles of choice, cooked and cooled

2. 1 cup chopped fresh spinach

3. 3/4 cup steamed, sliced beets (canned is fine), sliced into matchsticks

4. 1/2 cup white beans of choice (I used navy--great northern are great, too!)

5. One stalk celery, sliced

6. 2 T Apple cider vinegar

7. 1/2 packet stevia

8. Ground ginger

Method

1. In a large bowl or on a large plate, arrange your chopped spinach. Place cooled spaghetti noods on top. 

2. Top noodles with beets, then beans, then celery. 

3. In a small bowl, vigorously whisk vinegar and stevia to make a Vinagrette. Pour over pasta salad, and top with ginger. Enjoy! 

Note: I actually rink this tastes better if you let it sit for a while...it will begin to marinate and absorb the Vinagrette...yum!

Raw Goodness: TFVG's Asian Glow Bowl.

If you follow me on Instagram (@thefitveganginger), you already know that I LOVE my raw veggies--I don't go a single meal without a bowl of raw deliciousness! My diet is primarily raw or almost raw based...If I had to guess I would say it's about an 80/20 raw/cooked split. I love making savory and gourmet-style goodies out of vegetables...especially raw ones! Being vegan isn't just easy, it's FUN TOO! 👍 

This glow bowl is super easy, and super DUPER tasty--I just used what I had on hand...you do the same! 

            TFVG's Asian Glow Bowl. 

TFVG's Asian Glow Bowl; Vegan, Gluten-free option. Serves one. 

Ingredients

1. 5 small to medium radishes, sliced 

2. 1 cup sugar snap peas

3. Large handful sliced mushrooms

4. 1 medium carrot, grated

5. 3/4 cup canned no-salt added chickpeas, drained and rinsed

6. 2 oz. silken soft tofu

7. 1/4 tsp EACH onion powder, garlic powder, and ground ginger

8. 1 1/2 tsp braggs liquid aminos 

9. Pita bread for serving

Method

1. Prepare your veg and arrange as desired on a large plate. 

2. In your mini food processor, combine chickpeas, tofu, aminos, and spices with 3-4 T water. 

3. Blend until perfectly smooth and creamy, scraping sides periodically throughout blending. 

4. Serve hummus in the center of veggie bowl. Serve with Pitas for dipping. 

Holiday post!: Christmas Cucumber-Cranberry Salad.

Christmas is my favorite holiday to make special good for: I adore the colors, the flavors, the warmth, and especially the love and effort that everyone puts into cooking around this special holiday. I always love to cook, but during this season I reeeeeaaaallllyyy love to cook-there's a certain joy, a certain excitement about cooking for the holidays...it's wonderful! And you guys surely know by now that I'm super sappy when it comes to holiday food...I love holiday themed recipes! 

With that said, this is a super fun, super healthy Christmas salad that can be tossed together in literally 5 minutes for a delicious and BEAUTIFUL Christmas dinner addition. The colors make this dish suitable for a table centerpiece, and the flavors make it uber drool-worthy. Serve this stunning salad to really impress your fam this holiday season! 

  Christmas Cucumber-Cranberry Salad. 

        Told you it was pretty. I know! 

Christmas Cucumber-Cranberry Salad; Vegan, Gluten-free. Serves one. 

Ingredients

1. One extra large cucumber, chopped 

2. 1 cup fresh cranberries

3. One packet stevia

4. 1/2 tsp ground ginger

5. 1 T vinegar of choice (I opted for coconut!)

6. 5-10 drops liquid stevia

Method

1. Wash cranberries and place in a medium size bowl. Cover with packet of stevia and mix around well. 

2. Combine sliced cuke, stevia-doused cranberries, ginger, vinegar, liquid stevia, and mix well until combined. 

3. Sprinkle with extra ginger for garnish and serve. 

Recipe note: you can also garnish this with fresh mint...beautiful! 

Holiday Post!: Gingerbread Protein Mugcake (and my holiday baking fail!).

So I'm not going to lie...I kind of suck at baking. I mean, don't get me wrong, I enjoy baking, but it's definitely not my "kitchen talent" by any means.  I'm much better at cooking--think tofu steaks, roasted sweet potatoes, spaghetti, you get it. However, I'm the type of person that likes to be good at everything...which, I might add, can be good and bad. On top of this fact, we are all well aware of the quickly approaching Christmas holiday (8  days left!!), which means a lot of baking is in the works for many people. So I've been faced with a little dilemma, haven't I?! 

So in my longing to join the holiday baking madness, AND my hesitancy with baking in general, I resorted to my signature kitchen appliance: my beloved microwave. I have an ongoing love affair with my microwave...especially now in my first year of college! Many a "rescue meal" has been hastily created  with help from my giant black spaceship (as my mom calls it!)--quick, easy, tasty, and, of course, healthy. This Gingerbread Protein Mugcake is no different--it satisfies all of my requirements: vegan, quick, easy, oil free, sugar free, contains a serving of veggies (if you use vega protein), high protein, and can be made in less than 30 min...well, actually, this rockstar can be made in less than 3 minutes. What are you waiting for?! Get your faux-bakin' on people! 

        Gingerbread Protein Mugcake. 

              High protein goodness! 

          YUMMMMMMMMMMMM

Protein Mugcake

Ingredients

1. One scoop protein powder (I used vega!)

2. 2 T brown rice protein powder

3. One packet stevia

4. 1/2 cup water

5. 1/2 tsp ginger, ground

6. Dashes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice/cloves

7. 1/2 tsp baking powder

Method

1. Mix all dry ingredients together in a small, microwave safe bowl. 

2. Stir in water and mix well, ensuring NI clumps remain. 

3. Microwave on high for 1 min 30 seconds. Let cool, sprinkle with ginger, and enjoy! 

Protein Packed Zucchini Ginger Sam.

Yes, I'm still alive 😂 sorry for my blog hiatus...it's called "midterm week" 😳😰 but NO FEAR--I totally rocked that thang 👏👏👏😂👯

Ok now on to the food...😋 Today's recipe is SUPER AWESOME and SUPER QUICK--the best kind of recipes am I right?! Give this one a try when you're rushed...you won't be sorry!

    Protein Packed Zucchini Ginger Sam. 

Protein Packed Zucchini Ginger Sam; Vegan, Gluten-free. Serves one. 

Ingredients

1. 2 slices vegan bread of choice (my fave is Ezekiel!), toasted

2. 2 T brown rice protein powder

3. 2 T water

4. 10 drops liquid stevia

5. Four THIN slices of zucchini

6. A sprinkling of ground ginger

Method 

1. In a small bowl, mix your protein powder, water, and stevia. Spread over toasted bread slices, top with zuke, and sprinkle with ginger. Yep. That's it. EAT! 

Gingersnap Oatmeal.

One of my all time favorite sweeteners is blackstrap molasses. In fact, I think of it more as a supplement than a sweetener. This stuf is a total suoerfood, in my opinion. It supplies so much iron it's not even funny. And that taste. Who doesn't love molasses?! 

This oat bowl is heaven. Literally like devouring a healthy Gingersnap cookie. Perfect for breakfast...or any time of day for that matter...

               Gingersnap Oatmeal. 

Gingersnap Oatmeal; Vegan, Gluten-free. Serves one. 

Ingredients 

1. 1/2 cup oats of choice (I used oatbran)

2. 1 cup water (2 if you are following my "double your grains!" technique, explained in a previous post)

3. 1 T blackstrap molasses

4. 1/2 tsp powdered ginger, plus extra for garnish

Method

1. In a small soup pot, bring 1 cup water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and stir in oats. 

2. Cook, stirring regularly, for about 3 minutes or until mostly cooked. Stir in molasses and ginger and continue cooking until desired thickness is reached. Pour into a bowl, top with ginger, and EAT! 

             Heavenly. Pure perfection. 

Luscious lemon ginger oatmeal

This oatmeal is so so so good. It's the perfect breakfast, really. Quick and easy and packed with nutrients. I always make my oats with flaxseeds (ground). The health benefits are too many to name, they add a nice nutty flavor, and they actually keep you fuller for longer! Good deal. 

Make this oatmeal when you have a little extra time and want a good, stick-to-your-ribs breakfast. Yummy! 

         Luscious Lemon Ginger Oats

Luscious Lemon Ginger Oats

Ingredients 

1. 1/2 cup oats of choice (I used oatbran) 

2. 1-2 cups water (I doubled my oats using the "double your grains" technique, explained in a previous post!)

3. 4 tsp fresh minced or grated ginger

4. 1/2 lemon, juice

5. Ginger powder for garnish 

6. Stevia for sweetness, if desired

Method 

1. In a small soup pot, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, and stir in oats (I also cooked my oats with 2 T ground flaxseeds).

2. Cook, stirring constantly until oats begin to thicken. If doubling your grains, add second cup of water now. If not, add  remaining ingredients, cook a few more minutes for flavors to mingle, and serve. 

3. If doubling, add 2nd cup of water and increase heat to high. Cook about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until oats begin to bubble rapidly. 

4. Once bubbling, add ginger and lemon. Stir well, cook about 5-7 more minutes, and serve. Garnish with ginger powder, if desired. 

Asian Plate

As you all know by now, I absolutely love Asian food. It's my favorite. In fact, I look for excuses to cook Asian! Yesterday was no different. I was working on history homework before lunch (reading about Asia, as a matter of fact)...and that's all it took for me to crave Oriental food. I told you, I'm a sucker for all things Asian! I thoroughly enjoyed this meal. It's not only totally delicious, but it's very visually appealing to. Nice spring colors! Hope you enjoy!

Asian Plate. Yummmmmm.

Asian Plate; Vegan, Gluten-Free. Serves One.

Ingredients

For the Cucumber Sushi

1. One medium cucumber (mine weighed 8 oz.)
2. 1 mushroom, sliced into VERY thin strips
3. 1/4 avocado, sliced into VERY thin strips
4. small handful of carrots (I used pre-cut "matchsticks")

Method

1. Wash your cucumber and slice off the ends. Slice it in half, lengthwise. 
2. Using GREAT caution, slice very thin strips with either a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer, if you have one available. I just used a knife.
3. Once you have all your cucumber sheets ready to roll, begin placing small handfuls of veggies inside, in the order you wish.
4. Carefully roll into sushi and add to plate!

Note: DO NOT OVERSTUFF YOUR SUSHI. It is better to add to little and get a nice looking roll then to overstuff and have it fall apart. It is totally fine if you have ingredients left over-just make a side salad to go along with your meal!

For the Sesame Tofu

1. 3 oz. firm tofu 
2. 1 T Bragg's liquid aminos
3. sesame seeds for sprinkling

Method

1. In a shallow bowl, place 1 T aminos. Take your tofu slice and slice it in half lengthwise (should end up being about 1/2 inch in thickness). Press into aminos and let marinate for about 10 minutes. Flip and press. Marinate 10 more minutes. 
2. While marinating, heat a non stick pan over medium heat. Once tofu is marinated (aminos should be pretty much absorbed by now...if not, marinate longer), slice into tiny cubes and throw into pan. Cook about 3-4 minutes, or until heavily browned and fragrant. Flip and repeat.
3. Add tofu to plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

For the Spicy Carrot-Ginger Paste

1. One medium carrot (mine weighed 4 oz.), washed, peeled, and chopped
2. 2 tsp spicy brown mustard
3. 2 tsp fresh minced ginger
4. water, as needed

Method

1. In a mini food processor, combine chopped carrot, ginger, and mustard. Process until combined. Add a splash of water, scrape down sides, and process again. Repeat this until a paste forms. Add to plate and sprinkle with more sesame seeds, if desired. 

Note: I didn't measure the water because the amount you will need varies on the moisture content of your veggies. It's pretty flexible. You just want to make sure you add just enough to make a paste.  

Coconut-Ginger Veggie Burger

I'm sure you've heard the old saying "don't judge a book by it's cover". Well, I've got a new one for you: "don't judge a burger by it's color". Seriously, though. Don't scrunch your nose up until you taste this baby. Oh. Mmmm. Yes. Creamy white beans combined with exotic coconut flavors and spicy ginger. It's may look unassuming, but this burger is hiding it's deliciousness. Packed with protein, flavor, and good-for-you fresh herbs (hello, ginger!), this burger is the perfect addition to a meal, or can even be enjoyed as a snack.

Coconut-Ginger Veggie Burger. Don't Judge.

Coconut-Ginger Veggie Burger; Vegan, Gluten-Free. Makes one small Burger.

Ingredients

1. 1 T coconut cream
2. 4 tsp fresh ginger, minced
3. 2 T coconut flour
4. 1/2 Cup navy beans, drained and rinsed
5. 2 T unsweetened shredded coconut

Method

1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. In a mini food processor, combine beans, ginger, coconut cream, and coconut. 
3. Process until smooth. Transfer mixture to a bowl and stir in coconut flour. 
4. Form a patty and place on skillet/pan. Cook 3-4 minutes per side. Serve warm. 

You reaaaallly want to make this burger. Trust me.