Bring Out Your Inner Punjabi! Recipes for Spicy Nights. "Vegan Indian Cooking" by Anupy Singla. Cooked Vs. Raw Broccoli. Chop Your Broccoli!

Bhindi Masala (crackling okra).  Besan Poora (gluten free chickpea flour bread).  Methi Palak Aloo (Fenugreek Spinach Potatoes).  All from "Vegan Indian Cooking".

Vegan Indian Cooking: 140 Simple and Healthy Vegan Recipes

You guys know how much I loved Anupy's first book, "Indian Slow Cooker".  Nearly all the recipes were vegan & easily oil free.  Gluten Free.  Delicious.  Well, her second book is equally as amazing & all types of recipes! I have already blogged about a few of the dishes I have made, but included my Amazon review just to give a general idea of the entire book.

Punjabi Style Cabbage Recipe Here.  (Band Gobi)

My Amazon Review:

You NEED this book in your life.I just got this book a week ago, and have made at least a dozen recipes so far! I didn't think I could love any Vegan Style Indian book more than her first one (The Indian Slow Cooker), but this is just as great! SO excited about this ALL VEGAN book!! So many veggies including kale, okra, sweet potatoes, cabbage. Soups & Breads. Salads that sound amazing-think spicy fruits, carrots, daikons! Slow Cooker & Stovetop recipes. Can't wait to make the South Indian Crepes. The dishes are already very healthy with emphasis on whole foods & dried beans. Anupy uses small amounts of oil and salt. I have found that you can skip both of those and still have great food. Last night we had the Kale Pizza breads-a super quick snack. Oh, and it has Anupy's best on the planet Chai recipe. And the drink section includes Iced Coffee & Green Drinks-for those of us who don't just do one or the other! Very inexpensive on Amazon and a lifetime of Indian food. Ingredients are inexpensive. Now should I whip up another dish with the cabbage before hubby comes home....decisions.....

Fenugreek Spinach Potatoes.  Look for Methi at your Indian Food store.  Dried version is easiest to find.

Just a few of the recipes I have tried so far....Besan Poora (Chickpea Flour Crepes), Street Corn Salad, Jeera Aloo (Cumin Potato Hash), Punjabi Khardi (Chickpea Flour Curry with Veggies), Band Gobi (Punjabi Style Cabbage), Samosas, Cabbage with Mustard Seeds and Coconut, Methi Palak Aloo (Fenugreek Spinach Potatoes), Bhindi Masala (Crackling Okra), Sweet and Sour Potatoes, Spicy Plantains, Jeera Chawal (Cumin Rice), Tofu Curry, Mock Keema, Masala Tofu Scramble, Chickpea Poppers...

I made this with zero added oil & zero salt.  Of course you can add salt to your taste.  But I find that Indian food is so rich in flavor, that I don't really miss it. 

Looking forward to trying the homemade yogurt (vegan of course!), Dosas, Spice Mixes, Chai, Chana & Split Moong Dal with Pepper Flakes, Panchratna Dal (5 lentil stew), Brown Rice and Adzuki Bean Dhokla, Tandoori Tempeh, Pomegranate Chaat, Tofu Pakora, South Indian Tomato and Tamarind Soup, Mattar Paneer, Curried Winter Melon, Lemon Brown Rice, and the list continues. Chutneys, Breads, Salads, Legumes, Dips.

Next Up: Bhindi Masala. 

Gluten Free Chickpea Flour Crepe.

Fenugreek, Spinach, Potatoes.

Curried Tofu.

OH. Fabulous thing about slow cooking is that you cut up all those great things like cabbage, garlic, onions, etc...and then it takes time for the slow cooker to heat. This is perfect because that way we actually get those immunity boosting compounds out of the food. Either eat them raw or cut them up and let sit for 40 minutes. This book has both slow cooked & stovetop. And it seems like every ingredient is a REAL superfood. Affordable, everyday superfoods.

Eat your medicine!! Cumin, Fenugreek, Chiles, Lemons, Ginger, Cilantro, Mustard, Onions, Garlic, Cardamom, Cloves, and more. All touted to be supernaturally high in antioxidants & healing powers...........Side Effects? A Belly Full of Healthy Food!

     Lay Flat Binding makes it so inviting. And Anupy spells all the "Indian Jargon" out, making it simple for first timers to flirt......

Flirt all you like, but I am ALL in!! Husband VERY happy with his Spicy Nights! (Obviously, you can adjust the spices.....But I'm experienced :)

Mushrooms & Peas. Yum!!

From NutritionFacts.Org

We all hear about "the enzymes", right?  Tim VanOrden was the first person (followed up by evidence outlined in Brenda Davis's book) that alerted me to the fact that raw foods are truly better for us because of what we are NOT getting.  The PAH's, the AGE's, and other nasty stuff that happens to our food (and the toxins on it), when exposed to heat.  Not to discredit the "enzyme" theories, and both may be true.  However, we have real scientific evidence regarding AGE's and PAH's and not as much about Prana or a consensus on what happens when food hits our gut.  However, the raw fooders seem to be "right" about the enzymes on certain foods.  And in that group"  Cruciferous Veggies.  You know those "C" fighters?  Well they may not fight the "C" very much, UNLESS prepared properly.  Bummer, because NO ONE I know cuts their broccoli and waits 40 minutes prior to preparation. 

Summary of the Video Above

• Sulforaphane is basically inactivated by cooking.  So the good stuff in your cruciferous veggies.......well, steaming doesn't give the most bang for your buck. 
• One would have to eat 10 cups of cooked broccoli to get the same amount of sulforaphane in 1 cup of raw broccoli.
• OR you can Chop the Raw Broccoli up first, then wait 40 minutes for the enzymes to do their thing, and then you can "cook the heck out of it".  (But who does this??)
• PreChopped Broccoli might be better than the florets, because it has been chopped up & the enzymes have done their job already.
• And in another part of Dr G's Video Series, we learn that Broccoli Sprouts are the cheapest way to get your broccoli!

Late Night Vegan New York. Dhaba, Vegan Indian past Midnight. Kathy Freston & Jane Velez-Mitchell on Headline News talkin' Cacao. East St. Louis Stray Dogs Need Fosters!

You always hear that NY is the "City that Never Sleeps".  But it's not.  Well, maybe it IS, but maybe it isn't the city that "DINES" all night.  So many places close up at 10, 11 or by midnight.  Kind of a bummer for those of us that love long, leisurely dinners when the clock strikes 12.  Even though many places brag of a later closing time in "The Vegan Guide to New York" book, often they fib.  If it's slow, they close early.  If it's winter, they close early.  If the waitstaff has a wild date night ahead, they close early.  Same thing with DhaBa.  Except that "hypothetically" they are open until 2 am.  Once we went pretty late & the place was PACKED with "youngsters" (people under 45).  And then the last time we went before 11, and were told that the kitchen was closing very soon & we should order ASAP.  So it's a crap shoot, but hit a good night, and this place is happening.

Dhaba

108 Lexington Avenue

New York City, NY.

10016

212.336.3567

What's pretty cool about this place is that they specify which dishes are Vegan.  We vegans like that.  I hate to be the "Meg Ryan" ordering.  So the more answers directly on the menu, the better.

  Kadai Bhindi.  Sauteed Okra with Onions, Ginger, & Coriander.  A great okra dish.  I thought everything was a tad greasy, but hubby didn't even flinch.  But basically all restaurant food seems greasy to me (even raw joints, and sometimes especially raw joints).  So for late night Indian, it was nothing compared to "Shalimar" in San Fran, where we picked up a late night meal because the 3 pieces of tofu from acclaimed "Millenium" were not enough.  Shalimar was greasy.  Beyond greasy.  This was just "normal".

The decor is pretty hip and it's kind of an Indian "Sex in the City" joint.  Okay, everything "hip" is Sex in the City to me, because that's the last thing media wise, that I have followed, where I even came close to "hip clubs".  Lots of cloth on the wall, which I Love, BUT, with bedbugs being such a major NY topic, I kind of wondered if any were lurking in there!!

Loved that this was a "hang out" place.  A full bar and people uninhibited enough to use it.  Overall I though Dhaba was pretty good.  Basically, it has a decent vibe and isn't too "stiff".  Hubby thinks it is is delicious.  And that that deliciousness goes really well with a large Kingfisher Beer.  He quite appreciates a full bar WITH his spicy food.  I could do without the oil......but that is basically at every restaurant, so I can't be used as a barometer.  Also, would I trek here in the daytime?  Probably not.  Only because there are far too many entirely Vegan places to eat during regular hours.  We had just been to Caravan of Dreams way too many times for late night eats and thought we would switch it up a bit.  And Counter was forever closed the last time we went..........

What are your favorite Late Night Vegan Eats where YOU live??

www.gatewaypets.com

Some kids that are on the streets of East St. Louis, Illinois.  Pj & Gateway Pet Guardians go each and every single day to care for all of the stray dogs & cats that they see.......and then rescue & foster as spots open at the shelter or foster homes become available.  These are areas of the United States that are incredible impoverished.  Even though I have accompanied Pj on these feedings many times, I am continually shocked & saddened by the "blight" of Washington Park, Illinois & East St. Louis, Illinois. They are "forgotten" places.  So many people & animals suffering.  There are some organizations helping with the people, but of course, that can be complicated.  The dogs can also be difficult.  As many are very shy & nearly feral.  Others are completely "normal" and were once "pets".  Pj works to gain trust of those that are not so trusting & GPG works on rescue plans.

Kathy Freston & Jane Velez-Mitchell on Chocolate.......Headline News.....Veganism is going Mainstream.  

Dining with the Deities. Gokul's on Page. Vegan Indian Eats in St. Louis.

Ganesh overlooks the buffet.
Gokul's on Page is our favorite Indian joint in town.  And both locations have "Vegan Night" every single Monday Now!!!!  Guess the "every other Monday" was so popular that they expanded it! Vegans Rule!! Gokul's Website.

Delmar [KOSHER]

6101 Delmar Blvd

St. Louis, MO 63112

314-721-1888
My Post on Delmar Location "BlissFul Vegan BollyWood Eats"

Page Avenue (this post is about the PAGE location!)

10633/B Page Avenue

St. Louis, MO 63132

314-428-8888

They have buffet all the time.......which is a major turn-off to some, but heaven to others.  Since they generally have a lot of vegan choices any day of the week, we always choose buffet.  But there are lots that go & order off the menu because Gokul's offers up some mean "chaat" (savory Indian Snacks) items & other great Indian eats.  

Hanuman.

On Vegan night, everything is vegan.  Meaning all the "milk" dishes are made with either coconut or soymilk.  The Korma is wonderful & love it when there are huge pieces of sweet potato.  This is part of the "Snacky Snack" bar, which I don't frequent.  Lots of Papadums (my fave, but usually has some wheat & not free from a fair amount of oil), fruit salad (which can be hit or miss depending on if the fruit is ripe), onions (which I have learned to adore raw, on almost any Indian dish), Rice Puddings, and more.  Lots of "Crunchy Crunch" stuff.  Fried flour.  Delicious I am sure, but think, Indian Potato Chips or Indian Chex Mix, kind of.  I think it's addictive because it seems like a fair amount of people spend more time at the "Snacky Chaat" bar than the actual "Bean" bar.  

Chutneys (mint & tamarind) and more snacky snacks-fried flour!

Potato Palace.  My hubby loves all things potatoes and Indian Cuisine does it right.  And Cauliflower (Gobi).  

This night they had a "Veg Manchurian".  Sometimes they infuse a bit of Indo-China in their food.  And the dishes vary.  They usually have a Sambar, potato dish, Chana Masala,  two types of "dals", the naan, etc...but often the 2 dishes on the left (mains) will change.  Sometimes all zucchini based, or sweet potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, basically whatever was in season or on sale. Oh, and often Saturdays have Dosas.  The most delightful Rice & Lentil Crepe, nice and thin, with a spicy potato filling.  I fight for these.  If the Dosa spot is empty, we simply have to wait until a few more arrive, and then it's a mad rush between the true Dosa Lovers, and this Dosa Dame usually gets at least part of her fix.......Anupy's New "Vegan Indian" book had better include a few dosas, because I truly go through withdrawl.  They are "my chaat". Also Love the eggplant dishes, but eggplant kind of absorbs the oil bigtime and I personally am just not that big of a fan of oil.

I am a big fan of the deities however.

This is where my hubby and dad are just bad.  They get those pakoras (breaded & fried veggies that are amazingly spiced) and then they go and get more pakoras.  And Fried Rice instead no rice or just the plain rice.  Very bad.......

More fried yumminess.  I never know what is inside any of the fried stuff, plus that varies as well.  Hubby usually has some of all of it.  Since we never have fried or breaded anything, he just can't resist any crispy type of Indian spiced type of anything. I think the legume in the front is a pigeon pea, but not sure. It's another "staple". 

Love how they have "Farina".  And Naan.  Usually Naan at Indian joints is NOT vegan.  And same with this one.  Unless you go on "Vegan Night", their Naan is only vegetarian.  However, no matter when you go, they will offer you (if they know you are vegan) some Vegan Naan.  Just let them know!

Their Channa Masala tends to be pretty good.  Always different, but generally quite yummy.  Sometimes very rich in ginger, other times high in the chili department.  A big fan.  Channa Masala is kind the of the "steak & potatoes" of an Indian place to me.  It's the standard thing they have (in addition to dal) in pretty  much every Indian restaurant in the States.  Rajma on the other hand, not so much.  I adore Rajma.  Rajma is "kidney bean".  And the dish Rajma is an incredible, and for lack of a better way to describe it, "Indian Chili".  I guess "Chili" because American Chili uses Kidney beans and can be heavily spiced.  Anupy's book (The Indian Slow Cooker) has 2 great Rajma recipes and my fave of all time is "Dad's Rajma".  Gokul Rajma is plenty good too.  And also not always the typical buffet dish everywhere.  Gokul's also frequently has Dal Makhani-the black lentil dish, which is divine.

Unlike the Delmar location, this place doesn't get too insanely busy.  We went several times to their Loop location, but it just wasn't as low key as the Page location.  And the servers are just lovely!

Real Plates & Silverware.  A decade ago they were all about styrofoam, when they were more "chaat" and less "dinner".  I loathed the styrofoam!  But that era is over and Gokul's has real everything-simple, but it is real!  You can also usually get fresh coconut or vegan mano lassi (just tell them to make it with soy).

This location is also just "more Indian".  Decked out with deities, they have Indian music playing, Indian circulars & they celebrate Indian Holidays.  The Loop location is wonderful, but the last time we went it had CNN & no deities and no Indian music.  Maybe this has changed.  It was also packed (the Loop location), so packed that the buffet was running out of food.  The Page location is so much lower key, and even if it's packed, the vibe is just more relaxed.  They both have great food........the Page location is just much more relaxing, at least to us.  And it's next to SEEMA, an Indian Grocery, which you will need to go to as soon as you have Anupy Singla's book.

The outside doesn't do it justice!!  But the inside gives a different "vibe" than the outside suggests.  This place is so easy to "pass", even if you are looking for it!! It is next to one of those "check cashing" or something like this-places and there are no "big" signs right at the road.  So pay attention when driving!

And on the www.gatewaypets.com front:

Every rescue is different, but this is kind of standard.  They often involve Pj on her belly, crawling under something.  Often the homes are not actually occupied and standing and GPG was lucky enough that the owner of the house was so kind to allow GPG on the property and he even helped with Daiya's rescue.  All rescues are in East St. Louis (or Washington Park, Illinois).  Pj had just heard about Daiya cheeze because she was talking about foods her mum could eat.  Her mum is dealing with some heart issues so was letting her know that lots of peeps like Daiya and that it is cholesterol & dairy free.  She wanted me to spell it so she could look for it.  And a few days later, it was the first thing that popped into her head when Daiya had to have a name upon arrival to the vet!  So a dog named after vegan cheeze.  Daiya is a sweetheart and is still recovering, but will be available for adoption in a couple of months.