Enough said, on to the quick meals that I find I fall back on when time is limited and some new ones I have discovered through other vegan bloggers.  One of the TDs and TGs favorite meals is black bean burgers with cole slaw and baked sweet potatoes or potatoes if you don’t like sweet potatoes.  TG dislikes sweet potatoes, and the TDs and I love them.  So, as a compromise I make both.  I try to keep certain staples on hand at all times and some of these are potatoes, sweet potatoes, and variety of organic canned beans (I know I can cook my own beans – just say it “your lazy,” I know). When I make the black bean burgers (recipe here courtesy of Life on the Vegan Highway) I make a double batch and cook all the burgers, eat some and freeze the rest. Then next time I need a quick meal, I just pop them in the microwave, heat and serve. I usually buy vegan whole grain buns and warm them or toast them to have with the bean burgers.

Black Bean Burgers, Mexican Flavored Cole Slaw & Baked Fries.

A side dish I like to add is cole slaw.  This slaw is a lighter version than the traditional vegenaisse slaw.  Again in keeping with the quick and easy theme, when I know I am going to have a hectic week I will buy organic cole slaw mix (it has green cabbage, purple cabbage and carrots) add some shallots, mince some garlic (1 or 2 cloves) then add 1 tsp cumin, mole powder 2Tbsp, celtic sea salt and pepper, plus 2 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil. Mix and taste, if needed add more mole powder, salt and or pepper.  If you would like to add a kick to the salad, mince a jalepenos and add it to the mix. Additional ingredients you can add, corn (fresh or frozen), peas or sweet peas (pea pods).

Another quick dish that is tasty and hits the spot in a pinch is roasted veggies, whole wheat spaghetti and organic tomato sauce. Put a large pot of water on to biol. While the water is heating, pre-heat the oven to 450 °F. I pre-wash my veggies ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Thus, when I need a quick salad or side they are ready and only need to be cut up. Asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts, garlic, onions, sweet potatoes, carrots, beets just to name a few. Spread them out on two large cookie sheets, drizzle olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pop the sheets in the oven. Check on them in about 10 min flip or stir around, pop back in the oven for another 5-10 min or until the veggies are tender. In the mean time, when the water boils add the spaghetti or noodles and cook. You can use organic tomato sauce and simple add to the warm spaghetti and toss. Another alternative is fresh basil, garlic (roasted if you have it), olive oil, dice up some tomatoes and some fresh cracked pepper, toss together.  If you have a nice rustic, crusty bread add a slice and there you have it.  Quick and tasty.

One last thing.  If you have enough left over spaghetti, you can make a really quick meal of noodle stir fry. Again, the pre-washed veggies come in handy, cut them up and stir fry. Add the spaghetti along with some vegan hoisin sauce and some chili pepper sauce. Et viola, dinner is served.

Stir Fry Noodle Dish.

Just a few ideas for quick, easy vegan meals to feed the family.

Here are a few pictures of my sleepy dogs ready for bed.

I am very sleepy.

I am so very tired.

Do you mind, I am trying to sleep here.

Enjoy cooking and the food you create!  Have some fun with your animals friends!