Coconut Ginger Congee with Crispy Tofu

Ingredients
4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
1 oz. fresh ginger, peeled and minced
1 scallion, thinly sliced, green and white part separated (divided)
½ c. quinoa speckled sushi rice
5.5 oz. coconut milk
10 oz. organic extra firm tofu, patted dry and cut into ½-inch pieces
4 tsp. Sriracha
1 tsp. vegetable oil
Salt and pepper

Directions
Add garlic, ginger, scallion whites, quinoa speckled sushi rice, coconut milk, 1 cup water, and a pinch of salt to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook until grains are tender and water is absorbed, 13 to 15 minutes.

Heat 1 tsp. vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add scallion greens, cubed tofu, and a pinch of salt and pepper to saucepan and cook until tofu is lightly browned, 5 to 8 minutes.

Divide the coconut ginger congee between bowls. Top with crispy tofu, charred scallion, and as much Sriracha as you’d like.

Serves 2.

1 serving = 440 calories

Coconut-Creamed Corn & Grains

Ingredients
2 ears of corn, husked
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
½ serrano chile or jalapeño, thinly sliced
1 ½" piece fresh ginger, peeled, sliced into matchsticks
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 scallion, thinly sliced, plus more for serving
¼ tsp. ground turmeric
½ c. cooked grains, such as freekeh, farro, or quinoa
½ c. unsweetened coconut milk, plus more for serving
Kosher salt
2 tbsp. store-bought crispy onions
Lime wedges, for serving

Directions
Cut kernels from corn; set aside. 

Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium until shimmering. Cook chile, ginger, garlic, and 1 sliced scallion, tossing, until softened and fragrant, 1–2 minutes. Add turmeric and cook, stirring frequently, just until darkened and fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add reserved corn and increase heat to medium-high. Cook, tossing occasionally, until corn is beginning to lightly brown, about 3 minutes. Add grains and cook, tossing often, until heated through and beginning to crisp around the edges, about 2 minutes. Add ½ cup coconut milk; season with salt. Bring to a simmer and cook, adding 1–2 Tbsp. water if needed to loosen, until flavors have melded, about 3 minutes.

Transfer corn mixture to a plate. Drizzle with more coconut milk, then top with crispy onions and sliced scallions. Serve with lime wedges alongside for squeezing over.

Serves 2. 

Thai Green Curry Noodles

This curry comes together quickly. Check out the original recipe from Vegan Richa.

Ingredients

Green Curry
1 hot green chili
2 cloves of garlic
1/2 inch piece of ginger
3/4 cup packed cilantro, with stems
1 lime, zested and juiced
1/2 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup coconut milk

Stir Fry

2 tsp. coconut oil
8 oz. extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
2 green onions, chopped (keep the greens for garnish)
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 cups other vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, asparagus, broccoli, baby eggplant
6 oz. rice noodles cooked according to package instructions

1 tsp. agave
pepper flakes, black pepper and green onions for garnish

Directions
Make the green curry paste. Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and set aside.

Cook the noodles according to instruction on package and set aside.

Heat a skillet over medium high heat. Add oil. Add the tofu and cook until the tofu is golden in the edges then add in the white parts of the green onion, bell pepper and other veggies. Use your judgment on when to add what - carrots go in first, where quick cooking veggies like broccoli and asparagus go in last.

Add a good dash of salt and cook for 3-4 minutes. Move the veggies to the edge of the skillet and pour the green curry paste in the middle. Once the paste is starting to boil, mix it in. Add in the noodles and toss well to coat. Taste; adjust salt and flavor. Add in a teaspoon of sugar or agave to balance out the flavor.  Adjust salt, sweet, and heat at the end. Serve with pepper flakes, black pepper and green onions as garnish.

Serves 3. 

1 serving = 350 calories

Coconut Curry Tofu Wrap

This is a terrific wrap for hiking. It holds up well and includes lots of nutritional goodness to keep you moving! Original recipe found on Veeg.

Ingredients

2 lbs. of extra-firm tofu, pressed
1/4 c. soy sauce or tamari 
1 c. raisins, hydrated if too hard and dried out
1/4 c. red onion, chopped
1/4 c. fresh basil, chopped
1 c. pecans (or other nut of choice)
1 c. coconut flakes
1 1/2 to 2 c. vegan mayo
3 tsp. of curry powder 
black pepper, freshly ground
your favorite wraps or bread
fresh alfalfa sprouts, or other sprout
mixed spring greens or another leafy green of choice

Directions

Slice the two blocks of tofu into bite-size cubes and place in a large mixing bowl. Cover the tofu with about 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari, gently tossing to distribute evenly. Let the marinated tofu sit as the oven preheats. 

Once the tofu is cubed and marinating, preheat your oven to 450 degrees and prepare a baking sheet for by lining with parchment paper or a reusable silicone baking mat.

After the oven has preheated, place the marinated tofu chunks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, flip and bake for another 10 minutes or so.

And as the tofu bakes, in the same large mixing bowl used to marinate the tofu, add the mayo, curry powder, freshly ground black pepper, and an extra dash of soy sauce or salt and stir, tasting to adjust seasoning to preference. Once the mayo is seasoned as you like, add the raisins and onion and stir to combine.

Optionally, but highly recommended, during the last couple of baking minutes for the tofu, slip the coconut and pecans into the oven for quick toasting. We used two separate baking pans so that we could remove as ready. The coconut toasts rather quickly so observe. The pecans toast in about 5 minutes or so or as soon as you smell a nutty aroma.

Once the tofu, nuts, and coconut have baked to your liking, add them to the large mixing bowl with the mayo and seasonings and stir to coat everything evenly. At this point, stir in the chopped fresh basil or wait and sprinkle it on before serving. 

Serve this curry salad on your favorite bun, bread or roll into a wrap. Load on some fresh sprouts and lettuce of choice. 

Serves 8.

1 serving = 359 calories (without bread or wrap)

Peanut Stew with Coconut & Kidney Beans

Original recipe found here: Peanut Stew with Coconut Milk & Kidney Beans ( Vegan) (veganricha.com)

Ingredients
1 tsp. oil or 2 tbsp. broth
1/2 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 tbsp. peanut butter (or other nut/seed butter)
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. curry powder or garam masala or jamaican curry powder or berbere or baharat
1/2 c. chopped tomato
1 1/2 to 2 cups veggies, such as pepper, carrots, zucchini, winter squash, kale
1 c. coconut milk
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. sugar or sweetener
15 oz. canned kidney beans or 1.25 c. cooked kidney beans
1/2 c. water
cilantro, lime juice, chopped peanuts for garnish

Directions

Heat oil or broth in a skillet over medium heat, add onion and garlic and sauté them until golden. Add all the spices and herbs and stir into the onions for few seconds. Add in the peanut butter and mix it in. Add the tomatoes and veggies and mix in, letting everything come to a simmer. (If adding quick cooking veggies such as broccoli or kale, add them in the next step after 10 mins of simmering.)

Add the coconut milk, rinsed and drained kidney beans, salt, sugar and water and mix well. Cover and cook for 13-15 minutes or until the veggies are cooked to preference. Taste and add more salt or sugar to taste.

Garnish with cilantro and lime juice and serve with rice and other cooked grains.

Serves 4.

1 serving = 325 calories (does not include rice or grains)

Tumeric & Coconut-Braised Cabbage

Ingredients
½ medium head of green cabbage (about 2 lb.)
2 medium shallots (about 4 oz.)
1 1" piece ginger
2 garlic cloves
1 serrano or other green chile
3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
3/4 tsp. kosher salt, plus more
1 13.5-oz. can unsweetened coconut milk
1 15.5-oz. can chickpeas (about 2 cups)
1 tsp. brown mustard seeds
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. turmeric powder
½ cup vegetable stock or water
Freshly ground black pepper
Steamed white rice, cilantro leaves, and lime wedges, for serving

Directions
To start, prep your ingredients. Slice cabbage through core to make 4 wedges. Peel and finely chop shallots. Finely chop or grate ginger and garlic cloves. Halve green chile lengthwise and, if you don’t want it too hot, scrape out seeds and white membrane with the back of the knife; discard. If you prefer some heat, leave as is. Finely chop chile. Set shallots, ginger, garlic, and chile aside. 

Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large high-sided skillet with lid or wide Dutch oven over medium-high. Add cabbage, cut side down, and season with kosher salt. Cook, undisturbed, until lightly charred underneath, about 5 minutes. Turn over and cook, undisturbed, until charred, about 5 minutes. Transfer cabbage to a plate. Shake one 13.5-oz. can unsweetened coconut milk to ensure it’s well mixed; open can. Open one 15.5-oz. can chickpeas and rinse in a colander under running water. Heat remaining olive oil in same skillet over medium-high. Add reserved shallots, ginger, garlic, and chile, and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add brown mustard seeds, ground cumin, and turmeric powder and cook, stirring, until mustard seeds are popping, about 1 minute. Add coconut milk, chickpeas, ½ cup vegetable stock or water, and 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir to combine. 

Place cabbage wedges back into pan and, using a large spoon, baste cabbage with coconut milk; bring mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook until cabbage is tender, 15–20 minutes. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Scoop some steamed white rice into each bowl and divide cabbage and chickpeas over; top with cilantro leaves. Serve with lime wedges, for squeezing over.

Serves 4.

Coconut Bacon

Coconut bacon makes an excellent topping for salads, avocado toast, and more! Thanks to The Minimalist Baker for this easy recipe! 

Ingredients
2 c. large flake unsweetened coconut
1 tbsp. avocado or another neutral oil
2 tbsp. tamari or soy sauce
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1 tbsp. maple syrup
1/2 tsp. Liquid Smoke
1 pinch sea salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Add coconut flake, oil, tamari, paprika, maple syrup, liquid smoke, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss to thoroughly coat.

Bake at 325 for 6 minutes, then stir and flip pan around. Bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until coconut bacon is crispy and golden brown. Watch carefully in the last minutes of cooking and be careful not to burn as it can go from brown to burnt very quickly.

Let cool for 10 minutes - it will continue crisping as it cools. Store leftovers covered at room temperature up to 1 week (sometimes more), or in the freezer for 1 month. 

Fills a "skinny" quart jar.

1/4 cup = 124 calories

Indian-Style Savory Oats

Ingredients
3/4 c. canned coconut milk

3/4 c. water
Pinch of salt
1/4 c. steel cut oats
1 tsp. curry powder
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. maple syrup

Optional add-ins: 
Chopped veggies like spinach and grape tomatoes
Mint or cilantro
Crispy chickpeas
Pickled onions
Chopped avocado

Directions
Bring coconut milk, water, and salt to a boil, stir in oats, reduce temperature to low and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Towards the end of the cooking time, mix in spices, syrup, and chopped greens.

Pour oatmeal into a bowl and top with herbs, pickled onions, avocado, or whatever else you have on hand!

Serves 1.

1 serving = 335 calories + any add-ins

Coconut Tofu

Ingredients

1 block of tofu

5 tsp. sesame seeds

1/3 c. toasted coconut

1/4 c. panko breadcrumbs

1/4 c. cornstarch

Directions

Drain and press the tofu, pat dry with a towel. Cur into 6 slices. Add sesame seeds, toasted coconut, and breadcrumbs to a plate and mix. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 1/4 c. cold water. 

Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat with 1/4 c. vegetable oil. Toss the sliced tofu in the cornstarch mixture and press into the coconut breadcrumbs. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded tofu to the skillet and cook until browned on each side. Sprinkle with salt and serve.

Spicy Red Curry Coconut Noodles with Carrot & Edamame

Ingredients
2 carrots
1 shallot
1 oz. fresh ginger
1 garlic clove
2 tbsp. red curry paste
5.5 oz. coconut milk
2 tsp. turbinado sugar
11 oz. fresh ramen noodles
¼ oz. fresh mint
1 lime
¾ c. edamame
1 tsp. vegetable oil
Salt

Directions
Bring a large pot with 4 quarts water and 2 tbsp. salt to a boil. Peel the carrot, then continue to peel lengthwise to create “noodles.” Peel and thinly slice the shallot. Cut the unpeeled ginger into large pieces. Peel and thinly slice the garlic.

Place a medium saucepan over medium heat with 1 tsp. vegetable oil. Once hot, add the sliced shallot, chopped ginger, and sliced garlic. Cook until ginger and garlic are slightly toasted, about 2 minutes. Add the red curry paste, coconut milk, sugar, and a ½ cup water. Bring broth to a boil, reduce heat to low, and let simmer until it’s time to serve.

Once the water is boiling, add the ramen noodles and cook until al dente, about 1 to 2 minutes. Drain noodles and run under cool water to stop the cooking process.

Pick the mint leaves. Halve and juice the lime. Remove the ginger from the red curry broth and stir in the edamame. Season with ½ tsp. salt and continue to simmer until edamame is hot, about 1 minute. Add lime juice to the broth.

Divide ramen noodles and carrot “noodles” between deep bowls and top with red curry coconut broth. Sprinkle with fresh mint.

Curried Lentil, Tomato, and Coconut Soup

Ingredients

2 tbsp. coconut oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, pressed

1 tbsp. ginger, minced

1 tbsp. curry powder

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

3/4 red lentils

1-14.5 oz. can crushed tomatoes (I used fire-roasted diced tomatoes)

1/2 c. cilantro, finely chopped

kosher salt

black pepper, freshly ground

1-13.5 oz. can unsweetened coconut milk, mixed well

Lime wedges 

Directions

Heat oil in large saucepan over medium. Cook onion, stirring often, until softened and golden brown. Add garlic, ginger, curry, and red pepper flakes, and cook, stirring until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add lentils and cook for a minute more, stirring. Add tomatoes, 1/2 cup cilantro, a generous pinch of salt and 2 1/2 cups of water; season with salt and pepper. Set aside 1/4 cup of the coconut milk for serving and add remaining to saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat and simmer gently until the lentils are tender but not mushy, about 20 minutes. Season with more salt and pepper as needed. 

To serve, divide among bowls, drizzle with reserved coconut milk and top with additional cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Serves 4. 

Vegan Laksa

A bowlful of Malaysian flavor from Vegan Richa. Check out her blog for the original recipe and so many more: https://www.veganricha.com/2016/10/vegan-laksa-malaysian-curry-laksa-soup-recipe.html

Ingredients


Laksa Paste:2 tsp. coriander seeds
1/2 tsp. fennel or cumin seeds
1 inch fresh turmeric root peeled if needed (or use 1 tsp. ground turmeric)
1 inch fresh ginger root peeled if needed (or use 1 tsp. ginger paste)
1 green chile
1/2 tsp. cayenne (or use paprika + cayenne for less heat)
1 stalk lemongrass (or use 1 tsp. lemongrass paste)
3 cloves of garlic
2 tbsp. raw cashews soaked for 15 mins, use almonds or pepitas for cashew-free
a good handful of cilantro with tender stems
1 tsp. lime juice


Laksa Curry Soup:1 tsp. oil
Laksa curry paste from above
2 c. sliced white mushrooms
3/4 c. sliced carrots
1/2 to 1 c. other veggies, like bell peppers and broccoli, sliced or chopped small
3 c. veggie broth
13.5 oz. can coconut milk
6 to 8 oz. brown rice noodles, uncooked
1 c. of chopped spinach or chard
salt and cayenne to taste
sugar or sweetener, if needed
cilantro and mint, for garnish


Instructions

Make the paste:Toast the coriander and fennel seeds for 2 to 3 minutes or until fragrant. Add to a blender or spice grinder and grind to a coarse mixture. Add the rest of the ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until pasty. Add a tablespoon or so water if needed. The paste can be refrigerated for up to a week and frozen for longer.

Make the soup:Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add all of the curry paste (1/3 to 1/2 cup) and fry for 3 minutes. Stir occasionally. If using premade paste, use a 1/3 cup. Add the mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes. Add the veggies, broth and coconut milk and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low. Add in the rice noodles and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes. Fold in the spinach and chard. Taste and adjust salt and heat. I usually add a bit of salt or soy sauce, lime juice and some sugar at this point. Add more coconut milk if needed. Simmer for another few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro, mint, bean sprouts or crisped tofu and serve.

Serves 4.

Punjabi Kadhi

Ingredients
3/4 c. short-grain brown rice
1 onion
4 garlic cloves
1 oz. fresh ginger
1 jalapeno
8 oz. baby spinach
2/3 c. garbanzo bean flour
1/4 c. non-dairy yogurt
1/4 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. curry powder
11.5 oz. can coconut milk
2 tbsp. mango chutney (pre-made)

Directions
Add the brown rice, 1¾ cups water, and a pinch of salt to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook until all of the water is absorbed, about 30 to 35 minutes. Peel and finely dice the onion. Peel and mince the garlic and ginger. Halve and deseed the jalapeño, then thinly slice. Roughly chop just half the baby spinach.

Place a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and 2 tbsp water and cook, stirring occasionally, until bright green, about 1 to 2 minutes. Drain the spinach and transfer to a medium bowl. Add just 2 tbsp diced onion, garbanzo bean flour, Cashewgurt, baking powder, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, and ¼ tsp salt. Mix until just combined.

Return the saucepan to medium heat with 2 tsp vegetable oil. Once hot, add the remaining diced onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Cook until aromatic, about 1 to 2 minutes, and then add the curry powder and stir. Add the coconut milk, ¼ cup water, ½ tsp salt, and bring sauce to a simmer. Cook until slightly thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Once the curry sauce has thickened, reduce heat to low. Using a spoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of the dumpling mix into the sauce. You should get 8 dumplings. Cover and gently simmer dumplings until they expand and are firm to the touch, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tsp vegetable oil. Add the sliced jalapeño, remaining baby spinach, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the spinach is bright green and wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Divide the brown rice between large bowls. Top with sautéed spinach and punjabi kadhi. Pour coconut curry broth around the kadhi. Dollop with the mango chutney.

Leftover Thai Squash Soup

Ingredients
4 c. roasted winter squash
avocado or other neutral oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1-2 tbsp. red curry paste
1 tsp. curry powder
1/2 tsp. ground pepper
4 c. vegetable broth
1/2 can coconut milk
1 tsp. soy sauce
1 tsp. maple syrup
coconut milk, cilantro & sesame seeds to garnish

Directions
Heat the oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté for a few minutes, then add the garlic. Scoop the squash into the pot. Mix everything well, add curry paste, curry powder and pepper. Add the broth, coconut milk, soy sauce, and maple syrup and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15 minutes.

Transfer soup to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree the soup.

Garnish with coconut milk, cilantro, and sesame seeds.

Serves 2 to 4.

Vegan Eggnog

Ingredients
1/2 c. raw cashews
28 oz. full fat coconut milk
1/3 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 c. bourbon or rum (optional)

Directions
Add the cashews to a small bowl, cover with hot water and let soak for 10 minutes. Add the coconut milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and bourbon or rum (if using) to a blender. Drain the cashews and add them to the blender. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.

Serve chilled or pour the eggnog into a small saucepan and heat on low, stirring occasionally, until warm. Pour and sprinkle with nutmeg.

Spiced Lentil Soup with Delicata Squash & Beets

Ingredients
2 medium whole beets, scrubbed and ends trimmed
1 delicata squash, washed and diced (no need to peel!)
1/2 tbsp. olive oil
1 c. dry red lentils
5 c. vegetable broth
1 tbsp. coconut oil (I like unrefined)
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. ground turmeric
1 tsp. curry powder
1 tsp. fresh ginger, minced
1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
Pinch of crushed red pepper
Pinch of fresh ground nutmeg
1 15 oz. can of full-fat coconut milk
2 tbsp. lime juice
2 tsp. dried thyme
1 tbsp. vegan sugar
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
Broccoli sprouts, for garnish

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Wrap the whole, scrubbed beets loosely in tinfoil. Place on a baking sheet. Toss the diced squash in olive oil and scatter on the same baking sheet. Roast at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes. Stir the squash at 15 minutes. After 30 minutes, transfer the squash to bowl for later and turn over the beets. Allow the beets to cook for an additional 15-30 minutes, until fork tender.

Meanwhile, in a large soup pot, bring the lentils and vegetable broth to a boil, stirring occasionally. Make sure to watch it or it could boil over. Reduce to low and simmer for about 15 minutes. Remove from heat.

In a medium frying pan, heat the coconut oil over low. Add the onion and garlic and sauté a few minutes. Next, add in the turmeric through and including the nutmeg, stirring well and scraping up the bits on the bottom of the pan. Sauté for about 8 minutes, until the onion begins to brown.
Once lentils are done, add the coconut milk through and including the salt to the lentils and broth. Add the squash and the onion mixture. When the beets are cool enough, dice and add to the soup. Stir well to combine. Serve hot, garnished with broccoli sprouts.

Serves 4-6

Chopped Thai Salad with Coconut Curry Dressing

Ingredients

For the dressing: 
1-14.5 oz. can coconut milk
1/4 c. natural peanut butter
2 tsp. Sriracha sauce
2 tbsp. lime juice
1 tbsp. curry powder
1 clove garlic
1 tsp. salt
agave or honey, to taste

For the salad: 
3 c. kale, chopped
2 c. napa cabbage, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 mango, chopped
1 c. carrots, shredded or diced
1/2 c. roasted, unsalted peanuts
1/2 c. cilantro, finely chopped

Directions
Place all dressing ingredients into a blender (or similar) and process until smooth. Pour into a saucepan and heat until boiling. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to thicken dressing. Allow to cool.

Assemble salad components and toss with dressing. Serve immediately.

Serves 2 as entree or 4 as side.

Thai-Inspired Squash & Peanut Soup with Lime & Cilantro

Ingredients
2 lbs. butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1 c. vegetable stock
salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
2 tsp. olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tsp. garlic, minced
1 tsp. ginger root, minced or grated
1 red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1-14 oz. can coconut milk
2 tbsp. Thai red curry paste
1/2 c. natural peanut butter
1 tbsp. brown sugar
2 tsp. soy sauce
2 tbsp. lime juice
1/3 c. cilantro, finely chopped
cilantro and peanuts, for garnish
Sriracha sauce, for serving

Directions
Peel the butternut squash and cut into cubes. Put the squash cubes and vegetable stock into the slow cooker, season squash generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and cook on high for 2 hours, or until the squash is soft enough to mash easily. When it's soft, use an immersion blender or potato masher to puree the squash.

Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan, add onion and saute until well-browned, about 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and diced red bell pepper and saute about a minute more. Then add the coconut milk, Thai red curry paste, and peanut butter and heat just until the curry paste and peanut butter is melted into the coconut milk.  Add the brown sugar and soy sauce.

Stir the coconut milk mixture into the pureed squash, turn slow cooker to low and cook for one hour more. Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice and cook about 15 minutes more. Serve hot, garnished with more chopped cilantro and chopped peanuts if desired. If you'd like more heat, shake in a little Sriracha Sauce.

Serves 4 to 6.

Peanut Tofu Stew

Ingredients
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp. olive oil
1-15 oz. can of diced tomatoes
1 tbsp. curry powder
1-15 oz. can coconut milk
3 c. fresh kale, chopped
1 block extra-firm tofu, cut into 1" cubes
4 c. vegetable broth
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. fresh ginger
1/3 c. creamy, natural peanut butter

Directions
In a soup pot, heat oil over medium heat and saute onions until translucent. Add garlic, ginger, cayenne and curry powder and continue to saute until onions are soft (about five minutes total). Add a can of coconut milk and peanut butter. Continue to stir over medium heat until everything is combined. Add vegetable broth and diced tomatoes and bring to a boil. Turn heat down and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add tofu and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes. Add kale just a few minutes before fully heated. Add salt to taste. Serves 4, or 6 with couscous.

Coconut Corn Salad

Yet ANOTHER Heidi Swanson special. Her recipes are so fresh and delicious. This one is perfect when you have farm fresh corn... I probably wouldn't make it at any other time of year. I made a couple of adjustments based on what I had on hand.

Ingredients
3 tbsp. of butter or olive oil
5 ears of corn, shucked
fine grain sea salt
2 tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
1 c. unsweetened coconut flakes, well toasted
1 c. sliced almonds, well toasted
3 tbsp. red onions, diced
juice of one lime

Directions
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the corn, sprinkle with a couple of pinches of salt and stir well. You want all the corn to be coated. Cook for just a minute, until the corn looses its raw edge, stir in half the thyme, and then transfer the corn to a large serving bowl. Just before you're ready to serve, add most of the almonds, most of the coconut flakes, the rest of the thyme, red onions, and juice. Stir well. Taste, season with more salt to taste, and serve topped with the remaining coconut and almonds (and another jolt of juice, if needed!).

Serves 4 as a salad.