We are in a farming shoulder season in Baja. The market and grocery stores have only the basics; carrots, cabbage, onions, potatoes, iceberg lettuce, apples, pineapple, and of course peppers. I found mature tough spinach but no other greens. There were no bananas in town last week and all the produce is sad. 😢. I’m frustrated and uninspired but I’m not sure eating meat would cure the vegan blues. I still wouldn’t have great produce if I cooked a chicken. Moving on……

You have to find your own source of inspiration whether or not you eat meat and dairy. I’m trying out two new to me recipes from this cookbook. You can find it on Amazon.

Sopes with smashed beans and pickled onions.

This looks like a close version from the internet.

Sweet potato corn cakes with lentil tinga.

Here’s the ingredient list, you’ll have to buy the book for the instructions. Although if you cook, I’m sure you can figure out the rest. Hint: First roast the sweet potato whole.

This week’s menu is making the best of the worst produce with two new to me recipes.

Chic pea meatballs: Basic meatball recipe: You will need cooked legumes and cooked grain in a 2:1 ratio, a thickening agent (I use ground flax seed frequently but plain psyllium husk, chia seeds and bread crumbs will work). Add sautéed onion, garlic and/or carrots, salt, spices of the cuisine you are creating and a dash of acid (lemon, lime or flavored vinegar). Taste and adjust the salt and seasonings. Mash by hand or pulse in a food processor. Let rest in the refrigerator until chilled and form 1-2 inch balls. Bake at 375 degrees until lightly browned, approximately 30 minutes. Here is a lentil meat recipe to replicate or adjust.

Egg Roll Bowls with Baked Tofu
Make a double batch of baked tofu for two meals this week.

Baked Tofu in Salsa Verde If you eat chicken use this recipe, otherwise just follow the salsa verde recipe.

Pizza with Vegan Mozzarella and Roasted Red Peppers. Pizza dough is vegan so use your best recipe or buy dough in the U.S.

I’m looking forward to a Vegan Thanksgiving next week. You can see my Vegan Holiday Meal Pinterest Board here.   I have to see what produce is available but I’m thinking about roasted cumin carrots, lentil meatloaf with mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes, corn bread stuffing, raw vegetable salad and pumpkin something, maybe vegan cheesecake. Stay tuned. What’s on your vegan menu?