tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post114307871516578482..comments2024-03-09T23:07:41.551-08:00Comments on Vegan Lunch Box: Chickpea Noodle SoupJennifershmoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08663322884550580226noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1144514707687611832006-04-08T09:45:00.000-07:002006-04-08T09:45:00.000-07:00I'm re-reading some of your archives in my attempt...I'm re-reading some of your archives in my attempt to avoid housework. It's working. <BR/><BR/>Anyway, I know that you shop at Trader Joe's. Were the garbonzos from there? If so, my experience is that their garbonzos & soybeans are not completely cooked. Even in hummus they are not quite right. <BR/><BR/>I did toss them into a crockpot along with some other beans for a "pantry" chili that I made a couple of weeks ago, and found that they were just right after about 6 hours in the crockpot. The soybeans were still too "crunchy," to use Schmoo's term.Milindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06840726091990056287noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143211538573562962006-03-24T06:45:00.000-08:002006-03-24T06:45:00.000-08:00Hey that soup sounds very similar to a traditional...Hey that soup sounds very similar to a traditional Mexican soup called Sopa de Fideo. It uses chicken stock, but I substitute vegetable broth and it's just as yummy.<BR/><BR/>2 tbsp. vegetable oil (olive or corn oil is fine)<BR/><BR/>3/4 c. vermicelli noodles, broken into one inch pieces<BR/><BR/>2 cloves garlic, chopped<BR/>1/2 c. onion, chopped<BR/>1/2 of a large tomato, chopped<BR/>Could also add chunks of new potato and/or zucchini<BR/><BR/>1 1/2 c. vegetable broth<BR/>1 tbsp. chopped cilantro<BR/><BR/>Salt to taste<BR/><BR/>Heat the oil in a heavy medium sauce pan and saute the vermicelli until golden brown. Stir in the garlic, onion, and tomato (and new potato and zucchini chunks, if using) and saute for about 10 seconds. Add the veggie broth and bring to a simmer. Add salt to taste and the cilantro, too.<BR/><BR/>Turn heat to low and simmer until more of the liquid is absorbed (do not cover). Let the fideo stand off the heat for a few minutes before serving.<BR/><BR/>It's DELICIOUS!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143162567307169782006-03-23T17:09:00.000-08:002006-03-23T17:09:00.000-08:00Thank you for your website. We are a vegan family...Thank you for your website. We are a vegan family with 2 children, (3 year old and 1 year old.) Both children do daycare several days a week and we are lucky to have found a center that allows us to bring in food. I have been running out of lunch-box ideas so I was thrilled to find your site. My biggest problem is finding the time to cook (Very demanding occupation). And my 3-year old is extremely picky. Thank you for being so creative - now I don't have to be ;-)!<BR/>Any advice on raising vegan children? I could use some creative ideas on that front as well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143153786401256192006-03-23T14:43:00.000-08:002006-03-23T14:43:00.000-08:00Mallory, use a potato masher. They still make tho...Mallory, use a potato masher. They still make those, don't they... I've never even owned a food processor.<BR/><BR/>Beth, how many parts vinegar to oil? Thx.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143152347431614742006-03-23T14:19:00.000-08:002006-03-23T14:19:00.000-08:00Here is a good website to check out regarding non-...Here is a good website to check out regarding non-refined sugar: http://www.sweetsavvy.com/<BR/>It's not vegan in particular but has some cool ideas.<BR/>Thanks for the wonderful blog!<BR/>StarcatNikki Starcat Shieldshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03901355620720381016noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143150925504180392006-03-23T13:55:00.000-08:002006-03-23T13:55:00.000-08:00Your blog is wonderful. I came across it in Decem...Your blog is wonderful. I came across it in December just by surfing the web, and then heard about it again on the VeganFreak podcast. Keep up the good work, and congratulations on your Bloggie Award! You are an inspiration. :) <BR/>ps I'd like to third the request for the fig bar recipe!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143149741748116742006-03-23T13:35:00.000-08:002006-03-23T13:35:00.000-08:00Anonymous nearly vegan college student in search o...Anonymous nearly vegan college student in search of slaw (and everyone else, of course):<BR/>My most favorite slaw is a Mexican cole slaw recipe I found in a magazine years ago, and it's actually vegan! Sorry I don't have specific amounts, but it combines shredded cabbage (I've used the pre-cut pre-packaged bags), corn kernels, tiny chopped up tomatoes, and tiny chopped up red bell peppers. The dressing is regular white vinegar, canola or corn oil, and cumin, plus salt and peper to taste. I eat bowls and bowls of it, and it's even better the second day!Bethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09322259355018041476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143147412376101522006-03-23T12:56:00.000-08:002006-03-23T12:56:00.000-08:00Jennifershmoo I recently came across your website ...Jennifershmoo I recently came across your website and absolutely love it. I'm a sophomore college student and became a vegetarian upon entering college. I've been trying really hard to go vegan, except it is so difficult living on campus with a meal plan. Your lunch box ideas have really helped. I was wondering if you have any vegan cole slaw recipes? Thanks so much, I'm going to excitedly visit the lunch box every day for ideas.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143145792514221172006-03-23T12:29:00.000-08:002006-03-23T12:29:00.000-08:00that's really interesting about the change in mood...that's really interesting about the change in mood as a result of cutting out sugar.<BR/><BR/>over the past couple of weeks, i have gone mostly raw (because of digestive problems) and cut out all sugars apart from those ocurring naturally in fruit. and i have been in a much better mood. before that, i was eating tons of sweets and i was always short-tempered and constantly angry or depressed.<BR/><BR/>i never even thought that the change might have something to do with cutting out sugar, but it's entirely possible.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143145003795600292006-03-23T12:16:00.000-08:002006-03-23T12:16:00.000-08:00I had tofu cream cheese today!Bono is Brian Pepper...I had tofu cream cheese today!<BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://bonopeppers.blogspot.com" REL="nofollow">Bono is Brian Peppers!</A><BR/><A HREF="http://cantplayq3.blogspot.com" REL="nofollow">Cant play Quake 3</A>High Power Rocketryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11537203640644706903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143138852867566692006-03-23T10:34:00.000-08:002006-03-23T10:34:00.000-08:00Yum. I made this soup today but with leftover bake...Yum. I made this soup today but with leftover baked tofu cubes, and cooked cut up spaghetti. was a nice use for leftovers!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143138053904531142006-03-23T10:20:00.000-08:002006-03-23T10:20:00.000-08:00wow, it's surprising to me that figs are a good so...wow, it's surprising to me that figs are a good source of calcium - good to know. coincidently, we snacked on some organic Turkish figs yesterday & they were such a sweet treat! I've heard that cutting out refined sugar helps one feel more calm & patient - do you find this to be true?Vicki's Vegan Vicehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00786229426003858902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143137770677031082006-03-23T10:16:00.000-08:002006-03-23T10:16:00.000-08:00I'm always looking for easy and tasty soup recipes...I'm always looking for easy and tasty soup recipes. I think I have all that stuff at home so I might try that for lunch tomorrow. I've tried replacing sugar with Perfect Sweet brand Natural Xylitol. It works well in most instances, especially for baking and in hot beverages.Shananiganshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08537301327510516106noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143137486482587192006-03-23T10:11:00.000-08:002006-03-23T10:11:00.000-08:00>>Duh, I just reread the post and you said you DID...>>Duh, I just reread the post and you said you DID use canned. <BR/><BR/>Yep, I guess canned chickpeas are a bit firmer than the ones we make at home in the slow cooker. Shmoo and his dad love their beans falling-apart tender.<BR/><BR/>I've never tried stevia, but we have used agave. I prefer Suzanne's Just Like Honey, because it really does taste just like honey. Even my husband was amazed!<BR/><BR/>Just to clarify, I'm not saying any of the sweeteners I listed are not vegan, I'm just trying to get concentrated sweeteners out of our kitchen for a while to see if they improve our health/behavior, and to give up something for Lent. <BR/><BR/>I've always had a big sugar craving/addiction, just something awful. And I've been eating an awful lot of Oreos and chocolate since the Lunch Box project began! It doesn't really seem to matter what form the sugar comes in, agave, maple, white, etc. It all seems to lead me to overeat and get uber-cranky. So for a while at least we're trying out the sugar-free life. <BR/><BR/>So far shmoo seems more patient and focused without all the candy around, and is eating a lot more healthy snacks to make up for the calories he used to use up eating sweets. I think it's a good thing so far.Jennifershmoohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08663322884550580226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143135787422807512006-03-23T09:43:00.000-08:002006-03-23T09:43:00.000-08:00I should try making this soup. My oldest doesn't l...I should try making this soup. My oldest doesn't like chickpeas but I'm wondering if this soup would do the trick. Thanks for another great idea, Jennifer.<BR/><BR/>The fig bar looks good and very healthy, too. Would you mind sharing how you made it?Flo @ Yielded Hearthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12605892450723387204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143132802657981712006-03-23T08:53:00.000-08:002006-03-23T08:53:00.000-08:00Alex, There are bugs in every commerically made pr...Alex, There are bugs in every commerically made product and most likely in every peice of produce you buy. C'est la Vie! But, I think most vegans avoid products were the bugs were specifically/purposefully "used" such as pink "dyed" foods using beetles...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143129538521826272006-03-23T07:58:00.000-08:002006-03-23T07:58:00.000-08:00LOVE reading your blog! I just recently found it a...LOVE reading your blog! I just recently found it and I find myself looking forward to reading about the new lunches you create. <BR/><BR/>Is it possible to share your fig bar recipe? I adore fig bars and would love to try and make my own. Nothing better than homemade!<BR/><BR/>You inspire me. Thank you for sharing part of your life with us.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143128879289438462006-03-23T07:47:00.000-08:002006-03-23T07:47:00.000-08:00I agree about agave, I never was a huge fan of hon...I agree about agave, I never was a huge fan of honey even in my pre-vegan days but agave has a wonderful taste that I wouldn't even compare to honey. Brown rice syrup is also great in desserts, particularly sticky ones.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143128389566148212006-03-23T07:39:00.000-08:002006-03-23T07:39:00.000-08:00okay that made no sense. I MEANT to say Stevia tak...okay that made no sense. I MEANT to say Stevia takes a little time to get used to using.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143128332163446492006-03-23T07:38:00.000-08:002006-03-23T07:38:00.000-08:00For sweeteners try Agave and/or Stevia. Stevia tak...For sweeteners try Agave and/or Stevia. Stevia takes a little getting used to use. If can easily become bitter...Agave is great.<BR/><BR/>http://www.aroma-essence.com/catalog/agave.html<BR/><BR/>http://www.essentiallivingfoods.com/products-sweeteners-agave-syrup.html<BR/><BR/>http://www.stevia.net/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143125221984186942006-03-23T06:47:00.000-08:002006-03-23T06:47:00.000-08:00I suspect I could trick my (omni) boyfriend into e...I suspect I could trick my (omni) boyfriend into eating chick peas if I made that soup. :-) He generally doesn't like them (though he likes hummus) and when I make them he wrinkles his nose.<BR/><BR/>I used to blend them in a food processor and use the puree to thicken soups, but alas, I don't currently have a food processor (moving = stinks). So I can't even make him hummus. Maybe I'll try this soup.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143122438099940012006-03-23T06:00:00.000-08:002006-03-23T06:00:00.000-08:00Great looking stuff!Please keep in mind (and I kno...Great looking stuff!<BR/><BR/>Please keep in mind (and I know you are not going for perfection here), ALL figs and fig products contain insects. If youe at figs, you are certain to be eating wasps which have died inside.High Power Rocketryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11537203640644706903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143117956880291832006-03-23T04:45:00.000-08:002006-03-23T04:45:00.000-08:00We pressure cook our soaked chickpeas for an hour ...We pressure cook our soaked chickpeas for an hour until they're practically falling apart. Thats how we like 'em. :)<BR/><BR/>RuthieRuthiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15385890645302358783noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143113225716152052006-03-23T03:27:00.000-08:002006-03-23T03:27:00.000-08:00This looks wonderful! Fresh fruit and soup, can't...This looks wonderful! Fresh fruit and soup, can't beat that. What do shmoo's teachers think of his lunches? I remember my son's preschool teachers were always impressed with his healthy lunches. When I brought fresh fruit and crackers for the class snacks, the other teachers wished they had my son in their class. (lol)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-1143094657598657682006-03-22T22:17:00.000-08:002006-03-22T22:17:00.000-08:00Jennifer, you have inspired this vegan of eightplu...Jennifer, you have inspired this vegan of eightplus years to pack a decent lunch (most days). Thanks for the calcium link, and thanks for the cupcake/twinkie recipe - they were fab!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com