Monday, May 19, 2014

Is Kelp powder used in Vegan recipes for nutritional reasons or taste?

Q. I came across a Vegan Mock Tuna Salad recipe and it contains Kelp Powder. Kelp Powder is very difficult to find. I was wondering if it is necessary in the recipe to make it taste right or if it is used for nutritional purposes only. BTW, does anyone know where to purchase Kelp Powder because I usually find anything and everything at Whole Foods Market but not Kelp Powder.


Answer
For faux tuna salad, it's there for taste. It gives it that fishy flavor. Of course, it's healthy too. But, if you made faux tuna salad without it, you'd basically have tofu & Vegenaise, maybe some kind of onion or something, and it wouldn't be like tuna salad at all. I buy kelp powder from my local health food store. They have all sorts of herbs, spices, & seasonings available in their bulk section. (I wouldn't set foot inside a Whole Foods store anyway.) Maybe if you can't find it, you could buy some nori (sushi wraps) & crumble them up into tiny bits & use that instead. It'll give pretty much the same fishy flavor, it just won't be a fine powder. You should be able to find nori at any decent grocery store. You could also just make faux egg salad instead. Oh, or this is really good as a sandwich filling:

Chickpea Salad

* 1 15-oz can chickpeas
* 2 tbsp vegan mayo
* 1 tbsp mustard (I use horseradish mustard)
* 2 stalks celery, diced
* 1/2 cup diced green pepper
* 1/2 cup diced onion (I use chives or green onions. I think raw yellow/red onion is too strong.)
* 1/4 tsp lemon juice
* a squirt or two of Bragg's or soy sauce
* pepper to taste (if you think it needs it...you won't need salt because of the Bragg's)

Put the (drained & rinsed) chickpeas in a large bowl. Mash with a masher or fork. Don't use a blender. You want them to be slightly chunky still. Add all the other ingredients & mix well. Add more mayo & mustard if it seems a little dry. (The measurements above are from the original recipe, but I've always used more.) It's great stuffed in a pita with some lettuce or cucumber and grated carrots.

What are some really healthy meal recipes/ideas?







I like to exercise and cook, but I need some more ideas what I can make through my day: breakfast, lunch or dinner recipe ideas.


Answer
wraps are easy and healthy. you can make them for any meal and put whatever you want inside.
there is also grilled chicken with any kind of salad
tuna salad (sandwich or crackers) only use a tiny bit of mayo and squeeze the juice from one lime in it.
any lean meat on the grill is healthy (if it's too cold, broil it), serve with steamed veggies.
chili or vegetable soup (not high up on the healthy list, but not too bad)
fresh fruit, boiled eggs and cheese are good
you could also keep some fresh veggies already cut and cleaned in the fridge to have as snacks with ranch or any other dip




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