Fabcakes that will not make you miss the crab

These faux-crab-cakes are delicious on their own or on a sandwich bun. Adapted from a Purple Carrot recipe.

Photo credit: Purple Carrot

Ingredients:

1 can garbanzo beans
1 can hearts of palm
1 jalapeno
3 tsp. rice wine vinegar
2 1/2 tbsp. dijon mustard
3 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
1 cup panko crumbs
several tbsp. vegetable oil
salt and pepper
buns (if using)

Method:
Cut top and seeds/pith away from jalapeno; drain both hearts of palm and beans. Put those 3 ingredients into a food processor and pulse a few times just to get to a slightly stringy/crumbly consistency. 

Pour that into a bowl and add the vinegar, dijon, Old Bay, salt and pepper, and 1/2 cup of the panko crumbs. Mix well and form into patties, then put those in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up. 

When ready, heat a couple tbsp. oil in a skillet, coat the fabcakes in the remaining panko on both sides and all around the edges, and fry each side 3-4 minutes over medium heat (until panko is toasted brown and crispy).

Enjoy with vegan mayo or tartar sauce!

Smashed Avocado-Chick Pea Dip (with jalapenos!)

I adapted this recipe from Forks Over Knives, which has so many wonderful plant-based recipes. This was a hit at our recent Super Bowl party and tastes so fresh and clean!


Smashed Avocado Chick Pea Dip
Ingredients:
-1 can chick peas, drained and rinsed
-1 avocado
-1 large tomato, diced small
-6 stalks scallions, whites and greens, sliced small
-1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
-4 cloves garlic, minced
-2 jalapenos, seeded and diced small
-juice from 2-3 limes (around 1/4 cup)
-1/2 tsp. kosher salt and dash of fresh ground pepper


Method:
Using a potato masher, mash the chick peas in a medium bowl so they are smushed but not totally pulverized/smooth. Add the avocado and mash further so the mix is chunky. Add in the tomato, scallions, cilantro, garlic, jalapenos, lime juice and salt and pepper. Mix with a spoon until everything is combined.


Serve with pita chips, pita bread, pretzels or cut veggies!