Darshana Thacker Wendel

Nopales, also known as prickly pear, nopalitos, or cactus paddles, are a centuries-old staple in Mexican cooking. Once de-spined, the culinary cacti make a succulent addition to soup, tacos, salad, and more. This clever recipe transforms each paddle into crunchy fries that are perfect as a Taco Tuesday appetizer or game-day snack. The key to […]

These rustic fruit tarts start with a hand-shaped crust that gets its tenderness and golden hue from mashed sweet potato. Stewed apples, walnuts, and date paste make a delectable filling that’s topped off with fresh strawberries for extra fruity goodness. While they’re delicious as is, these oil-free galettes would be tasty with a dollop of […]

If you’re tossing your broccoli stalks in the compost pile, you’re seriously missing out. Their tender texture and earthy sweetness make them arguably better than the florets that you typically enjoy. In this scrumptious coleslaw broccoli stalks are shredded and tossed with carrots, scallions, and fresh herbs to create a crunchy medley. The creamy mustard […]

Saag is a classic Indian dish typically made with cubes of paneer cheese, but in this plant-based version we’ve swapped the dairy for nutrient-rich tofu. Beet greens (the leaves at the top of beets that you might typically throw away) team up with spinach to form the base of the savory sauce so you don’t […]

Croutons are crucial to panzanella, which gets its name in part from the Italian word for bread. This low-fat version omits oil in favor of a juicy, lip-smacking-good Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette. Serve this fresh and satisfying bread salad on its own or as part of a healthy vegan Mediterranean feast.  Tip: You can also leave […]

These tartlets will steal the show at your next party or picnic. The filling for this healthy raw dessert is 100 percent fabulous fresh fruit, with bananas soaking up the sweet-tart juices of orange slices and berries, while the wholesome crusts are made simply with oats, nuts, date paste, and vanilla. Making them is easy. […]

Looking to reduce food waste? Don’t toss your carrot tops, especially if you get them at the farmers market! Carrot greens mix well with fresh basil for a vegan pesto that’s delicious as a dip or a pasta topper. Nutritional yeast adds a hint of cheesiness.  For a more traditional pesto, try our Homemade Vegan […]

Fruit isn’t just for sweet treats! In this vegan chili, blueberries—which are both blended into the stew and used as a garnish—deliver hits of juicy sweetness to complement the earthy, savory notes of the kidney beans. The result is a fragrant, deliciously complex stew that’s ready in under an hour. Chili freezes well; make extra […]

These Korean-inspired waffles incorporate scallions and acorn squash into the savory batter to create the perfect fluffy base for a heaping pile of saucy veggies and tempeh. Bell pepper, mushrooms, and cabbage are simmered in a fragrant mixture of tamari, fresh ginger, and brown rice vinegar. As if that wasn’t enough, strips of meaty tempeh […]

Creamy hummus and sumac-spiced veggies give these sandwiches a distinct Middle Eastern flare, especially when drizzled with or dipped in the homemade herbed tahini sauce. Pita pockets are easy to eat without getting messy, and the thin bread won’t overwhelm the filling like sub-style sandwiches tend to do, making these scrumptious snacks perfect for on-the-go […]

Pancake-thick Salvadoran-style corn tortillas make a great alternative to traditional buns in this delicious plant-based burger recipe. Succulent patties—made with black beans, plantains, bell pepper, and a hearty dose of smoky spices—are sandwiched between the homemade tortillas and drizzled with a spicy pepita sauce. The refreshing cabbage slaw adds a satisfying crunch, and a squeeze […]

Blended zucchini adds extra creaminess to create a silky smooth dressing in this super-low-fat version of a classic Mediterranean tahini sauce. This base recipe can be further flavored with fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, tarragon, or basil, and/or dried spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and chipotle chili powder. Drizzle it over hearty salads or […]