Darshana Thacker Wendel
Darshana Thacker Wendel is a whole-food, plant-based chef and former culinary projects manager for Forks Over Knives. A graduate of the Natural Gourmet Institute, she is the author of Forks Over Knives: Flavor! She created the recipes for Forks Over Knives Family and was a lead recipe contributor to the New York Times bestseller The Forks Over Knives Plan. Her recipes have been published in The Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease Cookbook, Forks Over Knives—The Cookbook, Forks Over Knives: The Plant-Based Way to Health, and LA Yoga magazine online.
All Contributions from Darshana Thacker Wendel (447)
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See articleShiro Wat (Chickpea Flour Stew)
A vegetarian classic in Ethiopian cuisine, shiro wat is a thick, smooth stew made from chickpea flour (also known as besan). The velvety soup is flavored with berbere—a spice blend that’s packed full of fragrant seasonings—and extra cardamom to create a symphony of scrumptious flavors. Chopped tomatoes and red onion add bright acidity to the […] -
See articleHomemade Berbere Spice Blend
This earthy-sweet seasoning blend is common in Ethiopian cooking. Paprika and allspice bring in smoky, savory notes while cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves punch up the sweet notes. Nutmeg, fenugreek, and turmeric add earthy flavors, and cayenne rounds everything out with a kick of heat. Make a big batch of this blend to keep in your […] -
See articleGerman Potato Dumplings with Mushroom Gravy
A staple side dish throughout Germany, these gnocchi-like dumplings are hearty enough to serve as an entrée, too. The potato dumplings feature a sprinkling of nutmeg—which adds a warm, savory flavor—and are boiled before serving to achieve a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The herb-infused mushroom gravy is bursting with umami and gets its drool-worthy creaminess from […] -
See articleIndividual Curried Shepherd’s Pies
Serve up these individual curried shepherd’s pies when you’re craving a hearty meal that’s bursting with savory flavors. Lentils and kidney beans take the place of meat in this veg-forward version, while the creamy mashed potato topping gets a cheesy upgrade with some help from nutritional yeast. While all those elements are tasty on their […] -
See articleEasy Herbed Couscous
Couscous, a tiny pasta with nutty undertones, is a delicious base for absorbing the fragrant flavors of Moroccan stews. In this jazzed-up version, we add lemon juice for brightness, fresh mint for an herbaceous kick, and toasted pine nuts for extra textural intrigue. Be sure to thoroughly fluff the couscous with a fork to avoid […] -
See articleCheesy Vegan Stuffed Spinach Bites
Tasty both right out of the oven or at room temperature, these savory snacks are filled with homemade potato-based vegan cheese. The melty center surprise is encased in a tasty veggie ball that gets its vibrant green hue from green beans and spinach. Corn, jalapeño, and onion bring extra zesty flavor to the mixture while […] -
See articleSecret Ingredient Vegan Ranch Sauce
Creamy, tangy, and satisfying, this healthy vegan ranch dressing pairs perfectly with Buffalo cauliflower, steamed artichokes, savory salads, and crudités. The secret to a super velvety texture? Boiled and blended potatoes. When the tasty tubers are combined with raw cashews you get an unbelievably creamy dairy-free base that you’ll want to smother on everything in […] -
See articleVegan Hash Brown Casserole with Tempeh Crumbles
Welcome to the hash brown casserole of your dreams. This ultra-savory breakfast bake is seasoned to perfection with a delicious blend of rosemary, garlic, and nutritional yeast, which combine to create an irresistible cheesy flavor. Roasted red bell peppers are stirred into the potato mixture to add a subtle sweetness to the casserole, while crumbled […] -
See articleIn the Kitchen with Darshana: Weekend Prep 101
It’s not easy sticking to healthy resolutions when you’re tired and hungry after a long day. That’s why we recommend setting aside an hour each weekend (or any day that’s convenient) to cook some beans and grains, and to prep produce for the week ahead. Just an hour in the kitchen can go a long […] -
See articleMini Vegan Mac and Cheese Casseroles
Potato flour, nutritional yeast, and roasted red peppers form the base of a surprisingly cheesy dairy-free sauce in these mini vegan mac and cheese casseroles. Juicy green peas add bursts of earthy sweetness throughout the creamy noodles while savory miso breadcrumbs create the perfect crispy topper. Each adorable ramekin is stuffed to the brim with […] -
See articleJackfruit Chowder
If you haven’t tried jackfruit, this chunky chowder is a great place to start. The tender Asian fruit absorbs the savory flavors of the broth and lends a meaty texture to the stew. A medley of fresh veggies adds eye-catching color while red pepper flakes kick the spice level up a notch. The flavors in […] -
See articleOatmeal Breakfast Bake with Berries and Almonds
This tender, berry-topped baked oatmeal casserole is the perfect morning meal to feed the whole family. Hearty oats are soaked in plant-based milk infused with the warming flavors of vanilla and cinnamon before being baked to golden brown perfection. Plump, sweet raisins add bursts of juicy flavor throughout the dish while a topping of fresh […]
Master The Art Of Plant-based Cooking.
The Forks Over Knives online cooking course helps you learn new techniques, flavors, and styles for cooking delicious plant-based, oil-free meals at home.