Oh, Trader Joe’s. Is there anything you can’t do?
Because seriously–wouldn’t you think that was chicken? It has almost the exact same taste and texture as dark meat chicken. And while I didn’t really enjoy the dark meat before I became a vegan, it’s nice to have a little reminder of my former life now and then. My husband was completely fooled, except for the fact that he knows we don’t eat meat! It also has a really good health profile (high in protein, low in fat) and is unbelievably easy to prepare. Two minutes in the microwave! That’s it!
I also made the Easy Mac & Cheese from Happy Herbivore as a side, and then made my own version of her Dijon Green beans to go with it. The beans were SO GOOD. And also pretty easy!
Easy Dijon Green Beans (makes 4 servings as a side dish):
- 3 cups of frozen green beans
- 6-8 cloves of garlic, sliced thin
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- salt to taste
- 2 T white wine
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup veggie broth
Heat one tsp of olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for about a minute, until fragrant. Add the thyme, pepper flakes, and salt, stir for a few seconds. Add in your green beans, and cook until the frost comes off. Then, pour in the wine. When the wine reduces, add in the veggie broth & dijon and cook until the beans are hot all the way through and the sauce is no longer liquidy.
I really wanted to make biscuits to go with this, too, but I was too lazy!