Some DIY from a lazy cookbook author

A few thing I like to make from scratch

Sometimes, I can be a lazy cook. I know that's hard to believe about someone who has written umpteen cookbooks (here are just a few); but like anyone else, I have moments when I want a meal to appear out of thin air —  a really tasty plant-based one, of course. 

I do love me some good, healthy shortcuts, especially if I know that I couldn't do better myself. Case in point, Indian simmer sauces; I simply don't have the skill or patience to create authentic-tasting Indian dishes that require many spices in certain combinations. It’s great to be able to pull Rogan Josh, Jalfrezi, and others (the nondairy varieties in my case) right off the supermarket shelves. 

But then, there are other times when I insist on making certain things from scratch that could have easily been bought prepared. In some cases, I think the homemade versions better than the prepared ones. Here are a few instances in which I opt for DIY rather than the purchased versions, and some that I nearly always opt to make from scratch (especially when I’m not feeling lazy).

Homemade seitan

This is #1 on my DIY list, because at least where I live, it’s hard to find good seitan. While it’s just a bit of a project, it’s surprisingly easy to make this amazing, tender seitan. I’ve now foisted this task onto my daughter, who is a good seitan-maker.

I’ve been tweaking this simple formula for years, and though you’ll find a number of variations in books and around the web (incorporating chickpea flour, nut flours, flavorings, beans, etc.), it’s good to nail this basic recipe first, to get the feel of how to make seitan. Then, by all means, experiment as much as you'd like.

What is seitan?

• It’s a traditional Asian food long used as a meat substitute: You may have had seitan in dishes like Buddha’s Delight or Mongolian “Beef” in Chinese restaurants.

• Seitan is basically wheat gluten: So of course, it isn’t for anyone with gluten intolerance or sensitivity or who is celiac.

• Protein & nutrition info: Seitan is one of the most protein-dense plant foods available. Protein content varies a bit, but an average serving has about 21 grams.

Here is my step-by-step recipe for making seitan (with helpful photos. And once you’ve made it, you can explore these delicious recipes for using it.

A template for homemade vegan burgers

What’s the advantage of making burgers at home, with all the great plant-based burgers available? For one, it’s more economical, and you wind up with more burgers for a larger family or hungry eaters who might like a second helping.

This template for easy homemade vegan burgers basically consists of an onion-garlic sauté; beans, lentils, or plant-based ground; oatmeal and breadcrumbs; and a “flavor bomb”of choice. Simple and economical, you'll love every bite!

You can use the “Jump to recipe” button to go straight to the recipe template for homemade vegan burgers, or mosey on down to it for a few extra tips.

Bob Eckstein and I are in the final, final stages of production on Inspired by Cats: Famous Writers and Their Feline Muses. Until it comes out next year, keep reading us here on Substack! Bob is at The Bob, and I’m here as well as at Literary Ladies Guide.

Homemade hummus, 12 ways

While packaged hummus is available almost anywhere food is sold, I still enjoy making my own. It's super easy and tastes better than store-bought. And this DIY version is more economical, yielding a larger quantity.

Here's an easy homemade hummus recipe, with 12 tasty variations. Use hummus as a spread for fresh pita as an appetizer and in sandwiches and wraps. It’s also a great dip for fresh raw vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, turnips, and celery.

Here are a dozen ways to vary hummus, which will also be listed in your printable recipe card.

Homemade crunchy granola

I’ll admit that this is one I don’t make as often, mainly because I’m not a cereal eater. But whenever I do make it, I wonder why I don’t do so more often — it’s so fragrant when it comes out of the oven, and much fresher and tastier than the kind that comes out of a box or in bulk.

With more than a slight nod to the kind of granola that took off in the sixties and never faded away, this homemade crunchy granola is chock-full of oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.

Even if you’re also not a cereal eater, this homemade granola can be eaten out of hand as a snack, used in other baked goods and treats, or packed into mason jars to be given as gifts. Here’s the recipe.

Refrigerator pickles, perfectly half-sour

Here’s a quick recipe for easy refrigerator pickles that I hope you’ll love as much as I do. The flavor is perfectly half-sour and makes use of apple cider vinegar. Honestly, I never buy pickles any more, these have spoiled me because they perfectly suit my palate.

There’s no need for traditional canning methods and equipment other than a quart jar. The recipe takes just minutes to make and requires few ingredients, though you'll have to be patient and let stand in the fridge for at least 24 hours to marinate.

I like to have these in the fridge as often as possible as a crunchy, nearly calorie-free snack. They’re also a classic accompaniment to serve with veggie burgers, sandwiches, and wraps. Here’s the recipe for my beloved Quick and Easy Refrigerator Pickles.

Coconut peanut sauce or salad dressing

As I mentioned, I’m all for shortcuts. Bottled peanut satay sauce is one that I find to be quite acceptable. But when I have all these ingredients on hand (most are staples for me), I enjoy making this luscious peanut sauce or salad dressing.

Though it contains basically the same ingredients (which is partially the justification for using shortcuts), the result is undeniably better.

This easy coconut peanut sauce is a useful and delicious staple in the plant-based repertoire. It works well on Asian-influenced salads (what an incentive to eat salad in cold weather!), cold or hot noodles, rice bowls, summer rolls, tofu and tempeh dishes, and simply steamed green veggies. Here’s the easy recipe for Coconut Peanut Sauce or Salad Dressing.

Last couple of weeks before my Etsy Shop goes on hiatus. Beautifully designed, signed coobooks (plus the satiric Secret Recipes for the Modern Wife) make great gifts!