Tempeh Salad

Made from fermented soybeans, tempeh is a traditional Indonesian food that serves as a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. But its presence in my kitchen is mostly because of tempeh's versatility and adaptability to all kinds of flavors and ingredients. A quick bake or fry adds further to the delightful texture of this wholesome food. Because of this versatility, it's commonly found in most grocers these days.

Indian-Style Chickpea Koftas in a Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Koftas, which for a vegetarian are little Indian-style "meatballs", often made with paneer cheese, potato, legumes, or a variety of other vegetables, have long been a favorite in my kitchen. Served up in a delectable spicy and fragrant gravy, these chickpea and brown rice koftas are inspired by authentic Indian cooking but include such non-traditional ingredients as quinoa and pecans, and don't include paneer cheese to make them vegan-friendly too. Loaded with protein, these little delights are then served in a spicy and creamy roasted red pepper sauce. Though this recipe has a number of steps, it is well worth the effort and a satisying meal you won't soon forget. This creation is now a new favorite that I have added to my repertoire of treasured dishes.