Vegetarian Chili is not just for Vegetarians!

vegetarian chili

Here’s a satisfying and hearty vegetarian chili recipe that’ll put a little pep in your step. If you’re a die-hard carnivore, then your initial reaction is probably NOPE, but you should give meatless chili a try. I love a good meat chili, and when I get chili at a restaurant I generally order a meat and bean chili, but at home I’m vegetarian chili all the way. Vegetarian chili just tastes great, and I don’t miss the meat, plus it’s a perfect way to clean out all the veggie odds and ends in your fridge. The key to a hearty meatless chili is lots of seasoning, onions, and peppers. I like to add at least two kinds of beans, and the veggies can be whatever you like, so be creative!

What You Need to Make a Great Vegetarian Chili

15 oz can CHICK PEAS
15 oz can KIDNEY BEANS
1 BELL PEPPER (chopped)
Lg ONION (chopped)
JALAPENO PEPPER (diced, very optional)
2-3 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
1 ZUCHINNI (cut into large pieces)
1 cup CAULIFLOWER (chopped)
2 ROMA TOMATOES (chopped)
28 oz can CRUSHED TOMATOES
1 heaping Tbsp DRIED OREGANO
1 Tbsp CUMIN
1 tsp GARLIC POWDER
1 Tbsp CHILI POWDER
1 Tbsp SMOKED PAPRIKA
SALT and PEPPER, to taste
2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL for sauteing
WATER as needed…add slowly
I also add a little leftover RUTABAGA to this recipe, but that is very optional. A vegetarian chili is a great way to clean out the fridge of all those veggie odds and ends, so use what you have.

vegetarian chili
pot o’ meatless chili for good times

How to Make Easy Vegetarian Chili

  • Slice, dice, mince, and chop all your ingredients. Prepping this dish is the most labor intensive part of this recipe. Once your ingredients are ready, it’s pretty eazy peezy.
  • Heat some oil in a large pot on medium heat.
  • Add in the onion and hot pepper and saute for 4-5 minutes.
  • Add in the rest of the peppers, garlic, and seasoning, then mix and saute for another couple minutes.
  • Add in everything else, plus about ½ a can of water. Be conservative with the water. The dish might seem overly thick, but a lot of water will be released from the veggies as the chili cooks. You can always add more water later.
  • Cover and bring the pot to a bubble, reduce the heat down to a simmer, and cook covered for about 45 minutes, adding water as needed and desired.
  • After 45 minutes give the dish a taste test and adjust seasoning, but remember, the flavor of the chili will intensify on its own as it sits.

Like any soup or stew or chili, it’s ideal if you make the recipe ahead of time, because the dish will get exponentially better as the days pass, so be sure to make a big pot of chili so you’ll have plenty of leftovers.

vegetarian chili
hearty vegetarian chili recipe…try it!

That’s it! Hope you like it, and if you’ve got a bigger pot, CLICK HERE for a double-sized variation of this vegetarian chili recipe.

If you want jalapeno corn muffins to pair with chili, here’s a recipe that tastes great and is a breeze to make.

vegetarian chili
make a batch of corn muffins for a great chili sidedish

Jalapeno Corn Muffin Recipe

¾ cup cornmeal (whole, medium grind)
1¼ cup all-purpose flour
2½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp chipolte (or regular chili powder)
½ tsp salt…unless the corn or butter already contain salt
1 cup milk
2 Tbsp oil (alternative butter, melted)
3 Tbsp honey
1 large egg
1 cup canned corn kernels, drained
¼ cup pickled jalapenos, chopped
¼ onion, minced
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus ¼ cup for topping)
optional: 1 jalapeno (deseeded and sliced for topping)

Place rack in middle of the oven and preheat to 400°F.
Grease 12 muffin pan cups or line with parchment paper baking cups; set aside.
Combine dry ingredients in bowl.
Combine remaining ingredients in another bowl (minus topping, jalapeno). Add to dry ingredients and stir until ingredients are moistened.
Fill prepared muffin cups evenly.
Top with remaining jalapeno rings and cheese.
Bake 20-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean and muffins are golden brown.
Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from muffin tins.
Serve warm or cold. Serve with butter or honey butter.
HONEY BUTTER:
½ cup butter, softened
2 Tbsp honey

I hope you like these recipe ideas. Give this healthy chili recipe a try and let me know what you think, and for more hearty meat-free options, try this very easy blackened eggplant Veggie Burger Recipe or this fantastic faux pasta made with Zucchini Zoodles.
Or visit my Vegetarian Recipe Playlist over on The Chef Buck Youtube Channel.

Thanks for Watching our Vegetarian Chli Recipe!

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Cauliflower Cakes for LESS Carbs MORE Flavor

cauliflower cakes

Try this cauliflower cakes recipe if you’re into healthy, low carb, and delicious. Just ball your cauliflower into flavorful balls, press them out into cakes, and bake them in the oven. I like to top mine with a creamy sauce, but that’s optional. Serve these cauliflower cakes over a bed of spinach and you’ve got a low carb, light and delicious meal.

What You Need To Make Cauliflower Cakes

3 cups of grated CAULIFLOWER
½ cup of freshly grated CHEESE
2 EGGS beaten
1 Tbsp chopped JALAPENO
¼ cup finely chopped BELL PEPPER
2 finely chopped GREEN ONIONS
1-2 cloves minced GARLIC
1 tsp dried ITALIAN SEASONING
1 tsp TURMERIC POWDER
1 tsp GARLIC POWDER
1 tsp SMOKED PAPRIKA
1 tsp CHILI POWDER
PARCHMENT PAPER to line your baking sheet
MAYONNAISE and LEMON for dressing

cauliflower cakes
Try a cauliflower cakes recipe if you’re into healthy, low carb, and delicious.

How to Cook Cauliflower Cakes

  • Grate fresh cauliflower into granules resembling “poprocks”. I like to use a hand grater, but feel free to use a food processor, however, I think grating the cauliflower by hand actually makes the cauliflower cakes lighter and fluffier. If you do use a food processor, don’t over-process the cauliflower into a doughy consistency, unless you prefer a more dense cauliflower patty.
  • In a bowl, add the grated cauliflower and the rest of the ingredients.
  • Mix all ingredients well, then separate into individual portions for cakes.
  • Form each portion into a ball and squeeze out excess liquid.
  • Form the cauliflower ball into a ½ inch thick patty and place on the parchment paper lined baking sheet, and definitely USE PARCHMENT PAPER, or your cauliflower might stick after baking. The cakes will not hold together well before cooking, but you can adjust the shape and size of each patty while on the baking sheet. Check here for current pricing for parchment paper on Amazon.
  • Place baking sheet in an oven preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, bake approx. 30-40 minutes, or until the cauliflower cakes color and firm up.
  • Remove cauliflower cakes from the oven and serve over a bed of greens.
cauliflower cakes
Cauliflower cakes made with a food processor can form heavier, denser patties. For lighter cakes, use a hand grater.

I like to top the cakes with a simple dressing of mayonnaise and lemon, and adding a dash of jalapeno pickling juice or horseradish isn’t a terrible idea!
And that’s it. Eat and enjoy!

Quick Dressing for Cauliflower Fritters

½ cup MAYONNAISE
2-3 Tbsp LEMON JUICE
minced LEMON ZEST
1 tsp finely chopped PICKLE, JALAPENO, or GARLIC

Mix ingredients in a small bowl, adjust to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

And For More Cauliflower Recipes

Try this Cauliflower Crust Pizza Recipe, which can also make a pretty cool Cauliflower Burrito Recipe.

If you don’t have a baking sheet, use a big pizza pan. Big pizza pans make the best baking sheets for cauliflower pizza crusts, nachos, whatever…round is always better than square, right? If you need one in your kitchen, check out current Big Pizza Pan prices on Amazon.

white pizza
A white pizza is great on any kind of crust.

Give these beautiful cauliflower cakes a try and let me know what you think. Or would you call them cauliflower fritters? If you’re serving them to kids, I’d definitely call them “cakes”. And if you like the recipe, then click some of the buttons below to share it with friends and family. I appreciate it!
–Chef Buck

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Cheesy Cauliflower Hack for Winners

cheesy cauliflower

Here’s an easy cheesy cauliflower recipe that makes a great side dish or a tasty treat between meals. It’s saucy and cheesy and will satisfy your need for something decadent in the middle of the day.

What You Need To Make Easy Cheesy Cauliflower

CAULIFLOWER (florets, stems, the whole thing…whatever your taste buds prefer
CHEESE …freshly grated, and whatever cheese you like, but cheddary is nice
MUSTARD …fancy mustard!…definitely don’t use yellow mustard, unless you’re a savage
MAYONNAISE
SALT and PEPPER to taste

Also add additional spices and herbs if you like…make it as complicated or simple as you like.
I like this dish for it’s simplicity, and because it’s a tasty snack that keeps me from making a nutritionally
inferior choice, but you can definitely jazz the recipe up. Add fresh dill and minced garlic to the sauce, or garlic
and onion powder, or dried Italian seasonings; make the dish as simple or complicated as you like.

cheesy cauliflower
Top cauliflower with sauce and cheese for a quick snack.

How to Make Microwave Cheesy Cauliflower

  • You can microwave an entire head of cauliflower in a bowl, but I like to break the cauliflower into smaller bowls for a tiny cauliflower treat. Use the stems and florets and cook accordingly. The more stem you use, the longer the cooking time.
  • Add a splash of water to the bowl and microwave of high heat to desired doneness.
  • While the cauliflower cooks, in a bowl mix the sauce of mustard, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Adjust ratios to taste.
  • Once the cauliflower has cooked to desired doneness, spoon and spread the sauce over the cauliflower.
  • Top with freshly grated cheese.
  • Microwave another minute to melt the cheese.

cheesy cauliflower
Sure, it’s cauliflower…but you know you want this.

And that’s it.
Serve this simple microwave cauliflower cheese as a side dish, or eat it right out of the bowl for a cheesy cauliflower treat. Believe me, it’s a treat.
Is it ice cream? No. It’s not ice cream. But it’s goooood, you’ll actually love it, and be satisfied, and you won’t feel as bad when you’re finished.

For more yummy cauliflower ideas, explore my Cauliflower Recipes Playlist

cauliflower salad
add sliced tomato for a quick splash of color

Cauliflower sound too hum drum? Wanna graduate to bok choy? Try this Amazing Bok Choy Recipe.

Give this cheesy cauliflower recipe a try and let me know what you think. If you liked the recipe, click a few buttons below to share it with your friends. Thanks, I appreciate it!
–Chef Buck

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Pad Thai Recipe with Spaghetti Squash Noodles

pad thai recipe

Try a tasty Pad Thai recipe with a spaghetti squash twist. Spaghetti squash is a lowfat low carb ingredient with a terrific texture and a mild flavor that allows it to work well in a variety of recipes, including this easy Pad Thai Recipe. A few simple ingredients are all you need to cook this healthy faux noodle vegetarian recipe.

What You Need to Make Pad Thai Recipe w/ Spaghetti Squash

SPAGHETTI SQUASH
4-6 cloves GARLIC finely chopped
2-3 GREEN ONIONS chopped, bottoms separated from tops
1 RED BELL PEPPER chopped
2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
1 Tbsp SESAME OIL
1-2 Tbsp RICE VINEGAR
1- 2 Tbsp SOY SAUCE
1-2 Tbsp PEANUT BUTTER
FISH SAUCE (optional) 1 or 2 EGGS
1 tsp CHILI PEPPER
SALT and PEPPER to taste

Garnishes:
chopped PEANUTS
chopped CILANTRO
BEAN SPROUTS

The measurements above are just loose suggestions, and really need to be adjusted to your own tastes. The size of the spaghetti squash and how much squash noodles you dig out will determine how much of the other ingredients you need; they are simple and fresh ingredients, so there really is no wrong way to make this dish.

best spaghetti squash
When cooked spaghetti squash pulls apart into “noodley strings”

How to Make Spaghetti Squash Make Pad Thai

  • When buying a spaghetti squash, choose one that seems heavy for its size.
  • Carefully slice the squash into halves. Cut the squash across instead of lengthwise; this will make for longer “noodles”.
  • Place cut sides down in shallow water in a roasting pan.
  • Bake for about 30-45 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You can check on the squash after 30 minutes; the cooking time will vary according to the size of the squash. It’s important not to overcook the squash, slightly crunchy strands of squash add great texture to a dish, and overcooking the squash will make the ingredient mushy.
  • Remove squash from the oven and carefully turn halves over to check for doneness –the water will be hot and steam will be trapped under the squash, so be cautious.
  • Allow squash to sit 5-10 minutes to cool slightly for easier handling.
  • Insert a fork and twist out strands of “spaghetti”. Once the fork has done its job, use a spoon to scrape out the remaining squash; it’s edible all the way to the rind, so don’t waste any!

On the stove top…

  • Heat a skillet on medium heat and add sesame and olive oil. You can check here for current pricing for a non-stick skillet on Amazon.
  • Add chopped green onion bottoms, chopped garlic, and chopped bell pepper and saute cook 1-2 minutes. If you like a bit of heat with your dish, add some red pepper flakes or fresh chopped hot peppers.
  • Add in salt and chili pepper and continue sauteing.
  • Stir in rice vinegar, soy sauce, and peanut butter. Add fish sauce if you’re a hardcore pad Thai aficionado. Add a bit of water to thin the sauce, if desired.
  • Cook for 1 -2 minutes. Then, add in the spaghetti squash and mix well with the sauce.
  • Make a well in the center of the squash and add in the whisked eggs. Once the eggs set, give them a stir and scramble, then mix scrambled eggs in with the rest of the dish and get it off the heat.
  • Top with fresh chopped cilantro and chopped peanuts and serve.
  • Add fresh bean sprouts, too, if you be cray.
pad thai recipe
Pad Thai with spaghetti squash noodles

And that’s it.
This recipe makes a nice twist on a traditional pad Thai recipe.
Give this spaghetti squash recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appetit!

And for another healthy veggie noodle dish, try this handmade Zucchini Zoodles Recipe.

zoodles recipe
Handmade zoodles are easy to make and a nice change from a heavy pasta dish.

Thanks for checking out our spaghetti squash pad Thai recipe, and all of our recipes. Be sure and sign up for our mailing list and never miss a new Chef Buck cooking video, and also click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. We appreciate the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!
–Chef Buck

Thanks for watching our recipe videos!

We include affiliate links for products on our website, so if you make a purchase after clicking on our links, we may earn a commission which helps us produce more videos and drink more coffee :^) We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising program providing a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, so we can make more videos.

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Cauliflower Salad Recipe — Cauliflower Super Salad

cauliflower salad

I’ll call this cauliflower recipe a Cauliflower Super Salad because it’s super easy and super nutritious. This cauliflower salad requires few ingredients, but packs tons of terrific flavor. The recipe is based on an Italian-style red potato recipe that is one of my favorite dishes; substituting cauliflower for the potato in that recipe is a perfect switch. Cauliflower Super Salad is a light, low calorie, low carb recipe that works great as a side dish, or you can use it as a topping for your favorite leafy greens.

What You Need To Make This Cauliflower Salad Recipe

2 lbs CAULIFLOWER
1-2 minced GARLIC cloves
½ cup chopped GREEN ONIONS
1 cup chopped PARSLEY
2 tsp WORCESTERSHIRE
½ cup OLIVE OIL
¼ cup VINEGAR
1 tsp DRY MUSTARD
1 tsp PAPRIKA
SALT and PEPPER (to taste)

cauliflower salad
Quick and easy cauliflower recipe!

How to Make a Cauliflower Super Salad

  • Break the cauliflower into florets and chop the stems into smaller pieces.
  • Steam the cauliflower for 5-8 minutes, but don’t over-steam or it will become mushy in the salad.
  • Once cauliflower is steamed, set it aside to cool a bit.
  • While the cauliflower cools, make the dressing.
  • In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, seasonings, and garlic. Mix well.
  • In a a larger bowl, add steamed cauliflower, parsley, green onion, and the dressing.
  • Toss until everything is well coated in the dressing.

Serve as a side dish or as part of a leafy salad.
It tastes great right away while it’s warm, and it will taste great later after it has been refrigerated, and if you have leftovers, it will taste even more fantastic the next day.

cauliflower salad
add sliced tomato for a quick splash of color

Tips for a Better Cauliflower Salad

  • Use curly leaf parsley; I think it holds well with the dressing and works better than a leafy Italian parsley.
  • If you’re making the salad a day or two in advance, hold off on the green onions and add them later.
  • When serving, adding a few sliced cherry tomatoes is a quick way to add a dash of color.
  • For a vegan salad, check the label on your Worcestershire sauce, some sauces use anchovies, some don’t.
  • To easily add a bit of protein to this dish, top with toasted nuts.
  • Make a complete meal of this dish by serving it on a bed of spinach and topping it with toasted nuts.

For another cauliflower salad recipe idea, try a Cauliflower “Potato” Salad

And for even more cauliflower dishes, take a peak at my Cauliflower Recipes Playlist

cauliflower gratin
click pic for cauliflower playlist

Give this cauliflower salad recipe a try and let me know what you think. If you liked the recipe, click a few buttons below to share it with your friends. Thanks, I appreciate it!
–Chef Buck

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Egg Bake Recipe … or giant oven omelette!

egg bake recipe

Give this easy Egg Bake Recipe a try. Or is it an oven omelette recipe? Or just a fancy-pants egg casserole? Whatever you want to call it, it’s delicious and nutritious and super easy to prepare.
The leftovers make a terrific breakfast on the go, and it’s a great recipe for using up odds and ends in your refrigerator, so definitely give this brunch / breakfast dish a try.

Egg Bake Recipe Ingredients:

10 EGGS
1 cup MILK
1 cup GREEN ONION chopped
3-5 cloves GARLIC finely chopped
1-2 cups shredded CHEESE …I like gruyere and monterey jack best
1 cup MUSHROOMS sliced
½ cup BELL PEPPERS chopped
½ cup ARTICHOKE HEARTS chopped
½ cup TOMATOES
HOT PEPPERS chopped, to taste
SALT and PEPPER to taste
OIL for cooking
add CILANTRO, PARSLEY,
or any chopped HERBS
you like!

Egg Bake Recipe Directions:

My favorite part of this dish is the leftovers. It’s great cold for a tasty and nutritious breakfast on the go, so make a batch at the beginning of your week, and you’ll have a quick snack whenever you like.

Step 1:
Saute your veggies. Use the suggestions in my recipe, or better yet, use whatever you have on hand. I NEVER make this dish with the same ingredients, because it’s the perfect opportunity to clean out the refrigerator. Add salt and pepper as desired.

egg bake recipe
use lots of fresh veggies –and ham or cooked sausage if you’re feeling carnivorous.

Step 2:
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Add some fresh herbs if you like. Chives and basil are awesome in this mix.

Step 3:
Lightly grease an oven safe baking dish, about 8 X 10. Check here for current prices on a Pyrex Baking Dish on Amazon.

Step 4:
Line the bottom of the dish with freshly shredded cheese. I like gruyere and monterey jack the best, but use your favorite cheese.

egg bake recipe
layer a lightly greased baking dish with cheese

Step 5:
Evenly spread the sauteed veggies over the cheesy bottom. If you have extra cheese, sprinkle on top.

egg bake recipe
spread sauteed veggies evenly over cheesy bottom.

Step 6:
Pour the egg/milk mix gently over the veggies. The egg will soak to the bottom and cover the top.

egg bake recipe
Completely cover dish with egg mix.

Step 7:
Bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 40-50 minutes. Add a sprinkling of cheese to the top during the last 10 minutes, if desired.
Remove from the oven and allow the egg bake to rest 10 minutes before slicing.

egg bake recipe
Serve hot or cold, and make a bunch, because the leftovers are twice as good!

This dish makes a terrific breakfast for a family gathering, it’s awesome over salad greens, and the leftovers are perfect for a quick snack or breakfast on the go.

Give this easy egg bake recipe a try and let me know what you think…and bon appétit!

And for another tasty breakfast recipe, check out this Complete Huevos Rancheros from Scratch Recipe.

huevos rancheros
Huevos Rancheros is a flavorful, classic mexican dish…delicious!

Thanks for checking out the recipes. Be sure and sign up for our mailing list so you’ll never miss a Chef Buck cooking video, and click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!
–Chef Buck

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