Please welcome Marlene McKinney!
Marlene lives in the beautiful Bahamas. She enjoys sharing her love of Christ and her kitchen secrets.
If you want to add some Bahamian Vegan to your cooking, follow her as she shares family recipes.
As always, while the food is cooking, watch The Great Controversy at BlessingsAnew.com.
La Flaca Rica Vegan Burger – Chiriquí Style
Ingredients (makes 4–6 patties):
Base:
• 1 cup cooked black beans (mashed)
• ½ cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
• 1 small carrot, finely grated
• ½ small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup finely chopped sweet red pepper
• 1 tbsp tomato paste or ketchup
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt to taste
• ½ cup oat flour or blended oats (add more as needed)
Binding:
• 1 tbsp ground flax + 2.5 tbsp water (flax egg)
Directions:
1. Prep the Flax Egg:
In a small bowl, mix ground flax with water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to gel.
2. Mix the Burger Base:
In a large bowl, combine mashed black beans, quinoa/rice, grated carrot, onion, garlic, red pepper, and tomato paste. Stir well.
3. Season:
Add soy sauce, cumin, paprika, cayenne, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
4. Bind and Shape:
Add the flax egg and oat flour. Stir until the mixture holds together. If too wet, add a bit more oat flour.
5. Form Patties:
Shape into 4–6 firm patties using your hands or a scoop.
6. Cook:
Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium heat with a touch of oil (or none, if oil-free). Cook patties 4–5 minutes per side until crispy on the outside and heated through.
Serving Suggestions:
• Serve on a toasted whole grain bun or plantain slices
• Top with avocado slices, sautéed onions, and local tomato
• Add a drizzle of cilantro-lime vegan mayo or spicy cashew crema
A bold, Bahamian Vegan twist on a classic!
Ingredients for Tofu Skewers:
• 1 block firm or extra firm tofu (pressed and cut into cubes or strips)
• Skewers (wooden or metal)
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce:
• 2 tbsp Bragg Liquid Aminos
• ½ cup water
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1¼ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• 4 tbsp sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 2 tbsp molasses
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp chicken-style seasoning (vegan)
• 1 tsp ginger (optional, but flavorful!)
Directions:
1. Make the sauce:
Add all sauce ingredients to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until slightly thickened—about 3–5 minutes.
2. Prepare the tofu:
Press and cut tofu into cubes or strips. Thread them onto skewers.
3. Brush & Bake:
Place skewers on a lined baking tray. Generously brush the tofu with your teriyaki sauce.
4. Bake & Caramelize:
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5–8 minutes, then remove, brush again, and bake. Repeat this process twice to build flavor and create a beautiful caramelized glaze.
5. Serve hot:
Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired. Serve with brown rice, noodles, or a fresh cucumber salad.
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