Gluten Free, Soy Free, Vegan Convenience Foods

Ok, I love to cook (and I've been doing my fair share lately) but some days, just the thought of lifting a pan to the stove is a bit more than I can take.

Back before my elimination diet, the solution was Takeout. (Prior to THAT it was actually dining, out, but of course that was before kids came along.) Fortunately I live in a town where vegan takeout abounds. Thai, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Ethiopian, Mexican, all within walking distance, all cater to my vegan tooth. But in most cases, the starring roles were soy (Sesame Tofu, Masaman Tofu Curry, faux meat made of soy, etc.), wheat (pasta, burritos), and nuts/seeds (sushi with sesame seeds, curries with cashews, etc.).

Indian works pretty well but since I'm cooking my way through The Art of Indian Vegetarian Cooking (including an eggplant-spinach curry I whipped together for lunch today), I'm avoiding Indian restaurants for the time being.

Anyway. Convenience food. I have found some a-may-zing things for us food-sensitive vegans. I plan on indulging in these goodies well after I resume my joyful soyful diet. Here they are.

1. Whole Foods 365 Rice Crust Roasted Vegetable Pizza. I didn't expect much from a frozen pizza but WOW is this stuff good. How do they get so many veggies on there? And the rice crust... you'd NEVER know. I slather it with Mozz Daiya Cheese with 5 minutes to go in the toaster oven and I'm in pizza heaven.







2. Trader Joes Vegetable Panang Curry with Jasmine Rice. Again, I didn't expect much. I expected a weak curry, needing serious doctoring. Boy was I wrong! This entree is incredible! Rich, flavorful, and satisfying, with just the right amount of spice. Soy free, gluten free, and vegan! Unbelievable! Better than I've had at some restaurants, truly. For Dan, I add 1/2 lb cubed tofu, and there's plenty of sauce to go around. If the rice were whole-grain brown, this thing would be perfecto.



3. Imagine Foods Organic Black Bean Bisque. Ok granted, dozens of packaged soups are vegan, gluten free, soy-free, and tasty. (Yes, Amy, I'm talking about you!) But this one rocks my world. It is SO delicious; I don't just use it as a soup. I use it as a sauce for steamed veggies, as a mix-in with my quinoa, and as a base for other soups. It's that good.







4. Amy's Tamale with Roasted Vegetables. This is a great meal! It's got a nice sized tamale alongslide flavorful black beans. It's the only Amy's frozen entree that is gluten free, soy free, nut free, and vegan. I wish there were more!






5. Bahama Rice Burger. Mmmmm a spicy, hearty veggie burger free of soy and gluten! It comes in Original, Mediterranean, Pineapple-Mango, and Jerkin Spicy (mmm!) They also have "meatballs" (which I've tried -- they're pretty good) and "sausage" (which is next on my list!) They are a little dry and a little heavy. And I don't think any human stomach could tolerate one served on a gluten-free roll, so enjoy sans "bread" (I like it with the black bean bisque on top!)