breadcrumbs aren't talked about enough

grab & go series: part I

When I started writing Grab A Fork, my goal was to share recipes, recommendations, grocery lists, and personal stories to make mealtime easier for everyone. I wanted to take the stress out of coming up with new ideas and make experimenting with new ingredients or unfamiliar flavors more enjoyable, even for those who don’t spend much time in the kitchen.

With that in mind, I’m launching a three-part series called “Grab & Go”, where I'll share my top tricks, tips, and thought processes for handling mealtimes when you’re feeling uninspired, out of ideas, short on time, or just need a little help at the grocery store. Each week, I’ll spotlight a set of items you can grab from the store and use in multiple ways throughout the week. Whether these items seem like basic staples you already have in your fridge or new discoveries, I encourage you to incorporate them into your meals and see how they can enhance your cooking.

LITTLE GEM DILL CAESAR SALAD

Often, Caesar salad is off-limits for vegans at restaurants because the dressing and toppings typically contain dairy and fish. When I make a good Caesar salad at home, I’m reminded of how delicious they can be. The dill dressing and breadcrumb-coated tofu really solidified this dish for me. It was a quick 20-minute meal that required minimal ingredients and effort. If you’re craving a salad and need inspiration, I highly recommend giving this a try.

Recommendations:

• If you do not have seasoned breadcrumbs, I recommend using panko + a mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, nutritional yeast, and a dried herb of your choice. Adjust the amount of seasoning to your liking until the breadcrumbs reach your desired flavor

• Cook parmesan crisps over low heat to prevent the cheese from fully melting. Since vegan cheese can absorb quicker than regular cheese, keep the skillet on low for a more controlled and steady cooking process.

• Toss gem lettuce in dressing only if you're serving it right away. Otherwise, wait to dress and toss the lettuce just before serving to keep it fresh.

• My favorite vegan caesar dressing is by Gotham Greens or Trader Joe’s.

Grocery List for Little Gem Dill Caesar Salad