I was a vegetarian for six years before I became a vegan, and before I made the change, I thought that being vegan was just more than I was able to do. I had been inspired by Diet for a New America when I first became vegetarian, and though I agreed with the ethics of veganism, I made excuses for years before I decided to give it a real try. Finally, I made a deal with myself to eat a vegan diet for a month just to see if I could do it. I stocked up on soymilk, only available in the “big city” 60 miles away, and cooked all of my meals at home because there were no vegan-friendly restaurants in my small town.
At the end of the month, I had lost weight and I felt better than I had in years. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately, as it turns out) I decided to celebrate making it through the month by ordering a veggie pizza with cheese. My stomach revolted. Cramps, frequent dashes to the bathroom, and an embarrassing churning in my gut spoke to me in a way my month of good health had not, and I realized, finally, that my body was better off on a vegan diet. I made the change and never looked back.
If Colleen Patrick-Goudreau‘s new book, The 30-Day Vegan Challenge, had been around in the early 1990’s, maybe it wouldn’t have taken me so long to give veganism a chance, and maybe I would have been equipped with enough delicious recipes that I wouldn’t have wanted to “reward” myself with that pizza. Colleen believes that many people give up on veganism because that same perception that I had–that it’s too hard–holds them back. But with the right support, information, and guidance, they’d find that changing their diet is not as difficult as they feared. The 30-Day Vegan Challenge provides that support, answering every question a new vegan is likely to have and addressing every possible challenge, from how to eat when traveling to how to deal with social situations.
Because The 30-Day Vegan Challenge is meant to be a guidebook for future vegans, the recipes are easy and are perfect for those who are new to vegan cooking. Colleen hand-picked favorites from her previous cookbooks, and they include everything from scrambled tofu (and a great primer on how to use the different types of tofu) to chocolate mousse. Most recipes do use some oil, but Colleen points out that you can reduce it by sauteing in water instead.
The photographs are gorgeously shot and styled, and if you were in any doubt as to the deliciousness of vegan cooking, you will be convinced by the beauty of the photos alone. The book is divided into 30 days’ worth of subjects so that you can read each one as you go or jump ahead to to a chapter like “Celebrating the Holidays” or “Packing Lunches for School and Work” as you need it.
I chose to make Colleen’s Chickpea Burgers with Tahini Sauce for our weekend “Sandwich Night,” and they were a big hit. My husband and daughter enjoyed the burgers on hamburger buns while I ate mine in pita bread. They were very flavorful and the tahini sauce gave them a great tang. If you’re gluten-free, try replacing the bread crumbs with gluten-free crumbs, oatmeal, or quinoa flakes.
Colleen's Chickpea Burgers with Tahini Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 15-ounce can chickpeas (or 1 1/2 cups cooked), drained and rinsed
- 1 yellow onion , finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 1/2-2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs
- 4 buns or pita pockets
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Pulse the chickpeas in a food processor until thick and pasty. (You may mash them by hand, but it is a little more labor- intensive and time- consuming.) Transfer to a medium- size bowl.
- To the bowl, add the onion, garlic, parsley, tahini, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and baking powder. Slowly add the bread crumbs until the mixture holds together. Add more bread crumbs, as needed. Shape into patties.
- Place on a nonstick cookie sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown on the bottom. Using a spatula, flip each patty over, and cook for 10–12 minutes more until the other side is golden brown. Remove from the oven. Alternatively, you may fry the patties with a little oil in a pan on the stovetop.
- While the burgers are cooking, make the tahini sauce, below.
Notes
Nutritional info is approximate.
Tahini Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 6-ounce container plain nondairy yogurt (I used 3/4 cup Wildwood Soy Yogurt)
- 1-2 tablespoons tahini
- 1/2 cucumber , peeled, seeded, and finely chopped
- 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon finely minced fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine the yogurt, tahini, cucumber, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper to taste. Chill for at least 30 minutes, and serve with the chickpea burgers, along with lettuce, tomato, and onion on a bun or in a pita pocket.
Notes
Nutritional info is approximate.
It’s been fun reviewing vegan books for the past three weeks, but I’m ready to get back to creating my own recipes. I’ll be back soon with a new one!
Valerie
I Love Colleen’s books. 30 Day Vegan Challenge is the only one I don’t have. It would be great to win it from a favorite blog. 🙂
Elle
After dining at a raw vegan restaurant on a business trip (it was wonderful!), I am interested in learning more about vegan eating.
Kathryn
Love the suggestion for quinoa flakes (which I bought a case of at Amazon and am not sure what to do with, as they’re too mushy for cereal for my tastes!). I’m not gluten sensitive, but prefer to limit grains, and that’s a great idea for other recipes as well.
tj
I am slowly going Vegan from vegetarian but could really use some help. I did the same thing, ate pizza and my stomach revolted. Not enough health food stores and healthy restaurants where I live, even in no. California.
GetSkinnyGoVegan
Would love this book to pass along to a vegan flirt friend!
Mandy
Would love a copy of the book. I’ve been a vegetarian for 20 years, but only unsuccessfully attempted to be a vegan once, when I was 15. I lasted three days – cheese was my downfall. Could use some more prodding to move to a vegan diet. Thanks!
Beth
Thank you so much for this opportunity. My family has been vegetarian almost 4 years and trying to be vegan. I’m pregnant now with our third child and having lots of trouble giving up cheese!! These chickpea burgers sound like a perfect craving-fix though… And I think this book will be a big help in our transition. Even if I don’t win a copy, I’ll probably buy one 🙂 Love your website – you are so inspiring!!!
Laura Rayfield
I would love to win the challenge book…I am trying really hard to stay healthy because of osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia caused by a bad car accident.
It is so much easyer to follow an actual paper book because I dont always have internet. I totolly love seeing the facebook updates for ideas on dishes to make when I have a chance to get on facebook.
katehopeeden
That looks fantastic! I’ve tried being vegan and I always miss cheeeeese!!! Having additional (preferably kid friendly) recipes would help a ton!
Desina
These look delicious. I love, sometimes even crave, chickpeas, so this recipe is a must. There’s always a can or more in the cupboard, and since my favourite salad dressing and pasta sauce contain tahini, that’s always available here, too.
Guess what I’m having for dinner tonight?
Laurie g
Would love to win this book as my 3 year old granddaughter very rarely eats meat and I’m trying very hard not to, love your recipes.
Susan G
As my blog profile states, “working on veganism.” Never been able to make the switch completely. A plan would be very helpful!
Keidi
I recently started following your blog and even before you mentioned a giveaway for the book I was intrigued as I also think being vegan will be difficult.
Would love a copy 🙂
Anne
Hi there! This burger looks amazing. I have been a vegetarian for 20 years, and have been thinking increasingly of going vegan. I would love a copy of that book, just like everyone else here! 🙂
On another note – thank you so much for your many, many delicious recipes. I’ve been reading you for years and I think this is my first comment!
Adam Francis-Verbeelen
Definitely a recipe to try. Thanks for creating and posting great recipes that my family loves.
Katherine Berlendy
I have been struggling to maintain a vegan diet and typically “fall off the wagon”. It takes a while to beck to eating healthy but having your recipes helps me to get back to what is important. I love all your recipes and am also using them to find new and exciting ways to get my son to eat healthier versions of the foods most kids love to eat. Thanks for such wonderful and delicious recipes. Keep up the great work.
P.S. The 30-Day Vegan Challenge! sounds like it would be a good fit for my family… <3
Vernita
Through the years I have made many recipes from this site and have passed it on to many friends. I think this is the first time I’ve left a comment. Thank you for all the fun, the wonderful pictures, and the great recipes!
Marge
you photos are so great! everything always looks yum, yum, yum good.
Krys Simmons
Can’t wait to try this recipe! Sounds so flavorful! Thanks for the contest opportunity 🙂
Suenell
My life is being changed by going vegan! Back in June I weighed 196-198 . I’d just had my 2nd set of bypasses adding up to a total of 9 along with 3 stents & a few angioplasties! My doctor was wanting to set me up with elective surgery for more but I was both afraid & weary of being opened again & each time taking longer to recover. For over 30 years I’ve eaten very little red meat, a little poultry & fish along with oils, sugars & salts. Now, going vegan, it’s October & I’m down to 174 – the lowest I’ve been in decades! I’m feeling better & with God’s help, my arteries & heart can start healing. My husband is joining me in this venture & he will benefit from the wonderful info that you have provided for us to enjoy. Thank you!
Teresa Buelna
I want to win a copy of the book! Please oh Please pick me! We recently switched over to vegan about a month ago but so many recipes have oil, it’s hard! My husband will help cook if he has recipes where I can wing it a bit more. I need some rescue in the kitchen so this book would really help me out. He’s was 39 when he had a stent placed in a major artery and I have lost 2 aunts to heart disease. We finally feel like we WILL be able to remain healthy eating like this.
Brigitte
This sounds amazing. Better and healthier than ready frozen ‘burgers’. I have so many of your recipes saved to ‘my favorites’. I also have Vegan Holiday Kitchen and 30 Day Vegan Challenge on my wish list on Amazon. Thanks for making becoming vegan not look so hard. I’m still in transition but nearly there.
Heather
I love your ideas .. I have only been vegetarian for two years my boyfriend his whole life.. I am trying to get him away from all the processed foods and cheese it noticably effects him. This will be a great weekend treat for our family! we love all the flavors in the receipe.
jamie
I am about 80% vegan now for ethical and health reasons, (I haven’t been able to kick a serious bacon habit, but I’m trying). I tried once long ago in the 80’s but got kind of turned by all of the “hippie” type food that my wife was feeding me. I’ve found many more 5 star recipes since then and feel much better about my vegan choices. I like your blog a great deal and have tried several of the rceipes with great success. I’d love a copy of the book to help me make the 100% change over easier for me.
connie
I love your blog and this recipe sounds amazing!! Definitely will try making it 🙂 The vegan cookbook also sounds amazing!
Krista
I would love that book! It sounds so helpful for making the change 🙂
Shannon Crawley
Hi Susan! I love your blog and I think that a 30 day Vegan challenge is just what I need to do. I currently follow a vegetarian diet, but similar to your posting, I agree with the Vegan philosophy, I just need to make the jump right into it!
Thanks for all of your great recipes and I love reading your blog!
Tammy B
Really like your website and can’t wait to try this recipe …. Would love to have a copy of the cookbook!
Ariana
I have tried to be vegan but all of my recipes and concoctions are terrible. My food also is unappetizing to my carnivore husband. My in-laws have never even heard about veganism before they met me and they all think that I am strange and crazy to even try being vegan. The book would be great to help my family experience veganism and try some yummy and easy recipes that I make.
Tanya
Cari,
How long do you boil the tofu to get rid of the tofu taste? I have been a veg. forever but still dont’ like it when it is strong, it can be overpowering… Thanks!
Tanya
I meant vegetarian for years….(27 and counting) 🙂
Gena
Just reviewed the book myself. Colleen is *such* a star in our community, and I can’t wait to try those burgers!
Agnes
Hello,
these look lovely – though I’m not sure how four burgers can yield eight servings?
Thank you for a very inspiring blog!
SusanV
Hmmm. I’m not sure why it says 4 buns, but it actually made 8 burgers/patties. 🙂
JessE
Thanks Susan and Colleen! These were great. Just ate them as patties with bbq sauce on them, and my non-veg dad really liked them too! KEEPER!
Corinne
This looks absolutely delicious! I will trying it
lea
I made these burger last night and they are delicious! I had to add a few tablespoons of water for them to stick together, but in the end they held their shape very well. Next time I will up the spices to give them more kick. Great recipe- super easy to make with ingredients I always have on hand. Thanks for sharing Susan!
Christina
This looks delicious!! I love falafel’s but I don’t get them often (try once a year!) because they’r fried and I really try to stick to healthy eating habits. I may have to try this one out!
Alan
This recipe is somewhat similar to one I make with white kidney beans. the patty contains white kidney beans, onions, fresh rosemary, and salt. Mash and mix together, bake and put it on a slice of ciabatta bread with some veganaise mixed with chipotle tabasco.
Meredith
Do you think these would freeze well. We’re not vegans (or even vegetarian) but try to eat vegetarian/vegan several times a week. The whole family, including my 15 month old, loved them. I’d love to make a double or triple batch so they’re in the freezer ready to go.
SusanV
I think they would freeze just fine and make a great quick meal. I’m so glad your family loved them!
Michelle
Finally made these tonight for dinner and they were a big hit!