🌱 Easy Homemade Plant-Based Sausage Total Time: 45 mins | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Serves: 6 sausages A Little Storytime Sometimes you just need a sausage that can hang with your gumbo, sit next to your pancakes, or get tossed into a skillet for tacos — without mystery ingredients or breaking the bank. This plant-based sausage is my go-to when I want smoky, savory, “I-can’t-believe-it’s-vegan” vibes. And the best part? You can whip it up with pantry staples and zero fancy equipment. 🛒 Ingredients 1 cup cooked lentils (brown or green work great) 1 cup vital wheat gluten (this is what makes it meaty) ½ cup breadcrumbs ( panko or whole wheat) 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (classic sausage flavor) 1 teaspoon dried thyme ½ teaspoon black pepper ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to ...

  🌱 Vegan Creole-Style Gumbo Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 55 mins | Serves: 6-8 A Little Storytime Okay, let’s be real — gumbo is the kind of dish that hugs your soul and sticks to your ribs. As a busy Afro-Latina mama, when the weather cools off or life feels extra chaotic, this pot of smoky, veggie-packed magic is the move . We’re talking deep, rich flavors, a slow-cooked roux, and all the plant-based goodness you need to get that classic Louisiana vibe without the meat. Even the pickiest kid at my table slurps this one down. 🛒 Ingredients For the Roux ½ cup neutral oil ( avocado or grapeseed) ½ cup all-purpose flour For the Gumbo Base 1 large onion , diced 1 green bell pepper , diced 3 celery stalks, diced 5 cloves garlic, minced 1 (14-oz) can crushed tomatoes 6 cups veggie broth 2 bay leaves 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (make sure it’s salt-free if you like to control the s...