Vegan Fusion

When my amazing friend Joey (Hi, Joey!) came by to hang with me on what would have otherwise been a rather dull Saturday night, he came not only bearing great conversation and a fabulous bottle of vino, but also showed up with some super fresh, super tasty mango salsa.

I was so excited to showcase it somehow at dinner for the Cap'n and myself the following night. First my mind went immediately to the obvious, something with a Latin flare. I even put together a rub for some Soy Curls as they soaked and thought that would be what we would eat. Then I thought about it a bit more...I wasn't really in the mood for anything Latin or Southwestern, and I tried to think of what else would compliment fresh mango, peppers, onion, beans and a touch of cilantro....hmmmmmm, what to do?

One of my favorite simple throw together meals is Celine's Coconut Basil Curry with Soy Curls. You've seen that here before. I thought, 'Hey! Thai cuisine goes just fine with those ingredients, right?!' RIGHT!

I rehydrated the soy curls in some boiling water and veggie bouillon. When I made the coconut milk based sauce, I went easier on the curry than I usually do and a bit lighter on the agave I usually use. I wanted subtle. I squeezed out the excess water from the plumped Soy Curls and let them sit in the sauce for a few hours before meal time. When it was time to throw dinner together, I gently squeezed the SC's before they hit the hot pan (oiled lightly with grapeseed oil) and heated them on med hi heat until they started to brown nicely. Meanwhile, I whisked a touch of corn starch into the remaining sauce. Once the 'Curls were browned to my liking, I added the sauce and let it simmer until it started to thicken, mixed it all a bit and then took it off the heat and covered it.

Then I gave little miss smileypants a bath.

Once she was all ready for bed but still more interested in playing with the remotes and learning to climb up on top of the coffee table, I plated it up....first the saucy soy curls, next a serving of Basmati Rice (I won't lie, I totally went the Uncle Ben's in a bag nuked route there), then a couple tablespoons of salsa).

Success! The flavors really did compliment one another. The salsa was light and refreshing and the curry was mild but creamy. The Cap'n says that (you know, for when day when I get to open up my dream vegan cafe) this one goes on the menu. ;)