Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Chop, Chop

I didn't really grow up eating pork chops all that often. At least I don't remember eating them often (correct me if I'm wrong, Mama Crunk). I stopped eating meat at age 14, so my memories of most animal flesh products are vague. Thank god.

That being said, I was intrigued by a pork chop recipe in one of my mom's old spiral-bound church-style cookbooks awhile back. It called for chops to be cooked with a sweet 'n' savory tomato-based sauce and green bell peppers. Since anything can be improved with a little veganization, I took it upon myself to make a better dish using tempeh marinated in a pork-like marinade and a tastier homemade sauce. That was in the spring of 2009, and it turned out so well that I'm using it for my cookbook.

I tested my Tangy Tempeh Chops with Green Peppers again tonight:

While some recipes need major improvements upon re-testing, this one was pretty much spot-on. I musta got it right the first time. The stewed tomatoes and hearty bell pepper chunks are the perfect complement to the mild, sauteed tempeh strips and sweet sauce. I served the dish with brown rice and a small side salad.

13 comments:

Helen said...

this so resonates with me! I look through the same spiral-bound church cook books of my mom's for inspiration - but I have a hard time because the dishes all seem to consist of meat and cream of ____ soup! I never thought of this, but it sounds delicious and like it would work so well with tempeh. sorry, long comment :)

Vegan Linda said...

This reminds me of a dish my mom used to make. I can't wait for your cookbook to come out!

JL Goes Vegan said...

The combination of flavors looks so good!

The Health Sensei said...

tempeh chops...yet another unique addition to the cookbook that is destined to become a top-seller in the health and vegan movement.

bianca, your imagination and creativity are such an inspiration to us all :D

mirbrewer said...

Bianca, I am sooooo looking forward to your cookbook coming out. These recipes you've been posting all look ridiculously delicious. *drooling*

Mihl said...

I'm almost drooling! I love tempeh based dishes.

Vegan In The VI said...

How much longer do we have to wait for this book?????

Tami said...

Mmmm...this looks incredible!

Erin said...

This one looks right up my alley! Actually, it reminds me of something I made last year - http://veganhomemade.wordpress.com/2009/07/22/tempeh-pepper-steak/

MissAlyssaDawn said...

yum that looks amazing

http://frugaliciouschick.blogspot.com said...

I am always inspired to keep on cooking great food every time I go through your blog....good stuff...I love it...another great dish Bianca.

Jacklyn said...

oh my goodness i am so in love with your shirt! i usually hate wearing things that label me as vegan/vegetarian but this one i can do! sooooo cute!

Melisser; the Urban Housewife said...

I never liked pork chops either, but DO WANT tempeh chops!