That coconut oil in the veggies was Tresomega Nutrition Coconut Oil, an organic extra-virgin coconut oil made from 100% cold-pressed young coconuts. It's non-hydrogenated and free of trans-fats. Since it's cold-pressed and extra-virgin, the oil retains a very coconutty flavor that's light, fresh, and subtly tropical.
Tresomega Nutrition sent me that jar to sample and review, and as I confessed in that quesadilla post, I really love this stuff. I buy all brands of coconut oil, and while I've never met one I didn't like, I definitely favor some over others. I'm partial to the oils that retain their coconut flavor. They add fantastic flavor to raw desserts and smoothies. But they also lend just a touch of coconut — but not too much! — to sauteed veggies.
Tresomega wants to give away a jar to a lucky Vegan Crunk reader! All you have to do is leave me a comment letting me know your favorite use for coconut oil. I'll randomly select a winner on Sunday night (9 p.m. CST). Please leave your email address in your comment so I can contact you if you win (unless you have a blog with an email address in your profile). Also, we're gonna make this open to U.S. readers only because of shipping costs.
Just for funsies, here's something I cooked up with the Tresomega oil tonight. I made tacos (Taco Tuesday!), and on the side, I made my recipe for Jalapeno Hominy from Cookin' Crunk. But I subbed coconut oil for the Earth Balance I typically use.
Here's the recipe. If you've never had hominy, well, you're missing out! It's a Southern staple that's made when field corn is soaked with lye. The result is a chewy kernel with a lot of flavor. That flavor is complemented with spicy jalapenos (I used red and green ones in this batch) and lots of black pepper.
Spicy Jalapeño Hominy
Yields 4 servings
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 jalapeño, minced
1 14-ounce can white hominy, drained
1 14-ounce can golden hominy, drained
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Sea salt, to taste
Melt the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced jalapeño and cook and stir for about 2 to 3 minutes or until soft.
Stir in the hominy, black pepper, and salt. Turn the heat up to medium-high and cook and stir for about 10 to 12 minutes or until hominy is heated through.
