Vegan on a Budget

I'll be honest, if you aren't careful, eating vegetarian or vegan can be expensive. With that said, I still spend less than when I was buying steak and potroast. So, to spotlight the poor vegetarian/vegan, we are going back in time to our college years. Yep, say hello to Ramen noodles!! The Oriental flavor is completely vegan! And in PETA's Vegan College Cookbook, there is an entire chapter devoted to this utterly cheap meal. Below I have given a few recipe ideas using Ramen. I also keep a few packages of ramen at work in case I forget my lunch. The broth is also great on a sore throat!!

Fancy Ramen Soup

Cook ramen per package instructions (don't add the seasoning yet!). Steam some of your favorite veggies (or buy frozen!) & add to the noodle soup. Add seasoning packet to taste, and a mixture of your favorite spices such as crushed red pepper, cilantro, etc.

Serves 1 

The below recipes are from the above-mentioned PETA cookbook. Buy the book for the college student in your life! All recipes are made w/a microwave, and they are all cheap cheap cheap to make!!!

Ancient Japanese Noodle Secret Salad

1/4cup vinegar

1/4cup sugar

1tsp soy sauce

1/4cup vegetable oil

2packages ramen noodles (seasoning packets not needed)

1/2lb lettuce of your choice, shredded

1 (10oz) can mandarin orange segments, drained

1/4cup slivered almonds

In a bowl, mix together w/vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, & oil to make dressing. Nuke until sugar dissolves, about 1min. Mix well & let cool. Crush ramen noodles in packages, & then pour into salad dressing. Dump the lettuce on a plate or in a bowl & sprinkle the oranges & almonds on top w.the dressing/ramen mixture

Makes 2 servings

"Pimp my Ramen" Noodles

1package ramen

1heaping tbsp peanut butter (don't forget to get 100% natural!!)

1tbsp Sriracha hot chili sauce

Crush ramen and place in lrg bowl. Cover w/water & stire in seasoning packet. Nuke 4min, remove from microwave, & PB & chili sauce, mix well.

Makes 1 serving

"Cheezy" Ramen

1package ramen

2tbsp nutritional yeast

Cook noodles per package instructions & drain access water. Add seasoning packet & nutritional yeast & stir.

Makes 1serving

Ramen Delight

1package ramen, minus seasoning packet

1tsp vegan margarine

garlic powder to taste

salt & pepper to taste

nutritional yeast to taste

Cook ramen in microwave in just enough water to cover noodles. Drain. Add margarine & sprinkle w/garlic powder, salt, pepper, & nutritional yeast. Stir together.

Makes 1 serving

Freshasaurus Mex Ramen Casserole

6cups water

3packages ramen noodles

2 (15oz) cans vegan chili

1 (15oz) can tomatoes

4-8oz shredded vegan cheese (good feedback on Daiya brand!)

Put water in 3-quart casserole dish. Cover w/lid & nuke 3min. Remove & crush ramen inside packages (don't need the seasoning), & dump noodles into the dish. Cover & nuke 5 min, stirring halfway through. Remove & drain. Put noodles back in dish, add chili & undrained tomatoes, & toss well. Cover & return to microwave, sprinkle w/cheese, replace cover, & let stand until cheese melts.

Makes 4 servings