Hey everyone! If you love Caitlin Shoemaker’s YouTube channel as much as I do, you’re in for a real treat. Caitlin is back with another amazing video, and this time she’s sharing three cozy vegan meals you can whip up for under $3 per serving. I absolutely adore her channel because she makes vegan cooking so approachable and budget-friendly. Plus, who doesn’t love a good Trader Joe’s haul, right? In my opinion, Caitlin’s recipes are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy hearty, comforting meals without breaking the bank.
In this video, Caitlin dives into three delicious and cozy recipes that are perfect for fall. I think these recipes are a game-changer for anyone who loves comfort food but is also mindful of their budget. So, let’s get into the details and see what Caitlin has cooked up for us!
Chorizo Chili
First up, Caitlin makes a hearty vegan chorizo chili. I think this dish is perfect for those chilly fall evenings when you just want something warm and satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Soy chorizo
- A few cloves of garlic
- Cumin
- Half of a yellow onion
- Half a bunch of cilantro
- A can of diced tomatoes
- A can of chunky salsa
- A red bell pepper
- Two cans of black beans
To start, empty the soy chorizo into a pot over medium-high heat. The chorizo comes in a plastic lining, which makes it scarily realistic, but just wiggle it out. Break it up with a spoon and add the garlic, diced onion, red bell pepper, and finely chopped cilantro stems. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent. Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, and salsa. Fill the salsa can with water, shake it, and add it to the pot. Stir to combine and bring it to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve it up with some tortilla chips or over rice. I love how hearty and flavorful this chili is—perfect for meal prep too!
Tofu Pumpkin Curry
Next, Caitlin makes a creamy tofu pumpkin curry. I tried this recipe, and let me tell you, it’s a fall favorite! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Trader Joe’s Spicy Pumpkin Curry Simmer Sauce
- Half a head of cauliflower
- Garlic
- Half a bunch of cilantro
- Rice (for serving)
- Tofu
- A red bell pepper
- A pumpkin or sweet potato
Start by cooking your rice according to package instructions. In a pan, add the simmer sauce and fill the jar halfway with water, shaking it around to get all the sauce out. Add extra garlic and diced cilantro stems for more flavor. Bring to a simmer and add diced pumpkin, cauliflower, tofu, and red bell pepper. Cover and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender (about 12-15 minutes). Serve over rice and top with more cilantro. I love how easy and flavorful this curry is, and in my opinion, it’s a must-try for any pumpkin lover.
Rosemary Sweet Potato Casserole
Last but not least, Caitlin makes a rosemary sweet potato casserole. This dish is so simple yet so delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Two cans of garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
- Smoked paprika
- Brown rice
- Two to three cloves of garlic
- One large or two medium sweet potatoes
- Fresh thyme and rosemary (or dried herbs)
- Half of an onion
- Vegetable broth
Start by adding vegetable broth to a pan with herbs, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil. In a casserole dish, layer cooked chickpeas, diced sweet potato, onion, and garlic. Stir to combine. Sprinkle a cup of brown rice evenly on top. Pour the boiling broth mixture over everything, ensuring the rice is submerged. Cover with parchment paper and aluminum foil, and bake at 400°F for an hour. Let it cool slightly before serving. I topped mine with tahini sauce, and it was divine. I think this casserole is perfect for a cozy dinner and makes great leftovers too.
I hope you give these recipes a try. They’re all so simple yet incredibly tasty. Caitlin has really outdone herself with these budget-friendly, cozy meals. Personally, I can’t get enough of the tofu pumpkin curry—it’s just so comforting and flavorful. Happy cooking!