Dude Food: Spicy BBQ-Smothered Tempeh w/ Sauteed Veggies & Warm Dulse-Kale Salad

Sometimes, the best meals I make are throwing together whatever's left in the fridge. This dish (I am eating it as I type)  was exactly what I was craving after a long workout at the gym. Lot's of protein and lots of veggies. Try to get as many of the ingredients organic as possible.

Serves 1-2

What You'll Need:

• 1/2 block of Tempeh (I like the one with flax seed in it)
• 
• 4 medium cremini mushrooms (for a variation, try shitake, portobello or white mushrooms)
• 1/4 zucchini
• 2 medium cloves garlic
• 5 cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 - 1/2 bunch of Lacienta Kale
• 1/4 cup dulse (purple seaweed)
• 
• 1 tbsp canola oil
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tsp rice vinegar (if you don't have this, any vinegar will do)
• 1/3 cup vegan BBQ sauce (I prefer Annie's Organic Hot Chipolte)
• 
• 1 tsp spike (or garlic, onion, paprika, parsley)
• salt & pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS: 

Warm Salad

• Bring medium pot of water to a boil.
• Rip the kale by hand, all at once in half, then half again.
• When kale turns bright green and tender (2 - 3 minutes) it is done. DO NOT COVER GREENS when boiling, as they will turn brown.
• Throw the seaweed in just as the kale is finished, otherwise it will fall apart if added earlier.
• drain water, plate and (in a manly-fashion, of course) sprinkle oil & vinegar on top

Tempeh w/ Vegetables

• crush the cloves of garlic with the wide side of a butcher knife, let sit for 5 minutes
• meanwhile, Roughly dice the mushrooms and zucchini
• half the cherry tomatoes
• slice the tempeh into 2 thin patties
• heat canola oil on medium in a saucepan, add vegetables
• heat a separate saucepan to medium, then add half the BBQ sauce. Add the Tempeh, then the remaining BBQ sauce on top
• when mushrooms have become golden, the veggies are done.
• When the edges of the Tempeh are golden and crisp, remove from heat and plate it aside the salad.
• Top the Tempeh with the veggies

DB's Etiquette Recommendation: There is nothing wrong with preparing a nice meal for just yourself. When no one else is at risk, experiment with food! Combine ingredients, and turn the kitchen into a laboratory. It's fun and sometimes it's the road to your best recipes.