PICADILLO...not a cigar but a Vegan Mexican Hash great for taco and empanada fillings & Deviled Nuts

The is a great little hash and perfect to keep on hand at the weekend for any unexpected "drop in guests" or a quick snack with some fresh corn tortillas, or even tortilla chips

Picadillo
for 4-6 servings:

2 x 8ozs tempeh... break into chunks and simmer in boiling salted water for about 20 mins, drain , cool and break into small pieces ( it will crumble like cooked ground chicken)

1 large onion about 2 cups chopped
2 tbsp oil
1 x 15ozs can of chopped tomatoes
2 cloves garlic crushed
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (optional)
1 medium apple ( 1/2 cup  cored and chopped)
3/4 cup raisins
2 TBSP NUTRITIONAL YEAST
1/2 cup chopped parsley or cilantro
1/4 cup copped toasted almonds ( not blanched)
juice of 2 limes ( 2 tbsp.)
1 tsp agave syrup or maple syrup
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 -2 chopped chipotle peppers with adobe sauce (canned and optional)

In a large skillet, saute the  the onion, and allow it to break down ( sweat) without coloring, add the crushed garlic, chopped bell pepper, crumbled tempeh and saute for about 5 mins.
Add the spices and the apple and raisins, and nutritional yeast. stir well then add the canned tomatoes with juice.
Simmer for about 20 mins  tightly lidded.
Then add the almonds, juice of limes, syrup, and chipotle......test seasonings, adding salt and ground black pepper as needed, and add the chopped herbs.
Remove from heat and allow to cool, before packing in fridge.

This is also a good base for a torta..layers of tortilla chips, hash, guacamole, cooked nopales, tomato slices/salsa, black or pinto beans, repeat layering in a deep casserole, serve warm or at room temperature.

THIS IS ANOTHER  FINE EXAMPLE OF MAKING MEAT AND DAIRY OBSOLETE.

Deviled Nuts..a great party nibble..makes just over 1 pound


3 1/4 cups raw nuts..peanuts, walnuts, pecans, almonds or a mix of all
1 tbsp canola/grapeseed oil
3 tsp chili powder
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp cayenne 

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well.
Spread it onto a cookie sheet, in a thin layer.
Bake in 375f oven for about 25-30 mins until all nuts are lightly browned.
Shaking pan occasionally.
Remove from oven and cool on paper towels..serve  when cooled down.

Variation ...you may wish to spritz them with fresh lime juice or even lime zest as they cool down.