2020 has been a spicy year for all of us; we’ve all had to learn to adjust to a whole new
way of life. There is a lot of talk about having to use our spare time, particularly during lockdown, to be productive – to organise, fix and polish all aspects of life. But what about giving ourselves permission to just relax?
Whether it’s your first year or last, we all know the stresses that come with being at university. I say, instead of adding additional pressure on yourself, use this time to do things that make you happy! This may include picking up a new hobby – running, sewing, coding, even perfecting a Tik Tok dance? Alternatively, it could be as simple as letting yourself sleep until noon sometimes – a personal favourite of mine.
As we get further into the semester, and settle into remote learning, it’s easy to slip back into panic mode and pile on the pressure once again. Instead, the remainder of 2020 should focus on self-care. Of course, keep up with your responsibilities, but be kind to yourself! You’re stuck with you forever, so you better start getting friendly!
I selected cooking as one of my relaxing lockdown pursuits. I enrolled in an online culinary course, started a food insta, and had the opportunity to collaborate with a popular New Zealand food brand. This meant that almost every day I was creating a new and delicious meal that kept myself, and my flatmates, very full and most importantly happy! So now, I’ve just finished my first test of the semester after studying furiously, and while I should get straight into all of the other assignments vying for my attention, I will instead take a quick visit to my happy place – which means concocting a delicious and easy vegan meal (and then a well deserved nap).
If you’re also in need of some post-assignment comfort food, feel free to follow my super easy, delicious, affordable, (did I mention easy) Vegan Spicy Cauliflower Tacos with a Cilantro Cashew Crema!
I often like to pair my meals with a movie, as you would with a wine! These spicy tacos deserve to be complimented by an equally spicy movie, so this week I’m recommending a classic guilty pleasure – Twilight. Okay, hear me out! Not only did the Tik Tok Twilight dance trend get me feeling nostalgic, but everyone needs a periodic dose of Stephanie Meyers’ schmaltzy ‘masterpiece’. Also, who doesn’t love a bit of aggressive blinking from Kristen Stewart? This movie has it all! Romance, action, heartache (don’t even get me started on when Bella tells Charlie she’s leaving). It’s got a lil something for everyone. Don’t come at me, I said what I said, give it a chance and thank me later.
So off you go, enjoy your tacos and the 8th Wonder of the World. Have a great mid semester break, stay safe, and be kind!
Ingredients
Cauliflower:
· 1 large cauliflower
· 1 tsp paprika
· 1 tsp garlic powder
· 1 tsp onion powder
· 1 tbsp oil (optional)
· 1⁄2 cup hot sauce (I used Frank’s Red Hot)
· Pinch of turmeric
· Salt
· Pepper
Cashew Crema:
· 1 cup soaked cashews
· 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
· 1⁄4 cup non-dairy milk
· Juice of 1 lemon
· 1 tsp garlic powder
· Pinch of paprika
· Salt
· Cilantro
· Splash of water
Tacos (toppings to taste):
· Soft tacos
· Lettuce
· Tomato
· Red onion
· Cilantro
· Chilli flakes
Instructions
Cauliflower:
1. Cut cauliflower into bite sized pieces, and in a large bowl combine with oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the hot sauce. Mix thoroughly.
2. Place marinated cauliflower pieces onto a baking tray and cook at 250 degrees for 20-30 minutes, until cooked through and slightly crispy. (Alternatively, this can be done in an air fryer)
3. Remove the cauliflower from the oven and toss in remaining hot sauce, making sure each piece is coated.
Cashew Crema:
1. In a blender, combine all ingredients and blend until creamy and smooth. Add more milk/water if too thick.
To serve
1. Thinly slice desired toppings.
2. Heat tortillas in a pan (oil optional).
3. Once heated, add cauliflower, toppings, and a drizzle of the cashew crema.
