Rib-less And Chick-less ® Meal Recipe
Two Sides (Choice of Sweet Baked Beans, Fresh Cole Fries) Homemade Cornbread with Maple Butter
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Ingredients
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Main — Plant-Based 'Rib-less' Protein
Side A — Sweet Baked Beans
Side B — Fresh Cole Fries (Coleslaw with a Fry-Style Dressing)
Cornbread & Maple Butter
Finishing & Garnish
Method
Main — Plant-Based 'Rib-less' Protein
- 1
Rehydrate TVP
Place 2 cups TVP in a bowl and pour 2 cups hot vegetable broth over it. Stir, cover, and let sit 8–10 minutes until fully rehydrated. Drain any excess liquid by pressing through a fine sieve or with a spoon.
- 2
Cook aromatics
Heat 2 tbs olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup finely diced onion and cook 5–7 minutes until translucent and starting to brown. Add 3 tsp minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
- 3
Build flavor
Add 2 tbs brown sugar, 3 tbs tomato paste, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tbs soy sauce, and optional 1 tsp liquid smoke to the pan. Cook, stirring, 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices and caramelize the tomato paste.
- 4
- 5
Sauce and finish
Stir in 1 cup vegan barbecue sauce, 2 tbs maple syrup and 2 tbs apple cider vinegar. Reduce heat to low and simmer 6–8 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the TVP. Taste and season with 1 tsp sea salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Keep warm until plating.
Side A — Sweet Baked Beans
- 6
- 7
Stir in 1 cup tomato sauce, 3 tbs brown sugar, 2 tbs maple syrup, 1 tbs apple cider vinegar, and 1 tsp mustard. Add 3 cups cooked beans and mix gently to coat. Season with 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- 8
Transfer to a small baking dish if needed and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbling and slightly thickened. For a darker caramelized top, broil 1–2 minutes, watching closely. Remove and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Side B — Fresh Cole Fries (Coleslaw)
- 9
In a large bowl combine 3 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 cup shredded red cabbage, 1 cup grated carrot and 1/2 cup sliced green onions.
- 10
In a small bowl whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbs apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp yellow mustard, 1 tsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp celery seed, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth.
- 11
Pour dressing over shredded vegetables and toss until evenly coated. Chill 20–30 minutes to meld flavors, then toss again and adjust seasoning. Serve cold or at room temperature with a lemon wedge if desired.
Cornbread & Maple Butter
- 12
- 13
In a large bowl whisk together 1.25 cups all-purpose flour, 0.75 cup yellow cornmeal, 2 tbs granulated sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda and 1/2 tsp fine sea salt.
- 14
In a separate bowl combine 1 cup buttermilk (or plant milk + 1 tbs vinegar), 1 large egg, and 2 tbs melted butter. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir just until combined—do not overmix.
- 15
- 16
While cornbread warms, make maple butter: beat 2 tbs room-temperature unsalted butter with 2 tbs maple syrup and 1/8 tsp fine sea salt until smooth and spreadable.
- 17
Slice cornbread and serve warm with a dollop of maple butter and optional extra drizzle of maple syrup.
Finishing & Plating
- 18
Plate 1 generous portion of the rib-less protein alongside two sides (choose sweet baked beans and fresh cole fries, or any combination). Add a wedge or slice of warm cornbread with maple butter on the side.
- 19
Garnish the rib-less protein and beans with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for the cole fries if using.