My name is Gani Shani (AKA: Ganish). I love eating, cooking, and experimenting with fresh, non-processed plant-based food.

Happy to have you here!

Hello!

Hello!

My name is Gani (nickname: Ganish) and I love eating, cooking and experimenting with fresh, non-processed plant-based food, while adopting a forgiving mindset and listening to my body’s needs. Hence the name of my blog, Vganish.

I live in the center of Tel Aviv with Guy, baby Tom and our dog Bella.

Guy is also a huge part of this blog - he programmed the whole thing by himself (!) and is still my tech guy to this day.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1612632618/about/DSCF29989_1.jpg" alt="vganish family picture in the kitchen" aspect="Vertical" />

I wasn't always vegan. I chose this lifestyle after gradually cutting down on dairy and meat products over the last few years. That’s why I understand the need for simple and delicious vegan(ish) recipes that are easy enough to fit into your daily routine. I also know that you don’t turn vegan overnight - It’s a journey that is not for everyone, but if you made it here it probably means that you’re up for the challenge!

**Being veganish is not about deprivation; it’s about enjoying fresh, responsibly-sourced plant-based food and celebrating what you can do with it.**

Since I started this blog, a good wind of change came into my life. I made a huge career shift, from a full-time lawyer to a food blogger and yoga teacher, but most importantly a mom! 

<Image cloudinaryId="v1689765523/about/FE77F3F7-69C4-4111-BD8E-B47462B264EB.jpg" alt="גני במטבח" aspect="Square"/>

People often wonder how do I manage to cook fresh plant-based food while keeping a busy schedule. It's actually quite simple and like many other aspects of life - it's all about balance. Join me on my journey and fall in love with the vegan kitchen. Learn how to stock your pantry and fridge, prep your meals, adopt beneficial habits for you and your family, and take care of your body and mind.

If you want to get a glimpse of our lives in Tel Aviv and see us practice yoga, travel and cook, you’re welcome to check out my [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vganish/) feed and follow me on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Vganish-363255567453361/) and [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/GaniShani/overview/). You can also [subscribe for email updates](notion://www.notion.so/subscribe) to make sure you never miss a recipe.

I’m happy to have you here!

Gani

The Jewish holiday of Tu Bishvat is not really regarded as a huge holiday in Israel, and not many celebrate it following their childhood.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1581016649/tu_bishvat_cookies_with_chocolate_and_dried_fruit/DSC05202" alt="tu bishvat cookies dough"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1581016700/tu_bishvat_cookies_with_chocolate_and_dried_fruit/DSC05210" alt="cutting out cookies"/>

But I actually think it's quite marvelous.

There is no intense family time, no fancy dinner parties, and it evolves around a great tradition - planting trees and eating dried fruit. It's really the holiday of nature and also known as the New Year for Trees! And to think that this holiday was celebrated way before the environment and global warming were such trendy subjects...

<Image cloudinaryId="v1581016744/tu_bishvat_cookies_with_chocolate_and_dried_fruit/DSC05268" alt="baked cookies on a a cooling rack"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1581016602/tu_bishvat_cookies_with_chocolate_and_dried_fruit/DSC05293" alt="covering the cookies with dark chocolate"/>

These cookies fit perfectly for the holiday spirit - simple, light, and covered with dried fruit. You can happily make them with your kids, just mind the use of nuts/seeds. 

<Image cloudinaryId="v1581016494/tu_bishvat_cookies_with_chocolate_and_dried_fruit/DSC05338" alt="tu bishvat cookies with chocolate and dried fruit"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1581016548/tu_bishvat_cookies_with_chocolate_and_dried_fruit/DSC05362" alt="holding one tu bishvat cookie"/>

P.S - While I was editing the photos I noticed that the colors also fit perfectly as Christmas cookies, so keep that in mind for next year :)

Vegan graham cookies, covered with dark chocolate and dried fruit. Made especially for Tu Bishvat holiday, but perfect for any other day.

Tu Bishvat Cookies With Chocolate And Dried Fruit

Citrus season is here and it's wonderful! Fresh oranges, mandarins, grapefruits, and lemons are all over the markets! You can't really go wrong with these fruits; they are juicy, got a divine fragrant and are packed with vitamin C.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1580468615/upside_down_orange_cake/DSC05045" alt="orange slice in a pan" aspect="ThreeTwo"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1580468607/upside_down_orange_cake/DSC05076" alt="cooked orange slices overlapping" aspect="ThreeTwo"/>


We were lucky to get a full basket of beautiful oranges from Guy's dad so after we had all the fresh fruit we could possibly eat, I decided it's time to bake a cake.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1580468885/upside_down_orange_cake/DSC05087" alt="vegan orange cake batter" aspect="Standard"/>

The combination of flavors in this cake: orange, olive oil, and almonds, is just perfect! They all come together to create a super light cake, which is not too sweet and just great to bake before the weekend.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1580468636/upside_down_orange_cake/DSC05135" alt="upside down orange cake" aspect="ThreeTwo"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1580468608/upside_down_orange_cake/DSC05151" alt="upside down orange cake and slices of orange" aspect="Vertical"/>

Bake this cake just in time for the weekend! Easy, delicious, and soft with beautiful orange slices on top.

Upside-Down Orange Cake

Lately, we've been loving yellow foods and spices.

Turmeric, cumin, and ginger are all great spices for winter, that can help balance this cold dry season, warm us up from within and make us feel full and content. When thinking about it, turmeric is really the crown jewel of warming spices! It has amazing healing powers and is used to reduce inflammation and boost our body's natural immunity.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1579592641/simplest_yellow_curry/DSC04807" alt="turmeric warming spice"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1579592715/simplest_yellow_curry/DSC04752" alt="curry vegetables - potatoes, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, onions and peas"/>

Much like any other cooking habit, learning how to incorporate spices into your daily routine can sound very overwhelming. The good news is - you're not alone! Over the years I learned how to use and appreciate different (maybe more exotic) spices, and today we have a huge variety of spices and herbs in our kitchen.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1579592773/simplest_yellow_curry/DSC04787" alt="cooked yellow curry in a sotage"/>

This simple curry recipe is a fantastic way to get started, and if you skip on the chili flakes it's also great for kids. The more exotic flavors that come from the turmeric and cumin are gracefully balanced by the sweet flavors of the coconut cream, carrots, sweet potatoes, and peas.

If you still feel at all scared, you can always start with smaller quantities of spices and adjust the flavors as you go.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1579592659/simplest_yellow_curry/DSC04802" alt="a bowl of yellow curry with rice and quinoa"/>

It's cold out there! Warm up with a delightful bowl of homemade yellow curry. 

Simplest Yellow Curry

Hot chocolate was never really my thing, definitely not something I would drink on a regular basis. But since I learned how to make this wonderful vegan version it changed everything for me.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1578854839/joyful_hot_chocolate/DSC04633" alt="2 mugs of vegan hot chocolate"/>

This warming drink is perfect for a cozy weekend at home, as an afternoon boost of energy or just as a replacement for your morning cup of coffee.

The result is very rich in flavor and texture so I usually like to serve it in small teacups and not huge mugs.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1578854865/joyful_hot_chocolate/DSC04610" alt="holding a mug of vegan hot chocolate with coconut whipped cream, cinnamon and chocolate shavings"/>

Learn how to make my go-to homemade vegan hot chocolate. It's super simple, creamy, rich and comforting.

Joyful Hot Chocolate

'After the holidays' could be pretty harsh for some of us, especially around this time of the year when the winter is at its peak and the next holiday is nowhere to be seen. That's why the best thing to do before diving back into your daily routine or starting to check the boxes in your 2020 resolution list, is to make one more dessert.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1577962595/2020_vegan_pavlova_cake/DSC04142" alt="firm and glossy meringue peakes"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1577963004/2020_vegan_pavlova_cake/DSC04149" alt="filling a pastry bag using a glass" caption="Filling a pastry bag using a tall glass."/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1577963006/2020_vegan_pavlova_cake/DSC04155" alt="filled pastry bag"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1577963264/2020_vegan_pavlova_cake/DSC03912" alt="piping the meringue"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1577963317/2020_vegan_pavlova_cake/DSC04179" alt="dried vegan meringue" caption="Making sure the meringue is completely dry"/>

This vegan pavlova has a guaranteed wow effect! With 3 layers of meringue, creamy coconut ice-cream, fluffy coconut whipped cream and a berry compote, it can't possibly disappoint you. 

<Image cloudinaryId="v1577963012/2020_vegan_pavlova_cake/DSC04203" alt="berry compote"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1577963134/2020_vegan_pavlova_cake/DSC04268" alt="piping coconut whipped cream on top of the pavlova"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1577963131/2020_vegan_pavlova_cake/DSC04318" alt="garnishing the vegan pavlova cake with strawberries"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1577963221/2020_vegan_pavlova_cake/DSC04326" alt="adding coconut ice cream to the vegan pavlova cake with whipped cream and berry compote"/>

Just before the sparkle of the New Year is fading away it's time to make one more festive dessert and welcome 2020.

2020 Vegan Pavlova Cake

The holiday season is always about food and family, friends and food, or just food in general. Don't get me wrong, I love baking and cooking for the holiday and I definitely love eating! It's just that sometimes there's a need for something a bit healthier than the traditional holiday food.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1576774863/apple_cinnamon_baked_doughnuts/DSC04169" alt="using a pastry bag to squeeze the doughnut batter into a pan"/>

<Image cloudinaryId="v1576774857/apple_cinnamon_baked_doughnuts/DSC03998" alt="apple-cinnamon doughnuts after baking and before toping"/>

When it comes to Hanukkah I sure am happy for some flexibility, cause eating foods fried in oil for 8 days is just too much.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1576774854/apple_cinnamon_baked_doughnuts/DSC04105" alt="sprinkling cinnamon-sugar on the baked doughnuts"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1576774855/apple_cinnamon_baked_doughnuts/DSC04119" alt="apple-cinnamon baked doughnuts covered with cinnamon-sugar"/>

These doughnuts are the ideal solution. They got soft and airy texture, only 10 minutes to prep and got a festive golden look. 

<Image cloudinaryId="v1576774853/apple_cinnamon_baked_doughnuts/DSC04121" alt="a pile of apple-cinnmon baked doughnuts"/>

If you're celebrating Hanukkah and looking for a healthier version of the traditional 'sufganiyot' this is the perfect recipe for you. 

Apple-Cinnamon Baked Doughnuts

On rainy cold days, when the last thing anyone wants is to get out of bed, I find myself laying there fantasizing about indulging breakfast options. And let's face it - nothing beats a dessert for breakfast.
<Image cloudinaryId="v1576486948/berry_crumble_with_pistachio_and_almond/DSC04377" alt="berries, pistachio, almond and oats"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1576486742/berry_crumble_with_pistachio_and_almond/DSC04403" alt="berries with coconut oil"/>


As you'll soon find out (cause I can already tell that you're definitely making this), the best thing about this recipe is how easy it is to make it into a fancy dessert, shareable brunch dish or a warm nourishing breakfast.

Oh, and did I mention that it's gluten-free and refined-sugar-free?
<Image cloudinaryId="v1576486849/berry_crumble_with_pistachio_and_almond/DSC04463" alt="berry crumble with pistachio and almond fresh out of the oven"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1576486868/berry_crumble_with_pistachio_and_almond/DSC04468" alt="eating berry crumble with pistachio and almond straight from the pan"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1576486896/berry_crumble_with_pistachio_and_almond/DSC04443" alt="berry crumble with pistachio and almond with coconut cream"/>

Warm breakfast? Sweet brunch? Healthier dessert option? You name it! Just eat crumble.

Berry Crumble with Pistachio and Almond

The holiday season is getting closer as we speak. It’s amazing to see how all around the world people are getting ready to celebrate in different ways. Some places already have snow and winter glow, others are just starting the summer. Some streets are decorated with Christmas trees and lights while others are filled with the smell of fresh doughnuts for Hanukkah.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1575886807/classic_potato_latkes_vegan_and_gluten_free/DSC03969" alt="grated potatoes"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1575886802/classic_potato_latkes_vegan_and_gluten_free/DSC04000" alt="Squeezing the potato mixture" caption="Squeezing the potato mixture."/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1575887020/classic_potato_latkes_vegan_and_gluten_free/DSC04043" alt="Scraping the potato starch from the bottom of the bowl" caption="Scraping the potato starch from the bottom of the bowl."/>

Here in Tel Aviv, we have a rainy week ahead of us and you can already find the special holiday doughnuts (sufganiyot) everywhere.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1575886810/classic_potato_latkes_vegan_and_gluten_free/DSC04034" alt="vegan cream cheese, mustard and green onion dip"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1575888070/classic_potato_latkes_vegan_and_gluten_free/DSC04097" alt="vegan cream cheese, mustard and green onion dip ready to serve"/>

During Hanukkah there is a custom of eating foods fried or baked in oil, to commemorate the miracle of a small flask of oil keeping the Second Temple’s Menorah alight for eight days.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1575886805/classic_potato_latkes_vegan_and_gluten_free/DSC04053" alt="forming potato latkes" caption="Forming the latkes."/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1575886965/classic_potato_latkes_vegan_and_gluten_free/DSC04063" alt="potato latkes in a pan with heated oil"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1575886885/classic_potato_latkes_vegan_and_gluten_free/DSC04074" alt="crisp and golden potato latkes in a pan with heated oil"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1575886980/classic_potato_latkes_vegan_and_gluten_free/DSC04079" alt="potato latkes on a paper towl"/>


If you ask me, the best thing about this holiday is that it’s my Jewish birthday. The second-best thing about it is that we get to eat Potato Latkes! After a short Instagram survey, I learned that you all want to get this recipe ASAP. So here it is.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1575886887/classic_potato_latkes_vegan_and_gluten_free/DSC04090" alt="serving potato latkes with a vegan cheese mustard dip"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1575886945/classic_potato_latkes_vegan_and_gluten_free/DSC04105" alt="holding one potato latke cover with a dip"/>

This is the simple vegan and gluten free version of the traditional Hanukkah dish. If you never had the opportunity to try potato latkes before, this is your chance.

Classic Potato Latkes (Vegan and Gluten Free)

December has finally arrived and all around the world, everyone is getting ready for the holiday season and the celebrations of 2020. For me, this month is extra special and festive because my birthday is on December 27.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1575456275/crispy_oatmeal_cookies/DSC03678" alt="crispy oatmeal cookies ingredients"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1575455467/crispy_oatmeal_cookies/DSC03725" alt="miking oats and coconut oil"/>

There is something about this month that just makes you want to spend it with close friends and family, sip a warm drink and bake tons of cookies. We all just want to cozy up!

<Image cloudinaryId="v1575455453/crispy_oatmeal_cookies/DSC03716" alt="whipped aquafba"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1575455448/crispy_oatmeal_cookies/DSC03755" alt="folding the whipped aquafaba into the oats mixture"/>

This recipe is one of our favorites this time a year, and if I'll be honest I already made 3 batches in the last few weeks. I must warn you though – it is super addictive! Once you eat one cookie you cannot stop. The cookies are so crisp and light that you won't even notice that the tray is empty.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1575455505/crispy_oatmeal_cookies/DSC03781" alt="scooping cookies onto the tray"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1575455499/crispy_oatmeal_cookies/DSC03803" alt="crispy oatmeal cookies before baking"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1575455532/crispy_oatmeal_cookies/DSC03811" alt="crispy oatmeal cookies after baking"/>

Thin, crispy, light, addictive cookies! The hardest thing about this recipe is trying to eat just one cookie.

Crispy Oatmeal Cookies

With winter around the corner, it’s getting harder to incorporate salads into our daily routine. There is something about raw vegetables, that suddenly seems very unappealing. The body is telling us to keep it warm and cozy.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1574693042/stuffed_cabbage_rolls/DSC03485" alt="whole cabbage head" caption="Whole cabbage head after the core was removed."/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1574693004/stuffed_cabbage_rolls/DSC03508" alt="whole cabbage in a pot of boiling water"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1574693048/stuffed_cabbage_rolls/DSC03537" alt="Separating the soft cabbage leaves." caption="Separating the soft cabbage leaves."/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1574693041/stuffed_cabbage_rolls/DSC03546" alt="Setting aside the inner layers of the cabbage." caption="Setting aside the inner layers of the cabbage."/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1574693039/stuffed_cabbage_rolls/DSC03558" alt="Lightly ‘shaving’ the thick stem." caption="Lightly ‘shaving’ the thick stem."/>


Stuffed vegetables are a great way to get more veggies on your plate while keeping that warmth. Stuffing a Cabbage definitely takes a lot of effort, but it’s worth it! 

<Image cloudinaryId="v1574692978/stuffed_cabbage_rolls/DSC03499" alt="the vegetables for the stuffing"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1574693001/stuffed_cabbage_rolls/DSC03530" alt="chopped vegetables in a pan"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1574693054/stuffed_cabbage_rolls/DSC03567" alt="staffing a cabbage leaf"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1574693127/stuffed_cabbage_rolls/DSC03575" alt="rolling the stuffed cabbage"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1574692972/stuffed_cabbage_rolls/DSC03580" alt="stuffed cabbage roll"/>


The best thing about this dish is that it’s even more delicious after a day or two in the fridge, so feel free to make a large batch for the week.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1574693073/stuffed_cabbage_rolls/DSC03599" alt="stuffed cabbage rolls in a pot"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1574693109/stuffed_cabbage_rolls/DSC03629" alt="stuffed cabbage roll cut into half showing the stuffing"/>

The colder weather and crazy dry air got me craving a homemade warm cooked meal. Nothing fancy, no exotic flavors, just some comforting nourishing food.

Vegan Recipes