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

Sometimes I feel so lucky to be living in a place like Tel Aviv; with warm weather, tons of vegan-friendly restaurants, endless yoga studios, great people and a short walk from the beach. 

<Image cloudinaryId="v1563646036/gluten_free_spinach_burrekas_pastry/DSC01428" alt="fresh greens: spinach, parsley and cilantro"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1563645833/gluten_free_spinach_burrekas_pastry/DSC01468" alt="green onions and shallots"/>

But actually, after spending the last couple of month away from home, it's clear to me that one of the best things about it is the availability and variety of fresh produce. Well, you know, it's only when something is taken away from you, you can really appreciate it! 

<Image cloudinaryId="v1563646126/gluten_free_spinach_burrekas_pastry/DSC01479" alt="chopped onion sauteed in the pan"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1563645956/gluten_free_spinach_burrekas_pastry/DSC01490" alt="chopped greens sauteed in the pan"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1563645922/gluten_free_spinach_burrekas_pastry/DSC01510" alt="creamy spinach and cashew filling" caption="Creamy spinach and cashew filling, ready to be used."/>


Since we came back I'm obsessed with everything green - cucumbers, spinach, parsley, cilantro, kale, and green onion are at the top of my list at the moment. Flavors, textures, and colors just taste, seem and smell better here.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1563645992/gluten_free_spinach_burrekas_pastry/DSC01531" alt="soaking the rice paper in water" caption="Soaking the rice paper in water."/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1563646009/gluten_free_spinach_burrekas_pastry/DSC01538" alt="overlapping two round rice papers" caption="Overlapping two round rice papers."/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1563646053/gluten_free_spinach_burrekas_pastry/DSC01544" alt="cutting along the rice papers to create a straight end" caption="Cutting along the rice papers to create a straight end."/>


Another thing about Tel Aviv is that it's a very small city, which naturally affects the foody community. When something becomes a trend, everyone knows about it within a few hours!

<Image cloudinaryId="v1563646429/gluten_free_spinach_burrekas_pastry/DSC01565" alt="rolling the rice paper into a tight long sausage-shaped roll" caption="Rolling the rice paper into a tight long sausage-shaped roll."/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1563646297/gluten_free_spinach_burrekas_pastry/DSC01572" alt="wrap the rice paper around itself to form the shape of a snail" caption="Wrapping the rice paper around itself to form the shape of a snail."/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1563646275/gluten_free_spinach_burrekas_pastry/DSC01576" alt="Tucking the end of the rice paper roll under" caption="Tucking the end of the rice paper roll under."/>


The latest health food trend in Israel, brought by the blogger Dvir Bar creator of [Wheat Out](https://www.wheatout.co.il/%D7%91%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%A7%D7%A1-%D7%93%D7%A4%D7%99-%D7%90%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%96/), is a gluten-free take off on a very famous Israeli dish - Burrekas (or Borek). Burrekas is a baked filled pastry made of a thin flaky dough. It comes in many different fillings but the most popular option is cheese. 

Dvir is a gluten-free food blogger who had the genius idea of using rice paper sheets to create a GF Burrekas! His recipe was an immediate success and once I came across it I knew I had to make a plant-based version.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1563645867/gluten_free_spinach_burrekas_pastry/DSC01583" alt="lining a round pan with parchment paper"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1563645866/gluten_free_spinach_burrekas_pastry/DSC01589" alt="placing the burrekas snails in the pan"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1563646262/gluten_free_spinach_burrekas_pastry/DSC01606" alt="burrekas snails before baking"/>


The funny thing was, that by the time I wanted to make it every food store around the city was out of rice paper sheets. It became a local sensation, everyone wanted to try and make the GF Burrekas. Luckily, Guy was able to find some at the market and we had the chance to test and adjust this delicious vegan version!

<Image cloudinaryId="v1563646095/gluten_free_spinach_burrekas_pastry/DSC01621" alt="burrekas snails after baking"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1563646257/gluten_free_spinach_burrekas_pastry/DSC01643" alt="burrekas snails next to a yogurt bowl"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1563646349/gluten_free_spinach_burrekas_pastry/DSC01664" alt="burrekas snails dipped in yogurt"/>

Forget everything you thought you knew about gluten-free and vegan pastries and try this incredible recipe!

Gluten-Free Spinach Burrekas Pastry

I was always the kind of girl that loves something sweet with her afternoon coffee. 4 o'clock just translates to "afternoon pick-me-up" in my mind, and what's better than a coffee & cake combo?! Can you relate? 

<Image cloudinaryId="v1562838565/afternoon_plum_cake/DSC01226" alt="plums and oranges"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1562838588/afternoon_plum_cake/DSC01252" alt="sliced plums"/>


The real trick about afternoon snacks is keeping them light and simple. The point is to get a boost of energy so you can keep doing whatever it is you're doing for two or three more hours. You don't want to get distracted in the kitchen or fall asleep in the office because you ate something too heavy. 

<Image cloudinaryId="v1562838655/afternoon_plum_cake/DSC01293" alt="afternoon plum cake before the oven"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1562838699/afternoon_plum_cake/DSC01309" alt="afternoon plum cake before the oven with orange juice"/>


This cake is just perfect! Not too sweet, not heavy, stays fresh for a few days, and can easily be wrapped to go. 

<Image cloudinaryId="v1562838767/afternoon_plum_cake/DSC01332" alt="baked plum cake in the baking pan"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1562838734/afternoon_plum_cake/DSC01325" alt="baked plum cake in the baking pan"/>


I like to make this on a Saturday/Sunday so I'll have it ready for the week to come, but it's also a great brunch option and can be upgraded with some [whipped coconut cream](https://www.vganish.com/creamy_coconut_ice_cream/).

<Image cloudinaryId="v1562838599/afternoon_plum_cake/DSC01406" alt="piece of afternoon plum cake"/>

This cake is the best match for your afternoon coffee or tea! Super easy to make but very hard to resist!

Afternoon Plum Cake

There is nothing quite magnificent like fresh homemade pasta. Its soft tender taste and texture are just so different than store-bought dry pasta that it should probably be named differently.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1562078453/homemade_ricotta_spinach_ravioli_with_cherry_tomato_sauce/DSC00826" alt="mixing pasta flour with water and olive oil" caption="Using a fork to combine water and oil with the flour mixture"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1562078458/homemade_ricotta_spinach_ravioli_with_cherry_tomato_sauce/DSC00842" alt="kneading the pasta dough"/>


At the same time, since Guy's favorite thing to eat is pasta it's not rare to find the store-bought kind in our pantry; we are human after all. Still, every time we make the fresh-homemade kind we both agree that we have to do it more often.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1562078450/homemade_ricotta_spinach_ravioli_with_cherry_tomato_sauce/DSC00851" alt="rolling the pasta dough using the machine"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1562078024/homemade_ricotta_spinach_ravioli_with_cherry_tomato_sauce/DSC00875" alt="rolled pasta dough out of the pasta machine"/>


Ravioli, on the other hand, is kept for very special occasions. It's the festive version of homemade pasta and takes more effort and time. The fun thing is you could always make a large batch and keep it handy in your freezer.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1562078150/homemade_ricotta_spinach_ravioli_with_cherry_tomato_sauce/DSC00998" alt="placing ricotta spinach filling on the pasta sheet"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1562078210/homemade_ricotta_spinach_ravioli_with_cherry_tomato_sauce/DSC01008" alt="folding the top part of the past sheet on top of the ricotta filling" caption="Folding the top part of the past sheet on top of the ricotta filling"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1562078213/homemade_ricotta_spinach_ravioli_with_cherry_tomato_sauce/DSC01022" alt="sealing the ravioli on the sides and bottom" caption="Sealing the ravioli on the sides and bottom"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1562078047/homemade_ricotta_spinach_ravioli_with_cherry_tomato_sauce/DSC00886" alt="Cutting the ravioli using a ravioli cutter" caption="Cutting the ravioli using a ravioli cutter"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1562078205/homemade_ricotta_spinach_ravioli_with_cherry_tomato_sauce/DSC01040" alt="Cutting the ravioli using a scalloped pasta wheel" caption="Cutting the bottom part of the long pasta sheet, using a scalloped pasta wheel"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1562078273/homemade_ricotta_spinach_ravioli_with_cherry_tomato_sauce/DSC01044" alt="Cutting the ravioli using a scalloped pasta wheel" caption="Cutting the ravioli in between, using a scalloped pasta wheel"/>


This ricotta-spinach filling version is our personal favorite, it's very light and a great dinner option for warm summer days. The cherry tomato sauce is the perfect fit but even if you just drizzle some high-quality olive oil and garnish with fresh oregano it will be delicious.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1562078192/homemade_ricotta_spinach_ravioli_with_cherry_tomato_sauce/DSC00988" alt="preperring the cherry tomatoes sauce"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1562078336/homemade_ricotta_spinach_ravioli_with_cherry_tomato_sauce/DSC01109" alt="garnishing the ravioli and cherry tomato sauce with fresh oregano"/>

This recipe has it all, it's plant-based, has an amazing tangy ricotta filling, a perfect al-dente texture and flavorful tomato sauce.

Homemade Ricotta - Spinach Ravioli With Cherry Tomato Sauce

This week I asked my Instagram community to decide which recipe will be posted on the blog next. It was a close fight between homemade ravioli and baked falafel; turns out that you guys are craving some healthy Mediterranean dishes.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1561653931/baked_falafel_with_color_coded_tahini/DSC00397" alt="falafel ingredients"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1561654010/baked_falafel_with_color_coded_tahini/DSC00407" alt="sprouted chichpeas" caption="Sproruted chickpeas"/>


Don't you just LOVE falafel? Baked, fried, in pita bread, with tahini or just with a fresh salad; it's all good! Not only that, it's a great source of plant-based protein.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1561654035/baked_falafel_with_color_coded_tahini/DSC00425" alt="processed chickpeas" caption="Processed chickpeas"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1561654022/baked_falafel_with_color_coded_tahini/DSC00451" alt="processed chickpeas" caption="Falafel mix"/>


There is however one very common problem when consuming chickpeas or other legumes - it could easily upset your stomach.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1561654124/baked_falafel_with_color_coded_tahini/DSC00496" alt="rolling the falafel ball in sesame seeds"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1561654137/baked_falafel_with_color_coded_tahini/DSC00513" alt="rolled falafel balls"/>


This recipe was carefully developed and tested many times, and I learned that - 

- The quality of the chickpeas (not canned or old);
- The long soaking period;
- More frequent rinsing and draining; and-
- The sprouting of the beans.

ALL MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE!

<Image cloudinaryId="v1561653823/baked_falafel_with_color_coded_tahini/DSC00544" alt="Pink Tahini Dip" caption="Pink Tahini Dip"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1561653867/baked_falafel_with_color_coded_tahini/DSC00542" alt="Green Tahini Dip" caption="Green Tahini Dip"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1561653816/baked_falafel_with_color_coded_tahini/DSC00536" alt="YellowTahini Dip" caption="YellowTahini Dip"/>


We are talking about the full package deal - Falafel balls that taste like the real (fried) thing; a feast for the eyes (especially when combined with the colorful tahini dips) and even leave you with a happy gut! Just make sure you don't eat them all before they get to the table...

<Image cloudinaryId="v1561653924/baked_falafel_with_color_coded_tahini/DSC00594" alt="holding a eaten falafel ball"/>


Learn how to make your own baked falafel balls with three different colorful tahini dips!

Baked Falafel With Color-Coded Tahini

So, we're back in Tel Aviv, back home; and guess what? after all this time off from our 'real' life I'm still not sure what I want to do when I grow up. Instead of dawdling over that feeling I decided to take control and figure things out one day at a time. 

<Image cloudinaryId="v1561145842/how_to_choose_my_life_path/new_collage_2" alt="sitting in namaste pose" caption="Arches National Park, Utah"/>


Since it was obvious I'm not going back to the firm and ready to leave my career as a lawyer behind me, my mind was set on one thing - **what do I want to study next?** My desire to learn new things is never-ending. Just over the past couple of years I :

- Studied to become a Bach Flower practitioner;
- Took a variety of nutrition-focused classes at a training school for practitioners of Integrative Medicine;
- Attended many yoga retreats and workshops;
- Attended an Ayurveda immersion weekend in Colorado;
- Participated in a vegan cheese and superfood workshop;

And took many other seminars and classes.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1561145658/how_to_choose_my_life_path/new_collage_1" alt="Utthita Parsvasahita pose from the back" caption="Hanging Lake, Colorado"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1561123975/how_to_choose_my_life_path/DSCF8460" alt=""Utthita Parsvasahita pose from the front" caption="Hanging Lake, Colorado"/>


But this time felt different, I wanted to make sure I'm being really honest with myself when choosing my path. Ever since I started Vganish I felt that I'm heading in the right direction, but what would be the thing to complete my puzzle and help me choose my life-path?

**YOGA**.

I could just feel it running through my body.

Through my bloodstream and into my heart.

The signs were all there and I just had to listen.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1561145840/how_to_choose_my_life_path/new_collage_3" alt="collage of yoga poses in arches national park" caption="Arches National Park, Utah"/>


**I want to be a yoga teacher. I want to help people connect with their life path through this amazing practice that in just two years changed my life and perspective. **


So once again I followed my heart, and this time it got me to a small and cozy yoga studio in Tel Aviv. Once I stepped in I knew this is where I needed to be; I knew that I found my next piece of the puzzle.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1561124098/how_to_choose_my_life_path/DSCF8614" alt="tree pose" caption="Arches National Park, Utah"/>


I will be starting my yoga teacher training this fall. In that small studio in Tel Aviv and I can't wait to share this experience with you.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1561123891/how_to_choose_my_life_path/DSCF8624-Edit" alt="dancer pose" caption="Arches National Park, Utah"/>


Happy International Day of Yoga and summer solstice to all! Inviting you to celebrate the gift of yoga.

Discovering my true life-path; changing my lifestyle and taking care of myself.

Choosing My Life-Path

As temperatures in Tel Aviv are rising, all I crave is cooling and frozen foods.
This coconut ice-cream combo has it all:

**3 different amazing textures;**

**Much needed cooling effect;**

**Creamy rich flavor;**

**It's Plant-based;**

**& Perfectly sweet.**

So, what are you waiting for?

<Image cloudinaryId="creamy_coconut_ice_cream/DSC00924" alt="topping the coconut ice cream with a spoon of coconut whipped cream"/> 

Summer days are here and I don't know about you but I'm just sticky all the time! Ice-cream is just the perfect food for this weather and this creamy coconut flavor is on the top of my cravings list!

Creamy Coconut Ice Cream

Jewish holidays are **always **about food! 

When you come to think about it, it makes a lot of sense - Food brings people together! When people eat, they are instantly happier and calmer; both are not easy to achieve when serious family time is involved! 

<Image cloudinaryId="amazing_vegan_kanafeh/DSC00674" alt="vegan Kanafeh"/> 


Shavuot is no different. This holiday is all about eating dairy foods.

Once again, the vegan challenge kicks in and the goal is (as always) making a delicious dish that makes everyone wonder if it's plant-based or not.

<Image cloudinaryId="amazing_vegan_kanafeh/DSC00720" alt="cutting the vegan Kanafeh"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="amazing_vegan_kanafeh/DSC00725" alt="taking out a piece of the Kanafeh"/>


This year I decided to go with a middle-eastern favorite dessert - Kanafeh. It's easy to make, it's not too sweet and it's soooo pretty. Perfect for a festive and light dinner.

<Image cloudinaryId="amazing_vegan_kanafeh/DSC00735" alt="one piece of Kanafeh"/>

A middle eastern pastry layered with homemade vegan ricotta cheese, soaked with sweet syrup and topped with pistachios. It can't get any better than this!

Amazing Vegan Kanafeh

Roasted veggies are high on my list at the moment! They are easy to make, the result is absolutely delish, and it is just between a salad and a warm meal – the perfect solution for this ridiculously hot and sticky Israeli summer!

<Image cloudinaryId="roasted_eggplant_with_coconut_yogurt/DSC08065" alt="cutting along the eggplant"/>


As you probably know if you made these amazing [Whole Sweet Potatoes](https://www.vganish.com/perfect_whole_sweet_potatoes/), I prefer to roast my veggies whole and stuff them with extra yummy additions.  

<Image cloudinaryId="roasted_eggplant_with_coconut_yogurt/DSC08212" alt="roasted eggplant"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="roasted_eggplant_with_coconut_yogurt/DSC08226" alt="roasted eggplant and coconut yogurt in a bowl"/>


For this recipe, I decided to ditch the traditional eggplant-tahini Israeli combination and use coconut yogurt instead. 

I got to tell you – I’m definitely on to something! The creamy yogurt adds a much needed chilling effect to the warm eggplant, and the result is HEAVENLY.

<Image cloudinaryId="roasted_eggplant_with_coconut_yogurt/DSC08256" alt="drizzling olive oil on the roasted eggplant"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="roasted_eggplant_with_coconut_yogurt/DSC08320" alt="closeup shot of the roasted eggplant with oconut yogurt"/>

Super easy, Insta worthy dish, that will wow your taste buds! Roasted eggplants are the hit of the summer and trust me – you don’t want to miss out.

Roasted Eggplant With Coconut Yogurt

As I have been traveling for the past few months and make do with whatever kitchen appliances were available, I wanted to come up with a simple yet festive dessert.

<Image cloudinaryId="vegan_coconut_malabi/DSC09982" alt="malabi ingredients with black background"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="vegan_coconut_malabi/DSC09985" alt="a wooden spoon with malabi pudding" caption="This is how I make sure my malabi is thick enough"/>


Passover (Pesach) is one of the major Jewish holidays and I like to impress my guests or hosts, regardless of where I am in the world.

When cooking for Passover, the main challenge is the fact that everything has to be gluten-free, or more precisely, it is not allowed to use leavening agents (and if you’re reading these lines, it probably means that it has to be plant-based as well). To be on the safe side I prefer to make gluten-free dessert this time a year. 

<Image cloudinaryId="vegan_coconut_malabi/DSC04585" alt="topping the malai with roasted almonds"/>


Malabi is a great solution! This very popular custard like Arabic/Israeli dessert, that is traditionally made with heavy cream, and topped with pink rose water, coconut flakes and peanuts. It’s naturally GF and served in small glasses, which makes it just perfect for a dinner party.

**This vegan version is coconut-cream based and, in my opinion, it is even better than the original recipe!**

<Image cloudinaryId="vegan_coconut_malabi/DSC04554" alt="a single glass of malabi ready to be served"/>

Totally forgot that you’re hosting some friends and family for the last night of Passover? Want to impress them with a fantastic gluten-free dessert? This simple vegan malabi is just what you need!

Vegan Coconut Malabi

Spring is officially here but I’m still craving soups.
Is that normal?

<Image cloudinaryId="creamy_white_root_vegetable_soup/DSC09804" alt="white root vegetable soup ingredients"/>


Well, I guess that when you live at 9,000 feet and spend most days snowboarding it does make sense that your body is looking for ways to stay warm.

<Image cloudinaryId="creamy_white_root_vegetable_soup/DSC09877" alt="adding dill to the white root vegetable soup"/>


Root vegetables are great for making soup, since they have so many different flavors. I like blending all the mashed veggies together to create a creamy thick texture.

<Image cloudinaryId="creamy_white_root_vegetable_soup/DSC09920" alt="adding pumpkin seeds to the white root vegetable soup"/>


I encourage you to welcome the spring season and top this soup with a small green salad or some dill and pumpkin seeds, as suggested in the recipe below. This green addition is not only aesthetic, it also adds delicious taste and crunch. 

<Image cloudinaryId="creamy_white_root_vegetable_soup/DSC09962" alt="white root vegetable soup with olive oil, dill and pumpkin seeds"/>

Vegan Recipes