Today is the start of the year of the monkey. Enjoy the Chinese New Year today with some vegan Chinese food. Here are some recipes you can use:

Asian Sautéed Eggplant (from Vegan Meals for One or Two)
(Makes 2 servings)

1 Tablespoon peanut or sesame oil
½ Tablespoon diced onions
2 cups peeled and cubed eggplant
1 Tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
1 Tablespoon vinegar (rice vinegar is best)
¼ cup vegetable broth
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (if desired)

Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until soft, approximately 2 minutes. Add eggplant and toss over medium-high heat so cubes are coated and oil is absorbed, approximately 2 minutes. Add soy sauce, red pepper flakes, garlic, vinegar, and broth and reduce to simmer. Cover and allow to cook until eggplant is tender, approximately 8 minutes. Stir in sesame seeds, if desired, and enjoy!

Fried Rice with Peanuts or Almonds (from Meatless Meals for Working People)
(Serves 6)

1 large onion, chopped
1 Tablespoon oil
2 cups pre-cooked rice
1 large green pepper, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 small zucchini, chopped
2 Tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
1 cup roasted peanuts or almonds, chopped or whole

Sauté onion in oil in a large frying pan or wok over a medium heat for 3 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and stir-fry 15 minutes.

You may also enjoy this article with recipes from a previous issue of Vegetarian Journal:
http://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2013issue3/2013_issue3_chinese_cooking.php

To subscribe to Vegetarian Journal, go to: http://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php