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

We opened picnic season with a festive breakfast for Tom's 1st birthday.

With the help of my family, we were able to create a beautiful spread.

I had just one issue to figure out - the sweets.

I wanted to keep it light, and it was really important for me that both adults and babies could enjoy it.

That's how I came up with these wonderful carrot muffins.

Just make sure to drop the sugar and walnuts if serving to babies.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1617810661/healthy-picnic-perfect-carrot-muffins/DSC07912.jpg" alt="Healthy Picnic Perfect Carrot Muffins in a muffins pan"/>

<Image cloudinaryId="v1617810699/healthy-picnic-perfect-carrot-muffins/DSC07922.jpg" alt="Tom eating a carrot muffin for babies"/>

Light vegan muffins that can easily be adjusted for babies. A must have for your spring picnic basket.

Healthy Picnic Perfect Carrot Muffins

Every Jewish family has its own traditional charoset recipe for Passover.

Charoset or haroset is a sweet paste made of fruits and nuts eaten at the Passover Seder.

<Image cloudinaryId="/v1616608689/grandpas-passover-charoset/DSC07754.jpg" alt="my grandpa's charoset in a food processor"/>

This is my grandpa's version, and I'm super excited to share it here on the blog.

I swore it is the best charoset you'll ever make!

You can serve it as a spread or roll it into small balls.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1616607734/grandpas-passover-charoset/DSC07769.jpg" alt="my grandpa's charoset paste"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1616607805/grandpas-passover-charoset/DSC07788.jpg" alt="my grandpa's charoset rolled into small balls"/>

This is my family's recipe for charoset. A perfect blend of dates, pecans, walnuts, and hazelnut.

Grandpa's Passover Charoset

I love Matzo.

In my opinion, Matzo with almond butter and date syrup is about as good as it gets.

But 2 days into Passover and all I usually want is bread.

That's why I created this gluten-free pita bread!

<Image cloudinaryId="v1616010877/gluten-free-skillet-pita-bread/DSC07596.jpg" alt="gluten free skillet pita bread"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1616010911/gluten-free-skillet-pita-bread/DSC07637.jpg" alt="gluten free skillet pita bread with za'atar" caption="Pita bread with Za'atar"/>

The recipe that can take your Passover experience to the next level. 10 minutes quinoa-buckwheat pita bread.

Gluten-Free Skillet Pita Bread

There are so many mini cookies and mini pancakes recipes going around on IG and Tik-Tok.

To be honest, I was never really into this trend.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1613735860/vegan-mini-chocolate-peanut-butter-hamantaschen-cereal/DSC07030.jpg" alt="ball of hamantaschen dough"/>

<Image cloudinaryId="v1613736039/vegan-mini-chocolate-peanut-butter-hamantaschen-cereal/DSC07063.jpg" alt="placing a chocolate chip at the center of the hamantaschen cut-out"/>

<Image cloudinaryId="v1613736049/vegan-mini-chocolate-peanut-butter-hamantaschen-cereal/DSC07036.jpg" alt="pinching a triangle mini hamantaschen"/>

Until last week, when I came across a hamantaschen cereal recipe by [The Wandering Chew](https://wanderingchew.ca/), which was featured at [The Nosher](https://www.myjewishlearning.com/the-nosher/).

Here is my vegan version, with a peanut butter flavored dough and chocolate chip filling, served with fresh [homemade almond milk](https://www.vganish.com/homemade_almond_milk/).

<Image cloudinaryId="v1613735986/vegan-mini-chocolate-peanut-butter-hamantaschen-cereal/DSC07152.jpg" alt="baked mini vegan peanut butter chocolate hamantaschen in a bowl"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1613735842/vegan-mini-chocolate-peanut-butter-hamantaschen-cereal/DSC07239.jpg" alt="a spoon of baked mini vegan peanut butter chocolate hamantaschen cereal with almond milk"/>

Tiny Hamantaschen cookies served as a bowl of cereal. The perfect way to celebrate Purim at home.

Mini Vegan Chocolate-Peanut-Butter Hamantaschen Cereal

If you use a social network, any social network, you've probably come across this recipe already.

Yes, it's trendy.

Yes everyone is making it.

But I like to follow trends every once in a while.

Anyway, this is my version of the Vegan Baked Feta And Cherry Tomato Pasta.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1612888784/vegan-baked-feta-and-cherry-tomato-pasta-trending-on-tiktok/DSC06800.jpg" alt="colorful cherry tomatoes with vegan feta and herbs"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1612888790/vegan-baked-feta-and-cherry-tomato-pasta-trending-on-tiktok/DSC06857.jpg" alt="vegan baked feta and cherry tomato pasta ready to serve"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1612888787/vegan-baked-feta-and-cherry-tomato-pasta-trending-on-tiktok/DSC06848.jpg" alt="a bowl of vegan baked feta and cherry tomato pasta"/>

My version of this easy addictive recipe that went viral on TikTok.

Vegan Baked Feta And Cherry Tomato Pasta (Trending On TikTok)

I'm addicted to coffee. There, I said it.

Nothing compares to the smell of fresh brew in my Moka Pot coffee maker. 

But this past week, with the chilly fall mornings, I find myself craving something more indulging. 

I'm also certain that a break from the dark drink will be very beneficial for my body.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1605513846/indian-chai-latte-with-all-the-spices/DSC04685" alt="a cup of Indian chai latte with spices"/>

Chai Latte is the definition of an indulging morning drink. I like to make the effort and use my [homemade almond milk](https://www.vganish.com/homemade_almond_milk/). If you want to incorporate the chai into your daily routine, I would recommend making a large batch of spice mix and store in an airtight container.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1605513809/indian-chai-latte-with-all-the-spices/DSC04680" alt="holding a cup of Indian chai latte with almond milk and cinnamon"/>

This warming delicious latte is perfect for a cold morning.

Indian Chai Latte With All The Spices

This week I have so many reasons to celebrate! It's Purim - the most joyful Jewish holiday, it's 2020 - a new decade is always a great excuse to get festive, and I just launched the [Hebrew Vganish website](https://www.vganish.co.il/)!

<Image cloudinaryId="v1583782357/chocolate-hamantaschen-with-pistachio-filling/DSC05891" alt="hamantaschen chocolate dough" caption="Hamantaschen chocolate dough."/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1583782351/chocolate-hamantaschen-with-pistachio-filling/DSC05892" alt="pistachio and sugar powder" caption="Pistachio and sugar powder."/>

There is no better time to step away from classic holiday recipes and change things up a little bit.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1583782401/chocolate-hamantaschen-with-pistachio-filling/DSC05917" alt="cutting hamantaschen circles"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1583782398/chocolate-hamantaschen-with-pistachio-filling/DSC05932" alt="placing pistachio filling"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1583782415/chocolate-hamantaschen-with-pistachio-filling/DSC05946" alt="folding chocolate-pistachio hamantaschen"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1583782445/chocolate-hamantaschen-with-pistachio-filling/DSC05975" alt="chocolate hamantaschen with pistachio filling before baking"/>


This Purim I bring you my version for a perfect dessert combo - chocolate & pistachio.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1583782554/chocolate-hamantaschen-with-pistachio-filling/DSC06026" alt="covering the hamantaschen with chocolate"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1583782499/chocolate-hamantaschen-with-pistachio-filling/DSC06080" alt="chocolate-pistachio hamantaschen ready to serve"/>

If you're not familiar with the holiday of Purim and hamantaschen (the traditional Purim cookies) I suggest you go to [this post](https://www.vganish.com/classic_vegan_hamantaschen_with_poppy_seed_filling/) and read all about it.

If you're celebrating Purim and trying to get away from the classic hamantaschen fillings, or if you're just into chocolate-pistachio combo - these cookies are for you!

Chocolate Hamantaschen With Pistachio Filling

If you've been following me on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vganish/) you probably noticed that we had a mini baby-moon in Rome earlier this month.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1582540457/easy-artichoke-carciofi-alla-romana/DSC05652" alt="artichokes in a wooden box"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1582540180/easy-artichoke-carciofi-alla-romana/DSC05725" alt="artichokes with top part cut off"/>


This trip was everything we hoped for - just Guy and me alone for the weekend, in the most romantic city in the world, eating fantastic food and strolling around historic streets and monuments.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1582540447/easy-artichoke-carciofi-alla-romana/DSC05766" alt="artichokes in lemon water"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1582540459/easy-artichoke-carciofi-alla-romana/DSC05758" alt="cleaned artichoke"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1582540454/easy-artichoke-carciofi-alla-romana/DSC05771" alt="hairy part of the artichoke heart"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1582540464/easy-artichoke-carciofi-alla-romana/DSC05783" alt="cleaned artichoke heart"/>


One would probably expect that when a food blogger is back from Italy she would want to share pasta, gelato or pizza recipes, right? But actually I came back from Rome with one very unexpected obsession (or maybe it's actually a pregnancy craving?) - ARTICHOKES! 

I'm telling you - when cooked properly this beautiful vegetable is absolutely heaven on a plate!

<Image cloudinaryId="v1582540457/easy-artichoke-carciofi-alla-romana/DSC05694" alt="herb mixture to season the artichokes"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1582540455/easy-artichoke-carciofi-alla-romana/DSC05785" alt="artichoke seasoned with herbs"/>

This recipe is a simple version of a favorite Roman dish that you can find in every restaurant in the city (when in season). The only tricky part is cleaning your artichokes, but I trust you to overcome this obstacle as I did.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1582540130/easy-artichoke-carciofi-alla-romana/DSC05820" alt="cooking artichokes alla romana"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1582540271/easy-artichoke-carciofi-alla-romana/DSC05853" alt="artichoke alla romana with olive oil and herbs"/>



A simple version of a favorite Roman dish that highlights the fresh flavors of artichokes.

Easy Artichoke (Carciofi) Alla Romana

If you're following me on Instagram you know that we just spent a magical romantic weekend in Rome! Everything just felt right - the weather was perfect, the food was out of this world and most importantly I had the best company with Guy by my side and our beautiful baby bump.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1581583159/the-ultimate-valentines-day-chocolate-box/DSC05412" alt="raw cacao paste block"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1581583185/the-ultimate-valentines-day-chocolate-box/DSC05414" alt="raw cacao paste coins"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1581583175/the-ultimate-valentines-day-chocolate-box/DSC05426" alt="raw cacao butter"/>


We came back home and I realized it's already time for Valentine's day, and this year I'm definitely feeling more loved and blessed than ever!

<Image cloudinaryId="v1581583369/the-ultimate-valentines-day-chocolate-box/DSC05460" alt="preparing vegan white chocolate"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1581583232/the-ultimate-valentines-day-chocolate-box/DSC05481" alt="melted vegan white chocolate"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1581583244/the-ultimate-valentines-day-chocolate-box/DSC05498" alt="melted vegan dark chocolate"/>

**This chocolate box is the perfect way to express my love**, and the best thing about it is that it's super simple to make.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1581583095/the-ultimate-valentines-day-chocolate-box/DSC05604" alt="chocolate coconut bars"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1581583113/the-ultimate-valentines-day-chocolate-box/DSC05611" alt="pink and white chocolate heart"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="v1581583319/the-ultimate-valentines-day-chocolate-box/DSC05556" alt="vegan chocolate box for valentines day"/>

Always wanted to create a unique homemade chocolate box for your loved one? Follow a few easy steps and learn how to make vegan dark and white chocolate!

The Ultimate Valentine's Day Chocolate Box

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 Recipes