The Surprising Way Your Ice Cube Tray Can Help With Meal Prep

The key to churning out meatless meals that actually taste good is having a few ingredients on hand that can immediately boost your recipes, like this vegan stir-fry paste. Blend a bunch of aromatic ingredients, including garlic, Thai basil, and lemongrass; freeze into cubes; and then add one or two to the pan the next time you’re making dinner. Instead of fish sauce, ubiquitous in a lot of Southeast Asian cuisine, this recipe uses Golden Mountain seasoning sauce, a savory vegan alternative. The end result? A complex stir-fry base that gets dinner started in seconds.

Vegan Stir-Fry Paste

(Makes 20 cubes)

Recipe Notes: Add to soups, noodles, stir-fries, and rice dishes for a quick boost of deep, fresh flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup garlic cloves, root ends removed
  • 1/4 cup sliced lemongrass
  • 1/2 jalapeño, sliced
  • 4 shallots, peeled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup Thai basil, packed
  • 2-inch knob ginger, peeled and sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Golden Mountain seasoning sauce
  • juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tablespoons of a neutral, high-heat oil, like light olive oil or canola oil

Directions:

  1. Add all ingredients except oil to the bowl of a food processor.
  2. Pulse until ingredients are uniformly chopped. Then, with the blade running, drizzle in oil until the mixture is a loose paste in texture.
  3. Spoon the stir-fry paste into an ice cube tray. Cover and freeze until solid.
  4. Transfer cubes to an air-tight container or zip-top bag. Store in the freezer, and use within 6 months.

Follow us on Pinterest for more meatless meal ideas.

(Recipe and photos via Justina Huddleston/Brit + Co)

The chilly weather sparks serious comfort food cravings, and vegans don't have to be left out in the cold. With a slew of meat alternatives, convincing vegan cheese, and a lot of creativity from vegan cooks, eating a vegan meal can be every bit as satisfying as traditional comfort food fare. Whether you’re craving filling pot pie or rich mac and cheese, these 23 vegan comfort food recipes will deliver when you need something a little more indulgent.

Minimalist Baker

BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

Jackfruit is that magical produce that seems to perfectly replicate meat in almost any dish. Thanks to its growing popularity, it's become relatively easy to find in grocery stores. Just make sure you buy a young green jackfruit in water, not brine or syrup. This is the key to achieving proper flavor and texture. Then all you need to do is sauté and add A LOT of barbecue sauce. (via Minimalist Baker)

Natural Girl, Modern World

Mushroom Stroganoff

Balance cozy carbs with nourishing vegetables in this mushroom stroganoff and you get the best of both worlds.

Ela Vegan

Vegan Chickpea Curry

When you mix chickpeas with eggplant, coconut milk, Indian spices, and rice you'll end up with the most satisfying vegan curry. When spicing your curry, be sure to select a blend that incorporates fresh spices to give you the maximum amount of health benefits and flavor.

Nutritional Foodie

Vegan Sweet Potato Nachos

It can be difficult to cut back on carbs when you’re vegan (or for anybody, really). Thankfully, sweet potato tortilla chips are here to solve that problem. Things get serious when you coat them in vegan cheese sauce and then pile them high with your favorite nacho toppings.

Hot for Food

Roasted Corn Chowder

Calling all ambitious chefs with leftover corn on the cob: This corn chowder is a bit involved to make but the results are 100 percent worth it. Corn kernels thicken the chowder that's scented with smoked paprika and thyme for a soothing bite with every spoonful.

Vegan in the Freezer

Dairy-Free Herbed Scalloped Potatoes

Potatoes baked into a casserole that's covered in a creamy white sauce is comfort food at its best. All you need to do is sprinkle a few herbs on top for a little somethin' extra.

Pinch of Yum

Moroccan-Spiced Chickpea Glow Bowl

This spiced bowl will soon be your new go-to for an ultra comforting, super nutritious, plant-based meal. There's so much deliciousness packed into this recipe that it'll be hard to pick your favorite part. Moroccan-spiced chickpeas are simmered in a sauce of fire-roasted tomatoes and then spooned atop couscous that's cooked and fluffed to perfection. Oh yeah, and there’s cucumber salad, some lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs to the max.

Vegetarian Ventures

Creamy Vegetarian White Chili

By this point in winter you probably want soup for every meal, and that's where this white chili comes in. It’s warm, filling, tasty, and not average in any way. Pro tip: Add lots of toppings for a wide variety of texture in your bowl.

This Savory Vegan

Vegan White Mac and Cheese

If you dream about a mac and cheese without the taste of nutritional yeast, this recipe will make your dreams come true. It turns out that the answer is vegan cream cheese and a dash of hot sauce. Who knew?! Now that the secret is out, feel free to share — and don’t forget to make seconds!

Fooduzzi

Buffalo Chickpea Pizza

Buffalo sauce and chicken is a match made in heaven. Buffalo sauce with roasted chickpeas is pretty darn good too. With a buffalo hummus base that incorporates just the right amount of spice, and a crispy cheesy topping, this recipe is about to be your new obsession.

Lazy Cat Kitchen

Vegan Pad Thai

Pad Thai is one of the easiest dishes to veganize because it already comes layered with an array of crunchy vegetables and cubes of tofu. The tricky part is substituting the fish sauce, but this is actually easier than it seems. You can either buy a non-fish-based fish sauce, or simply prepare your own by infusing soy sauce (or tamari) with a bit of seaweed and dried mushrooms.

Feasting on Fruit

Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

Recreate a comforting, nostalgic childhood favorite with these gluten-free, vegan treats. You may even find you like them better than the original.

Veggies Don't Bite

Vegan Pizza Burrito

You’ll thank us later when you realize that this vegan pizza burrito is pretty much heaven wrapped in a burrito and placed on a plate. It’s also handy to grab when you have to eat on the run.

Munaty Cooking

Baked Aloo Samosas

Indian food is great because so much of it is already vegan. And samosas might be the ultimate choice because they can be an appetizer, a finger food, or a meal. Plus, they're concocted with a host of spices and dipping sauces that will keep your taste buds intrigued and wanting more.

Minimalist Baker

Vegan Sloppy Joes

If you never had sloppy joes growing up, there's no time like the present to give them a try. This warm sandwich is sweet, smokey, and savory all at once, and it can be made with everyday pantry items. This vegan version uses lentils instead of beef and is no less satisfying for it.

The Fitchen

Vegan Pot Pies With Cornbread Crust

Creamy veggies hide beneath a crispy cornbread crust in this quintessential comfort food dish. There will be nothing more satisfying than breaking through the cornbread with a spoon to enjoy that perfect filling-to-crust ratio.

The Works of Life

General Tso’s Cauliflower

Just when you think that everyone and their mother is tired of cauliflower recipes, General Tso’s cauliflower is here to revive the obsession. The cauliflower is marinated and then dusted in cornstarch and sesame seeds to form that crispy crust we all love. Now vegans and carnivores alike can get in on some of that General Tso’s action.

No Recipes

Vegan Spinach Dip

A blend of soft tofu with raw cashew nuts creates a satiny texture that's complemented by the spinach for an appetizer that tastes indulgent but won't have you regretting your snack choices.

Peas & Crayons

Vegan Grilled Cheese

Something about that ooey-gooey yumminess of grilled cheese is simply unbeatable. But the best part of this sandwich isn't even the cheese; it's the ability to be a blank canvas onto which you can add an array of herbs, spices, chutneys, pickles, and jellies. The world is your oyster here — go wild!

Karissa's Vegan Kitchen

Vegan Meatball Subs

When you wrap chickpea meatballs in carbs, smother them with marinara sauce, and top with a sprinkle of vegan Parm, the result is irresistible. If you make a huge batch of meatballs and then freeze them, this recipe becomes so simple that there's a high probability it will become your fave Friday night staple.

Gluten-Free Vegan Pantry

Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese

There's almost nothing better than veganized mac and cheese. This cheesy delight is a hug in a bowl and the exact thing you require on those days when you’re in need of a pick-me-up.

Minimalist Baker

One-Hour Vegan Pot Pies

This blogger says it all: “Delicious, flaky, veggie-packed vegan pot pies in less than one hour. That’s all you need to know."

Ambitious Kitchen

Lemon Blueberry Pistachio Cupcakes

Comfort food includes cupcakes. Opt for a magical combination like lemon, blueberry, and pistachio and watch the sparks fly.

If you can't get enough vegan comfort food in your life, follow us on Pinterest for more recipes!

This post has been updated.

You don't have to conquer your commute in uncomfortable, painful shoes – these commuter shoes blend fashion and function seamlessly! Whatever it takes to get yourself to work – perhaps a train, bike, car, or a good ol’ walk, these commuter shoes stand up to many different situations and make all the difference in a painless commute.

The best part? They’re still stylish as ever. From sneakers to flats, there’s a perfect pair out there for you.

Scroll on for our 15 favorite pairs of commuter shoes for every kind of commute!

Vans

Vans Mary Jane Shoes

With just enough dressy flair, these comfy Vans are the ultimate style option when it comes to commuter shoes. They're super easy to take on and off, though you could likely get away with wearing them in-office, depending where you work!

Anthropologie

Jeffrey Campbell Jellz Flats

For the warmer months, these flats will really let your feet breathe – which is much needed after a day spent in constricting heels or stuffy work boots.

Nordstrom

Adidas SL 72 Sneakers

Adidas sneakers will never not be stylish, and they're always uber-comfy. If your commute involves walking or biking substantial amounts, these bad boys will definitely protect your feet!

SeaVees

SeaVees Bodega Clogs

Easy to slip in and out of, these waterproof – yes, waterproof – clogs also come with some good traction on the bottom so you can step out safely in rain, ice, or snow. They're equally stylish with or without socks.

Naturalizer

Naturalizer Soul Intro Flats

With an extremely soft footbed, these semi-dressy flat shoes will feel like total heaven during your long commute. They're crafted from durable materials, too, so they'll last you a long time and stand up to lots of different terrain and weather situations.

Free People

Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers

Hokas are endlessly touted for their comfort, so if that's what you seek, opt for the Clifton 9's. These will come in super handy if your commute is walkin' to work!

Rothy's

Rothy's The Max Square Mary Janes

Rothy's flats are not only commute-ready, but they're office-ready, too, since they're shoppable in plenty of more-formal silhouettes like these Mary Janes!

Reebok

Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Shoes

These all-white sneaks will match with any get-up, whether you're commuting or not.

Matisse Footwear

Matisse Tasha Loafer Mules

With a taste of office style but plenty more practicality (so easy to slip on!), these loafer mules are a commuter's dream. They may not be super suitable for walking or biking, but if you commute via car or train, your tired feet are gonna love 'em.

Sam Edelman

Sam Edelman Talia Velcro Sneakers

Ooh, nice! The pattern on these easy-on velcro sneakers will give you major style points wherever you wear them.

Blundstone

Blundstone Classic Chelsea Boots

Blundstone boots are beloved for their ability to withstand all kinds of weather and terrain, from country trails to city streets. All the while, they still look stunning with a variety of outfits and keep your feet comfortable with every step!

On

On Cloud 6 Sneakers

Renowned especially in the doctor and nurse communities, these sneakers from On are impressively comfortable and add a cushioned feel to your every stride. Even if you wear them all day long, you won't be experiencing any aches or pains. For your walking or biking commute, they feel like a breath of fresh air... on the feet.

Target

A New Day Sandy Mule Flats

Slip into these cute mules once, and you'll never want to take them off! They have a relaxed feel that's certainly going to feel great after a long workday.

Free People

Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed Clogs

Same thing goes for these clogs – they come complete with a soft footbed that's welcoming as ever to tired feet.

Anthropologie

Back 70 Ghost Sneakers

These practical and stylish sneakers can be worn pretty much anywhere, for anything, at any time. The laces and side stripe details make 'em even more fun!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more style picks!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

It's raining and you forgot all of your umbrella. And your rain boots. And your rain jacket. (Hey, we've all been there). This evening you're going to need something warm and incredibly simple that you can whip up in less than half an hour so that you can get cozier faster than you can blink. Well, maybe not that fast.

The point is, we know the feeling so we've come up with amazing quick and easy soup recipesor a tasty dinner. From creamy chickendumpling to a light, lemony vegetable, the 35 soups below will comfort you from the inside out on the most blustery of days.

via The Real Food Dietitians

The Best Loaded Cauliflower Soup

Kick off your fall soup season with tender cauliflower, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and kale with this satisfying bowl of soup.

Image via Half Baked Harvest

30-Minute Thai Peanut Chicken Ramen

Thai red curry paste, coconut milk, peanut butter, chicken, mushrooms, and bell peppers unite to create the most delicious base for this ramen soup.

via Averie Cooks

Sausage Tortellini Soup

Warm up on cool days with this easy Italian sausage tortellini soup made in one pot and ready in 30 minutes!

via The Girl on Bloor

Creamy Pumpkin Curry Soup

Add this easy recipe to your fall soup rotation with coconut milk, canned pumpkin and curry paste.

via Completely Delicious

Turkey and Dumplings Soup

Bookmark this recipe for your turkey leftovers! Fluffy buttermilk dumplings make this soup so comforting and delicious.

via The Original Dish

Creamy Tahini Carrot Soup

Flavored with peppers, garlic, ginger, coconut milk, tahini, and lime, this flavorful soup will keep you warm and cozy all week long.

via Kathryn's Kitchen

Easy French Onion Soup

Binge on Emily in Paris while slurping this delicious soup.

via Pink Owl Kitchen

Creamy Cajun Potato Soup

Add a touch of heat to your soup routine with this cheesy, creamy soup that combines tender russet potatoes, veggies, and sausage in a creamy, spicy broth.

Image via Brit + Co

Lemony Greens Soup

Plenty of lemon juice and fresh herbs take this simple, vegetable-forward soup to the next level.

via Bowl of Delicious

Stuffed Pepper Soup With Ground Beef And Rice

This one-pot, freezable meal also happens to be gluten free and dairy free. It's hearty and so tasty!

via Vanilla and Bean

Coconut Curried French Lentil Soup

Vegan recipe lovers will enjoy this rich, creamy soup with French lentils, coconut milk and warming curry spices.

Image via Brit + Co

Whole30 Chicken Zoodle Soup

If you’re looking for a soul-soothing recipe that’s still diet-friendly, you’ve come to the right place.

Image via Brit + Co

Chickpea and Lentil Soup

You can serve this immediately or let it simmer while you do other chores.

Image via Brit + Co

3-Ingredient Tortilla Soup

There is nothing better than one-pot dinners. We're always a fan of having just a couple of dishes to wash after we've fallen into a warm soup coma.

Image via Brit + Co

Roasted Tomato Soup

Way tastier than the canned stuff and almost as quick, this recipe is a twist on the classic tomato soup with roasted tomatoes and a grilled cheese on the side.

via Crowded Kitchen

Super Green Sheet Pan Soup

Satisfy your need for greens with this nutritious soup made with leeks, zucchini, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes and peas, topped with pesto grilled cheese croutons.

Image via Brit + Co

Ginger Butternut Squash Soup

Even if you’re the slowest chopper in the world, you can have this soup on the table in under 30 and feel pretty good about how healthy it is.

Image via Brit + Co

Chickpea Stew with Pesto

This weeknight stew will help you eat your vegetables.

Image via Brit + Co

Vegan Sriracha Chili

Yes, you can have a totally flavorful chili with one pot, and yes it will warm your soul.

Image via Brit + Co

Homemade Ramen Cup

This homemade version is the adult version of our dorm room favorite. Make it when you need something to mindlessly graze on while you come down from the day.

Image via Brit + Co

Chickpea and Lime Soup

Adding crispy, spiced chickpeas as a soup topper is any easy way to “beef” up this quick, simple, and delicious soup.

Image via Brit + Co

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Instead of waiting 40 minutes to bake a potato, whip up a bowl of this cheesy soup in half the time via your Instant Pot. Garnish it with bacon, sour cream, cheddar cheese, chives, and whatever else your heart desires.

Image via Brit + Co

Easy Blender Pea Soup

If you're starting to feel guilty about those winter month calories, try this healthy pea soup. We definitely won't judge if you end up adding some garlic bread to the meal.

Image via Brit + Co

Spring Onion Soup

Get your greens and warm up at the same time with this creamy dish. It can be eaten warm or cold, which makes it the perfect recipe for unexpected spring weather.

Image via Culinary Hill

White Bean and Kale Soup

With just five ingredients, plus salt and pepper, you can whip up this healthy, warming soup in no time.

Image via Half Baked Harvest

30-Minute Creamy Chicken and Parmesan-Sage Dumplings

Parmesan and sage take the dumplings in this easy chicken soup to a whole other level.

Image via Salt and Lavender

Easy Black Bean Soup

Made with inexpensive ingredients like canned black beans, tomatoes, and green chiles, this soup is as easy as chopping one onion and two garlic gloves and tossing everything in a pot.

Image via Half Baked Harvest

Easy Taco Soup

Taco Tuesdays just got cozier with this easy taco soup recipe. All it takes is 28 minutes to cook this yummy blend of wholesome ingredients for a meal that'll hit the spot every time you cook it in your Instant Pot.

Image via The Edgy Veg

Easy Crock Pot Lasagna Soup

This easy crock pot soup recipe is for all my lasagna and baked ziti lovers. It's hearty and filled with flavors that'll make your taste buds tingle with excitement.

Image via Clean Cuisine

Sweet Potato Curry

For a different burst of flavor, cook this flavorful sweet potato curry soup. It has anti-inflammatory properties thanks to the turmeric found in it so you'll get a tasty meal that's beneficial to your body.

via Feel Good Foodie

Vegan Broccoli Soup

Made with only four ingredients and perfect with frozen vegetables, this recipe comes from Sarah Copeland’s cookbook Instant Family Meals is perfect for busy weeknights.

Image via Give Recipe

Old-Fashioned Cabbage Soup

Just in time for fall, Give Recipe's take on the old-fashioned cabbage soup recipe is one worth making tonight. It's filled with Mediterranean flavors you won't be able to resist!

via Munching with Mariyah

Spicy Mushroom Noodle Soup

This healthy soup is a mix of spicy miso broth, packed with edamame, tofu, ginger, and garlic, poured over comforting soba noodles.

via Two Peas and Their Pod

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This is a delicious twist on chicken noodle soup and so easy to make!

Image via Vikalinka

Stuffed Pepper Soup

Looking for something that has a little kick to it? Try making this stuffed pepper soup!

Which easy soup recipe will you try tonight? Share with us @BritandCo!

This article has been updated.

Lead image via Vikalinka.

I've been anxiously awaiting news on The Last of Us season 2 release date ever since that crazy season 1 finale in March of 2023. ICYMI, Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) have returned to Jackson but unfortunately, all's not well that ends well, because Joel is hiding a huge secret — and it's totally shaken Ellie's trust in him. I love this reluctant duo so much and I'm already making plans to visit my best friend so we can watch (and rewatch) the premiere together.

Here's everything we know about The Last of Us season 2 release date, plus the new The Last of Us trailer.

'The Last of Us' season 2 trailer teases lots of terror.

We've already gotten our first look at Kaitlyn Dever's Abby (a character fans of the game love to hate), but this is the first time we've gotten to hear her — or see her Firefly pendant. We also catch a glimpse of Ellie and Dina (Isabela Merced) dancing during what appears to be an iconic game scene and Tommy (Gabriel Luna) helping defend Jackson from the infected.

While season 1 was full of earthy tones and tons of light vs. dark imagery, The Last of Us season 2 is already showing off a much more aggressive color palette with blacks and reds that underscore just how explosive things are this season (and judging by the flares, I mean that quite literally).

When can I watch The Last of Us season 2?

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Yes, The Last of Us season 2 release date is coming sooner rather than later, and the show will hit Max on April 13, 2025. We're still awaiting confirmation on whether we'll get all the episodes at once, but I'm guessing it'll be another weekly release schedule to bring us from the spring through the summer.

Who's in The Last of Us season 2?

Liane Hentscher/HBO

The Last of Us cast for season 2 includes Pedro Pascal as Joel, Bella Ramsey as Ellie, Gabriel Luna as Tommy, Rutina Wesley as Maria, Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, Isabela Merced as Dina, Young Mazino as Jesse, Ariela Barer as Mel, Tati Gabrielle as Nora, Spencer Lord as Owen, Danny Ramirez as Manny, Jeffrey Wright as Isaac, and Catherine O’Hara.

Is Last of Us season 2 coming?

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Yes, The Last of Us season 2 is on its way! The show was renewed in January of 2023 after the pilot aired. The game sequel opens five years after the events of the first game, and Joel and Ellie's relationship has splintered because of Joel's secret: his promise that Ellie's immunity couldn't be used for a cure is actually a lie — and he murdered an entire hospital of Firefly rebels to save her life.

When Ellie finds out Joel lied to her — and when a certain someone finds out Joel's responsible for the massacre — their worlds implode.

Bella Ramsey told Vanity Fair "it’s really a story about revenge and a continuation from the first season about the dangers of unconditional love."

Meanwhile, Pedro Pascal teased to Deadline that The Last of Us team “are always going to find ways to build on the incredible source material that they have, and surprise us with how they can use that material in a different format like a television show."

Check back here for the latest The Last of Us season 2 release date news! And read up on the other most-anticipated TV shows coming in 2025.

This post has been updated.

What do The Bear, Mystic Pizza, and Marvel's Spider-Man: No Way Home have in common? Cast members Ayo Edebiri, Julia Roberts, and Andrew Garfield are all starring in a new thriller called After the Hunt from Challengers director Luca Guadagnino! I love each of these names individually, and this movie is my dream collaboration. I CANNOT wait to see how this story comes together. The flick is coming to theaters this fall and it's already one of my most-anticipated 2025 movies.

Here's everything we know about After the Hunt, starring Ayo Edebiri, Julia Roberts, and Andrew Garfield.

When is After the Hunt coming out?

Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for FLC

After the Hunt is coming to theaters on October 17. Since it's being released by Amazon MGM, we can expect the movie to hit Prime Video after its theatrical run.

What is After the Hunt about?

This new movie follows a college professor (Julia Roberts), who finds herself at a "crossroads" when a beloved student (Ayo Edebiri) makes an accusation against another professor (Andrew Garfield), and the secrecy of her own past is threatened.

“It’s not a movie about sexuality or love. It’s one of my very rare movies where I didn’t tackle that,” Luca said on WTF with Marc Maron. “It’s a very timely movie for where we are now. In terms of the society and the division in society and the extreme positions that we can have vis-a-vis an opinion in a way.”

“It’s about what happens in the milieu of academia between younger and older people and the idea of consent,” he continues. “I can tell you that it’s very loaded. I can tell you that the movie is very provocative, but not in a stupid way, but I would say in a very articulate way. It’s a great script from this first time writer, Nora Garrett.”

And the cast is as intrigued by the story as we are. “I’m very excited,” Ayo Edebiri told Deadline. “[Luca Guadagnino] is a visionary, I think. He cares so deeply about human beings and their relationship to each other. [The film] is sticky. It’s a complicated movie, but I feel so proud to be a part of it and excited to see it. I know that I’m biased, but me aside, everybody’s so amazing. I really was blown away, so I’m really excited.”

Who's in the After the Hunt cast?

Neilson Barnard/Momodu Mansaray/Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

After the Hunt stars Ayo Edebiri, Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Chloë Sevigny.

Considering Julia Roberts plays a professor in Mona Lisa Smile (one of my favorite movies ever), she definitely has the authority and grace to knock this role out of the park.

Check out 25 Most-Anticipated New Movies You Don't Want To Miss In 2025 for even more.

This post has been updated.