Whether I meant to or not I started off the new year meat-free. It happened somewhat on its own but after a week or so I just kept going.
It's been surprisingly easy to eat Vegetarian but there's been a few times I almost slipped. For instance, I began to order a Turkey Sandwich just out of habit at my favorite sandwich joint and had to catch myself before eating some soup that featured bacon. This is all a continual reminder that I need to pay attention to what I'm putting into my body.
I thought this goal might encourage me to get a little more creative in the kitchen and try some new, healthier recipes but this month has been too busy to for that. Luckily, I know a chef who can whip up some vegetarian friendly dishes a little more easily.
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| Stuffed Poblano Pepper with Avocado Relish |
Unfortunately, my Vegetarian diet hasn't exactly epitomized healthy nutrition. I seem to have been eating a disproportionate amount of cheese and pasta. (Mexican and Italian are always my go-to cuisines.)
My original thoughts were to follow my Vegetarian month with a Vegan month. This would work out perfectly considering February's the shortest month (cheating? nahhh) and I'm already in a meat-free habit. But with a trip to Mardis Gras mixed in that's not going to happen. Considering the sole purpose of the festival is to celebrate glutton I'm not sure that's the time to be restricting myself on anything. (Plus, please read my earlier comment about cheese)
What are your favorite Vegetarian dishes and/or recipes?
What are your favorite Vegetarian dishes and/or recipes?
These days, I eat a LOT of soups made from Moosewood recipes. I whip them up on the weekend and freeze them in individual serving-sized containers to pack in my lunch or pull out for dinner. Warm and filling, they're perfect on winter days. (I make Chipotle Black Bean and Lentil more than anything else.)
ReplyDeleteOther than that, though, my favorite vegetarian recipe to share with others is Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry). This recipe actually tastes like the curry I had in India. Who knew?!
Chana Masala
INGREDIENTS
2 onions
4 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon ghee or oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
2 (14 ounce) cans garbanzo beans, drained
1 (14 ounce) can tomato pieces
1 teaspoon garam masala
DIRECTIONS
1. Slice onions finely; crush the garlic. Heat ghee or oil in a medium pan. Add onion and garlic to pan; cook over medium heat, stirring, until soft.
2. Add the chili powder, salt, turmeric, paprika, cumin and coriander. Stir over heat for one minute.
3. Add chickpeas and undrained tomatoes, stir until combined. Simmer, covered, over low heat 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in garam masala. Simmer, covered, for another 10 minutes.
I don't think it would be possible for me to do this! Props to you for it. I'm sure that chur-key sandwich was tempting! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Kristin!! I'm definitely going to try that one out :) I knew you'd be a good Vegetarian resource!
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