Cooking Vegetarian and Vegan

30-Minute Vegetarian Curry Meal Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (VegetarianBlog) — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 20:47:00 +0000

A few years ago, I didn't even know what 'a curry' was. I know the spice and have always associated it with hot and spicy Indian cooking.

A vegetarian friend of mine always talked about making a curry for dinner. Whenever I asked her to elaborate on exactly what she defined as 'a curry', she'd give an evasive answer. Something about sautéing veggies and steaming rice.

Finally I got smart and looked it up in the old reliable Webster's. It says, 'a sauce made with curry powder, a kind of stew prepared with curry'. Referring to my collection of vegetarian cookbooks, I found an easy recipe for a curry. Now, I have come to realize how handy this 'method' or 'principle' is.

By simply sautéing an assortment of veggies in a curry powder or paste, I could obtain a vegetable 'stew' bursting with flavor. Curry powder isn't necessarily hot/spicy. There are many mild variations on the market. So, if you have always associated curry powder as a hot spice, take note that milder versions are available all over.

A little curry can go a long way. Using a mellow type, I find I can use more without worrying if I am going to burn a hole in my mouth. Curry powder seems to go well with a wide array of vegetables and meats. Cauliflower, mushrooms, zucchini, onions and potatoes as well as chicken, shrimp, eggs and tofu combine miraculously with this yellow powder creating dazzling duos and blends. When I make a curry, it is usually at the end of the week when the fridge is getting empty and I want to use up my vegetables.

Steam some flavored rice like Basmati or brown for South-Asian accompaniment.

Since curry pastes are known for being hot, the traditional Raita a mix of cool, soothing cucumbers tossed with yogurt finds its way to the curry dinner table.

Below is my version of an 'Indian dinner' with a vegetable curry and cucumber Raita. Now, I am no expert on Indian cuisine though I would love to travel there someday to sample the country's authentic flavors. If Indian cooking is your specialty, then by all means make changes where you feel necessary in the following recipes.

The nice thing about curry (besides the fact that it's a delightful change from old-standby meals) is that is quick to prepare. At least my non-authentic recipe is. Throw on the rice and chop up some cucumbers for a complete and satisfying meal in 30 minutes tops!

And finally, after forcing the first bit one the hesitant-to-try-new-food (most often children) a mellow curry wins over most hearts. If you have never tried a curry before, try my recipe. I don't care for really hot dishes so my curry is gentle but robust. My children, even as youngsters, have always gobbled up this dish up and even ask for seconds. You just may be more than mildly surprised at how much you like it, too.

Quick Vegetable Curry
Preparation and cooking time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4

2 cups uncooked basmati rice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion
3 small zucchini
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 cup cauliflower, broken into bite-size chunks
up to 3 tablespoons mild curry powder
1 teaspoon ginger
½ cup hot water
1 vegetable flavored bouillon cube
salt to taste

Prepare rice according to package directions. While rice is cooking, prepare curry.
Coarsely chop onion. In large skillet with lid, begin sautéing onion in olive oil on medium high heat. When onion is translucent, add chicken if using, stirring frequently for another 3 minutes. While onion mixture is cooking, slice mushrooms and add.

Coarsely chop zucchini and cauliflower and add to skillet. Continue sautéing another minute or two. Add remaining ingredients. Stir well. Cover and bring to boil. Once stew begins to boil, reduce heat and set lid slightly ajar. Continue simmering for another 15-20 minutes.
While curry is simmering, prepare cucumber raita.

Cucumber Raita
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Serves: 4

2 hot house cucumbers
1 cup low-fat, plain yogurt
2 tablespoons dill
1 tablespoon lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste

In serving bowl whisk together yogurt, dill lemon juice, salt and pepper. Chop cucumber into bite-size chunks. Add to yogurt mixture. Stir well. Chill until ready to serve.

"Anne Dessens is the founder of AnneDessens.com - your one-link to everything 'self-improvement': diet, recipes, running & walking, deep breathing, success, journaling, energy and universal laws.

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Vegan Diet Recipe - Best Tips For You

noreply@blogger.com (VegetarianBlog) — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 20:45:00 +0000

In order to make your body healthy, one solution for you is by making your own vegan diet recipe. Here are the tips for you.

Tips #1: Choose the right food to consume

The first tip is you must choose the right food to consume. You must really realize that when becoming a vegan, the choice of food for you is limited. Therefore, in vegan diet recipe you must really know which food made from the animal and which food is not, and also which food you may consume and which food is not.

Tips #2 : Select the substitution foods

The second tip is that by selecting the substitution foods. In case that the food you want to eat is one of the animal products, you must change the food with the substitution food which contains the same nutrition. For example, you want to consume the eggs. Unfortunately egg is one of the animal products. Therefore, in vegan diet recipe you must not eat the egg. Therefore, for your vegan diet recipe you must find the substitution food which contains the same nutrition as the egg. It is meant so that your body will not lack of any nutrition.

Tips #3 : Pay a close attention toward the thing you use in cooking your food.

The last tip for your vegan diet recipe is that you must also pay a close attention toward the thing you use in cooking your food. You must not use the oil made from animal in cooking the oil. Or the margarine, the margarine must not one of animal product as well. For your vegan diet recipe, you can change the usual oil you use with the oil made from the nut, for example. Even the smallest thing you put in your food must not also made from the animal, such the food additive. You must make sure that your food is free from the animal product in making your vegan diet recipe succeed. It is a piece of cake.

Take a look at this valuable resource full of tips and secrets: Veggie Meal Plans [http://dailydietvegetarian.com/hot-offer/]. Also check out this site for more tips: Daily Diet Vegetarian [http://dailydietvegetarian.com/]

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Vegan Diet Recipes - Mushroom Mint Pasta Salad

noreply@blogger.com (VegetarianBlog) — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 20:44:00 +0000

Try this delicious mushroom pasta with its flavor delicately enhanced and lightened with mint. Eaten as a cold salad with BBQ or as a warm side dish for French or Italian mains. Crack some pepper on top and decorate it with unused mint leaves before serving warm.

Whether you are an experienced vegan or are just looking for an exciting new salad, you will find that this recipe will add zest to your menu and reward your taste buds. It has the quality ingredients that will help to lower your cholesterol, and still give you that restaurant quality flavor. Vegans all over the world are enjoying a new way to eat that is far healthier than traditional meat based diets, and are enjoying the health benefits that they can enjoy because of this new awareness of what nutritionists have been saying for years. Why not you too? There are no special cooking tools needed, and the majority of the ingredients can still be found at the same grocery store that you have been shopping at for years. However, take the time to visit a whole food or natural store and you will find many new food items that can be added to your menu.

While you are at it, feel free to join or visit any local vegan group in your community. These can be found at health food stores, at a work out facility, yoga class, church group or many other organizations. Your doctor may even be able to recommend to you a group that shares more recipes like this. Some groups may combine the vegan food element with activities, such as hiking or exercise in a way that will improve your overall physical and emotional condition.

Yield: 12 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes, Cook time: 20 minutes, Ready in: 35 minutes

Ingredients

* 1 (16 ounce) package farfalle (bow tie) pasta
* 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
* 2 (8 ounce) packages button mushrooms, sliced
* 4 onions, sliced
* 1 quart heavy cream
* 10 sprigs fresh mint
* 1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar
* 1 pinch salt
* 1 pinch ground black pepper

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Place pasta in the pot, cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente, and drain. Cool, transfer to a large bowl, and toss with 3 tablespoons olive oil.

2. Heat remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place mushrooms and onions in the skillet.
Cook and stir until lightly brown. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Place the mint sprigs in the skillet. Cook and stir 5 minutes.

3. Mix sugar into the cream sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the mint sprigs with a slotted spoon. Stir in the cooked pasta until well coated. Serve and enjoy!

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Best of Vegan Recipes

noreply@blogger.com (VegetarianBlog) — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 20:43:00 +0000

When shifting to a vegan diet for the first time, the transformation can take some time. Not only that, you would also need to change your entire perspective related to taste and cooking. So, while you get yourself used to the ways of vegan cooking and eating, here are some of the best Vegan Recipes for you to try out and enjoy the joys of vegan cooking and eating.

One of the all time favorites among the Vegan Recipes is the Vegan Paella. This is actually a dish of Spanish origin. In the traditional recipe, seafood is used. However, for vegan cooking, the cashews used in the recipe replace the protein element of seafood.

Another of the best recipes that remains a favorite of vegans is the Avocado Grapefruit Salad. It has a creamy kind of texture and made with all vegan food items. The salad is really filling and delicious.

For those looking for something rich in flavor, you can always go for the Vegan Recipe for Coconut Vegetable curry. This dish has a very memorable flavor and you are very likely to try it again. The key to the rich flavor is to hold the amount of coconut milk you add to the recipe.

If you like your food to be strong in flavor, you can always make a Vegan Recipe with a good amount of spice. These best spices are the fresh ones. These have a unique aroma and flavor that you're not likely to forget anytime soon.

If you like dessert, you can check out many of the Vegan Recipes in dessert. You can make some of the best tasting cakes, pies and muffins. The coconut cake, carrot cake, fig spice pie and apple crisp and apple pie are the top rated of all vegan recipes.

In terms of substitutes, you can find many of them in the market for example cheese, butter, milk and other items. You can find your favorite brand of vegan substitute food items and use these items to add the touch of your personal taste to the recipes.

Whether you are looking for some delicious and filling breakfast, lunch, dinner or a simple snack, it is all there in vegan cooking in the form of various soups, dips, snacks, and salads along with full meals. You can always try for new food items and recipes and experiment with vegan food recipes.

Find out how vegan recipe could change your lifestyle? Check it out now to understand the importance of
vegan recipe.

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Raw Food and Vegan Recipes

noreply@blogger.com (VegetarianBlog) — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 20:42:00 +0000

Nutritionist and fitness experts say that going on vegan diet can be a healthy choice. Others would say it's an exaggerated version of a nutritional diet and risky to embrace because the human body scientifically requires not just fiber and good carbohydrates but also high protein which vegetables have a little amount of. Not all can tolerate eating raw food and vegan recipes in every single meal. But those who can manage such diet plan are expectedly lean and fat-free. Certain dishes that fuse veggies and root crops together can be costly at times, which is why all-veggie diet isn't a preferred diet among majority of individuals.

Good nutrition always comes with raw food and vegan recipes, balanced protein and carbohydrates. Yoga followers are on vegetable diet, which is why most of those who practice it appear to be skinny or slim. Organic food may be good source of fiber that our body highly requires but it doesn't accelerate the development of muscles. If you are muscle builder, vegetables are not good to eat alone. You have to integrate some considerable amount of protein that contains all the amino acids you need for muscle building. Vegans usually go for foods like apples, beets, carrots, raw grains, oats, rye, sesame seeds, almonds, oranges, pumpkins, tomatoes, asparagus, broccoli, red peppers, spinach, buckwheat, pomegranate, cabbages, etc. Eating green salads without any meat content is strictly vegan but if you put in some chicken breasts or bacon strips in it, that's deemed to be semi-vegan.

Fruits and vegetables are recognized to be good sources of vitamins and minerals, aside from fiber, good carbohydrates and antioxidants. Raw food and vegan recipes are usually broiled or boiled, not fried or mixed preservatives or additives. Raw whole grain muesli, oat yogurt, green salads, tomato salad, vegetable soup are among the vegan recipes that are considered healthy and effective for those who want to lose weight. Preparing raw food is ideal for those people whose schedule is too hectic in that they don't have time to cook anymore. Vegetable dishes are fitting to those with high blood cholesterol and health-threatening issues. You can never go wrong with vegetable diet, as per vegans.

If you find yourself being overweight or obese, maybe it's high time that you shift to a healthier diet plan. Perhaps you can consider eating raw food and vegan recipes. You can give it a week and discover the results yourself in order to gauge the efficacy of embracing an all-veggie diet and eating raw food. If you are too dedicated to lose weight and manage yourself healthily, you can make it in a longer period of time. But if you are too weak to tolerate such stiff diet that deprives you of other healthy foods found in lean meat, then you won't survive in dwelling on a vegan diet for a longer time.

Gary Pearson is an accomplished niche website developer and author.
To learn more about vegan recipes [http://healthandcookingtoday.info/raw-food-and-vegan-recipes] visit Health and Cooking Today [http://healthandcookingtoday.info] for current articles and discussions.

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Cooking Vegetarian Quick, Easy and Belly Warming

noreply@blogger.com (VegetarianBlog) — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 21:00:00 +0000

It is fall and to me fall means soup season. I love soup anytime of the year, but there is nothing better on a chilly day than a bowl of hearty soup. One that warms you up and fills your belly. Do you see where I am going with this? I am making soup into a meal.

Today is Wednesday. If you are new to reading my blog than you need to know Wednesday's are a busy day in our house. So I try to make something for dinner that is quick and simple. So today I am going back to cooking vegetarian.

To me it is very important when you are cooking vegetarian as a meal that it is filling and balanced. Now when I say balanced I mean it has your veggies, protein and carbohydrates. I find that when people are cooking vegetarian it is easy to be low or non-existent on the protein part. The bottom line is if you don't include the protein, you are going to have a very hungry belly fast.

So what better way to get a protein than through lentils? These little legumes are very high in protein (26%). They are easy; they come in different sizes and colors. But they cook very fast from the dry stage. They are not like a regular legume, where they need to soak over night. So for this reason alone they make cooking vegetarian quick and easy.

Lentils are nice as well to ease the non-vegetarian into cooking vegetarian. I have made it clear in my previous blogs that I am not vegetarian, but I do eat a lot of vegetarian dishes. Because lentils are not like your regular larger legume, they blend into your dish. Instead of standing out. You can buy lentils that are green, brown, yellow, black and red in color. They can be split or whole. The red ones are usually split and one of the most popular. Because they are split they cook even faster. That is why I am going to be cooking vegetarian today with red lentils.

I am going to share a lentil soup recipe with you. My friend Norma shared this with me many years ago and it has been (no pun intended) a staple in our house. Now for you guys out there that are not vegetarian and want to beef up this soup even more. You can add some cut up sausage to this; I would use a Chorizo or spicy Italian.

Belly Warming Lentil Soup

5 cloves garlic minced

1 large onion chopped

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp cumin

2 medium carrots sliced

2 leeks chopped (whites only)

1 cup dry lentils (I use red)

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp basil

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1 28oz can diced plum tomatoes

4c vegetable stock (chicken stock is fine for non vegetarians)

In soup pot sauté onions in olive oil until they are soft. Add garlic and sauté for a few more minutes. Lower heat and stir in cumin. Cook for another couple of minutes. Add carrots and leeks, toss for another 2-3 minutes. Add remaining ingredients. Cook for about 30 minutes. Or until lentils are soft. Salt and pepper to taste.

Serve this with nice hearty bread and your belly will be happy.

Carolin Hopkins operates Cooking With Carolin, a blog all about cooking and cooking tips. She loves giving away Free stuff and is now giving away Free memberships to her newsletter. Plus you'll want to come and check out the cooking tip of the day. Come and sign up, it is all free!! More information here:
http://www.cookingwithcarolin.com

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Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes - Seven Tips To Cook Beans And Peas

noreply@blogger.com (VegetarianBlog) — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 20:59:00 +0000

A large number of vegetarian slow cooker recipes contain beans or peas in their ingredients. This is because it favors the cooking of beans and peas like no other. Most of the beans, except chickpeas and soybeans, become tender in a slow cooker within 6 to 8 hours of cooking, provided they are presoaked. Black-eyed peas, lentils, and red lentils cook quickly. You need not presoak them either. Chickpeas are stubborn beans. They need about 12 hours to get tender in a slow cooker. Also, you need to presoak them the night before.

The time peas and beans take to cook depends on the working of your crock pot, the freshness of the beans or peas, and the hardness of the water. The type of recipe may also influence the cooking time. That's why vegetarian slow cooker recipes using beans have different cooking times.

Tips for Cooking Vegetarian Crock Pot Recipes With Beans or Peas

• Add spices, especially tomatoes and salt, only after the beans are tender.
• Slow cooking the beans and peas intensifies their flavor. You may need lesser amount of spices to enrich the dish than that required in regular cooking.
• You can cut 2 to 3 hours of the cooking time if you pour boiling water with beans.
• When cooking beans or peas, setting the time on a digital timer is not required. If there is sufficient cooking water in the crock pot, it's unlikely that the peas or beans will overcook. Start your slow cooker early in the morning, and forget it until dinner time!
• For cooking plain beans, it's best to cook them in the crock pot overnight. In the morning, you can have a healthy breakfast of freshly cooked beans or peas, combined with freshly cut salad or cheese. You can keep aside some cooked beans for preparing healthy slow cooker recipes for supper.
• If you're present at home while cooking, do this: Set the cooker at high in the first 2 to 3 hours of cooking beans or peas. Then, set at low for the remaining time.
• When preparing bean stews and soups, sauté the onions and spices in oil before putting them in the crock pot. This adds to the flavor of the vegetarian recipes.

Beans and peas make for such fantastic vegetarian slow cooker recipes that you may never feel the need to add meat or other such animal-based foods to the recipe. There are a variety of peas and beans to create savory and purely vegetarian dishes. Whether it's green peas, chick peas, split peas, or kidney beans, soybeans, and others, it helps in putting together a tantalizing dish at the end of a hard day.

If your kids hate beans or refuse to eat peas, introduce a crock pot in your kitchen. Watch the eating habits of your kid change! The tasty vegetarian slow cooker recipes will teach your kid to savor plant-based ingredients with delight.

The yeahtips.com offers a collection of yummy vegetarian slow cooker recipes that are easy to prepare. To get a variety of healthy slow cooker recipes, log on to the site.

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Cooking Vegetarian Family Meals

noreply@blogger.com (VegetarianBlog) — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 20:58:00 +0000

Every family can benefit from increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables in their diet. Even if you are not vegetarians, consider cooking a couple of "meat free" meals each week. People who follow a vegetarian diet tend to have lower cholesterol, stronger immune systems and are more likely to maintain a healthy body weight.

Here are some tips to help you make the switch:

Start with a "family favourite" recipe, such as lasagna or bolognese, and modify the recipe for a meat free version. Remember, you don´t have to make the meal solely from vegetables. Use one of the many soya-based meat equivalents.
If you find the thought of cooking a vegetarian meal from scratch a little daunting, buy a couple of supermarket ready meals first. Most stores offer a great choice of dishes and it should be easy to find one that appeals to the family´s taste.
Buy a cheap vegetarian cookbook or download recipe ideas from the internet. There is a wealth of information out there, so there are no excuses for serving limp salads!
When eating out, try to switch to a vegetarian option. Even the fast food chains offer vegeburgers and bean burritos, so making the switch is easy. Just make sure that you go easy on the side orders. French Fries might be made of potato but they are still loaded with fat!
If you find the taste of some vegetarian meals a little bland, use herbs, spices and seasoning to add taste and flavor.
Think of all the recipes that your family enjoys and eats anyway. Chances are that there are quite a few vegetarian meals in the list! Tomato soup, bean salad, coleslaw, macaroni cheese..it should be easy to put together a vegetarian menu a couple of times a week.
Go easy on the higher fat foods such as cheese. It is still possible to gain weight on a vegetarian diet if you eat the wrong foods in large portion sizes. Remember to check that any cheese you buy is vegetarian, as some cheeses are made from animal rennet. Increase your consumption of beans and pulses in tasty stews and casseroles. Legumes are a good source of protein.
If you don´t think you can miss meat out of your recipes altogether, try giving up red meat instead. Switch to chicken or turkey mince in pasta sauces and burgers, as the fat content is considerable lower.
Most cooking styles will have a wealth of vegetarian options available, meaning you can have an extensive and varied repertoire of family meals. Italian pasta sauces, stir fry recipes, mexican food, curries.. the choice is endless.
Many vegetarian dishes can be easily cooked in your slow cooker. Vegetable stew, Winter Vegetable Casseroles, soups and curries. Save time, effort AND calories with these healthy choices.

Try making the switch and see if your family can tell the difference. The first time I made lasagna to the usual recipe, but with soya mince, no-one around the table even noticed. And if your family enjoys the meals so much that you decide to make a lifestyle change, remember that you will have to start checking the ingredients on every food item that you buy. Read the nutritional labels of every product carefully, as animal products do turn up in the strangest places!

You can even adapt your favourite crock pot recipes to be vegetarian. Lisa has with these vegetarian crock pot recipes

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Vegetarian Cooking

noreply@blogger.com (VegetarianBlog) — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 20:57:00 +0000

For the western world there has been a gradual evolution towards vegetarian cooking. Vegetables were considered a poor staple which provided lack of strength nutrients. They were mainly served as boiled/steamed greens or as a side dish more often. However with societies expanding and widespread cultural exchange, the culinary world also grew.

Today the importance of vegetarianism is understood manifold. There are several reasons for opting it.

* Vegetarian for health and nutrition
* Vegetarian for ecological reasons
* A fight against animal cruelty as defined by (PETA)
* Spiritual and religious beliefs

To get started with vegetarian cooking is really simple. All you need to do is know which foods blend well to turn out more delicious and hearty recipes. A vegetarian entree is similar to that of a meat based one. For instance meals open with appetizers followed with soups, breads and salads. Next the main course further includes pastas, casseroles, stews with rice etc.

The easiest way to begin is choosing seasonal vegetables/fruits and combining them with a zesty sauce or dressing is one easy way to begin with.

Then you can gradually proceed to try more recipe varieties. A cook book or free internet sources is a great aid to learn more about vegetarianism especially for a new learner.

An easy recipe to cook vegetables

1 tbsp - Oil
1 cup - Vegetables diced
1/4 tsp - Garlic minced
1 No - Spring white minced
1/2 tsp - Cilantro minced
1/2 tsp - Lemon juice
1 tbsp - Soy sauce
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Take a set of fresh vegetables of your choice. Prepare a simple sauce. Stir fry the vegetables in it and serve with rice or noodles. Alternatively prepare a marinade using all the ingredients. Toss the vegetables in it roast and serve.

To view more articles on vegetarianism visit my website

Been a vegetarian through out my life and since I have had a keen interest in cooking I have come up with several recipes across cuisines.

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Vegetarian Cooking Schools

noreply@blogger.com (VegetarianBlog) — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 20:54:00 +0000

Vegetarian cooking schools are becoming more and more popular. Whilst this kind of cooking was traditionally more limited than traditional cookery schools, there is now a huge demand for vegetarian cooking that is both tasty and sophisticated. Vegetarian cookery classes can help beginners or more experienced cooks learn how to make nutritious and tasty vegetarian meals, possibly on the way to becoming a vegetarian chef.

Vegetarian food is now one of the most popular alternative cuisines. You will be required to learn about the nutritional value (and deficiency) of the diet and how to compensate for the lack of animal protein and vitamins. You will also be required to demonstrate proficiency in preparing popular vegetarian dishes. In the most advanced classes you will be required to invent recipes where you turn popular dishes like lasagna into a vegetarian meal.

If you are looking for a vegetarian cooking class then take some time to compare what is available. Start by comparing the content of each class by looking at the skills you'll learn, and whether they are at a level to suit you. Fitting cooking school into your life can sometimes be difficult. This is why many classes offer flexible options, but be sure to find this out before signing up. Whatever you choose, you have to be comfortable with it if you want to make the best from your new cooking class.

Once you've found some vegetarian cooking schools to suit you then you will need to start the application process. This may require you to demonstrate your current skills, depending on the level of the course you've applied for. At the end of it you may receive a diploma or higher qualifications, to take your further towards a career as a vegetarian chef.

Find the BEST vegetarian cooking schools at the authors cooking schools website by clicking here.

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Useful Tips in Cooking Vegetarian Meals For Kids

noreply@blogger.com (VegetarianBlog) — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 20:53:00 +0000

Vegetarian meals entails are meatless. It is rich in vitamins, minerals and fibers. Find ways to incorporate vegetarian meals in your children's diet to make them grow healthier and stronger.

Kids are generally picky and refuse to eat vegetables. Prepare meals with vegetables subtly included to make kids enjoy eating vegetables.

Vegetables can be cooked through stir frying, steaming, and sautéing, without losing the key nutrients. They are good sources of Vitamin A, B and C. Some minerals found in vegetables are iron, iodine, zinc, calcium and selenium. Children who regularly eat dark green vegetables and beans develop more red blood cells in their bodies.

Here are some tips when preparing vegetarian meals for kids:
o Modify the kid's favorite recipe. Use soya-based meat equivalents for a meat-free meal.
o Let your kids pick vegetables in your backyard and let them wash it. Getting them involved in cooking is positive reinforcement.
o Have fun making designs of boiled veggies on a plate with your child.
o Add vegetables to burgers. This is similar to one of the fastfood joints which provide "vegeburgers" and bean burritos. Also try making patties out of vegetables.
o Cook oven-baked fries instead of fried.

Sample recipe- Veggie Burgers:

Mix the following:
- 1 grated carrot
- ½ cup collards
- 1 tbsp. sesame seeds
- 1 beaten egg
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 2 ½ cups of cooked rice or millet
Thoroughly mix all the ingredients. Shape it into small sized patties. Fry this until it becomes golden brown. Bake at 400 °F on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes per side.
o Use herbs, spices and seasonings to add flavor to the veggies, especially when the taste is bland
o Incorporate vegetables subtly. Mince them in a food processor or blender and add to soups, sauces, or pasta.
o Melt butter or olive oil into breadcrumbs and sprinkle it over steamed veggies.
o Add minced vegetables in baking breads, cakes, muffins, and pizzas, along with honey and maple syrup.
o Make a refreshing drink using pureed vegetables. Kids would not even know that it has veggies.
o Prepare pasta salads along with diced vegetables and veggie mayo or dressing.
o Grill some veggies such as mushrooms, carrots, and cucumbers.

Meal Samples:

Breakfasts
- Banana soy milk smoothie with almond and tahinis
- Granola-type cereal with dried or fresh fruit and soy milk
- Pancakes with maple syrup, walnuts and slices of fruits
- Muffins made from whole grains having honey spread, tahini and fruit juice

Lunch
- Tabouli salad with hummus in pita pocket
- Tofu burger with vegan mayo and whole wheat bun
- Lasagna with veggies (cauliflower, carrots, olives and mushrooms)

Salads
- Potato salad
- Avocado salad
- Bean salad
- Marinated tofu salad

Dinner
- Stir fried vegetables with canola or olive oil & nuts
- Pasta dish of pesto sauces (made of basil leaves)

Children's repulsion to vegetables is often seen as just psychological. Find ways for children to enjoy eating vegetables. Cook meals that children normally like, and incorporate veggies without losing the meaty taste. After all, children who eat veggies are healthier and develop stronger immune systems.

For more information on Vegetarian Dinners Recipes and Casserole Dishes please visit our website.

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Quick Cheesy Casseroles For Vegetarian Dinners

noreply@blogger.com (VegetarianBlog) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 21:43:00 +0000

The holiday season is here and that means busy days and nights. If you're looking for quick and easy dinners, stop right here. Three entrees that depend on cheese, fill the bill to fill your family's tummy. The first is cheesy broccoli and rice. Even children who don't like broccoli like this dish. The second is a spicy enchilada casserole and the third a gourmet take on mac and cheese. All three dishes are vegetarian which means they save you money.

Start off with a preparing a silky cheese sauce.

Combine 1 cup of whole milk with 1 tablespoon of flour until smooth. Heat in the saucepan until the sauce bubbles and thickens. Add 1/2 cup of your favorite shredded cheese. You'll need one cup of this sauce for every two servings. Since the ingredients below make dishes that serve four, make 2 cups.

Cheesy Broccoli

Cook 2 cups of broccoli in the microwave until it's softened but still crisp. The broccoli will finish cooking in the oven. Combine with 2 cups of cooked rice. Or use instant rice with water as the directions specify. Add 2 cups of the cheese sauce. Stir well.

Top with an additional 1/2 cup of shredded cheese. Either freeze this in an air tight container for a dinner you only have to bake later or bake in a 350 F oven for 30 minutes until the dish is bubbly and the cheese melted.

Enchilada Casserole

If you can layer you can make this dish. You won't be using the cheese sauce for this dish. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to two 15 ounce cans of tomato sauce. Add more cayenne pepper for a hotter kick or add several chopped jalapeno peppers.

Spread 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Layer in five or six corn tortillas. Add another 1/2 cup of sauce and spread over the tortillas.

Slice one medium onion and layer over the tortillas. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over the onions. Finish with 1/2 cup of sauce and another layer of tortillas. Spread the remaining sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle with another 1/2 cup of shredded cheese. Bake 45 minutes in a 350 F oven.

Gourmet Mac and Cheese

Butter the bottom of a casserole dish. Combine 4 cups of cooked macaroni with 2 cups of cheese sauce and 2 cups of frozen defrosted peas. You don't have to cook the peas. Place in the casserole dish. Cover with a layer of breadcrumbs -- about 1 to 1/2 cups and an additional 1/2 cup of shredded cheese. Heat at 350 F until the breadcrumbs are brown and the cheese topping melted. This is oh so much better than the boxed stuff.

If going vegetarian isn't your thing. Add 1 cup of chopped chicken to the rice and broccoli, 1 cup of chopped turkey, cooked ground beef or cooked diced pork to the enchilada casserole and 1 cup of cubed ham to the mac and cheese.

Dee Power is the author of several nonfiction books. Her hobbies include gardening and cooking healthy dinner recipes, and sharing her grilling tips. She lives with an Irish Setter and an English Springer Spaniel.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dee_Power

Three Minute Raw Organic Vegan Pie Crust

noreply@blogger.com (VegetarianBlog) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 21:42:00 +0000

The opportunities to make healthy food choices are here now! Never before has it been so easy to create an alternative desert for lasting energy and whole food nutrition. You will be absolutely amazed at how delicious and filling a raw, organic, and vegan pie crust is. This recipe will surprise you because it is the healthiest pie ever, and is so quick it takes only three minutes to make! The benefits to choosing a raw organic vegan pie crust instead of the conventional baked pie crust are many. First, you are choosing all living foods which provide nutrients our bodies need to be healthy by providing vitamin and mineral content. Second, because it is fruit sweetened, your body will have sustained energy to power you throughout your day. Third, you won't have to worry about eating refined sugars and carbohydrates since every ingredient in this recipe is organic, raw, full of living enzymes, and life force energy from the sun! Finally there is an alternative desert that has so many positive aspects, you'll wonder why you had not heard of this sooner. Ready to have more energy and feel great while enjoying the sweeter side of life, then take action and follow this simple three minute recipe and share some delicious organic raw vegan pie with your friends!

The first thing is to gather all your ingredients. Here is a list of everything you will need.

1 cup of raw organic nuts or seeds of your choice.

½ cup of dried fruits, such as dates, bananas, raisins, figs or prunes.

1 teaspoon of vanilla

¼ teaspoon of sea salt

1 pinch of lemon zest

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it is time to have fun! Place all ingredients into a food processor and process until mixture is firm enough to mold into pie dish. Put mixture right into pie plate and form with your hands and fingers inside of the pie dish evenly. There you have it! A whole foods nutrition pie crust just waiting to be filled with whatever your heart desires! I really enjoy cutting up several types of fruits and placing inside. From strawberries and kiwis to bananas and blueberries. The sky is the limit when creating your very own raw organic vegan pie! Making healthy choices is so much fun when you discover how easy it is to prepare live foods at home. Your friends and family will be amazed when they taste how delicious your hand made pies are. This recipe is sure to please everyone who partakes on any occasion. Whether you have a birthday, or a holiday meal, this pie crust will create a unique dining experience for all! Start a new family tradition with a healthy alternative to pass down through the generations, and spread health and happiness to the people in your life who really matter to you by sharing a nutrient rich and satisfyingly sweet organic raw vegan pie crust.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Molly_A_Brock

Organic Vegan Raw Spaghetti

noreply@blogger.com (VegetarianBlog) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 21:41:00 +0000

Did you know it is possible to make healthy comfort food? Spaghetti has always been one of my favorite meals to prepare for dinner or lunch, and I am so excited to share with you a recipe that will satisfy your hunger for a tasty and complete meal! Organic raw vegetables and fruits add numerous vitamins and minerals into the diet, which provide lasting energy to keep you going throughout your day.

I recently discovered a kitchen tool called a spiral slicer. This manual hand turn crank device is actually quite fun to use, and once you practice a couple of times it is super easy to make raw noodles from several different types of vegetables. I purchased my spiral slicer online for around twenty dollars and have found it to be very durable throughout the past few years I've used it. My family and I have really enjoyed using this creative kitchen device. Its durability has also proven to be cost efficient. My favorite vegetables to spiral slice into raw pasta noodles are zucchini and yellow squash because they have a slightly neutral flavor that easily absorb flavors from other added ingredients, herbs, and spices when combined together. If you do not have a spiral slicer, you may use a cheese grater to create a shredded noodle that is also enjoyable to prepare.

You will need the following ingredients and items on hand to complete the preparation of this recipe.

Spiral vegetable slicer or cheese grater.

Food processor.

Two large evenly round organic zucchini or yellow squash.

Ten sun-dried tomatoes soaked for twenty minutes until soft.

Half cup organic pine nuts.

Four medium organic tomatoes.

Four organic basil leaves.

One clove organic garlic.

One tablespoon fresh chopped organic oregano.

One teaspoon sea salt.

One teaspoon organic freshly cracked black pepper.

Half teaspoon organic chili powder.

Half cup organic extra virgin olive oil.

One cup purified water.

Once you have all your ingredients, you may begin the preparation of this delicious meal. First, use the spiral slicer to make spiral pasta noodles from the zucchini or yellow squash and set aside. Next, place the remaining ingredients, except pine nuts, into your food processor. Pulse until smooth, but slightly chunky. Be sure not to over process, unless you desire a completely liquified sauce. I prefer a slightly chunky texture in my spaghetti sauces, as I find it adds to the enjoyment of all the distinct flavors in this gourmet meal. Then, place desired amount of zucchini or yellow squash noodle pasta into separate serving bowls. Now, pour the processed sauce over the servings of noodles. Finally, sprinkle the raw organic pine nuts on top of each bowl. The pine nuts add delicious flavor and make a beautiful and edible garnish. Now you can satisfy even the biggest of appetites as you enjoy devouring this tasty and healthy recipe! Making healthy dietary choices has never been this easy before, and it starts with one healthy choice! I love preparing delectable organic raw vegan meals for people, and I know you will too! Now you can create a whole new experience in your kitchen, and even enroll children in the process as well. Kids have so much fun knowing they are helping make this delicious meal the entire family will love!

Visit http://rawesomeway.com/ for more information on organic raw vegan foods and raw kitchen product reviews!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Molly_A_Brock

Organic Raw Kale Salad

noreply@blogger.com (VegetarianBlog) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 21:39:00 +0000

Organic raw kale is a cruciferous vegetable, belonging to the mustard family. It is high in calcium and contains forty three percent of the daily recommended servings of protein at dry weight. Organic raw kale provides long lasting energy to sustain you throughout the day. We are living in a time where many food items are based off nothing short of convenience. The underlying problem existing with this is that all those readily available and highly processed foods are lifeless, and lack the vitamin and nutrient content found in whole foods.

In the United States today, the number one killer in human beings is heart disease. Diet is a contributing factor of heart disease. It's unhealthy for our hearts when we eat highly processed foods that have large amounts of refined sugar, carbohydrates, and no living enzymes, vitamins or minerals. The choices of foods you eat ultimately impacts the level of your current state of health. Organic raw fruits and vegetables are full of life force energy that ensures you are receiving all the important nutrients the mind and body need to be healthy and thrive. It is very important to focus your attention on your daily food choices. One thing I have noticed over the past ten years is, when I make a healthy food choice it will make it easier to repeat that action in the future.

So, in other words, one healthy choice will lead to another healthy choice! The opposite is also true as well; one unhealthy choice will often lead to, unfortunately, another unhealthy food choice. Ready to make a fresh start on your road to health and well being? Well now is the perfect moment to begin paving the road to your future state of health by learning the simple preparation of this fantastic kale salad recipe! I am going to show you how simple it is to prepare a delicious organic raw kale salad that you can enjoy with your friends and family. Here is a list of all the ingredients needed.

One bunch organic kale, chopped.

One organic red bell pepper, chopped.

Two tablespoons of fresh squeezed organic lemon juice.

Two tablespoons of organic extra virgin olive oil.

One half teaspoon of sea salt.

Let's have fun now making this healthy organic salad! Place all ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Now with clean hands begin to gently massage the mixture together for close to one minute. The reason for massaging the fresh squeezed lemon juice and olive oil into the kale leaves is because this process will actually begin to break down the cell walls of the kale, making it tender and easier to eat. After massaging the mixture you may like to add some chopped tomato and avocado to top it off. Now you have a complete meal!

I cannot even begin to explain how amazing you will feel after eating this organic raw kale salad for the first time, you'll just have to prepare it and find out for yourself! The first time I ate this salad I recognized the value of making healthy food choices, and was so happy to have discovered a food option that would give me so much energy and vitality. Whenever I need a burst of energy I remember how nutritious and energizing this recipe is, as well as how quick and easy it is to prepare! Take advantage of this recipe and the amazing benefits you will receive by making a healthy choice for your life! I wish you abundant health and longevity!

Visit http://rawesomeway.com/ for more information on organic raw vegan foods and raw kitchen product reviews!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Molly_A_Brock

Vegetarian Moussaka - a delectable way to use Butternut Squash

noreply@blogger.com (VegetarianBlog) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 01:27:00 +0000

The inspiration for this Vegetarian Moussaka came after I had drawn a blank with many other vegetarian moussaka recipes
. I love using butternut squash - it is both filling and nutritious. Therefore, using butternut as a base in this dish meant that there didn't have to be as much bulky pulse added. The result is a very satisfying dish, rich in flavor and packed with nutrients.

With regards to roasting the butternut squash: peel the butternut. Next, chop the butternut into inch (2½ cm) cubes, discarding the seeds. Place the cubes on an oiled baking tray. Massage a little oil over the butternut cubes and roast them in a moderate oven for about 30 - 40 mins, until they are cooked. Simple!

The greatest improvement in this Vegetarian Moussaka recipe is that the aubergines are not fried. I hate greasy food - but I love the taste of it! Baking the aubergines gives you the taste with minimal fat. In order to do this, grease a couple of large baking sheets. Slice 2 large aubergines into ¼ inch / 5 mm slices. Place the slices on the baking sheets in a single layer. Brush the slices with oil. Bake at 350° F / 180° C for about 20 minutes. Turn the slices over and cook for another 20 minutes. I usually prepare 4 aubergines like this and freeze the slices in between sheets of freezer paper. I haul them out to put on top of salads or into pasta sauce.

The ingredients seem endless - but everything can be prepared in advance. In fact, it is wise to make the tomato sauce the day before. It can even be made well ahead and frozen.

The addition of a teaspoon of mustard to the cheese sauce adds flavor and means that you can cut down on the amount of cheese.

A little effort
Preparation time: 45 minutes, but everything can be done in advance
Cooking time: ½ hour for moussaka
Serves 6

Ingredients:

4 cups roasted butternut - approx 1lb 4oz / 550g (see above for instructions)
2 cups cooked brown lentils
3 cups tomato sauce (see below)
1 quantity white sauce (see below)
2 large aubergines, cut into ¼ inch thick slices and baked (see above for instructions)

Tomato Sauce Ingredients:

2 large onions, diced
about 3 tablespoons oil
2lbs / 900g tomatoes, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
4 tablespoons tomato paste
½ cup (loosely packed) parsley
½ cup (loosely packed) coriander
1 cup water
½ teaspoon salt
freshly ground pepper

Cheese Sauce Ingredients:

2oz / 60 g butter
2oz / 60 g flour
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup strong cheese, grated - cheddar is a good choice

Use a large frying pan to make the tomato sauce. You will need a small pot for the white sauce and an oven proof dish for the Moussaka.

When you are ready to assemble, heat the oven to 350° F / 180° C.

Method:

To make the tomato sauce: fry the onions in the oil until they soften and begin to brown.

Add the garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste. Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes. Add the parsley, coriander, salt and pepper and slowly add the water. Allow to simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens. You may either blend the sauce or leave it so that it is chunky. This quantity yields about 5 cups.

To make the cheese sauce: melt the butter in the pot. Add the flour and cook for a minute. Slowly add the milk, stirring constantly. Allow to come to the boil and thicken. Add the mustard, cheese and salt and cook for another minute. Keep aside.

To assemble Vegetarian Moussaka: place the cooked diced butternut in the oven-proof dish. Sprinkle over the lentils. Spoon over 3 cups of tomato sauce. Arrange the aubergine slices on top. Spoon the cheese sauce over.
Bake at 350° F / 180° C for ½ hour. Serve with a big salad.

Fiona Lesley has had over 20 years of experience cooking delicious meals for family and friends alike. A teacher by profession, she brings together her years of time and money-saving tips at Monthly Meal Planning

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1202960_26.html

Want to Become Vegetarian - 4 Advantages of Vegetarianism

noreply@blogger.com (VegetarianBlog) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 15:25:00 +0000

Vegetarianism is a campaign to reduce or totally eliminate the presence of meat in the diet. The different classification of vegetarians are as varied as the reasons as to why people switch into this type of diet. However, this movement has a long history, even dating as far back as Pythagoras' time. During those times though, they saw the act of killing animals for human consumption as immoral and blatant barbarism.

Today, the fight continues and it serves varying importance on each individual who chooses to make the change. After all, it offers benefits and advantages that makes becoming a vegetarian a practical decision.

1) Monetary or Economical

By reducing or eliminating meat in your diet, it could improve your financial conditions tremendously. There is no more practical reason than this alone.

If you were to study the trends in the market today, the cost of meat is escalating. There are several factors that can contribute to this. For one, raising meat is expensive in itself as compared to plant-based foods. After the raising period, the processing stage is just as costly. Hence, it will certainly be reflected in the price of meat in the market.

If you remove meat from your list of grocery items, you will notice a major drop in your bill.

2) Safety of Food

Meat, especially poultry, is often stored and kept frozen for a long period of time. Although the meat is frozen, cold temperatures have not been proven to effectively kill all bacteria. Not to mention that during the shipping, processing, and thawing process of the meat, they could have easily been contaminated. Because the procedures just stated are all part of the meat processing method, there is nothing you can do to avoid it.

In fact, statistics show that several meat eaters suffer from food poisoning. This is especially true because several microorganisms could have possibly infested that dead meat, which can be harmful to your body.

3) Variety of Food Choices

Aside from meat being too costly on your budget, it also reduces the variability in your diet choices. Plus, preparing vegetable dishes take no more (even less) than cooking meat dishes.

It is a common misconception that vegetables are boring and not tasty. There are several varieties of vegetarian dishes that you can explore cooking
. Aside from being equally tasty as most meat dishes, they are also nutritious and easy to prepare.

4) Health Benefits

This is probably the most common reason why people opt for a vegetarian diet. There is a wide variety of health risks entailed with a diet consisting of meat; hence you must be informed of each one of them.

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1082614_23.html

Vegetarian Sources of Lecithinh

noreply@blogger.com (VegetarianBlog) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 15:21:00 +0000

The way people eat today is a far cry from the way people used to eat. Before, we're usually happy with foods that are rich in fats and oils. We didn't care about the amount of calories we consume in a day or how high the cholesterol in our blood is going to get if we eat this kind of food or that. However, current trends in diet have changed our general outlook about food. Instead of just taking a liberal attitude about the kind of foods we consume, most of us have become more careful, to the point that some have even turned to vegetarianism and all its health and philosophical connotations.

The thing with vegetarians is that they do not get to consume those nutrients that are normally found only in animal products. Since they do not eat meat, vegetarians often restrict their diet to foods like: macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, cheese pizza, eggplant parmesan, vegetable soup, pancakes, oatmeal, grilled cheese, bean tacos and burritos, vegetable lo mein, French toast, French fries, vegetable pot pie, fruit shakes, bread, yogurt, cheese lasagna, peanut butter and jam, fruit salad, corn flakes, lentils, bulgur, and other non-meat products. One such nutrient that vegetarians hold a danger of inadequate intake is lecithin.

What is Lecithin?

A phospholipid sometimes referred to as phosphatidylcholine, lecithin is most often found in foods that are rich in fats and oils, such as organ meat, red meat, whole eggs, whole milk with cream, dairy cream, and liver. However, while these foods are rich in lecithin, vegetarians and some health-conscious consumers often turn away from them. Not only are these foods rich in fats and calories, they are also animal products which vegetarians want to avoid.

Lecithin is an important nutrient that our body needs. It is a major component of our cell membranes and helps keep the liver to function normally, particularly in the metabolism of fat by bile, an enzyme secreted by the liver. A component of lecithin, choline, is also an essential nutrient. "Essential" because our body can only get its supply of choline from the foods that we eat. There have been studies conducted wherein a deficiency in choline led to the occurrence of symptoms commonly associated with liver cirrhosis and cancer.

Alternative Sources of Lecithin

Considering how important lecithin is, vegetarians therefore need to find their own alternative source of this valuable nutrient. The good news is that lecithin is fairly common and is found in most foods that we eat whether it is plant in origin or animal. One good source of lecithin is soy food, consumption of which has increased since its beneficial effects were discovered decades ago. Supplementation is also another alternative path that vegetarians can take. A lot of drug companies are starting to market lecithin granules vegetarian to help people get their adequate supply of this nutrient even without eating a lot of lecithin-rich foods.

Most experts say that out of all supplemental forms of lecithin, lecithin granules vegetarian is the best. Unlike other forms, lecithin granules vegetarian is versatile and can be consumed directly or be added as an ingredient to food recipes.

Lecithin granules vegetarian are 97% pure phospholipids, which are essential to the structural integrity of the cell membrane. Lecithin granules vegetarian are often referred to as oil-free lecithin because all the natural oils have already been removed.

Find tips about side effects of stress, upper arm muscle pain and other information at the Health And Nutrition Tips website.

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1105721_5.html

Vegan and Vegetarian Gluten-Free Recipes Make for Healthy Meals

noreply@blogger.com (VegetarianBlog) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 15:06:00 +0000

With the increase of people practicing gluten-free diets who are either vegan or vegetarian, there is a surplus of delicious and healthy recipes readily available on the internet. There are a gluten-free vegan and vegetarian recipes for such classic gluten-containing dishes as pizzas, eggplant parmesan and a variety of others. If you haven´t already you should go on and explore your meal options and be healthy in the process!

Vegans and vegetarians with celiac disease are typically deficient in certain vitamins, making it even more important to eat healthier varieties come meal time. Vegetarians are typically deficient in iron, zinc, omega 3 fatty acids and protein while vegans are typically deficient in calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin b12, vitamin D, omega 3 fatty acids and protein.

That´s no problem though. As long as you´re eating the right things you´ll be fine. And luckily, there´s no better way of finding vegan and vegetarian gluten-free recipes than the internet. The only exclusively vegan and vegetarian gluten-free website online right now is Vegiac.com, an online community that lets users share recipes and other information.

One of my favorite recipes I´ve found on the website is a recipe for a vegan gluten-free pizza crust. This yummy pizza topped with tomato sauce, soy cheese and tons of vitamin rich veggies like green peppers and onions, is a delicious meal option that is also healthy.

Not interested in Italian? How about Mexican or Thai? There are literally hundreds of different recipes and meals available to people that are vitamin-packed and delectable dishes to prepare for one, or for the whole family.

You can find tons of vegan and vegetarian gluten-free recipes on the internet for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. For people like vegans and vegetarians, who have a higher risk of vitamin deficiencies, it´s even more important to be eating healthy and nutritious meals. Luckily, if you have access to a computer and the internet, there are a lot of options to choose from. So, don´t afraid to explore the internet and look for recipes to try out, you might find some new favorites that are tons of fun to prepare and eat as well as healthy for you!

Do you want to learn more about a vegetarian gluten free or vegan gluten free lifestyle or get recipes, product reviews or support? Just visit http://www.Vegiac.com to learn more!

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_916181_31.html

Vegetarian Fajitas – Meat Missed No More

noreply@blogger.com (VegetarianBlog) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 15:02:00 +0000

The original fajita recipe uses grilled meat strips served on tortilla made of corn or flour. Ideally the meat has to be cooked with bell peppers and onion. Actually, fajitas can be made using all kinds of vegetables and meat from chicken to crab and from leeks to peppers. Traditional fajita recipe uses marinated skirt steak mixed with peppers and onions. Condiments that are popular with the authentic fajitas of the Tex-Mex cuisine include shredded lettuce, guacamole, salsa, cheese, tomato, sour cream and pico de gallo. With an increase in demand for meatless fajitas, many new recipes are doing the rounds.

The vegetarian fajita recipes use ingredients like mushrooms, bell peppers, tofu, potatoes, zucchini, sweet potato, black beans and many more. The meat is substituted with any combination of the above mentioned ingredients and then used for filling in tortillas making mouth watering, sumptuous and very genuine tasting fajitas. These fajitas taste as good as or even better than those made with steak. The vegetables are grilled and served hot for those who would prefer to make their own filling combination while the wrapped ones are also available. The grilled vegetables add a smoky flavor to fajitas that is its characteristic feature.

Black Beans Fajita

This is a very simple fajita recipe that can be tried by anybody. Cooked black beans, corn, salsa, green onions and red bell peppers are stirred in a skillet until the pepper and onions are tender. This mixture of beans and veggies are served wrapped in warm and tender corn tortillas and served along with salsa. Thus the procedure is easy and the time required for cooking very less. The seasoning can be adjusted according to requirements and rest assured - your guests will not miss the chicken.

Mushroom Fajita

This recipe uses mushrooms which have been cooked in water to which oil, salt and garlic have been added. Red pepper and onions are cooked for about three minutes and cooked mushrooms and garlic are added to this mixture. The flavors are enhanced further by addition of jalapeno peppers and cilantro. The mixture is spooned into the center of the tortillas which are folded and topped with sour cream and chopped jalapenos. The dish can be served with lemon wedges and lime salsa. The fajitas can be served in nacho style where in the filled tortillas are cut into bite sized pieces and garnished with cheddar cheese.

The vegetarian fajitas are easy to cook and healthier than their meaty counterparts. The variety of fajita recipes that are available for making them without the meat are plenty and with a little bit of imagination you can come up with different combinations that can tickle your taste buds to no end. This Mexican food is fast becoming popular due to the freedom of innovation and creativity that can be experimented with and thoroughly enjoyed. No, certainly not! The meat is not needed any more where fajita recipes are concerned and the vegetarians can enjoy and relish them too.

Fajita recipes offers you wide range of both vegetarian and non vegetarian recipes. Check out the website for more information

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_997087_33.html

Vegetarian Recipes Videos: Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (VegetarianBlog) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 23:37:00 +0000

How to make Tangy Paneer - Indian Vegetarian Recipes

Vegetarian Recipes l Lentil Walnut Veggie Burgers

Vegetarian Recipes Videos: Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (VegetarianBlog) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:51:00 +0000

Here is the first series of videos. On this series are a couple of Indian vegetarian recipes, enjoy!

Jalebi (Sweet) Recipe by Manjula, Indian Vegetarian Cuisine

Naan Bread Recipe by Manjula, Indian Vegetarian Gourmet

Adding Pizzazz by Stir Frying Veggies

noreply@blogger.com (VegetarianBlog) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:45:00 +0000

One of the most interesting meals that you can prepare on a regular basis for your loved ones is stir fry veggies dishes. One of the reasons that stir fry veggie meals are interesting is that they are usually very colorful due to the variety of vegetables included. Stir fry veggie meals are an excellent way to add healthful veggies to any meal.

Stir fry veggie meals are usually cooked on either a large skillet, frying pan or wok. Oil is used for cooking and the best choice is either olive oil for a lighter taste or peanut oil for a fuller oriental style taste you might want to create. For those that are monitoring their caloric consumption and looking for a low calorie, but very delicious meal, use one of the spray oil products such as “PAM” and your stir fry vegetable dishes will not only cook well, but still be reduced in calories.

For those that would like to cook strictly stir fry veggie meals that are oriental in nature, purchase a wok. A wok is relatively inexpensive and is just right for stir fry meals due to the fact that the wok can get very hot, usually much hotter than even a pan.

Oriental Stir Fry
Oriental stir fry vegetable dishes are extremely easy to make and can be prepared and cooked in less than 20 minutes.
-1 onion
-1 red pepper
-1 large can of Chinese vegetables (usually includes water chestnuts, bamboo shoots and baby corn).
-Soy sauce to taste (try low sodium soy sauce for those trying to reduce their salt intake).
-Olive oil
Once you cut the vegetables up, heat up the wok and then add a little oil, now add your contents into the wok and stir them around. A wooden spoon or other utensil is helpful. It is important to keep the food moving around because the wok can be very hot and burn items that stay stationary for long periods of time. This recipe makes about 2 servings.

Super Easy Stir Fry (about 15 minutes to prepare and cook)
If you are in a rush and would like to make a meal for your family that not only tastes good, but is very delicious, you can buy pre packaged stir fry mixes.

-1 stir fry mix package. These mixes are complete with everything you need. Often times they include veggies such as green beans, water chestnuts, rice, baby corn, bamboo shoots, peppers, etc. Some might even include chicken, beef or pork.
-A few tablespoons of olive oil

Just lightly oil your wok or pan, heat on a medium temperature and stir away for 10 to 15 minutes. Follow the serving suggestions for your stir fry mix package.

Stir Fry Veggie Options
Besides the above stir fry recipes, you can easily add fish, shrimp or tofu to your stir fry. Another great idea is to add your stir fry to Thai style noodles which can include a spicy sauce.

Sustainable Living Articles @ http://www.articlegarden.com

About Christine Steendahl:
For additional excellent recipes from Christine Steendahl, "The Menu Mom", visit www.themenumom.com and for another delicious stir-fry recipe go to www.dinewithoutwhine.com/stir-fry-vegetable-recipe.htm

Low Calorie and Vegetarian Recipes - The Mouthwatering One

noreply@blogger.com (VegetarianBlog) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:58:00 +0000

Many people tend to sit on the fence when it comes to a decision to switch to healthy diet. This is because they believe that they will have to give up their demand for palate to go for low calorie and vegetarian recipes. Well, the good news is that there are actually tasty alternatives, and I am about to give you two examples.

1. Vegetarian Black Bean Burgers

To prepare this dish, you will need:

* 1 can of black beans

* 1/2 of an onion

* 1/2 cup of flour

* 2 slices of bread

* 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

* 1 teaspoon of onion powder

* 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt

* salt and pepper

Follow the steps below for cooking:

a) Dice and sauté the onion for 4 to 5 minutes to make it soft.

b) Pour the black beans into a large bowl and mash them until they are almost smooth.

c) Add to the mashed black beans with the sauteed onions, garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoned salt.

d) Crumble up the sliced bread and add them to the mixture.

e) Add the flour to the mixture, a few tablespoons each time. Keep stirring after each addition.

f) Put a small amount of oil into a frying pan, heat it up.

g) Scoop some of the mixture out of the bowl with your hands, and shape it into a pattie that is about 1/2 thick.

h) Fry the patties until they are firm.

Have a try and you will be amazed at the wonderful taste of the burgers.

2. Tofu Scramble

If you have ever tried vegetarian diet, you will know that tofu is always used as a meat substitute. And, the tofu scramble which we are about to try can be served as a wonderful substitute for scrambled eggs.

The following will be needed to prepare this dish:

* 1 block of tofu, drained and press

* 1/2 yellow onion

* 1/2 green pepper

* 1 teaspoon garlic powder

* 1 teaspoon onion powder

* 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

* 1 tablespoon soy sauce

* 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

* 2 teaspoons oil or margarine

Here is how to cook:

a) Cut the tofu into one inch cubes, and crumble it slightly with a fork.

b) Dice the onion and bell pepper.

c) Add some oil or margarine to a skillet, and set the heat to medium-high.

d) Add the onion, green pepper and tofu to the skillet. Cook for 4 or 5 minutes.

e) Add garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, soy sauce, and nutritional yeast to the skillet.

f) Cook the tofu scramble for 6 or 7 minutes, stirring frequently. When it is done, pour onto a plate and enjoy.

You may also add your favorite vegetables to this tofu scramble, just as what you may do with scrambled eggs. Some common choices include tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, and carrots.

If you just give a try to these two recipes, you will be convinced that low calorie and vegetarian recipes do not have to be bland or boring. In fact, there are thousands of vegetarian dishes out there that are tasty, easy to make, and yet good for your health.
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Author: rajpal175

Vegetarian Chili Recipes: Tasteful Options for Vegetarians!

noreply@blogger.com (VegetarianBlog) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:56:00 +0000

If you are a big fan for chili, you may have regretted about not being able to switch to vegetarian diet. In fact, this should not be your concern. I am about to introduce you two vegetarian chili recipes in this article. You will find that you do not have to give up chili for a healthier diet.

One of the two recipes is for the average palate, and the other is spicier.

* Easy Vegetarian Chili

This chili recipe is simple and easy to prepare. You will need the following ingredients:

- 1/2 onion, diced

- 1 bell pepper, diced

- 3 garlic cloves, minced

- 2 teaspoons olive oil

- 1 can of diced tomatoes

- 3 tablespoons vegetable broth

- 2 tablespoons chili powder

- 1 can of pinto or black beans, drained

- 1 can of kidney beans, drained

1. Get a large soup pot, and add the olive, onion, garlic and bell pepper to the pot. Saute for about 4 or 5 minutes.

2. Add the tomatoes, vegetable broth and chili powder to the pot, and stir the mixture.

3. Set the heat to medium-low, and add the black beans and kidney beans to the mixture.

4. Now, cook the chili for a minimum of 20 minutes, and stir the mixture from time to time. If you have enough time, you can reduce the heat and let the chili simmer for a while. Usually, the chili flavor is more enhanced with longer cooking.

* Hot Vegetarian Chili

If you are addicted to hot and spicy chili, I also have one recipe for you.

To prepare this recipe, you will need the following:

- 1 onion, diced

- 3 cloves of garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 28 ounce can of diced tomatoes

- 4 tablespoons of chili powder

- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

- 1 teaspoon each of cumin, red pepper flakes, and salt

- 1 1/2 cups of hot salsa

- 1 cup of water

- 3 cans of kidney beans

1. In a large soup pot, saute the onions and garlic in olive oil for about 4 or 5 minutes.

2. Add to the pot the tomatoes, cayenne, chili powder, cumin, red pepper, salt, hot salsa and water. Stir the mixture, and then set heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Stirring occasionally during the simmering.

3. Last, add the bean to the pot, and let the chili simmer for another 30 minutes. Then, your hot and spicy vegetarian chili is ready for serve!

Now, if you are still skeptical about whether you will have to give up your favorite palate to switch to the vegetarian diet, you can simply give these two vegetarian chili recipes a try. I hope you will be happy with your new finding.

Is vegetarian chili recipe your cup of tea? You may explore more about vegetarian recipes from our online guide. You may also like to check out this related artilce about low calorie and vegetarian recipes.

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Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_509498_26.htm
Author: Kelly Limpert