vegetarian

[Alison]

Lately I have wanted to cut down on my meats and eat healthier. I'm starting to be grossed out by meat.
I'm looking to slowly add more whole foods in my diet.
I'm looking for recipes that are tasty and easy to convert a meat eater like me and my kids. I don't want lots of pasta recipes as gluten does not agree with me. Any one willing to help.
It has to taste good.

[David]

Do you want to cut back on all meat, including seafood? You don't specify.

Here's a recipe I created that can be tailored to your preferences.

Ingredients

4 or 5 patty pan squash, yellow
6 tablespoons olive oil
Wild rice (and/or brown rice, if you prefer)
1 cup marinara
1 pound large scallops (or prawns, if you prefer)
2 tablespoons crushed ginger, Gourmet Garden brand
1 tablespoon crushed lemon grass, Gourmet Garden brand
Kretschmer brand toasted wheat germ


Cook the wild rice, cover & let sit.

Dice squash & put in a large saute or frying pan with a lid. Salt & pepper. Add olive oil & on low to medium heat, slowly caramelize squash, stirring frequently but keep cover on to maintain moisture.

Add crushed ginger & lemon grass & continue caramelizing. After a few minutes, add scallops. Cover again & turn to low heat. Let cook approx. 5 minutes. Stir, if needed.

When scallops have almost completely cooked (should be slightly browned on outside), add marinara & wheat germ (sprinkle). Cover again & let warm through on very low heat for approx. 3 minutes.

Dish up wild rice (or brown rice) on large serving plate, & scoop scallop & marinara & squash goop -- well caramelized -- onto the rice. Add a sprig of thyme to promote greenery on the plate. Enjoy!
http://www.southernexposure.com/Merchant2/graphics/goldenbushscallopThumb.JPG http://www.ranchogordo.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/wild_rice.jpg

[DESTINYRU!ES]

Hi there:D

I've been a veg. for six years and have never been at a loss for good tasting meatless dishes. (Becoming a veg has also made me a better cooker of meat dishes for my meat eating guests, and yes I allow others around me to enjoy what they like even if I don't like it.) I too, like you, because grossed out by eating meat because of horrid experieces eating strange animals in a foreign country. Then when I returned home to the safety of chicken and the "normal meats of home", I found I couldn't shake the idea that all meats have the same consistencies. So in a nut shell I'm saying, I've been where you are and I did make the decision to cut out all meat and ultimately it has made me more aware of what I put into my body and I've also lost a few extra pounds. Like I said, it works for me. In time you will find what works best for you and your family. If you have any questions feel free to ask. If you give me an idea of what kind of food, spices, flavors you prefer, I can offer recipes based on your preferences. But quite honestly, asking if anyone has any good meatless recipes is like asking if Fleetwood Mac has any good songs...the list could go on for... I rest my case. My last point is that becoming a veg has made me aware of the seasonal foods that are only in season at certain times and those immediately become favorites because they only come around when the produce is in season. Tonight I made pumpkin soup with fresh pumpkin, leeks(in the onion family) and potatoes. I've made it for many pot luck get-togethers and always bring copies of the recipe cause i've never known anyone to not like it. Even if you dislike the idea of pumpkin, give it another chance. Fresh cooked pumpkin is nothing like the orange paste that comes in the cans. I've gone on long enough. I can also recommend a few good "meat reducer" and vegetarian cookbooks to get you started.

[Alison]

I forgot to mention. I still will eat seafood and eggs.
thanks for all the help so far.

[jannieC]

I forgot to mention. I still will eat seafood and eggs.
thanks for all the help so far.

I have been meat free for about 10 years. We do eat fish though, and later on I'll see if I can send you some great recipes. David's recipe sounds wonderful.

FYI- my husband's cholesterol was 270+. He quit smoking and stopped eating meat and now it's down to 113. :nod:

[GODDESS6]

I have been meat free for about 10 years. We do eat fish though, and later on I'll see if I can send you some great recipes. David's recipe sounds wonderful.

FYI- my husband's cholesterol was 270+. He quit smoking and stopped eating meat and now it's down to 113. :nod:

awesome on the lowering of the cholesterol!!!:thumbsup:~ my dad was very thin & what we thought was healthy, but he had high cholesterol, which we didn't know about, that was 22 yrs ago & they hardly talked of checking your cholesterol levels back then & they certainly didn't do it to someone who seemed healthy & was so young, he also smoked~ he died of a massive heart attack at 37~ eating healthy is something i always try to do, but i haven't been able to take out the meat totally, but do try to always use lean cuts & we eat lots of boneless skinless chicken breast & fish~ we always eat ALOT of veggies & salad~ my son will only eat chicken & fish, he loathes red meat & i am fine w/ that~ even in my daycare i always try to cook more on the healthy side than feeding them the junk that they all crave~

[irishgrl]

Add a sprig of thyme to promote greenery on the plate.

*snort* Thats sig worthy!

[golddustwoman77]

Morning Star makes some fast and easy meat replacements that are terrific. I especially like their Chik-Patties and faux-sausage patties. They are in the frozen food section of your grocery or Wal-Mart.

[carrie721]

Morning Star makes some fast and easy meat replacements that are terrific. I especially like their Chik-Patties and faux-sausage patties. They are in the frozen food section of your grocery or Wal-Mart.

omg, i LOVE morningstar fake meat ... lol. my favorite are the black bean burgers & the buffalo wings. yummmmmmmmm.

[Alison]

I live in Canada, so I don't get the Morning Star products here.
Keep the ideas coming. You will convert me yet.

[carrie721]

I live in Canada, so I don't get the Morning Star products here.
Keep the ideas coming. You will convert me yet.

oh. damn canada. :laugh:

try checking out the freezer section for other brands - morningstar just happens to be my favorite but there are other tasty ones out there. one of my favorite lunches is a black bean burger with melted colby jack cheese with salsa & guacamole :D

[WildInTheWind]

I live in Canada, so I don't get the Morning Star products here.
Keep the ideas coming. You will convert me yet.

Do they have Amy brand products? Those are good if you're looking for something quick and easy. Pricey, though.

I haven't eaten meat (or fish) in about 12 years. I use portabellas a lot. And tofu can be awesome if you can prepare it right. I have a hard time with tofu. But I'm a ****ty cook in general, so that could have something to do with it.

[jannieC]

<a href="http://www.bocaburger.com/">Boca</a> makes a great line of meat replacement products. Clicking on that link will take you to a recipe link, too.

[irishgrl]

are boca burgers really as good as everyone says??

[HejiraNYC]

Do they have Amy brand products? Those are good if you're looking for something quick and easy. Pricey, though.

I haven't eaten meat (or fish) in about 12 years. I use portabellas a lot. And tofu can be awesome if you can prepare it right. I have a hard time with tofu. But I'm a ****ty cook in general, so that could have something to do with it.

Tofu is your best friend. Or at least it could be if you give it a chance. :p :nod: I happen to have grown up in a household where tofu was a staple since I was a wee laddie, so being a vegetarian (borderline vegan) for the past 20 years has been very, very simple. I really don't understand where all the tofu hate comes from, because it is just wonderful- raw, stir-fried, steamed (soon-doo-bu), as ice cream, etc. Soy milk, edamame, and soy nuts are also great protein sources. It's an acquired taste, but you would do well to go check out some Asian restaurants (Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, etc.) to see how they do their tofu dishes. Unfortunately I think most people think of tofu as the slimy crap found in the raw form in some salad bars, so definitely keep an open mind about it. Being vegetarian is not just about fake meats or having to compromise or sacrifice. It's about have great food that you enjoy unconditionally because it is healthy, humane and environmentally sustainable.

[WildInTheWind]

Tofu is your best friend. Or at least it could be if you give it a chance. :p :nod: I happen to have grown up in a household where tofu was a staple since I was a wee laddie, so being a vegetarian (borderline vegan) for the past 20 years has been very, very simple. I really don't understand where all the tofu hate comes from, because it is just wonderful- raw, stir-fried, steamed (soon-doo-bu), as ice cream, etc. Soy milk, edamame, and soy nuts are also great protein sources. It's an acquired taste, but you would do well to go check out some Asian restaurants (Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, etc.) to see how they do their tofu dishes. Unfortunately I think most people think of tofu as the slimy crap found in the raw form in some salad bars, so definitely keep an open mind about it. Being vegetarian is not just about fake meats or having to compromise or sacrifice. It's about have great food that you enjoy unconditionally because it is healthy, humane and environmentally sustainable.


Oh I like tofu, I just can't seem to cook it right. It always turns out awful. But that goes for pretty much anything I try to cook. :laugh:

[jannieC]

Last night I made Hamburger Helper (with <a href="http://seeveggiesdifferently.com/product_detail.aspx?id=324">Morning Star Crumbles</a> instead of meat) and steamed broccoli. I know HH is evil but sometimes it tastes soooo good. I made the Stroganoff kind and I'm eating the leftovers for lunch today!

EDIT: I meant to add that you can make your own "meat" crumbles using <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Textured_vegetable_protein">TVP</a>. I bought a bag of TVP flakes, I haven't had time to try it yet. It's my understanding that TVP is really easy to work with- I'll keep you posted.

[irishgrl]

My grandparents were 7th Day Adventists and every Saturday after services, the church would have a potluck and it would be meat free....there was a meat(less) loaf that was served that was OUT OF THIS WORLD!!! and it was made with GRAPE NUTS of all things!

I will try and get the recipe to share, it was awesome!

in the meantime, here is one I found online:




" Deceived" Meatless Meat Loaf

Trying to get out of a bad relationship? Prepare this delicious vegetarian meatloaf, and then run out the back door while your partner is wolfing it down!

You will need:

* 1 cup cashew nuts
* 1/2 cup walnuts
* 1/2 cup pine nuts
* 2 Tbsp. butter
* 1 cup finely chopped leeks
* 1 Tbsp. finely chopped garlic
* 1 cup chopped mushrooms
* 1/2 ounce dried mushrooms, soaked in 1/2 cup warm water and chopped finely
* salt and pepper to taste
* 1 Tbsp. each: freshly chopped parsley, thyme and basil
* 1 cup cooked brown rice
* 1/2 cup Grape Nuts
* 1 cup cottage cheese
* 3 eggs, beaten
* 1 Acme brand "fake your own death kit"

Directions:

1. Toast the nuts on a baking sheet at 350F for 10 minutes.

2. Roughly chop the cashews and walnuts (leave the pine nuts whole) and set aside.

3. Saute the leeks in butter until softened, but not brown. Add the garlic and reduce the heat to medium.

4. Add the chopped fresh and soaked mushrooms with the mushroom soaking liquid and cook over medium heat about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Transfer the hot mixture to a large mixing bowl and add the herbs, toasted nuts, brown rice, Grape Nuts, cottage cheese, eggs, and mix well.

6. Butter a 1 1/2 quart baking dish or loaf pan and fill with the mixture and bake for 60 minutes. The top should be firm and nicely brown, but not burned. (Brush with tomato sauce or catsup for the final 20 minutes, if desired.)

7. Serve up your meatless meatloaf secure in the knowledge that even your most carniverous guest may be deceived by its hearty goodness.

8. Deploy your Acme brand "fake your own death kit" proving you'll do whatever it takes to avoid doing the dishes.

[amber]

Last night I made Hamburger Helper (with <a href="http://seeveggiesdifferently.com/product_detail.aspx?id=324">Morning Star Crumbles</a> instead of meat) and steamed broccoli. I know HH is evil but sometimes it tastes soooo good. I made the Stroganoff kind and I'm eating the leftovers for lunch today!


^^ In a similar vein, I use Boca "ground beef" quite often. I don't know if it is available to you. Also look for "Quorn".
Anyway, I'm not an experienced cook - I really like burritos, and they are quick and easy, so I make them quite a bit using the Boca for the burrito meat. I cook it with onion and salsa and other normal beef seasonings, then put it in a flour tortilla with the cheese. Then I fry the outside of the tortilla for a bit (no oil, just browning it in the pan).
On my tortillas I like dark green lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, cheese, guac/sour cream (sometimes). Sometimes I put sprouts. I don't care for beans on it, but if you like beans they are a great nutritious inclusion to your diet. Usually a vegetarian staple, really, so I hope you like them. :)
You, of course, would make it how you like it. :p

Also you can use the ground Boca for spaghetti and the like.

I used to be vegan. I'm pretty sure I ate too many breads and not enough vegetables. Make sure you really increase your veggie and fruit intake as you switch to no meat diet. Also try to use "good" oils for cooking.

My tofu experiences have been hit or miss. When it is cooked in a yummy way, I can eat some. But I don't care for the actual taste of the tofu much. Luckily the flavor isn't too strong, so it is a great base for creative, full, and delicious preparation in many different forms.

[kathy1]

i don't know if i would like to be a vegetarian. i like to eat some meat.

[camchristo]

oh. damn canada. :laugh:

try checking out the freezer section for other brands - morningstar just happens to be my favorite but there are other tasty ones out there. one of my favorite lunches is a black bean burger with melted colby jack cheese with salsa & guacamole :D


OMFG - that is SO good. I love Morningstar black bean burgers. Tasty. I just bought some new veggie burgers at Costco - Don Lee Farms. They are really good too. They have sunflower seeds in them.

[David]

My tofu experiences have been hit or miss. When it is cooked in a yummy way, I can eat some. But I don't care for the actual taste of the tofu much.I love tofu. I've been eating it since I was a little tyke. We had Japanese food in my family all the time because my dad shared a practice with a Japanese doctor. So we were trekking over to Yama (Arcadia area) for tempura, teriyaki & sashimi way back before the sushi craze hit California.

I can take a big thing of tofu & eat it plain. What I don't like is when tofu is being something it isn't. Tofu turkeys or tofu roasts or tofu egg salad, &c. They do something to the tofu that makes it taste funny. I avoid all that dreck. But dice me up some tofu & warm it in a saute pan or drop it in my miso or hot & sour soup, & I'm quite happy. Let tofu be tofu, I say!

[HejiraNYC]

I love tofu. I've been eating it since I was a little tyke. We had Japanese food in my family all the time because my dad shared a practice with a Japanese doctor. So we were trekking over to Yama (Arcadia area) for tempura, teriyaki & sashimi way back before the sushi craze hit California.

I can take a big thing of tofu & eat it plain. What I don't like is when tofu is being something it isn't. Tofu turkeys or tofu roasts or tofu egg salad, &c. They do something to the tofu that makes it taste funny. I avoid all that dreck. But dice me up some tofu & warm it in a saute pan or drop it in my miso or hot & sour soup, & I'm quite happy. Let tofu be tofu, I say!

Oh yes... MISO! Me so into Miso! Me love it long time. :p

My fave comfort food is a rich miso soup with cubed tofu, potatoes, bean sprouts, onions and lots of seaweed, topped off with a large dollop of sticky brown rice. A similar Korean concoction with lots of chili peppers is called chi-gae. So yummy!

[carrie721]

OMFG - that is SO good. I love Morningstar black bean burgers. Tasty. I just bought some new veggie burgers at Costco - Don Lee Farms. They are really good too. They have sunflower seeds in them.

aren't they delish? i've never had those sunflower seed ones. sounds good though.

[irishgrl]

from my friend:

Grapenuts Roast

Ingredients (use vegan versions):
2 cup Grapenuts cereal
3 cup nut milk
2 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoon whole wheat or soy flour, or Ener-G Egg Replacer for 2 eggs
1-1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sage
Directions:

Combine all ingredients, mix well. Let stand 20 minutes. Transfer to large loaf pan or casserole, sprayed with Pam. Bake uncovered at 350' for 40 minutes or until lightly browned. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 1 hour, 20 minutes



this isnt the exact recipe I was looking for but its close :)

[Alison]

Thanks everyone for all the thoughts and recipes.
I really want to make a change.
Keep then coming.
I also can't have gluten. So any thoughts there.
Alison