Vegetarianism Made E-Z (Recipes and Stuff - NO debate allowed here!)

[Monica]

Alright, please educate me on beans and how to use them a meaningful way in meals

That sounds like a great plan, Oldern!

We have a Hispanic in the family, so beans, rice and homemade tortillas are staples in our house. We usually cook a big pot of pinto beans once a week, and have tacos a few times over the next few days. We soak the pintos overnight, then cook them with a little salt, Mexican spices like cumino and garlic, then serve with Spanish rice and guacamole. Oh and hot salsa of course!

I sometimes use the leftover beans to make refried beans. Just saute some fresh garlic and a little olive oil, and add the beans mashed. Very good for a quick taco, or served with tofu enchiladas or chilaquilas.

Chilaquilas: Saute some onion, garlic and jalepeno peppers in a little oil. When the veggies are almost tender (still a little crisp, not mushy!), add some chopped tomato, saute just a bit more, then add beaten eggs or mashed tofu and broken corn chips. (Be sure to get organic corn, if possible, to avoid Monsanto-tainted corn.) Top with hot sauce, serve with refried beans and tortillas.

Back to beans: We also make bean soups. You can get '9-bean soup mix' with spices included at most health food stores. Just add some carrots, celery and other veggies for a hearty meal!

Other legumes are very satisfying too. There are many great recipes for lentil soup and split pea soup. (When doing a search for recipes, be sure to include the word vegetarian, because many soup recipes call for chicken broth and/or bacon.) Serve with fresh whole grain bread or cornbread and a small salad for a very nourishing meal!

I always keep a few cans of vegetarian chili on hand, for a quick meal in a pinch. Just add some corn chips and salsa.

Another great legume is the garbanzo bean. Natural grocery stores, and even some of the mainstream ones, sell hummus in the deli section. It's made from garbanzos and olive oil, and comes in different flavors such as garlic. Great for dipping with veggies or chips, or on pita bread with onion, lettuce and tomato. That's really all it takes to have a protein-rich meal!

Eggs are a great source for protein and other nutrients, provided they're free-range. Commercially produced eggs have hormones and antibiotics, so I would avoid them. Not to mention, they don't have much nutrients. You can tell because the yolks are pale and sickly. Better to get free-range eggs if you can. Much healthier.

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