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Friday, 17 January 2014

Beyond Garden Veggie Patties: Vegetarian Cooking Ideas

By Marissa Velazquez


One of the most difficult things about vegetarian cooking can be creating variety. People often get caught in the rut of simply recycling the same garden veggie patties and stir fried tofu with no flavor. However, it doesn't have to be this way. There are a lot of different sources of protein and varieties of flavor that can be included in your diet without using meat. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Cheesy Rice and Beans can be cooked quickly, and the preparation is not complicated. It is also a great meal for people or families on a tight budget, as it costs very little and can last for a few meals.

When cooking beans and rice, you have several choices. You can choose between white rice and brown rice, and canned beans or dry beans. You also have the choice of what kind of beans to use. Some of my personal favorites are black beans, small red beans, and blackeye peas. You should start your rice first. Then, in another pot, combine an onion, a few minced garlic cloves, and some diced carrots. Saute those ingredients together, and then add your beans. Bring the mixture to a boil, and cook on low until the carrots are as soft as you want them and the flavors have combined. Serve the beans over the rice, and add shredded cheese, which will melt on top.

Marinated Baked Tofu is fast and easy, too. Another plus with this recipe is that it does not create a lot of dishes.

Many people think that tofu is bland, but it does not have to be. Marinating tofu can make a huge difference in the flavor. To make a ginger marinade, combing water, soy sauce, fresh minced garlic, fresh minced ginger, and sesame oil. Place sliced tofu (firm or extra firm) in this liquid and let it marinate for at least thirty minutes. Meanwhile, grease a cookie sheet and set the oven to 425 degrees. When the tofu has finished marinating, place it on the cookie sheet with sesame seeds sprinkled on top, and bake for 30 minutes. Turn the cookie sheet, and bake another fifteen minutes, adding more marinade if necessary.

Deluxe Garden Veggie Patties are a great idea for kids. Try serving one of the variations below with roasted potato wedges and baby carrots.

Just like regular hamburgers, veggie patties are not very exciting when they are served with only ketchup and mustard or lettuce and tomato. However, there are manny ways to spice them up. One way is to try new flavors, like spicy bean burgers, mushroom burgers, or even more exotic flavors like masala. Adding different toppings is fun too. Try spicy pickles, grilled onions, or a cabbage slaw. You could even make a vegetarian "bacon cheeseburger, " using veggie bacon and, if you are vegan, dairy-free cheese.

Although vegetarian cooking requires some extra thought and creativity, it can be exciting to cook without meat. There is a great wealth of vegetarian recipes on the internet and in cookbooks, beyond garden veggie patties; seek them out, and create your own collection of your favorites. Make a point to try new seasonings and to find out about all the different sources of protein. You and your family can learn to love a diet that is free of meat.




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