Thursday, August 9, 2012

Ain't Got No Meat? Whatcha Gonna Eat?

Just because I consider this a bit of a fast (a Pagan Lent? *L*) doesn't meant I can't still eat delicious, nourishing food.  Now, because I have a gastric band, I will have to drink at least one protein shake a day.  There is a lot of protein to be found in vegetarian substitutes, but I have some special dietary needs, so it will be whey protein to the rescue.  I'll be consuming some eggs and dairy as well.

I have sort of started developing recipes, but the real testing and development will happen in the moment, when the produce I want to use is actually in season.  For now, though, I have a list that I am working on.  Here are some of the dishes that I will be experimenting with during the period between the old and new year:

Linguine frittata with greens - chard, etc.
Lentil burgers - I'll experiment with different spices
Majahdra - lentils and rice flavored with fried onions
Tofu scramble - That recipe is posted on here somewhere
Butternut squash lasagna - Another recipe that is on this blog somewhere
Tofu stir-fry with veggies and probably a peanut sauce
Stuffed cabbage - Using my lentil-walnut loaf mixture as a stuffing
Stuffed mushrooms
Roasted vegetable enchiladas
Roasted carrot and parsnip soup
Wild mushroom soup
Mushroom and polenta pie

I'm also working on a grain or rice salad that features the colors of Samhain.  I will probably have some of that on Samhain to mark my transition.  

Those are just a few of the ideas I have. I'm sure I'll feel creative enough once the produce is in season and the stores are decorated with squash and other autumn goodies.   Stay tuned, as always, for recipes.

3 comments:

Sapphire said...

Yep. We're doing a meatless day today, well MOSTLY meatless. I'm going to use beef broth in my lentil chili tonight :)

Mary@ marystestkitchen.com said...

Your list looks yummy! Just a tip about protein shakes, Vega is a great vegan alternative to whey powder. Because it's plant based, its really easy to absorb and has lots of other nutrients you might be missing. Anyway, I have it most days and my body craves it. I hope you try it. It's great that you're giving your body a break from meat. Peace and love :-)

JustComment said...

mmm, the mushroom polenta pie sounds interesting! If you're going the tofu route, there are so many variations. I always enjoyed a sticky, asian, bbq sauce: Rice wine vinegar, plum sauce, and black bean paste. Yum!