Author: vegtutor

I am a Christian wife and mother of four adult children. Over 20 years ago I prayed for guidance after noticing typical middle age changes in my health, and felt led to pursue a vegetarian lifestyle. It is so exciting to see the positive effects of following a healthy natural diet, not the least of which is a permanent 40 lb. weight loss. God really does know best! I now teach vegetarian cooking classes and try to share what I have learned to help others improve their health and vitality. I believe that once you know "why" the "how" is easy. I try to keep all the recipes I share simple with common ingredients and easy preparation. Eating healthy doesn't have to be difficult.

Miracle Fat-Burner Stew

This is one of the first recipes I ever posted, and it is still a family favorite. Sometimes the simple meals are the best. I make this stew often because it’s so easy, uses simple ingredients you can find anywhere, no exotic spices or expensive equipment needed. If you have a very big pot and a wooden spoon, then you can make this and know that you are feeding your family a delicious, home-cooked, plant-based meal.

I found this easy recipe years ago in a magazine, and have used it many times since. It makes A LOT. (You need a very large stock pot to accommodate the recipe — a traditional dutch oven will not do). This recipe is great when you are cooking for a crowd, but if you are cooking for just one or two you can use the leftovers to make one of the variations on different nights so you don’t get bored. It also freezes well, so you will always have something on hand when you are too busy or too tired to cook. Serve with a crusty wholegrain bread and maybe a salad.

I hope you love this recipe as much as I do!

RECIPE

Makes 10 (2-cup) servings: 258 cals.; 18 g. protein; 4 g. fat; 45 g. carbs.; 1.54 mg. sodium; 0 mg. chol.; 12 g. fiber

1 1/2 bags (1 lb. ea.) dried lentils

2 Tbsp. olive oil

2 c. chopped onions (1 12 oz. bag frozen)

2 Tbsp chopped garlic (6 cloves)

1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste

10 c. vegetable broth

1 can (28 oz.) stewed tomatoes

1 Tbsp. salt

1 tsp. paprika

1 tsp. cayenne pepper

2 bags (1 lb. ea.) assorted frozen vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, & red pepper work well)

3 Tbsp. wine or balsamic vinegar

Sort and rinse lentils. In a very large pot saute onions and garlic in olive oil for 4 – 5 minutes. Add lentils and cook 1 minute, stirring. Add tomato paste and cook 1 minute stirring. Add broth and spices. Break up tomatoes into pieces with back of spoon. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, until lentils are very soft (ab. one hour).

About 10 minutes before serving add frozen vegetables and vinegar. Heat through.

MIRACLE FAT-BURNER STEW VARIATIONS:

To one (2-cup) serving of stew, stir in any of the following and simmer 3 – 5 mins.

CHINESE:

1/2 c. cubed firm tofu

1 tsp. soy sauce

1 tsp. peanut butter (reduced fat)

1/2 tsp. sesame oil

1 sliced scallion

MEXICAN:

1/2 c. salsa

Heat through and top with 1/4 c. shredded veggie cheese

HARVEST STEW:

1/4 c. frozen baby carrots

1/4 c. orange juice

1/4 c. canned pumpkin

1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon

INDIAN:

1 tsp. curry powder

1 tsp. tumeric

1 Tbsp. golden raisins

2 Tbsp plain soy yogurt

1 Tbsp cashews

1 tsp. chopped cilantro

Kale and Onion Stir-fry

Recipe:

Kale and Onion Stir-fry

1 lb. fresh green kale

2 onions, sliced

2 Tbsp. rice vinegar

2 Tbsp. soy sauce

1/2 tsp. sweetener (sugar, honey, etc.)

Clean kale and remove ribs, and chop.

Spray wok or skillet w/ cooking spray. heat on high, add kale and onions. Stir for 1 – 2 minutes.

Pour in rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sweetener. Reduce heat to medium and stir-fry until kale and onions are crisp tender.

Add:

3/4 cup slivered almonds

1 Tbsp. Bragg’s Liquid Amino Acids

3 – 4 Tbsp. water

8 oz. chow mein noodles

Cover pot and steam, stirring occasionally until noodles soften slightly.

Makes 4 main-dish servings

Hello world!

Hello, Vegetarians! I have been a vegetarian for 16 years, taught healthy living and vegan cooking classes for 10 years, and I’m still learning. This blog was originally intended for vegetarians living in Berks County, PA, the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. However, anyone can appreciate the recipes and pertinent information. The restaurant reviews will be especially helpful for those of us who like to eat out but are trying to live a healthy, vegetarian lifestyle. As we’ve traveled, moved, and sampled food in many areas the restaurant reviews have become more broad, so check them out– you might find one near you! I welcome any healthful information you would like to share, too.