Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie

This is another good way to use Vegetarian Taco “Meat.” It is also an excellent way to use leftover brown rice and mashed potatoes. (I always like to cook large quantities of rice and Taco “Meat” so there is always some in the freezer to use in this recipe). I have served this Shepherd’s Pie to carnivores, and they don’t believe me when I tell them that it really doesn’t contain any meat. It is a hearty, filling meal served with any vegetarian gravy (Hain’s gravy mixes are good in a pinch — just add water, heat, and stir and you have gravy!)

Ingredients:

1 1/2 c. Taco “Meat” (see recipe)

1 1/2 c. cooked brown rice

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 stalk celery, thinly sliced

1 small carrot, diced

1 c. bread crumbs

1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

2 tsp. each dried parsley and basil

3/4 sea salt, if desired

2 tsp. oil

In a small pan saute the onions in oil until translucent. Then add celery, garlic, and carrot; cover and cook for 5 minutes.

Put vegetables into a large mixing bowl and add bread crumbs, rice, and Taco “Meat.” Add the dijon mustard and spices; mix well. (Add a little water or broth if it seems too dry. It should be the consistency of raw meatloaf).

Place mixture in a lightly oiled 9″ x 9″ baking pan. Spread a thick layer of mashed potatoes on top (I have used prepared instant mashed potatoes when I didn’t have leftover mashed, and they work great).

Bake uncovered for 30 – 40 minutes at 375 degrees. (When done you may want to sprinkle a little rice Parmesan cheese or Gomasio (sesame seasoning) on top just for looks. Serve with vegetarian gravy and a salad.

Recipe: Lentil Loaf

I must applaud my husband, who has been a real sport about sampling, and even learning to like, all the “bunny food” and tofu I have served him over the last 9 years when he joined me in this vegetarian lifestyle. Once upon a time my husband told me that his favorite meal was meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, and peas. Let me assure you it has been A LONG TIME since he’s had that meal! So he was more than pleased when I served this Lentil Loaf last night with, you guessed it, mashed potatoes, gravy, and peas.

I found this recipe on-line. It was listed as an adaptation of a recipe in Linda McCartney’s Home Cooking vegetarian cookbook. I made a couple of changes myself, and think it is a wonderful meatless loaf recipe. I found that it is best to make it ahead of time (the day before is good) because that gives the loaf time to firm up in the pan. After it is completely cooled you can easily slice and reheat individual portions to serve.

1 1/2 c. lentils

1 c. grated veggie cheddar cheese

1 onion chopped

salt and pepper to taste

1 tsp. dried herbs (I used poultry seasoning)

1 c. Italian breadcrumbs

1 egg replacer (I used Ener-G Egg Replacer)

3 Tbs. organic butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 1 lb. loaf pan with PAM or equivalent.

Wash lentils and drain. Cover lentils with 3 – 3 1/2 c. water in a large saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil. Simmer 20-30 minutes until fairly soft.

Mix in veggie cheese, onions, salt, pepper, and herbs.

Add breadcrumbs, egg replacer, and butter to the lentil mixture. (Add more breadcrumbs if it seems too wet and sloppy).

Press mixture into prepared loaf pan and bake for 40-45 minutes. Cool completely before removing from pan.

Serve with vegetarian gravy.

Sun-dried Tomato/Greek Olive Pasta

This is a favorite make-ahead recipe of mine. If you mix together all the ingredients but the pasta the night before, then making dinner the next day will be easy. This is so great to do if you’re expecting company for dinner and have to work that day. Plan ahead, and all you have to do before your guests arrive is make the pasta and this dish is DONE!

I have also added leftover grilled vegetables along with the pasta, and this made the dish even more interesting. I love the new wholegrain pastas that are now available in supermarkets making even a pasta dish healthy.

1/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped, plus 1 Tbsp. reserved oil

1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped

1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

2 lg. cloves garlic, finely chopped

1/4 tsp. oregano

1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (Optional, but so good). I just toast them in the toaster oven.

salt and pepper to taste

Place all of the above ingredients into a bowl and set aside. (Cover and refrigerate if using tomorrow).

Meanwhile prepare 8 oz. of your favorite pasta (Try the wholegrain — rotelli works really well) according to package directions. Drain. If adding any leftover veggies warm them up now.

Mix everything together.

ADD: 1/4 – 1/2 cup pesto, (small jars of pesto can be found near spaghetti sauce in the supermarket). The pesto will add a lot of flavor, color, and texture.

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