I often think about how much I enjoy meat anymore. I don't know whether it's the taste I'm growing less fond of or if it's the whole thought that it's an animal I'm eating. Would I still eat like that if I had to go out and hunt for my food? I wonder about that sometimes. But will I ever be able to forego meat all together, never eat another sirloin or chicken cutlet. I'm not certain, but in the meanwhile I think about eating a more vegetarian diet.
There are many wonderful vegetarian recipes available in cookbooks and online as well. Perhaps the hardest adjustment is the mental one of moving away from making meals meat-centered, especially dinners. For most of us that is the way we were fed growing up, a meal based on meat, potatoes, and vegetables.
One of the easiest substitutes to start with is tofu. Unless you can't have soy, tofu is an excellent and flexible alternative to meat. You'll find lots of great ways to prepare tofu from stuffed ravioli to baked tofu for a sandwich. You can use it for desserts such as creamy cannoli as well.
Another favorite is eggplant. This natural food is delicious, especially when served as a baked casserole. It's a simple dish really - simply slice up a fresh eggplant, bread the slices, and then pan fry in a nonstick pan. You then take the slices and place them on a layer of sauce in a large casserole dish or pan. Add more sauce, layer again, and then top off with shredded cheese.
While we're on the subject of lasagna, pasta always makes a great vegetarian meal. You can make meat-less lasagna for example. Or you can make a simple pasta dish topped with any of your favorite red or white sauces and serve it with a fresh green salad and a glass of wine for a complete and wonderful meal.
One of my personal favorites is pizza. All family members can enjoy a delicious slice or two and it's so easy to make it vegetarian style. Instead of topping with pepperoni or sausage, you simply add other goodies like pineapple or pepper. If you need to please some of you meat lovers, simply put your vegetarian toppings on one side of the pie and the meat on the other side.
Have fun trying this new way of eating. You don't have to try it all at once but in small steps if you'd like. Try experimenting with tofu, or just research some of the great recipes available for something that sounds like a dish you'd enjoy. You'll be surprised at how easy it is to eat less meat, even if you'd don't give it up entirely.
There are many wonderful vegetarian recipes available in cookbooks and online as well. Perhaps the hardest adjustment is the mental one of moving away from making meals meat-centered, especially dinners. For most of us that is the way we were fed growing up, a meal based on meat, potatoes, and vegetables.
One of the easiest substitutes to start with is tofu. Unless you can't have soy, tofu is an excellent and flexible alternative to meat. You'll find lots of great ways to prepare tofu from stuffed ravioli to baked tofu for a sandwich. You can use it for desserts such as creamy cannoli as well.
Another favorite is eggplant. This natural food is delicious, especially when served as a baked casserole. It's a simple dish really - simply slice up a fresh eggplant, bread the slices, and then pan fry in a nonstick pan. You then take the slices and place them on a layer of sauce in a large casserole dish or pan. Add more sauce, layer again, and then top off with shredded cheese.
While we're on the subject of lasagna, pasta always makes a great vegetarian meal. You can make meat-less lasagna for example. Or you can make a simple pasta dish topped with any of your favorite red or white sauces and serve it with a fresh green salad and a glass of wine for a complete and wonderful meal.
One of my personal favorites is pizza. All family members can enjoy a delicious slice or two and it's so easy to make it vegetarian style. Instead of topping with pepperoni or sausage, you simply add other goodies like pineapple or pepper. If you need to please some of you meat lovers, simply put your vegetarian toppings on one side of the pie and the meat on the other side.
Have fun trying this new way of eating. You don't have to try it all at once but in small steps if you'd like. Try experimenting with tofu, or just research some of the great recipes available for something that sounds like a dish you'd enjoy. You'll be surprised at how easy it is to eat less meat, even if you'd don't give it up entirely.
About the Author:
Does your family enjoy casseroles? Then you'll love owning a covered kitchen casserole pot. This versatile item is sure to be one of your favorite kitchen pots and pans that you'll use for cooking many of your favorite dishes.
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