January 12, 2014

Beyond Garden Veggie Patties: Vegetarian Cooking Ideas

By Marissa Velazquez


If you and your family have recently made the switch to vegetarian eating, you may be having trouble coming up with a variety of recipes. Despite the health benefits of a meat-free diet, it can get boring eating the same old garden veggie patties every day. Here are a few ideas for recipes that will break up the monotony and help you get in needed protein.

Cheesy Beans and Rice is a simple, quick recipe. It is also very low in cost, and it can be stretched to feed a lot of people, or to last through two or three 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.

Veggie burgers don't have to be boring. They can become monotonous when only garnished with same old lettuce and tomato, but there are many other ways to dress them up and make them more interesting. First of all, you can try different types of patties. There are many flavors to choose from, like spicy black bean, mushroom, or masala. Also, you can experiment with different toppings. Try making a fake bacon cheeseburger with veggie bacon. This can work even if you are vegan; you can use soy cheese. Sauteed onions and mushrooms are a good idea too.

Cooking for a vegetarian diet can be tricky, but it does not have to be tedious. Have fun experimenting with new recipes and branching out beyond the usual garden veggie patties and plain tofu stir fry. Trying different seasonings and different forms of protein can take your vegetarian cooking to the next level. You will appreciate it, as will all of the people you cook for. Buy some cookbooks and create your own collection of your favorite recipes. Have fun experimenting with new things.




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