In this weekly series we have been discussing the many advantages of a vegetarian diet including; better health, animal rights, frugal living. global food crisis and reducing greenhouse gases to combat global warming.
Like many here I have been a lifelong activist for environmental causes. It started as a child with wonder at the sheer beauty and brilliance of the balance of nature. And of course, continues with passion as we struggle to preserve that balance with the threat of global warming.
I work to influence policy but also try to make my life choices part of the solution by asking myself If the future of the world depended on me-what would I do? The choices we make regarding our food, transportation and purchasing are critical to solving the environmental emergency which faces us.
I was inspired to create this series by former Beatle and vegetarian activist Paul McCartney(Macca) who partnered with the Meatless Monday campaign to advocate for less consumption of meat. We don't just talk about the benefits of a veggie diet we also walk the walk by doing some cooking to show how easy it is to make healthy and delicious vegetarian meals. We also share recipes and listen to some great Beatle/McCartney music!
This time of year I am looking for fast, easy ways to get out of the kitchen. I love to cook but activism comes first right? Here are some recipes I think you will enjoy to save you time in the kitchen.
LAYERED TACO SALAD
An easy way to entertain from Meatless Monday
1 red bell pepper
1 green bell pepper
3 tomatoes, chopped
1 head leaf lettuce, washed and sliced into thin strips
1 2.25 oz can sliced black olives, drained
1 16 oz can vegetarian refried beans
1 cup light sour cream or use Tofutti or other soy sour 'cream'
1/3-1/2 package taco seasoning
1/2 lime
3 avocados
1 cup cheddar cheese or soy cheddar
Mash avocados and set aside.
Combine sour cream with 1/3 to 1/2 packet of taco seasoning (to taste) and juice from ½ lime.
Using a spatula, spread the can of refried beans inside the bottom of a glass baking dish.
Layer the mashed avocados in the baking dish.
Follow avocados with a layer of the sour cream mixture.
Spread all the diced peppers, tomatoes, and sliced black olives on top of the sour cream. Reserve a few tablespoons lettuce to garnish each plate. Layer the rest of the lettuce on top of the vegetables and olives so the lettuce covers the whole dish.
Sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese on top to complete the dish.
Place a handful of lettuce on each plate, and then scoop out the salad like you would a dip.
TEX-MEX GAZPACHO (serves 4)
Perfect for a hot summer night
A main dish soup great served with tortilla chips
Put the following in a large bowl
•2 Persian cucumbers or 1/2 a large English cucumber, finely diced
•3 medium heirloom tomatoes, seeded and diced
•1/2 large, sweet yellow onion, finely diced
•1 can of garbanzo or black beans
•kernels from two ears of fresh white corn (or equivalent amount of sweet white frozen corn, you can leave it frozen)
•one avocado, diced (but it's great without it, too)
•1/2 a 15 oz. container of prepared refrigerated salsa (best quality)
•a handful of chopped fresh cilantro
•a splash of sherry vinegar or fresh lime juice to taste
Mix well, and to this mixture add:
•1 cup of chilled vegetable broth and
•2 cups of your favorite chilled tomato or vegetable-tomato juice
(I like a ratio of 1 part veg broth to 2 parts V-8) until it's the consistency you like. If you want a soupier soup, add more liquid. Mix well and season to taste with sea salt and hot pepper sauce.
Top each serving with a dollop of Mexican Crema (sour cream)(optional) or thick Greek-style yogurt (optional) and a squeeze of lime.
CRANBERRY GINGER MUESLI (for 1)
A great way to start a busy active day from Meatless Monday
1/3 cup rolled oats
2/3 cup unsweetened apple juice
1 teaspoon crystallized ginger, chopped
1 tablespoon walnuts, chopped
1 tablespoon dried sweetened cranberries
1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
(optional) 1 tablespoon whole milk or soy milk
Mix oats and apple juice together the night before eating. Let stand at least 3 hours, or overnight in the fridge.
The next morning, mix walnuts, cranberries, seeds, and ginger into the oat apple juice mixture.
Stir in milk to finish.
The recipe is infinitely customizable, and you can play with the proportions or the add-ins to your liking. Try chopped dried apricots and slivered almonds instead of the cranberries and walnuts; or dark chocolate chips and fresh raspberries for something more rich.
Told you "It Won't Be Long" by The Beatles having some summer fun..
"I'll Follow The Sun" Early Beatle version vid shows Liverpool scenes of Mathew St. site of The Cavern....I'm ready to go back!
Tonight the recipes were all no cook. What have you all been cooking?
Please share your recipes and fave Beatle/McCartney songs here!