Meatless Monday

If it's Monday, it's Meatless Monday, and time for six vegetarian recipes. Enjoy!

BRAZILIAN BLACK BEAN STEW

This colorful (and yummy) recipe comes from the February 2000 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “Here's a quick vegetarian version of the Brazilian national dish known as feijoada. This stew entices the eye with the colorful contrast of black beans and sweet potatoes and pleases the palate with nourishing ingredients.” Serves 6 in 30 minutes or less.

To view this online, click here.

1 Tbs. vegetable oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 medium cloves garlic, minced

2 medium sweet potatoes (1 to 1 1/4 lbs.), peeled and diced

1 large red bell pepper, diced

14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes

1 small hot green chili pepper, or more to taste, minced

2 16-oz. cans black beans, drained and rinsed

1 ripe mango, pitted, peeled and diced

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 tsp. salt

Meal plan:

Steam some Swiss chard while the stew is simmering and serve with warmed flour tortillas.

In large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook, stirring, until onion is golden, about 3 minutes.

Stir in sweet potatoes, bell pepper, tomatoes (with liquid), chili and 1 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until potatoes are tender but still firm, 10 to 15 minutes.

Stir in beans and simmer gently, uncovered, until heated through, about 5 minutes. Stir in mango and cook until heated through, about 1 minute. Stir in cilantro and salt. Serve hot.

nutritional information Per Serving: Calories: 326; Protein: 16 g; Total Fat: 4 g; Saturated Fat: g; Carbohydrates: 61 g; Cholesterol: mg; Sodium: 211 mg; Fiber: 17 g; Vegan

VEGETARIAN "BEEF" AND GUINNESS STEW

Jolinda Hackett is about.com's vegetarian cuisine guide. She wrote, "Beef and Guinness stew, an Irish pub favorite, gets a vegetarian makeover in this recipe, using seitan instead of beef to absorb all that rich stout flavor. Yum! The flavor of the beer is very strong in this recipe, so I've suggest using half the amount of Guinness and adding an equal amount of vegetable broth if you aren't a Guinness fan."

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes

Ingredients:

Approx 14 oz seitan, cut into thin strips

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp steak sauce

3 tbsp butter or margarine

1 onion, diced

3 ribs celery, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

2 medium potatoes chopped into 1 inch pieces

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 12 oz bottles Guinness Stout OR 1 bottle plus 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth

2 tbsp flour

1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme

1 tsp brown sugar (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Sautee seitan in olive oil and soy sauce until slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat, add steak sauce and stir until seitan is lightly coated. Remove from heat and aside. In a large pot, sautee onions, celery, carrots, potatoes and garlic in butter or margarine for 3-5 minutes, or until onions are slightly soft. Reduce heat and slowly add Guinness, gently stirring to combine. Add flour, thyme, sugar, salt and pepper and stir well. Add seitan and allow stew to simmer until Guinness reduces and stew thickens, about 40-50 minutes.

Add more salt and pepper if desired and enjoy!

BLUEBERRY TOFU SMOOTHIE

This comes from Rhonda Parkinson, About.com's Chinese Food expert. She writes, “Soft and creamy silken tofu is the tofu of choice for smoothies and shakes. If it isn’t available, you can substitute 2/3 cup of plain, low-fat yogurt. Feel free to boost the protein content of your smoothie by adding 1 or 2 teaspoons of wheat germ.” Prep Time: 20 minutes.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

6 ounces silken tofu

1 medium banana

2/3 cup soy milk

1 cup frozen or fresh blueberries

1 tablespoon honey

2 -3 ice cubes, optional

Preparation

Drain the silken tofu to remove excess water (silken tofu has a high water content).

Peel and slice the banana. Place on a baking sheet and freeze for about 15 minutes (this helps make the smoothie thicker).

Blend the banana, tofu and soy milk for 30 seconds. Add 1/2 cup of the frozen blueberries and process until smooth. Add the remaining blueberries, honey and ice cubes if using and process again until smooth.

Enjoy

Nutritional Breakdown (based on 2 servings) Each serving contains: Calories 218, 35 g Carbohydrates, 10 g Protein, 6 g Fat (1 g saturated fat), 0 mg Cholesterol, 6 g Fibre, 18 mg Sodium, 499 mg Potassium. An excellent source of potassium and calcium.

QUICK SUMMER SLAW WITH APPLES AND PECANS

This comes from Dora Villarosa, About.com's Budget Cooking expert. She writes, “This summer slaw with Granny Smith apples and pecans comes together as quick as you can slice the apples. The simple Dijon vinaigrette keeps it bright and crispy. I like to use a combination of green cabbage and radicchio because I love the combination of colors and the bit of bitterness added by the radicchio. If you want to save time, a bag of prepackaged slaw mix works great. I like the subtle flavor of the shallot in this recipe, but any type of well-minced onion will work.” Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 0 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Yield: 4-6 servings

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

3 large Granny Smith apples

1 small head radicchio (1 cup finely chopped)

1/2 cup green cabbage, thinly shredded

1 small bunch parsley (1 cup roughly chopped leaves)

1/2 cup pecans

1 shallot, or 1 tablespoon minced yellow, red, or white onion

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Preparation

Mince shallot or onion, if using. Combine shallot or onion and apple cider vinegar in a measuring cup or nonreactive Cover and let sit for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours).

Core the apples, and peel them if you prefer (I think the peel helps them keep their color, so I usually don't peel the apples).

Slice apples into matchsticks. Chop pecans. If using, finely chop radicchio and thinly shred green cabbage.

Wash and dry parsley using a salad spinner or draining on paper towels. Separate parsley leaves and roughly chop them, discarding stems. In a large mixing bowl, combine apples with prepackaged slaw mix or radicchio and green cabbage. Add parsley and pecans and toss to combine.

Add Dijon mustard and extra-virgin olive oil to minced shallot or onion. Add apple cider vinegar and stir or whisk until dressing thickens.

Just before serving, toss vegetables to evenly coat with dressing. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve cold or at room temperature. Keeps covered in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.

This dish is delicious with late summer and fall flavors.

FAVA BEAN AND PASTA TOSS

This recipe comes from the April 2005 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “A versatile main dish, this works well as a warm entrée or a hearty salad. If you choose the salad option, try garnishing the dish with diced avocados. Pass with toasted focaccia sprinkled with garlic and olive oil.” Serves 6 in 30 minues or less.

To view this online, click here.

1 cup uncooked whole wheat spiral pasta

1 19-oz. can fava beans, drained and well rinsed

1 15.5-oz. can artichoke hearts, drained, well rinsed and chopped

1 6-oz. jar water-packed roasted red peppers, drained, well rinsed and diced

2 pieces oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and diced

1 Tbs. pesto

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Bring large pot of lightly salted water to a boil, and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse.

Meanwhile, put beans, artichoke hearts and red peppers in large mixing bowl. Stir together tomatoes and pesto, and stir into bean mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Add pasta, toss mixture and top with mozzarella cheese.

nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 250; Protein: 15 g; Total Fat: 5 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 37 g; Cholesterol: 5 mg; Sodium: 620 mg; Fiber: 8 g; Sugar: 2 g

SOUTHWESTERN CHOPPED SALAD

This also comes from the April 2005 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “Lunches get a big flavor kick with this colorful combination, guaranteed to dazzle family and friends. Pass the salad, and serve it with warmed flour or corn tortillas and lemonade.” Serves 6 in 30 minutes or less.

To view this online, click here.

1 cup frozen corn kernels, cooked and cooled

1 avocado, diced

1 pint grape tomatoes

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 jalapeño chile, minced, optional

1 15.5-oz. can pinto beans, drained and well rinsed

4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

1 cup crumbled tortilla chips, preferably lime-flavored

2 Tbs. olive oil

2 Tbs. fresh lime juice

1 tsp. chili powder, or to taste

1 Tbs. sugar, or more to taste

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Combine corn, avocado, tomatoes, bell pepper, jalapeño, if using, beans, eggs and tortilla chips in large salad bowl.

Stir together oil, lime juice, chili powder, sugar, salt and pepper until combined. Pour over salad mixture, and toss to combine. Serve.

nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 290; Protein: 10 g; Total Fat: 14 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 33 g; Cholesterol: 140 mg; Sodium: 330 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 6 g

Friday Recipes

Finally, Friday. Here's to the weekend! Enjoy!

SHAVED CORN SALAD

It's amazing the number of places one can find decent recipes. This comes from Self Magazine, in an article titled “Perfect Picnic.” (It can be found online at http://Self.com/go/picnicrecipes.) This recipe, from Marissa Lippert of NYC's Nourish Kitchen and Table, serves 4, and can be found at http://www.self.com/food/recipes/2015/06/shaved-corn-salad/.

Ingredients

1 small jalapeño chile

3 ears uncooked corn

1 avocado, diced

1 small red onion, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon lime juice

2 teaspoons lime zest

2 cups basil

1/4 cup chives

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Preparation

On an oiled baking sheet, broil jalapeño, turning once, until lightly charred, 3 to 5 minutes. Cool, seed, chop and set aside. With a knife, shave kernels from corn. In a bowl, combine kernels, 1 tsp jalapeño, avocado, onion, juice, zest, and salt and pepper to taste; toss lightly. In a small pan, blanch basil and chives in boiling water 15 seconds; drain. In a food processor, puree herbs and olive oil. Strain into a jar. Drizzle 2 tbsp over salad and serve.

GRILLED PEACH AND HEIRLOOM TOMATO SALAD

This is also from Marissa Lippert of NYC's Nourish Kitchen and Table, in Self. This begins, “Sweet and savory, it's summer on a platter.” Serves 4.

To view this online, go to http://www.self.com/food/recipes/2015/06/grilled-peach-heirloom-tomato-salad/.

Ingredients

2 peaches, halved

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided

2 heirloom tomatoes, sliced

1 small red onion, thinly sliced

3 sprigs tarragon, stemmed

2 sprigs fresh mint leaves, roughly torn

1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese

1 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 1/2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar

1 1/2 tablespoons chives, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

Preparation

Brush peaches with 1 tsp olive oil. On a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, cook peaches until soft and grill marks appear, about 3 minutes. Cool and cut into slices. On a serving platter, arrange tomato slices and half the peach slices. Top with half the onion and tarragon leaves. Layer remaining peach slices, onion and tarragon; top with mint and goat cheese. In a bowl, whisk together mustard, vinegar, remaining oil, chives and garlic until well blended. Drizzle over salad and serve.

RASPBERRY RED VELVET CAKE

This comes from About.com's Carroll Pellegrinelli, their Desserts/Baking expert. She writes, “A typical Red Velvet Cake is a lighter version of a chocolate cake, which has been dyed red. This Raspberry Red Velvet Cake is a step-above the average Red Velvet Cake. It is loaded with chocolate chips, and has a layer of raspberry jam under the cream cheese icing.” Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 50 minutes; Total Time: 75 minutes

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

3 cups flour

6 tablespoons cocoa powder*

2-1/4 teaspoons baking soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup butter, softened

2-1/4 cup sugar

3 eggs

2-1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 ounce bottle red food coloring

1-1/2 cups buttermilk

6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chips or chunks

1/3 cup seedless raspberry jam

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 9x13 baking pan. Combine the first set of ingredients in a medium bowl with a wire whisk. Set aside. In large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Add vanilla and red food coloring. Gradually, add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk until completely mixed. Hand stir-in chocolate. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 50 minutes until cake tester comes out clean.

Remove cake from oven. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Spread jam over top of cake. Refrigerate Raspberry Red Velvet Cake while making frosting.

Frost cake with either a cream cheese frosting or your favorite one.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

This also comes from Carroll Pellegrinelli, and goes well on the Raspberry Red Velvet Cake. Total time is 15 minutes. It can be viewed online by clicking here.

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese

5 tablespoons butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

2 teaspoons vanilla

milk

Preparation

Cream butter and cream cheese. Slowly add powdered sugar. Add vanilla and mix thoroughly. If icing too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time. Ice cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

CHICKEN OR STEAK WITH BALSAMIC BBQ SAUCE

This comes from Giada De Laurentiis of The Food Network's Everyday Italian. Total Time: 35 min; Prep: 20 min; Cook: 15 min; Yield: 4 servings; Level: easy

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/chicken-or-steak-with-balsamic-bbq-sauce-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback

Ingredients

For the Balsamic BBQ sauce:

1 cup balsamic vinegar

3/4 cup ketchup

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the chicken or steak:

4 pieces chicken (any combination of breast or leg-and-thigh pieces) or 4 pieces of New York strip or Club strip steak

Salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions

For the BBQ sauce:

Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan and stir until all the ingredients are incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Simmer over medium heat until reduced by 1/3, about 15 to 20 minutes.

For the chicken or steak:

Place a grill pan over medium heat or preheat a gas or charcoal grill. Season the meat with salt and pepper. Lightly coat with some of the BBQ sauce using a pastry brush. Place the meat on the grill. Place the remaining BBQ sauce, still in the small saucepan, over low heat or on the edge of a gas or charcoal grill and allow to gently simmer while the meat cooks.

Cook the chicken about 8 minutes per side. Cook the steaks starting at about 4 minutes per side until a meat thermometer reads the desired temperature, 120 degrees F for medium rare, 135 degrees F for medium (about 6 minutes per side), 155 degrees F for well done (about 9 minutes per side). Continually brush the meat with BBQ sauce every few minutes. Remove the meat from the grill and let rest for at least 5 minutes. Serve with the heated BBQ sauce alongside.

Alternately, the chicken can be baked in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Place the chicken skin side up in a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the baking dish from the oven and spoon the BBQ sauce all over the top of the chicken. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes.

QUICK SUMMER SLAW WITH APPLES AND PECANS

This comes from Dora Villarosa, About.com's Budget Cooking expert. She writes, “This summer slaw with Granny Smith apples and pecans comes together as quick as you can slice the apples. The simple Dijon vinaigrette keeps it bright and crispy. I like to use a combination of green cabbage and radicchio because I love the combination of colors and the bit of bitterness added by the radicchio. If you want to save time, a bag of prepackaged slaw mix works great. I like the subtle flavor of the shallot in this recipe, but any type of well-minced onion will work.” Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 0 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Yield: 4-6 servings

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

3 large Granny Smith apples

1 small head radicchio (1 cup finely chopped)

1/2 cup green cabbage, thinly shredded

1 small bunch parsley (1 cup roughly chopped leaves)

1/2 cup pecans

1 shallot, or 1 tablespoon minced yellow, red, or white onion

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Preparation

Mince shallot or onion, if using. Combine shallot or onion and apple cider vinegar in a measuring cup or nonreactive Cover and let sit for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours).

Core the apples, and peel them if you prefer (I think the peel helps them keep their color, so I usually don't peel the apples).

Slice apples into matchsticks. Chop pecans. If using, finely chop radicchio and thinly shred green cabbage.

Wash and dry parsley using a salad spinner or draining on paper towels. Separate parsley leaves and roughly chop them, discarding stems. In a large mixing bowl, combine apples with prepackaged slaw mix or radicchio and green cabbage. Add parsley and pecans and toss to combine.

Add Dijon mustard and extra-virgin olive oil to minced shallot or onion. Add apple cider vinegar and stir or whisk until dressing thickens.

Just before serving, toss vegetables to evenly coat with dressing. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve cold or at room temperature. Keeps covered in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.

This dish is delicious with late summer and fall flavors.