Meatless Mondays

Sunday: in a Stew

~ Becky Ross Michael ~ 66 Comments

“The Sundays” Stew

I’ve never really liked Sundays very much. As a kid, I dreaded the afternoons when I invariably discovered I still had homework to complete. As a working adult, Sunday evenings usually reminded me that I had not accomplished enough or experienced as much fun as I had anticipated.

As a retired teacher, I could say that all days are now weekends. OR I could really claim that all days are weekdays, given that I rarely skip working on my freelance editing. But, somehow, this first day of the week still can get me down. I call this feeling that settles over me “The Sundays.” Maybe you get that, too?

I find that fixing myself some comfort food goes a long way toward making me feel better. And what better comfort food than a hearty stew! I no longer eat meat, so my stew involves mainly veggies with a spicy black bean burger thrown in for added flavor and thickening. Use whatever ingredients you prefer and have on hand. Those pictured above will find their way into my stewpot this afternoon. The only ones that originate from my balcony garden, today, are the rosemary and jalapeno. But they will help to add some depth to the flavors.

Here’s the basic recipe. Use what you have, in the proportions you like:

“THE SUNDAYS” STEW

To water or vegetarian broth add favorite veggies: potatoes, peppers, carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, tomatoes, green beans, onions, garlic, etc.

After cooking for about 1/2 hour, add a black bean burger. Continue cooking for another 1/2 hour or until broth is thickened and veggies are softened but not mushy.

Enjoy with a slice of bread!

Possible additions: lentils, rice, or even meat.

HAVE A GOOD WEEK!

Grilling on Meatless Monday: Mushroom Burgers!

~ Becky Ross Michael ~ 8 Comments

 

You CAN enjoy the pleasures of grilling without the meat. Just throw the largest Portobello mushrooms you can find on the grill and let them absorb those delicious smoky flavors. These mushroom sliders can even use dinner rolls for the buns!

Source: Mini Mushroom Burgers – Meatless Monday

Meatless Mondays: Vegetable Cassoulet

~ Becky Ross Michael ~ 4 Comments

 

veggies pot and cutting board A commitment to “Meatless Monday” is easy for me, since I already eat that way most days. According to the website, this movement began in 2003 and is now active in 44 countries. Eating meat-free at least one day of the week is a positive for our health and good for the Earth.

Here’s one of my recipes that has evolved into a vegetable cassoulet, which is like a vegetable stew or casserole. Not sure if Peter Mayle would have approved of this version of a French classic, but I don’t even miss the meat.

As is typical for my recipes, there are many ingredient options from which you may choose your favorites. Make as little or as much as you want, so amounts will also vary according to your needs and plans.

In a kettle with high sides, brown diced/sliced onions, shallots and/or garlic in olive oil.

If you want your end result to be more like a casserole, your mixture can be emptied into a large casserole and will need less liquid (stock) than the more stew-like version.

Add desired amount of vegetable stock, along with your choices from among sliced leeks, mushrooms and fennel bulb. NOTE: Fennel has a hint of a licorice taste. You might also try a slug of ouzo or pastis in its place for the same flavor. Otherwise, a bit of white cooking wine is also a nice addition.

Add cooked/canned white beans (cannellini, great Northern, or even garbanzos).

Include your choices of the following, peeled and/or cut as required:

carrots
green beans
asparagus
Swiss chard
celery
colored peppers
eggplant
potatoes
turnips
parsley and/or thyme, fresh or dried

Adjust liquid as needed. Salt and pepper to taste. If baking, give this at least an hour at 350. If cooking on top of the stove, after your mixture reaches a boil, turn down the heat to a simmer. Cook until veggies are the desired texture.

Pair with your favorite bread and wine, if you wish.

kitchen window pixabay no attribution required