Monday, January 30, 2012

Vegetarian Baked Kibbee - A Must Try!

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Shaw_Rabadi]Shaw Rabadi
This dish is simply amazing for vegetarians. Period. It is tasty, flavorful, full of nutrient rich ingredients, and doesn't sacrifice that "hearty meal feel" whatsoever. This is a dish that you can play around with once you are comfortable with this recipe. Add or take away to suit your specific tastes and/or needs and make a dish to call your own.
Vegetarian Baked Kibbee BiSanieh
Ingredients:
− 2 cups minced onion
− 1 � cups chopped onions
− 3 tbsp olive oil
− 1 � cups fine bulghur wheat
− 1 medium eggplant
− 3 lbs. potatoes
− 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
− 1 tsp allspice
− � tsp sumac
− 2 tbsp chopped parsley
− � cup cooked chick peas
− � tsp cinnamon
− � cup cold water
− � cup pine nuts
− Salt to taste
Method:
Stuffing:
− Saut� 1 � cups chopped onions into 3 tbsp olive oil until tender.
− Add pine nuts until they turn light golden color.
− Add allspice, cinnamon, salt and pepper...mix well, remove from heat
− Add chickpeas and parsley to the saut�ed onions and spices mixture, stirring well; set aside to cool.
− Peel eggplant and cut into long slices (� inch thick).
− Oil the base of a baking sheet and add a layer of eggplant brushed with olive oil and bake until soft and tender (8-10 minutes in 350� oven).
− Repeat this step to bake all of the remaining eggplant.
− Boil potatoes until firm yet tender.
− Peel and cut � of the cooked potatoes in to very small pieces.
Kibbe:
− Peel remaining potatoes and mash in processor.
− Add 1 tsp of oil and a splash of water to the potatoes to moisten.
− In a mixing bowl, soak bulgur wheat with enough water to dampen and set aside for 15 minutes.
− Mix mashed potatoes with minced onions, then combine with the new softened bulghur wheat and mix thoroughly.
− Work the mixture with your hands (clean hands of course) and then add the remaining spices and knead into a soft doughy mixture.
− Divide the mixture in half.
− Oil the bottom and sides of a 9 by 12 inch baking pan, spreading half the potato and bulgur mixture on the bottom.
− Place one or two layers (your preference) of baked eggplant over the mixture and sprinkle with sumac.
− Add the stuffing mixture, spreading evenly over the eggplant.
− Add the rest of the potato bulgur mixture, smoothing the top using a few drops of water.
− Score the top by cutting the layers into square or diamond shapes.
− Sprinkle with pine nuts.
− Bake in a preheated oven at 350� for 25 minutes.
Shaw H. Rabadi, restaurant owner/chef/author, invites you to Eat, Drink, and Be Mediterranean with him for a happier, healthier life!
Visit http://www.TheMediterraneanDigest.com for information on his newly released story-cookbook, "Savor the Spices of Life" and more info on eating, cooking, and living a heart healthier life.
Eat Better, Fresher, Smarter!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Vegetarian-Baked-Kibbee---A-Must-Try!&id=6592112] Vegetarian Baked Kibbee - A Must Try!

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Vegetarian Eating

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Martin_Okuthe]Martin Okuthe
The Shepherd's Pie is a brilliant, healthy alternative to the original, meat based version of the pie. Vegetarian dishes are becoming an increasingly popular option to the traditional meat oriented meals. This is due to the health, and other benefits of these meals. It is becoming increasingly apparent that obesity is becoming a big problem worldwide. A vegetarian diet could be one of the ways that an individual can control their weight.
There is more to the vegetarian diet than simply eating vegetables. There are many different types of vegetarian diets. The following are the most common:
1. Vegans, who avoid all foods of animal origin, including poultry, beef, fish, eggs and dairy products
2. Pescatarians avoid eating all animal flesh with the exception of fish. They eat eggs and dairy products. This diet is often adopted for health reasons
3. Lacto-vegetarians include dairy products in their diet, which would also include dairy products and eggs.
4. Raw Vegans, eats unprocessed vegan foods that have not been heated above a certain temperature (115 degrees F or 36 Degrees C). this is due to the belief that food cooked above this temperature has lost most of its nutritional value and could be harmful to the body
There are various reasons why someone may follow a vegetarian diet. There is the aforementioned health benefit. The diet could also be due to ethical, religious, environmental, economical, labour condition or demographical reasons.
The body's necessary nutrients can be sourced from other sources. Research has shown that the vegetarian tends to have beneficial health attributes such as lower cholesterol, lower risk of hypertension, heart disease, osteoporosis, renal disease, type 2 diabetes amongst other disorders.
The ethics surrounding the consumption of meat are usually based on the premises of the interests of the animal being eaten. The ethical opposition towards the consumption is more often than not divided into schools of thought, the act of killing in general, and the practices surrounding the production of meat.
Certain religions advocate vegetarianism. These include Seventh Day Adventists, Rastafaris, major sects of Hinduism and the Hare Krishnas. Most of these religions do not all out ban the consumption of meat, but in general hold up vegetarianism as an ideal.
Environmental proposition of vegetarianism stems from the concern that the rearing of animals for consumption is unsustainable. The concern is that the livestock industry is a major contributor to environmental degradation.
The author seeks to promote the niche idea of Vegetarian Shepherds Pies. Healthy living is an important achievable step for everyone. Visit him at http://vegetarianshepherdspie.net
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Vegetarian-Eating&id=6594882] Vegetarian Eating

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Vegetable Dishes That Are Perfect for All, Including Diabetics!

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Linda_Carol_Wilson]Linda Carol Wilson
We should all eat more vegetables and this is especially true for those of us diabetics. The recipes in this article are great for diabetics but they are not 'diabetic' recipes. They are regular recipes that are perfect for diabetics, too. If you just love vegetables or you are trying to get more veggies into your diet, give these recipes a try!
CHUNKY BLACK BEAN-SWEET POTATO CHILI
2 tsp canola oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp chili powder
1 can (14-oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, do not drain
1 tbsp minced chipotle chiles
1 small (approx. 8 oz) sweet potato, peeled and chunked
1 can (15-oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup chopped cilantro, optional
In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat te canola oil. Add the onion and cook, stirring, for 5 minute. Add bell peppers, garlic, and chili powder; cook while stirring for about 2 minutes.
Add the tomatoes with juice, chipotle chiles and the sweet potato; bring to a boil. Cover the saucepan and simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes. Stir in the black beans; cover and simmer another 8 to 10 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender. (Mixture will be thick. If you want, you can gradually stir in water to thin to your preferred consistency.)
To serve, sprinkle with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Yield: 4 to 5 servings
NOTE:By scrubbing the sweet potato well instead of peeling, you will retain more nutrients.
TOSSED VEGETABLE DISH
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 bunch broccoli, cut into small florets
1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets
1 bottle (8-oz) low-sugar or sugar-free Italian Salad dressing
Put the tomatoes, broccoli, and cauliflower into a bowl with a sealable lid. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat well. Refrigerate 12 to 24 hours before serving.
TANGY GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE
2 lb fresh green beans, ends removed and broke into bite-size pieces
2 tbsp finely chopped onion
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 tbsp Panko bread crumbs
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp butter, melted
Cook the beans in a small amount of water until crisp tender; drain. Add the onion, olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, salt and pepper; toss to coat the beans. Place the beans in an ungreased 1-quart baking dish. Toss the Panko crumbs with the cheese and butter; sprinkle over top of the beans. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until topping is golden brown.
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Enjoy!
For more of Linda's recipes and diabetic information visit http://diabeticenjoyingfood.blogspot.com
For her old fashion recipe collection visit her at http://grandmasvintagerecipes.blogspot.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Vegetable-Dishes-That-Are-Perfect-for-All,-Including-Diabetics!&id=6613809] Vegetable Dishes That Are Perfect for All, Including Diabetics!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Tropical Smoothies: Quick and Easy at Home

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kristin_Hatch]Kristin Hatch
Ahh a Tropical smoothie! These yummy drinks are quick and healthy snacks that your whole family can enjoy on a daily basis. The selection of ripe delicious fruits that are available and the creamy taste combine to make an irresistible combination that makes you want to drink them each and every day.
One drawback to enjoying a the wonderful drinks daily is driving to a juice bar, waiting in line to place and order and then paying high prices each and every time. This is very hard to do on a regular basis and you will probably think it is not worth all the work. Also they might add ingredients that you do not want, like extra sugars, to their recipes. It is hard to tell sometimes what is added to healthy drinks when you are in a store. But it actually is quick and easy to make these kind of drinks at home with a blender. If you have a commercial blender, such as a Vitamix, so much the better, but your regular blender will also work to create a thick creamy healthy drink.
So if you are interested in making a Tropical Smoothie at home, here is how create them:
Ingredients:
Use your favorite combination of tropical fruits. I like to blend up mango and bananas for my smoothie drinks. I also recommend using orange juice or cranberry juice for a really great taste.
Other ingredients you can add to your smoothies are honey or agave syrup for some sweetness and ice to keep your smoothie nice and cool. The ice is an important part of the recipe, as the Vitamix blender is so strong and works so fast it can heat up your smoothie.
What to do:
Place all the fruits into your blender and add some ice to keep it nice and cool. To serve 1-2 people I would cut up 1 large banana and two mangos and use about 1 cup of juice. Make sure that the lid is locked on nice and tight. Now blend together for a minute until you get a nice, creamy drink. The amount of blending required will vary by the brand of blender that you have. You may have to make a few smoothies and experiment a bit to see what works for you.
That is it! Pour your finished drink into glasses and enjoy the thick and creamy, yet healthy snack anytime of the day. Naturally you will need to adjust the recipe for your particular tastes and amount of people you are serving.
So now you know how easy it is to make a Tropical Smoothie at home. What I like best, is that you can use up any ripe fruits that you might have and you will know exactly what is in your smoothie. You can also adjust the taste and texture just the way you like it.
A [http://www.livingtraderjoes.com/2010/08/31/vitamix-tropical-smoothie-today/]tropical smoothie is a healthy and refreshing treat anytime of the day. A To view pictures of a tasty tropical smoothie, Click on [http://www.livingtraderjoes.com/2010/08/31/vitamix-tropical-smoothie-today/]tropical smoothie and go to my blog to view photos of my Tropical Smoothie. Thanks for reading!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Tropical-Smoothies:-Quick-and-Easy-at-Home&id=6614950] Tropical Smoothies: Quick and Easy at Home

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Vegan Galla Pinto, Black Beans and Rice Recipe

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Elysia_Diaz]Elysia Diaz
8 oz dried organic black beans
10 cups water
1 Tbsp Salsa Lizano or Worcestershire - you can find vegan brands if you'd like
1 Tbsp organic cold pressed coconut oil
1 small white onion diced
1 small green pepper
1 small red pepper
1/2 cup white rice
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground pepper
1 tsp Salsa Lizano or Worcestershire
1/2 cup reserved cooking liquid from beans
Star by sorting through the black beans, picking out any deformed ones and then rinse.
Add the beans to a pot and cover with 2 inches of water. Soak them overnight.
Drain and rinse beans, then add 10 cups of water, 1 Tbsp Salsa Lizano or Worcestershire (vegan or otherwise).
Bring beans to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cover loosely. Let simmer for 2.5 hours stirring occasionally.
Drain beans, but reserve 1/2 cup of the black bean cooking liquid.
Dice the onion and peppers (I pulse mine in the food processor, while they are not as pretty it certainly is faster and it still tastes the same).
Heat the coconut oil in a deep skillet or pot, add the half cup of rice, and stir for 2 minutes.
Next add the diced onion and peppers and stir for another two minutes.
Add salt, pepper, 1 tsp Salsa Lizano, and the reserved cooking liquid. Bring all this to a boil then reduce to a low simmer and cover and cook for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes the rice should be cooked, add drained beans and cook for another couple of minutes on medium high heat. I say only a couple of minutes, but keep checking anyway. Adjust seasonings to your liking.
Serve plain or with diced tomatoes for the vegan version or for the not so vegan version, with a fried egg on top (my favorite), cheese, and sour cream if you like. Either way, Gallo Pinto tastes amazing.
This dish is full of protein, from the beans, while having Vitamins A, B, C, E and K from the onion and green and red pepper. Other minerals include: manganese, folate, potassium and copper. Gallo Pinto will fill you up and give you strength for the rest of your day. This dish will also make about six to eight servings and it will stay fresh in the fridge for about 5 days. This recipe may seem intimidating to make, but the first time is always the hardest. Each time I make this recipe, it gets easier.
Find all organic recipes on [http://www.foodasaurusrex.com/]FoodaSaurusRex! Gluten-free and vegan recipes too. Really whatever I have in my fridge and looks good to make, but always healthy. Some gluten-free beer and sulfite-free organic wine reviews.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Vegan-Galla-Pinto,-Black-Beans-and-Rice-Recipe&id=6651595] Vegan Galla Pinto, Black Beans and Rice Recipe

Friday, January 20, 2012

Vegan Roast Beef Goulash Recipe, Really?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=K._A._Miller]K. A. Miller
Before I became vegan I loved my steaks and pot roast. Every Sunday for years I cooked a pot roast in the slow cooker (crock pot) and by using a different variety of accompanying vegetables, I had a different tasting meal each time.
Then I became vegan for health and ethical reasons and, wow, did I miss my pot roast. Then one day I decided to buy the vegan "beef-less tips" I had seen many times but had not tried. I came up with the following recipe and loved it. I call it goulash but it is very similar to cubed pot roast with gravy.
Before getting to the recipe, we must discuss the main ingredient, the beef-less tips. I have only seen one brand of this, so that is what I will address. There may be others available but I have not seen them. The one I found is made by "Gardein". It is labeled "home style beef-less tips" and comes in a 9 ounce package. I found it in my area at several large supermarkets in the "meat-less" frozen food section. I suspect it would also be available at many health food or other stores that carry vegan/vegetarian products.
According to your location, you may not be able to find this product. If this is your situation, you can substitute any vegan meat-less product that fits the following. I would not use hamburger substitutes since it tends to crumble. So look for a meat substitute that will stay firm during cooking. Also, your substitute should be as thick as possible, preferably in bite size or larger chunks. O.K. To the recipe.
Ingredients
2 cups vegetable stock or water (see directions)
1 cup carrots, sliced or cubed
1 cup celery, cubed
1/2 medium onion, diced coarsely
2 large potatoes, cut into 2 inch cubes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1 package (9 ounce) beef-less tips or substitute
1 tablespoon cornstarch
salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
1. If you do not have vegetable stock you can use 2 cups water and 4-6 vegetable bullion cubes.
2. Place vegetable stock in a large soup pot on medium heat.
3. Add carrots, celery, potatoes and onion. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender (about 10-15 minutes).
4. Add garlic, cocoa powder and cumin. Stir until cocoa powder is dissolved.
5. Add beef-less tips
6. Dissolve cornstarch in � cup cold water and add half to the pot. Stir while watching the thickness of the gravy. Add more cornstarch as needed to get the thickness you want. If too thick, add vegetable stock or water.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot with cornbread, dinner rolls or garlic bread.
Make sure to put the beef-less tips in near the end of the cooking time. Do not overcook.
The only tricky part of the recipe is in acquiring the amount and thickness of the gravy. If the liquid gets low (boils away) add more vegetable stock. If you have too much gravy, cook a little longer. And, above all, taste as you cook. Don't overdo the salt. Let your taste be your guide.
K.A. Miller is a freelance writer and webmaster for [http://www.veganshome.com]www.veganshome.com where you will find many yummy vegan recipes and discussion of the vegan lifestyle.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Vegan-Roast-Beef-Goulash-Recipe,-Really?&id=6659401] Vegan Roast Beef Goulash Recipe, Really?

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Why Is The Hamilton Beach 67650 Such a Popular Juice Extractor?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Amy_M_Ling]Amy M Ling
The Hamilton Beach: Powerful, Fast and Efficient.
The Hamilton Beach 67650 Juice Extractor is a Powerful, Fast and Efficient Juice Extractor that is a joy to use.
It is powerful, fast and efficient
Powerful
The BigMouth has a powerful 1.1-hp motor and is very fast. It is also very stable on the counter top and the only precaution is against drips. Just put a cloth or kitchen towel under the spout to catch drips when the container is removed.
Fast and Efficient
This appliance has a very wide feeding opening, which is why it is called BigMouth. Whole fruit can be pushed down this opening.
The process of juice extraction is fast and efficient as outlined in the following three steps.
1. From the opening the food is pushed onto a fast-moving spinning blade where it is pulped.
2. The juice is then extracted through centrifugal action, strained and poured into a container.
3. The leftover pulp is ejected into a removable pulp bin.
The process is fast and the appliance is capable of processing a large amount of produce in a short time during which the pulp bin is emptied from time to time.
Successes and failures
This extractor does a great job of making vegetable juice, as vegetables are generally hard and fibrous.
More fibrous fruit like pears and apples that are firmer, more fibrous and less mushy make the best juice leaving very little pulp behind.
Juicing soft fruit like bananas or soft, thin-skinned fruit such as peaches or berries might give better results in a blender.
It seems that one has to be sensible about what one uses in this juice maker, taking into consideration what it can and cannot do
It is easy to clean. .
The BigMouth juice maker is provided with a cleaning brush to thoroughly remove all pieces of fiber from the blade and straining surfaces. All its removable parts are dishwasher safe.
It is well made and a joy to use
This juice extractor is solidly built and has a couple of features worthy of note.
The blade and mesh strainer is made of stainless steel for durability.
There are two locking lid catches and these are die-cast and strong and not easy-to-break plastic.
The person operating.the Hamilton Beach 67650 enjoys using it, because it is so easy, fast and efficient to use. It is not a messy and makes good juice.
It is very rewarding to produce homemade juices that add nutritional value it the family diet.
Fresh juices last in the fridge in sealed containers for up to three days.
Amy M Ling http://www.blogger.com/profile/08712414500858974676
Amy M. Ling is a retired internet enthusiast who loves finding good deals and sharing them with people. Amazon.com has a good deal on the Hamilton Beach 67650 Juice Extractor that includes Free shipping.
Press the link to find out more about this: [http://hb67650.blogspot.com/2011/10/blog-post.html]hamilton beach 67650
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Is-The-Hamilton-Beach-67650-Such-a-Popular-Juice-Extractor?&id=6640107] Why Is The Hamilton Beach 67650 Such a Popular Juice Extractor?