Recipes for the Busy Vegetarian

You're busy. We get it. time is tight, but nutrition and taste don't have to suffer with Janelle Ruby's tasty solutions for the vegetarian working family.

Recipes

When I first began to take an interest in vegetarianism, I admit I was a bit nervous that there would be a lack of good food for me to eat; I was afraid I’d go hungry and ultimately turn back to meat.  And, to be honest, the initial few weeks were difficult.  My whole family would sit down to big steak dinners complete with all the trimmings.  Every night’s meal consisted of at least one meat dish, if not several.  I’d sit and watch my brothers and sister scarf down hamburgers and succulent baked hams day after day.  Though it wasn’t easy, I always held my ground.  And eventually I started to feel more awake in the mornings, I had more energy in sports, and my grades improved.  My resilience was finally paying off.

Throughout my life, I’ve spoken to many people who have been surprised to learn that I’m a vegetarian.  Mostly, they wonder how I survive.  And just like I was, they’re amazed to learn how much food and options are available to a vegetarian diet.  But if you’ve chosen not to eat meat, you do have to remember to keep certain things in perspective.  You have to allow for the fact that at times, you might be bored.  However, today more than ever, vegetarianism is flexible and fun.  For me, it’s all about getting creative.  When I was first starting out as a vegetarian, I was forced to come up with my own recipes and concoctions, for lack of better guidance.  The dishes featured in this section come from some of my favorite vegetarian recipes, and some even resulted from my own personal experimentation.  These are some of the meals and snacks that kept me on track during times of temptation. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Appetizers

Vegetarian “Non-Crabby” Cakes

Although these cakes contain no crab, or even krab, they are still delectable. They’re perfect for wetting the palate before dinner at a party or any other event. Serve with a lemon wedge for taste. Summer is a great time to serve these appetizers.

What you will need:
2 cups chopped or minced walnuts
2 fully minced onions
2 chopped celery stalks
2 minced garlic cloves
4 whisked eggs
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp seafood flavoring
2/3 cup bread crumbs
¼ cup minced parsley

What to do:
1.Preheat the over to 375 degrees.
2.Using a food processor, add the parsley, onions, celery, garlic, and walnuts. Blend until ingredients are mixed and chopped. Then add the seafood flavoring, breadcrumbs, oil, and eggs, and blend together until the concoction is firm enough to mold. Shape into semi-round globs and place on a lightly greased baking sheet.
3.When oven is preheated, bake for about 10 minutes, or until the outside is well browned.
4.Let cool and enjoy!

Back to Top

The Best Bruschetta Ever

It’s an old Italian classic, but a timeless, not to mention delicious, hors d’oeuvre to serve if you’re a vegetarian. A glass of red wine will pair perfectly with this dish!

What you will need:
1 fresh baked French bread loaf
olive oil
½ cup finely chopped basil
1 large chopped tomato
2 cloves chopped garlic
1 sprig rosemary for garnish

What to do:
1.Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
2.In medium-sized bowl, mix basil, tomato, and garlic. Set aside.
3.Cut French loaf into one-inch thick slices. Sprinkle with olive oil and bake for 5-8 minutes, or until a slight golden brown color appears.
4.Add a spoonful of the mixture onto the slices of bread. Sprinkle rosemary over the top of each slice.
5.You’re ready to eat!

Back to Top

Cool and Easy Summer Salad

There are many variations on this salad out there, but to me this one is the best. The grapefruit and avocado pair perfectly to create the ideal summer appetizer. And don’t forget, this will only take you five minutes to prepare!

What you will need:
4 cups mixed greens
1 cup grapefruit sections
2 soft chopped avocadoes
1 bunch sliced stemless watercress
1 tbsp olive oil
1 pinch salt
2 sprays of hot sauce, such as Tapatillo

What to do:
1.Mix the olive oil, hot sauce, salt, and sherry in a bowl to make the dressing.
2.In a large bowl, toss mixed greens, avocado, grapefruit, and watercress.
3.Refrigerate salad and dressing separately for one hour prior to serving. Then toss together and serve!

Back to Top

Garden Party Skewers

These skewers are so festive. Keeping with the summer theme, they’re a great snack to serve on the fourth of July. This one’s also great because you can mix and match your ingredients to create your own perfect version. Perfect for vegetarians and carnivores alike!

What you will need:
1 head iceberg lettuce
1 can artichoke hearts, sliced into 1/4ths
1 jar red peppers, preferable roasted and cut into one-inch squares
36 one-inch squares mozzarella
1 vinaigrette dressing
36 skewers

What to do:
1.Mix artichokes, peppers, mozzarella, and dressing in a medium-sized bowl. Place mixture in refrigerator until serving time.
2.Prior to serving, cut iceberg lettuce into one-inch squares.
3.When ready to serve, lace the ingredients onto skewers in whichever order is preferable. Serve immediately.

Back to Top

Main Courses

Mango-Brie Cheese Quesadillas

I learned to make these back in college, when I needed fuel for long study sessions. They’re awesome because they are a different and interesting variation on an old classic that almost everyone can enjoy.

What you will need:
2 tbsp butter or margarine
1 sliced mango
4 tortillas, preferably flour
1/3 lb brie

What to do:
1.Melt butter to grease pan. Lay a tortilla in the pan, and lay slices of Brie and mango on the tortilla. Place another tortilla on top of the first.
2.Cook quesadilla in the pan, flipping occasionally, until golden brown on both sides and the Brie is sufficiently melted. Repeat with remaining two tortillas.
3.Let cool two minutes, slice into sixths, and serve.

Back to Top

Bean Burritos

I know bean burritos are pretty run of the mill, but they’re a favorite of mine because they helped me to make the transition from meat eater to vegetarian. They’re a fast, easy, and familiar food that will most definitely bring some comfort if you’re having temptations. And if the desire for meat is too strong, throw in a ground beef substitute and you’ll be back on track.

What you will need:
2 cups black beans
1 cup cheddar and Monterey jack cheese mixed together, grated
2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce or cabbage
3 chopped tomatoes
1 finely chopped onion, preferably red
sour cream and salsa to taste
6 flour tortillas

What to do:
1.Heat oven to 375 degrees, and place tortillas, wrapped in foil, in oven to warm.
2.Heat the beans in a pot on the stove, adding ¼ cup of water. When sufficiently warm, drain beans.
3.Sprinkle ingredients in tortilla as preferred, and then roll the tortilla and wrap on each end. Enjoy!

Back to Top

Desserts

Chocolate Fake

This is an awesome chocolate cake. It’s not too fancy, but it tastes great and satisfies that chocolate craving. You can use your own frosting or use the one featured here.

What you will need:
3 cups regular flour
1 tsp salt
2 cups sugar
6 tsp cocoa powder
2 tsp baking soda
¾ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups filtered water
2 tbsp vinegar

What to do:
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2.In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking soda until consistent. Then add vegetable oil, vanilla extract, water, and vinegar. Blend until the mixture is smooth and without lumps.
3.Grease and flour two cooking pans, as this cake is designed to make two layers. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until middle of cake is completely solid. (This can be determined by inserting a toothpick directly into the middle.)

Back to Top

Cake Icing

What you will need:
1 cup sugar
6 tsp cornstarch
4 tsp cocoa powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup filtered water
½ tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp olive oil

What to do:
1.Blend together sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and salt in a small pan. Slowly stir in the water. Boil mixture for 2 minutes and remove.
2.Mix in the olive oil and vanilla extract. Cool before use.

Back to Top

Lemony Bars

If you’re not so much the chocolate lover, these lemon bars should quell your cravings. I’ve always been a fan of lemon bars in general, but this vegetarian version is to die for. Don’t be scared off by the two parts of the recipe- believe me, it’s simple and you’ll be generously rewarded in the end.

What you will need:
½ cup regular flour
½ cup whole grain/ whole wheat flour
3 tbsp powdered sugar
¾ cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup butter or margarine, sliced for easier mixing
2 tbsp tofu
1/4 cup orange juice concentrate
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 pinch baking powder
2 tbsp grated lemon peel

What to do:
Crust:
1.Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2.Blend regular flour, whole-wheat flour, powdered sugar, and butter/margarine, until a lumpy mixture results.
3.Line a small baking pan with the dough and bake about 15 minutes.

Filling
1.Whisk tofu, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and orange juice concentrate until smooth.
2. Add lemon peel, baking powder, and a couple pinches of flour for thickness and stir.
3.Add lemon blend to the crust, spreading evenly. Bake in the over for another 25 minutes, or until surface takes on a golden hue. Cool, then cut and serve!

Back to Top

Vegetarian Recipes Kids Will Love

I think it’s really important to educate children on the benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle. That’s why I’ve chosen to include some great recipes that will help parents ease their kids into vegetarian cooking and eating.

Applesauce

What you will need:
5 lbs apples (any kind you prefer)
3 cups filtered water
1 tsp nutmeg
3 tsp cinnamon
3 tsp brown sugar

What to do:
1.Make sure apples are clean. Core the apples and cut into quarters.
2.Mix everything except the brown sugar in a pot and boil. Then turn heat to low and let simmer. Be sure to stir the mixture. This should be about 90 minutes altogether.
3.Add brown sugar. Serve immediately or refrigerate and serve cold.

Back to Top

Pizza for the Picky

This is probably the easiest recipe on the site, which is why it’s perfect for kids. Have your kids help with adding the ingredients while teaching them about the importance of veggies and eating healthy!

What you will need:
3 cornmeal crusts (can be found at any well-stocked grocer)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 can canned tomatoes
3 minced garlic cloves
1 pinch dried basil
1 tbsp tomato paste
any ingredients you prefer on pizza

What to do:
1.Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2.Mix olive oil, garlic cloves, basil, tomatoes, and tomato paste in a saucepan. Heat on the stove and bring to a simmer for 10 minutes.
3.Spread sauce over each cornmeal crust along with any ingredients you like.
4.Bake pizzas for about 10 minutes, or until crust is golden-brown.
5.Cool, slice, and serve.

Back to Top